Ancient China by Luxury Train

Walk along the restored Badaling section of the Great Wall of China. Marvel at the stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Return to Beijing for a leisurely afternoon.

In the evening, indulge in a traditional Peking Duck dinner at a local restaurant before your last night in your hotel.

Enjoy a full day tour of Beijing, including visits to the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Summer Palace.

Alternatively, explore Beijing’s modern architecture, including the Olympic Village, CCTV Tower, and National Museum.

This evening, board the luxurious Golden Eagle Silk Road Express and settle into your cabin before a special welcome dinner on board.

Overnight on board.

After breakfast on board, visit Xi’an’s ancient city walls and the Great Mosque, one of the oldest and largest in China. Following, a visit to the Terracotta Warriors  — 6,000 life-size figures standing guard over the tomb of China’s first emperor. These status are considered one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.

Enjoy an evening of Tang Dynasty cuisine, music, and dance.

Overnight on board.

Day at leisure on board the train as it travels to Dunhuang.

Enjoy the picturesque views from the Observation Car, or unwind in the Bar Lounge Car with a fine selection of wines and cocktails.

Dinner is served in one of the two dining cars. Overnight on board.

Following breakfast, disembark to explore The Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, often referred to as the “Cave of a Thousand Buddhas.” Enjoy music by local folk artists as you explore the caves.

After lunch, trek along the Silk Road by camelback before concluding at Crescent Lake, a stunning natural oasis.

Rejoin the train for drinks, dinner, and overnight on board.

This morning, delve into the rich history of the Silk Road with a special lecture at the Hilton Qinghai-Golmund, followed by a lunch in hotel.

In the afternoon, you may choose to visit the Chaerhan Salt Lake or join a guided city tour.

Dinner and overnight on board.

Enjoy a relaxing morning on board as the train arrives in Hotan, your next destination.

Visit an exclusive Atlas Silk and Carpet workshop and witness artisans crafting intricate textiles using traditional techniques.

Dinner and overnight on the train.

In Kashgar, visit the Apark Khoja Tomb and the charming old town to see unique Gaotai folk houses and cultural tapestry of the region.

Return to the train after lunch where you journey continues to Turpan with an overnight on board.

Arrive in Turpan and explore the Ancient City of Gaochang, an ancient Silk Road outpost that once served as a vital trading hub.

After lunch, marvel at the Karez irrigation system, an engineering marvel that has provided water to this arid region for centuries. Folllowing, visit Jiaohe Ruins, an ancient city carved from rock, whose unique architecture reflects the ingenuity of its former inhabitants.

In the evening, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner aboard the train as you bid farewell to the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express for one last overnight.

After a restful morning on board, join a captivating lecture exploring the legacies of the Silk Road.

Following a leisurely lunch on board, disembark in Urumqi, where you will enjoy an overnight stay at five-star Conrad Urumqi (or similar).

This morning, you are transferred to your departing flight for home.