Originally an ancient network of caravan trails across the snow-capped mountains and deserts of Central Asia, the Silk Route has been in existence for more than one thousand years. It was the trading route between Europe and the Far East. One of the main exports from China was silk hence the name of this particular route. So much history prevails along the Chinese portion of the Silk Route side by side a vast array of diverse scenery and people. The contrasts are many and will fascinate the curious traveller.

Day 2 - Wed. Beijing to Dunhuang. Fly today to Dunhuang, the gateway to Xinjiang Province. Here you may see mirages which led many ancient merchant caravans astray into the "desert of death". In the past ancient caravans from central China to the Western Region stopped at Dunhuang to replenish before they went into the Taklimakan Desert. Check into the first class Dunhuang Hotel. Afterwards, visit the Mingsha Sand Dunes. The dunes, sand-crusted hills dozens of meters high, stretch 40 km east to west, and 20 km south to north. When people slide down the hill, they hear the sighing of the sand. Visit the Crescent Moon Lake and have a ride on a camel. Dinner and overnight. Silk Road Hotel. BLD

Day 3 - Thu. Dunhuang to Turpan. Today, visit the Mogao Grottoes. Known as the Thousand Buddha Caves, 492 of these remain today. The caves at Mogao show a fascinating progression of art styles over the centuries, From the Northern and Western Wei periods (386-557 AD) on into the Tang dynasty (618-907) when the grottoes reached their artistic peak. Return to the hotel for dinner after which board the train for the overnight journey to Turpan. BLD

Day 4 - Fri. Turpan. Arrive in Turpan in the morning. An ancient oasis town along the Silk Road, Turpan stands at the very spot where the ancient caravan route split into the Northern and Southern routes. The city lies in the great Turpan depression, 154 meters below sea level. The climate is favorable for the growth of melons, grapes and other fruits. Visit today, the ancient Jiaohe city, a place that one had to pass through on the Silk Road, originally established in the 2nd Century AD and abandoned in the 14th Century. Also see the ancient Karez irrigation system. Oasis Hotel. BLD

Day 5 - Sat. Turpan/Urumqi/Kashgar. Visit the Astana Cemetery and the Bezeklik Caves. Later travel overland to Urumqi. From Urumqi, fly to Kashgar, the westernmost city in China. With its Uygur culture and exotic atmosphere. Visit a mosque and later enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Qinibagh Hotel (2 nights). BLD

Day 6 - Sun. Kashgar. Today is a highlight of the Silk Route. Visit the colourful Sunday Market at which everything from camels to spices is traded. You won't want to miss this! BLD

Day 7 - Mon. Kashgar to Urumqi. Fly back to Urumqi. On arrival, visit the Xinjiang Museum. Xinjiang Grand Hotel (2 nights). BLD

Day 8 Tue. Urumqi. Full day tour to Heavenly Lake with its natural beauty surrounded by majestic mountains. BLD

Day 9 Wed. Urumqi/Shanghai. Fly back to Eastern China. On arrival in Shanghai, transfer to your hotel for overnight. Salvo Hotel. B