Wendy Wu China tours
Country Duration

Silk Road Explorer

In Marco Polo's Footsteps

Great_Wall Terracotta_Warriors Buddhist_Site Beautiful_Scenery Desert Temples_&_Palaces UNESCO_World_Heritage Cultural_Show Shopping  
Great Wall of China Terracotta Warriors Buddhist Site Beautiful Scenery Desert Temples & Palaces UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Show Shopping  

In Marco Polo's Footsteps

27 days from $ 5690

Silk Road Explorer

Follow in the footsteps of the great Marco Polo and discover the fascinating history of the Chinese Silk Road on our Silk Road Explorer group tour. As you travel this centuries-old route, you will witness firsthand the unique record of strong Muslim and Buddhist influence on the region. During the Silk Road Explorer group tour, you will be able to explore a number of ancient forts rich with Chinese history and breathtakingly beautiful desert oases. You will walk along the far western end of the wondrous Great Wall of China and experience the famous Sunday Market in Kashgar, culminating a truly unique vacation in China.

The Silk Road Explorer group tour reaches a maximum altitude of 10,200ft at Xiahe

Included in the price

Included in the price of your Wendy Wu Silk Road Explorer Group Tour

• International flights from the USA and taxes
Included in your Silk Road Explorer tour are flights to and from China. All flights leave from the United States and are all included in the price of your group tour.

• Local transportation in China
Our group tours have all domestic transport included in your group tour price. All your transportation is covered when you book with Wendy Wu.

• Accommodations in China
Wendy Wu books and confirms all the accommodations for your China vacation. You will stay at some of the most iconic and beautiful hotels China has to offer.

• All meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy the Chinese cuisine on your Silk Road Explorer tour without worrying about the cost, when you book a group tour with Wendy Wu all your meals are included in the tour price.

• Touring with guides and entrance fees
Our group tours to China feature a wide range of sights and places to visit. From ancient locations to modern cities, China has everything to offer, and it’s all included in your group tour when you book through Wendy Wu.

• Visa fees for USA residents
Wendy Wu group tours include all Visa fees for China for USA residents.

Days 1-2 : US – Xian

Fly overnight to Xian.

Day 3 : Xian

Visit one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century – the Terracotta Warriors, followed by a walk along the Ancient City Wall.

Day 4 : Xian

Visit the renowned Shaanxi Museum which is home to thousands of priceless relics. We also stroll through the lively Muslim Quarter, past the Great Mosque to explore the Islamic food markets before boarding the overnight train to Lanzhou.

Days 5-6 : Arrive Lanzhuo

Arrive in Lanzhou and transfer to our hotel. Wander through the park by the Yellow River before visiting the Baita (White) Temple, which sits high above the river. In the evening, we sample the local hand-stretched noodles. The next day, transfer by speedboat on picturesque Lioujiaxia Lake to visit the renowned Bingling Caves where Silk Road travellers have carved their artwork into the cliff face for many centuries

Day 7-8 : Lanzhou to Xiahe

Travel by coach through the scenic Jishi Mountain Pass to Xiahe, set in a beautiful valley known as ‘Little Tibet’. The next day, visit the mystical Labrang Monastery of the Gelugpa sect, which is home to over 1200 monks. We also tour the rolling pastures of Sangke Grasslands where wild flowers flourish.

Days 9-10 : Lanzhou to Jiayuguan

Return to Lanzhou and board the overnight train to Jiayuguan arriving the next day. Visit Jiayu Fortress, set between the snow-capped Red Mountains in the south and the Black Mountains in the north and then walk along the western end of the Great Wall.

Day 11 : Dunhuang

Travel by coach to the beautiful oasis city of Dunhuang, which is located at the edge of the Taklamakan Desert.

Days 12-13 : Dunhuang

Visit the world famous Buddhist murals and sculptures of the Magao Grottoes. The next day, tour Crescent Moon Spring and see the spectacular Singing Sand Dunes, which offer some of the most dramatic scenes found along the Silk Road. Later we board the overnight train to the oasis city of Turpan.

Day 14-15 : Arrive Turpan

Arrive in Turpan in the morning. Visit the ancient ruined city of Jiaohe and admire the Flaming Mountains. The next day, see the Emin Minaret, visit local homes at Grape Valley and marvel at the 2000 year old Kerez Irrigation Canals.

Days 16-19 : The Silk Road to Kashgar

Over the next four days, we travel along the original Silk Route through the Xinjiang Region, viewing ruins and sights largely unvisited by other tourists. We travel to Kurla to visit the ruins of the Iron Fortress and tour the ruins of Subashi, arriving in Kuqa where we will visit the remains of the old City Wall. The next day we visit the Kyzil Thousand Buddha Caves before travelling to Aksu and then on to Kashgar.

Days 20-21 : Kashgar

Kashgar is an ancient market town and once the flourishing centre of the Silk Road. This fabled city embraces a rich mix of people and cultures which create a truly central Asian atmosphere. Sightseeing today includes visits to the Abakh Hoja Tomb and the Id Kah Mosque. We also explore the old alleys that intertwine around Id Kah Square. The next day, explore the world’s largest Sunday Bazaar. We also visit the livestock market, where huge crowds of donkey carts, horse carriages, animals and people of many races and cultures gather to haggle and trade. Later we fly to Urumqi.

Days 22 : Urumqi

Travel to Tian Chi (Heavenly Lake) for breathtaking views of the crystal clear water at the top of a stunning mountain range. In the evening we enjoy a traditional meal of Uyghur Lamb Skewers.

Days 23-25 : Urumqi to Beijing

Fly to Beijing; visit the Great Wall, Forbidden City and Summer Palace.

Days 26 : Beijing - USA

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight to the US.

Dates and Prices

Depart US Arrive US Price pp from  
30 Aug 2013 24 Sep 2013 $5,890
13 Sep 2013 8 Oct 2013 $5,890
27 Sep 2013 22 Oct 2013 $5,890
25 Apr 2014 20 May 2014 $6,190
9 May 2014 3 Jun 2014 $6,190
29 Aug 2014 23 Sep 2014 $6,390
26 Sep 2014 21 Oct 2014 $6,390

Tour departs Friday and returns Wednesday

  • Prices are fully inclusive from the US
  • Based on Los Angeles departures
  • Regional departures available from many US cities
  • Flight upgrades available on request
  • Land only available upon reqiest (Beijing - Beijing)
  • Single supplement from $1090
  • Tipping payable locally $95 for 2012 departures.
Important note: Outbound and return dates may vary from those shown based upon selected airline and departure point. You will be advised of your specific flight schedule at the time of reservation.

Hong Kong Extension - 4D/3N

Hong Kong Extension

    This itinerary can easily be added after most of our China tours.

    Day 1: Arrive Hong Kong
    You will be met at Hong Kong Airport and transferred to your hotel.

    Day 2: Hong Kong
    Enjoy a half day island tour visiting Victoria Peak, Stanley Market, Aberdeen Fishing Village and an optional sampan ride (paid locally). The afternoon is at leisure. (B)

    Day 3: Hong Kong
    A free day to enjoy the delights of this vibrant city as you wish. (B)

    Day 4: Depart Hong Kong
    Transfer to Hong Kong Airport. (B)

    Hotel Prices:
    Price is per person based on:
    3* accommodations from $390pp
    4* accommodations from $490pp
    5* accommodations from $690pp

    Price from $ 390.00pp

    Other Supplement from:

    Tour departs any day subject to availability

    Single supplement from $260pp
    Sole passenger price from $650pp
    Includes accommodation,local transportation and touring
    by motorcoach, entrance fees, guides and meals as stated
    Excludes flights, departure taxes, visas and tipping
    Price is subject to seasonal variation

Hong Kong & Lantau Island - 4D/3N

Hong Kong & Lantau Island

    This itinerary can be easily added after most of our China tours.

    Day 1: Arrive Hong Kong
    Transfer to your hotel.

    Day 2: Hong Kong
    Enjoy a half day island tour visiting Victoria Peak, Stanley Market, Aberdeen Fishing Village and an optional sampan ride (paid locally). The afternoon is at leisure. (B)

    Day 3: Lantau Island
    Begin with a ferry ride across the Victoria Harbour to Silvermine Bay to visit beautiful Cheung Sha beach and Tai O Fishing Village. Then travel to Ngong Ping Plateau to see the Giant Buddha and explore Po Lin Monastery where you'll enjoy a vegetarian lunch. Later, visit Ngong Ping Village before a ride aboard the Skyrail cable car. (B,L) If the cable car is canceled due to weather or any other reason, alternative transportation will be arranged.

    Day 4: Depart Hong Kong
    Transfer to Hong Kong Airport. (B)

    Hotel Prices:
    Price is per person based on:
    3* accommodations from $540pp
    4* accommodations from $640pp
    5* accommodations from $840pp

    Price from $ 540.00pp

    Other Supplement from:

    Tour departs any day subject to availability

    Single supplement from $260pp
    Sole passenger price from $650pp
    Includes accommodation,local transportation and touring
    by motorcoach, entrance fees, guides and meals as stated
    Excludes flights, departure taxes, visas and tipping
    Price is subject to seasonal variation

Hong Kong & Macau - 4D/3N

Hong Kong & Macau

    This itinerary can easily be added after most of our China tours

    Day 1: Arrive Hong Kong
    Transfer to your hotel.

    Day 2: Hong Kong
    Enjoy a island tour visiting Victoria Peak, Stanley Market, Aberdeen Fishing Village and an optional
    sampan ride (paid locally). (B)

    Day 3: Macau
    Travel by hydrofoil to Macau. Visit the ruins of the St. Paul's Church, Ama Temple, Macau Museum (closed Mondays) and a local casino (minimum age 18). Return by hydrofoil to Hong Kong. (B,L)

    Day 4: Depart Hong Kong
    Transfer to Hong Kong Airport. (B)

    Hotel Prices:
    Price is per person based on:
    3* accommodations from $590pp
    4* accommodations from $690pp
    5* accommodations from $890pp

    Price from $ 590.00pp

    Other Supplement from:

    Tour departs any day subject to availability

    Single supplement from $260pp
    Sole passenger price from $650pp
    Includes accommodation,local transportation and touring
    by motorcoach, entrance fees, guides and meals as stated
    Excludes flights, departure taxes, visas and tipping
    Price is subject to seasonal variation

This document is designed to be read in conjunction with the other pre-departure information provided by Wendy Wu Tours including the tour itinerary as described in our brochure and/or website. It aims to provide a straightforward description of the physical activities involved in sightseeing or travelling during the tour.

If there are any particular challenges, from the length of time spent on your feet, the length of drives and flights, to the standard of remote accommodation for our more adventurous tours; they will be explained here.

All passengers must read this document to ensure the itinerary is suitable for their interests and physical capabilities. This is not your final itinerary and therefore does not mention all the sites visited. The order of sightseeing is subject to change.