Tour · Wendy Wu Tours · 25 nights

Silk Road Explorer

Domestic transportation and guided touring included
Accommodation in 3-4 star hotels along the route
Discover iconic Silk Road sites and hidden gems

$10,480 pp twin share

Was $11,280 pp

$12,980 pp solo share

25 nights

Enquire

Silk Road Explorer

Supplier image

Departs 4 October 2026 Returns 3 November 2028

Duration25 nights

OperatorWendy Wu Tours

StyleTour

HighlightDiscover the mysteries of the Silk Road, from ancient Xian to the bustling markets of Kashgar, on this 28-day journey across China

Explore the Terracotta Warriors and ancient Xian. Marvel at the Rainbow Mountains and Mogao Grottoes. Immerse in Silk Road history and local culture

Follow in the footsteps of adventurers by journeying along one of the world's most famous trading routes, the Silk Road. Beginning in ancient Xian, venture across this vast land to reach the fascinating outpost of Kashgar and its famous Sunday market.

$10,480

pp twin share

Was $11,280 pp

$12,980

pp solo share

Enquire

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When & how much

Departures & Pricing

Departs

4 October 2026

Returns

3 November 2028

Duration

25 nights

From pp twin share

$10,480 pp

Was $11,280 pp

From pp solo cabin

$12,980 pp

04 Oct 2026 - 30 Oct 2026
Land only: from $9,680 pp twin share / $12,080 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $10,880 pp twin share / $13,280 pp sole use *
04 Apr 2027 - 30 Apr 2027
Land only: from $9,580 pp twin share / $12,080 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $10,780 pp twin share / $13,280 pp sole use *
09 May 2027 - 04 Jun 2027
Land only: from $9,580 pp twin share / $12,080 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $10,780 pp twin share / $13,280 pp sole use *
16 May 2027 - 11 Jun 2027
Land only: from $9,580 pp twin share / $12,080 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $10,780 pp twin share / $13,280 pp sole use *
23 May 2027 - 18 Jun 2027
Land only: from $9,580 pp twin share / $12,080 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $10,780 pp twin share / $13,280 pp sole use *
30 May 2027 - 25 Jun 2027
Land only: from $9,580 pp twin share / $12,080 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $10,780 pp twin share / $13,280 pp sole use *
29 Aug 2027 - 24 Sep 2027
Land only: from $10,380 pp twin share / $12,880 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $11,580 pp twin share / $14,080 pp sole use *
05 Sep 2027 - 01 Oct 2027
Land only: from $10,380 pp twin share / $12,880 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $11,580 pp twin share / $14,080 pp sole use *
03 Oct 2027 - 29 Oct 2027
Land only: from $9,580 pp twin share / $12,080 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $10,780 pp twin share / $13,280 pp sole use *
10 Oct 2027 - 05 Nov 2027
Land only: from $9,280 pp twin share / $11,780 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $10,480 pp twin share / $12,980 pp sole use *
02 Apr 2028 - 28 Apr 2028
Land only: from $9,980 pp twin share / $12,480 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $11,180 pp twin share / $13,680 pp sole use *
30 Apr 2028 - 26 May 2028
Land only: from $9,980 pp twin share / $12,480 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $11,180 pp twin share / $13,680 pp sole use *
07 May 2028 - 02 Jun 2028
Land only: from $10,480 pp twin share / $12,980 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $11,680 pp twin share / $14,180 pp sole use *
14 May 2028 - 09 Jun 2028
Land only: from $9,980 pp twin share / $12,480 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $11,180 pp twin share / $13,680 pp sole use *
21 May 2028 - 16 Jun 2028
Land only: from $9,980 pp twin share / $12,480 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $11,180 pp twin share / $13,680 pp sole use *
28 May 2028 - 23 Jun 2028
Land only: from $10,480 pp twin share / $12,980 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $11,680 pp twin share / $14,180 pp sole use *
27 Aug 2028 - 22 Sep 2028
Land only: from $9,980 pp twin share / $12,480 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $11,180 pp twin share / $13,680 pp sole use *
03 Sep 2028 - 29 Sep 2028
Land only: from $9,980 pp twin share / $12,480 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $11,180 pp twin share / $13,680 pp sole use *
01 Oct 2028 - 27 Oct 2028
Land only: from $9,980 pp twin share / $12,480 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $11,180 pp twin share / $13,680 pp sole use *
08 Oct 2028 - 03 Nov 2028
Land only: from $9,580 pp twin share / $12,080 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $10,780 pp twin share / $13,280 pp sole use *

* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice. Land only prices exclude international flights.

Upgrades, transfers, accommodation and more can be quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.

Day by day

Itinerary

1
Fly overnight To Xian
Days 1–2
Fly overnight to Xian, the ancient former capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
3
Terracotta Warriors
Gaze over the ranks of warriors and horses, each one unique, whilst your guide introduces you to these life-like soldiers' fascinating story. Later, enjoy a walking tour of the ancient city wall and explore the narrow and winding streets of the Muslim Quarter. Tonight, enjoy a traditional dumpling dinner and take an optional 'Xian by night' tour.
4
Train To Lanzhou
Start the day with a visit to the ancient City Wall Park and Sculptures of Silk road. Later, board the bullet train to Lanzhou.
5
Explore Lanzhou
Begin today with a leisurely walk along the Yellow River and then head to the hilltop Baita Temple for a moment of tranquillity. Along the river and in Baita Park you can see locals practising tai chi. Later, tuck into some delicious Lanzhou-style noodles made with hand stretched dough.
6
Lanzhou - Xiahe
Today, cross Liujiaxia Lake by speed boat and head into the green hills around Liujiaxia to explore the extraordinary Thousand Buddha Caves of Bingling Temple and their wealth of Buddhist murals, statues and sculptures. Also visit the statue of Maitreya before driving to Xiahe, arriving in the early evening.
7
Labrang Monastery
Giving a taste of the mysteries of Tibet, Labrang Monastery is a fascinating maze of prayer wheels, chapels and chortens. Dine on traditional Tibetan food for lunch, including Tibetan dumplings, known as momos.
8
Xiahe - Lanzhou
Depart early this morning for the return drive through Lingsha to Lanzhou, which takes around 5 hours. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
9
Travel To Zhangye
Return to Lanzhou and take the speedy bullet train to Zhangye, once an important commercial town along the Silk Road.
10
Rainbow Mountains
Rise early this morning to witness the sunrise over the kaleidoscopic mountains in Danxia National Park. Return to Zhangye and visit the Giant Buddha Temple before boarding your bullet train to Jiayuguan.
11
Great Wall At Jiayuguan
Seen as China's western gateway, Jiayuguan is the perfect place to get to grips with your Silk Road history. Visit the Jiayu Fortress and take a walk on the western extremes of the magnificent Great Wall for panoramic views over the starkly beautiful Gobi Desert.
12
City Of Sands
Drive to Dunhuang. Located on a major trade and cultural crossroads, Dunhuang, known as the 'City of the Sands', sits in a verdant oasis on the edge of the Taklamakan Desert. Visit the Shazhou Night Market where you can wander amongst the stalls.
13
Mogao Grottoes
A system of temples and sanctuaries, visit the Mogao Grottoes that exhibit wonderful examples of Buddhist paintings and statues that span thousands of years.
14
Singing Sand Dunes
Visit Crescent Moon Spring, nestled amongst rolling dunes and the famous Singing Sand Dunes, a phenomenon produced by the wind blowing through grains of sand.
15
Turpan
Take the bullet train to Turpan, a lush green oasis set in a barren landscape. An easy-going town famed for its grapes, its pleasant streets are lined with lush vine trellises.
16
Explore Turpan
Visit the ruins of ancient Jiaohe and see the elegant Emin Minaret, the tallest in China.
17
Kurla
Learn about the fascinating 2000-year-old Kerez irrigation canals and drive to Kurla.
18
Kurla to Kuqa
Over the next 3 days travel along the original Silk Road through the Xinjian Region, viewing ruins and sights largely unvisited by tourists. Today, drive to Kuqa where you will visit the Subashi Ruins, a lost city of the Silk Road.
19
Kuqu to Aksu
Drive to Aksu, stopping en-route at the Kyzil Thousand Buddha Caves, a spectacular caves built between 3rd and 8th centuries.
20
Aksu to Kashagar
The journey continues through the Taklamakan Desert, along the ancient Silk Road, all the way to Kashgar.
21
Explore Kashgar
Its skyline punctured by minarets, Kashgar feels a million miles from China – in fact, it feels a million miles from anywhere! Although now a modern city, the sights and sounds of Kashgar's bazaar have remained unchanged for millennia. Sightseeing today includes a visit to Abakh Hoja Tomb, Id Kah Mosque and stroll through the narrow atmospheric alleyways around Id Kah Square.
22
Kashgar Sunday Bazaar
Dive headlong into Central Asia's largest bazaar. Within this riot of textures, vivid colours and traditional dress, you can browse hundreds of stalls selling anything from spices and carpets to boots and blenders. Later, fly to Urumqi.
23
Heavenly Lake
Escape to the tranquillity of Tianchi (Heavenly Lake), formed in a crater. Visit a Kazak minority family in their yurt and spend some time learning about their way of life.
24
Urumqi
Make a short visit to the Xinjiang Museum before flying to Beijing, China’s historic capital.
25
The Great Wall
This morning is dedicated to China's most iconic sight – the Great Wall. In the afternoon, enjoy the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace as you wander through traditional Chinese gardens and see the exquisite architecture.
26
Imperial Beijing
Head to Beijing's symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square and into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City where you will find a complex full of imperial treasures. Soak up the ambience of the Temple of Heaven, and in the evening, dine on Peking duck and enjoy a Chinese acrobatic show.
27
Fly Beijing To Australia
Days 27–28
Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.

What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

International flights and current taxes (excluded if a land only option is selected).
Domestic transportation.
Touring with guides and entrance fees.
3-4 star accommodation.

Where you’ll stay

Accommodation

Dajing Castle Hotel
Changxin International Hotel
Xiahe Labuleng Civil Aviation Hotel
Diamond International Hotel
ChenFeng Grand Hotel
Dunhuang Shazhou Jinghua Hotel
Mercure Hotel Turpan Downton
Pear City Garden Hotel
Ku Che Hotel
Minghua Hotel
Qinibagh Hotel
Oasis Grand Hotel
Mercure Beijing Downtown

From the operator

Common questions about this voyage

How long is this journey?

This itinerary runs for 28 days and 25 nights.

When can I travel?

Departures are currently scheduled between 04 Oct 2026 and 03 Nov 2028, subject to live availability.

Are there different departure options?

Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.

Can I travel solo?

Solo pricing may be available on selected departures, and final options can be confirmed at enquiry.

Are discounts available?

Seasonal or loyalty discounts may be available on selected departures at the time of enquiry.

Ready to lock in?

Book this tour

Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.

Enquire about this tour

The fine print

Terms & conditions

Read the operator’s full booking conditions

Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 June 2026. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
Customary tipping amount of approximately RMB1,360pp (AU$296pp) is paid locally in China.
Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
Flight Inclusive rates only: Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request.