2009 06 28 - Silkroad (Asiangeo)

ASIAN Geographic PASSPORT Silk Road Expedition 2009
Part I: ‘Source of Silk’: Kashgar to Xi’an (China)

HIGHLIGHTS
To celebrate the launch of our new PASSPORT travel magazine, we will be organising an exciting expedition to the illustrious Silk Road, beginning in April 2009. Divided into four separate trips, the expedition will provide you an insight into this ancient trade route.

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THE EXPEDITION
Taking place from 10–20 April 2009, Part I will start from the breathtaking Taklamakan Desert near Kashgar and go all the way to Xi’an, the home of the terracotta warriors and the start of the Silk Road. Experience the unique sights and sounds of this historical and monumental route in this ten-day once-in-a-lifetime expedition.

HURRY! SIGN UP NOW! ONLY LIMITED SLOTS AVAILABLE!

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10 April, Fri (Day 1)
Singapore - Urumqi
Depart Singapore on Air China CA970 at 0015, arrive Beijing at 0620. Connect to CA1293 departing 0815, arrive Urumqi at 1230. Met on arrival and transfer to hotel.

Free afternoon to look around town, get to know participants, briefing, photo seminar?

Overnight Urumqi.


11 April, Sat (Day 2)
Urumqi - Kashgar
Morning drive east to the beautiful Tianchi (Heavenly) Lake. Return to Urumqi for evening flight to Kashgar. On arrival in Kashgar, met & transfer to Qinbagh Hotel.


12 April, Sun (Day 3)
Kashgar
Kashgar, an oasis in the Taklamakan Desert, is the westernmost city of China, and the start of the Chinese Silkroad. An important trading center for thousands of years, it continues to attract traders from Pakistan and the Central Asian countries. Nowhere can this be seen more than the Sunday market, the biggest in Aisa. With every imaginable, and some unimaginable goods being traded, it's an unforgettable spectacle.

13 April, Mon (Day 4)
Kashgar - Turpan
Morning explore Old Kashgar, then fly back to Urumqi in the afternoon. Drive to Turphan, 154 km below sea level and the second lowest spot of dry land in the world. Check in to your hotel and overnight.

14 April, Tue (Day 5)
Turpan
Full day tour of Turpan, a distinctly Central Asian oasis town. Over 2,500 years old, it is a UNESCO World Heritage.

15 April, Wed (Day 6)
Turpan - Luiyuan
Another full day in Turpan. Visit the Flaming Mountain; Gao Chang Ruins, the remains of an ancient Chinese garrison town; the District Museum, Emin Minaret and the central bazaar. In the evening, catch an overnight train (soft sleeper) to Liuyuan

16 April, Thu (Day 7)
Liuyuan - Dunhuang
On arrival in Liuyang, transfer 2 1/2 hours to Dunhuang and check into Dunhuang Hotel. Visit the Mogao caves, with its thousands of Buddhist caves, each with its exquisite murals.

17 April, Fri (Day 8)
Dunhuang - Jiayuguan
Drive to Jiayuguan by car. Not far from the town is the famous fortress which marks the end of the Great Wall, and civilization as the ancient Chinese knew it. Visit the first beacon tower on the wall, then return to town and overnight.

18 April, Sat (Day 9)
Jiayuguan - Xian
Visit Jiayuguan Pass, guarded by the fortress. Afternoon flight to Xian, met on arrival and transfer to hotel. Overnight Xian.

19 April, Sun (Day 10)
Xi'an
The ancient capital of China, Xian is best known today for the terracotta warriors - an army of life-sized statues, none identical to another. Made to accompany Qin Shi Huang - first emperor of China - to his grave, this is one of the great sights of China. Later visit the City Wall, Bell Tower, and Islamic Quarter.

20 April, Mon (Day 11)
Xi'an - Singapore
Transfer to the airport for departure flight CA1232 at 1525 to Beijing. Arrive at 1255 and connect to CA969 departing at 1525 and arrive back in Singapore at 2125.

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PRICE INCLUDES
Ex Singapore
Tour Cost per person: S$3,660 (twin-sharing)
Special Price for Xplorer Members: S$3,295 (twin-sharing)
Single-room supplement: S$400

• International airfare Singapore - Urumqi, returning Xian - Singapore
• Domestic flights Urumqi - Kashgar - Urumqi, and Jiayuguan - Xian
• Twin-sharing accomodation in 4-star hotels
• All meals
• Soft sleeper train from Turpan to Liuyuan (4 pax in a compartment)
• Accompanying English-speaking National Guide
• Entrance fees for all sites
• Transportation in private a/c coach

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EXCLUDES
• Airport taxes and fuel surcharge (currently S$450, subject to change)
• Personal expenses including bar bills, telephone & laundry

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TIPS AND GRATUITIES
• Travel insurance (recommended)