Discover the history and culture of the Silk Road, a vast network of roads that connected Xi’an in China with the eastern Mediterranean. This was not only a trade route for precious goods such as silk, amber, carpets and porcelain, but also a conduit for the exchange of ideas and beliefs. Along the way, you will encounter Buddhist monks, Persian priests, Zoroastrians and Nestorian Christians, who all left their mark on the art and architecture of the Silk Road.

The Silk Road declined as sea routes became more popular and its cities and treasures were buried by the desert sands. But thanks to the dry sand, they were also well preserved and are now accessible again. You will have the opportunity to explore the lost cities, admire the artistic achievements and experience the magic and beauty of these ancient routes.

Highlights

• Explore Kyrgyzstan and Lake Issykul, the world’s second highest navigable lake
• Discover the desert city of Turfan with its gardens and orchards
• Visit the Dunhuang and Longmen Caves; two of the world’s richest treasure troves of Buddhist art