Days 1-2
Depart on an overnight flight to Beijing, one of the most vibrant cities in Asia. The Peninsula Beijing

Day 3

Set off for a day in Beijing with a visit to the outstanding Capital Museum, which highlights ancient China's achievements against other contemporary cultures around the world. Continue with a pedicab ride through one of the city's hutongs (an old neighborhood of narrow, twisting lanes and courtyard buildings), followed by a visit to the rarely viewed Zhihua Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and among the most beautiful temples in Beijing. The Peninsula Beijing B L D

Day 4

This morning, fly west across the vast Gansu Corridor. Arrive in Dunhuang, China's Silk Road outpost and a significant way station on the main trade route between China and Central Asia since the first century BC. After settling in, enjoy visits to the Dunhuang Museum, in front of which are amazing carved figures depicting traders leading their camels as they travel along the Silk Road, and the Central Market, where you can buy everything from spices to jewelry to local silks. During the remainder of the day, experience an English class at a local high school. Later, enjoy a sunset camel ride among the dunes at Mingshashan. Dunhuang Hotel B L D
Day 5

The focus of today's activities are the outstanding Mogao Caves - best described as the world's largest repository of Buddhist art spanning more than 1,000 years of history. Explore select caves under the care of an expert guide. Dunhuang Hotel B L D

Day 6

This morning drive into the Gobi Desert to visit the 2,100 year old section of the Han Dynasty Great Wall, which stretches for more than six thousand miles. Also view the Jade Gate Pass, a strategic pass on the ancient Silk Road and the ruins of the great Yumen garrison. Later today, fly to Urümqi. Sheraton Urumqi Hotel B L D

Day 7

The morning is spent at the Xinjiang Museum, a large center for the collection and study of cultural artifacts of Xinjiang. This afternoon, visit the Erdaoqiao Bazaar, a traditional covered market, and Redhill Park (locally called Hong Shan) for a panoramic view of the city. Sheraton Urumqi Hotel B L D

Day 8

This morning, drive across the wide prairie that skirts the Tian Shan Mountains and descend down to Turfan. View the red sandstone hills of the Flaming Mountains on the northern edge of the Turpan Basin. Later visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Jiaohe Ancient City (Yarkoto), a once powerful city during the few hundred years preceding the Common Era. Jiaohe's ruins reveal its original structure, including its protective city walls (over 5,000 feet long), temples and headless statues of the Buddha throughout. Afterward, explore the Karez Irrigation Complex and the busy Turfan Bazaar. Tuha Petroleum Hotel B L D

Day 9

Visit the ancient city of Gaochang (Karakhoja), built in the second century BC, which features the Astana Tombs, only three of which are open to the public. Marvel at the beauty of the 18th-century Suleiman's Minaret before your flight to Kashgar, China's fabled city that sits on the edge of the Roof of the World, beneath the towering Pamirs, Karakorum and Hindu Kush Mountains. Kashgar International Hotel B L D

Day 10

Sunday is market day in Kashgar and this is possibly the largest and most colorful market in Asia. Enjoy a full morning taking in the sights and sounds of this unforgettable experience. After lunch walk through a typical Uyghur neighborhood and visit a local family.  Kashgar International Hotel B L D

Day 11

This morning view the tomb of Abjak Hoja and the Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in China, dating back to the 15th century. In the afternoon, walk through Old Town, whose architectural stylings have remained unchanged for centuries. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner.  Kashgar International Hotel B L D

Day 12

Today, fly back to Urümqi to connect with a flight to Shanghai.  Hyatt on the Bund B D

Day 13

Transfer to the airport to board your onward flight. B

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

10/09