2-Day Xi’an Sightseeing All-Inclusive Private Custom-Made Combo Tour

Exploring Xi’an can be overwhelming with its incredible mix of ancient sites and lively neighborhoods. This private, custom-designed tour offers a flexible way to see the city at your own pace, tailored to your specific interests. Whether you’re drawn to historic marvels or local street life, this experience aims to balance must-see attractions with authentic, less touristy spots.

What we love about this tour? First, the personalized approach lets you pick up to six sights from a list of fifteen, meaning you only visit what truly excites you. Second, the local guides and drivers provide insights that turn sightseeing into storytelling. And third, the inclusion of delicious, non-touristy lunches adds a taste of real Xi’an life.

A potential consideration? The tour involves quite a bit of walking and sightseeing over two days, so it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with active days. Also, booking in advance (about 13 days on average) is recommended to secure your preferred spots and itinerary.

This experience is ideal for travelers craving a flexible, in-depth look at Xi’an with personalized touches. If you’re a history buff, food lover, or simply want to explore beyond the typical tourist trail, it’s a fantastic fit.

Key Points

• Flexible Itinerary: Choose up to six attractions from an extensive list, tailoring your experience.
• Authentic Food: Enjoy two lunches at local, non-touristy restaurants offering genuine flavors.
• Expert Guides & Private Transport: Benefit from personalized guides and comfortable, exclusive vehicle service.
• In-Depth Cultural Insights: Learn about Xi’an’s history, religion, and local life from knowledgeable guides.
• Comfort & Convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off simplify logistics.
• Value for Money: All entrance fees included along with food, making it a cost-effective way to see the city.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: From Terracotta Warriors to Muslim Street

The Qin Terra-cotta Warriors Museum kicks off your trip around 8:30 AM, with your guide and driver ready to whisk you away from your hotel. Spend about three hours exploring the famed pits—Pit 1, Pit 2, and Pit 3—and the awe-inspiring Bronze Chariots. Reviewers consistently mention how the absence of tourist factory stops makes this experience more authentic, allowing for deeper engagement with the site. One guest said, “We spent nearly four hours at the museum, and it was incredible,” highlighting how this stop alone is worth the early start.

Next, you’ll visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, an iconic Tang dynasty landmark. Your guide shares stories about the leaning pagoda, its link to the Silk Road, and the Buddhist philosophies behind it. Expect around an hour here, with the possibility of catching monks chanting if you visit on the right day—adding a spiritual dimension that many travelers note as memorable.

Mid-afternoon, a stroll through the Muslim Quarter uncovers Xi’an’s vibrant street food scene. As one reviewer described, “It felt like a food tour,” with stalls offering skewers, sticky rice, colorful fruit ice cream, and traditional snacks. Your guide will lead you through this lively area, giving you a taste of local life—and your meal here can be one of your two lunches. Expect an hour of wandering, sampling, and soaking in the bustling atmosphere.

Finally, the Banpo Museum introduces you to 6,000-year-old matriarchal clans and ancient pottery-making. The site is divided into living, burial, and kiln areas. Carefully curated multimedia displays, photos, and models make the ancient world come alive—reviewers mention how engaging and educational this stop is.

A visit to the Xi’an Mosque rounds out the day, showcasing a beautiful garden-style mosque with relics from the Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties. It’s a peaceful spot where you can see the blend of Islamic and Chinese architecture, often described as unexpectedly charming from the outside, with a peaceful interior full of history.

Day 2: City Walls, Tombs, and Cultural Landmarks

Your second day begins with climbing the Xi’an City Wall—a 600-year-old fortress that offers sweeping views of the city. Many reviewers say walking or biking along the top provides a fascinating perspective on how Xi’an has grown over centuries. Expect about an hour here, with some choosing to cycle for up to two hours for a bit more activity.

Next, you’ll visit the Tomb of Emperor Jingdi (Hanyangling). This underground museum features thousands of small pottery figurines—confirmed to be a highlight for many visitors. The glass corridors offer a clear view into the tomb pits, and reviewers mention how this site offers a different, less crowded experience compared to the Warriors.

The Bell Tower provides a scenic spot for panoramic views of downtown Xi’an. Climb to the top, take photos, and see how the ancient city blends history with modern life. It’s a favorite for its central location and views, with some visitors noting how it feels like the heartbeat of Xi’an.

Adjacent to it, the Drum Tower offers an opportunity to enjoy a traditional performance of drums and bells, along with Ming and Qing vintage furniture exhibits. It’s a lively spot that adds a layer of local culture, appreciated by those who love a bit of entertainment and history combined.

Your tour also takes you to the Temple of the Eight Immortals, a Taoist temple popular among locals for prayer, fortune-telling, and buying traditional offerings. Reviewers note the lively market nearby, full of items related to ancestor worship and burial objects—adding a quirky, local flavor.

Finally, the Xi’an Museum in the Small Wild Goose Pagoda garden offers a rundown of Xi’an’s history, with exhibits spanning from Tang Dynasty relics to folk traditions. Some mention it as a peaceful, enriching way to wrap up your exploration with a well-rounded cultural experience.

Why This Tour Offers Excellent Value

The price of $302 per person includes all entrance fees, two lunches, private guide, and transport—making it a seamless way to see a lot without worrying about extra costs. The two-day format allows for a relaxed pace, so you won’t feel rushed from site to site.

The customizable aspect stands out as a significant strength. You can select your preferred attractions, ensuring your interests are front and center. Whether you’re a history lover, a foodie, or someone curious about local culture, this flexibility can make your experience uniquely yours.

Tour guides receive high praise for their knowledge and friendliness. Multiple reviews highlight guides like Agnes, Rosa, and Grace, who go beyond the script to give deeper insights, making history memorable and engaging.

The inclusion of authentic local lunches is another standout feature. Unlike touristy spots, these restaurants focus on genuine flavors, offering a taste of Xi’an’s cuisine that you’re unlikely to find elsewhere.

What Could Be Better?

While the tour is comprehensive, it does involve a fair amount of walking and sightseeing—so it requires a moderate level of physical activity. Travelers with mobility issues may want to check specific site accessibility. Also, booking at least 13 days in advance secures your preferred dates and options, which could be a bit tight during peak travel seasons.

Final Thoughts

This private, all-inclusive tour delivers a well-rounded Xi’an experience that balances must-see sights with authentic local flavor. It’s a smart choice for travelers who want control over their itinerary but also appreciate expert guidance and hassle-free logistics.

If you’re someone who loves to learn about history, explore cultural sites, and enjoy good food without the crowds, this tour hits all the right notes. Its flexibility makes it suitable for first-time visitors eager to cover the essentials, as well as repeat travelers looking to deepen their knowledge with customized stops.

The high reviews, knowledgeable guides, and genuine food experiences make it a standout choice for those valuing quality, authenticity, and comfort. With a carefully curated itinerary and attentive service, it offers a chance to truly get to know Xi’an beyond the postcard images.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many attractions can I choose to visit during this tour?
You can select up to six attractions from a list of fifteen options, allowing you to tailor your experience to your interests.

What’s included in the price?
All entrance tickets, two lunches at local restaurants, private English-speaking guide, driver, and transportation are included.

How long are the sightseeing days?
Each day is designed to be manageable, with about 4-6 hours of sightseeing, including travel time and meals, making for a comfortable pace.

Can I request a guide in another language?
Yes, guides in Spanish, French, Italian, or German are available for an extra 800 RMB, but you should notify the tour provider three days in advance.

What about transportation?
A private vehicle and driver are included for the entire tour, with hotel pickup and drop-off guaranteed, simplifying logistics.

Are there options for vegetarian or specific dietary requirements?
Yes, travelers are asked to advise dietary preferences when booking, and the tour will cater accordingly in the included lunches.

Is this suitable for families with children?
Most travelers can participate, but children should be accompanied by an adult and prepared for some walking and outdoor activities.

What are the best times to book?
Booking around 13 days in advance is recommended, especially during busy seasons, to ensure itinerary customization.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour start, providing some flexibility in your planning.

This personalized, comprehensive tour offers an ideal mix of history, culture, and local flavor—perfect for travelers seeking a meaningful Xi’an experience without the hassle.