Itineraries
Day 1
Beijing
Arrive at any time.
Day 2
Beijing
Visit the spectacular Great Wall of China. Opt to take in a kung fu show or a Chinese acrobats show.
Day 3
BeijingXi’an
Take a guided tour of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City with free time in the afternoon to explore before an overnight train to Xi’an.
Day 4
Xi’an
Arrive to Xi’an and take an orientation walk. Opt to cycle around the city walls, visit the Muslim Quarter or the Big Goose Pagoda.
Day 5
Xi’an
Take a guided tour to see the Terracotta Warriors with an included lunch at a local farmer’s house.
Day 6
Xi’anDunhuang
In the morning, hop on an overnight train to Dunhuang.
Day 7
Dunhuang
Arrive to Dunhuang and take a guided visit to the UNESCO-listed Mogao Grottoes. Enjoy a free afternoon to wander the town centre or visit sights further afield.
Day 8
DunhuangTurpan
Opt to visit the unique Mingsha Sand Dunes for sunrise to climb the massive dunes and enjoy a camel ride. Overnight train to Turpan.
Day 9
Turpan
Arrive in Turpan, the lowest point in Asia. Enjoy a city tour with a local guide including the ancient Karez water system.
Day 10
TurpanKashgar
Drive to Urumqi and fly to Kashgar. Take an orientation walk of the city and head out for an optional dinner.
Day 11
Kashgar
Enjoy the Sunday markets in Kashgar, including the famous Sunday bazaar and fascinating animal market.
Day 12
KashgarTash Rabat
Drive to the border via the Torugart Pass. Continue to Tash Rabat, a small community of Kyrgyz nomads high in the Tian Shan mountain range. Overnight in a yurt.
Day 13
Tash RabatKochkor
Enjoy the scenic mountains in the morning then drive to Kochkor to visit women at a carpet-making workshop. Enjoy a homestay in the community-based tourism (CBT) houses.
Day 14
KochkorKarakol
Travel to Karakol with a guided village tour. With free time, opt to check out the Przhevalsky Museum, the local market, Dungan Mosque or the Orthodox church.
Day 15
KarakolCholpon-Ata
Stay in Cholpon-Ata for the night. Enjoy a free afternoon to hang out on the beach, visit the petroglyphs or take a boat tour on the lake.
Day 16
Cholpon-AtaBishkek
Travel to the capital city Bishkek. Stop en route at the Burana Tower. Enjoy free time to shop, visit the city and enjoy the nightlife.
Day 17
Bishkek
Explore the city or opt to go further afield for a hike in Ala Archa National Park.
Day 18
BishkekTashkent
Fly to Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Take an orientation walk to get to know the city.
Day 19
Tashkent
Take an included sightseeing tour of the city with a local guide before free time to explore.
Day 20
TashkentKhiva
Fly to Urgench and drive to UNESCO-listed Khiva. Enjoy a half-day tour of this ancient city.
Day 21
KhivaBukhara
Travel day through the desert to Bukhara, one of the most charming cities in the country.
Day 22
Bukhara
Take an included city tour with a local guide. Use some free time to visit a local hammam (bathhouse) or pick up some souvenirs.
Day 23
BukharaSamarkand
Travel on to Samarkand. Take an orientation walk and opt to visit the Amir Timur Mausoleum.
Day 24
Samarkand
Enjoy a tour of the city with a local guide. In the evening, enjoy a plov-cooking demonstration and dinner with a local family.
Day 25
SamarkandTashkent
Travel back to Tashkent for a final evening together.
Day 26
Tashkent
Depart at any time.
