The Award-Winning Tour Specialist
Celebrating 25 Years of tour excellence
Close

Silk Road Explorer

  • Duration
    27 days
  • Tour Type
    Group Tour
  • Tour Style
    Go Beyond
  • Price From
    £5,740pp
  • Read Reviews
OFFERS
Earlybird Sale

Save up to £1,000 per person on touring worldwide Offer ends: 23 Dec 2024 View Offers

Follow in the footsteps of intrepid adventurers by journeying along one of the world's most famous trading routes, the Silk Road. Beginning in ancient Xian, venture across this vast land to reach the fascinating outpost of Kashgar.

  • Fully Inclusive
    Touring with Guides and entrance fees
  • Included Meals
    Breakfasts: 24 , Lunches: 23 , Dinners: 24
  • Flights
    International flights and current taxes
  • Accommodation
    25 nights in 4 star accommodation
  • Visa Included
    Visa fees for UK passport holders
  • Rail Journeys
    4 Journeys
  • Physical Rating 2Learn More
    X A reasonable level of fitness is required, as you'll be spending time on your feet and doing a bit of walking to cover short distances during your daily sightseeing. There will also be some climbing of steps and climbing on and off of coaches and boats. Download the detailed tour dossier for details of your chosen tour. Learn More
    Walking, some steps and extended time on your feet.
Travel Expert

How can we help?

For advice on where to go, what to do and how to choose your perfect tour, talk to our Travel Experts.

Call 0808 274 8594

Tour Highlights

Our Silk Road Explorer tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine.

Authentic Experiences

Our Silk Road Explorer Tour has been thoughtfully designed and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to us.

China's Railways

Tour Itinerary

This tour is ideal for those with an extensive amount of time available and who are interested in touring the main sights and cities on the famed China section of the Silk Road. This tour incorporates road and train travel which allows you to witness the stunning scenery of this area, but also experience the different modes of travel, making your tour more immersive.

  • Days 1-2
    Fly overnight to Xian
    Days 1-2: Fly overnight to Xian

    Fly overnight to Xian, the ancient former capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

    • Dinner
  • Day 3
    Terracotta Warriors
    Day 3: Terracotta Warriors

    Gaze over the ranks of warriors and horses, each one unique, whilst your guide introduces you to these life-like soldiers' fascinating story. Later, enjoy a gentle cycle ride that will take you the nine miles around the ancient city wall and take a walking tour of the narrow and winding streets of the Muslim Quarter. Tonight, enjoy a traditional dumpling dinner and take an optional 'Xian by night' tour.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 4
    Train to Lanzhou
    Day 4: Train to Lanzhou

    Start the day with a visit to Xian Museum and the Little Wild Goose Pagoda. Later, board the bullet train to Lanzhou.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Days 5-6
    Explore Lanzhou
    Days 5-6: Explore Lanzhou

    Begin today with a leisurely walk along the Yellow River and then head to the hilltop Baita Temple for a moment of tranquillity. Along the river and in Baita Park you can see locals practising Tai Chi. Later, tuck into some delicious Lanzhou-style noodles made with hand stretched dough. The next day, cross Liujiaxia Lake by speed boat and head into the green hills around Liujiaxia to explore the extraordinary Thousand Buddha Caves of Bingling Temple and their wealth of Buddhist murals, statues and sculptures. Also visit the statue of Maitreya.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 7
    Tibetan Xiahe
    Day 7: Tibetan Xiahe

    Conquer the scenic Jishi Mountain Pass to arrive at Tibetan Xiahe and spend time acclimatising to the altitude.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 8
    Labrang Monastery
    Day 8: Labrang Monastery

    Giving a taste of the mysteries of Tibet, Labrang Monastery is a fascinating maze of prayer wheels, chapels and chortens. Dine on traditional Tibetan food for lunch, including Tibetan dumplings, known as momos.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 9
    Travel to Zhangye
    Day 9: Travel to Zhangye

    Return to Lanzhou and take the speedy bullet train to Zhangye, once an important commercial town along the Silk Road.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 10
    Rainbow Mountains
    Day 10: Rainbow Mountains

    Rise early this morning to witness the sunrise over the kaleidoscopic mountains in Danxia National Park. Return to Zhangye and visit the Giant Buddha Temple before boarding your bullet train to Jiayuguan.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 11
    Great Wall at Jiayuguan
    Day 11: Great Wall at Jiayuguan

    Seen as China's western gateway, Jiayuguan is the perfect place to get to grips with your Silk Road history. Visit the Jiayu Fortress and take a walk on the western extremes of the magnificent Great Wall for panoramic views over the starkly beautiful Gobi Desert.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 12
    City of Sands
    Day 12: City of Sands

    Drive to Dunhuang. Located on a major trade and cultural crossroads, Dunhuang, known as the 'City of the Sands', sits in a verdant oasis on the edge of the Taklamakan Desert. Visit the Shazhou Night Market where you can wander amongst the stalls.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 13
    Mogao Grottoes
    Day 13: Mogao Grottoes

    A system of temples and sanctuaries, visit the Mogao Grottoes that exhibit wonderful examples of Buddhist paintings and statues that span thousands of years.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 14
    Singing Sand Dunes
    Day 14: Singing Sand Dunes

    Visit Crescent Moon Spring, nestled amongst rolling dunes and the famous Singing Sand Dunes, a phenomenon produced by the wind blowing through grains of sand.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 15
    Turpan
    Day 15: Turpan

    Take the bullet train to Turpan, a lush green oasis set in a barren landscape. An easy-going town famed for its grapes, its pleasant streets are lined with lush vine trellises.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Days 16-17
    Explore Turpan
    Days 16-17: Explore Turpan

    Visit the ruins of ancient Jiaohe and see the elegant Emin Minaret, the tallest in China. The next day, learn about the fascinating 2000-year-old Kerez irrigation canals and drive to Kurla.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Days 18-20
    The Silk Road
    Days 18-20: The Silk Road

    Over the next three days travel along the original Silk Road through the Xinjiang Region, viewing ruins and sights largely unvisited by tourists. Start with a visit to see the ruins of Subashi, before arriving in Kuqa to see the Kyzil Thousand Buddha Caves. Continue travelling to Aksu, and on to the fabled city of Kashgar.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 21
    Explore Kashgar
    Day 21: Explore Kashgar

    Its skyline punctured by minarets, Kashgar feels a million miles from China – in fact, it feels a million miles from anywhere! Although now a modern city, the sights and sounds of Kashgar's bazaar have remained unchanged for millennia. Sightseeing today includes a visit to Abakh Hoja Tomb, Id Kah Mosque and a stroll through the narrow atmospheric alleyways around Id Kah Square.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 22
    Kashgar Sunday Bazzar
    Day 22: Kashgar Sunday Bazzar

    Dive headlong into Central Asia's largest bazaar. Within this riot of textures, vivid colours and traditional dress, you can browse hundreds of stalls selling anything from spices and carpets to boots and blenders. Later, fly to Urumqi.

  • Days 23-24
    Heavenly Lake to Urumqi
    Days 23-24: Heavenly Lake to Urumqi

    Escape to the tranquillity of Tianchi (Heavenly Lake), formed in a crater. Pay a visit to a Kazakh minority family in their yurt and spend some time with them, learning their way of life. Tonight, enjoy local Uyghur lamb skewers for dinner. The following day, make a short visit to the Xinjiang Museum before flying to Beijing, China’s historic capital.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 25
    The Great Wall
    Day 25: The Great Wall

    This morning is dedicated to China's most iconic sight – the Great Wall. In the afternoon, enjoy the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace as you wander through traditional Chinese gardens and see the exquisite architecture.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 26
    Imperial Beijing
    Day 26: Imperial Beijing

    Head to Beijing's symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square and into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City where you will find a complex full of imperial treasures. Soak up the ambience of the Temple of Heaven before visiting Yandaixiejie, where you will have some free time to wander the hutongs. This evening, dine on Peking duck and enjoy a Chinese acrobatic show.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 27
    Fly Beijing to UK
    Day 27: Fly Beijing to UK

    Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.

    • Breakfast

We draw from a wide range of hotels on our holidays, each one is chosen to suit the tour you are travelling on meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. Here are some examples of the type of hotel you can expect to find on this tour.

  • Nights 2
    Dajing Castle Hotel
    12 Xi Duan, Huan Cheng South Road, Xian 710068, Shaanxi, P.R. China
    Dajing Castle Hotel
    Formerly known as Grand Park, the Dajing Castle hotel is a 4-star hotel located in the heart of Xi'an's Beilin district. Blending traditional and contemporary elements, the guestrooms boast comfortable interiors that exude style and elegance. Each room is equipped with modern amenities, including a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a minibar, and a safety deposit box. The ensuite bathroom is well-appointed with bathrobes and slippers for added convenience. The hotel features Wi-Fi, a fitness center, sauna, massage service, buffet breakfast and atrium bar.
    • Wi-Fi
    • Bar
  • Nights 3
    Changxin International Hotel
    788 Xijin West Road, Qilihe District, Lanzhou
    Changxin International Hotel
    Located in the centre of Huzhou City, Changxing International Hotel Lanzhou offers cosy rooms with air conditioning, safety deposit box, minibar and satellite television. It features an indoor swimming pool, along with a spa and gym, as well as two restaurants offering Chinese and Western cuisine.
  • Nights 2
    Xiahe Labuleng Civil Aviation Hotel
    No. 12 Renmin East Street, Xiahe County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu,China
    Xiahe Labuleng Civil Aviation Hotel
    Centrally located opposite the main square, the 3-star Labuleng Civil Aviation Hotel offers traditional and comfortable accommodation. Each room features complimentary Wi-Fi along with air-conditioning, a TV and private bathroom. The hotel’s restaurant offers guests a Chinese style buffet breakfast to enjoy.
  • Night 1
    Diamond International Hotel
    No.39 Sunan Yuyuan, Wulan Road, Ganzhou District, Zhangye, Gansu, China
    Diamond International Hotel
    Positioned 5km from the Zhangye West Railway Station, the Diamond International Hotel offers 4-star modern accommodation with great transport links. It is conveniently situated for exploring the city and natural beauty of the surrounding areas as well as uncovering the history of the Silk Road. Hotel amenities include a gym, restaurant and room service, with each room being well-equipped with a TV and Wi-Fi.
  • Nights 2
    ChenFeng Grand Hotel
    1-10F, No.109 Yuquan South Road, Jiayuguan, Gansu, China
    ChenFeng Grand Hotel
    Perfectly located just a short drive from the Jiayuguan Pass, the 4-star ChenFeng Grand Hotel is an ideal option providing guests with comfortable accommodation. Opening in 2020, each of the 130 bright and airy rooms offer a fresh and contemporary feel, and feature a flat-screen TV, while the hotel restaurant provides a great buffet breakfast serving Western and Chinese options.
  • Nights 3
    Dunhuang Shazhou Jinghua Hotel
    No.188, Multiple-use Building, No.2, Boyawan Residential Quarter, Crescent Spring Town, Dunhuang, Gansu, China
    Dunhuang Shazhou Jinghua Hotel
    Having recently opened in 2023, the 4-star Dunhuang Shazhou Jinghua Hotel offers a comfortable stay, located within easy reach of the key attractions. The rooms are tastefully appointed, boasting an elegant and modern décor with Wi-Fi, a TV and tea and coffee making facilities. The spacious private bathroom features a walk-in shower and comes well-equipped with a toothbrush and toiletries for your convenience.
  • Nights 2
    Mercure Hotel Turpan Downton
    South of Shuiyun Square, East Ring Road, Turpan City
    Mercure Hotel Turpan Downton
    Set in the heart of Turpan, the 4-star Mercure Hotel Turpan Downtown offers a stylish place to stay. The rooms are elegant and spacious, and come well-appointed with Wi-Fi, a refrigerator and flat-screen TV, as well as a sleek and contemporary en-suite. There is a buffet restaurant offering a Chinese and Western breakfast, along with the expansive yet inviting lobby bar with its welcoming atmosphere.
  • Night 1
    Pear City Garden Hotel
    20 Binhe Road,Korle,Xinjiang,China
    Pear City Garden Hotel
    Situated on the Peacock river front, and just a short drive from the airport, the 4-star Pear City Garden Hotel is well located for uncovering the delights of Bayingol. The hotels modern architecture blends seamlessly with the warm interiors that also draw on some classical local influences. There is a Western and Chinese buffet breakfast on offer, and the hotels café and teahouse make for a relaxing spot to unwind. Enjoy the in-room facilities on offer including Wi-Fi, air-conditioning and flat-screen TV.
  • Night 1
    Ku Che Hotel
    No.266 Tian Shan Middle Road,Kuche,Xinjiang,China
    Ku Che Hotel
    The 4-star clean and modern Ku Che Hotel is located close by to the local sights, including the Old City of Kuche. Each room is well-appointed with free Wi-Fi and air- conditioning, while the large windows ensure the rooms feel bright and airy. Other hotel facilities include a fitness rooms and restaurant serving Chinese cuisine.
  • Night 1
    Minghua Hotel
    25 Yingbin Road, Aksu City
    Minghua Hotel
    A short distance from the main sights and landscapes of Aksu, the 4-star Minghua Hotel offers guests a comfortable stay with a wide inclusion of amenities. Each room is bright and airy with large and windows and is equipped with Wi-Fi, cable TV, air-conditioning and black out curtains for your convenience. The well-appointed en-suite provides slippers and bathrobes for added comfort.
  • Nights 2
    Qinibagh Hotel
    144 Seman Rd, Kashgar
    Qinibagh Hotel
    Positioned a short walk from the Kashgar Old City, the 3-star Qinibagh Hotel offers guests a clean stay. Although the interior isn't grand, each room is decorated in traditional Chinese style with a TV, twin beds and bathroom.
  • Nights 2
    Oasis Grand Hotel
    551 Youyou South Road, Shaybak District, Urumqi City
    Oasis Grand Hotel
    The 4-star clean and comfortable Oasis Grand Hotel is located in the city centre and offers views of the Red Mountain. The hotel features a sauna, fitness facilities and tea room, with the rooms offering a minibar, refrigerator and Wi-Fi for your convenience.
  • Nights 3
    Mercure Beijing Downtown
    Mercure Beijing Downtown
    The 4-star Mercure Beijing Downtown is very well connected across the city, with easy access to the city centre and multiple transport links. The elegant and spacious guest rooms offer free internet access and satellite TV. Along with room service, other in room amenities such as a refrigerator and tea and coffee making facilities are provided.

The best times to visit China are in spring (April to May) and autumn, (September to October) when temperatures are warm and humidity low.

City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Aksu
  • -7°c
  • 2mm
  • Beijing
  • 1°c
  • 1mm
  • Dunhuang
  • -8°c
  • 1mm
  • Kuqa
  • -8°c
  • 2mm
  • Lanzhou
  • -6°c
  • 2mm
  • Turpan
  • -8°c
  • 1mm
  • Urumqi
  • -12°c
  • 10mm
  • Xian
  • 0°c
  • 7mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Aksu
  • -3°c
  • 2mm
  • Beijing
  • 0°c
  • 5mm
  • Dunhuang
  • -3°c
  • 1mm
  • Kuqa
  • -2°c
  • 2mm
  • Lanzhou
  • -2°c
  • 3mm
  • Turpan
  • -2°c
  • 0mm
  • Urumqi
  • -9°c
  • 10mm
  • Xian
  • 4°c
  • 10mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Aksu
  • 6°c
  • 2mm
  • Beijing
  • 6°c
  • 8mm
  • Dunhuang
  • 5°c
  • 2mm
  • Kuqa
  • 7°c
  • 3mm
  • Lanzhou
  • 4°c
  • 9mm
  • Turpan
  • 10°c
  • 1mm
  • Urumqi
  • -1°c
  • 18mm
  • Xian
  • 9°c
  • 29mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Aksu
  • 14°c
  • 3mm
  • Beijing
  • 14°c
  • 21mm
  • Dunhuang
  • 13°c
  • 2mm
  • Kuqa
  • 15°c
  • 5mm
  • Lanzhou
  • 11°c
  • 20mm
  • Turpan
  • 19°c
  • 0mm
  • Urumqi
  • 10°c
  • 32mm
  • Xian
  • 15°c
  • 43mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Aksu
  • 20°c
  • 9mm
  • Beijing
  • 20°c
  • 34mm
  • Dunhuang
  • 18°c
  • 2mm
  • Kuqa
  • 20°c
  • 8mm
  • Lanzhou
  • 16°c
  • 40mm
  • Turpan
  • 26°c
  • 1mm
  • Urumqi
  • 17°c
  • 39mm
  • Xian
  • 20°c
  • 60mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Aksu
  • 23°c
  • 7mm
  • Beijing
  • 24°c
  • 78mm
  • Dunhuang
  • 22°c
  • 8mm
  • Kuqa
  • 24°c
  • 16mm
  • Lanzhou
  • 19°c
  • 42mm
  • Turpan
  • 30°c
  • 4mm
  • Urumqi
  • 22°c
  • 36mm
  • Xian
  • 25°c
  • 54mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Aksu
  • 25°c
  • 16mm
  • Beijing
  • 26°c
  • 185mm
  • Dunhuang
  • 25°c
  • 15mm
  • Kuqa
  • 26°c
  • 15mm
  • Lanzhou
  • 21°c
  • 69mm
  • Turpan
  • 32°c
  • 3mm
  • Urumqi
  • 24°c
  • 30mm
  • Xian
  • 27°c
  • 99mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Aksu
  • 24°c
  • 13mm
  • Beijing
  • 25°c
  • 160mm
  • Dunhuang
  • 23°c
  • 6mm
  • Kuqa
  • 24°c
  • 12mm
  • Lanzhou
  • 20°c
  • 83mm
  • Turpan
  • 30°c
  • 3mm
  • Urumqi
  • 23°c
  • 23mm
  • Xian
  • 26°c
  • 71mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Aksu
  • 18°c
  • 6mm
  • Beijing
  • 20°c
  • 46mm
  • Dunhuang
  • 18°c
  • 2mm
  • Kuqa
  • 20°c
  • 7mm
  • Lanzhou
  • 16°c
  • 52mm
  • Turpan
  • 24°c
  • 2mm
  • Urumqi
  • 17°c
  • 26mm
  • Xian
  • 21°c
  • 92mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Aksu
  • 11°c
  • 2mm
  • Beijing
  • 14°c
  • 22mm
  • Dunhuang
  • 10°c
  • 1mm
  • Kuqa
  • 12°c
  • 3mm
  • Lanzhou
  • 10°c
  • 25mm
  • Turpan
  • 14°c
  • 1mm
  • Urumqi
  • 8°c
  • 26mm
  • Xian
  • 15°c
  • 60mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Aksu
  • 2°c
  • 1mm
  • Beijing
  • 5°c
  • 7mm
  • Dunhuang
  • 1°c
  • 1mm
  • Kuqa
  • 3°c
  • 3mm
  • Lanzhou
  • 2°c
  • 4mm
  • Turpan
  • 3°c
  • 1mm
  • Urumqi
  • -2°c
  • 19mm
  • Xian
  • 8°c
  • 24mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Aksu
  • -4°c
  • 1mm
  • Beijing
  • -1°c
  • 3mm
  • Dunhuang
  • -6°c
  • 1mm
  • Kuqa
  • -5°c
  • 1mm
  • Lanzhou
  • -4°c
  • 1mm
  • Turpan
  • -6°c
  • 1mm
  • Urumqi
  • -9°c
  • 15mm
  • Xian
  • 2°c
  • 6mm
+ -
Silk Road Explorer map

Places Visited: UK - Xian (2N) - Lanzhou (3N) - Xiahe (2N) - Jiayuguan (2N) - Dunhuang (3N) - Turpan (2N) - Kurla (1N) - Kuqa (1N) - Aksu (1N)- Kashgar (2N) - Urumqi (2N) – Beijing (3N) - UK

Download Detailed Itinerary

Tour Dates & Prices

All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price. If your tour departs in less than 30 days, please call our travel experts to book.

Offers
Applicable

Earlybird Sale

The early bird catches the worm! Secure an amazing deal on a 2025 or 2026 tour. Save up to £1,000pp

If you can find a tour with the same inclusions cheaper, we will match it AND give you a reward. We will also match the price of any Wendy Wu Tour quoted elsewhere and we guarantee the price of your tour will never rise after you've paid.

Fetching Price Information - please wait

Depart UK
Return Date
Price
Offer
Booking Options

Departures for Solo travellers only are available for this tour on selected dates.
In addition to being for solos only these departures feature smaller group sizes, free airport lounge access and complimentary cocktails on arrival.

Depart UK
Return Date
Price
Offer
Booking Options

There are no dedicated Solo departures for this year. You can enjoy any of our tours with no Single Supplement on our Happy to Share option or explore the solo departures in other years.

Depart UK
Return Date
Price
Offer
Booking Options

Group Tour includes

Additional Price Information

What our Customers Say

Rated 4.7 out of 5 based on 5572 reviews on Feefo Logo

From our China Blog

Read our latest articles or travel inspiration, exciting news about our destinations and all things Wendy Wu Tours

5
Jan

Legends of the Silk Road

Covering over 4,000 miles and traversing more than 40 countries, the legends of the Silk Road have...
25
Mar

China’s Best Undiscovered National Parks

China is a vast, vast country, so of course there are plenty of beautiful, spectacular, dramatic...
11
Sep

The Top Silk Road Destinations

Nicci Kimmel takes on an unforgettable journey along the ancient network of trade routes between...
Read more China blogs
Call us on 0800 1445 282 to book this tour