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Road to SamarkandFrom $6,971 - 26 Days, Fully Inclusive from selected Australian citiesThe most renowned overland trading route of ancient civilisations was the Silk Road, crossing rugged, mountainous and desert areas where tales were told of mystical cities, lively open-air bazaars and a seemingly endless hive of activity. Historically, the Silk Road was a remote and arduous path and one can only imagine the kind of difficulties those who travelled this renowned road had to overcome. It spanned from China’s former imperial capital, Xian, westward through to Europe. With so much to see and experience, this journey will take you along the Silk Road from Kashgar in China to some of the most amazing ancient cities such as Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand, one of Central Asia’s oldest settlements. Along the way you will discover breathtaking sights, view beautiful Islamic architecture and see some of the most captivating scenery you will ever encounter. TOUR ITINERARYDAYS 1-2 AUSTRALIA TO URUMQIFly overnight with China Southern Airlines to Urumqi (via Guangzhou) for an overnight stay. DAY 3: URUMQI TO KASHGARVisit the Heavenly Lake; a large pristine lake surrounded by alpine meadows and mountains. Next, see the International Bazaar and the local markets. This evening fly to Kashgar, once the flourishing centre of the Silk Road trading route. DAY 4: KASHGARExplore the elegantly tiled Abakh Hoja Tomb, the Id Kah Mosque and the old alleys around Id Kah Square. DAY 5: KASHGAR TO NARYNTravel from China into Kyrgyzstan across the Tian Shan Range (Heavenly Mountain) to Torugart where you cross the border into Kyrgyzstan. Continue to the Tash Rabat Caravanserai en route to Naryn. DAY 6: NARYN TO KOCHKOR VILLAGELeave Naryn and travel to Kochkor Village. Enjoy a traditional lunch at a Ger before watching a ‘shyrdak’ demonstration (making of Kyrgyz wool carpets). DAY 7: KOCHKOR VILLAGE TO KARAKOLTravel to Karakol, visiting Bokonbayevo Village en route. Enjoy lunch with a local family and watch a demonstration of eagle hunting. DAY 8: KARAKOLRise early and visit the colourful Sunday animal market, the Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral and a Chinese mosque. Enjoy an easy afternoon hike in Jety-Orguz and the Valley of Flowers. DAY 9: KARAKOL TO CHOLPON-ATASee the Przhevalskii Museum before continuing to Cholpon-Ata. DAY 10: CHOLPON-ATAExplore the petroglyphs of ibex, wolves and deer etched into glacial stone. Also visit the Ethnographical Museum and Grigoriev Gorge. Later, relax on an afternoon cruise on Issy Kul, which is surrounded by beautiful snow-capped peaks. DAY 11: CHOLPON-ATA TO BISHKEKDrive to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. En route visit the Burana Tower, a monument from the 11th Century. DAY 12: BISHKEKVisit Ala Archa National Park, an alpine national park in the Tian Shan Mountains 40km south of Bishkek. This afternoon return to Bishkek and explore Ala Too Square and the Historical Museum. DAY 13: BISHKEK TO TASHKENTFly to Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. Visit the 1966 Earthquake Memorial and Khast Imom Complex, including the Moyie Mubarek Library Museum and the Mausoleum of Aba Bakr Kaffal Shoshi. DAY 14: TASHKENT TO KHIVAFly to Urgench and drive to the ancient city of Khiva, originally a Silk Road trading post which has retained its historical buildings. Visit the Kuhna Ark Fortress and wander around the many madrassahs, mosques and minarets within the ancient city walls. DAY 15: KHIVAThis morning visit Elliq-Qala, an impressive fort and temple complex dating back to the 4th Century BC. DAY 16: KHIVA TO BUKHARATravel to Bukhara, Central Asia’s most sacred city with a history of over 2,500 years. DAYS 17-18: BUKHARAExplore the Ark Fortress, Chor Minor and Kalon Minaret. Tomorrow, visit the Labi-Hauz Plaza and the summer residence of the last Bukharan Emirs. DAY 19: BUKHARA TO SAMARKANDTravel to Samarkand, one of Central Asia’s oldest settlements. This UNESCO World Heritage listed site is where the Silk Road diverged east to China, south to India and west to Persia. DAYS 20-21: SAMARKANDOver the next two days explore the historical sites of Samarkand, including Shakhrisabz, the Timur’s Guri Amir Mausoleum, the Registan, Sher Dor Medressa, the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Shah-I-Zinda and the Ulug Beg Observatory. DAY 22: SAMARKAND TO TASHKENTLeave Samarkand and travel to Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan, passing through the Tamerlane Gates en route. DAY 23: TASHKENT TO BEIJINGExplore Tashkent, including Independence Square, the Crying Mother Monument, Chorsu Bazaar, the Amir Timur Maydoni and Broadway Entertainment Street. Later this evening fly overnight to Beijing, the capital city of China. DAY 24: BEIJINGArrive into Beijing this morning. Take a rickshaw ride through the Hutong area where you will see traditional Chinese housing and architecture, the influence of Feng Shui and feel the sense of community. Later, visit the 2008 Olympic Games site including the Bird’s Nest and the Water Cube. DAY 25: DEPART BEIJINGThis morning is free at your leisure before you are transferred to Beijing airport to board your overnight flight to Australia (via Guangzhou). DAY 26: ARRIVE AUSTRALIAArrive home today. Price guide
Important Note: Above prices include Fuel surcharges and tipping of $391 (correct as at Dec 2012 and subject to change). Please note the Tipping amount of USD111 is payable on arrival in China. Though status is regularly updated, availability above is indicative only, not live and hence does not guarantee that space is available on your selected tour when you or your agent calls Wendy Wu Tours to book. Booking early is the only way to ensure availability of your selected departure date. |
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