2010 China Silk Road 13 days (HCF)

Prices: $2,580 (based on twin occupancy / land only)

Single Supplement: $780

Departure: Sep 18 / Oct 16

Travel cities: Beijing, Urumqi, Turpan, Dunhuang, Xian, Shanghai

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itinerary 

Day 1: Hometown Canada - Beijing

Being your adventure from your hometown - Canada to Beijing.

Day 2: Beijing

Arrive in Beijing, the capital city of China. You will be greeted and transferred to hotel. 
Hotel: 5* Oriental Bay Hotel or similar

Day 3: Beijing / Urumqi

After breakfast, stop by the Bird's Nest Olympic Stadium and the Olympic Aquatic Center before taking flight for Urumqi - capital of Xinjiang Autonomous Region. (B/L/D)
Hotel: 5* Hoi Tak Hotel or similar

Day 4: Urumqi

In the morning, we will visit the new Xinjiang Uighur Automomous Region Museum and stop by the Red Mountain for a panoramic view of the city. In the afternoon, you will climb the Heavenly Mountain by bus and boat cruise at Heavenly Lake. (B/L/D)

Day 5: Urumqi / Turpan

Depart for Turpan - the capital of the 2nd century state which brought Buddhism from India to China. Visit the ancient Karez Wells - a sophisticated underground irrigation system dating from the Han Dynasty. The Grand Mosque and Gaochang Ruins - the capital city of Gaochang Uighur Kingdom and an important gateway of the silk road. Tonight enjoy the Uygur Minority Show. (B/L/D)
Hotel: Grand Turpan Hotel or similar

Day 6: Turpan / Dunhuang

Visit the Flaming Mountains and the Bizalkik Thousand Buddha Caves. The Grape Valley where you'll sample some of the sweetest grapes and melons. After dinner board on overnight train to Dunhuang. (B/L/D)
Overnight Train (soft sleeper, 4 persons per cabin)

Day 7: Dunhuang

Your train will pull in to Dunhuang station in the morning. Dunhuang was one of the Silk Road's most important trading posts. Your afternoon tour will take you to the famous Magao Caves hollowed out of a cliff face in the desert southeast of Dunhuang. The 492 surviving grottoes are lined with Buddhist carvings, gilt and frescoes dating back to 366 A.D. (B/L/D)
Hotel: 4* Silk Road Dunhuang Hotel or similar

Day 8: Dunhuang / Jiayuguang

This morning you will visit the Singing Sand Dunes (Mingsha Hill) and Crescent Moon Spring. Board a camel to reach a splendid view of the entire are from atop the dunes. Afternoon we transfer to Jiayuguang. (B/L/D)

Hotel: Jiayuguang Hotel or similar

Day 9: Jiayuguang / Xian

Today you will visit Jiayuguan Fort - which marks the western end of the Great Wall on the edge of the desert. The 6th century Wei Dynasty tombs and Jiuguan (Wine Spring) with its imposing Bell and Drum Tower. Afternoon flight to Xian. (B/L/SD)
Hotel: 5* Sunshine Hotel or similar

Day 10: Xian

Tour one of the most amazing archaeological finds of the 20th Century - The Terra Cotta Warriors Museum - the burial grounds of Emperor Qingshi Huangdi with its thousands of life-sized warriors and horses assembled to guard his afterlife. After lunch, visit the Ancient City Wall. Tonight, you will be treated to a traditional Xian special Dumpling Banquet followed by a very colourful Tang Dynasty Show. (B/L/SD)

Day 11: Xian / Shanghai

Morning flight to Shanghai. Visit Yu Garden the heart of old Shanghai. Promenade along The Bund and wander around People's Square. Time left for shopping along the Nanjing Road precinct. This evening you'll enjoy an amazingly skilful Chinese acrobatic show. (B/L/D)
Hotel: 5* Sky Fortune Hotel or similar

Day 12: Shanghai

Transfer to Shanghai Expo with admission fee included and free time to visit. At designated time in the afternoon, the coach will send you back to your hotel. Own arrangement for lunch and dinner. (B)

*For tours in April, you will be going on an excursion to Zhujiajao, a river-town near Shanghai in the morning. Afternoon free at leisure. (B/L)

Day 13: Shanghai - Hometown Canada

After a hotel breakfast you will be transferred to Shanghai's airport for your flight back home. (B)

** Due to possible airline rescheduling, the itinerary is subject to change **

Package excludes:
International airfare, airport taxes and fuel surcharge

China Visa

Travel insurance
Personal expenses

Prepaid gratuities: CAD$150 per person