DAY 1: Depart UK.
Overnight flight to Beijing.

DAY 2: Beijing.
On arrival in Beijing you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for the next three nights. The rest of the day is free to acquaint yourself with China's bustling capital, a captivating mix of historic landmarks and soaring skyscrapers. (D)

DAY 3: Beijing. Included sightseeing.
A whole day savouring the historic and cultural landmarks of this fascinating city awaits. Witness vast Tiananmen Square, the world's largest city square and setting of the great rallies of China's Cultural Revolution, before experiencing the imperial splendour of the magnificent Forbidden City, where China's emperors lived in luxury for over 500 years. Later marvel at the majestic Summer Palace, laid out amid serene lawns, where emperors and their empresses would retreat to escape Beijing's summer heat. (B, L)

DAY 4: Beijing. Included Great Wall of China and Ming Tombs.
Built over two millennia by successive emperors, China's Great Wall makes a spectacular and haunting sight. This mighty structure stretches for approximately 4,000 miles across five of China's Northern provinces and is at least 2,600 years old. This morning, you'll travel to a section of the wall to marvel at its scale and grandeur. Afterwards, head for Shisan Ling to see the Ming Tombs, the burial place of 13 of China's emperors. This evening, enjoy a delicious Peking Duck dinner. (B, L, D)

DAY 5: Beijing - Xian.
This morning awaits a trip to see Beijing's beautiful 15th century Temple of Heaven, whose ceremonial halls were used by Chinese emperors to stage sacrificial rituals to ensure good harvests. Afternoon flight to Xian for a two-night stay. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: Xian. Included Terracotta Warriors and Wild Goose Pagoda.
China's former capital and the gateway to the legendary Silk Road, Xian is home to the country's greatest treasure, the remarkable Terracotta Warriors. You will see the 8,000-strong handcrafted, life-size warriors, horses and chariots, buried alongside China's first emperor, Qin. Afterwards, visit the stunning Wild Goose Pagoda, built as a Buddhist monastery during the Tang dynasty, and Xian's well-preserved city walls. In the evening, enjoy an included dinner and show at the Tang Palace Theatre. (B, L, D)

DAY 7: Xian - Dunhuang.
This morning, tour Xian's fascinating Shaanxi Museum, which boasts 113,000 exhibits charting China's history from Stone Age times. This afternoon, fly to Dunhuang, located on the edges of the Gobi Desert and once an important oasis city on the Great Silk Road. The legendary caravan and merchant route that stretched 7,000 miles from China to the Mediterranean was vital in shaping the civilizations of Europe, the Middle East and the Far East. (B, L, D)

DAY 8: Dunhuang.
Today brings an unforgettable morning tour of the stunning Mogao Caves, a honeycomb of over 400 decorated caves dating from the 4th-14th centuries AD. Every wall and ceiling of these remarkable caves is covered with painted clay stucco scenes and images, making them one the world's finest collections of Buddhist frescoes, murals and artworks. Later, visit one of Mogao's exhibition centres, which display many more relics and fragments recovered from the caves. (B, L, D)

DAY 9: Dunhuang - Turpan by train.
This morning, enjoy a trip to the famous 'Singing Sand Dunes' in the Gobi Desert. Looming over a Crescent Lake, these epic 100-metre high dunes are named after the haunting sounds they emit when the wind blows. After lunch, explore Dunhuang's City Museum and a colourful local market. After dinner drive to Dunhuang train station to board your train for an overnight journey to Turpan.
Note: Accommodation on the train between Dunhuang and Turpan will be in private sleeper compartments. There are two toilets in each carriage, one at each end, and a wash room.
Note: Only hand luggage is allowed on the train. Your main luggage will be taken to Turpan on a different train and will reach you on day 10. Plan to pack an overnight case with necessities, including medication, glasses and any other important items. (B, L, D)

DAY 10: Turpan. Included sightseeing.
Arrive in Turpan this morning and transfer to your hotel. Today, you'll see the preserved ancient city of Jiaohe, once the capital of China's Cheshi state. The world's oldest and best preserved earthen city, the crumbled remains of this 2,000-year settlement are breathtaking and include temples, houses, pagodas and courtyards all carved from clay. Afterwards, marvel at the ingenuity of the Karez irrigation system, with its ancient network of tunnels and wells, before visiting the 18th century Emin Minaret, China's only Islamic tower, and verdant Grape Valley, an 8-kilometre long valley cloaked in sweet-smelling vineyards and fruit orchards. (B, L, D)

DAY 11: Turpan - Urumqi - Kashgar.
Drive through the spectacular Gobi Desert on your way to Urumqi. Here, wander around the fascinating Xinjiang Museum, where ancient exhibits chart the history of the Silk Road and include precious brocades and silk weavings from the Tang Dynasty. Afterwards, view the beautiful 19th century Pagoda of Pressed Dragon in Hongshan Park. This evening transfer to the airport for your flight to Kashgar. This remote Uygur city was another major Silk Route stopping point. (B, L, D)

DAY 12: Kashgar - Karakul Lake - Kashgar.
An amazing journey awaits today as you travel through vast dunes and yak pastures to Karakul Lake, spread beneath Mount Maztagata. Covering 100,000 kilometres, the lake is known as the 'father of the glaciers' and reflects the soaring, snow-capped peaks of the mountains encircling it. Before returning to Kashgar we visit a Kyrgyz village. (B, L, D)

DAY 13: Kashgar - Urumqi.
Another day of wonder dawns, with a tour of the magical sights hidden amid Kashgar's mud-bricked houses and narrow lanes. See the imperious family tomb of Abakh Hoja, the city's great 17th century ruler and prophet, visit the Id Kah Mosque and stroll down the intriguing 'Handicraft' street in the old town. Explore Kashgar's famous market, where bustling makeshift stalls attract hundreds of locals who come to trade everything from sheep and cattle to silk scarves and fresh food. This evening, fly to Urumqi. (B, L, D)

DAY 14: Urumqi - Beijing.
This morning, we travel to South Pasture, a glorious natural valley peppered with lush yak-grazing pastures, wildflower meadows and the traditional 'yurt' tent settlements of the ancient Kazak people. Later, fly to Beijing. (B, L, D)

DAY 15: Beijing - UK.
Transfer to Beijing airport for your flight to the UK. (B)