In the Footsteps of Marco Polo

Denis Belliveau and Francis O'Donnell start their expedition in Venice, Italy, aiming to retrace Marco Polo's 25,000-mile route. Their goal is to verify Marco Polo's accounts by traveling only by land or sea and capturing visual evidence of the described locations. They prepare for an extensive journey across multiple countries and regions.

The explorers sail from Venice to Israel, where they arrive in Jerusalem. There, they obtain holy oil from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre during Easter, paralleling Marco Polo's own visit during this religious celebration. This marks their first significant religious and historical site on the journey.

They sail further to Turkey, landing in the village of Ayaş, which was a large port in Marco Polo's time. Their journey continues along the historic trade routes, recreating the original pathways of Marco Polo and his family.

The duo seeks to enter Iran but faces restrictions from the Iranian government. They aim to follow Marco Polo’s path through Iran on their return trip, highlighting the historical significance of the Silk Road route from Central Asia.

Traveling through Uzbekistan, they encounter requirements for visas in each city and face difficulties crossing the Friendship Bridge into Afghanistan. They also forge visas and pay a bribe to continue their journey, echoing the hardships faced along Silk Road routes.

After delays and challenges, they cross Afghanistan, passing through regions with minimal infrastructure. They traverse the Wakhan Corridor, which they describe as the jewel of their journey, and are told they are the first Westerners to enter in a generation.

The explorers pass into Tajikistan via the Pamirs, traveling on horseback and observing traditional structures and customs described by Marco Polo. They then cross into China, beginning their exploration of cities along Polo’s routes like Kashgar and Dunhuang.

In China, they undertake a six-week arduous journey across the Taklamakan Desert with camels and horses, resupplying in Kashgar. They document sites like the Reclining Buddha in Zhangye and immerse themselves in local nomadic culture.

Traveling through Mongolia, they live in traditional circular felt houses called gers, drink fermented mares' milk, and explore remote regions that Polo had described. Their journey continues across Southeast Asia to Sumatra and Sri Lanka, following Polo's routes.

Arriving in Madras, India, they document Polo's observations about astrology and local customs before traveling to Persia (Iran). Despite initial rejection, they obtain a one-month visa, becoming the first Americans granted such access post-1979 revolution.

After completing their expedition, they sail back to Venice via the Indian Ocean, arriving in March 1995. Their journey concludes with a grand reception, including gondola regattas and a visit to Marco Polo's last will at the Biblioteca Nazionale.