China and the Silk Road

Small Group Programs to China 2010

This is not for everyone.

You will only do this if you want to be totally exhausted at the end of your trip - by fun, lots of walking, lugging your back packs all over, overnight trains, small hotels, and with a group of 11 to 16 or maximum 24 other like minded international travelers. These programs offer great value.

Please note that itineraries here are only a sample of what is available. We work with many well established operators and will carefully match your travel dates, interest, and preference to the most appropriate group. Please contact us for more information.

If you prefer to move at your own pace, or want more upscale accommodations or private guides, please contact us for independent programs.

Please use rates listed as a guideline only.

Essence of China - Northbound (or vice versa)
21 days Hong Kong to Beijing from $2310.00
Guilin region, Three Gorges, Emei Mountain, giant pandas, Terracotta Warriors, Great Wall
Discover the Middle Kingdom. Cosmopolitan cities, natural wonders, masses of history and famous icons. Travelling here is like experiencing a work of art in progress. Allow US$300 for meals not included.

Itinerary
Days 1-	2 Hong Kong	Energetic, exciting Hong Kong has markets characteristic of Asia, that merge into flashy, international business areas. Don't miss a ferry ride across Victoria Harbour or the fantastic views from the Peak.
Days 3-5	Yangshuo	Spectacular scenery of towering limestone karsts emerging from emerald green rice fields envelopes the small town of Yangshuo. Take a cycle ride into the countryside to experience the best of this rural scene.
Days 6-8	Three Gorges	As construction of the world's largest dam progresses, we take a journey along this truly magnificent working waterway and become a part of the evolving landscape of the Three Gorges and Yangzi River .
Days 9-10	Chengdu	Chengdu is home of the wonderfully spicy Sichuan cuisine. Spend time relaxing in a teahouse or feasting on a fiery hot pot. We visit the Giant Panda centre for a close encounter with these impressive creatures.
Days 11-14	Leshan	We explore the big Buddha at Leshan, before the journey on to the holy mountain of Emei Shan. We visit the peak for spectacular views and hike to an isolated monastery through the stunning lush foliage. A rejuvenating treat for the soul as we breathe in the sweet clean air.
Days 15-17	Terracotta Warriors	Home to the amazing Terracotta Warriors, ancient Xi'an is a wonderful place to explore. The intact city walls offer excellent views and the old city with its markets and narrow streets are fun and easy to get lost in.
Days 18-21	Beijing	There is ample time to take in the best of imperial Beijing. After breathtaking Tiananmen Square and the impressive Forbidden City, we climb the mighty Great Wall and relax in the peace of the Summer Palace.

China in Depth
28 days Hong Kong to Beijing from 3650.00
Guilin, Yangzi River, Three Gorges, Putuoshan Hangzhou, Shanghai, Suzhou, Terracotta Warriors, Pingyao, Hanging Monastery, Great Wall
Stimulate all your senses and discover the depth of diversity, beauty and culture of China. Amazing landscape, fabulous people, great food, a culture that keeps us on our toes and extraordinary archaeology, all combine in this quintessential journey of China. Allow US$420 for meals not included and US$156 for flights to be purchased enroute.

Itinerary
Days 1-2	Hong Kong	Hong Kong is a dynamic mix of 21st century and traditional Chinese culture. Take in the views from Victoria Peak, a ferry ride on Victoria Harbour or comb the many markets and shops.
Days 3-6	Yangshuo	Emerald green rice paddies carpet a landscape of spectacular limestone karsts around Yangshuo. Hike a stunning track along the Li River or cycle the countryside enjoying a sumptuous local lunch on the way.
Days 7-8	Yangzi River	Aboard our basic Yangzi River boat, we journey down the river, learning of the local life along the river banks. We also cruise through the famous Three Gorges with a stop to explore one of the tributaries.
Days 9-11	Putuoshan	The beautiful pagodas, temples, alleyways and arched bridges of Putuoshan that are dotted throughout this island have for centuries been the inspiration of Chinese artists.
Days 12-13	Hangzhou	Soak up the relaxing atmosphere on the shores of Hangzhou's West Lake. Explore famous temples, sample a local brew in one of the many teahouses or indulge in the superb local cuisine.
Days 14-16	Shanghai	A couple of days in cosmopolitan Shanghai is visually stimulating. A fantastic museum to explore while the stunning and diverse architecture of the Bund is a must see.
Day 17	Zhouzhuang	Cobblestone streets, charming stone bridges and tiny canals lined with Ming and Qing dynasty architecture is the village of Zhouzhuang.
Days 18-19	Suzhou	The famous gardens of Suzhou are a fusion of the arts. Cycle along the canals, investigate the history of silk or catch an atmospheric cultural performance of local opera and music.
Days 20-21	Xian	Xi'an is a city of countless ancient treasures. Visit the famous Terracotta Warriors, explore the Muslim Quarter and the distinct Islamic mosque. An excellent place for souvenir shopping.
Days 22-23	Pingyao	The World Heritage Site of Pingyao, with its gorgeous traditional courtyard houses and Ming dynasty city wall is a wonderful example of old world China.
Days 24-25	Datong	En route to Datong we check out the amazing Hanging Monastery, suspended precariously under an overhanging precipice. From Datong we visit the striking Yungang Grottoes which house 51,000 Buddha statues.
Days 26-28	Beijing	Majestic Beijing, from the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the Summer Palace to the sight of the Great Wall snaking across the rugged mountains, is impressive in all its splendour.

Taste of China
9 days Beijing to Shanghai from $980.00
Beijing, Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, Suzhou, Shanghai
Experience the diversity of China's more popular attractions. Combine the imperial grandeur of palaces and temples with vibrant cities and famous waterways to give the perfect taste of China. Allow US$130 for meals not included.

Itinerary
Days 1-3	Beijing	We journey back through time on a guided visit to Beijing's Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City. We wander along the impressive Great Wall of China.
Days 4-5	Terracotta Warriors	Once a starting point for the famed Silk Road, Xi'an, with its exotic Muslim Quarter and intact city wall, is where we visit the incredible 2000 year old Terracotta Warriors.
Days 6-7	Suzhou	Spend the day absorbing the charm of Suzhou's gardens and canals. We have a magical evening of traditional music, opera and theatre.
Days 8-9	Shanghai	In exciting and cosmopolitan Shanghai we visit the world class Shanghai Museum and see the skills of the famous Shanghai acrobatics.

The Silk Road
22 days Beijing to Kashgar from $2495.00
Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, Dunhuang, Turpan, Heavenly Lake, Taklamakan Desert, Kashgar market
Stir your imagination on the legendary Silk Road. The timeless treasures of an ancient land combine with captivating landscapes on this odyssey stretching 4000 km across the expanse of China. Allow US$300 for meals not included and US$440 for flight Kashgar to Beijing at the end of the trip.

Itinerary
Days 1-3	Great Wall	Majestic Beijing, steeped in history with treats such as the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the Summer Palace. Wander alleyways and lanes to glimpse old China and the Great Wall.
Days 4-5	Xian	Xi'an, the historical launching point for the Silk Road, is a treasure trove of priceless antiquities with the Terracotta Warriors the jewel in the crown.
Days 6-8	Jiayuguan	We travel across the vast desert fringes to the Ming Dynasty fortress town of Jiayuguan, where the massive Great Wall once completed its snaking westward journey.
Days 9-11	Dunhuang	Dramatic Dunhuang has many contrasts. Climb the mystical sand dunes for a sunrise of stark beauty across a haunting landscape. Witness the superlative Buddhist art of the World Heritage listed Mogao Caves.
Day 12	Turpan	Flanked by the legendary Flaming Mountains, the oasis of Turpan sits below sea level amidst barren landscape. See the amazing Karez irrigation system, the ancient ruins of Jiaohe or stunning Emin Minaret.
Days 13-14	Heavenly lake	Alpine wilderness surrounds beautiful Heavenly Lake. Spend time hiking through verdant forests and fields on the shores of stunning aqua waters, whilst living simply in traditional Kazak yurts.
Days 15-16	Taklamakan Desert	Roll in the dunes and scribble in the sands of the world's second largest desert, the formidable Taklamakan. Fascinating remote towns endure in the seemingly endless arid expanse.
Days 17-19	Hotan	Explore Hotan's ancient local silk and carpet cottage industries. Camels are an integral part of our overnight desert adventure and so are the millions of stars which dazzle in the night sky.
Days 20-22	Kashgar	Traders spill into the far west town of Kashgar every weekend for one of Asia's most exotic markets. Dodge the donkey carts and enjoy this incredibly photogenic, enchanting event.