Silk Road 11 days / 10 nights

Transcription

1 Silk Road 11 days / 10 nights Silk Road is an extensive interconnected network of trade routes across the Asian continent connecting East, South, and Western Asia with the Mediterranean world, as well as North and Northeast Africa and Europe. The term "Seidenstraße" (literally "Silk Road") was coined retrospectively by the German geographer Ferdinand von Richthofen in 1877 and has since found its way into general usage. She gets her smooth name from the lucrative Chinese silk trade, which began during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE 220 CE), and was the major reason for the connection of trade routes into an extensive trans-continental network. In recent years, both the maritime and overland Silk Routes are again being used, often closely following the ancient routes. Enjoy 11 days and 10 nights exploring the wondrous history, the beautiful artwork and the peaceful surroundings of the Silk Road. Day 1 - Hong Kong Xian Depart Hong Kong via flight MU204 at 1435hrs, arriving in Xian at 1715hrs. Enjoy your meet and greet followed by your transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay. Day 2 - Xian After a relaxing breakfast, you will be guided to the Terra-Cotta Warriors and Horses, buried over 2,000 years ago; each soldier has a different facial expression. See why the site is known as the Eighth Wonder of the World. Terra-Cotta Warriors and Horses G.C. Nanda & Sons Ltd. T / Issued on 12/5/2011 Lic

2 In the afternoon, you will be escorted to Banpo Museum, the first prehistoric excavation site built from the remains of a 6000 year old village. The site marks a settlement that dates to the matrilineal clan commune period of the Neolithic period. Once you are ready, you will be taken back your hotel for an overnight stay. Day 3 - Xian Lanzhou After breakfast, you will visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, built in 652 AD, containing a large volume of Buddhist scriptures, which were obtained from India by the eminent monk of Xuanzan. Thereafter, visit Shaanxi History Museum, the first huge state museum with modern facilities in China, given the reputation of bright pearl of ancient city, treasure house of China. Four major galleries in large, Tang-style buildings house a vast and impressive collection, beautifully displayed. Big Wild Goose Pagoda After you have enjoyed the artwork, you will be transferred to the airport for your departing flight MU 2395 at 1720hrs, the short one hour flight will arrive in Lanzhou at 1820hrs. Upon your arrival you will be transferred to the hotel for a check-in and an enjoyable overnight stay in Lanzhou. Shaanxi History Museum Day 4 - Lanzhou Dunhuang Lanzhou situated in central Gangsu province, about 500km (310 miles) from Xian. The city stretches along the Yellow River from the head of the Hexi Corridor for almost 30km (19 miles). Lanzhou, with her many minority groups is culturally distinct from the main eastern cities. In the morning, you will begin your sightseeing tour of three breathtaking sites, Liujiazia reservoir, Bingling temple, and Batashan. The Bingling Grottoes (Bingling shiku), also known as the Bingling Temple (Bingling si), are a series of Buddhist caves that are situated on a not easily accessible cliff face, some 80km from Lanzhou. The caves were named the Thousand Buddha Caves (Qian fodong), Bingling Grottes

3 despite the fact that there have never been more than 200 grottoes, the total at present is 183. Enjoy some of the oldest caves in China and thankfully, despite their age, they still contain many well preserved statues and murals. Although a little out of the way, the grottoes are a day trip and worth the journey. Be sure to take your on time transfers to the train station for your overnight train K0667 (17:56-07:46) to Dunhuang. Day 5 - Dunhuang Welcome to Dunhuang, the name means Blazing Beacon, previously the center of cultural and economic exchange between the east & the west. Leading institutes of the world regard the Dunhuang collection as an important source of studying Chinese culture, with a stream called Dunhuan geology. Enjoy your meet and greet upon your arrival, after your breakfast you will be transferred to begin your sightseeing tour of Dunhuang city. Enjoy the peaceful sights and sounds of the Singing Sand Dunes and the Moon Lake, for those feeling adventurous we recommend trying sand surfing or camel riding around the Mingsha Sand Dunes. Be sure to inquire about the mysterious Crescent Moon Lake, definitely worth a visit. Singing Sand Dunes and Moon Peruse around the Shazhou evening market later in the day before heading back for a well-deserved overnight stay. Day 6 - Dunhuang Turpan Today you will explore the world s richest treasury of Buddhist manuscripts and art, dating back to 386 AD, hidden away in the Mogao Caves. This World Heritage site, listed by UNESCO in 1987, extends over 45,000 square meters; boasting more than 2,000 murals and sculptures. In the afternoon, head to the Dunhuang Museum, which was originally to exhibit about 1,000 cultural antiques found in the "Sutras Cave" together with other replicas, introduction charts and graphs, video materials and computer search services. Mogao Caves Thereafter drive to Dunhuang Liuyuan train station, on the way you will be able to spot the section of the Han Great wall and several

4 aged beacon towers along the way. Be sure to board your overnight train either T-2067 or T-1043 departing at 2013hrs and 0017hr to Turpan. Day 7 - Turpan In the morning, you shall proceed to the Oasis town of Turpan; upon your arrival you will begin your sightseeing tour of Gaochang, the ancient walled capital of the Uyghurs which flourished between the 7 th 14th centuries. You will drive past the Flaming Mountain, made famous by the story of the legendary Monkey King. Gaochang According to an old Han legend, the Monkey King created a disturbance in the heavens and knocked over a kiln, causing embers to fall from the sky to the place where the Flaming Mountains are now. You will eventually reach the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, 77 rock-cut caves stand here, most with rectangular spaces accompanied by rounded arch ceilings, often divided into four sections, each depicting a mural of Buddha. Interestingly, the quality of the murals vary drastically, some are artistically simple whilst others are considered masterpieces of religious art. Flaming Mountain After lunch visit the ruins of Jiaohe city, a World Heritage site. You will be the guest of a Uygur family, savour the specialties like milk tea, nan, shish kebabs and poluo rice whilst gaining insight into the lifestyle of a local family. Once you have said your goodbyes, return to your hotel for the Uygur performance, enjoy the music and dance show. After the performance, head back to your hotel for an enjoyable overnight stay. Day 8 - Turpan Urumqui In the morning visit the Karez, an amazing irrigation system which made Turpan a rich oasis; these amazing 2,000 year old irrigation tunnels brought melted snow from the mountains to this parched city. Be sure to take a look around Emin Minaret, a beautiful piece of Uygur architecture.

5 After lunch you shall be driven to Urumqi, upon your arrival you will witness the nomadic Khazakhs, a Middle Eastern Bazaar and a jadecarving centre all on the way to your hotel where you will spend the night. Day 9 - Urumqi Wake up in Urumqi and enjoy a tasty meal before visiting the Xinjiang Regional Museum which exhibits Xinjiang's ethnic culture and archaeological treasures from the Silk Road including 3000-year-old mummies. After having explored the museum, enjoy an excursion to the Heavenly Lake which is surrounded by alpine meadows and rugged snow-capped mountains, densely covered in fir, pine and cypress. Heavenly Lake After lunch return to Urumqi and enjoy a city tour offering a glimpse of the major sights of this northwestern city of the Han and Urumqi people along with 13 ethnic minorities; spectacularly different from the usual Chinese street scene. Enjoy your overnight stay at the hotel. Day 10 - Urumqui Xian In the morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight CZ 6939 departing Urumqui at 0950hrs, and arriving in Xian at 1300hrs. Upon your arrival, you will be transferred to the old City Wall, which was built on the foundation of Han Jian's New City towards the end of the Tang Dynasty. Next, visit one of the oldest, largest and best-preserved Islamic mosques in China; Xian Great Mosque. For some last minute shopping we recommend heading to the Muslim quarter and market, where you will experience Muslim life in Xian. Enjoy your final overnight stay of the trip. Old City Wall Day 11 - Xian Hong Kong In the morning you will be transferred to the airport for flight MU 203, departing Xian at 1105hrs and arriving in Hong Kong at 1335hrs.

6 Hotel Envisage Category A Category B Xian, Day 1 3 & Day 10 11, 3 Nights Sofitel Grand New World Lanzhou, Day 3 4, 1 Night Sunshine Plaza Legend Hotel Lanzhou to Dunhuang, Day 4 Day 5, 1 Night Overnight Train Soft Sleeper (4-Berth Cabin) Dunhuang, Day 5 6, 1 Night Grand Soluxe Hotel Grand Sun Hotel Dunhuang to Turpan, Day 6 Day 7, 1 Night Overnight Train Soft Sleeper (4-Berth Cabin) Turpan, Day 7 8, 1 Night Petroleum Hotel Huozhou Hotel Urumqui, Day 8 10, 2 Nights Hoi Tak Hotel Bingtuan Hotel Tour Price (HKD) per person 21,300 19,400 Extra Expenses: Economy Class Air Fare (International) PER person (HKD) Hong Kong Xian Hong Kong by China Eastern China Visa for and other country s passport holders 2, taxes Important: The Above rates are valid for minimum 4 passengers travel together on entire journey Flight seats are subject to availability at the time of reservation. Air fare, airport taxes and fuels surcharge are subject to change by airlines and cannot be guaranteed unless ticketed. Above rate is exclusive of airport taxes and fuel surcharges, taxes approximately costs HKD 934 Accommodation Check in after 1400hrs only. Check out by 1100hrs The Tour includes: Economy class air tickets: Xian Lanzhou by China Eastern and Urumqi Xian by China Southern 8 nights hotel accommodation on twin sharing basis with daily breakfast or similar grading alternative 9 Lunches at local Chinese restaurants (include 1 glass of soft drink per person per meal) 2 overnights Soft Sleeper (4-berth cabin) train ticket: Lanzhou Dunhuang Turpan All greet & departure airport assist & transfer to/ from Hotel, sightseeing excursion by private air conditioning Excursion with an English-speaking local guide in each city Guide and Transport both provide for running cities to cites with sightseeing are from hrs TBA

7 Entrances fee mentioned in the inclusion section Government service tax and all parking, toll fee The Tour excludes: Any airport taxes and fuel surcharges Any air tickets from/ to Hong Kong. Any meals, beverages, sightseeing entrance fee not specified in the inclusions Any air tickets other than the tour arrangement Tips to representatives, guides, drivers, and bellboys at the hotel, if no accompanied by an accompanying English-Speaking guide (Supplement applicable as given separately) Any personal use thing like laundry, telephone bill etc. Video or Still Camera Fee Any other thing that is not mentioned in the inclusion section Optional arrangement of vehicle, driver and excursions at your leisure time, payable direct to driver Any increase in Government tax structure will have to be paid as supplement Travel Insurance Visa fee If required payable extra

8 ITINERARIES, CHANGES BEYOND OUR CONTROL COMPANY agrees to provide all of the services listed in your travel itinerary, except for the optional services. Optional services will be billed separately. COMPANY has no responsibility for any changes in travel plans caused by airlines, train, ferry delay or rescheduling mandated by any of the aforesaid causes beyond our control, the passenger shall have the option of accepting in lieu of the original tour such rescheduled tour or other substituted tour(s) as may be offered. If you would like to modify any portion of your itinerary, you understand that COMPANY will not bear any of the costs arising from such changes. Refunds for non-used or cancelled services will be issued in accordance with our Terms and Conditions described. All new services will be billed in accordance with our Terms and Conditions Due to the circumstances, including but not limited to, like closure or maintenance of monuments, weather, time, or traffic, etc., the planned visit or activity will be arranged on the next day if possible. No refund can be made if it s failed to do so. WHAT OTHER EXPENSES DURING TOURS Tipping & Gratuity Guidelines, Tour Guide - As you depart from the tour, reward a good guide in each city by tipping US per person per day, Driver by Tipping US 5-10 per person per day, base on the satisfaction you have received from them, Bellman by Tipping US 3-5 Per bag, however it just an advise and it would be subject to your favour. Of course you can pay more or choose not to pay on different occasions. PERSONAL EXPENESE - Meals, laundry, telephone bills, beverage, Extra local running for transport which are not included to your itinerary, ( Transport for sightseeing excursion will be provide between max. ), Video & Camera fee charge by monument directly, Tips for guides, Driver, Travel Insurance for personal injury & loss of personal belongings Notes The above quote is valid for 30 days only & No reservations has been made, To guarantee the above quote a written booking request or purchase order must be received by Nanda Travel within the validity period

9 DEPOSITS, FINAL PAYMENT A non-refundable deposit 30 % of the tour fee on per person basis must be paid after all reservations are confirmed. We accept cash or cheque only. Bookings for this deposit is not received are subject to cancellation without notice. If G.C Nanda is unable to confirm the requested arrangements the deposit will be fully refundable. Deposits vary for each tour operator, hotel, or provider of any service contained in the programme, and will be payable according to the General Terms and Conditions of each operator. Please note that firm reservations cannot be made for any pre-booked accommodation until the required deposit is received. The balance payment must be received not less than 30 days prior to departure. If the balance payment is not received by us on the due date, we reserve the right to treat the booking as cancelled and to apply the appropriate cancellation charges. AMENDMENT FEES For each amendment requested after confirmation additional charges will be levied by hotels, ground operators or airlines. An amendment constitutes a change to an existing booking and not a transfer to another tour, wherein cancellation fees may apply. CANCELLATION AND REFUNDS Cancellations are subject to a fee as follows: 30 days, or more, prior to departure: forfeit of deposit days, or less, prior to departure: 100% of total cost Cancellations will also be subject to cancellation fees levied by each operator according to their respective Booking Terms and Conditions. Please note that it is your responsibility to request from us the details of terms and conditions, and to ensure that you have understood their contents. The payment of your deposit constitutes an acceptance of those terms and conditions and your acknowledgement that you will be bound by their cancellation fee charges. No refund is made on any pre-booked accommodation, coach tours, villas Hotel, cruising or other travel not utilised. No refund is available for cancellation after the tour has commenced or in respect of any tours, accommodation, meals or any other services not utilised.

10 INSURANCE It is strongly recommended that, at the time of booking, you purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy of your choice. We suggest that the policy should include, but not be limited to the following features: Loss of deposit through cancellation, personal baggage, loss of money, medical expenses, additional expenses to cover hotel accommodation should the tour or holiday need to be extended or curtailed due to illness while overseas, or due to the need to return to Hong Kong because of unexpected death or illness of a close relative. Please consult us on the insurance policy most suitable for your needs. VISA, TRAVEL DOCUMENTS Passengers should familiarise themselves with any and all health or visa requirements that may be applicable in the areas they intend visiting. They shall be responsible for all exits, entry, health and other documents required by laws, regulations, orders, demands or requirements of the countries visited or transited. Each person shall carry a valid passport at all times. Kindly note that passport and visa requirements are not our responsibility and we are not liable for any loss or expense due to a passenger s failure to comply with the above or any statutory requirement made in any country whatsoever. PRICE All prices shown are subject to variation without notice.