Ultra-Luxury All-Inclusive Silversea Voyage with Ancient China Discovery & Silk Road Express Rail

Your holiday begins as you fly from the UK to your destination.

Beijing, China’s storied capital, blends imperial grandeur with modern ambition. Ancient hutongs wind past glittering skyscrapers, while centuries of dynastic history linger in every corner.

Enjoy a second day to explore Beijing’s layered character, from tranquil temple courtyards to lively local markets. Sample Peking duck, wander tucked-away alleyways or simply soak in the rhythms of a capital where ancient tradition and rapid modernity coexist seamlessly.

The Temple of Heaven’s circular halls once hosted imperial prayers for good harvests, while the Forbidden City’s vast crimson walls sheltered emperors for five centuries, its labyrinth of halls and courtyards standing as China’s most magnificent surviving palace complex.

Snaking across mountainous terrain, the Great Wall stands as humanity’s most epic fortification, while the Summer Palace’s lakeside pavilions and manicured gardens offered emperors serene escape from court life, together showcasing China’s ambition and refinement.

Dunhuang, once a thriving Silk Road oasis, guards priceless Buddhist treasures carved into desert cliffs. Settle in with a welcome dinner before exploring this remote outpost, where centuries of merchants, monks, and pilgrims once crossed paths amid the sands.

Step on board the Silk Road Express in Dunhuang, launching an immersive rail journey through China’s dramatic northwest. Watch vast deserts and rugged mountains unfold from your cabin, retracing ancient caravan routes that once linked civilisations across Central Asia.

Golmud, a remote high-altitude outpost on the Tibetan Plateau’s edge, offers a glimpse into China’s vast, sparsely populated frontier. Surrounded by desert and distant mountains, it serves as a gateway connecting the Silk Road route toward Tibet’s dramatic highlands.

Visit Kumbum Monastery (Ta’er Monastery), one of China’s six most important Gelug monasteries, then enjoy lunch together at a local restaurant. Spend your afternoon at leisure exploring Xining, before joining a memorable farewell dinner at the hotel this evening.

Say goodbye to Xining as you travel by high-speed train to Xi’An. Upon arrival, your guide will be waiting to welcome you and take you to your hotel, ready to begin exploring this ancient capital.

Xi’an, China’s ancient capital, guards the astonishing Terracotta Army – thousands of life-sized clay soldiers buried over two millennia ago to protect Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife, remaining one of archaeology’s greatest and most humbling discoveries.

Seoul blends ultramodern skyscrapers with centuries-old palaces, bustling markets, and serene Buddhist temples. Explore Gyeongbokgung’s royal grandeur, wander vibrant Myeongdong streets, sample sizzling street food, and soak in the dynamic energy of one of Asia’s great capitals.

Board the elegant Silver Muse, Silversea’s all-suite, all-inclusive vessel renowned for its refined dining and impeccable service. Say farewell to Seoul’s palace gates and neon markets as your voyage begins, setting course toward Jeju and island-hopping adventures ahead.

Volcanic Jeju charms with striking landscapes: lava tube caves, black basalt shorelines, and Hallasan, South Korea’s tallest peak, crowning the island’s centre. Beyond nature, tangerine orchards, whimsical museums, and a laid-back island pace make Jeju endlessly captivating.

Busan pairs the bustling Jagalchi Fish Market, with golden Haeundae Beach and the cliffside splendour of Taejongdae Park. Cable cars, coastal walking trails, and piquant street fare complete the picture of a city both effortlessly dynamic and endlessly refined.

Nagasaki’s poignant history as an atomic bomb site coexists with its legacy as Japan’s historic gateway to Western trade. Wander Glover Garden’s colonial mansions, explore Dutch-influenced Dejima, and reflect at the Peace Park, honouring resilience amid remembrance.

Kagoshima sits beneath Sakurajima, one of Japan’s most active volcanoes, its ash-dusted slopes looming across the bay. Known as Kyushu’s Naples, the city offers steaming hot springs, samurai gardens, and dramatic volcanic scenery framing everyday life.

Aburatsu offers an authentic glimpse into small-town Japanese life. Nearby Nichinan coastline reveals dramatic rock formations and subtropical scenery, while local fishing traditions and unhurried charm reward travellers venturing beyond typical tourist routes.

Naze, the main town on Amami Ōshima, blends subtropical rainforest with turquoise waters and coral reefs. Rich in unique biodiversity and distinct Amami culture, it offers traditional textile weaving, mangrove kayaking, and a slower island rhythm all its own.

Naha showcases the Ryukyu Kingdom’s legacy through Shuri Castle’s vermillion grandeur. Bustling Kokusai Street offers shopping and local flavours, while the island’s distinct culture, subtropical warmth reflect centuries of trade between Japan, China, and Southeast Asia.

Ishigaki-jima, part of Okinawa’s remote Yaeyama Islands, boasts pristine coral reefs, turquoise lagoons, and lush jungle interiors. A paradise for divers and snorkelers, it offers manta ray encounters, star-shaped sand beaches, and an unspoiled, laid-back tropical island atmosphere.

Keelung, serves as the gateway to Taipei, blending maritime heritage with coastal charm. Nearby, Yehliu’s otherworldly rock formations astonish, while Jiufen’s lantern-lit hillside streets and misty mountain views reward those exploring beyond the harbour.

Your holiday complete, today you’ll disembark your ship and head to the airport for your flight home.