In 13th-century Venice, merchant brothers Niccolò and Maffeo Polo return from a journey to the East. However, a 15-year gap stands between them and Niccolò’s 17-year-old son, Marco, who, after his mother’s death, resents them for being away so long. In an attempt to reconcile, Niccolò offers Marco the chance to accompany him and Maffeo on their next journey to visit Kublai Khan—an offer Marco accepts.

Marco Polo and his companions have received a personal letter and holy oil from the Pope, as promised to Kublai Khan. They depart Jerusalem, accompanied by two monks. They move north along the Mediterranean Sea and enter what is now modern-day Türkiye. As they approach the mountainous area, they learn that a group of Mamelukes, whom the caravan fears, are approaching. To avoid being attacked, Marco and his friends take refuge in the ruins of an ancient residence and hide out.

Marco Polo and his companions arrive in the Armenian region and stop at a camel city to prepare for their journey through the desert. Soon after, a white camel running wild in the crowd catches Marco's eye. The bad-tempered camel, known as the Star of Nafud, has never been purchased, but it and Marco bond with each other.

Marco Polo and company cross a long arid region from the Göreme Valley in central Türkiye and enter the lush and water-filled land of Persia where they take a much-needed rest. Said rest is short-lived, however, as they soon find themselves under attack from a group of thieves known as the Qara’unas.

Finding they are not alone in the attack from the Qara’unas, Niccolo and Maffeo join Sharif and the others in a deadly battle. Will Marco finally draw his sword and fight?

After being injured in the prior Qara'unas attack, Marco Polo and his party stop at the oasis town of Hatra to rebuild their caravan. Unfortunately, Mongolian soldiers then suddenly surround them. Their paiza not being able to save them becomes a frightening possibility.

After leaving Turpan, Marco Polo and his companions were greeted by the Mongolian army escort and resumed their journey. The Mongol army always carried a "Pegasus Flag" at the head of the army. The Mongolian people believed that the spirit of Genghis Khan resided in this flag. After passing through the checkpoint, the group was relieved. A peaceful banquet was held at the camp. However, that night, Nicolo was attacked. Someone was trying to steal the sacred oil. The army commander wrapped the jar of sacred oil in the "Pegasus Flag" to protect it.

Three and a half years after leaving Venice, Marco Polo and his entourage finally meet face to face with Kublai Khan.