Private journey
Silk Road Explorer: Where Civilizations Meet
Follow ancient exchange routes through archaeology, faith, landscape, food, and the modern logistics that make western China accessible today.
Why this journey
The Silk Road is not one road or one civilization. It is a moving conversation between empires, merchants, artists, religions, deserts, oases, and people who still live along its traces.
Journey at a glance
Route: Xi’an, Zhangye, Jiayuguan, Dunhuang, Turpan, Urumqi
Duration: 12 days / 11 nights
From: USD 8,500 per person
Preferred stays
Preferred stays: The Ritz-Carlton Xi’an or Grand Hyatt Xi’an; a premium desert or boutique property in Dunhuang; and carefully selected five-star or design-led stays in Turpan and Urumqi.
Indicative shoulder-season starting price for two adults sharing, excluding international flights, visas and personal expenses. Final price depends on dates, room category, availability and confirmed inclusions.
Daily itinerary
- Day 1 — Arrive in Xi’an gently: recovery time, city orientation, and regional noodle welcome meal.
- Day 2 — Terracotta Army with specialist interpretation; restricted access subject to confirmation.
- Day 3 — Xi’an city wall, then high-speed rail west as contemporary China in motion.
- Day 4 — Zhangye Danxia with sunrise photography support.
- Day 5 — Jiayuguan and the western edge of the Ming world.
- Day 6 — Dunhuang and the threshold of the desert.
- Day 7 — Mogao Caves through the digital centre and cave visit, with expert interpretation subject to availability.
- Day 8 — Mingsha Shan, camel route, sunset meal, and astronomy where conditions allow.
- Day 9 — Turpan vineyards and local food.
- Day 10 — Jiaohe, karez water systems, and oasis engineering.
- Day 11 — Flaming Mountains, regional museum or cultural conversation, and farewell dinner.
- Day 12 — Departure from Urumqi.
Signature moments
Archaeology interpretation, Danxia photography, Mogao expertise, desert astronomy, an oasis-hosted meal, and high-speed rail as contemporary China in motion.
Included service
Private vehicle and transfers, quality hotels or luxury desert camp, English-speaking specialist guide, selected meals, photography support where requested, planning, and on-trip assistance. VIP and restricted access require confirmation.
Frequently asked questions
Best for travelers comfortable with long distances and multiple climates; no forced shopping; permits, flights, and access must be reconfirmed; private version recommended for Dragon Journey.
This is a private journey designed around your dates, pace, accommodation preferences and interests. Your travel designer will confirm availability and create the final itinerary before booking.
Prefer a tailored itinerary? Enquire first and we will prepare a confirmed proposal and secure payment link.
The journey
A journey shaped around meaning, not mileage.
Follow ancient exchange routes through archaeology, faith, landscape, food, and the modern logistics that make western China accessible today.
Why this journey
The Silk Road is not one road or one civilization. It is a moving conversation between empires, merchants, artists, religions, deserts, oases, and people who still live along its traces.
Journey at a glance
Route: Xi’an, Zhangye, Jiayuguan, Dunhuang, Turpan, Urumqi
Duration: 12 days / 11 nights
From: USD 8,500 per person
Preferred stays
Preferred stays: The Ritz-Carlton Xi’an or Grand Hyatt Xi’an; a premium desert or boutique property in Dunhuang; and carefully selected five-star or design-led stays in Turpan and Urumqi.
Indicative shoulder-season starting price for two adults sharing, excluding international flights, visas and personal expenses. Final price depends on dates, room category, availability and confirmed inclusions.
Daily itinerary
- Day 1 — Arrive in Xi’an gently: recovery time, city orientation, and regional noodle welcome meal.
- Day 2 — Terracotta Army with specialist interpretation; restricted access subject to confirmation.
- Day 3 — Xi’an city wall, then high-speed rail west as contemporary China in motion.
- Day 4 — Zhangye Danxia with sunrise photography support.
- Day 5 — Jiayuguan and the western edge of the Ming world.
- Day 6 — Dunhuang and the threshold of the desert.
- Day 7 — Mogao Caves through the digital centre and cave visit, with expert interpretation subject to availability.
- Day 8 — Mingsha Shan, camel route, sunset meal, and astronomy where conditions allow.
- Day 9 — Turpan vineyards and local food.
- Day 10 — Jiaohe, karez water systems, and oasis engineering.
- Day 11 — Flaming Mountains, regional museum or cultural conversation, and farewell dinner.
- Day 12 — Departure from Urumqi.
Signature moments
Archaeology interpretation, Danxia photography, Mogao expertise, desert astronomy, an oasis-hosted meal, and high-speed rail as contemporary China in motion.
Included service
Private vehicle and transfers, quality hotels or luxury desert camp, English-speaking specialist guide, selected meals, photography support where requested, planning, and on-trip assistance. VIP and restricted access require confirmation.
Frequently asked questions
Best for travelers comfortable with long distances and multiple climates; no forced shopping; permits, flights, and access must be reconfirmed; private version recommended for Dragon Journey.
This is a private journey designed around your dates, pace, accommodation preferences and interests. Your travel designer will confirm availability and create the final itinerary before booking.
Why this journey
The details that stay with you.
The rhythm of the journey
Each day has its own point of view.
Included with care
The service behind the experience.
Every journey is supported by considered planning and clear communication.
From the journey
Travelers remember the details.
Before you travel
Questions, answered with care.
A clear first step makes a considered journey feel effortless.
The East Is Waiting for You
Every great journey begins with a single step. Let ours be the first.