Xian tours-2 days in September?

I highly reccomend you figure out what you actually want to see in Xi'an, rather than go on some tour guide's idea of the 'usual sights.' What tours usually take in, and how much time they spend there, has little to do with how interesting they are and more on what makes a tour schedule flow easily, is lowest cost for them, and has highest chance of generating additional revenue.

If you are looking for a 'yard stick' it's probably best to think about prices without admission fees, as that can make tours much more expensive and variable. Then decide what kind of transportation you are looking for, most of the sights are well covered by walking and subway except for the warriors which are a bus ride out of town. If you want a private tour, that could be walking mostly or include more private driver. A tour that is just a guide with you paying for subways and taxies will be a lot cheaper than a tour that includes a private driver/car for all of the time. Finally some tours include meals, which again adds to the cost.

Really the sky is the limit, decide what you want first and then think about cost.

Xian poses a few challenges for independent travellers - easily overcome. Firstly for the Terracotta Warriors where your guide would be drowned out by guides from other tour groups, particularly in the Main Hall. I am not sure if you are willing to join a narrated group walking around the complex or, alternatively, if you are willing to read-up beforehand, in order to get the best visitor experience you can.

I recommend the Moslem Quarter as a 'must-do' but, again, taking in your own guide might be hit-and-miss. Throughout all the alleyways and hidden-away eateries, I reckon you are better to get a local guide, someone guaranteed to have some local knowledge and local contacts.

Thnx for your informative replies rpbourne and chriswilliams1- that's very helpful :) If we were to stay somewhere in the Muslim area which sounds very interesting and our kind of place; could we walk around sights from there like the Bell Tower/Drum Tower, Great Mosque, City Walls? We are big walkers, so used to that. I'm not sure of the scale of the place.

Maybe then is it feasible to catch a taxi to see the Big Goose Pagoda, Warriors and Hang Yang tomb in one day? That covers what we are interested in from reading the LP. Any idea of taxi costs? Any further help/advice would be most appreciated. Cheers

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