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Tour Date: 03 Apr 2013 - 25 Apr 2013
Tour Cost ($AUD): $12,697.00
A thrilling 23-day adventure, which traces the Great Northern Silk Route of Marco Polo. Beginning in the ancient capital of China, Xian, we visit the incredible Terracotta Warriors and other great sights of this amazing city, which was the traditional eastern gateway of the Silk Road. From Xian we venture to the great oasis cities of Dunhuang and Turfan. We then travel to remote western China to Urumqi and the beautiful Tian Shan Mountains. Then it's on to the great ancient trading cities of Tashkent and Samarkand in Uzbekistan. We also explore Bukhara with its fantastic night markets and, in addition, visit extraordinary Kashgar. For those who may think they have 'been there, done that', this tour is certain to rekindle the 'travel lustflame'!
03/04/2013 Australia - Kuala Lumpur
Depart Australia from your chosen capital on the flight to Kuala Lumpur. An overnight stay may be required and this will be supplied by Malaysia Airlines.
04/04/2013 Kuala Lumpur - Guangzhou - Xian (D)
Registan Square, Samarkand
This morning we connect with our flight to Xian via Guangzhou.
Depart Kuala Lumpur MH 376, 09.30
Arrive Guangzhou 13.35
Depart Guangzhou China Airlines CZ 3201, 16.50
Arrive Xian 19.05
After completing customs and immigration formalities in Xian, we transfer to our hotel.
Grand Mecure Hotel
319 Dongxin Street
Xian, Shanxi Province
Ph: 001186-29-87928228
Fax: 87928999
05/04/2013 Xian (BLD)
Pit No. 1, Terracotta Warriors
The ancient capital of China, Xian is the eastern gateway of the Silk Road and a fantastic treasure trove of cultural relics. Today we visit the extraordinary site of Qin Shihuang's Terracotta Warriors. Known as the eighth Wonder of the World, this incredible 'army' consists of 6,000 life-size terracotta figures, which were discovered only in 1974.
After lunch we visit the Huaqing hot springs that were first recorded during the Zhou Dynasty, more than 3,000 years ago. In the evening we have the chance to experience a cultural show dating back to the Tang Dynasty of more than 1,000 years ago.
06/04/2013 Xian (BLD)
Wild Goose Pagoda
Today we continue our tour of Xian with a visit to the superb Shanxi Provincial Museum and the famous Wild Goose Pagoda.
07/04/2013 Xian - Dunhuang (BLD)
Camels in the Gobi Desert, Dunhuang
We enjoy a leisurely morning before taking an afternoon flight to the oasis town of Dunhuang.
Depart Xian WH 2227, 13.25
Arrive Dunhuang 15.55
On arrival we transfer to our hotel.
Dunhuang Hotel
1 Dongda Street
Dunhuang, Gansu
Ph: 001186-937-8822008
Fx: 8822309
08/04/2013 Dunhuang - Turfan (BLD)
Carpet making, Dunhuang
Once referred to as 'Sha Zhou' (beautiful desert oasis), Dunhuang was the hub of middle and eastern silk routes in ancient times. Today we visit the world-famous Mogao Grottoes to see the exquisite Buddhist frescoes and clay sculptures. After dinner we transfer to the train station for our overnight journey to Turfan.
Depart Dunhuang 20.16
The train heads west past the great Taklamakan Desert and onto Jiayuguan, where the westernmost ramparts of the Great Wall of China are visible. We pass seas of shifting sand dunes, following the Silk Road to the lush oasis town of Turfan.
09/04/2013 Turfan (BLD)
Ermin Mosque minaret, Turfan
On arrival we transfer to our hotel. Lying in a basin 154m below sea level, Turfan was a vital stop on the legendary caravan route known as the Silk Road. This is where Islam meets Central Asia. Here, merchants and traders from east and west stopped and rested during long journeys through the desert. The morning is at leisure and in the afternoon we visit Ermin Mosque and the Karez underground irrigation system. This ingenious system, which gathers water from the Tian Shan Mountains, was built more than 2,000 years ago and Turfan survives today because of it.
Tu Ha Hotel
230 Wen Hua Road
Turfan
Xinjiang Province
Ph: 001186-995-8666666
Fx: 8666668
10/04/2013 Turfan (BLD)
The ruined city of Gaochang
After breakfast we visit the ruins of the ancient city of Gaochang. This oasis city was built on the northern rim of the inhospitable Taklamakan Desert. From 206-24 BC it was a major hub of communication on the Silk Road, connecting ancient China with Central Asia.
11/04/2013 Turfan - Urumqi (BLD)
Flaming Mountains
Today we travel to the Flaming Mountains which, under the midday sun, look as if they are on fire. Here we visit the Bezelik Thousand Buddha Caves, which were used for worship for more than 1,000 years. We have lunch with a local family and in the afternoon drive 180 km to Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang Region.
Hoitak Hotel
1 Donfeng Road
Urumqi
Xinjiang
Ph: 001186-991-2322828
Fx: 2321818
12/04/2013 Urumqi (BLD)
Heaven Lake, Tian Shan Mountains
This morning we drive to Heaven Lake in the Tian Shan Mountains. The beautiful glacial lake was formed two million years ago and has provided inspiration for Chinese writers and poets over the centuries.
After a picnic on the shores of the lake, we visit the excellent Xinjiang Museum and local markets.
13/04/2013 Urumqi - Kashgar (BLD)
Kashgar
Depart Urumqi China Eastern CZ 6803, 08.50
Arrive Kashgar 10.30
On arrival we transfer to our hotel. We tour the old city and bazaar and in the afternoon visit the magnificent Abakh Khoja Tomb.
Kashi International Hotel
8 East Renmin Road
Kashgar, Xinjiang
Ph: 0011-86-998-2802222
Fx: -2802266
14/04/2013 Kashgar (BLD)
Sunday market, Kashgar
For centuries Kashgar was a last-chance outfitting station along the fabled Silk Road, connecting the world's two great empires, Rome and China. Back then, camel caravans laden with Chinese silk, spice and porcelain would stagger into Kashgar after the perilous crossing of the great Taklamakan Desert.
Kashgar is most famous for its incredible market, which is among the oldest in the world. Long ago, tribes from nearby mountain villages mixed with Arab traders, Russian adventurers and Hun warriors in this fantastic trading centre, which continues to this day.
Depart Kashgar China Eastern CZ 6806, 11.20
Arrive Urumqi 13.00
We are transferred into Urumqi for lunch and Xinqiang Museum and markets.
Depart Urumqi China Eastern CZ 6011, 21.00
Arrive Alma Ata 20.40
Depart Alma Ata Uzbekistan Airways HY 762, 23.30
15/04/2013 Alma Ata - Tashkent (BLD)
Markets in Tashkent
Arrive Tashkent 00.20
On arrival we transfer to our hotel in the heart of the city. This morning we begin a city tour of Tashkent.
Tashkent Palace
56 Buyuk Turon Street
Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Ph: 0011-998-71-1205800
Fax: 204401
16/04/2013 Tashkent (BLD)
The Opera House, Tashkent
The capital of Uzbekistan, Tashkent is regarded by many as the most beautiful city in Central Asia. Today we visit Chimgam Mountain.
17/04/2013 Tashkent - Samarkand (BLD)
Shahi-Zinda Necropolis, Samarkand
Today we drive through cotton and grain fields en-route to Samarkand. After lunch we continue through picturesque villages and mountain passes of the Pamir range to this legendary Silk Road city. On arrival we explore the old town which is full of Uzbeks, Georgians, Tajiks and Russians, as well as many other Central Asian nationalities.
President Hotel
53 Shokhrukh Street
Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Ph: 0011-998-662-334086
Fx: 334976
18/04/2013 Samarkand (BLD)
Market scene in Old Samarkand
This city of fables and legends is perhaps the most exotic on the Silk Road. Known as the 'Rome of the Orient', Samarkand was already a flourishing city when Rome and Babylon were founded. The great Tamerlane was determined to make the city the most beautiful and magnificent in the world. Today the city is an enduring reminder of his legacy.
Among todays highlights are breathtaking Registan Square where the finest collection of buildings in Asia dominates the most public place in Samarkand. Intricate tilework and fluted cobalt tile domes provide a spectacular vista. In a wonderful day of sightseeing we also visit Tamerlane's mausoleum, the observatory of Ulughbek and the Shahi-Zinda Necropolis.
19/04/2013 Samarkand - Bukhara (BLD)
Kyzyl Kum Desert
This morning we make our way to Bukhara. On the way we visit Shakhrisabz, birthplace of the legendary Tamerlane.
Omar Khayyam Hotel
7 Khakitat Street
Bukhara
Uzbekistan
Tel: 0011-998-65-2246267
Fax: 2246054
20/04/2013 Bukhara (BLD)
Ark Fortress, Bukhara
Today we explore Bukhara where, 1000 years ago, a thriving slave trade was conducted. This city is a treasure chest of ancient monuments. We see the Ark Fortress, the crumbling city wall and the superb Samanid Mausoleum, which dates back to the 9th century. We walk through the narrow streets of the old city to the splendid covered bazaar, where we enjoy meeting the colourful locals.
21/04/2013 Bukhara (BLD)
Silk carpets, Bukhara
Surrounded by the vast expanses of the Kyzyl Kum Desert, Bukhara still retains the atmosphere of an ancient Silk Road city.
Today we further explore this amazing settlement, strolling through its warren of narrow medieval streets to discover historic sights such as the 16th-century trading domes, the Bolo Hauz and Kalyon mosques with their beautiful decorations, and the Labi Hauz pond, where old men in their traditional dress while away the afternoon drinking tea and playing chess.
22/04/2013 Bukhara - Khiva (BLD)
Camel train, Kyzyl Kum Desert
Early this morning we begin our 450-km drive across the Kyzyl Kum Desert. En-route we may well spot wild camels, and eagles soaring high above the sand dunes. On arrival in Khiva we check into our hotel.
Orient Star
1 P Makhmudov Street
Khiva
Ph: 0011-998-62-3754945
Fx: 3754945
23/04/2013 Khiva - Tashkent (BLD)
Ota Darvoza, entrance gate to Khiva
The city of Khiva retained its exotic image of a medieval oriental town, thanks to the older part of the city, known as Ichon-Kala. All of Khiva's famous architectural monuments are located here.
Among them are the Kunya-Ark Citadel and the Tosh-Khovli Palace, residence of the Khan, which has been preserved intact along with its ornate gates. The silhouettes of Ichon-Kala's towering minarets, hemmed in by flat-roofed houses, and surrounded by the powerful clay walls of the fortress, give a clear idea of a typical Central Asian feudal city.
After dinner we drive 30 km to Urgench and board our flight to Tashkent.
Depart Urgench HY 1058, 21.30
Arrive Tashkent 23.35
On arrival in Tashkent we transfer to our hotel.
Tashkent Palace
56 Buyuk Turon Street
Tashkent
Ph: 0011-998-662-334086
Fx: 334976
24/04/2013 Tashkent - Kuala Lumpur (B)
Tashkent
Depart Tashkent Uzbekistan Air HY 553, 10.35
Arrive Kuala Lumpur 21.05
On arrival in Kuala Lumpur we transfer to our connecting flights back to Australia. An overnight may be required and this will be supplied by Malaysia Airlines.
25/04/2013 Kuala Lumpur - Australia
Today we arrive back into Australia.
TOUR INFORMATION
Tour Fitness Level: Moderate
APRIL 2013 DEPARTURE
TOUR COST: $12,697
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $2,423
INCLUDED IN TOUR COST:
* All flights between Australia and Xian/Tashkent and Australia
* All ticketable air taxes (may be subject to change)
* All accommodation (twin-share)
* All transfers
* All ground transportation
* All meals as specified
* All local guides throughout
* Tour leader
* All entrance fees in specified sightseeing
* All visas and courier fees
* All tips and gratuities
NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR COST:
* Insurance
* Personal expenses
Please note that whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the above pricing, currency fluctuations beyond our control can affect final costs.
A booking form is to be completed by all passengers, followed by a non-refundable deposit of AUD $2,000 per person at the time of booking.
All escorted tours are based on a minimum group size of 10 people travelling.
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