Expedition Details

Chart the course of history along the world's most famous trade routes, where ancient cities and cultures have flourished and still resonate with their unique and glorious legacies.

In Xi'an, China, encounter the legendary Qin terra-cotta warriors, and take in a kung fu performance by Shaolin monks. On China's desert frontier, step into the fourth-century cave monasteries of Dunhuang, filled with awe-inspiring Buddhist art that few have ever seen. In Mongolia, go dinosaur fossil hunting at the Flaming Cliffs of the Gobi desert, and spend an unforgettable night in a comfortable ger camp. In Armenia, visit the oldest churches in the world's first Christian nation. And in Turkey, stroll through the magnificent city of Ephesus, site of the Temple of Artemis—one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

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Itinerary - 15 Days

Days 1 & 2 — Xi’an, China

In Xi’an, meet fellow travelers and the expedition staff at a welcome dinner accompanied by a gravity-defying Shaolin monk kung fu performance. Please note that most travelers from the United States will need to take an overnight flight departing April 19 in order to arrive in time for the dinner on Tuesday.

Begin your exploration of this ancient city with a visit to one of the most significant archaeological finds of the past century—the life-size funerary army meant to accompany and protect the First Emperor of the Qin dynasty in the afterlife. Incredibly, each of the more than 7,000 warriors and horses is unique, representing a variety of squadrons in full uniform, ready for battle. Later, stop at the Shaanxi Provincial Museum for an excellent survey of this area’s rich history, peruse the suq-like markets of the Muslim Quarter, and stroll the ramparts of the old City Wall. Or visit the Yangling tombs and examine the exquisite funerary treasures of Emperor Liu Qi and Empress Wang. You may also choose to visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
Sofitel on Renmin Square, Xi'an (D; B,L,D)

Alternate: Instead of Xi’an, you may visit the Famen Temple outside the city. Admire its 13-tiered pagoda and explore the largest religious vault ever discovered in China, where the Sui and Tang dynasties’ treasures—including colored glassware, jewelry, silks, gold, and one of the few remaining relics of the Lord Buddha—were hidden for centuries. Enjoy lunch at the temple before returning to Xi’an in the afternoon.

Days 3 & 4 — Caves of the Thousand Buddhas, Dunhuang, China

We reboard our jet for the province of Gansu, once a key gateway to the West. Stop at Dunhuang, an oasis on the ancient Silk Road, and follow in the footsteps of early pilgrim Fa Hsien as we explore the Mogao Caves, set into a cliff wall within the Echoing-Sand Mountains. For more than 1,500 years, this extensive network of cave monasteries has been an important site of pilgrimage for traveling monks, and houses countless carvings, murals, paintings, and other priceless Buddhist artifacts. Embark on an excursion by camel across the Gobi desert to Crescent Lake, a rare and paradoxical spring hidden in an arid landscape.
Dunhuang Hotel (B,L,D daily)

Days 5, 6, & 7 — Ulaanbaatar and the Gobi desert, Mongolia

Continue by private jet, briefly stopping in Ürümchi for departure clearance to Mongolia—the legendary land of Genghis Khan. Experience the vast expanse of the beautiful steppe that is inextricably intertwined with the nomadic lifestyle of its people. Explore the renowned Gandan Monastery, one of only a few monasteries to survive the political upheaval of the 1930s. Then examine a dinosaur skeleton and eggs recovered from the Gobi desert at the Museum of Natural History.

The next day, fly by private local aircraft deep into southern Mongolia, and spend two nights at a traditional ger-style encampment in the Gobi desert. Venture out into the foothills of the Gobi-Altai Mountains, one of the best protected ecosystems on the Asian continent. This area is home to an incredible array of wildlife, including the Gobi bear, ibex, black-tailed gazelle, and more than 240 species of birds. Go dinosaur fossil hunting at the Flaming Cliffs, search for petroglyphs, and ride camels in the dunes.
Kempinski Hotel Khan Palace, Ulaanbaatar, and Three Camel Lodge, Gobi (B,L,D daily)

Days 8 & 9 — Silk Road Outpost of Samarqand, Uzbekistan

Fly by private jet to the Silk Road city of Samarqand, established as a trade center by Tajik merchants. Discover the city’s vibrant bazaars and grand monuments, and stroll through Registan Square where the sparkling turquoise Gur-e Amir mausoleum and the fluted domes and minarets of the madrassa represent some of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in the world. In the event that a U.S. travel warning is still in effect for Uzbekistan prior to our arrival, we will visit Almaty, Kazakhstan, a remote outpost of the Mongol empire. Unwind at the Arasan Baths, and later, meet with Kazakhs who continue the tradition of hunting with golden eagles and falcons in the Eurasian steppe.
President Hotel, Samarqand (B,L,D daily)

Days 10 & 11 — Spiritual Heritage of Armenia

Fly to Armenia, the world’s first Christian nation. Step into the Matenadaran Museum, an important repository of medieval written literature, including exquisite illuminated manuscripts. The next day, go to Ejmiatsin to explore one of the world’s first churches, the Mother See of Etchmiadzin, founded by Saint Gregory the Illuminator. Then visit Armenia’s only Greco-Roman structure, the temple of Garni, which overlooks the stunning Garni Gorge. Here, join villagers for a picnic lunch. If you choose, venture to the spectacular Khor Virap Monastery near Mount Ararat, where Saint Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years before he converted King Trdat III to Christianity and helped found the Armenian Church. Or instead of the monastery, visit the Armenian History Museum and the National Art Gallery to peruse marvelous collections of paintings, miniatures, and frescoes.
Marriott Yerevan (B,L,D daily)

Days 12, 13, & 14 — Ephesus and Istanbul, Turkey

Fly by private jet to İzmir and transfer to Ephesus, a former trading port connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa and home to the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Peek in a small chapel believed to be the Virgin Mary’s last home, and go on a special excursion to see the “palaces on the slope,” inhabited by the wealthiest social class of the ancient city. Enjoy a festive dinner at the grand Celsus Library, a rare example of a public library of the Roman Empire.

On the flight into Istanbul the next day, enjoy views of the city’s exotic skyline of graceful domes and soaring minarets, an iconic scene that has captured the imagination of countless travelers and conquerors for centuries. Then visit the colossal Hagia Sophia, a sixth-century Byzantine jewel, whose dome has influenced architecture around the world for 1,500 years. At the Chora Church, discover interiors covered with exquisite mosaics and softly shaded frescoes, some of Istanbul’s finest Byzantine art. Later, take a magnificent cruise along the Bosporus strait and observe the two sides of Istanbul, where East meets West. Delve into the city’s Grand Bazaar, known for its jewelry, pottery, spice, and carpet shops. We also explore the Topkapı Palace, an opulent residence of the Ottoman sultans that houses splendid jewels, furnishings, and other treasures. Enter the imposing 17th-century mosque of Sultan Ahmet I, known as the Blue Mosque, to see the stunning azure-colored Iznik tiles that line the interior. In the evening, enjoy a gala farewell dinner.
Kismet Hotel, Kusadasi and Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet (B,L,D daily)

Alternate: Instead of exploring some of Istanbul’s main sites, take a cooking class at the Istanbul Culinary Institute; and try your hand at Turkish calligraphy, ebru paper marbling, or miniature painting at a local art school.

Day 15 — London / Homeward

After breakfast, fly by private jet to London and connect to your commercial return flight there, or depart Istanbul on an independent commercial flight home. If you wish to extend your stay in Turkey, please call to make further arrangements.
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Connect three journeys by Private Jet: Desert Crossroads and the Himalaya, Sacred Places of Asia, and The Ancient Silk Road.

For questions, please call 1-800-224-1894.

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Related Trips

• Desert Crossroads and the Himalaya by Private Jet
• Sacred Places of Asia by Private Jet

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