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Silk Road Tour Group

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Topic Type: Help

Hoping to hear of others experiences with the firm Archaeological Tours.

Kelly Cannon
Post Count: 5

Msg: #1 70 weeks ago, November 15th 2008

I'm normally an independent traveler, but I'm for the first time considering taking a group tour. This would be for a long-dreamed of trip to western China, an area of interest not shared by family or friends, which is one of the main reasons for deciding to join a group. I've done a good bit of research and have decide a tour offered in Oct 2009 by Archaeological Tours would meet most of my needs. Now I'm trying to get a read on the company from other travellers who have taken tours with them.

So, the question is... If you have taken (or know someone who has taken) a tour with Archaeological Tours, would you be willing to share your experience, pros and cons, whether you would book with them again, any advice for working with them, etc, etc? It is a pretty big leap to give a firm I have no experience with quite a lot of money, and so I'm hoping I can get some good advice from our community.

Thanks!

Kelly

corona

corona wu
Post Count: 4

Msg: #2 67 weeks ago, December 5th 2008

hi, since I haved worked with an Archaeological tour group to the Silk Road, I would like to share some experience with you .

Firstly, we had a very flexible tour schedule as the group members would like to stay in the museums or historical sites as long as possible. We gave them enough time to explore, take photos and keep memos, one museum for half day.

Secondly, one chinese culture topic was held every two or three days by tour leader or national guide, which was also a chance for the members to exchange their points of view.

<snip>

[Edited: 16:38 - Mell - Please exchange email addresses via the private messaging system. ]

kcannon

Kelly Cannon
Post Count: 5

Msg: #3 67 weeks ago, December 5th 2008

Corona, thanks for sharing your experiences with Archaeological. it sounds like the kind of tour I've been looking for. I also received some pretty good feedback on Archaeological Tours from a couple who had taken a trip with them last year, so I went ahead and booked the tour! Looks now like I'll be there next October. Is it possible you'll be working with them again?

Thanks again.

corona

corona wu
Post Count: 4

Msg: #4 67 weeks ago, December 5th 2008

Hi, I was travelling with the Archaeological group as a working member to Kirghiz, Kashigar, Wulumuqi, Turpan, Dunhuang and Xi'an last September. As we worked with China Connection Tours which takes care of all the land and air tours within China last time, I don't know exactly which travel agency this couple will work with. Anyway, I would like to share my experience with you before you start your amazing tour!

javen

javen soong
Post Count: 11

Msg: #5 66 weeks ago, December 10th 2008

I backpacked for the China Silk Road for 16 days in Sept 2007. It was indeed a great experience. All the best to ur next trip as well.

kcannon

Kelly Cannon
Post Count: 5

Msg: #6 66 weeks ago, December 10th 2008

Corona, that must have been a very interesting time for you. Thanks for sharing our experiences.

Javen, sounds like a great trip. I can hardly wait to get there myself. What was the weather like when you were there....how hot/cold did it get, etc? I've heard the popular places to visit can be pretty overrun with tourists. Did you have that problem?

javen

javen soong
Post Count: 11

Msg: #7 66 weeks ago, December 10th 2008

Some snapshots of the trip at http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=39634&l=3a3ad&id=670168126 . If you hav facebook, then I can add you and you can view more of my Silk Road album. Weather was jus nice ... Heavenly Lake was cold ... at night it went down to zero celcius. Hottest was Turpan ... but still average 20 something. That time we bumped into China National day. It was damn pack.

kcannon

Kelly Cannon
Post Count: 5

Msg: #8 62 weeks ago, January 7th 2009

Looks like it must have been a great tour. I can imagine that crossing the Taklamakan would be a real desert experience.....and just hope the car doesn't break down! Thanks for sharing.

javen

javen soong
Post Count: 11

Msg: #9 62 weeks ago, January 7th 2009

I din go for Taklamakan desert but Ming Sha dessert is reli awesome. :)

Stanley G

7workingdays
Post Count: 5

Msg: #10 62 weeks ago, January 8th 2009

Hi,My wife and I did this route in 2001,it was wonderful ,We started at Duoghou(sorry for the spelling but visit the caves) to Turpan ( an amazing place check out the grape vines and the red flaming mountains,the center of town is great at night)from there we took an overnight train to Urumqui a sad town but the Heavenly lake was pretty cool.We flew to Kashie a different world from the Han China,you would think your somewhere on the middle east.The Uighers are really wonderful people.I would say if you have the chance make your way to Hotan and the Jade river do it.The best info for this adventure came from the Lonely planet Guide.If I can be of any help just ask.Safe travels,Best Regards Stanley G.

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