We recently completed the Silk Road to Samarkand via Kashgar tour. This was an absolutely amazing trip with knowledgeable guides in all three countries. A special mention must go however to our China guide, Stoney. A truly wonderful human being. The guides (also Olga in Kyrygzstan) were a font of information. Everything was so well organised. Stunning landscape, abundant history and full on activities. Transport and accommodation outstanding as were the meals provided throughout the journey. This trip was well worth waiting for.
IMPERIAL CHINA & YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE What a brilliant holiday with a bit of everything: from the noise, hustle and bustle of city life to a tranquil cruise on a bamboo raft down the Yulong River; the breathtaking beauty of the Great Wall and the amazing pits with the Terracotta Warriors; fascinating history, lovely, friendly people, great food and a fun group and tour leader - we laughed our way around China together and it was fantastic. I would highly recommend this trip but, as the other reviewers have said, this is not a trip for putting your feet up and relaxing. Your feet barely stop moving but you get to see some wonderful sights and experiences along the way.
This was an amazing trip made possible by extraordinary guides and drivers. We were met by the lovely Asmita who went to extra mile to prepare us for our trip, and to be sure we had all we needed. She could not be more charming and helpful. On day one, we were driven to the border, very expertly by Raju accompanied by Kersang. We needed an expert as the roads were very windy and not in good condition but it was exciting and we could take in the wonderful scenery and the interesting villages that we passed. After we crossed, the border which took some time we were met by Tarkye our guide and Cedun our driver. Tarkye was a very mature calm guide, solicitous knowledgeable and very caring. Cedun our driver was also very considerate and helpful which we as a group needed as many of us had not fully anticipated the effects of the high altitude. However, we were shepherded in an extraordinary manner through magnificent mountainous terrain, and lake filled scenery seeing yaks and other animals on the way. The monasteries were beautiful and Tarkye could answer any questions we had. This unique and extraordinary trip delivered exactly what it promised. There was a great deal of driving which could be tiring but this was specified up front. Overall, this was an amazing trip, but it was more physically demanding than anticipated because of the altitude and also being in a relatively small enclosed vehicle carrying 12 people with no space in between each person if one person gets sick it spreads through the group has happened for us. Nevertheless this tour is a once in a lifetime experience in a country as yet relatively undiscovered by western tourists. This is an exemplary company that I highly recommend. Many thanks!