Silk Road Explorer
China tour information
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| Beautiful Scenery | Temples & Palaces | Great Wall of China | Cultural Show | Terracotta Warriors | World Heritage |
In Marco Polo's Footsteps
27 days from £2990
Follow in the footsteps of Marco Polo to discover the history of the Silk Road, a centuries-old route strongly influenced by Muslim and Buddhist beliefs. Visit ancient forts and desert oases, walk on the far western end of the Great Wall and experience the famous Sunday Market in Kashgar.
This tour reaches a maximum altitude of 3,100m at Xiahe
Days 1-2 : UK – Beijing
Fly overnight to Beijing and transfer to the hotel before our welcome dinner which includes the local delicacy, Peking Duck.
Day 3 : Beijing
Walk on the Great Wall which stretches over 3,000 miles to the Gobi Desert and visit the unique Temple of Heaven. Enjoy a fascinating Chinese Acrobatic show in the evening.
Day 4 : Beijing – Xian
Sightseeing today includes a stroll through Tiananmen Square, past Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum to the treasure-filled Forbidden City, which has the largest and best preserved collection of ancient buildings in China. We also tour the exquisite Summer Palace before boarding the overnight train to the former ancient capital of Xian.
Days 5-6 : Xian
Arrive in Xian and visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda. In the evening we will enjoy a traditional Shui Jiao dumpling meal followed by a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing. The next day, visit one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century – the Terracotta Warriors, followed by a walk along the Ancient City Wall.
Day 7 : Xian – Lanzhou
Visit the renowned Shaanxi Museum which is home to thousands of priceless relics. We also stroll through the lively Muslim Quarter to visit the Great Mosque and explore the Islamic food markets before boarding the overnight train to Lanzhou.
Days 8-9 : Lanzhou
Arrive in Lanzhou and transfer to our hotel. Wander through the park by the Yellow River before visiting the Baita (White) Temple, which sits high above the river. In the evening, we sample the local hand-stretched noodles. The next day, transfer by speedboat on picturesque Lioujiaxia Lake to visit the renowned Bingling Caves where Silk Road travellers have carved their artwork into the cliff face for many centuries.
Days 10-11 : Lanzhou – Xiahe
Travel by coach through the scenic Jishi Mountain Pass to Xiahe, set in a beautiful valley known as ‘Little Tibet’. The next day, visit the mystical Labrang Monastery of the Gelugpa sect, which is home to over 1200 monks. We also tour the rolling pastures of Sangke Grasslands where wild flowers flourish.
Days 12-13 : Xiahe – Lanzhou – Jiayuguan
Return to Lanzhou and board the overnight train to Jiayuguan arriving the next day. Visit Jiayu Fortress, set between the snow-capped Red Mountains in the south and the Black Mountains in the north and then walk along the western end of the Great Wall.
Day 14 : Jiayuguan – Dunhuang
Travel by coach to the beautiful oasis city of Dunhuang, which is located at the edge of the Taklamakan Desert.
Days 15-16 : Dunhuang – Turpan
Visit the world famous Buddhist murals and sculptures of the Magao Grottoes. The next day, tour Crescent Moon Spring and see the spectacular Singing Sand Dunes, which offer some of the most dramatic scenes found along the Silk Road. Later we board the overnight train to the oasis city of Turpan.
Days 17-18 : Turpan
Arrive in Turpan in the morning. Visit the ancient ruined city of Jiaohe and admire the Flaming Mountains. The next day, see the Emin Minaret, visit local homes at Grape Valley and marvel at the 2000 year old Kerez Irrigation Canals.
Days 19-20 : Turpan – Kurla – Kuqa
Over the next four days, we travel along the original Silk Route through the Xinjiang Region, viewing ruins and sights largely unvisited by other tourists. We travel to Kurla and visit the ruins of the Iron Fortress. The next day, we tour the ruins of Subashi, arriving in Kuqa where we will visit the remains of the old City Wall.
Days 21-22 : Kuqa – Aksu – Kashgar
Visit the Kyzil Thousand Buddha Caves before travelling to Aksu. The next day, we arrive in Kashgar, an ancient market town and once the flourishing centre of the Silk Road. This fabled city embraces a rich mix of people and cultures which create a truly central Asian atmosphere.
Days 23-24 : Kashgar
Sightseeing today includes visits to the Abakh Hoja Tomb and the Id Kah Mosque. We also explore the old alleys that intertwine around Id Kah Square. The next day, explore the world’s largest Sunday Bazaar. We also visit the livestock market, where huge crowds of donkey carts, horse carriages, animals and people of many races and cultures gather to haggle and trade. Later we fly to Urumqi.
Day 25 : Heavenly Lake day tour
Travel to Tian Chi (Heavenly Lake) for breathtaking views of the crystal clear water at the top of a stunning mountain range. In the evening we enjoy a traditional meal of Uyghur Lamb Skewers.
Day 26 : Urumqi – Beijing
Visit the Xinjiang Autonomous Region Museum, home to 1,000 year-old mummies before flying back to Beijing.
Day 27 : Beijing – UK
Transfer to Beijing Airport and fly to the UK, arriving home later the same day filled with many happy memories.
Dates and Prices
Tour departs Friday and returns Wednesday
- Prices are fully inclusive from the UK and based on London Heathrow departures
- Regional departures available at no additional charge (subject to availability)
- World Traveller Plus supplement from £680pp
- Other flight upgrades available on request
- Land only from £2,590pp (Beijing - Beijing)
- Single supplement from £520 (no supplement if you are willing to share)
- Tipping 2010 payable locally US$90pp
- Tipping 2011 payable locally US$120pp
Dubai Extension - 4D/3N
Day 1: Arrive Dubai
Transfer from Dubai Airport to your hotel.
Day 2: Dubai
Enjoy a half day tour to discover the delights of Dubai which highlights the contrasts between the old and the new in this fast growing and exciting city. Visit some of Dubai’s new landmarks on Beach Road, drive along the Dubai Creek, stroll through the narrow lanes of the historic Bastakiya area, with its beautifully restored old buildings and visit the Dubai Museum. We also cross the creek in an Abra (water taxi) and explore Dubai’s traditional souks. The afternoon is at leisure to further explore Dubai. (B)
Day 3: Dubai
Enjoy the day at leisure to further explore Dubai. (B)
Day 4: Depart Dubai
Transfer from your hotel to Dubai Airport for your onward flight. (B)
Hotel Prices:
Marco Polo Hotel (3 star) from £260pp
Traders Hotel (4 star) from £290pp
Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort & Towers (5 star) from £390pp
Price from £ 260.00pp
Other Supplement from:
Tour departs any day subject to availability and seasonal variation
Single supplement from £160
Sole passenger price from £420
Includes: accommodation, local transportation, touring, guides, entrance fees and meals as stated
Excludes: flights, departure taxes, visa and tipping
Emirates Extension - 5D/4N
Day 1: Arrive Dubai
Transfer from Dubai Airport to your hotel.
Day 2: Dubai
Enjoy a half day tour to discover the delights of Dubai which highlights the contrasts between the old and the new in this fast growing and exciting city. Visit some of Dubai’s new landmarks on Beach Road, drive along the Dubai Creek, stroll through the narrow lanes of the historic Bastakiya area, with its beautifully restored old buildings and visit the Dubai Museum. We also cross the creek in an Abra (water taxi) and explore Dubai’s traditional souks. (B)
Day 3: Sharjah
The Emirate of Sharjah is regarded as the cultural centre of the Middle East. Visit the Natural History Museum, the corniche with the golden Al Majara Souk, Al Naboodah House, the Al Arsa Souk and the Central Souk with its vast selection of carpets, antiques and curios. Return to Dubai later in the day. (B)
Day 4: Abu Dhabi
Capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi is a cosmopolitan metropolis rising out of the sand. Visit the beautiful corniche - the focal point of the city, dhow building yards, palaces and the Petroleum Museum for an insight into the industry that has transformed the UAE. Return to Dubai later in the day. (B)
Day 5: Depart Dubai
Transfer from your hotel to Dubai Airport for your onward flight. (B)
Hotel Prices:
Marco Polo Hotel (3 star) from £460pp
Traders Hotel (4 star) from £490pp
Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort & Towers (5 star) from £640pp
Price from £ 460.00pp
Other Supplement from:
Tour departs any day subject to availability and seasonal variation
Single supplement from £210
Sole passenger price from £670
Includes: accommodation, local transportation, touring, guides, entrance fees and meals as stated
Excludes: flights, departure taxes, visa and tipping
Hainan Island & Hong Kong - 7D/6N
Day 1: Arrive Sanya
Transfer from Sanya Airport to the five-star Crowne Plaza Hotel.
Days 2-3: Sanya
Spend two days at leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities, stroll along the beautiful beach or further explore Hainan Island. All activities are optional and paid locally. (B)
Day 4: Sanya – Hong Kong
Transfer from your hotel to Sanya Airport for your flight to Hong Kong. Arrive in Hong Kong and transfer to your hotel. (B)
Days 5-6: Hong Kong
Enjoy a half day island tour visiting Victoria Peak, Stanley Market and Aberdeen Fishing Village. The afternoon and the following day are at leisure to further explore Hong Kong. (B)
Day 7: Depart Hong Kong
Transfer from your hotel to Hong Kong Airport for your onward flight. (B)
Hotel Prices:
BP International (3 star) from £760pp
Park Hotel (4 star) from £790pp
Harbour Grand Kowloon (4+ star) from £890pp
Intercontinental Grand Stanford (5 star) from £890pp
Price from £ 760.00pp
Other Supplement from:
Tour departs any day subject to availability and seasonal variation
Single supplement from £360
Sole passenger price from £1,130
Includes: domestic flight & taxes, accommodation, local transportation, touring, guides, entrance fees and meals as stated
Excludes: flights, departure taxes, visa and tipping
Hainan Island - 6D/5N
Day 1: Arrive Sanya
Transfer from Sanya Airport to the five-star Crowne Plaza Hotel at Yalong Bay. Hainan Island is located off the southern coast of China and lying at a similar latitude to Hawaii. The island enjoys a year-round tropical climate with an average temperature of between 22-26 ºC. (B)
Days 2-5: Sanya
Spend the next four days at leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities, stroll along the beautiful beach or further explore Hainan Island. Visit the Tropical Wildlife Park which is home to the 'Macaque' monkey, experience the many watersports on offer such as snorkelling, water-skiing and parasailing or play a round of golf. All activities are optional and paid locally. (B)
Day 6: Depart Sanya
Transfer from your hotel to Sanya Airport for your onward flight. (B)
Hotel Information:
Crowne Plaza Hotel at Yalong Bay
With its beachfront location, this tropical delight has all modern amenities. Facilities at the hotel include Café Trio with its open concept kitchens and poolside setting serving Chinese, Japanese and Italian cuisine, a Thai restaurant and a Seafood restaurant. The Havana Bar features tapas, exotic cocktails and live music. There is also a pool bar and a lobby lounge. Other facilities at the hotel include an outdoor swimming pool, fi tness centre, Tea Tree Spa with sauna and jacuzzi and a gift shop. The hotel boasts 463 comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, satellite TV with DVD player, tea/coffee making facilities, mini-bar, hairdryer and a safe deposit box.
Price from £ 460.00pp
Other Supplement from:
Tour departs any day subject to availability and seasonal variation
Single supplement from £390
Sole passenger price from £790
Includes: accommodation, local transportation and meals as stated
Excludes: flights, departure taxes, visa and tipping
Hong Kong Extension - 4D/3N
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Hong Kong
Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Hong Kong.
Day 2: Hong Kong
Enjoy a half day island tour visiting Victoria Peak, Stanley Market, Aberdeen Fishing Village and an optional sampan ride (paid locally). The afternoon is at leisure. (B)
Day 3: Hong Kong
Enjoy the day at leisure to further explore Hong Kong. (B)
Day 4: Depart Hong Kong
Transfer to Hong Kong Airport for your onward flight. (B)
Hotel Prices:
BP International (3 star) from £260pp
Park Hotel (4 star) from £290pp
Harbour Grand Kowloon (4+ star) from £390pp
Intercontinental Grand Stanford (5 star) from £390pp
Price from £ 260.00pp
Other Supplement from:
Tour departs any day subject to availability and seasonal variation
Single supplement from £160
Sole passenger price from £420
Includes: accommodation, local transportation, touring, guides, entrance fees and meals as stated
Excludes: flights, departure taxes, visa and tipping
Hong Kong & Lantau Island - 4D/3N
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Hong Kong
Transfer from Hong Kong Airport to your hotel.
Day 2: Hong Kong
Enjoy a half day island tour visiting Victoria Peak, Stanley Market, Aberdeen Fishing Village and an optional sampan ride (paid locally). The afternoon is at leisure. (B)
Day 3: Lantau Island
Travel by ferry across the Victoria Harbour to Silvermine Bay and visit beautiful Cheung Sha beach. This is followed by Tai O Fishing Village, where many homes are built on stilts. Then travel by coach to Ngong Ping Plateau to see the Giant Buddha and explore Po Lin Monastery where you will enjoy a vegetarian lunch. Later, visit the culturally themed Ngong Ping Village before ending the day with a spectacular ride aboard the Skyrail cable car. (B,L) If the cable car is cancelled due to poor weather or any other reason, alternative transportation will be arranged.
Day 4: Depart Hong Kong
Transfer from your hotel to Hong Kong Airport for your onward flight. (B)
Hotel Prices:
BP International (3 star) from £350pp
Park Hotel (4 star) from £380pp
Harbour Grand Kowloon (4+ star) from £480pp
Intercontinental Grand Stanford (5 star) from £480pp
Price from £ 350.00pp
Other Supplement from:
Tour departs any day subject to availability and seasonal variation
Single supplement from £160
Sole passenger price from £510
Includes: accommodation, local transportation, touring, guides, entrance feels and meals as stated
Excludes: flights, departure taxes, visa and tipping
Hong Kong & Macau - 4D/3N
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Hong Kong
Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Hong Kong.
Day 2: Hong Kong
Enjoy a half day island tour visiting Victoria Peak, Stanley Market, Aberdeen Fishing Village and an optional sampan ride (paid locally). The afternoon is at leisure. (B)
Day 3: Macau
Transfer to the port for a hydrofoil ride across the Pearl River Estuary to Macau. Visit the sights of this former Portuguese colony including the ruins of the St. Paul Church, Ama Temple and Macau Museum (closed Mondays). There will also be the opportunity to visit one of the local casinos for which Macau is famous (minimum age 18). Return by hydrofoil to Hong Kong. (B,L)
Day 4: Depart Hong Kong
Transfer to Hong Kong Airport for your onward flight. (B)
Hotel Prices:
BP International (3 star) from £370pp
Park Hotel (4 star) from £400pp
Harbour Grand Kowloon(4+ star) from £500pp
Intercontinental Grand Stanford (5 star) from £500pp
Price from £ 370.00pp
Other Supplement from:
Tour departs any day subject to availability and seasonal variation
Single supplement from £160
Sole passenger price from £530
Includes: accommodation, local transportation, touring, guides, entrance fees and meals as stated
Excludes: flights, departure taxes, visa and tipping
Hong Kong Shopping - 4D/3N
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Hong Kong
Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Hong Kong.
Days 2-3: Hong Kong
Enjoy a two day shopping tour (5 hours per day) including Chinese Dim Sum lunches at local restaurants. During the two days, visit the Horizon Plaza, Aberdeen, Porcelain and Jewellery factories, Stanley Market, Jade Market and the Ladies’ Market. (B,L)
Day 4: Depart Hong Kong
Transfer to Hong Kong Airport for your onward flight. (B)
Hotel Prices:
BP International (3 star) from £390pp
Park Hotel (4 star) from £420pp
Harbour Grand Kowloon (4+ star) from £520pp
Intercontinental Grand Stanford (5 star) from £520pp
Price from £ 390.00pp
Other Supplement from:
Tour departs any day subject to availability and seasonal variation
Single supplement from £160
Sole passenger price from £550
Includes: accommodation, local transportation, touring, guides, entrance fees and meals as stated
Excludes: flights, departure taxes, visa and tipping
This document is designed to be read in conjunction with the other pre-departure information provided by Wendy Wu Tours including the tour itinerary as described in our brochure and/or website. It aims to provide a straightforward description of the physical activities involved in sightseeing or travelling during the tour.
If there are any particular challenges, from the length of time spent on your feet, the length of drives and flights, to the standard of remote accommodation for our more adventurous tours; they will be explained here.
All passengers must read this document to ensure the itinerary is suitable for their interests and physical capabilities. This is not your final itinerary and therefore does not mention all the sites visited. The order of sightseeing is subject to change.
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