Istanbul to Beijing Overland

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Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1: Istanbul

Accommodation: Prince Hotel or similar, Istanbul

Activities:

• If arriving at Istanbul Atatürk Airport (IST), you will be met by a local Peregrine representative and transferred to your starting hotel.
• If arriving at Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW), please make your own way to the hotel (unless you have booked a transfer, contact our sales team if you would like to arrange any pre or post trip accommodation, transfers or extensions).
• As today is an arrival day, there is no formal sightseeing planned. If you arrive early enough, you can wander and absorb the vibrancy of this exciting city that links Europe and Asia.
• Istanbul is one of the great cities of the world, with a history spanning thousands of years. It has been through several incarnations, firstly as Byzantium, then Constantinople and finally Istanbul. The city today is bustling and its streets are crowded with locals busily going about their daily lives.
• In the evening there will be a welcome meeting (please check noticeboard in the hotel, or speak to reception for the exact time and location), where you will meet your tour leader and fellow travel companions.

Day 2: Istanbul

Meals included: 1 breakfast

Accommodation: Prince Hotel or similar, Istanbul

Activities:

• On a guided city tour we are introduced to some of the iconic attractions of Istanbul.
• We visit Aya Sofya (also known as Hagia Sophia or Sancta Sophia), a magnificent domed former church that was built by the Emperor Justinian at a time when the city was ruled by the Romans. It ceased to be a church in 1453 when the Muslim Ottomans became rulers and the city changed its name from Constantinople of Istanbul.
• With commanding views over the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus, Topkapi Palace was the home of the Ottoman sultans and one of the most impressive palace complexes in the world. The Harem can also be visited, but on a separate tour (optional).
• There is free time that enables us to further explore and enjoy optional sightseeing in this fascinating city. There is certainly a lot to see!
• Across from Aya Sofya is the iconic 17th century Blue Mosque, built for Sultan Ahmet I and a unique piece of architecture because of its six minarets rather than the usual four found across the rest of the Muslim world.
• The Grand Bazaar is an amazing labyrinth of 4500 stalls, but make sure to haggle if you intend to buy something! Afterwards you may wish to relax and experience a traditional Turkish bath (hamam).
• Dinner is not included this evening, but you have the chance to dined out at one of Istanbul’s amazing restaurants.

Day 3-6: Istanbul - Trans-Asia Railway - Tehran

Meals included: 1 breakfast

Accommodation: Overnight Train, Xian

Activities:

• After a free morning enjoying Istanbul, we are travel by road to Turkey's capital, Ankara.
• On the morning of Day 4, we board the train bound for Tehran.
• We spend a total of three days and two nights on the Trans-Asia Express, travelling a distance of 2435 kilometres.
• Started in 1971 by the then Shah of Iran the original service was called the Vangölü (Lake Van) Express, which was eventually terminated but revived in 2001 as the Trans-Asia Express.
• Our journey is a great experience as we traverse almost the length of Turkey, travelling through Ankara and skirting around parts of what was formerly Armenia and also Kurdistan on our way to Tatyan, on the shores of Lake Van.
• The Turkish countryside provides a picturesque backdrop, but we also have a great opportunity to get to know our fellow travellers, who are mainly local Turks or Iranians.
• The buffet car is a great place to meet people. On the Turkish train, we can buy all sorts of drinks including beers and spirits.
• We arrive at Lake Van on the afternoon of Day 5, where we say goodbye to our Turkish train and board a ferry for a four-hour lake crossing (90 kilometers). The boat ride is a very scenic one, with mountains surrounding the lake.
• On the other side we board an Iranian train, which is somewhat different from the Turkish one. No alcohol is served here and the atmosphere is more formal.
• The travellers no longer play cards and the women have put on their head scarves or hijab. Crossing into Iran we pass by the city of Tabriz before reaching Tehran on the evening of Day 6.

Day 7: Tehran

Meals included: 1 breakfast

Accommodation: Enghelab Hotel or similar, Tehran

Activities:

• The Iranian capital is a very large metropolis with a population of 14 million people, a big jump from the 250,000 in 1900.
• Our sightseeing today focuses on the Sa'd Abad Palace and Museum complex. This 104 hectare park houses over 10 buildings, most of them museums. The most notable are the former summer palace of the Pahlavi Royal Family - the White Palace - and the smaller, but no less impressive Green Palace.
• Don't miss the bronze boots of Reza Shah outside the White Palace - all that remains of a massive statue that was 'cut down to size' at the revolution.

Day 8: Kashan - Abyaneh - Esfahan

Meals included: 1 breakfast

Accommodation: Aliqapou Hotel or similar, Esfahan

Activities:

• This morning we drive on to Kashan and visit the Fin Garden (Bagh-e Tarikhi-ye Fin). A historic and classical Persian garden, it contains Kashan's Fin Bath where Amir Kabir, the Qajarid chancellor and a nationalist hero, was murdered under the orders of King Nadir al-Din in 1852.
• We also stop by Borujerdi House (Khan-e Borujerdi), which was built in the 1840s for the affluent Tabatabaei family. A fascinating place to visit, we get to see a traditional Persian residential home, which contains features such as a 'biruni' (where visitors and guests are entertained) and an 'andaruni' (the private part only open to family members).
• We then continue our journey to the lovely and quaint village of Abyaneh, which is located at the foot of Mount Karkas (3899m).
• We have free time for a stroll through the winding streets lined with mud brick buildings. This is a traditional village that with dwindling opportunities for young people has become home to an increasingly aging population. Please be mindful with your cameras - officially photography is not allowed here, however you may be able to get permission from some of the villagers to snap away. Iranian people are incredibly hospitable and very keen to interact with you, though do be respectful of cultural sensitivities. It is generally advised to approach people of the same sex, but Iranians are so welcoming that you may find yourself inundated with locals, curious to find out about your life at home and thoughts on their country.
• We continue to Esfahan - the jewel in the crown of Persia and undoubtedly one of the highlights of our trip.

Day 9: Esfahan - overnight train

Meals included: 1 breakfast

Accommodation: Overnight Train, Xian

Activities:

• A full program of sightseeing enables us to take in the glories of Esfahan today.
• The city reached its peak during the reign of Shah Abbas I (Shah Abbas the Great) in 1587, when it became the capital. After an Afghan invasion in 1722, the city declined and the capital was subsequently moved to Shiraz and then Tehran.
• We start our tour at the immense Iman Square (formerly Naqsh-e Jahan Square) which covers an area of 82,500 square meters and is surrounded by many grand buildings such as Ali Qapu Palace, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Qeysarieh Portal and the majestic Imam Mosque. As the second largest square in the world, it is truly an amazing sight to behold.
• In the Safavid era, this square was a place for parades, military reviews, polo games and festivals. Located in the west of Imam Square, the Ali Qapu Palace cover six floors and was originally built as the main palace of Shah Abbas, who used it to receive guests and foreign ambassadors. Its plaster works and paintings are considered as masterpieces of the Safavid era.
• We also visit Vank Cathedral. This church is located in Jolfa, the Armenian quarter of the city, and is most striking with its gilded ceiling and painting. There is a museum in this church that contains some very historic manuscripts. Armenian Christians were originally brought there by Shah Abbas I, who valued their skills as artists and merchants. They have been allowed to practice their religion in peace, but are confined to this one area in town.
• Esfahan also has a wonderful bazaar where we can browse for fabrics, spices, jewellery and other treasures. Tucked away near the bazaar mosques is a lovely teahouse - the perfect place to rest tired feet and refresh your spirit with tea.
• We may stroll to the Zayandeh River and have a look at its historic bridges, which seem to have come straight from a fairytale! At several of the bridges local people gather to talk, drink tea and sing folk songs.
• In the early evening around 5:10 pm, we board our overnight sleeper train for Mashhad in the north-eastern corner of Iran.

Day 10: Mashhad

Accommodation: Atrak Hotel or similar, Mashhad

Activities:

• Our train is scheduled to arrive in Mashhad around 9:45 am.
• Mashhad is the second largest city in Iran and also its holiest, being the place where Imam Ali al-Reza, the Shi'ite imam at the time, was martyred.
• The name of the city literally means 'Place of Martyrdom' and it is indeed a very special place for the Iranian people with the Haram complex being the place of focus. The city attracts 20 million visitors per year with the majority of them on religious pilgrimages.
• We plan a visit to the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza, but will need to obtain special permission in order to do this. Please note that permission is not always granted.

Day 11-13: Ashgabat

Meals included: 3 breakfasts

Accommodation: Turkmen Hotel or similar, Ashgabat

Activities:

• In the morning, we make our way to the border town of Bajgiran, where we leave the wonder of Iran and cross into Turkmenistan. Your time in Iran will remain in your heart, as the people are so welcoming, you will certainly feel a pang of sadness to leave such a fascinating and beautiful country.
• Once we’ve crossed over the border, we head to the capital Ashgabat. With a population of just under a million people, its name literally means 'City of Love' in Persian. The first thing that will strike you is the size of the city compared to the population. Empty 6 lane highways will make you feel like you’ve entered a deserted metropolis - a metropolis which feels like it’s been built entirely out of marble!
• Ashgabat also contains quite a few elaborate and somewhat garish Soviet-era buildings and monuments. The huge Arch of Neutrality is omnipresent and dominates the middle of town.
• We visit the National Museum that contains antiquities dating back to the times when the settlement was controlled by Persia and had strong Zoroastrian influences.
• Tolkuchka Bazaar is huge central Asian market where all sorts of things are sold. Amidst all the activity and bargaining, we see that the spirit of the old Silk Road trading days certainly continues to live on.
• We exploring all Ashgabat has to offer, we travel 18 kilometers out of town to visit the remnants of the ancient city of Nissa (Nisa), which dates from around 250 BC and was a capital for the Parthian people.
• We also visit a horse stud specialising in breeding the Akhal-Teke horse that is renowned for its speed, strength and beauty - qualities that makes this breed so highly-prized.

Day 14-15: Mary - Merv

Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch

Accommodation: Margush Hotel or similar, Mary

Activities:

• We continue our journey east to Mary (pronounced 'Mar-ree') - a drive that takes about five hours.
• Mary is an oasis city in the Karakum Desert that dates back to the 1820s. Here we wander through the local Central Bazaar and pay a visit to the Pokrovskaya Church - an impressive Russian Orthodox church that was built in 1900. There is a Russian MiG fighter plane on display nearby.
• Mary is the base to visit the remains of Merv - once one of the great cities of the Islamic world and reputedly in the 12th century the biggest city in the world. Its other name was Marv-i-shah-jahan', meaning 'Merv - Ruler of the World'. Like many great ancient cities along the Silk Road, it was destroyed by the marauding Mongols, this time by armies led by the sons of Genghis Khan.
• We explore these interesting and important ruins before returning to Mary, 35 kilometres away.

Day 16-17: Bukhara

Meals included: 2 breakfasts

Accommodation: Atlas or Lyabi Guesthouse, Bukhara

Activities:

• We leave Mary and travel to the border at Farab, when we leave Turkmenistan and cross into Uzbekistan before making our way to Bukhara. Border crossing through Central Asia can take some time, so come prepared, just in case!
• A UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, Bukhara is widely regarded as Central Asia's holiest city.
• With more than one hundred officially preserved monuments, there is a lot to see and we have an extensive sightseeing program here spread over a few days to make the most of our time here.
• We start by enjoying free time to make our own discoveries and absorb its special ambience on our own. Those keen on shopping may wish to wander to the trading domes, which sell an intriguing and colourful array of goods including embroideries, jewellery, spices, handicrafts and all manner of Silk Road treasures. This is certainly the place to test your haggling skills, as well as share a joke or two with friendly local merchants.
• We start our official sightseeing on Day 17 by visiting the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, resting place of the founder of the Saminid Dynasty, and the Chashma Ayub Mausoleum. The ruins of the Ark Fortress date back to the 5th century AD - it is the ancient heart of the city and the scene of several gruesome events.
• Opposite the fortress is the Bolo-Khauz Mosque, which dates back to 1718 and was the emirs' official place of worship. We continue to the imposing Poikalon complex (comprising the Kalon Minaret, Kalon Mosque and Mir-i-Arab Medressa) and Ulugbek and Abdul Aziz Khan Medressa. We end our day by visiting the Tim Abdulla Khan. Built in 1577, this is one of the most elegant medressas.
• The twilight hours lend themselves to wandering the areas around the Lyabi-Hauz Pool, a central gathering place you can enjoy a traditional 'chaikhana' (tea-house) style dinner (optional).

Day 18: Bukhara

Meals included: 1 breakfast

Accommodation: Atlas or Lyabi Guesthouse, Bukhara

Activities:

• We start our next day of sightseeing in Bukhara by discovering that all manner of things can be found on sale in the covered bazaars.
• There are three of these trading domes left and we wander through Taqi-Sarrafon, Taqi-Telpak Furushon and Taqi-Zargaron in search of bargains and experiencing the spirit of trade which has driven this region since the halcyon days of the Silk Road era.
• In the midst of these bazaars is the Maghoki-Attar, reputed to be the oldest mosque in central Asia. Sitorai Mohi Hosa means Star and Garnet Garden and was the summer palace of the last emir. Its opulence is also reflected by its combination of local and European influences in its designs and furnishings. Bukhara is truly a magical place and it is sure to cast its spell on us!

Day 19-20: Nurata - Nuratau Mountain village - Samarkand

Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner

Accommodation: Shodiboy Homestay or similar, Sentab

Activities:

• With regret, we leave captivating Bukhara and continue east towards Samarkand.
• Our next destination is Nurata, formerly known as Nur and founded in the 3rd century BC by Alexander the Great. This ancient town was once regarded as the frontier between the cultivated lands and the steppes, and the ruins of Alexander’s hilltop citadel stand testament to its ancient history. The city was also an important Muslim place of pilgrimage, reaching its peak in the 10th century AD as devotees flocked to its many significant graves and memorials. We visit the Chashma, a complex of religious constructions that serves as the central point for such pilgrimages.
• After lunching in a local teahouse we continue onto the Nuratau-Kyzylkum Biosphere Reserve just south of Aiderkul Lake. We must change to smaller vehicles to navigate the narrow local roads as we climb into the mountains to reach one of the tiny villages. We will either be staying in Sentab, Forish, Asraf or Uhum village. Here, as part of a UN Development Program project, local families have established small private guesthouses and welcome visitors to their homes. As our hosts are ethnic Tajiks, this is a unique opportunity to hear another regional language, eat delicious home-cooked local specialities, and see the day-to-day life of the village.
• Accommodation is in the traditional style - the group will sleep on mattresses in communal rooms (usually divided by gender), a similar experience to staying in a yurt. The bathroom facilities are also basic, but manageable - with very simple shower and toilet arrangements. Such things are minor inconveniences however as we lounge on ‘tapchan’ (day beds) under the walnut trees, with the sound of the stream running nearby, and an once-in-a-lifetime cultural exchange unfolds.
• This is the perfect place to relax, or for those wanting to stretch their legs there are numerous local walking trails nearby which our hosts will be happy to show us.
• We have more time to relax the following morning. After lunch we depart on our drive to Samarkand.

Day 21-22: Samarkand

Meals included: 2 breakfasts

Accommodation: Zarina or Caravan Guesthouse, Samarkand

Activities:

• We enjoy a day of sightseeing and exploration in Samarkand, a city that evokes the romance of the Silk Road perhaps more than any other.
• From its foundation in the 5th century BC, Samarkand has been a centre of artisans and traders as well as the prize for many a conquering army. From Alexander the Great who stormed its walls in 329 BC to the Soviet occupiers who declared it the original capital of the Uzbek SSR in 1924, Samarkand’s history is as rich as it is complex.
• Today we visit the Gur Amir Mausoleum, the final resting place of the mighty Timur and his sons and grandsons. For a man of his stature, it is quite a simple tomb.
• One highlight of our trip will certainly be standing on the iconic Registan Square with the three medressas (Ulugbek, Sher Dor and Tilla-Kari) towering over us.
• We visit a handicraft centre before continuing the exploration of this vibrant city.
• Close to the Registan is the Bibi-Khanym Mosque built by Timur and often compared to the Taj Mahal, as it was built as a grand and timeless symbol of a man's love for his wife.
• This mosque overlooks the busy and colourful Siob Bazaar, where photographers will delight in taking photos of the many bustling stalls and huge array of produce, as well as encounter friendly greetings from the local traders.
• Our next stop is the Shah-i-Zinda Mausoleum complex. Also known as the 'Town of the Dead' this is a row of more than 20 mausoleums, some of them with stunningly colourful tilework. Ulugbek was an emir in the early 15th century, but he was also a renowned astronomer. The discovery of the ruins of his observatory tells of an amazing story from a bygone era.

Day 23: Tashkent

Meals included: 1 breakfast

Accommodation: Uzbekistan Hotel or similar, Tashkent

Activities:

• This morning, we’ll head to the Uzbekistan capital, Tashkent.
• Once we arrive, we spend the day exploring charming Tashkent on a city tour.
• One of the highlights of a trip to Tashkent is exploring the Chorsu Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest markets in central Asia. Wandering through the giant market is a fantastic way to see locals going about their daily lives. Uzbeks are some of the friendliest people in the world and you will find yourself chatting to many locals who are keen to get to know you. Be sure to try some of the fresh produce on offer and it’s a great place to get those quirky Uzbek souvenirs!
• After wandering through the bazaar, we start to explore some of the rich cultural history of Uzbekistan, including the 16th century Kulkedash Medressa – an Islamic school that sits beside the 15th century Juma (Friday) Mosque.
• The History Museum of the People of Uzbekistan gives us a great introduction to the country and the region in general, from the Silk Road era to Soviet times.
• Amir Timur Square is the main square in town and use to contain a statue of Karl Marx, but he has been replaced by a statue of Uzbekistan’s 14th century national hero, Timur, on horse-back.
• A tour of Tashkent’s metro system reveals to us some strikingly beautiful stations, but please note that you are not permitted to take photos in the subway.
• The Bara-Khon Medressa is the headquarters of the Sunni Muslim religion in the region and has interesting mosaics and Arabic calligraphy that dates back to the late 16th century.

Day 24: Kokand - Fergana

Meals included: 1 breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Club 777 or Hotel Asia, Fergana

Activities:

• It is an early start the next day as we head into the Fergana Valley - a fertile bowl fringed by the Tian Shan range to the north and the Pamir Altay mountains to the south. We cross the Kamchik Pass (2267m) to gain a sense of the geography of the region - and begin to understand why the Fergana Valley has always regarded itself as a little cut off from the rest of the country.
• Arriving in Kokand in time for lunch, we have an afternoon to explore the Khudayar Khan Palace, capital of the Kokand khanate in the 18th and 19th centuries and now home to a fascinating museum of local history. We visit the Khan's Palace (former residence of Khudoyar Khan), the impressive Juma Mosque, the Narbutabey Medressa and the Dasturkhanchi Medressa, which is an Islamic school for females.
• We then continue to Fergana - the regional capital and our base for two nights.

Day 25: Fergana Valley

Meals included: 1 breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Club 777 or Hotel Asia, Fergana

Activities:

• Today we enjoy a more relaxed pace as we move between the artisan towns of Fergana, Margilon and Rishton.
• In Margilon we start our day with a stroll through the bazaar before continuing to a silk production centre – one of the few to still using traditional methods. Here we can see the many processes used to turn the raw silk cocoons into beautiful silk cloth and exquisite tapestries, carpets and embroideries. For many visitors a real highlight is learning how the traditional and distinctive Uzbek cloth ('khanatlas') is made.
• From Margilon we move to Rishton where after lunch with a local family we visit a pottery centre to learn about the delicate ceramics which the town is famous for. A local master will show us how he crafts each piece by hand before carefully decorating and firing them in a traditional kiln. Be prepared for some shopping today – even the most seasoned travellers will find it hard to resist a purchase!
• We return to Fergana for the night.

Day 26-27: Sary-Tash - Irkeshtam Pass - Kashgar

Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner

Accommodation: Yurt camp or similar, Yurt camp

Activities:

• Our next country is Kyrgyzstan. We enter the high mountains of the Pamir-Altay range, climbing to the crossroads of Tadjikistan, Kyrgyzstan and China at Sary Tash. Depending on road conditions and travel times we expect to arrive in the afternoon and there may be time for a short walk from our campground base. A yurt is more sophisticated than a tent, but still relatively basic accommodation. Generally, the group will share 2-3 yurts (usually 5-6 people per yurt), with the yurts allocated as 'couples/singles' yurts, 'male/female' yurts, or according to other wishes of the group. If you have a particular request or concern about the sleeping arrangements, please speak to your tour leader. The yurt camps do not have shower facilities, but will have access to water and a private area for washing. The toilets are 'outhouse' style, at a distance from the yurts – please ensure you bring a torch for nighttime visits (head-torches are particularly useful!). The bedding in a yurt consists of layers of mattresses (like thin futons) and layers of blankets/covers that are stacked during the day to give space, then built up for each person at bedtime (the camp staff will usually assist with this). You will usually be sleeping in close proximity to each other, so a pair of earplugs and an eye-mask are well worth packing.
• The Irkeshtam Pass is one of central Asia's most remote crossings, only opened to foreign visitors in the last few years. The road to the pass is in poor condition and we should be prepared for an hour or so of rough travel; this is why we use such hardy vehicles as the region is so rugged. There are several variables here - dependent on the mood of the border officials we may be able to take our Kyrgyz vehicles across 'no-man's land' or it may be necessary for the group to travel on Chinese vehicles waiting to pick us up to do the crossing. Our tour leader will advise on the day and make any necessary arrangements for the crossing - although the procedure may seem haphazard there is no cause for concern since it is in everyone's interest to ensure safe passage of foreign visitors. Please pay careful attention to the information provided by our tour leader and do not hesitate to ask for clarification if you are unsure about the process.
• On arrival in China, we are greeted by our Chinese team, complete border formalities (which can take some time!) and then continue to Kashgar. Also known as Kashi, this is considered the 'crown jewel' of the Silk Road. The Irkeshtam Pass is a rugged and challenging crossing, so we must expect the unexpected. Please be prepared for some delays and remember to bring your spririt of adventure - this is likely to be one of the more challenging days of your journey.

Day 28-29: Kashgar

Meals included: 2 breakfasts

Accommodation: Chini Bagh Hotel or similar, Kashgar

Activities:

• Situated at an altitude of 1289 metres at the end of the spectacular Karakoram Highway from Pakistan, Kashgar is still an important trading centre. It first fell into Chinese hands nearly 1000 years ago when extensions to the Great Wall and explorations along the Silk Road opened the area to trade. When the Han Dynasty collapsed, an interregnum followed until the town was captured briefly for the Tang Dynasty before falling again, this time into Arab hands. The great Genghis Khan occupied the city in 1219, and Marco Polo was reputedly a visitor here in 1265. With the downfall of the Mongols, the town was incorporated into Timur's empire before entering another period of instability, this time lasting 350 years.
• We enjoy a city tour, including the old town, the Abakh Hoja Tomb and the Id Kah Mosque.
• The following day we experience one of the greatest market days in the world - the Kashgar Sunday Market. The colourful Sunday Market sees the town come alive as merchants from near and far bring in their wares. It is a photographer's dream with the endless stream of fascinating faces and varied activities taking place. The Sunday Market is divided into two markets. In the animal market where you will see traders barter for lambs, goats cattle and sometimes even camels. The other market is everything else under the sun from silk, to exotic foods to musical instruments!

Day 30-31: Urumqi – Heavenly Lake - overnight train

Meals included: 2 breakfasts

Accommodation: Boertala Hotel or similar, Urumqi

Activities:

• We fly to Urumqi and are met by our China tour leader.
• Urumqi is the capital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, a multi-national province with many languages, customs and colourful ethnic traditions. The city is China's gateway to central Asia with air links to all of the former Soviet 'stans' and is also widely regarded as 'the city farthest from the ocean'.
• We visit the large and fascinating Xinjiang Autonomous Region Museum, which houses an amazing collection of Silk Road artifacts and treasures including some incredibly well-preserved mummified bodies.
• On Day 31 we make a day trip out of Urumqi to a totally different world. Lake of Heaven (Tianchi) resembles a little piece of Swiss alpine scenery with hills covered by fir trees and the area dotted with tiny Kazak settlements. The local people live in tent-like structures made from animal skin, known as yurts. In winter the road becomes impassable due to snow.
• In the evening we return to Urumqi and catch the overnight sleeper train to Xian.

Day 32-34: Xian - overnight train

Meals included: 2 breakfasts

Accommodation: City Hotel or similar, Samarkand

Activities:

• We travel on the train for a full day and arrive in Xian just before midnight.
• Xian is a wonderful place to explore. Food options are excellent here, ranging from delicious Muslim fare to great little dumplings in Chinese cafes.
• Widely regarded as the first capital of a united China in 221 BC, the city is rich in history.
• A half-day tour to the renowned Terracotta Warriors introduces us to these entombed statues, considered one of the most important archaeological finds of the 20th century. Over 6000 of them were individually sculpted from clay, each having a different costume, height, and even facial expression.
• Xian also has a wonderful Muslim Quarter.
• A free day can easily be spent wandering the narrow streets where we find quaint shops, lively markets, groups of white-bearded men in skull caps sipping tea in dingy cafes, and the Great Mosque, one of the most important in China.
• On the late afternoon of Day 34, we catch the overnight sleeper-class train to Beijing.

Day 35-36: Beijing

Meals included: 1 breakfast

Accommodation: Dong Fang Hotel or similar, Beijing

Activities:

• Beijing offers endless opportunities for exploration.
• The enormous Forbidden City, built more than 500 years ago and off limits to commoners for almost all that time, is a truly amazing place. Its size might surprise you (it is huge!), but what makes it fascinating is that every square meter is interesting, ranging from intricately carved walkways to colourful, painted ceilings. The Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace are other fine examples of extraordinary workmanship.
• You will visit one of the best-preserved parts of the Great Wall. The Jinshanling section used to serve as the northern barrier defending the capital and the imperial tombs. Being perched on this incredible engineering feat and surveying the spectacular surrounding countryside is an unforgettable experience.
• There is ample free time in the itinerary, allowing you to make your own discoveries.
• Our hotel is located in the south of the city and a walk in any direction will unveil all sorts of wonderful surprises.
• There are good shopping opportunities at the various markets around the city, such as the centrally located Dashilan Market.
• In the evening, you have the chance to enjoy a performance of the unique Beijing Opera (optional).

Day 37: Beijing

Meals included: 1 breakfast

Activities:

• Our epic tour ends after breakfast today.
• A transfer to the airport is not included; however, your tour leader will be on hand to advise you as to the options available.

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Your Trip

What's Included

Local tour leader, local guides, arrival transfer, transport, sightseeing and entrance fees.

Summary of accommodation, transport & meals

Transport

• 4WD vehicle
• Donkey or Cow cart
• Minibus
• Private aircon bus
• Sleeper train

Accommodation

• 17 nights Comfortable hotel
• 9 nights Guesthouse
• 8 nights Sleeper train
• 1 night Homestay

Meals

• 30 breakfasts
• 5 lunches
• 2 dinners

Equipment Included

• bedding provided (sleeping bags not needed)
• camping equipment

Not Included

International flights, departure taxes, departure transfer, visas, insurance, other meals, drinks, optional additional tours or activities during free time, tips and items of a personal nature.

 

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Important Information

Travelling in Iran requires some special considerations due to the strict laws and cultural expectations of the country. For example alcohol and certain 'immoral' books/images are strictly forbidden. There are also extremely strict codes of dress and behaviour - particularly for women. There are extensive notes on obtaining your visa and travelling in Iran in this documents - please consult these carefully and contact your agent or us if you have any queries.

Infrastructure and Itinerary Changes

The countries you are visiting are all developing countries whose infrastructure, values, customs and standards differ from what you are used to at home. Please bear this in mind as you are travelling in this exciting country and respect the fact that you should not impose your standards and expectations on the culture there. The driving habits in these places are something for which you ought to prepare yourself for!

Occasionally it may be necessary to amend this itinerary for reasons beyond our control, such as bad weather and poor road conditions. Changes to train schedules can sometimes occur, which may also lead to changes to this itinerary.

Travelling During Chinese Holiday Periods

When travelling during local holiday periods, be prepared for some inconveniences. This is especially so during China's Spring Festival holiday period (Chinese New Year) and the National Day Golden Week.

2013 is the Year of the Snake. In 2014 Chinese New Year day will be on Friday 31st January, ushering in the Year of the Horse. All days from 30th January to 5th February 2014 are designated as public holidays. In 2015 Chinese New Year will be on 19th February (Year of the Sheep) and in 2016 it will be on 8th February (Year of the Monkey). The greeting in Mandarin for ‘Happy New Year’ is ‘Gong Xi Fa Cai’, whilst the greeting in Cantonese is ‘Gong Hey Fat Choy’. China’s National Day is on 1st October and this ushers in a 7-day national holiday known as Golden Week. During these holiday periods, most businesses will be closed as the local people usually spend this period returning to their homes and celebrating with their families. This will involve a major burden on all forms of transport, and despite booking in advance, tickets for planes and trains especially are extremely difficult to obtain. Even if bookings are obtained, transport services during this period will be overcrowded and heavy delays are to be expected, so you will need to make sure that you pack your sense of humour. In order to facilitate your travels during these holiday periods, we may need to substitute your train/plane journey with a private bus trip, if required.

Local Tour Leaders

By employing and training local tour leaders to lead our group holidays, there is a two-fold benefit. Firstly, we provide employment opportunities for the local community. Just as importantly is the benefit to you, the traveller. Your tour leader’s friendship, humour, passion and intimate knowledge of the region will be key factors in making your holiday a success.

Adventure

This is an ‘adventure’ trip and we hope to expose you to all aspects of the local culture. Please be open-minded. Please note that on your tour, you may link up with passengers booked on other tours in our Asia program.

About this Information

The information provided here is given in good faith and has been compiled with all reasonable care. However, things change and some of the information may become out of date. Please keep this in mind when you read it and check with us if you want to be sure about something. The document was correct at time of printing, but you can check online for the most up to date version.  If you have any queries, please contact your travel agent or our staff in Australia. We are here to help you!

Last Updated

11 April 2013

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