THE FACTS ABOUT THE SILK ROAD

WHAT Follow the centuries-old route that brought exotic spices, fruits, herbs and silk from East to West through remote and inhospitable terrain. As from 2003, Explore Worldwide (01252 760000; www.exploreworldwide.com) is introducing a 25-day Silk Road journey that will extend the length of China, from Beijing in the east to Kashgar (a trade crossroads that still has a Sunday market, one of the largest in central Asia and a meeting place for Uighur and Kyrgyz tribesmen) in the west. The tour will then continue through the Tien Shan mountains and into Kyrgyzstan towards Uzbekistan visiting the Silk Road cities of Samarkand to see the tomb of Gur-Emir, resting place of the 15th-century Mongol leader Timur, and the 600-year-old observatory of Ulug-Beg and Bokhara with its old citadel and mosques. WHEN September is one of the best months to do this journey although climatic changes as you journey west means temperatures can still reach extremes of heat. Trips run from May to September BONUS POINTS A chance to explore very remote areas accompanied by a tour leader and with a group of less than 20 people PRICE £2,095 per person, including flights, breakfasts and accommodation.