Follow in the footsteps of Marco Polo

Marco Polo, one of the most celebrated sons of Venice, was still in his teens when he set off in 1271 to deliver valuable gifts and letters from the Pope to the Great Khan of China. If we follow in the footsteps of Marco Polo, we’ll discover his remarkable travels.

Following the travels of Marco Polo: an essential guide

Marco Polo’s father and uncle had spent nearly a decade journeying to China previously, and had been gladly received by Kublai Khan, who wished to learn more about Western culture and religion. He sent them back to Europe to gather information and goods for him. So, when they set off back to the east, the Polo family first crossed Armenia and Georgia before turning south through Persia.

They headed from Tabriz to Hormuz, where they were planning to go by sea to China. However, the boats they found there did not appear to be seaworthy so they decided to travel overland instead. They followed a well-established and thriving network of trading routes, now known as the Silk Road. Merchants would ply sections of the route, creating a relay of trade which saw goods and treasures making their way east to west and vice versa. One important legacy of the Silk Road was that ideas and philosophies were also sent from place to place, bringing a better understanding of other cultures.

When Marco Polo set out towards the east in 1271, the ensuing adventures were not destined to be recorded in written form for another 28 years, when he found himself incarcerated in Genova for a year. He recounted incredible tales of his travels to Rusticiano di Pisa, who transcribed them into a book. The stories in its pages have gone on to influence and inspire readers for centuries.

Many of the fantastic and fascinating tales that Marco Polo recounts in his book occurred while on his journey into deepest Asia. So, if you’re dreaming of following after the travels of Marco Polo, let our team of local experts help guide you.

The Caucasus

It is documented that Marco Polo, together with his father and uncle, traversed Georgia and Armenia. He commented on the quality of the local woven fabric, buckram, made for bookbinding and was also very impressed with the hot springs. He declared them “the best baths from natural springs that are anywhere to be found”.

At TravelLocal, our local experts can offer exciting travel opportunities to these incredible destinations. Armenia has a complex past and travel here feels like a real adventure. Roads are rough and journeys can be long, but you’ll be traversing incredible mountain landscapes dotted with ancient ruins and mysterious monuments and meeting some of the most resilient and friendly people on the planet.

Georgia also brings a great depth of history and culture to the table, along with a more developed tourism infrastructure. The mountains here are incredible and much more easily accessible. You’ll still feel like you’re striking forth, but roads will be smoother and there will be more local guest houses and restaurants catering to adventurers. Georgia’s culinary scene is also enticing and there’s one of the oldest wine cultures in the world to dip a toe in.

Iran

The Polos first traveled south from Tabriz through Yazd and Kerman to the port at Hormuz. This particular port no longer exists but was at the time an important hub for trade and travel. Marco Polo observed, “Merchants come thither from India with spices and precious stones, pearls, cloths of silk and gold, elephants’ teeth, and many other wares … In fact ’tis a city of immense trade”.

However, when they couldn’t find a sturdy enough ship they left Hormuz and traveled north east through Persia towards Balkh in Afghanistan and beyond. They returned to Hormuz on their return trip, many years later, where they arrived by ship from China.

Central Asia

Marco Polo himself does not seem to have traveled the section of the Silk Road which is perhaps the best known today. However, this doesn’t mean it’s not worth a visit – if anything, it’s Central Asia at its finest. Traversing Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, the road takes in Bishkek and Tashkent, the glories of Uzbek architecture and the treasures of Samarkand.

TravelLocal experts can guide you on the Central Asia leg of the Silk Road route in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. These three ‘Stans’ are home to the classic Silk Road cities with names that conjure up the romance and fascination of this ancient trading route.

Uzbekistan is a big hitter in architecture and culture with showstopping Samarkand and beautiful Bukhara. Both cities are adorned with grand squares, regal towers and minarets decorated in exquisite mosaic. Tajikistan is ideal for more ‘out-there’ adventures in wild landscapes and is a veritable playground for outdoor enthusiasts.

Kyrgyzstan has gorgeous mountain scenery and is known as the Alps of the region. This compact country offers an appealing grassroots tourism infrastructure featuring yurt homestays in rural communities. Traveling here is about stepping away from the modern world for a while and spending time in nature.

China

By definition, the Silk Road was often used to transport silk fabric from its sources in China to the West, where it was highly prized in the top echelons of society. Marco Polo’s route across China took him through Kashgar, in Xinjiang province, which was an important focal point. Standing at the intersection of the ancient trading routes connecting the empires of Rome, China, Mongolia and Persia, mercantilism was the area’s lifeblood.

On Kashgar, Marco Polo wrote: “There are a good number of towns and villages, but the greatest and finest is Cascar itself. The inhabitants live by trade and handicrafts; they have beautiful gardens and vineyards, and fine estates and grow a great deal of cotton. From this country many merchants go forth about the world on trading journeys”.

Marco Polo traveled eastwards from here to Beijing, and remained in the court of the Great Khan for many years. It is recorded that when they returned to Venice after 24 years absence, the Polo family could barely speak their mother tongue and their family did not recognize them. Tales of these incredible adventures have inspired many travelers in the centuries since his book was published. Some of his stories have been subject to speculation about their authenticity, but on his deathbed, Marco Polo said:

“I did not write half of what I saw, for I knew I would not be believed.”

China is vast and varied with fast-forward megacities and ancient landscapes inhabited by subsistence farmers. It’s a place to visit several times, and even then, you’ll only be scratching the surface (and everything will probably have moved on in between). Chat with one of our local experts to hone in on what you’d like to do and experience in this extraordinary country.

Make it happen

Our knowledgeable local experts in each of these destinations can put together a bespoke trip just for you, to help you follow the travels of Marco Polo for yourself. Navigate to your chosen destination page, and send an enquiry to create your bespoke Silk Road adventure.