This vast region encompasses some of the world's most remote areas. Yet its location and history of trading between East and West, mean it offers some of the most evocative and best known journeys.

Why not join us on the Silk Road? This is a journey, like so many in this region, that's very difficult and expensive to do as an independent traveller. On a journey that traverses the entire width of China, before crossing into the fascinating Central Asian countries of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, the highlights are endless - from the Great Wall and the Terracotta Army, to Asia's largest market at Kashgar.

Or join us on the world's most famous long distance rail journey, The Trans-Siberian Express, travelling from the heart of Russia, through Mongolia and on to Beijing.

We're thrilled to be offering one of our old favourites again. A journey along the stunning Karakoram Highway in Pakistan takes us through some of the world's highest peaks (including Nanga Parbat - 8126m) to the Chinese border - in our view one of the most spectacular mountain journeys anywhere!

Further east, another true adventure takes us from Beijing in China to Tibet on 'The Railroad to Lhasa' - a journey along the world's highest and one of the most groundbreaking railways.

Please view all our tours in North and Central Asia.

What if you can't afford 2 or 3 weeks away for your travels?

Don't worry: our 11-day Golden Road to Samarkand tour takes in all the major Silk Road highlights of Uzbekistan (Samarkand, Bokhara and Khiva).

Whilst 11 days on China Highlights will include time in bustling Hong Kong, the beautiful karst scenery of Guilin - plus, of course, the Terracotta Warriors in Xian, and the Forbidden City and Great Wall in Beijing.

More unusual is the 'Hermit State' of North Korea - our 12-day tour gives an insight into this fascinating and mysterious country; one of the last bastions of undiluted communism.

Spending time in true wilderness areas is good for the soul!

Here are a few places where you can really escape:

• Kamchatka - that volcanic peninsula jutting into the north Pacific in the far east of Russia (best known for appearing on the board game, Risk) is a great place to enjoy true wilderness - spot bears and walk amongst the volcanoes.
• Camel and yak trekking in Mongolia's Gobi Desert fits the bill - meeting nomadic families, sleeping in traditional gers and sipping fermented mare's milk is an experience you won't forget in a hurry!
• Trek in some of the world's most spectacular, but little visited mountain regions - the Tien Shan range in Kazakhstan or the Fann Mountains in neighbouring Tajikistan. Stunning high peaks and fascinating local culture.
• Or trek up to 'The Other Side of Everest' in Tibet - affording fantastic views of the world's highest peak, but from the less visited northern side.
  

From Georgia, Armenia and Turkey in the west to North Korea, Japan and Kamchatka in the east, this region has massive cultural diversity, and is a treasure trove of ancient and religious sites.

The temples and monasteries of Armenia, the Islamic sights of Samarkand and the Buddhist temples and palaces of Tibet are all are amongst the favourites.

Along the Silk Road in China we come across ancient Buddhist caves at Jiayuguan and Dunhuang, and of course the Tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi (210BC), where his very own personal army of life-size terracotta warriors was buried alongside him.

Travelling on a Yangtse riverboat is in itself a cultural experience! And further north along the Yellow River, you can explore the ancient dynastic capitals as well as the Shaolin Kung Fu Monastery. Then join pilgrims in climbing China's holiest mountain at Tai Shan.

Nowhere do ancient traditions and rituals contrast so vividly with modern day living as in Japan. Travel by bullet train and stay in local ryokans!