Silk Road Odyssey: Ancient Capitals & Western Frontiers
A Tailored Expedition from Shanghai to Beijing, Exploring China's Greatest Treasures
Day 1: Arrival in Shanghai - Gateway to the East
Welcome to China's Metropolis
Upon arrival at Shanghai airport, meet your private guide and transfer to your hotel. Settle in and rest after your long journey.
Accommodation: Shanghai hotel
Meals: No meals included
Day 2: Shanghai Exploration - Where Tradition Meets Modernity
Classical Gardens to Colonial Architecture
Full day exploring Shanghai's highlights: Yuyuan Garden, Confucius Temple, the Bund waterfront, Xintiandi & French Concession, Jade Buddha Temple, and Shanghai Museum. Evening acrobatic show available.
Accommodation: Shanghai hotel
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Day 3: Shanghai to Xi'an - Journey to the Ancient Capital
Flight to China's Historical Heartland
Morning flight to Xi'an. Afternoon visit to Shaanxi History Museum showcasing China's rich cultural heritage.
Accommodation: Xi'an hotel
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Day 4: Xi'an Wonders - Terracotta Warriors & Ancient Walls
Emperor Qin's Eternal Army
Visit the magnificent Terracotta Warriors, Xi'an City Wall, and Wild Goose Pagoda North Square. Optional Tang Dynasty dinner show.
Accommodation: Xi'an hotel
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Day 5: Xi'an to Dunhuang - Entering the Silk Road Proper
Gateway to the Western Corridor
Morning at leisure before flying to Dunhuang, the oasis city surrounded by deserts and mountains.
Accommodation: Dunhuang hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6: Dunhuang Desert Exploration - Ancient Passes & Geological Wonders
Yumenguan Pass and Yadan Landforms
Full day excursion to Yumenguan Pass (strategic Silk Road gateway) and Dunhuang Yadan National Geologic Park with its spectacular wind-eroded formations.
Accommodation: Dunhuang hotel
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Day 7: Dunhuang to Turpan - Buddhist Art & Desert Oasis
Mogao Grottoes and Bullet Train Journey
Morning visit to Mogao Grottoes' Buddhist art treasures. Afternoon bullet train to Turpan, the fertile oasis in the Turpan Depression.
Accommodation: Turpan hotel
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Day 8: Turpan Discovery - Ancient Cities & Flaming Mountains
Gaochang Ruins and Grape Trellis Dinner
Explore Gaochang Ancient City, Bezeklik Buddhist Caves, and the dramatic Flaming Mountain. Special dinner under grape trellis at local family home.
Accommodation: Turpan hotel
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 9: Turpan to Urumqi - Islamic Architecture & Ancient Irrigation
Emin Minaret and Karez Wells
Visit Emin Minaret (Sugong Pagoda) and the ingenious ancient Karez Well irrigation system before driving to Urumqi.
Accommodation: Urumqi hotel
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Day 10: Urumqi Highlights - Heavenly Lake & Grand Bazaar
Alpine Beauty and Vibrant Markets
Journey to Heavenly Lake (Tianchi) surrounded by snow-capped peaks, then experience local culture at Erdaoqiao Grand Bazaar.
Accommodation: Urumqi hotel
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Day 11: Urumqi to Beijing - Capital Bound
Hutong Rickshaw Experience
Morning flight to Beijing. Afternoon rickshaw tour through traditional Hutongs to experience local Beijing life.
Accommodation: Beijing hotel
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Day 12: Beijing Imperial Treasures - Forbidden City & Temple of Heaven
Heart of Ancient China
Visit Tiananmen Square, explore the magnificent Forbidden City, and discover the architectural masterpiece of Temple of Heaven. Optional Peking Opera performance.
Accommodation: Beijing hotel
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Day 13: Beijing Grand Finale - Great Wall & Summer Palace
China's Most Iconic Landmarks
Walk the majestic Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, then visit the beautiful Summer Palace imperial gardens. Optional Peking Duck dinner.
Accommodation: Beijing hotel
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Day 14: Departure Beijing - Journey's End
Farewell to China
Transfer to Beijing airport for your departure flight, concluding your remarkable Silk Road adventure.
Meals: Breakfast