Escape with your partner to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Lijiang – experience its historical charm, mesmerizing landscape and time-honored traditions. The unique heritage of this exclusive destination makes for a sublime vacation. Then, complete your journey through Yunnan with a stay at Banyan Tree Ringha on the Tibetan plains of Shangri-La and discover your own paradise some 3,200 meters above sea level.

In true Banyan Tree style, the resort architecture reflects the local Tibetan culture. All lodges are constructed in the style of traditional Tibetan farmhouses with intricate woodcarvings, wood-burning fireplaces and wooden balconies that have valley or river views. Impressive pine pillars add enormous character to both the interior and exterior of each house.

And of course, there is always the heavenly Banyan Tree Spa!

The exclusive Banyan Tree Sanya Resort and Spa, located at Luhuitou Bay, Hainan, will be the first all-pool villa resort in China. Boasting 49 lavish pool villas nestled in the tropical lagoon landscape of the enchanting resort, the resort is set to be another jewel in Banyan Tree’s collection of properties; featuring a spa and hydrotherapy development, signature dining outlets, and extensive conference facilities.

Lounge area of the Deluxe Pool Villa

Banyan Tree Resort and Spa is half an hour away by car from Sanya Phoenix International Airport.

Be one of the first to spend an unforgettable getaway at the exclusive Banyan Tree Sanya Resort and Spa – China’s first all pool villa. The latest jewel in Banyan Tree’s growing collection of properties, this enchanting resort is set to dazzle with its lush interior and beautiful landscape.

Retracing one of the most important trading routes of ancient civilisation, this remarkable tour follows in the footsteps of such legendary figures as Alexander the Great and Marco Polo.

Crossing both Russia and China as well as some of the remotest former Soviet republics – Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan – our journey will take in some of the most magnificent yet little-visited sights from the ancient world. Eastbound trips start in Russia’s capital Moscow (westbound trips end here), where we have plenty of time to explore. We travel on to Volgograd – better known as Stalingrad – where the Soviets turned the course of the Second World War, before heading to far remoter places that owe their importance to a time much further back in history.

The Kara Kum desert is followed by the amazing 2,500 year-old cities of Khiva and Bukhara – considered so important by UNESCO that it supported their restoration – as well as Samarkand, the ‘Rome of the East’. Much admired by Alexander the Great, Samarkand is home to Registan Square, a spectacular open space surrounded by beautiful Islamic buildings and considered one of the most inspirational sights in central Asia. In between Khiva and Bukhara we take a two-day excursion into Turkmenistan and visit the capital city of Ashgabat, a huge modern folly in the desert and a monument to the recently deceased President Sapamurat Turkmenbashi. We also visit the ancient city of Merv before returning to Uzbekistan.

After crossing the border into China, our tour takes in the fascinating Magao Thousand Buddha cave complex (a network of almost 500 grottoes containing over 2,000 statues and 45,000 murals created up to 1,700 years ago), the Jiayuguan fortress at the end of the Great Wall (considered one of northern China’s most spectacular sights) and the world-famous Terracotta Warriors, an army of almost 6,000 statues recognised as one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th Century. We end our journey in Beijing, the vibrant capital of modern, confident China… where the latest architecture rubs shoulders with Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.

2008 Tour Dates

• Eastbound Oct 13 – Nov 02
• Westbound Oct 16 – Nov 05

Tour Cost Per Person

Gold Class

• EUR €14,995 Twin
• EUR €20,995 Single (not available for Eastbound ride)

Silver Class

• EUR €11,995 Twin
• EUR €16,495 Single (not available for Eastbound ride)

Day 01 / Arrive Moscow
Flights are met at Moscow airport and guests are transferred to a centrally located five star hotel for a one-night stay. We enjoy a private welcome reception followed by dinner. This is a great time to get to know fellow travellers with whom we will be sharing this unforgettable 21 night journey.

Days 02 – 03 / Moscow
Our days here include a city tour of Moscow, visits to Red Square and the Kremlin, with its magnificent Armoury. In the afternoon of day 3 we board our Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express private train and have time to settle into our modern and stylish cabins before dinner in one of our beautifully designed restaurant cars.

Day 04 / Volgograd
Situated on the banks of the Volga River, Stalingrad (as the city was known in Soviet times) was the scene of probably the most important battle in World War II. The Russians finally turned back the Nazi advance to the Caucasian oil fields in Baku at this city and changed the course of the Second World War. We visit the sobering Mamayev Kurgan war memorial, followed by the excellent diorama and museum. After dinner this evening we can listen to the resident pianist in our comfortable bar car whilst enjoying a drink with new friends.

Day 05 / Kara Kum
We can enjoy a relaxing day on board our Trans-Siberian Express private train as we head through Kazakhstan’s Kara Kum desert. As well as enjoying the scenery and the remote villages we briefly stop at from time to time there is also a chance to relax in the bar car, chat to fellow passengers and maybe have our first Russian language lesson.

Day 06 / Khiva
We cross into Uzbekistan for our afternoon arrival in Urgench and transfer to this 2,500-year old city. Khiva was once one of the most important trading centres at the crossroads of the routes between Mongolia, Russia, China and Persia. Its former wealth is evident in the fabulous buildings, mosques, bazaars and minarets that are within the walled city and which have been restored with the support of UNESCO since 1991 for the city’s 2,500th anniversary celebrations. Lunch and dinner are served on board the train.

Day 07 / Ashgabat
We arrive in the ‘Las Vegas of the Kara Kum’, the capital city of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat. A huge modern folly in the desert which is a monument to the recently deceased President Sapamurat Turkmenbashi. Situated between the Kara Kum Desert and the Kopet Dag mountain range the scenery that forms the backdrop to the city is one of extremes.

Day 08 / Merv
We arrive into Mary in the early morning and transfer by bus to the ancient city of Merv. Once an important stop on the Silk Road, Merv was left to ‘die’ in 1794 after the Emir of Bukhara destroyed the dam which the population depended upon for water. On our tour we visit at least one of the five walled cities contained within the 50-square mile area before returning to the train for dinner.

Day 09 / Bukhara
We arrive in Uzbekistan’s largest oasis city, the splendid Bukhara. Like Khiva, UNESCO funded the renovation of much of the city for its 2,500th anniversary in 1999. The highlight of our tour includes a visit to The Ark, the fortified residence of the Emirs of Bukhara. Lunch is within one of the city’s many medressehs (beautifully-tiled Islamic schools). We then travel out of the city to visit the Emir’s Palace of the Moon and Stars.

Day 10 / Samarkand
Many words have been used to describe this jewel of the Islamic world, ‘the Paris of the Muslim World’, ‘Rome of the East’. The list of its admirers includes Marco Polo, Tamerlane and Alexander the Great. Founded in the 6th century BC, its architecture gives an indication of its former status as one of the most important cities in Asia. We spend the day visiting the many fabulous buildings including the Bibi Kharum Mosque, the Ulag Beg observatory and the awe-inspiring Registan Square. After dinner we visit the illuminated Registan Square, before returning to the train for an evening departure.

Day 11 / Tashkent
We arrive in the capital city of Uzbekistan and spend the morning touring before re-boarding the train for lunch. This afternoon we can socialise on the train or maybe take in one of the lectures and lessons on offer to give us a greater insight into this fascinating region.

Day 12 / Almaty
Just before lunch we arrive in the largest city in Kazakstan, Almaty, which is set to play host to the 2011 Asian Winter Games. Beautifully set in a valley in the foothills of the Tien Shen Mountains, we have lunch in a Kazak ‘yurt’, a traditional dwelling place of the nomadic people of this region. Tonight is our final evening on board the Golden Eagle and we mark the occasion with a farewell banquet.

Day 13 / Crossing into China
We bid our Golden Eagle a final farewell as we arrive on the border of Kazakstan. Our adventure continues as we spend over five hours crossing into China. Patience is a virtue today! We board our awaiting Shangri-La Express private train and spend the rest of the day settling in to our new cabins. A welcome dinner is served and we get our first taste of authentic Chinese cuisine.

Day 14 / Urumchi
Arriving in the morning, Urumchi looks like a part of Switzerland or Canada set in the midst of the Gobi desert. It is the largest city and one of the most spell binding in the western half of China. After lunch on the train we visit Turpan with the Flaming Mountains as its stunning backdrop.

Day 15 / Dunhuang
We arrive after lunch in Liuyang and transfer to the small oasis city of Dunhuang to visit the fascinating Magao Thousand Buddha Cave Complex, which contains almost 500 grottoes, carved between 700 and 1,700 years ago, and filled with an amazing collection of sculptures and murals of Buddhist religious art. In the afternoon we take a camel ride to one of the natural wonders of the Gobi Desert, Crescent Lake, which has been a source of water among the incredible sand dunes for thousands of years. Tonight we dine and experience a local folk performance in this magical setting.

Day 16 / Jiayuguan
This morning we arrive in Jiayuguan. Famous for being the first pass at the most westerly point of the Great Wall, it was given the name “The first & greatest pass under Heaven” and was considered a key waypoint along the ancient Silk Road. The fortress at the end of the Great Wall is situated here and dates back to 1372. Perfectly restored it is considered one of the great sights of North-western China. This afternoon we have time to relax in the bar car and learn more about this immense fortification line.

Day 17 / Xian
Mid-day arrival into the ancient city of Xian. Our tour takes in the highlights of the city including the Great Mosque, the 14 km city walls and Big Wild Goose Pagoda. This afternoon is dedicated to visiting the world famous Terracotta Warriors, discovered barely 30 years ago. The 6,000 Terracotta figures, arranged in row after row of warriors and horses, are one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century. Early evening we head back to the city for dinner and the excellent Tang Dynasty show.

Day 18 / Beijing
Today we spend our last day on board the Shangri-la Express as we wind our way northwards towards Beijing, where we arrive early evening. Having travelled almost 7,000 miles (11,226km) from Moscow, we bid farewell to our train crew and transfer to the five-star Peninsula Palace hotel, (or similar) for dinner and a three night stay.

Days 19 – 21 / Beijing
During our time here we visit Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, and the magnificently restored Forbidden City, home to the Emperors and their numerous concubines. We also visit one of the most awe-inspiring sights in the whole of China, the Great Wall at Badaling and the Ming Tombs. On Day 21 guests are transferred to the airport for international flight departures.

2008 21-Day Silk Road Itinerary (Westbound)

Days 1-3 / Beijing (arrivals)
Day 04 / Luoyang
Days 5-6 / Xian
Day 07 / Lanzhou
Day 08 / Dunhuang
Day 09 / Turpan/Urumchi
Day 10 / Board Crossing/Change trains
Day 11 / Almaty
Day 12 / Tashkent
Day 13 / Samarkand
Day 14 / Bukhara
Day 15 / Ashgabat
Day 16 / Merv
Day 17 / Khiva
Day 18 / Kara Kum
Day 19 / Vogograd
Days 20-21 / Moscow

Tour Cost Includes

• All accommodation as per the itinerary; both on board the train and in hotels
• All meals starting with dinner on the first day (on some tours this may differ slightly, so please refer to the specific itinerary)
• A generous allowance of wine, beer, soft drinks and tea and coffee with all lunches and dinners both on and off the train (except where stated otherwise)
• Complimentary tea, coffee and mineral water 24 hours a day
• All arrival and departure transfers (providing you arrive/depart on the tour start/end date and except where stated otherwise)
• Guided off train sightseeing excursions
• Services of experienced tour leaders
• All gratuities
• A doctor (except where stated otherwise)

Tour Cost Excludes

• International and domestic airfares
• Visa and excess baggage charges
• Insurance
• Personal expenses such as drinks in the bar car or laundry
• On some tours there may also be an occasional optional activity that needs to be paid for locally

Modern comfort in an ancient wilderness… The Shangri-La Express guarantees you good living even in the remotest places.
Our twin-berth cabins are the perfect private retreat, comfortably furnished and traditionally decorated with the varnished wood and brass reminiscent of a different age.

Each includes a ‘Pullman’ table and deep armchair alongside a large picture window, a perfect place from which to take in China’s ever-changing scenery. A state of the art shower car complements the washrooms shared between every two cabins.

Meals are served in the train’s spacious restaurant car, where our dedicated chefs serve a western breakfast followed by a wide range of authentic Chinese specialties at lunch and dinner, using only the finest local ingredients. As well as soft drinks, tea and coffee, meals are accompanied by a selection of wines from around the world.

However perhaps even more special is the unique ambience of the piano bar car, where our on-board pianist is always happy to take requests. Staying open until the last person leaves, the bar is the perfect place to get to know your fellow passengers… or simply while away some time, reading or taking in the scenery while enjoying your favourite drink.

It is said that Pingyao, a small town in central Shanxi, was the nation’s key financial center over a hundred years ago. The merchants from Shanxi Province were undoubtedly the most powerful and affluent of all merchants during the Qing Dynasty, when Pingyao held China’s wealth in its hands. With its power and affluence long gone, Pingyao is no longer associated with the status it once held, but the town still retains traces of its former glory. This tour will retrace the memories of Shanxi’s prosperous past, by visiting luxurious mansions once inhabited by the powerful merchants, buildings which once housed shops and banks, and century-old structures adorned with rare and exquisite woodwork.

Highlights

• Experiencing the History and culture of China’s ancient financial capital
• Local family visit
• Ancient traditional architecture
• Biking in the old city quarter

Day 01 / Singapore – Taiyuan – Pingyao
On arrival we meet you at the provincial airport of Taiyuan in the evening and drive to Pingyao, a small town located 100km to the south. Pingyao was built in the Ming Dynasty, and is one of the few towns left in China with fully extant Ming Dynasty walls encircling the town. Most of the buildings in the town date from the Qing Dynasty, when Pingyao was at its prosperous heyday. Because of the remarkable state of preservation of the city, and its importance as the city in which banking in China originated in the 19th century, it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. A late dinner will be served upon arrival in Pingyao, and we check into our inn, which is a reconverted 19th century courtyard dwelling, refurbished entirely in keeping with the style of former days, and romantically illuminated in the evening.
Hotel accommodation: Yunjincheng Hotel (atmospheric boutique hotel)
Meal: D

Day 02 / Pingyao
Today we bike on the ancient city wall, which is marked with a watchtower every 50 meters(164 ft) and visit several of the ancient courtyards and a complex of old private houses exhibiting their collection of art and furniture, all converted into museums. In addition to appreciating the ancient architecture, we learn about how banking started in China over a century ago here in Pingyao. Of particular interest is the Qing Dynasty yamen, or county magistrate’s complex. We will visit a local artist and learn how to make red lantern. Our pace is leisurely, allowing us to absorb the atmosphere of the buildings and way of life we encounter.
Overnight in Yunjincheng Hotel
Meals: B L D

Day 03 / Pingyao – Jingsheng – Taiyuan
We start today’s journey by driving 7 km south of town to the 1,300-year-old Shuanglin Temple, which houses over 2,000 Buddhist terracotta sculptures. We will travel a few more kilometers to Zhenguo Temple, the only extant Buddhist complex dating back to the Five Dynasties Period.
After lunch, we will continue our drive to Jingsheng Village in Lingshi County. A world apart from old commercial centers at Qixian and Pingyao, Jingsheng, though once an affluent merchant town, holds a quaint and unique charm. Jingsheng is famous for its well-preserved Qing dynasty architecture and the heritage of wealthy bankers that inhabited the area. The main attraction of the village is the Wang Residence, the former living quarters of a prosperous local family. We spend two hours wandering around this enormous, but little known mansion, exploring its nooks and crannies. In the late afternoon we drive to Taiyuan and enjoy traditional Shanxi food for dinner.
Overnight in World Trade Centre hotel.
Meals: B L D

Day 04 / Taiyuan – Singapore
The morning is free until our transfer to airport for our departure flight to Singapore.
Meals: B L

Tour Cost

• S$1,988 Per Person (based on 02 persons sharing a room)

Tour Cost Includes

• Return airfare to Pinyao from Singapore on Air China
• All accommodation on a twin-sharing basis.
• All admissions and activity expenses as noted on itinerary.
• All meals, highlighting the local cuisine, drinking water, tea and coffee during meals as noted in the itinerary.
• Snacks and bottled water throughout the trip.
• Services of local guides and drivers
• All land transport on private car or van
• AEA evacuation plan

Tour Cost Excludes

• All airport and other taxes.
• China Visa.
• Travel insurance.
• Expenses of personal nature, e.g. mini bar, phone calls, laundry, soft/hard drinks, etc.
• Excursions not included in the itinerary.
• Gratuities for local guides, drivers and staff

Travelling with Sojourns

From big cities to remote villages, Sojourns makes sure that your time in China is safe and comfortable. In places like Beijing and Shanghai, it is easy to deliver the standards of service and luxury that international travelers expect. We stay in the best hotels and dine at some of China’s most exciting restaurants. But even when traveling off-the-beaten path, whether it’s trekking in western Sichuan or visiting quaint villages in Guizhou, Sojourns strives to deliver those same standards of comfort and luxury. We bring along fresh coffee and Chinese tea to compliment a simple, but hearty, Western breakfast. If staying with local families, we pack clean linens, so that you can enjoy this once in a lifetime experience without worrying about the hygienic conditions of your bed. For trekking tours, we hire a support staff to manage our campsite, prepare meals, and transport our gear. Their expertise and experience ensures the next level of comfort on the most rigorous of tours.

We know that traveling in China can be difficult. By looking after even the smallest of details, we believe that our trips can help you experience China differently.

Hotels: Instead of going for the standard choice of a large chain hotel, we often dig much deeper into the city and look for places with style and comfort. Our staff tests every lodge and inn before we recommend them for clients.

Meals: The Chinese tourism authority often designates restaurants for tourist groups. These places are often reliable, but in China, there is a new restaurant opening everyday. At Sojourns, we keep updating our lists, and choose the ones to which we would take our personal guests.

Drinking water, coffee and tea: We don’t recommend our clients to drink from taps anywhere in China. Instead, we provide bottled water and snacks throughout the journey. During meals, a cup of freshly brewed coffee or good Chinese tea often delivers the next level of comfort on a rigorous tour.

Vehicles: Dependent on the size of the group, we use 4WD jeeps or vans and buses in good condition. We normally use vans on paved roads for a large group of 10 people or more for a couple of reasons: not only do they allow plenty of room to move around in the vehicle, but they also allow opportunities to socialise or relax by yourself.
We use drivers who maintain good safety records for all our journeys.

Safety procedures and record: Most of our travelers are high-end premium customers, who desire to visit unique, off-the beaten path destinations in comfort and safety. So far, we have been blessed with no accidents and we work hard to keep this record. Sojourns ensures the safety of its customer in the following ways:

• Our product development staff is constantly on the road, monitoring conditions and assessing the effects of developments on the safety and comfort of our travelers. If we have any reason to believe that safety or service levels are being compromised, WildChina will not run the tour.
• Our leaders and support staff take the utmost care with every aspect of the trip from altitude-related concerns to ensuring proper, hygienic food preparation.
• Sojourns subscribes to the rescue service programme offered by the International SOS, which guarantees a 24 hour access to English-speaking doctors’ counseling service. In the extremely rare case of emergencies, SOS can mobilize military helicopters to evacuate clients to Hong Kong.

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From the imperial grandeur of the Summer Palace in Beijing to a quaint, picturesque village on the outskirts of Hangzhou – ‘The Palace and a Village’ offers two unique resorts from which to discover China’s natural beauty and historic wonders.

5D4N Banyan Tree Yunnan Summer Retreat

Against the serene backdrop of the time-honoured customs, Banyan Tree Lijiang offers the best sampler of its destination in a Lijiang Summer Retreat package. You will be delighted with the unique experiences, including accommodation in exquisite Naxi-inspired suites, heavenly Spa trwatments and drink at a bar with breathtaking views.

From Lijiang, enjoy a scenic drive along the winding mountain road, passing the Yangzi River and dramatic gorges to arrive at Shangri-La. Take respite in Banyan Tree Ringha’s cosy Tibetan-style lodges set amid the tranquil beauty of this distant mountain hideaway.

Banyan Tree Lijiang & Banyan Tree Ringha Summer Retreat 2010, valid until Sep 29, 2010