Silk Road Explorer

Departures & Pricing

Cabin grades, balcony upgrades and pre-cruise hotel options are quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.

Itinerary

1. 1

   Fly overnight To Xian

   Days 1–2

   Fly overnight to Xian, the ancient former capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
2. 3

   Terracotta Warriors

   Gaze over the ranks of warriors and horses, each one unique, whilst your guide introduces you to these life-like soldiers' fascinating story. Later, enjoy a walking tour of the ancient city wall and explore the narrow and winding streets of the Muslim Quarter. Tonight, enjoy a traditional dumpling dinner and take an optional 'Xian by night' tour.
3. 4

   Train To Lanzhou

   Start the day with a visit to the ancient City Wall Park and Sculptures of Silk road. Later, board the bullet train to Lanzhou.
4. 5

   Explore Lanzhou

   Begin today with a leisurely walk along the Yellow River and then head to the hilltop Baita Temple for a moment of tranquillity. Along the river and in Baita Park you can see locals practising tai chi. Later, tuck into some delicious Lanzhou-style noodles made with hand stretched dough.
5. 6

   Lanzhou - Xiahe

   Today, cross Liujiaxia Lake by speed boat and head into the green hills around Liujiaxia to explore the extraordinary Thousand Buddha Caves of Bingling Temple and their wealth of Buddhist murals, statues and sculptures. Also visit the statue of Maitreya before driving to Xiahe, arriving in the early evening.
6. 7

   Labrang Monastery

   Giving a taste of the mysteries of Tibet, Labrang Monastery is a fascinating maze of prayer wheels, chapels and chortens. Dine on traditional Tibetan food for lunch, including Tibetan dumplings, known as momos.
7. 8

   Xiahe - Lanzhou

   Depart early this morning for the return drive through Lingsha to Lanzhou, which takes around 5 hours. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
8. 9

   Travel To Zhangye

   Return to Lanzhou and take the speedy bullet train to Zhangye, once an important commercial town along the Silk Road.
9. 10

   Rainbow Mountains

   Rise early this morning to witness the sunrise over the kaleidoscopic mountains in Danxia National Park. Return to Zhangye and visit the Giant Buddha Temple before boarding your bullet train to Jiayuguan.
10. 11

    Great Wall At Jiayuguan

    Seen as China's western gateway, Jiayuguan is the perfect place to get to grips with your Silk Road history. Visit the Jiayu Fortress and take a walk on the western extremes of the magnificent Great Wall for panoramic views over the starkly beautiful Gobi Desert.
11. 12

    City Of Sands

    Drive to Dunhuang. Located on a major trade and cultural crossroads, Dunhuang, known as the 'City of the Sands', sits in a verdant oasis on the edge of the Taklamakan Desert. Visit the Shazhou Night Market where you can wander amongst the stalls.
12. 13

    Mogao Grottoes

    A system of temples and sanctuaries, visit the Mogao Grottoes that exhibit wonderful examples of Buddhist paintings and statues that span thousands of years.
13. 14

    Singing Sand Dunes

    Visit Crescent Moon Spring, nestled amongst rolling dunes and the famous Singing Sand Dunes, a phenomenon produced by the wind blowing through grains of sand.
14. 15

    Turpan

    Take the bullet train to Turpan, a lush green oasis set in a barren landscape. An easy-going town famed for its grapes, its pleasant streets are lined with lush vine trellises.
15. 16

    Explore Turpan

    Visit the ruins of ancient Jiaohe and see the elegant Emin Minaret, the tallest in China.
16. 17

    Kurla

    Learn about the fascinating 2000-year-old Kerez irrigation canals and drive to Kurla.
17. 18

    Kurla to Kuqa

    Over the next 3 days travel along the original Silk Road through the Xinjian Region, viewing ruins and sights largely unvisited by tourists. Today, drive to Kuqa where you will visit the Subashi Ruins, a lost city of the Silk Road.
18. 19

    Kuqu to Aksu

    Drive to Aksu, stopping en-route at the Kyzil Thousand Buddha Caves, a spectacular caves built between 3rd and 8th centuries.
19. 20

    Aksu to Kashagar

    The journey continues through the Taklamakan Desert, along the ancient Silk Road, all the way to Kashgar.
20. 21

    Explore Kashgar

    Its skyline punctured by minarets, Kashgar feels a million miles from China – in fact, it feels a million miles from anywhere! Although now a modern city, the sights and sounds of Kashgar's bazaar have remained unchanged for millennia. Sightseeing today includes a visit to Abakh Hoja Tomb, Id Kah Mosque and stroll through the narrow atmospheric alleyways around Id Kah Square.
21. 22

    Kashgar Sunday Bazaar

    Dive headlong into Central Asia's largest bazaar. Within this riot of textures, vivid colours and traditional dress, you can browse hundreds of stalls selling anything from spices and carpets to boots and blenders. Later, fly to Urumqi.
22. 23

    Heavenly Lake

    Escape to the tranquillity of Tianchi (Heavenly Lake), formed in a crater. Visit a Kazak minority family in their yurt and spend some time learning about their way of life.
23. 24

    Urumqi

    Make a short visit to the Xinjiang Museum before flying to Beijing, China’s historic capital.
24. 25

    The Great Wall

    This morning is dedicated to China's most iconic sight – the Great Wall. In the afternoon, enjoy the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace as you wander through traditional Chinese gardens and see the exquisite architecture.
25. 26

    Imperial Beijing

    Head to Beijing's symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square and into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City where you will find a complex full of imperial treasures. Soak up the ambience of the Temple of Heaven, and in the evening, dine on Peking duck and enjoy a Chinese acrobatic show.
26. 27

    Fly Beijing To Australia

    Days 27–28

    Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.

Accommodation

Book this tour

Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.

You might also like

Package · Wendy Wu Tours · 19 nights

Silk Road Uncovered: Uzbekistan & Kyrgyzstan

• Discover Uzbekistan's dazzling mosques, grand madrassas, and bustling bazaars.
• Venture into Kyrgyzstan's snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes, and vast open steppe.
• Immerse yourself in the warm hospitality, rich traditions, and incredible food.

Departs 16 April, 2027 + More Dates

From $15,080 pp twin Was $15,180 pp

Discover more

Cruise · Wendy Wu Tours · 18 nights

China Uncovered

• Discover Beijing's Great Wall and Forbidden City.
• Marvel at the Terracotta Warriors in Xian.
• Cruise the scenic Li River and meet giant pandas.

Departs 8 October, 2026 + More Dates

From $9,280 pp twin Was $9,980 pp

Discover more

Cruise · Wendy Wu Tours · 12 nights

Glories of China

• Marvel at the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors and stroll along the majestic Great Wall.
• Unwind on a tranquil Li River cruise and explore the friendly town of Yangshuo.
• Enjoy expert guides, comprehensive inclusions, and unique cultural experiences.

Departs 1 September, 2026 + More Dates

From $6,780 pp twin Was $6,980 pp

Discover more