18-DAYS SILK ROAD ADVENTURE

* VCIT EXPERIENCES *

Shanghai - Kashi - Urumqi - Turpan - Dunhuang - Lanzhou - Xi'an

Re-track the footsteps of many ancient silk traders. Revisit the paths that connected

the West and the East in history. Enjoy the variety of local gourmets and a simply

fascinating journey.

ITINERARY

More than 2,000 years ago, Chinese and foreign merchants shipped silk and other goods from the ancient Chinese capital of Changan (now Xi'an) to Central Asia and the coasts of the Mediterranean, paving a channel for exchanges of oriental and western goods and cultures. The Silk Road in China is 4,000 km long. Along this golden route live peoples from more than 40 ethnic groups. Travelers visiting the Silk Road will gain insight into the colorful local customs and natural scenery of northwest China.

                                                       Silk Road Map

DAY01  HOME CITY - SHANGHAI

Board your transpacific flight form Canada. Cross the international dateline. Enjoy your in-flight entertainment.

DAY02  SHANGHAI

Arrive Shanghai in the afternoon. Welcome to Shanghai, the largest gateway city of China. Your national guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to 4-star hotel. (D)

DAY03  SHANGHAI

Whole day free at leisure. Optional tour in Shanghai available upon request. (B)

DAY04  SHANGHAI - URUMQI

Today you will tour Yu Garden and the Bund. Depart in the afternoon to Urumqi. Upon arrival, meet and transfer to hotel.  (B/L/D)

DAY05  URUMQI

Today's highlights include a tour of the Provincial Museum and the Heavenly Lake amid mountain peaks. Visit a local Uigur family in the afternoon. A tour of an interesting carpet factory is also on the agenda. (B/L/D)

DAY06  URUMQI - KASHI

This morning you will watch an exciting Nanshan Horse Race and visit a local free market. Take a domestic flight to Kashi. Meet and transfer to hotel. (B/L/D)

DAY07  KASHI

Kashi is the western-most city in China. Almost all residents are Uigurs. Sunday Bazaar has been a very important event in the daily life of local people for over 2,000 years. You will also visit the Aitika Grand Mosque and the Fragrant Concubine's Tomb. A delicious local flavor dinner is planned. (B/L/D)

DAY08  KASHI - URUMQI

See the 17^th century Abakh Hoja Mausoleum and visit a local family. Return to Urumqi by flight in evening. (B/L/D)

DAY09 URUMQI - TURPAN

After breakfast, take a scenic coach ride to Turpan. Turpan is 504 feet below sea level, an oasis in the Gobi Desert. (B/L/D)

DAY10  TURPAN - LIUYUAN

An extraordinary day of sightseeing of the underground irrigation system, which has been in use for over 2,000 years. It still carries water from the surrounding snow capped mountains to the fields of the oasis that produces Chine's best grapes and melons. Your tour also includes the Grape Valley. Take a overnight train ride to Liuyuan. (Soft sleeper class/4 berths in one private compartment). (B/L/D)

DAY11 LIUYUAN - DUNHUANG

Arrive Liuyuan, continue your trip en-route to Dunhuang,  where the silk route splits into north and south roads.  You will tour the amazing Sand Dunes. Overnight in Dunhuang. (B/L/D)

DAY12  DUNHUANG

Mogao Grottos in Dunhuang are world famous for their rich archaeological findings and vividly colored mural paintings of more than 1,000 years old. Flashlight is needed to see details of the mural paintings as these caves are not lit due to preservation reasons. You will also tour the Crescent Moon lake. (B/L/D)

DAY13  DUNHUANG - JIAYUGUAN

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic coach ride to Jiayuguan. Upon arrival visit the famous Jiayuguan Pass, the western end of the Great Wall.  (B/L/D)

DAY14  JIAYUGUAN - LANZHOU

Depart via domestic flight to Lanzhou. Take a boat ride on the Yellow River to see Bingling Temple on the river bank (B/L/D)

DAY15  LANZHOU - XI'AN

Fly to Xi'an. Visit the ancient City Wall and the Wild Goose Pagoda. (B/L/D)

DAY16 XI'AN

Full day tour of the Terra Cotta Warriors Museum, the Huaqing Hot Springs and the Bangpo Neolithic Commune Museum. Enjoy a Tang Dynasty Music Show after dinner. (B/L/D)

DAY17 XI'AN - BEIJING

Fly to Beijing. A half day city tour will be arrange. (B/L/D)

DAY18 BEIJING - HOME CITY

Free morning to relax or pack up your bargains. Transfer to airport. Say good-bye to China as you board return flight to Vancouver and connect homeward flight. (B)

Departure Date & Tour Cost: 

2008 :     22th Mar;     19th Apr      13th Sep;      11th Oct;          25th Oct ;         Cad$ 3699

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: CAD$800

Tour Cost include :

*    Air fare as schedule shown on itinerary

*    3/4 stars hotel accommodation and hotel taxes

*    Ground transportation with air-conditioned coach

*    Guided sightseeing, admission fee for attractions and cultural shows

*    English speaking tour guide

Tour Cost Does Not Include:

• China Visa Issuance ( CAD$70 / US$100 )
• Airport departure taxes, airport security taxes and airfare tax 
• Tipping and expenses of a personal nature