Silk Road Tours for Seniors
Are you ready to follow Marco Polo's route? Imagine exploring bustling Kashgar bazaars, visiting Karakuli Lake and local settlements, discovering China's largest mosque in Kashgar, uncovering ancient secrets at Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, and experiencing the Mogao Grottoes and Crescent Lake. The Silk Road lives on.
10 best trips for 'over 50s' in Silk Road
Compiled by
SteffSilk Road travel expert at TourRadar
- Discovery of Central Asia – 5 Stans
- Silk Road Explorer Tour
- Private China Adventure to Silk Road, Daily Depart & Exclusive Guide and Driver
- Kyrgyzstan's Silk Road Journey
- The Five Stans of the Silk Road - Ashgabat to Almaty
- Best of Silk Road 10Days: Beijing, Xian, Dunhuang, Turpan, Urumqi and Kashgar
- Silk Road by Bullet Train and Flight 12D: Xian, Zhangye, Dunhuang, Turpan, Kashgar etc.
- Silk Road Tour 8D: Xian, Dunhuang, Turpan, Urumqi, Kashgar
- Essential China Silk Road 12D: Xian, Zhangye, Jiayuguan, Dunhuang, Turpan, Kashgar
- Budget Silk Road Tour by Train: Beijing, Xian, Lanzhou, Labrang, Dunhuang, Turpan, Kashgar
The historic Silk Road comes alive with stays at Plaza Hotel Bishkek and Orient Star Khiva. High-speed trains connect Uzbek cities, while comfortable transport options ease travel between sites. Bukhara's trading domes and Samarkand's Registan reveal their secrets with expert guides leading the way.
Duration 27 days Destinations Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan Age Range Ages 18+ Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Crooked Compass From
- US$12,302
Ancient trade routes welcome travelers aged 8+. Boutique stays at Ilayda Avantgarde in Kusadasi and unique cave hotels in Cappadocia enhance the experience. UNESCO sites including Ephesus ruins and Pamukkale's white travertines connect via comfortable transport.
Duration 7 days Destinations Kusadasi, Selcuk, Pamukkale, Konya, Cappadocia, Goreme, Ankara, Istanbul Age Range Ages 12+ Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Fez Travel From
- US$1,815
Private China Adventure to Silk Road, Daily Depart & Exclusive Guide and Driver
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The arrangement is quite smooth and flexible, and the journey is made more interesting.”
Kate, traveled in June
The historic route showcases accessible sites like Mogao Grottoes and Ancient City of Jiaohe. Quality stays at Dunhuang Hotel and Mercure Turpan Downtown complement comfortable transport. Optional camel rides and cultural experiences enhance the journey.
Duration 13 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Dunhuang, Turpan, Urumqi, Shanghai Age Range All Ages Welcome Physical Rating Easy Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Travel China Guide From
- US$4,779
Kyrgyzstan's Silk Road Journey
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The home stay and the yurt camp were great. The Baytur resort in repurposed shipping containers was fab.”
Rachel, traveled in June
The Silk Road unfolds with stays in comfortable Bishkek and Tashkent hotels. Gentle walks through Djety-Oguz Gorge and Arslanbob's walnut forests await. Modern transport across Kamchik Pass includes photo stops at Burana Tower and Issyk Kul Lake.
Duration 14 days Destinations Bishkek, Burana, Issyk Kul Lake, Karakol, Kochkor, Song Kul Lake, Toktogul, Jalalabad, Arslanbob, OshSee all destinations Age Range Ages 16+ Physical Rating Moderate Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Explore! From
- US$3,240
Ancient cities welcome visitors with stays at Sport Hotel Ashgabat and Sultan Hotel Bukhara. Craftsmen in Rishtan and Gijduvan showcase their work, while UNESCO sites like Nisa fortress tell their stories. Home-cooked meals and optional eagle hunting near Issyk-Kul Lake suit travelers aged 30+.
Duration 23 days Destinations Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan Age Range Ages 16+ Physical Rating Moderate Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $8,773
10% Off- US$7,905You save $868
Best of Silk Road 10Days: Beijing, Xian, Dunhuang, Turpan, Urumqi and Kashgar
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This tour was an incredible journey and a very good introduction to the complex history of China, the beauty of the vast landscape and the intricacies of Chinese philosophy.”
Maryam, traveled in October
Central 4-star hotels serve as bases for discovering the Silk Road. Peaceful walks through Kashgar's Old Town and Turpan's ancient cities delight visitors. Comfortable transportation connects Mogao Caves and Apa Hojia Tomb.
Duration 10 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Dunhuang, Turpan, Urumqi, Kashgar Age Range Ages 18+ Physical Rating Easy Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Silk Road Trips From
10% Off- US$2,999
Luxury hotels and smooth transits connect 8 historic cities. First-class bullet trains and private vehicles ensure comfort throughout. Mogao Grottoes, Terra-cotta Warriors, and Kashgar's bazaars reveal their secrets at a manageable pace.
Duration 12 days Destinations Xi'an, Xining, Zhangye, Jiayuguan, Dunhuang, Turpan, Urumqi, Kashgar Age Range Ages 18+ Physical Rating Easy Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Silk Road Trips From
10% Off- US$3,989
Senior-friendly routes through Kashgar's bazaars and Dunhuang's night markets offer easy access. Comfortable 3-star accommodations enhance each city stay. Morning visits to Terra Cotta Warriors and Mogao Caves include plenty of rest stops.
Duration 8 days Destinations Xi'an, Dunhuang, Turpan, Urumqi, Kashgar Age Range Ages 18+ Physical Rating Easy Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Silk Road Trips From
10% Off- US$1,999
The ancient Silk Road unfolds with visits to Mogao Caves and Bezklik Grottos. Private vehicles and first-class trains provide comfort between stops, with 4-star hotels in historic centers. Suitable for ages 18+, featuring local guides and minimal walking distances.
Duration 12 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Zhangye, Jiayuguan, Dunhuang, Turpan, Urumqi, Kashgar Age Range Ages 18+ Physical Rating Easy Room Type Shared Operator Silk Road Trips From
10% Off- US$3,599
The ancient trade route comes alive with convenient hotel locations near Mogao Caves and Id Ghar Mosque. Leisurely walking tours of Gaochang ruins and Turpan Museum delight visitors. Comfortable overnight trains connect major sites, with ample rest periods.
Duration 12 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Lanzhou, Dunhuang, Turpan, Kashgar Age Range Ages 18+ Physical Rating Easy Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Silk Road Trips From
10% Off- US$2,399
What people love about Silk Road Tours for Seniors
This tour was an incredible journey and a very good introduction to the complex history of China, the beauty of the vast landscape and the intricacies of Chinese philosophy. With the exception of Kashgar every city was absolutely worth it! The people of these cities were kind, respectful and generous, the guides passionate, knowledgeable and caring and the drivers prompt and professional. They were excellent at recommending the best places to eat, things to do, places to see, respecting my additional need, translating my words to the locals and vice versa and protecting/keeping me safe at all times. The hotels were all tidy, clean (with the exception of Kashgar) and conveniently located in terms of their proximity to local attractions to visit in your spare time and shops/restaurants. Further SilkRoads do an excellent job in organising your trip making it hassle free. All the tickets, transport, VISA requirements, and hotels are organised by them. Plus you have 24/7 contact with them during your trip for any queries you may have. All in all a wonderful trip. I just wish that I had an extra day in the middle of the trip in X’ian/Dunhuang and switch the day in Kashgar to an extra day in Urumqi so that one could enjoy some extra hikes, hots springs (in X’ian) and some rides (camel, horse and bike) in these beautiful locations. Thanks a lot to the SilkRoad team for a memorable experience!
Best of Silk Road 10Days: Beijing, Xian, Dunhuang, Turpan, Urumqi and Kashgar
What our customers ask about Silk Road Tours for Seniors
What is the best time of year for seniors to visit the Silk Road?
Plan your Silk Road journey during spring (April-May) or fall (September-October) to enjoy moderate temperatures that hover between 15-25°C (59-77°F). These months are particularly pleasant for exploring attractions like the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang. Avoid the summer months of June through August when desert regions like Turpan can reach scorching temperatures of 40°C (104°F). A recent traveler noted "visiting in October when the weather was perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities."
How long are typical Silk Road tours geared toward seniors?
The sweet spot for senior-focused Silk Road tours falls between 12 and 16 days with stops lasting 2 to 3 nights in key cities. The "Wonders of the Silk Road" tour spans 13 days giving visitors time to take in historic sites like Bukhara and Samarkand at an unhurried pace. For those seeking a more extended experience the 23-day "Five Stans" tour offers additional rest days and relaxed exploration opportunities.
What type of accommodation can seniors expect on Silk Road tours?
Expect comfortable 3 to 4-star hotels in city centers equipped with modern amenities. The Kavsar Boutique Hotel in Bukhara combines local architectural charm with contemporary comfort while Ashgabat's Sport Hotel delivers 4-star service with essentials like elevators and climate control. A recent guest observed: "The hotels were consistently good quality with excellent locations near major sites."
What medical facilities are available along the Silk Road route?
Modern medical centers and hospitals serve the major stops including Tashkent Almaty and Samarkand. Companies like G Adventures ensure their guides have first-aid certification and carry medical supplies. Rural areas offer fewer medical options making it crucial to pack necessary medications and secure comprehensive travel coverage. Guides can coordinate prompt medical care when needed.
What level of physical activity is required for seniors on Silk Road tours?
Tours typically fall into the "easy to moderate" range featuring city walks and optional hiking. Daily excursions usually involve 2 to 4 hours of leisurely walking with frequent stops. The Charyn Canyon walk covers roughly 2km on level ground with designated rest areas. Visitor feedback notes: "Although some walking was required the guides were very accommodating and there were always alternatives if activities were too strenuous."
How demanding is the transportation between destinations?
Travel arrangements prioritize comfort using a mix of private vehicles trains and select flights between major stops. The Tashkent to Samarkand route utilizes modern high-speed rail completing the journey in just over 2 hours. Air-conditioned vehicles make scheduled stops every few hours for breaks. One traveler reported: "The transport was very comfortable with plenty of leg room and regular breaks for refreshments."
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