Overland Istanbul And Bishkek (IKY)

From: $4675 + Kitty

Overview

54 days between Bishkek and Istanbul

Follow in the footsteps of Alexander the Great to explore the Persian empire in this Western Silk Route adventure. Travelling through Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan you’ll experience a wonderful blend of ancient and modern, vast open rural landscapes and bustling urban centres. Beginning in Turkey, you’ll overland through Cappadocia, visiting the underground cities of the Goreme Valley before heading east. Crossing into Georgia, an amazingly friendly and little visited country with a great tradition of hospitality, we spend time in remote mountain villages and taste the local wine in a local village. We then head to Azerbaijan before crossing the Caspian sea into Turkmenistan, isolated for many years, but now accessible to travellers. The trip ends in the surreal city of Ashgabat, an oasis of modernity in a desert of antiquity.

 
  • DATES AND PRICES!
  • From only $320 deposit
  • Trip Style: Overlanding
  • Comfort Zone Basic / Adventurous
  • Physical Challenge Moderate Fitness

FactfileTour Code: IKY

  • Vehicle:

    Overland expedition vehicle
  • Accommodation:

    Hostels and hostels, Yurts, local homestays, camping at campsites and wildcamps.
  • Route: Bishkek to Istanbul
  • Crew:

    2 Dragoman crew and 1 local crew (except Turkey & Azerbaijan).
  • Extras: Pre and post trip accommodation and transfers

Next Departures

pdf download 04 Aug - 26 Sep 2013
Bishkek > Istanbul 		On Request Enquire
pdf download 25 Aug - 17 Oct 2013
Bishkek > Istanbul 		On Request Enquire
 
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Whats Included?

Optional Activities

Azerbaijan

  • 24 hour ferry crossing of the Caspian Sea. Don't read too much into the word 'ferry'

  • Explore historic Baku

  • Day trip to Gobustan to see the mud volcanoes and the petroglyphs

Georgia

  • Overland through eastern Georgia and the wine growing region - time to stock up

  • Shaumta Monastery, Telavi

  • Guided tour of Tbilisi's old town.

  • Hike to Tsminda Sameba Church (approx 1.5 hrs), the 14th-century Holy Trinity Church above Kazbegi

Kyrgyzstan

  • Begin our journey in picturesque Bishkek

  • A beautiful journey through the Chong Kemin Valley

  • Journey around the whole of Lake Issyk-Kul via the Russian-style town of Karakol.

  • Trek into the wilds of the Jeti-Oghuz Gorge on the edge of the Tian Shan mountains

  • Overnight homestay at a traditional rural Kyrgyz village

  • Experience the daily life of the Kyrgyz mountain shepherds.

  • 2 nights in Kyrgyz yurts near Song Kul Lake

  • 3 nights wild camping and a leisurely overland journey through the stunning mountains and National Parks of Kyrgyzstan

Turkey

  • Exploration of the Black Sea mountain monastery at Sumela

  • 2-3 nights to discover Cappadocia's Goreme Valley and underground troglodyte cities and caves

  • 2 nights to discover the Ottoman splendour of istanbul.

Turkmenistan

  • Overland into the green Oxus Valley to the ancient ruined city of Kunye Urgench

  • Discover the bizarre modern city of Ashgabat with its great hotels and restaurants

  • Discover the bizarre modern city of Ashgabat with its great hotels and restaurants

  • Explore, shop and haggle at the vast Tolkuchka Sunday Market

  • Explore Turkmenistan's unique underground Lake and swim in crystal clear waters natually heated to around 36°C 

Uzbekistan

  • Overland through Uzbekistan's Fergana Valley including historic Kokand and Fergana City

  • One night to explore Urban Tashkent

  • One night to explore Urban Tashkent

  • 3 nights discovering the majestic splendour of Samarkand

  • Guided visits to Shakh-I-Zinda, Registan Square & Tamerlane's Tomb in Samarkand

  • Overnight in the Kyzylkum Desert staying in yurts.

  • Wander the historic bazaars and markets of Bukhara where unbelievable bargains can be had

  • Guided city tour of Bukhara, including the Ark Fortress, Death Tower and Ismail Samanid Mausoleum

  • Guided tour of the UNESCO heritage site of the old walled city of Khiva

  • Guided tour of the UNESCO heritage site of the old walled city of Khiva

  • Rafting through the stunning Chong Kemin valley, stopping in the most picturesque locations.

  • History Museum of the People of Uzbekistan.

  • Art Gallery of Uzbekistan.

  • Museum of Applied Arts.

  • History Museum of the People of Uzbekistan.

  • Art Gallery of Uzbekistan.

  • Museum of Applied Arts.

  • Chorsu Bazaar.

  • Guri-amir Mausoleum.

  • Bibi Hanum Mosque.

  • Hazrat-Hizr Mosque.

  • State Art Museum.

  • Visit to Shakhrisabz city

  • The Prison 'Zindon'.

  • Guided trip around old town Baku including the Maiden Tower & Shirvan Shakh Palace

  • Take a hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia

  • Guided tour of Cappadocia's Goreme Valley, and underground cities and caves

  • Basilica Cistern, Istanbul

  • Topkapi Palace (incl. harem), Istanbul

  • Turkish Hamam (incl. massage), Istanbul

  • Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, Istanbul

  • Chora Church, Istanbul

  • Time to explore historic Istanbul and its markets

  • Guided city tour of Istanbul

  • Aya Sofya, Istanbul

> View full list

 

 

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