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16 Days Marco Polo Silk Road Tour

  • CODE: GDT2178
  • Private Tour
  • Duration: 13 - 16 days
  • Price from: Contact
  • Route: China - Urumqi - Turpan - Kashgar - Dunhuang - Beijing - Shanghai - Xian

Overview

Embark on an epic 16-day Marco Polo Silk Road Tour, a captivating adventure that traces the legendary paths of ancient traders and explorers across the heart of China. This meticulously crafted itinerary takes you through vast deserts, towering mountain passes, and ancient oases, uncovering the rich history and vibrant cultures that flourished along the historic Silk Road. From the ancient capital of Xi'an to the remote Buddhist grottoes of Dunhuang and the bustling bazaars of Kashgar, you'll experience a fascinating blend of historical grandeur, breathtaking landscapes, and profound cultural encounters. Ideal for history enthusiasts, cultural adventurers, and those yearning to follow in the footsteps of Marco Polo, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through a legendary route.

Trip Map

Highlight

  • Ancient Xi'an: Explore the starting point of the Silk Road, marveling at the legendary Terracotta Warriors, cycling atop the remarkably preserved Ancient City Wall, and wandering through the vibrant Muslim Quarter.
  • Dunhuang's Buddhist Art: Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Mogao Grottoes, home to thousands of exquisite Buddhist murals and sculptures. Experience the mesmerizing Singing Sand Dunes (Mingsha Shan) and the crescent-shaped Crescent Lake (Yueyaquan).
  • Turpan's Oasis Culture: Explore the ancient city ruins of Jiaohe and Gaochang, visit the unique Karez Irrigation System, and learn about the local Uyghur culture in this verdant oasis.
  • Urumqi & Heavenly Lake: Discover the capital of Xinjiang and take a scenic excursion to the stunning Heavenly Lake (Tianchi), nestled amidst the Tianshan Mountains.
  • Kashgar's Central Asian Charm: Immerse yourself in the exotic atmosphere of Kashgar, visiting the bustling Sunday Livestock Market, the ancient Id Kah Mosque, and strolling through the labyrinthine Old City.
  • Seamless Travel: Enjoy comfortable transportation (including internal flights and high-speed trains), carefully selected accommodations, and knowledgeable English-speaking guides throughout your historical expedition.

Service

HOTELS
Economy 2*+ Hotels
Superior 3* Hotels
First Class 4* Hotels
Deluxe 5* Hotels
Luxury 5*++ Hotels

Notes:
*All prices are based on per adult, in Double/Twin sharing
Surcharge will be applied for single traveler or single room request

Important Notes:
HOTELS, PROGRAMS & SCHEDULES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE

GUIDE/LEADER:
English speaking guide. French , Germany , Spanish, Italian, Russian  speaking guide can be arranged with on request.

Inclusion

Exclusion

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival Beijing

Be transferred to the hotel
Meals : No meal
Recommended Hotel: In Beijing
Arrive in Beijing, your gateway city of China tour, be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. With no sightseeing planned, the remainder of the day is spent free at leisure.

Day 2: Beijing

Mutianyu Great Wall, Summer Palace
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Recommended Hotel: In Beijing
The star attraction of China is its Great Wall, a massive defensive structure built to keep intruders from entering the mainland. Today you will have the opportunity to traverse the ancient steps of Mutianyu Great Wall. Then you will have a short visit to Summer Palace. After the tour, how about taste the famous Peking Roasted Duck for your optional dinner.

Day 3: Beijing - Urumqi

Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Flight to Urumqi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Recommended Hotel: In Urumqi
Depart from hotel in the morning to visit Tian'anmen Square, the largest urban square and Forbidden City, the largest and most complete ancient imperial palace in the world. Then visit Temple of Heaven in the afternoon. Take night flight for Urumqi.

Day 4: Urumqi

Heavenly Lake, Xinjiang Regional Museum, Erdaoqiao Bazaar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Urumqi
Take a driving for 120km northeast to visit the holy Heavenly Lake (Tianchi). The beautiful lake is flanked by rugged pines and cypresses, with clear melting waters reflecting the surrounding of snow capped mount Bogeda. Drive back to downtown in the afternoon, visit Xingjiang Regional Museum, a a large integrated museum and a study on cultural relics in Xinjiang. Then enjoy your free time at Erdaoqiao Bazaar.

Day 5: Kashgar - Kashgar

Flight to Kashgar, Zhiren Street, Id Kah Mosque, Apak Hoja Tomb, local bazaar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Recommended Hotel: In Kashgar
Check out from hotel in the morning and you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Kashgar. Today, take a visit to Zhiren Street, an old street with an amazing hand-made stuff from strictly utilitarian cookware to exotic musical instruments. Then continue your trip to Id Kah Mosque, which is one of the largest and busiest in China. Then, you can take a short visit to Apak Hoja Tomb. If it is Sunday, the local Bazaar will be a good place for you to have a visit. This ancient market attracts locals and merchants from all over Xinjiang and nearby countries such as Pakistan and Kirghizstan.

Day 6: Kashgar - Urumqi

Karakul Lake, Flight to Urumqi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Recommended Hotel: In Urumqi 
Take a tour through the Karakurum Highway to Karakul Lake, enjoy the beautiful snow- capped mountain of Muztagh Ata and the lake. Be transferred back to Kashgar after visiting, and fly back to Urumqi.

Day 7: Urumqi - Turpan

Coach to Turpan, Jiaohe Ancient City, Karez Well, Emin Minaret
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: In Turpan
In the morning, you will take a 2.5-3hours driving to Turpan that locates in the southeast of Urumqi. You will then visit Jiaohe Ancient City and Karez Well - the underground irrigation system with the history of 2,000 years and Emin Minaret which is the largest extant ancient Islamic tower in Xinjiang on the way. Tonight, we will have a special dinner under the grape trellis in a local family house.

Day 8: Turpan - Dunhuang

Train to Dunhuang, Free at leisure
Meals: Breakfast
Accmoodation: In Dunhuang
In the morning, drive for 50 km to Turpan railway station to take the bullet train (4 hours) to Liuyuan, which also need another 2 hours driving to the downtown of Dunhuang. Have a good rest today after a long train journey.

Day 9: Dunhuang

Yumenguan Pass, Dunhuang Yadan National Geologic Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Recommended Hotel: In Dunhuang
Today after breakfast, you will firstly have a 3-hour driving to the Yumenguan Pass (30 min) - strategic pass on the ancient Silk Road. And then, continue to experience the amazing Dunhuang Yadan National Geologic Park (1 hour) - the largest one of Yadan Landform found so far. When finish the tour, you will have another 3-hour driving back to the Dunhuang downtown. After that, have a rest of this day in hotel.

Day 10: Dunhuang

Mingsha Sand Dunes, Mogao Grottoes
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Dunhuang
After a breakfast, you will then take driving to Dunhuang for your exciting excursion to one of the must-see attractions in Dunhuang - Crescent Spring and Singing Sand Dune. In the afternoon, you will start your trip with a visiting to Mogao Grottoes, the site is considered the great treasure house of Buddhist arts in existence.

Day 11: Dunhuang - Jiayuguan

Coach to Jiayuguan, Jiayuguan Pass
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Jiayuguan 
Departure from Dunhuang in the early morning, take about 4.5 hours driving (385km) to Jiayuguan City. Upon arriving, you will take a visit to Jiayuguan Pass, which has been praised as 'Mighty Pass No.1 under Heaven'.

Day 12: Jiayuguan - Xian

Weijing Tomb Mural, Flight to Xian
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Xian 
In the morning, visit to Weijin Tomb Mural, the famous JinWei Tombs, and they were reputed as “world’s largest underground art gallery”.After the tour, be transferred to the airport for your flight to Xi’an – the most famous ancient capital of China.

Day 13: Xian

Terracotta Warriors, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Xian City Wall
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Recommended Hotel: In Xian
Today, take your time and enjoy the visits to the Terracotta Warriors, one of the world most important archaeological finds, with troops, horses and carriages in battle formation and then to see the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and the massive Xian City Wall. In the evening, Tang Dynasty Show with Dinner is available for your optional night activity.

Day 14: Xian - Shanghai

Shaanxi History Museum, Flight to Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Recommended Hotel: In Shanghai 
Before heading to Shanghai, you can take a short visit to the famous Shaanxi History Museum. After lunch, be transferred to the airport to board a short flight to Shanghai.

Day 15: Shanghai

Jade Buddha Temple, Yuyuan Garden, Chenghuangmiao, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, The Bund, Nanjing Road
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Recommended Hotel:In Shanghai
A full day sightseeing starts with Jade Buddha Temple and Yuyuan Garden, which is a Chinese classic garden in city downtown. Then visit the nearby Chenghuangmiao Old Street. Continue the trip to the famous Shanghai landmark – Oriental Pearl TV Tower. In the evening, have a walk along the Bund and Nanjing Road. Traditional Dim-sum Banquet and Acrobatics are available for your optional lunch and night entertainment.

Day 16: Departure

Be transferred to the airport
Meals: Breakfast
Free at leisure until be transferred to the airport for the return flight.
Service Ends

FAQS

1. What types of tours does Golden Trail Travel offer?

Answer: Golden Trail Travel specializes in offering a wide range of travel packages to Vietnam and other Indochina countries such as Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, China, and Malaysia. We offer themed tours including Classic Highlights, Cycling, Trekking, Beach Holidays, Luxury Honeymoon, Short Trips, Family, Off The Beaten Track, Multi-Country, Motorbiking, Veteran, Food, Students, Luxury, Golf, Photography, Cooking Class, Bird Watching, Indochina Cruises, Kayaking, Muslim-friendly tours, Offroad 4x4WD, Indochina MICE Travel, Cave Expedition, and Helicopter tours.

2. How can I book a tour with Golden Trail Travel?

Answer: You can book a tour by contacting us directly via phone, email, or by filling out the contact form on our website. Our team of travel experts will advise and assist you in designing a suitable itinerary.

3. Can tours be customized?

Answer: Absolutely! We understand that every traveler has unique preferences. Golden Trail Travel is happy to customize tour packages to fit your specific needs, interests, and budget.

4. Does Golden Trail Travel provide visa support services?

Answer: Depending on your nationality and the destination, we may provide guidance or assistance with the necessary visa procedures. Please contact us for more detailed information.

5. What makes Golden Trail Travel different from other travel agencies?

Answer: We are committed to delivering authentic and unique travel experiences in Vietnam and Indochina. With a team of knowledgeable local experts, meticulously designed tour packages, and dedicated customer care, we ensure every trip is a memorable journey.

6. What should I prepare before the trip?

Answer: We will provide you with a detailed checklist of what to prepare, including information on luggage, appropriate clothing for the weather and local culture, essential personal items, and health advice.

7. What is Golden Trail Travel's cancellation policy?

Answer: Our cancellation policy will be clearly stated in the terms and conditions when you book a tour. Please refer to this information or contact us for specific details.

8. Where can I find information about travel safety and health?

Answer: We prioritize the safety and health of our travelers. Before your trip, we will provide information and advice regarding health, travel insurance, and safety measures at the destination.

9. Can I request a tour guide who speaks Vietnamese or a specific language?

Answer: Yes, we can arrange tour guides who speak Vietnamese or other common languages (such as English, French, German, Spanish, etc.) upon your request and subject to availability. Please inform us of your language preference when booking your tour.

10. Does Golden Trail Travel offer travel insurance?

Answer: We highly recommend all travelers purchase comprehensive travel insurance before departure. While we do not directly provide insurance, we can advise on suitable insurance types and the importance of having coverage during your trip

11. How can I pay for my tour?

Answer: We accept various payment methods, including bank transfers, credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), and some online payment options. Detailed information on payment options and payment schedules will be provided upon confirmation of your tour booking.

12. Does Golden Trail Travel offer tours for solo travelers?

Answer: Yes, we have tour options suitable for solo travelers, including group joining tours or specially designed private tours. Please contact us so we can advise on the best package for you.

13. Are the tours child-friendly or suitable for seniors?

Answer: We offer many family-friendly tour packages and can adjust itineraries to suit travelers of all ages, including children and seniors. We will advise on the difficulty level, travel time, and activities appropriate for each member of your family.

14. Where can I read reviews from previous customers?

Answer: You can find customer reviews and testimonials on our website (if a review section is available), social media pages, or reputable travel platforms like TripAdvisor.

15. What are Golden Trail Travel's sustainability or responsible tourism policies?

Answer: We are committed to practicing responsible and sustainable tourism. We constantly strive to minimize our environmental impact, respect local cultures, and contribute positively to the communities where we operate.

16. What happens if there's an emergency during the trip?

Answer: Your safety is our top priority. Golden Trail Travel has a 24/7 emergency support team. We will provide emergency contact numbers and detailed instructions before your trip. Our guides and local partners are trained to handle emergency situations professionally.

17. Are my payment methods secure?

Answer: Absolutely secure. We use highly encrypted online payment gateways and comply with international standards for data security. Your personal and financial information will be strictly protected.

18. What support will I receive during the trip?

Answer: Yes. Throughout your trip, you will always have the support of your local guide, driver, and Golden Trail Travel's operation team. We will provide a 24/7 support hotline so you can contact us anytime if you have any issues or need assistance.

19. What is included and not included in the tour price?

Answer: Each tour package has clear details on included services (e.g., accommodation, transportation, meals as per itinerary, entrance fees to attractions, tour guide) and exclusions (e.g., international flights, visas, travel insurance, drinks, tips, personal expenses). You will receive a detailed itinerary and an inclusion/exclusion list before confirming your tour booking.

20. What is the typical group size for Golden Trail Travel tours?

Answer: Our tour group sizes can vary depending on the type of tour. For join-in tours, we try to keep the numbers small to ensure a personalized and comfortable experience. We also offer private tours for families or groups of friends upon request.

21. Whom can I contact if I have questions or need assistance before departure?

Answer: Before departure, you can contact our team of consultants via phone, email, or online chat. We are always ready to answer any questions and help you prepare best for your trip.

22. How is Golden Trail Travel committed to sustainable and responsible tourism?

Answer: We are strongly committed to sustainable tourism. This is reflected in our collaboration with responsible local partners, supporting local communities, encouraging travelers to respect culture and environment, and minimizing negative impacts on destinations. Our goal is to benefit both travelers and local people.

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The note if you are a solo traveler

Pricing Notes

The above price is based on a private tour (Group of 2). It's more reasonable withbigger group size

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