Day 1 - Australia / Beijing

Check in at the airport on your Air China/China Eastern/China Southern flight bound for Beijing. On arrival into Beijing and after completing all necessary Customs and Immigration formalities you will be met by your friendly China Holidays guide who will transfer you to Beijing Traditional View Hotel or similar where you will spend one night.

Day 2 - Beijing / Xi'an

Today, the highlight for many a visitor to Beijing a visit to The Great Wall at Badaling, undoubtedly one of the greatest man-made wonders of the world. In the afternoon visit the Forbidden City, home to two dynasties of Emperors spanning 500 years and Tiananmen Square, the heart of Beijing. If time permits there will also be a visit to the Silk Market where negotiation skills are put to the test as you seek out bargains. Afterwards, board your overnight sleeper train to the fomer capital of China, Xi'an. (B/L/D)

Day 3 - Xi'an
On arrival in Xi'an your China Holidays guide will be waiting to transfer you to Long Hai Hotel or similar where you will spend two nights. Remainder of the day is at leisure to soak up the atmosphere in this historic city. (B)

Day 4 - Xi'an
Today you will depart for the Terracotta Warriors Museum one of China’s top historical sites. Here you will see the magnificent Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shihuang which has been painstakingly restored by archaeologists. You will also visit the Banpo Neolithic Village, an archaeological museum preserved on the very site of discovery. In the evening you will get the opportunity to sample a Chinese dumpling banquet and a performance of a Tang Dynasty Cultural Show. (B/L/D)

Day 5 - Xi'an / Xining

Morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Xining and on arrival transfer to Xining sanjiangyuan Hotel or similar for two nights. (B)

Day 6 - Xining
After breakfast at your hotel we head out to visit Qinghai Lake, the largest salt water lake in China, where bird life is in abundance and then on to Sun and Moon Mountain surrounded by vast grasslands, this peaceful spot still remains mainly unspoiled. (B/L/D)

Day 7 - Xining / Lanzhou

Transfer to the station this morning for the three hour train journey to Lanzhou - the first major city situated on the Yellow River. As you travel you will get to see the contrasting scenery along the way. On arrival transfer to Lanzhou zijinhua Hotel or similar. This afternoon enjoy a tour of the city taking in the Iron Bridge, the Ancient Water Mill and a cruise on the mighty Yellow River. (B/L/D)

Day 8 - Lanzhou / Jiayuguan

Today you have the opportunity to relax with a free day before transferring to the station for your overnight train to Jiayuguan. (B)

Day 9 - Jiayuguan
On arrival in Jiayuguan, explore the city at the end of the Great Wall of China whilst visiting the Jiayuguan Pass, the Great Wall Museum and Jiayuguan Fort. Stay overnight at Jiayuguan taihe Hotel or similar. (B/L/D)

Day 10 - Jiayuguan / Dunhuang

After breakfast this morning we depart by private coach for the 400km journey through the desert to Dunhuang. Along the way, we will visit the ruins of Suoyang Castle at Anxi. On arrival check into Dunhuang yangguan Hotel or similar where you will stay overnight. (B/L/D)

Day 11 - Dunhuang / Turpan

Dunhuang has much to see and today you will visit the Mogao Cave; the Crescent Moon Lake; the sand dunes and there will be the opportunity to ride a camel. After dinner transfer to the station for the overnight train to Turpan. (B/L/D)

Day 12 - Turpan
On arrival transfer to the Turpan Hotel or similar for overnight. Discover the fertile Oasis that is Turpan by visiting the Gaochang Ruins, the Thousand Buddha Cave; the Karez irrigation system and the Flaming Mountains. (B/L/D)

Day 13 - Turpan / Urumqi

We reboard our coach today to travel North on to Urumqi where upon arrival we will check in at Central Asian Hotel or similar where you will spend two days. (B/L/D)

Day 14 - Urumqi
A morning tour of Urumqi today including the Museum of National Minorities and History housing the bodies from Turpan's Astana tombs and the Ardaoqiao Market, a covered street of textile and food stalls. Some free time this afternoon to relax and stay in Urumqi for another night. (B/L/D)

Day 15 - Urumqi / Kashgar

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the train station for your overnight train to Kashgar. Enjoy the spectacular views of sand dunes, mountain peaks and salt lakes along the way. (B)

Day 16 - Kashgar
On arrival in Kashgar, enjoy lunch. Afterwards, you will be transferred to visit the Abakh Hoja Tomb and the Id kah Mosque, before retiring to Chini Bagh Hotel or similar for the night. (B/L/D)

Day 17 - Kashgar / Urumqi
Today you have the opportunity to relax with a free day before transferring to the station for your overnight train to Urumqi. (B)

Day 18 - Urumqi
Arrive in Urumqi. After lunch, you will be transferred to visit the Heaven of Lake situated 2,000 metres above sea level on the stunnung Bagoda mountain. This large pristine lake is surrounded by Alpine meadows and snow-capped mountains. Scattered among the slopes are the Yurt encampments used by the Kazakh people. (L/D)

Day 19 - Urumqi / Beijing
This morning, farewell the Silk Road as you fly back to Beijing where on arrival you will be transferred to Hong Run Hotel or similar. In the evening enjoy a highlight dinner of Peking Duck; a great way to end an unforgettable trip. (B/D)

Day 20 - Depart Beijing
Today you depart Beijing and China as your guide meets you and transfers you to the airport for your onward flight. Check in aboard your Air China/China Eastern/China Southern flight bound for home. (B)

Day 21 - Arrive Australia
Welcome home after a fantastic 21 days trip to one of the most fascinating countries on the planet.

* Some departures may require you to depart Australia the day prior to the tour date with an overnight connection.

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