Compare Best of China by APT Touring vs Journey on the Silk Road by Himalayan Glacier Adventure
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 13 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 5,455 | $ 3,499 |
| Price Per Day | $ 420 | $ 292 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | River cruise | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Luxury | Standard |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Internal airfare and ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Be prepared to enjoy 13 days with 3 nights along the Yangtze River on board the Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer, small-group shore excursions, and exclusive access to local attractions beyond the tourist trail. |
The name Silk Road, introduced to the intrepid traveler’s vocabulary over a century ago by the Swedish explorer Sven Hedin, conjures up images of desert caravans, lush oases, snow-capped mountains, and colorful markets where exotic goods change hands amid the cacophony of even more exotic languages. A tour especially designed for real history lovers, Journey on the Silk Road promises enchantment and adventure and is one of the only few that covers all major points of the Silk Road. |
Day 1: Arrive Beijing
Be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. After settling in, the remainder of the day is yours at leisure. Later this evening, get to know your APT Tour Director and fellow travellers at a Welcome Reception.
Stay: Three Nights: Raffles Beijing Hotel
Day 2: Beijing
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Board a traditional vessel for a cruise around the World Heritage-listed Summer Palace in Beijing. Here you will find a variety of palaces, gardens and pavilions, as well as Longevity Hill and manmade Kunming Lake. Admire the scenery as you are served tea and cakes.
FREEDOM OF CHOICE - Sightseeing
Following dinner, you may choose to attend a fascinating Peking Opera show at Qianmen Liyuan Theatre, watch an exhilarating Kung Fu Show at the Red Theatre, or explore Silk Alley market. Your sightseeing begins today with a tour of Tiananmen Square. Enlarged to four times its original size in the 1950s, Tiananmen is the world’s largest city square. After the tour, head to the World Heritage-listed Forbidden City, the largest surviving palace complex on earth. Located within the Imperial City of Beijing, the Forbidden City was home to 24 Chinese emperors between 1420 and 1924. Entrance to the city was once at the sole discretion of the emperor, but today visitors are able to access this extraordinarily preserved site. Enjoy dinner at leisure.
Day 3: Beijing, Great Wall Of China
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Indulge in a private lunch at the Great Wall of China.
Today, set out for the Great Wall of China, which winds its way from the Yellow Sea up into the Gobi Desert for more than 6,000 kilometres. Travel back to Beijing this evening and indulge in an authentic Peking Duck banquet served with all the traditional accompaniments.
Day 4: Beijing, Yichang, Embark Ship
After the morning at leisure, transfer to the airport and fly to Yichang. On arrival, transfer to your luxury river ship and settle in for your cruise along the Yangtze River.
Stay: Four Nights: the luxurious Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer
Day 5: Xiling Gorge, Three Gorges Dam
Cruise along the Yangtze River through China’s most picturesque area, the spectacular Three Gorges region. Pass through the longest of the Three Gorges, Xiling Gorge, cruising through Yellow Ox Gorge and under Huangling Temple, built around 770 BC – 476 BC and set amid groves of orange and pomelo trees. Later this afternoon, arrive at the Three Gorges Dam and take a tour of the world’s largest engineering project. After the Captain’s Welcome Reception this evening, enjoy a special Welcome Dinner.
Day 6: Shennong Stream, Wu Gorge, Qutang Gorge
Disembark your ship at Badong and transfer by ferry to a traditional Chinese sampan (longboat). As you cruise on this longboat, poled by a local Tujia boatman, you’re able to absorb the serenity of the river and take in the rich surrounding forest and towering rock formations. After lunch back on board, continue to the tranquil and spectacular Wu Gorge. Noted for its sheer peaks and towering cliff faces, the gorge is surrounded by the Wu Mountains and is the second of the Three Gorges system. Later, your ship will graciously glide between the majestic Chijia Mountain and Baiyan Mountain to enter Qutang Gorge, the shortest, narrowest and most dramatic of the Three Gorges. Also considered the most beautiful, the two peaks of Qutang Gorge rise up alongside the Yangtze River some 1,300 metres. As you cruise past the south bank, look out for the ancient inscriptions that are engraved into the white chalk cliff faces. In the afternoon, there is the opportunity to attend a fun hands-on arts and crafts demonstration on board. This evening, you can indulge in a delicious dinner with your fellow guests and APT Tour Director.
Day 7: Fengdu Or Relocation Tour
Rise early to participate in a tai chi class atop the ship’s Observation Deck for a relaxing start to your day. Following breakfast, disembark for a tour of Fengdu, a graceful little ‘Ghost City’ that lies in the foothills of the mountains by the river. Fengdu is noted for its bustling markets and the many Buddha and Tao temples gathered on Ming Mountain. Alternatively, you may choose to take a ‘Relocation Tour’, which will give you an insight into the impact of the Three Gorges Dam project on local farming communities and the surrounding area. In the afternoon, choose from a range of activities. Perhaps attend a Chinese brush painting and calligraphy demonstration, learn how to play the ancient game of Mahjong, learn a few words of Mandarin, or participate in a dumpling making session run by the ship’s talented chef. In the evening, enjoy the Emperor’s Farewell Dinner, a Chinese banquet feast.
Day 8: Chongqing, Xi'an
Disembark your ship for the final time in Chongqing this morning. A strategic port since ancient times, Chongqing was established in the 11th century and has a dramatic history, having played a key role in World War II due to its mountainous landscape. Head to the Chongqing Zoo, where more than 200 varieties of wild and rare animals are on display, including the endangered Giant Pandas. This beautiful creature is fast replacing the dragon as China’s emblem and has been kept in zoos since the early Han Dynasty – over two thousand years ago. Later, visit a local restaurant for a hotpot lunch before transferring to the airport for your flight to Xi’an.
Stay: Two Nights: Xi’an, Shangri-La Hotel
Day 9: Xi’an, Terracotta Army
Today you will discover the attractions of Xi’an, one of the oldest cities in China with more than 3,000 years of history. The city was one of China’s Four Great Capitals and is the eastern point of the famous Silk Road. Visit the ancient city wall, one of the largest military defensive systems in the world, constructed in the 14th century during the early Ming Dynasty. Afterwards, travel to a clay factory where impressive terracotta soldiers are still made today. Spend the afternoon at the Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses and the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum. Here lie the three excavation pits where the collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the warriors of Qin Shi Huang, the First Emperor of China, were first unearthed by farmers in 1974. Watch a panoramic movie telling the story of the warriors and enjoy time to visit the three excavation pits where over 8,000 terracotta soldiers, horses, chariots and weapons are arranged in vast columns.
Day 10: Xi’an, Shanghai
Transfer to the airport and fly to Shanghai. On arrival, ride the high-speed Maglev train and watch the kilometres race towards an exhilarating 300 kilometres. Once predominantly a fishing and textiles town, rapid growth has seen Shanghai transform into a globally significant metropolis. Check in to your hotel overlooking the Huangpu River. Beyond the crisp cool veneer, Shanghai's architectural heritage is like nowhere else. From Jesuit cathedrals, Jewish synagogues and Buddhist temples to home-grown lòngtáng laneways and shíkùmén housing, lift the lid to a treasure chest of architectural style with time at leisure.
Stay: Three Nights: Shanghai, Fairmont Peace Hotel
Day 11: Shanghai
This morning, be joined by a local guide for an orientation tour through downtown Shanghai. Stop at the Oriental Pearl Tower and take an elevator to the viewing deck, where you will delight in panoramic views of the city. Standing at 468 metres high, it is one of the city’s tallest buildings and is brightly lit in different LED sequences at night. After lunch visit an authentic local silk factory for an insight into the history of Chinese silk manufacturing. This evening, after dinner at your leisure, enjoy premium seating at a thrilling acrobatic show.
Day 12: Shanghai
FREEDOM OF CHOICE - Sightseeing
Choose your activity this morning. Perhaps cruise the Huangpu River through the heart of the city, then explore Yu Garden and enjoy a traditional Chinese tea ceremony. Regarded as one of the most lavish gardens in China, Yu Garden was built over a period of 20 years by Pan Yunduan who wanted to impress his father, a high-ranking official in the Ming Dynasty. Following your tour, sit down to a dim sum lunch. Alternatively you may prefer to take part in a hands-on cooking class, during which you will learn how to make Shanghai dumplings. Your final option is a full day excursion to Jinxi, an ancient water town. Although only an hour from bustling Shanghai, Jinxi is worlds away in pace and serenity. Less developed than other nearby water towns and largely untouched by tourism, Jinxi’s romantic charm is best appreciated during a guided walking tour. Wandering through the covered corridors along the Jinxi River, you’ll discover ancient bridges arching over the town’s many water alleys. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and time at leisure before returning to the city.
This evening, savour a special Farewell Dinner with new friends at The Cathay Room in the Fairmont Peace Hotel, overlooking both the Bund and Huangpu River.
Day 13: Depart Shanghai
After breakfast this morning, transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Day 1: Arrival and sightseeing in Beijing
After your arrival at the Beijing airport you will be greeted by our guide who will drop you off at your hotel. After checkingin, you will have the rest of the day to tour Beijing. With more than 3000 years of history, Beijing has rich assortment of well-preserved cultural and imperial relics. Today we tour Tian’anmen Square, which is an extensive open area in central Beijing. Then walk north into the Forbidden City. For five hundred years, it served as home for the emperors of China. Later we visit the Summer Palace which was constructedfrom 1749 to 1764 and is the grandest imperial playground in China with elaborate Qing-style pavilions, bridges, walkways, and gardens scattered around the immense Kunming Lake.Overnight in Beijing.
Day 2: Fly to Xian and tour Xi'an Ancient City Wall and Shaanxi History Museum
After flying to Xian in the morning, you will spend the rest of the day visiting the city’s beautiful landmarks. The City Wall of Xian represents one of the oldest and best preserved Chinese city walls and also is one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world. Next, visit the Shaanxi History Museum, regarded as “the pearl of ancient dynasties and house of Chinese treasures”. It gives a miniature overview of the thousands of years of Chinese history and the splendid ancient cultures of olden times. Overnight in Xi’an.
Day 3: Sightseeing in Xi’an
Believed to be the most significant archaeological excavations of the 20th century, the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horse Museum includes Pit 1, Pit 2 and Pit 3 as well the exhibition hall of the chariots and horses. After completing the tour at the museum, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, which is a well-preserved ancient building and a holy place for Buddhists. Later visit another archaeological site, Banpo, discovered in 1953, which contains the remains of several well organized Neolithic settlements carbon dated to 5600–6700 years ago. In the evening, enjoy the Tang Dynasty Song and Dance Show at Tang Yuegong Theatre. Overnight in Xi’an.
Day 4: Fly from Xi'an to Zhangye
Today we fly to Zhangye and tour its famous landmark, the giant Buddha temple which is a complex consisting of the Giant Buddha Hall, the Buddhist Classics Hall, and a Clay Pagoda. The Giant Buddha statue of 34.5m lying in the middle of the hall is the temple’s main attraction. It is also believed that the famous Italian traveller Marco Polo was very impressed by the magnificent architecture of the Giant Buddha Temple and by the prosperity of Zhangye city and lived here for more than a year. Overnight in Zhangye.
Day 5: Morning sightseeing then take a train to Duhuang
Today we visit the famous Matisi grottos or caves. The Thousand Buddha Caves are just inside the entrance gateway to the Matisi Scenic Area, and walking up the road is a pleasant experience, with the river rushing past on one side, and the decaying niches studding the cliff face on the other. Later we visit the temple of the legendary King Gesar. In the evening, you get to witness the excellent sunset over the picturesque landscape of Danxia. Later, take a train to Duhuang to spend the night.
Day 6: Sightseeing in Duhuang: Hechang Military Depot: 95km, 3-4 hours
Today we visit Hechang Military Depot, which is located in the northwest part of Dunhuang, about 20km away from Yumen Pass. The military depot was used to store food and clothing when fighting with the nomadic Xiongnu people during the Han dynasty. Overnight in Duhuang.
Day 7: Sightseeing in Duhuang: Crescent Lakeand Mogao Grottoes
We begin the day by visiting the beautiful Crescent Lake, which is a small pool of spring water between two large sand dunes. We even enjoy the beauty of the area with a camel safari. Next, you will tour Dunhuang’s famous Mogao Grottoes also known as the Dunhuang Grottoes. The site showcases China’s largest collection of Buddhist grottoes, the oldest ones dating back to as early as a thousand years ago. While touring the site you will also get to marvel at the murals that have Buddhist stories, folk culture, farming, and hunting as their main themes. Take a train to Yumen and finally to Turpan to spend the night.
Day 8: Sightseeing in Turpan
Begin sightseeing in Turpan with a visit to the Suleiman’s Minaret also known as the Sugong Pagoda. Built in Uighur architectural style, the Pagoda is an old brick tower dating back to 1778, almost as old as the United States! Next, visit the grape valley, a small paradise with a thick maze of grape trellises. Today you will also tour the Karez channels, which is a unique underground water system, invented and built by ancient farmers from various ethnic minorities of Turpan. Another highlight of today would be visiting the Astana Tombs from where thousands of priceless historical relics have been unearthed. End the tour by passing through the legendary Flaming Mountain, believed as the hottest place on earth.
Day 9: Drive to Urumqi
Drive to Urumqi after breakfast and visit the Terai Camp followed by Nanshan Grassland, both beautiful natural sites. Nanshan Grassland, also known as Mount Nan Pasture, is a large pasture region with many beautiful streams and a waterfall. While in Urumqi you can also enjoy a traditional meal of ethnic Kazakhs, who were traditionally nomadic, tribal shepherds and ranchers of cattle, sheep, goats, and horses.
Day 10: Fly to Kashgar
After checking in at your hotel in Kashgar, you will visit the Etigar Mosque, a famous mosque, which is well known among muslims in central and west Asia with the name of “Little Mecca”. Also visit the Tomb of Abakh Khoja, a much revered muslim leader and prophet of the 17th century. Next, enjoy strolling in the world’s livelest market in Kashgar, an oasis in the centuries-old Silk Road before calling it a day.
Day 11: Sightseeing in Kashgar: Karakuli Lake
You will spend the whole day enjoying the beauty of Karakuli Lake which is popular among travellers for its beautiful scenery and the clarity of its reflection in the water, whose color ranges from a dark green to azure and light blue. The lake lies at an altitude of 3,600m, and is the highest lake of the Pamir plateau, near the junction of the Pamir, Tian Shan and Kunlun mountain ranges. Surrounded by mountains which remain snow-covered throughout the year, the three highest peaks visible from the lake are the Muztagh Ata (7,546m), Kongur Tagh (7,649m) and Kongur Tiube (7,530m). Overnight in Kashgar.
Day 12: Final departure
Your journey on the Silk Road ends today. You will fly to Beijing and board an international airplane to fly home. On the way, you can reminisce on your incredible journey on the Silk Road.
