A Journey along the Silk Road with Laurus Travel
For the discerning traveller seeking both cultural depth and comfort, a journey along China’s ancient Silk Road offers a rare blend of adventure, history, and indulgence. Once the lifeline of trade between East and West, the Silk Road is now a captivating route through time. Thank to modern travel options, it’s accessible without compromising on luxury.
Start your expedition in Xi’an, the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and home to the world-famous Terracotta Army. An expert local guide can bring the site to life with stories that stretch back over two millennia. From there, travel west by luxury high-speed train and deluxe private motor coach, passing through dramatic landscapes — from the sands of the Taklamakan Desert to the snow-dusted mountains near Kashgar, an ancient city still pulsing with Central Asian flair.
Along the way, enjoy accommodations that offer both comfort and character: boutique hotels with unique local characters, and five-star lodges where East meets West in style. Sip fragrant tea in traditional Uyghur teahouses, dine under desert stars, and explore bustling bazaars with expert guides who can help you navigate language and culture with ease.
Best of all, this is soft adventure at its finest — no strenuous hiking or long bus rides. Just immersive experiences curated for comfort, curiosity, and connection.
For seniors who appreciate rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and the luxury of travelling at a leisurely pace, a Silk Road tour with Laurus Travel proves that adventure doesn’t have to mean roughing it.
A Journey along the Silk Road with Laurus Travel — Recommended Itinerary
Silk Road Adventure (16 days)
Beijing – Xi’an – Dunhuang – Urumqi – Kashgar – Turpan – Beijing
The network of overland trade routes collectively known as the Silk Road, a term coined by German geographer Ferdinand von Richthofen in 1877, was established during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE) of China. It stretches from the eastern terminus of Chang’an (present-day Xi’an) all the way to the Mediterranean Sea. On this exotic Silk Road China tour we retrace the footsteps of Marco Polo to explore the glorious past of the fabled Silk Road. Trip highlights include the Great Wall, the Terracotta Army, Mogao Grottos and the scenic drive from Kashgar to Karakul Lake on winding Karakoram Highway whose route overlaps one of the many paths of the Silk Road.
This is a physically demanding tour venturing into locations as high as 3,645m (12,000 feet) above sea level. Travellers prone to altitude sickness should take precaution.
Important Features
- Small group size – average 15, maximum 20.
- Expert local guides hand-picked by owners of Laurus Travel.
- No forced shopping stops.
- Free Wi-Fi in all hotels.
- Quality meals at non-tourist restaurants.
- Unlimited supply of bottled water during group activities.
- Great Wall visit at Mutianyu with cable car.
- Day trip to Turpan from Urumqi.
ITINERARY
Meal Code: B = breakfast / L = lunch / D = dinner
Day 1/Thu: Departing for Beijing
The trip starts with your transpacific flight departing from a city of your choice. You’ll lose a day upon crossing the International Date Line.
Day 2/Fri: Arrival in Beijing
Meet the driver on arrival for transfer to the hotel. You’ll have the remainder of the day at leisure. The guide will get in touch with you tonight.
Day 3/Sat: Beijing (B/L/D)
The capital of China, Beijing is a world-class cultural and educational centre with a population of 21.9 million (2020), ranking it China’s second largest city behind Shanghai. Beijing is renowned for its opulent palaces, temples, and huge stone walls and gates – treasures that make it the most popular tourist city in China by the number of visitors it receives every year.
