The Great Silk Road Adventure: Xi'an to Istanbul
Group Tour
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Overview
This amazing trip offers a once in a lifetime opportunity for those with sufficient time to travel the entirety of one of the major branches of the Silk Road all the way across Asia from Xi’an in Central China to Istanbul in Western Turkey (Türkiye), covering a distance of some 12,000 kilometres and six contrasting countries.
Following in the footsteps of travel luminaries such as Marco Polo, Ibn Battuta and Hsuan-Tsan, we’ll take in not only some of the world’s most iconic sights like ...
This amazing trip offers a once in a lifetime opportunity for those with sufficient time to travel the entirety of one of the major branches of the Silk Road all the way across Asia from Xi’an in Central China to Istanbul in Western Turkey (Türkiye), covering a distance of some 12,000 kilometres and six contrasting countries.
Following in the footsteps of travel luminaries such as Marco Polo, Ibn Battuta and Hsuan-Tsan, we’ll take in not only some of the world’s most iconic sights like Xi’an’s Terracotta Army, Samarkand’s Registan Square and Istanbul’s Blue Mosque, but we’ll also cross mountains, deserts and grasslands - meeting the Uighur, Kyrgyz and Turkmen peoples, to name but a few who have made these lands their home.
Our biggest trip to date, we look forward to welcoming you on this epic continental journey through one of the world’s most engaging and little-known regions.
HIGHLIGHTS
At a glance
MEALS
TRANSPORT
On this tour we will use a combination of buses, minibuses, boats, cars, domestic flights and trains.
GROUP SIZE
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
ENTRANCE FEES
FITNESS RATING
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
As an overall ethos, wherever possible we aim to use characterful accommodation that enhances the overall travel experience, not just offers a bed for the night. This can obviously vary dramatically from country to country and from trip to trip. On this particular trip we will predominantly be staying in comfortable hotels but there will be one night spent on a sleeper train in China, and two nights spent in more basic homestays/ guesthouses with shared bathroom facilities in Kyrgyzstan. Our preference is always for ‘soft sleeper’ class on the overnight train, meaning 4 people share a compartment, but when this is unavailable ‘hard sleeper’ class will be used, where 6 people share. Where unavoidable, you may also be sharing with someone else of a different sex and non-group members on the overnight sleeper in China. Please note that the accommodation mentioned in the itinerary is intended as a guide only and is always subject to availability, especially in Iran where we are somewhat at the mercy of the authorities.
FITNESS RATING
LOW: You should be comfortable walking around towns and cultural sites. May include some optional walks (typically 1-2hrs).LOW/MODERATE: May be of a long duration and/or involve numerous border-crossings. May include easy/moderate day walks (up to 2-3hrs/day). You should be relatively fit and lead a generally active lifestyle.
MODERATE: May include several easy/moderate day walks (up to 2-5hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You should be relatively fit and lead a generally active lifestyle. Previous experience of similar trips helpful.
MODERATE/HIGH: May involve several days of moderate hiking (up to 3-6 hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You must be a fit and active traveller with appropriate trekking experience.
HIGH: May involve several days of moderate/strenuous trekking (up to 4-7 hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You must be a very fit and active traveller with appropriate trekking experience.
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
Map & Itinerary
Individual departures may vary so please refer to the information in the tour specific links in the Dates and Prices section below
Day 1 Tour starts in Xi'an (China)
Day 1 Tour starts in Xi'an (China)
Our epic trip begins this evening in Xi’an, an ancient city famed for being the starting point of the Silk Road. After an introductory briefing, we’ll venture out for our first group dinner.
Day 2 Xi'an
Day 2 Xi'an
This morning we’ll visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and explore the old town, where we will be able to see the massive city walls which at 14km in length enclose the historic centre. We’ll wander through the narrow streets of the Muslim Quarter and visit the Great Mosque, one of the oldest, largest and best-preserved Islamic mosques in China. The evening has been left free to allow time for personal exploration of this endlessly fascinating city.
Day 3 Xi'an - Lanzhou
Day 3 Xi'an - Lanzhou
A highlight of any visit to Xi'an is a visit to see the Terracotta Warriors – one of the greatest archaeological finds of the last century. Amazingly nothing was known of the existence of the life-size soldiers of the Terracotta Army until a peasant digging a well in 1974 stumbled upon them. The Emperor Qin Shi Huang Di spent most of his life until his death in 210BC constructing his burial place, conscripting thousands of people to build his tomb and the terracotta army that would guard him in the afterlife. The underground battle formations of life-sized pottery warriors, archers, horses and chariots have been left in situ in three large excavated pits. Pit number one contains over 6000 soldiers, each with its own individual facial features, and pit number two contains almost a thousand warriors and half the number of horses (also life-size). Following on from our visit, we'll board an early evening bullet train heading west and arriving in Lanzhou where we’ll overnight.
Day 4 Lanzhou - Xiahe
Day 4 Lanzhou - Xiahe
The capital of Gansu Province, Lanzhou was once an important link along the Northern Silk Road and a major crossing point of the Yellow River. Today it provides us with our gateway into the culturally rich landscapes of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. En route we’ll pay a visit to the Binglingshi Caves, which have Buddhist carvings dating back over 1500 years. A scenic speedboat ride takes us to the entrance, from where we will be able to enjoy walking around this impressive site. Returning by boat to meet our bus, we continue on to Xiahe by road. Home to one of the largest Buddhist monasteries outside Tibet, the town of Xiahe sits alongside the Daxia River amidst a rural mountainous landscape populated largely by ethnic Tibetans.
Day 5 Xiahe
Day 5 Xiahe
One of the six great monasteries belonging to the Geluk (Yellow Hat) School of Tibetan Buddhism, Labrang Monastery was founded in 1790 by the first Jamyang Zhaqypa, Ngawang Tsondru. Situated at the intersection of four major Asian cultures - Tibetan, Mongolian, Han Chinese and Chinese Muslim - during the 20th century, it was one of the largest Buddhist monastic universities in the world. Located at the foot of the Phoenix Mountain, the monastery boasts a collection of Buddha statues that number in their tens of thousands and is still an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists across the region, with the largest number of monks in residence outside the Tibet Autonomous Region. We’ll have the whole day to explore this fascinating place.
Day 6 Xiahe - Lanzhou - Jiayuguan
Day 6 Xiahe - Lanzhou - Jiayuguan
We will have a leisurely start today before making our way back to Lanzhou. After a spot of lunch, we will spend some time soaking up local life in the city - whether by wandering through the idyll that is the Wetlands Park or along the bustling pedestrian streets in its vibrant centre. Here we will allow you some free time ahead of our overnight train through the Gansu Corridor to Jiayuguan, where we will find the first pass at the western end of the Great Wall. We’ll arrive in the city early tomorrow morning.
Day 7 Jiayuguan
Day 7 Jiayuguan
A strategically sited town in Gansu province, Jiayuguan once guarded the western extremity of the Great Wall. Our first stop will likely be Jiayuguan Fort, which was built in 1372 to guard the pass between the snow-capped Qilian Shan and Hei Shan peaks. This splendid construction has been considered the last outpost of the Chinese Empire since the days of the Han Dynasty when the Great Wall reached as far as the Yumen Pass. Located just a short distance to the north-west of the city’s famous fort, you will find the impressive Overhanging Wall at the foot of the Black Mountains. This section of wall forms part of the defensive ramparts that once protected China’s western border. A mix of partially restored fragments and original wall, today it provides an excellent venue for a walk - affording stunning views out across the barren emptiness of the surrounding countryside.
Day 8 Jiayuguan - Dunhuang
Day 8 Jiayuguan - Dunhuang
This morning we’ll visit the Wei-Jin tombs that date back to 220-420 AD. Inside the tombs we can see some of the original wall paintings depicting various social activities such as fishing, farming, hunting and drinking, including a very controversial depiction of ancient Chinese using knives and forks. We’ll then continue by road to Dunhuang, once a very important staging point and the last stop for the camel caravans before the gruelling journey through the desert. It was from here that the Silk Road divided into its northern and southern routes. This evening we’ll have a chance to visit the city’s excellent night market.
Day 9 Dunhuang
Day 9 Dunhuang
Dunhuang's fame is largely due to the Mogao Grottoes, which are one of the world's richest treasure troves of Buddhist manuscripts, wall paintings and statues known as the Thousand Buddha Caves. The site was first carved out of the cliffs in 366 AD, with more caves being hewn out of the rock up until the 14th century. The honeycomb of caves runs along the cliff face and contains some 2,415 coloured clay sculptures and more than 45,000 square metres of mural paintings. Many of these were paid for by pious travellers facing the perilous journey across the vast desert, or as thanks upon their safe return to Dunhuang. The colours have remained lively due to the extremely dry climate, but natural and electric light and the humidity caused by the breath of thousands of visitors is slowly fading the precious art, and some of the caves are periodically closed. About 25-40 caves are open to the public at any one time and we’ll visit some of them this morning. Although guides carry a torch, it is also a good idea to take your own. This afternoon we’ll head out to a wonderfully iconic spot – the singing sand dunes of Crescent Moon Lake. Here we can climb to the top of the enormous sand dunes for amazing views of the crystal clear spring hidden amongst the sands and enjoy the stunning views of the sunset in the desert.
Day 10 Dunhuang - Turpan
Day 10 Dunhuang - Turpan
Today we have a morning at leisure in Dunhuang before transferring to nearby Liuyuan to catch a bullet train all the way out of Gansu Province and into Xinjiang, once known as Chinese Turkestan. We’ll arrive this evening in Turpan, one of the lowest places on earth, where rain rarely falls and summers can be scorching hot.
Day 11 Turpan - Urumqi
Day 11 Turpan - Urumqi
Turpan was once an important staging post on the Silk Road and its large oasis produces the best grapes in China. During our time here we’ll visit the fascinating ghost city of Jiaohe, the ancient capital of the Jushi people, a city founded in the 2nd century BC but abandoned in 14th century AD following its destruction by the Mongols. It stands on an isolated plateau and has a haunting silhouette and atmosphere. We’ll also see the 18th century Emin Minaret built in Afghani style. This afternoon we drive on to Urumqi, Xinjiang’s bustling capital, where we’ll spend the night.
Day 12 Urumqi - Kashgar
Day 12 Urumqi - Kashgar
We will have time this morning to explore some of the sights of Urumqi, particularly the Xinjiang Autonomous Region Museum displaying a variety of art, crafts and relics from twelve minorities, before taking a flight over the imposing Taklamakan Desert to Kashgar. This Uighur town was one of the most strategically important destinations on the Silk Road, lying as it does at the junction of major routes over the mountains towards India, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.
Day 13 Kashgar
Day 13 Kashgar
Today we will take an orientation tour around the old city before experiencing the famous Yakshambe Bazaar, where we’ll be able to meet Uighur, Kyrgyz and Kazakh traders at the famous animal market. Here we will spend time watching the locals trade everything from woodwork and ironware to sheep, donkeys, cattle and horses. After a traditional lunch, we will have the rest of the day free - allowing for some much-needed ‘time-out’ at the end of the first stage of this epic trip.
Day 14 Kashgar - Sary Tash (Kyrgyzstan, 3,163M)
Day 14 Kashgar - Sary Tash (Kyrgyzstan, 3,163M)
An early start sees us drive out of Kashgar due west along the main artery of the Old Silk Road to the Irkishtam Pass (2950m). This is a stunning drive through an area of outstanding natural beauty, with multi-coloured sedimentary sandstone flanking our route. At the pass we will cross into Kyrgyzstan then continue on towards Sary Tash along another staggering road, this time with the high Pamirs rising to the south. We’ll stay the night with a local family in their cosy house.
Day 15 Sary Tash - Osh
Day 15 Sary Tash - Osh
Weather permitting we will be able to see stunning views of snowy Peak Lenin this morning, which at 7134m is the second highest mountain in the Pamirs. After breakfast we will drive on another extraordinary road over the 3554m Tol Dek Pass and on into the Fergana Valley to the ancient Silk Road town of Osh. Reputed to be over 3000 years old, Osh is a place steeped in history and dominated by Solomon’s Throne, which looms over the town. After climbing up to the top for great views out over the surrounding area, we plan to stay with our old friend, Imanjan, and his family at his guesthouse.
Day 16 Osh - Kokand (Uzbekistan)
Day 16 Osh - Kokand (Uzbekistan)
After breakfast we cross the border into Uzbekistan, where we will be met and driven onwards through the Fergana Valley. This incredibly fertile region was the breadbasket of the Central Asian USSR and is still one of the wealthiest parts of the whole region. Our first stop today will be in the town of Margilon, centre of the still thriving silk trade in the area. Here we hope to see the entire silk-weaving process from cocoon to end product, before continuing our journey to Kokand.
Day 17 Kokand - Tashkent
Day 17 Kokand - Tashkent
After a chance to visit the 19th century Palace of Khudayar Khan this morning, we will transfer to cars for our drive through the mountains to reach Tashkent. On arrival we’ll have the afternoon to explore some of Uzbekistan’s capital, taking in the Khast Imam Complex, which houses a 7th century Koran, and Independence Square.
Day 18 Tashkent - Samarkand
Day 18 Tashkent - Samarkand
A fast train this morning takes us to Samarkand, one of the finest cities of the Silk Road and undoubtedly a tour highlight. Once we have checked in to our hotel we will take our first look at this amazing city, with a visit to the majestic Gur-Amir Mausoleum and of course the iconic Registan.
Day 19 Samarkand
Day 19 Samarkand
We’ll enjoy a morning wandering through this incredible city taking in sights such as the Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis and the 15th century Bibi-Khanym Mosque, once considered one of the most magnificent mosques in the Islamic world. After a wine-tasting at Khovrenko Winery, we’ll have the rest of the day free to continue exploring at our own pace.
Day 20 Samarkand - Bukhara
Day 20 Samarkand - Bukhara
After breakfast we’ll drive along the “Royal Road” to Bukhara. We aim to arrive early afternoon and check in to our guesthouse close to the famous Labi Hauz plaza and pool. This afternoon there will be free time to explore the streets and alleyways of this atmospheric ancient town before meeting up for dinner.
Day 21 Bukhara
Day 21 Bukhara
This morning we visit the famous Arc – or town citadel – in front of which the British officers Connelly and Stoddard lost their heads in what was one of the most infamous events of the Great Game. We’ll also visit the Kolan Minaret – or Tower of Death, from which Amir Nasirulla Khan threw his enemies – as well as the rest of the beautiful old town. Lunch will consist of a plov cookery demo, so that we can see how the national dish of Uzbekistan is made before sampling the results. We will then have the remainder of the day free for shopping and generally relaxing in this most characterful of the old Silk Road towns.
Day 22 Bukhara - Mary (Turkmenistan)
Day 22 Bukhara - Mary (Turkmenistan)
An early start today takes us to the Uzbek border where we then enter the rarely visited country of Turkmenistan. After customs formalities followed by the thrill of crossing the great Oxus – Amudarya River – we will have lunch in Turkmenabat before continuing on to Mary, our base for the next two nights.
Day 23 Mary
Day 23 Mary
After breakfast today we will drive to Ancient Merv to see remaining traces of the glorious “Maru Shahu Jahan” – “Queen of Cities”. Due to its size and historical importance, Merv is one of the most significant sites in Turkmenistan, indeed in all of Central Asia. It consists of a series of towns each succeeded by another throughout the course of history. We’ll see the remains of Erk Kala with its citadel, Gayur Kala, Sultan Kala, Abdullakhan Kala and Bairamalikhan Kala, Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar – the last ruler of a great Seljuk Empir, Great Kala and Little Kyz Kala, and the Mausoleum of Muhammed Ibn Zeid. Later this afternoon we’ll return to Mary to visit the highly acclaimed History Museum.
Day 24 Mary - Ashgabat
Day 24 Mary - Ashgabat
Today we’ll take a morning flight to Turkmenistan’s eclectic capital, Ashgabat. With its grand marble clad buildings stretching along wide boulevards and its many fountains, Ashgabat is a wonderfully bizarre city. The Turkmen capital began life as a frontier settlement along the Trans-Caspian railway. Following its destruction by an earthquake in 1948, the city has been completely rebuilt and became the country’s capital following its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. An intriguing mix of architectural styles, the city owes much of its unique character to the influence of its late president Saparmurat Atayevich Niyazov, known as Turkmenbashy, who during his tenure implemented an increasingly bizarre set of policies that included approving a series of controversial building projects, renaming the months after members of his own family and even changing the word for bread to that of his mother! On the topic of food, lunch today will consist of a cookery demonstration in a local restaurant before taking a tour of the city to view some of the more fascinating reminders of the city’s rich and eclectic past - including the Arch of Neutrality.
Day 25 Ashgabat
Day 25 Ashgabat
This morning we’ll visit the largest mosque in Central Asia and the mausoleum of their first President “Turkmenbashy”, before travelling out to Nissa, the 3rd Century BC capital of the Parthians. We’ll then pay a visit to a nearby stud farm to see some of the beautiful pure-bred Akhel Teke, or ‘heavenly’ horses, where we’ll enjoy lunch. Finally we end our busy day back in the city with a visit to the National Museum.
Day 26 Ashgabat - Mashhad (Iran)
Day 26 Ashgabat - Mashhad (Iran)
Today we will leave Turkmenistan behind us as we drive to the Iranian border and go through immigration formalities. We then continue driving on through some stunning scenery to the holy city of Mashhad - the Place of Martyrdom. It was here that the Imam Reza, a direct descendant of the Prophet Mohammed and the 8th Shia Imam, was killed on the orders of the caliph in 817. Heir to the Abbasid caliphate, his shrine went on to become a major pilgrimage site in the 16th century and today remains one of the Shia faith’s most sacred cities.
Day 27 Mashhad - Shiraz
Day 27 Mashhad - Shiraz
This morning we pay a visit to the impressive Imam Reza shrine, whose golden domes and towering minarets present one of the most remarkable monuments anywhere in the Muslim world. Set within the confines of a walled enclosure in the heart of the city, the site is filled with a wonderful array of mosques, courtyards and madrassahs, and whilst the shrine itself is off-limits to non-Muslims, the complex presents a fascinating place to explore. Following our visit, we will take an afternoon flight to Shiraz.
Day 28 Shiraz
Day 28 Shiraz
Our late morning walking tour includes a visit to the imposing Arg-e Karim Khan fortress, with its 14-metre high circular towers which dominate the city centre. There will also be time to explore the bazaar and some of Shiraz’s famous gardens and teahouses before soaking up the atmosphere at the tomb of the great Persian poet Hafez.
Day 29 Shiraz - Persepolis - Shiraz
Day 29 Shiraz - Persepolis - Shiraz
Today we have the whole day to enjoy what must surely be a highlight of Iran, if not of the entire Middle East: Darius the Great’s fabulous Persepolis. We will also visit the magnificent Achaemenid tombs at Nagsh e Rostam, cut high into cliffs above the ground and facing respectfully towards Persepolis. After ample time exploring the site, we will make our way back to the beautiful city of Shiraz.
Day 30 Shiraz - Isfahan
Day 30 Shiraz - Isfahan
Leaving Shiraz today, we head for Pasargadae with its six-tiered tomb of Cyrus the Great, founder of the great Persian Empire. Continuing our drive northwards we’ll also stop at Izad Khast, an abandoned Sassanian town, where we’ll have time to explore the castle ruins and caravanserai. Finally we reach Isfahan, the Safavid capital, which will be our base for the next three nights.
Day 31 Isfahan
Day 31 Isfahan
Isfahan is one of the world’s most beguiling cities and there’ll be lots of time to discover its amazing architecture, tile-work, bazaars and the bridges that have made this city so rightly famed. During our sightseeing today we will visit the Chehel Sotun Palace and Museum, and the magnificent Nasqh Jahan Square. Here we will explore some of the world’s most beautiful mosques, the Imam (Shah) Mosque and the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque. We will also visit the magnificent six-storey Ali Qapu Palace, built in the 16th century to serve as a gateway to the royal palaces that are situated in the parklands beyond.
Day 32 Isfahan
Day 32 Isfahan
We’ll have another day to explore this fascinating city with time to visit the Jameh Mosque, the Armenian Quarter and the many bridges that cross the Zayandeh River. There’ll be plenty of time to explore and shop in the famous bazaar this afternoon, or just relax and people watch.
Day 33 Isfahan - Kashan - Tehran
Day 33 Isfahan - Kashan - Tehran
We depart Isfahan this morning to make our way to Iran’s cosmopolitan capital, Tehran. En route we’ll stop in Kashan where we visit the Royal Gardens of Fin and one of the restored merchant houses for which Kashan is famed. Continuing on to Tehran, we should arrive late this afternoon.
Day 34 Tehran
Day 34 Tehran
Tehran is one of the largest cities in Western Asia and currently home to about one-fifth of the country’s population. The Iranian capital since 1795, it is a rich blend of cultural traditions that span the country’s diverse heritage. Today we will take a tour of the city, starting with the sumptuous Golestan Palace, the oldest of Tehran’s historic monuments. A World Heritage Site, this stunning complex of palaces and manicured gardens encompasses more than two centuries of Qajar rule. Heading further north, we will visit Niavaran Historical Garden. Set within 11 hectares of land, it was said to be commissioned by a Qajar King named Fathali Shah who wanted a retreat within the city.
Day 35 Tehran - Tabriz
Day 35 Tehran - Tabriz
Taking a morning flight today we’ll arrive in Iran’s north-west city of Tabriz, which can date its history back over 3000 years. We will spend time exploring and shopping in the UNESCO World Heritage bazaar, which stretches over 7km and is comprised of 24 separate caravanserais and 22 domed halls. Enter at your peril! Later this afternoon we’ll visit the Blue Mosque, which was constructed in 1465 and damaged in the earthquake of 1779, leaving only the entrance which is renowned for its unusual blue colour tiles. Tonight we’ll have our final dinner in Iran.
Day 36 Tabriz - Dogubeyzit (Türkiye)
Day 36 Tabriz - Dogubeyzit (Türkiye)
A drive to the Turkish border takes us to our final international crossing of the trip. This is a major thoroughfare so come prepared for some lengthy checks, but once through we’ll head on to the nearby small town of Dogubeyzit, situated on the plain at the foot of Mt Ararat. This afternoon we’ll visit the beautiful Ishak Pasha Palace and we hope to get fine views of Mt Ararat. Ishak Pasha, a combination of fortress, palace and pleasure-dome, dates mostly from the 17th century and is an iconic image of Eastern Türkiye.
Day 37 Dogubeyzit - Kars
Day 37 Dogubeyzit - Kars
After breakfast today we head north-westwards along the eastern limits of the Anatolian Plateau, sitting approximately 2000m above sea level. This afternoon we’ll visit another one of the tour’s definite highlights - the ruined ancient city of Ani, which was the Armenian capital in the 10th century. The ruins are right on the border with modern day Armenia, sitting above the Arpa River and controlling the crossing that was at one time an essential strategic point on an off-shoot of the Silk Road. The city became fabulously wealthy before it was captured in quick succession by the Byzantine and the Turkish armies in the 11th century. This is an intriguing and memorable place and was for many years completely off-limits as it lay within the no-go area that surrounded the USSR. We then drive the short distance on to Kars, where we’ll spend the night.
Day 38 Kars - Erzerum
Day 38 Kars - Erzerum
This morning there will be time to wander through Kars town, giving us a chance to see its characteristic Russian architecture as well as the Armenian Church of the Twelve Apostles. This area was occupied by the Russians during the late 19th century and British forces were besieged in Kars Castle during the Crimean War. We then head west to Erzerum, Türkiye’s highest city at 1920m and occupying a key strategic location. Erzerum is also home to some striking medieval Islamic buildings, many of which strongly reflect the Central Asian heritage of the Turks who constructed them, and we’ll have time to explore this afternoon.
Day 39 Erzerum - Kemaliye
Day 39 Erzerum - Kemaliye
Leaving Erzerum this morning we’ll take a scenic drive following the Euphrates River as far as the town of Kemaliye, which is known for its historic architecture including many Ottoman-era houses. Here we will spend the night in this very traditional part of the country.
Day 40 Kemaliye - Divrigi - Sivas
Day 40 Kemaliye - Divrigi - Sivas
Leaving Kemaliye this morning we first head south to the town of Arapgir, where we’ll visit a 700-year-old 'Cemevi' - a place of worship for Türkiye's Alevi community. Our visit will give us an insight into the religious diversity in Türkiye and the influence of the large, but almost invisible, Alevi faithful whose beliefs, way of life and forms of worship are very different to the orthodox Sunni majority. Leaving Arapgir we again head north back to the banks of the Euphrates, this time to visit the town of Divrigi with it's famous Great Mosque and Hospital complex (Darush-shifa), built in 1228 AD. The stonework and eclectic architecture of this building makes it one of the most significant buildings in Anatolia, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Finally we head north-west to the old Seljuk capital of Sivas to spend the night.
Day 41 Sivas - Cappadocia (Avanos)
Day 41 Sivas - Cappadocia (Avanos)
Sivas once lay along the road to Baghdad, ensuring its development as an important centre for trade and culture. Under the rule of the Seljuks it grew into a mecca for learning and scholarship, and periodically served as the capital of the Seljuk Empire, along with Konya. Many of the city’s more interesting architecture stems from this period and its historic heart is liberally sprinkled with 13th century madrassahs and minarets that are covered in beautiful turquoise and blue tiles. We’ll have the whole morning to enjoy this historical city before driving on to Avanos this afternoon - our base for the next 3 nights, in the heart of Cappadocia.
Day 42 Cappadocia
Day 42 Cappadocia
We will spend the whole day exploring some of the highlights of the region, beginning at the Göreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here we will walk through the valley and explore the painted churches of this former Byzantine monastery. This afternoon we’ll visit Kaymakli underground city, originally carved out by the Hittites around 3000BC, and then Uchisar Fortress, built by the Romans, from where we’ll be able to enjoy spectacular views of the area. We’ll also take a walk to visit the fairy chimneys known as 'Love Valley' before returning to Avanos for the evening.
Day 43 Cappadocia
Day 43 Cappadocia
A second day to enjoy this stunning area, we’ll head to the lesser known Soganli Valley today to enjoy a 2-hour walk and see several of the painted churches. We’ll also visit the unspoiled villages of Cemil, Taskinpasa and Sahin Efendi before returning to Avanos town, set on the banks of the Kizilirmak - the Red River. The red clay of the river provides the raw material for pottery, which has been produced in this area for centuries. There’ll be time to visit some of the family-run potteries for which the town is famous this afternoon.
Day 44 Avanos - Konya - Ankara
Day 44 Avanos - Konya - Ankara
Leaving Avanos this morning, we’ll drive across the plain of Konya stopping to visit Sultanhani, one of the largest caravanserais on the Silk Road, dating back to the 13th century. Continuing on to Konya, we will visit the Mevlana Museum, containing the tomb of the great dervish and poet Mevlana Jelaleddin Rumi. We’ll also visit the Seljuk period Karatay Madrassa before taking a late afternoon bullet train to Ankara, Türkiye’s modern-day capital.
Day 45 Ankara
Day 45 Ankara
Today we’ll visit two of the country’s most essential sights. The first is the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations, one of the world’s most critically acclaimed museums (and deservedly so) displaying artefacts found within the borders of Türkiye between 100,000 BC and 200 AD. The second is the Mausoleum of Ataturk, Türkiye’s revered “father” who almost single-handedly is responsible for Türkiye’s continued existence today following its defeat in World War I. This enormous monument is dedicated to Ataturk and the architecture of the mausoleum is based upon the caravanserai staging posts of the Silk Road. We will also have a chance to see Ankara Castle, with its great views over the city.
Day 46 Ankara - Istanbul
Day 46 Ankara - Istanbul
The last stage of our epic journey takes us by high-speed train towards Türkiye’s cultural capital, Istanbul, formerly Constantinople. The train terminates on the Asian side of the city, enabling us to cross the Bosphorus slowly by ferry to Europe, taking in the minarets and domes of one of the world’s greatest cities and a fitting finale to our Silk Road adventure. After a brief orientation, the rest of the afternoon will be free to take in the manifold sights of Istanbul at your leisure.
Day 47 Istanbul
Day 47 Istanbul
We’ll spend the morning exploring Sultanhamet, Istanbul’s historic centre. Here we’ll see the iconic Aya Sophia, which was built at the command of Emperor Justinian in the 6th century. We’ll also visit the Blue Mosque, with its magnificent series of domes and semi-domes, and with its six slender minarets sprouting from the corners of the mosque. From here we discover the ancient Hippodrome, the scene of chariot races and the centre of Byzantine civil life. In the afternoon you’ll be free to experience the extensive Grand Bazaar, one of the largest in the Middle East and a shopper's mecca since just after the mid-15th century, and the underground Roman Cisterns. Tonight we’ll meet up for our final dinner and have the chance to reminisce over the six countries and 12,000km we will have travelled over the last month and a half. It’s a true trip of a lifetime that few people, even in ancient times, will ever have undertaken in one stretch.
Day 48 Tour ends in Istanbul
Day 48 Tour ends in Istanbul
The tour ends after breakfast at our hotel today.
ACCOMMODATION USED ON THIS TOUR
Qinibagh Hotel, Kashgar
The Qinibagh Hotel is a centrally located modern hotel, just a ten-minute walk from the Abakh Hoja Mausoleum and located opposite the entrance to Kashgar Old Town. In its grounds stands the former British Consulate, a hotbed of espionage during the "Great Game" of the 19th century. Dining outlets include six restaurants of different styles serving a wide selection of local snacks, Chinese, Indian and Pakistani cuisines. The three-star rooms have recently been refurbished and are medium-sized and well-appointed.
Imanjan's Guesthouse, Osh
This simple but comfortable homestay-style guesthouse in a traditional suburban home in Osh is run by a friendly Uzbek family. The rooms are set across two buildings: half of the rooms are furnished with twin beds and the other half offer thick mattresses laid on the floor. Although simple, this remains the best guesthouse option in Osh and the family are constantly trying to improve guests' comfort and convenience. The majority of rooms provide shared bathroom facilities with a few en suite options. The main building houses six rooms on the first floor (all of which have fully raised beds) and four rooms on the second floor (equipped with comfy, floor mattresses). A separate building has four additional rooms, mostly offering floor mattresses. Traditional Kyrgyz rugs and decorations dot the accommodation throughout and there are large outdoor seating areas in the garden.
Silk Road Kokand Hotel, Kokand
Only five minutes from Khudoyarkhan Palace, the Silk Road Hotel is a lovely four-star option in Kokand. The thirty-five luxurious rooms are all equipped with air conditioning, a private bathroom, free Wi-Fi, a minibar and tea making facilities. Some rooms have views of the quaint landscaped garden and a terrace bar. The property’s interiors have simple elegance with plush furnishings, regal patterns and brightly lit rooms. The restaurant serves a variety of European dishes and continental breakfast. There is also an ATM for guests to use.
Mercure Hotel Tashkent, Tashkent
Mercure Hotel Tashkent is a 4* modern hotel with a great location in the city, only a 10-minute drive from the International Airport and a 15-minute drive from the city centre. Suitable for both leisure and business travellers, rooms are spacious and well-appointed with a generous range of amenities, whilst the impressive hotel facilities include an on site restaurant, lobby bar, and one of the best fitness centres in the city, which offers a well-equipped gym, a large indoor swimming pool and a sauna.
Sasha & Son, Bukhara
Sasha & Sons was a 16th-century Jewish merchant’s house that has been renovated and converted into a beautiful, boutique hotel. Located in the heart of city, and within walking distance from ancient Labi-Hauz complex, the family-run hotel is decorated with art pieces and wall paintings hand made by well-known Uzbek craftsmen and painters, reminiscent of 18th-century Bukhara. Guests can walk through the peaceful, inner courtyard and up the ornate stairs to the guestrooms. With 20 rooms in total, each offers an individual interior design brimming with local character and comes with standard amenities including air-conditioning and a mini bar. Meals and refreshments can be enjoyed in the dining room or served in the property’s central courtyard.
Mary Hotel, Mary
Mary Hotel is a large, three-star hotel located in the heart of Mary, ideally situated opposite the town's bazaar. The hotel is made up of 175 spacious, ensuite rooms decorated in opulent colours of beige, cream and gold. Each room is fitted with air conditioning and comes with standard amenities. The six-floor building has a restaurant offering a variety of traditional dishes, a fitness centre, an outdoor pool and a sauna for guests to enjoy at their leisure. Additionally, the hotel has a hairdresser and chemist located on site. The pool is only open during the height of the peak season and services become limited towards the end. Although services and facilities at the Mary hotel are not what they once were, it remains the best option in the city.
Divan Hotel, Ashgabat
The decadent Divan Hotel, built in 1996, was renovated over the pandemic and is one of the few hotels located within near the Independence Monument and government buildings in the city centre. It has 128 rooms, all with air-conditioning, colour TV and ensuite bathrooms. There is also a restaurant on site, a lobby bar, a business centre and other leisure and fitness facilities including a health club with sauna, swimming pool and tennis courts. Other restaurants and cafes can also be found within a 20-minute walk.
Karimkhan Hotel, Shiraz
The Karimkhan is a three star hotel strategically located in the centre of the beautiful city of Shiraz. Stain glass windows adorn the exterior and interior creating a warm and welcoming glow. You are spoilt for choice with multiple dining options such as the restaurant serving delicious, traditional Iranian cuisine and the Karim Khan Tea Trail offering a variety of traditional teas and sweet treats. Additionally, the Fallad Shirazi plays vibrant traditional music and has a high-speed Internet connection, ideal for sharing stories of Shiraz with guests and your family at home. The hotel also has well-appointed wellness facilities including a Spa, Sauna, hot tub, pool and fitness centre.
Hotel Katerina Sarayi, Kars
It’s not often one gets the chance to stay in a Russian mansion, so take your chance here at Hotel Katerina Sarayi. Built during a brief period of Russian occupation (1878-1917), this grand palace is situated on the banks of the Kars River on the edge of town and is the perfect place from which to explore the local region – including the fabulous UNESCO World Heritage site of Ani. The rooms are all very spacious and comfortable – if decorated in a somewhat ‘over the top’ (gilded bedframe) manner – the dining area on the first floor is light and airy, and there is a lovely garden in front by the river in which you can sit and enjoy drinks either before or after dinner.
Rafo Butik Hotel, Erzurum
The Rafo Butik Hotel is perfectly situated in the centre of town, a short walk from the major sites this ancient location has to offer. Spread across seven floors the hotel stands tall and thin – don’t worry, with an efficient lift – and each of the rooms are of a good size, with modern bathroom, kettle, safe and other facilities. There is a dining room in the basement at which a plentiful breakfast is served. Although not necessarily forming a highlight of a trip to the city, this hotel is clean and comfortable, well-managed, and overall offers a good place to stay.
Buruciye Hotel, Sivas
Set in a plush building, the interior of the four-star Buruciye Hotel doesn’t disappoint either. As well as a fantastically central location, less than five minutes' walk to the city’s main landmarks and sites, Buruciye boasts a spa, sauna, Turkish bath, indoor pool, and a large restaurant and bar serving international dishes and drinks. Rooms throughout the hotel are decorated in glamorous gold furnishing, fixtures and upholstery. Whilst the décor may be a little rich for some tastes, we’re sure that everyone will love the particularly spacious accommodation, ample amenities and little extra touches.
The Ankara Hotel, Ankara
With its unique location inside the new Ankara railroad terminal, the Ankara Hotel brings the traditional bazaar culture together with the modern trends of the city. Located at the cross section of the old and the new city centre it is a great property for you to spend your time in Ankara. An on site restaurant brings both local dishes and cuisines from around the World.
Grand Sirkeci Hotel, Istanbul
In the heart of Old Istanbul within easy reach of many of the city's top tourist attractions, the Grand Sirkeci offers modern rooms in an historic building. With neutral decor, all rooms are well equipped with en suite bathroom, tea and coffee facilities, tv, minibar and full length windows, some with balconies. The courtyard restaurant provides a gourmet breakfast buffet as well as meals including Turkish and international cuisine.
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Accommodation displayed here should be taken as a guide only. *Please refer to the Detailed Itinerary of your individual departure for more information.
PRIVATE HOLIDAYS: DATES DON’T FIT?
All group tours can be taken on a private basis.
Additional Details
Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
Travel, Discover, Help
For every passenger that our local agent in Kyrgyzstan hosts, $1 per day is donated to their charitable project during your stay.
Travel, Discover, Help enables children from orphanages to learn more about Kyrgyzstan, by offering excursions to the countryside and events throughout the year.
Additionally, they provide 40,498 days of work for locals annually and support ecological campaigns - transporting waste from glaciers and mountain gorges across this beautiful country.
Reducing Single Use Plastic
We recognise the environmental issues and challenges around single-use plastic in many countries we visit and are actively working with our partners on the ground to reduce plastic waste on our tours and within the hotels and restaurants we visit. You can help to reduce your personal plastic waste by taking a refillable, filtered water bottle with you on your trip. Filtered water bottles can be refilled from water sources including your hotel room and restaurant taps, drinking fountains and refill stations. Every time you refill your bottle without the use of single-use plastic, you will be helping to reduce waste and protect the environment. Filtered Water Bottles | Wild Frontiers (wildfrontierstravel.com)
Getting There
If you would like us to send you a quote for the suggested tour flights or on any alternative flight that may suit you better, please let us know, noting that for our US clients, we will most likely refer you to one of our preferred partners. For this trip our suggested flights from the UK (subject to change) are shown below.
If you wish to arrange your own flights you are completely free to do so and in this case we can arrange any transfers or supplementary accommodation that you may require. However please note that if you are planning on making your own flight arrangements, we recommend that you first check with us to see if the trip is guaranteed. We then suggest that you purchase flights that are flexible and ideally refundable as due to the nature of adventure travel, itineraries and destination accessibility can change at any time. For more information, please refer to our booking conditions.
If travelling from the finish of the tour to another European country you might also want to consider reducing your carbon footprint by travelling there by train. We are unfortunately not (yet) in a position to help you with the actual booking of the train tickets but lots of good information can be found here -www.seat61.com.
| Flight Code | Departing | Arriving |
|---|---|---|
| CX 252 | London Heathrow (LHR) 12:20 | Hong Kong Airport (HKG) 07:55 |
| CX 946 | Hong Kong Airport (HKG) 11:10 | Xi'an Airport (XIY) 14:35 |
| BA 675 | Istanbul (IST) 08:25 | London Heathrow (LHR) 10:30 |
Visas & Vaccinations
VISAS
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact a reputable visa agency. More details can be found here - https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/visa
For this tour UK passport holders currently require a visa for China, Iran and Turkmenistan. For those resident in the UK, both China and Iran visas will involve an in-person visit. Whilst the Iranian Consulate is in London, there are four Chinese visa application service centres across the UK. You will also need to fill out a Health Declaration Form in order to enter China.
Passports should ideally be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the end of your tour.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
It should also be noted that anyone with a passport showing evidence of having visited Israel (including having entered or left Jordan/Egypt from posts which are known to border Israel) are likely to be denied a visa for Iran.
Moreover as of January 2016 US policy (subject to change) has stated that anyone wishing to travel to or via the USA is required to apply for a US visa (rather than an ESTA) if they have travelled to Iran since March 2011. The process is fairly straightforward and you can read more about it here – www.wildfrontierstravel.com/us-visa- but this is just something you will need to aware of if you have future plans to travel to or via the US.
VACCINATIONS & ADDITIONAL TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements for travellers to China, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye or Uzbekistan.
For all destinations, please make sure you are up-to-date with any standard vaccinations (e.g. MMR, Hepatitis A, Tetanus) as recommended by your local health care provider.
For the most up-to-date information on all vaccination requirements and the most suitable anti-malarial tablets, we strongly suggest that you seek advice from your local travel centre or consult an official travel health website such as www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.travelhealthpro.org.uk
Covid Testing: No mandatory testing is currently required for vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers for travellers to China, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye or Uzbekistan. However, everyone entering Turkmenistan will be tested for COVID-19 on arrival.
If necessary further details will be sent out to you upon booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas & vaccinations are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Extensions
If you have more time available, why not arrive early to adjust to a new time zone or just to get a feel for the country before your tour starts? Alternatively, you might choose to allow a few extra days after the tour to relax or to undertake some further exploration.
The choice is completely yours and we can usually arrange anything from simply additional accommodation and transfers to full tailor-made itineraries*. Please contact the office for more details and to discuss your requirements.
*Please note bespoke, tailor-made itineraries need to be a minimum of 7 days and we can only offer them in countries where we have a tailor-made expert
Governmental Travel Advice
Many governments issue advice which highlights potential hazards their citizens might experience when travelling abroad. We strongly suggest you refer to your country’s particular advisory site before booking and contact us if you have any queries or concerns. Click to follow links to the advice of the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or the US State Department.
Non-UK citizens should consult the travel advice of their respective governments.
Warning
The FCDO sometimes advises against certain parts of this itinerary.
Wild Frontiers has many years’ experience of running trips which contravene FCDO advice but these decisions that are never taken lightly and are always taken in conjunction with our local partners after extensive consultation. As part of the booking process, you will need to sign a disclaimer to confirm you have read the advice, that you are still happy to travel and that you will obtain travel insurance which is not invalidated by the FCDO advice.
For more information, please see the Insurance section or contact us. Non-UK clients should be sure to check the travel advice of their own governments as well as the small print of their insurance policies. Should you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Key Information
CLIMATE
For a 48-day trip which spans the breadth of the entire Asian continent and which travels between sea level (at Istanbul) and 3000m (at the top of the Irkishtam Pass between China and Kyrgyzstan) it is very hard to provide a general climate guide other than to say that – as per the travellers of old – you can expect a wide variety of temperatures and weather patterns. At this time of year we expect many fine sunny days with average daytime temperatures in their mid-20s (C). However, you should also come prepared for some occasional colder nights, especially in the mountains of Türkiye and Kyrgyzstan, and some hotter days in the desert regions of China and Turkmenistan.
IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?
It may sound obvious but Wild Frontiers tours are not always for everyone and it is important to us that the tour you choose is the most suitable. All our tours have a fitness rating as a guideline but you should check the day-by-day itinerary carefully. In certain instances we may ask you to complete a travel questionnaire before confirming your booking in order to ensure your suitability. Should you have any concerns about your ability to partake in any aspect of the tour then please contact the office.
KEY ASPECTS TO CONSIDER
Please note that although anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, it should not be underestimated that this is a BIG trip that, for its duration alone, will require considerable stamina and may take its toll on any inexperienced travellers. We have tried our best to pace the trip to allow for rest days and some ‘time-out’, but this is a journey of some 12,000 km with only four domestic flights so come prepared for some long days, culture shocks and lots of red-tape, especially at border crossings. Given the sheer length and breadth of this trip, it will require more flexibility than our other itineraries so please do bear this in mind. We have also chosen to increase our usual maximum group size from 12 to 16 as with longer trips, a slightly larger group size tends to work better.
You should be aware that securing adequate insurance for travel on tours which include Iran can be challenging, especially for clients of certain nationalities and/or age groups. As such before booking a trip that includes Iran we would strongly suggest that you fully investigate your insurance options to ensure you are both able to secure suitable insurance and are happy with the level of cover available to you. For more information, please refer to the Insurance section below.
THE NATURE OF ADVENTURE TRAVEL
We feel that it’s worth pointing out that while we will always strive to stick as close to the stated itinerary as possible, it may be necessary from time to time to make changes to our itineraries or services (due to weather, political and religious influences etc.) and this can happen with little or no notice. This unpredictability can be one of the most exciting aspects of adventure travel and for many of our clients often leads to unexpected highlights as the tour-leader necessarily adapts the tour to the changing conditions. However we are aware that this lack of assuredness may not suit everyone. As such, with the greatest respect, if you are someone who needs to know that everything will happen exactly as planned, we would kindly suggest that perhaps our tours are not for you. Adventure travel can be infectious and once you’ve caught the bug, it is likely to never leave you, but especially if this is your first such tour we would strongly urge you to give us a call if you have any concerns whatsoever about your suitability for this trip.
TRAVELLING SOLO AND SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation, but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip.
On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour except on the overnight train in China and the two nights spent in homestays/ guesthouses in Kyrgyzstan, where it will be necessary to share with others. Where unavoidable, you may also be sharing with someone else of a different sex and non-group members on the overnight sleeper in China.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
INSURANCE
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. In addition, you should be aware that securing adequate insurance for travel on tours which include Iran can be challenging, especially for clients of certain nationalities and/or age groups. As such before booking a trip which includes Iran we would strongly suggest that you fully investigate your insurance options to ensure you are both able to secure suitable insurance and are happy with the level of cover available to you. Please see the Insurance section for more details or feel free to contact us for more information.
General Information
TOUR PRICE
All our tours are priced on a land-only basis, giving you maximum flexibility when deciding how to get to and from your tour.
DEPOSIT
A 10% deposit is required to confirm your booking.
PROTECTION FOR YOUR MONEY
For further details please see our travelling with peace of mind page
WILD MILES
This tour will earn you 10276 Wild Miles
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.
Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour/nationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
WILD FRONTIERS COMMUNITY
If you’re still not sure if this trip is right or just want to see get some different perspectives, then why not have a look at the wide variety of resources we have on our website? Browse our community section to read our blogs, watch videos and find out about our events.
WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
We are frequently asked what makes Wild Frontiers different from other tour operators. Visit our Why Wild Frontiers page to find out.