Australian-China Friendship Society in Association with Travman Tours

Ancient Silk Road by Private China Orient Express

6-17 September 2013

In ancient times, the Silk Road was China’s link with central Asia and Europe. We retrace this epic route by the privately chartered Orient Express, unveiling the mystery and excitement of this legendary route as it takes us through desolate mountains and deserts, through bustling bazaars and crumbling mud-brick towns.

Beijing – Luoyang – Xian – Tianshui – Jiayuguan – Dunhuang – Turpan – Urumqi

Price per person at twin share basis:

Ex Melbourne, Sydney or Perth: $3,820
Ex Brisbane: $4,080
Single room supplement: $1,520

* Passengers ex Melbourne depart on 5 Sep, return on 18 Sep. Passengers ex Sydney or Perth, depart on 6 Sep, return on 18 Sep. Passengers ex Brisbane depart on 5 Sep, return on 19 Sep.

Inclusions:

China Southern Airline economy class return airfares & taxes
5 nights superior twin share cabin on China Orient Express Train
6 nights 4 -5 star twin share hotel accommodation
All transfers, sightseeing tours as specified in the itinerary
English speaking national escort on the train
Local English speaking guides
Daily breakfast, 10 lunches, 10 dinners
Peking duck, Tang Dynasty dinner & show
Chinese visa application fee
Local tipping

Price and itinerary is subject to change without notice. To make a booking, a non-refundable deposit $450 per person is required with a completed booking form. Final balance is payable 90 days prior to the departure. Booking terms and conditions apply.

Itinerary

6 Sep 13 FRI Fly Australia – Beijing

Board China Southern Airline flight to Beijing. Upon arrival you will be met & transferred to Beijing Sheraton Hotel or similar for one night.

7 Sep 13 SAT Train Beijing – Luoyang

This morning tour the magnificent Forbidden City, the imperial residence for the Qin and Ming emperors. After a tasteful Peking duck lunch, we ride the pedi-cab to explore the local historical Hutongs. Next, after dinner board the chartered China Orient Express train departing Beijing Rail Station.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Superior Twin cabin, China Orient Express

8 Sep 13 SUN Luoyang – Xian

Upon early arrival at Luoyang, the City of Peony, we will get off the train and will be picked up and drive to the Shaolin Temples, the cradle of Chinese martial arts, explore the historical temples, watch Kongfu Show and taste the vegetarian lunch. Later tonight we board on the Orient Express for Xian.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Superior Twin cabin, China Orient Express

9 Sep 13 MON Xian

After breakfast our train arrives at Xian, China’s most important ancient city and the starting point of the Ancient Silk Road. Next, climb the Ancient City Wall and have a stroll on it. This afternoon visit the iconic Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Tonight enjoy the spectacular Tang Dynasty dinner and show.
Meals: Breakfast, Peking duck lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Xian Sheraton Hotel or similar

10 Sep 13 TUE Xian – Tianshui

Today’s highlight is the Terracotta Warriors, one of the greatest historical discoveries in the world. This afternoon stroll in the picturesque Hot Spring Park. Later tonight our train departs for Tianshui.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Superior Twin cabin, China Orient Express

11 Sep 13 WED Tianshui – Jiayuguan

Upon early arrival, we will get off the train and tour Maiji Grottoes, one of the four historical grottoes in China, with more than 7000 stone carvings. Next board China Orient Express heading to Jiayuguan
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Superior Twin cabin, China Orient Express

12 Sep 13 THU Jiayuguan

Upon early morning arrival at Jiayuguan, a city with a history of more than 600 years, the western end of the Great Wall. Tour the Great Wall and the ancient City Tower.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Jiayuguan Holiday Inn Plaza pr similar

13 Sep 13 FRI Jiayuguan – Dunhuang

After breakfast, relax yourself on board until we get off the train at Dunhuang, an important historical city. Tour the Sand Dunes, experience the camel ride in the Gobi Desert and visit the Crescent Moon Spring. Tonight browse through the bustling local night markets before we check in our hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Dunhuang Hotel

14 May 13 SAT Dunhuang – Turpan

This morning we visit the World Cultural Heritage, Mogao Grottoes, one of the most significant cultural discoveries in the 20th Century. Later this afternoon we board the Orient Express train departing for Turpan.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Superior Twin cabin, China Orient Express

15 May 13 SUN Turpan – Urumqi

Upon early morning arrival at Turpan, we start to explore the ancient water irrigation system, an incredible ancient project, and the flaming mountains.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Urumqi Hoitak Hotel or similar

16 May 13 MON Urumqi

Take the day excursion to cruise on the Heavenly Lake, explore the breathtaking sceneries of the mountain ranges. Next visit the provincial museum and the bustling international bazaar.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Urumqi Hoitak Hotel or similar

17 Sep 13 TUE Fly Urumqi – Australia via Guangzhou

After breakfast, free at leisure to explore until transfer to the airport for flight to Guangzhou, then connect flight home.