The Secrets Of The Silk Road With Traveler Jon Baines

Barbara Conelli interviews traveler Jon Baines who returns to the show to reveal the magic and the secrets of the famous Silk Road.

The Silk Road, or Silk Route, is a modern term referring to a historical network of interlinking trade routes across the Afro-Eurasian landmass that connected East, South, and Western Asia with the Mediterranean and European world, as well as parts of North and East Africa. Extending 4,000 miles (6,500 km), the Silk Road gets its name from the lucrative Chinese silk trade along it.

Trade on the Silk Road was a significant factor in the development of the civilizations of China, India, Persia, Europe and Arabia. Though silk was certainly the major trade item from China, many other goods were traded, and various technologies, religions and philosophies, as well as the bubonic plague (the "Black Death"), also traveled along the Silk Routes.

Jon Baines, the founder of Jon Baines Tours, is a highly energetic and knowledgeable tour designer and leader whose enthusiasm for the destinations he visits is contagious. He led his first group in 1996 from the Karakoram Highway in Pakistan along the Silk Road to China. Since then, he has successfully organized and led groups around the world. A particular passion is the Silk Road and the many destinations along it - which Jon has created many specialist tours to. www.jonbainestours.co.uk

Barbara Conelli is the bestselling author of Chique Travel books, a seasoned travel writer and radio hostess. She is a lifelong nomad, creative adventurer, collector of experiences and polyglot fluent in eight languages. Barb dances between New York and her worldwide adventures, enjoying every single step. She's always on the move, embracing her free spirit and restless nature. www.barbaraconelli.com