Retracing Marco Polos Ancient Silk Road (7-Day Tour)

Retracing Marco Polo’s ancient Silk Road is an exhilarating journey through time and culture. This 7-day tour takes adventurous travelers on an unforgettable expedition, exploring vibrant bazaars, iconic landmarks, and remarkable ancient cities. From the bustling hub of Kashgar to the stunning Mogao Caves, this tour promises an immersive experience that delves into the rich history of the Silk Road. With comfortable accommodations and most meals included, this tour offers travelers a chance to embark on a truly unforgettable adventure.

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Key Points

This 7-day tour offers an immersive experience along the historic Silk Road, with highlights including Kashgar’s vibrant bazaar and ancient cities in Turpan and Dunhuang.
The tour is priced from $2,799 per person and is available in English, Spanish, and German, with all transportation, accommodations, and most meals included.
Visitors will explore iconic landmarks such as the Id Kah Mosque, Abakh Hoja Tomb, and the Mogao Caves, as well as ancient irrigation systems and fortresses.
The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, and recommended items include comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and cameras.
Travelers must have a valid passport, and the itinerary is subject to change, so it is recommended to check availability with the tour operator.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The "Retracing Marco Polo’s Ancient Silk Road" tour is a 7-day excursion that takes travelers along the historic trade route. Priced from $2,799 per person, the tour is available in English, Spanish, and German.

A 7-day journey retracing Marco Polo’s historic Silk Road, offered in English, Spanish, and German at $2,799 per person.

Transportation, accommodations, and most meals are included. Highlights include visiting Kashgar’s bustling bazaar, exploring ancient cities in Turpan or Hami, and admiring the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang.

The tour includes domestic flights and bullet train rides. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance. However, the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues.

Travelers should pack comfortable shoes and warm clothing.

Looking for more options in Urumqi? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary Highlights

The 7-day "Retracing Marco Polo’s Ancient Silk Road" tour begins with arrival in Kashgar, where travelers can visit the bustling Kashgar Bazaar if time permits on the first day. The second day explores Kashgar, including the Id Kah Mosque, Abakh Hoja Tomb, and Animal Bazaar, before an evening flight to Urumqi. On day three, the tour travels to Tianchi Forest Park and continues to Turpan or Hami. Turpan sightseeing on day four covers the Ancient City of Gaochang, Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, Emin Minaret, Karez System Museum, and Ancient City of Jiaohe.

| Day | Destination | Highlights |

| — | — | — |

| 1 | Kashgar | Kashgar Bazaar |

| 2 | Kashgar, Urumqi | Id Kah Mosque, Abakh Hoja Tomb, Animal Bazaar |

| 3 | Tianchi Forest Park, Turpan/Hami | – |

| 4 | Turpan | Ancient City of Gaochang, Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, Emin Minaret, Karez System Museum, Ancient City of Jiaohe |

Inclusions

This tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle for transportation.

Entrance fees for all attractions visited are also covered.

Flights within China, specifically the Kashgar-Urumqi route, as well as first-class bullet train tickets, are included in the package.

Accommodation is based on double occupancy.

Meals include 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 5 dinners.

Gratuities for guides and drivers are taken care of.

The tour give you a seamless and comprehensive experience for travelers retracing Marco Polo’s ancient Silk Road journey.

Important Information

Individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users may find this tour unsuitable, as the itinerary involves extensive walking and exploring uneven terrain. Participants should come prepared with comfortable shoes, warm clothing, hats, cameras, snacks, and sunscreen. Alcohol and drugs are prohibited. A valid passport is essential for booking flights, trains, and insurance.

| Requirement | Recommendation |

| — | — |

| Mobility | May not be suitable for impaired individuals |

| Clothing | Comfortable shoes, warm clothing, hat |

| Essentials | Camera, snacks, sunscreen |

| Prohibited | Alcohol and drugs |

| Documentation | Valid passport required |

The itinerary is subject to change, so customers should check availability and starting times with the tour operator.

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Arrival in Kashgar

Arriving in Kashgar, the first stop on this Silk Road tour, travelers will have a chance to explore the city’s vibrant Kashgar Bazaar if time permits on their first day.

Kashgar, an ancient oasis city, has long been a hub along the historic Silk Road. Visitors can enjoy the bustling markets, where vendors hawk an array of goods from carpets and spices to handicrafts and antiques.

The sights, sounds, and aromas of this lively marketplace provide an authentic introduction to the cultural richness that defines this region of western China.

There's plenty more to explore in Urumqi

Exploring Kashgar and Urumqi

On the second day, travelers explore the highlights of Kashgar, a city steeped in Silk Road history.

They visit the iconic Id Kah Mosque, the largest in China, and the Abakh Hoja Tomb, a stunning example of Uyghur architecture.

At the lively Animal Bazaar, they witness the trade of livestock, a centuries-old tradition.

Witnessing the centuries-old livestock trade at the lively Animal Bazaar, a captivating Silk Road tradition.

In the evening, they board a flight to Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang region.

This dynamic city blends modern influences with the region’s diverse cultural heritage, setting the stage for the next leg of the Silk Road journey.

Journey to Turpan and Dunhuang

From Urumqi, the tour heads southwest towards Turpan, an oasis city famed for its ancient ruins and underground irrigation system.

In Turpan, visitors explore the Ancient City of Gaochang, the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, and the towering Emin Minaret. They also learn about the ingenious Karez System, an ancient underground water canal network.

Alternatively, the tour may visit Hami, known for its melons and historic sites.

Afterward, the journey continues to Dunhuang, home to the breathtaking Mingsha Shan sand dunes and the serene Crescent Moon Spring oasis.

Visiting Jiayuguan Fortress

The tour’s final stop is Jiayuguan, home to the famous Jiayuguan Fortress.

This ancient military stronghold, built in the early 15th century, marks the western end of the Great Wall of China. Visitors can explore the impressive fortifications, including the Overhanging Great Wall and the First Beacon Tower.

The fortress offers stunning views of the surrounding Gobi Desert landscape. After touring the historic site, the group will transfer to the Jiayuguan airport for their departure, concluding their journey along the fabled Silk Road.

This final destination provides a fitting end to their retracing of Marco Polo’s ancient trade route.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Extend My Stay at the Destinations Beyond the Tour?

Certainly, the tour operator allows travelers to extend their stay at the destinations beyond the set itinerary. Additional nights and activities can be arranged, though this may incur extra costs not included in the tour package.

Is the Tour Guide Fluent in Other Languages Besides English?

The tour guide is fluent in English, Spanish, and German, allowing them to provide informative and engaging commentary for guests from various linguistic backgrounds throughout the tour.

What Is the Group Size for This Tour?

The tour group size is not specified in the provided information. The tour overview indicates the languages offered are English, Spanish, and German, suggesting the group may accommodate multiple nationalities, but the exact group size is not mentioned.

Do We Have Free Time to Explore on Our Own?

The tour provides some free time for independent exploration. Specific details on the amount of free time are not included, but the itinerary suggests opportunities to explore on your own during the 7-day tour.

Is There Any Option to Customize the Itinerary?

The tour allows some flexibility in customizing the itinerary. Travelers can discuss their interests with the tour operator and make adjustments to the provided itinerary, such as adding or removing certain activities, within the tour’s overall duration and budget.

The Sum Up

This 7-day tour offers an unforgettable journey through the ancient Silk Road, retracing the footsteps of the legendary Marco Polo. From the vibrant bazaars of Kashgar to the stunning Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, travelers will experience the rich history and cultural heritage of this iconic trade route. With comfortable accommodations and most meals included, this adventure provides an immersive experience in a remarkable part of the world.