This overland tour connects Turkey, Iran & Turkmenistan, three incredible countries on the ancient Silk Road. Turkey has been invaded from nearly every direction in the course of its history which makes it a melting pot of influences; Iran is one of the world's best kept travel secrets, which never fails to surprise its visitors; and Turkmenistan has some of the most remote scenery on earth, where the people still live largely nomadic lives. Between them they have no shortage of incredible places to explore, including the Blue Mosque, the battlefields on the Gallipoli Peninsula, the Dome of Soltaniyeh, the historic Bazaar of Tabriz, the colourful Prometheus Caves, the unworldy geological wonder of Cappadocia and the unique Turkmen capital of Ashgabat.
A great trip for history buffs, this tour takes in more than its fair share of historic sites. Comfortable hotels and a couple of nights wild camping. A fairly fast pace, but some 2 or 3 night stays to really give you time to explore.
if joining in Ashgabat, you will most likely enter Turkmenistan at Ashgabat International Airport (IATA code: ASB).
There will be a pre-departure meeting at 10:00am - please look out for a note from your leader at the reception of the joining hotel upon arrival with more details about this important meeting.
After the meeting we will have an included tour of the city of Ashgabat using local minibuses. In the afternoon we will visit the famous Ashgabat Sunday Market.
Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in Ashgabat before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Ashgabat. If arriving at Ashgabat airport you will also need to have a confirmed arrival transfer and representative from our local supplier to meet you at the airport. Please contact your sales agent for prices and to book.
*Important note - any tobacco products are practically illegal in Turkmenistan, so please do not bring them or use them in Turkmenistan. Also please do not bring any medicines containing tramadol, codeine, temazepam, morphine or opiates to Central Asia. These are illegal in all circumstances in most of Central Asia and you will risk arrest. If in doubt about a particular medicine, please do not bring it. See the notes at the bottom for more details.*
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today we will arrange to obtain our Iran visas at the Iranian Consulate in Ashgabat for all members of the group - please note that citizens of the UK, USA and Canada will need to attend the Consulate in person along with your trip leader so that they can take fingerprints as part of the application.
The rest of the day is free to further explore Ashgabat.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Border Information: Exit Turkmenistan at Gaudan, enter Iran at Bajgiran.
Today we will pick up our passports from the Iranian Consulate and head straight across the border to the small town of Shirvan.
In Shirvan we will stay in a basic local hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Today we will drive to the historical town of Bastam and visit the Sufi complex in the centre. After this we will continue to the town of Damghan.
In Damghan we will stay in a local hotel.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5
This morning we will take a walking tour of the ancient town of Damghan, including the Tarikhuneh Mosque which features columns dating from the year 760CE.
Following our visit we will continue our journey to the desert city of Khoor, where we have the option to take an evening jeep trip into the nearby salt flats to have dinner.
In Khoor we will stay in a beautiful hotel in the style of a desert caravanserai.
*Please note that with small groups and at certain times of the year we may be able to stay in a local homestay in the nearby village of Mesr*.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
Today we will explore the town of Khoor before driving to the ancient desert town of Yazd, one of the oldest extant towns in Iran.
On the following day we will have an included walking tour of some of the main highlights of Yazd, including the incredible Jameh Mosque, the Old Town and the Amir Chakhmaq complex.
In Yazd we will stay in a local hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today we have an included visit to two important Zoroastrian sites in Iran - the Fire Temple and the Towers of Silence. After this we will take a short drive to the famous Caravanserai of Zein-o-Din, an atmospheric 16th-century guesthouse originally built to accommodate merchants travelling on the Silk Road.
In Zein-o-Din we will stay overnight at the old caravanserai.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 2
Today we will drive south to the city of Shiraz. En route we will visit the phenomenal ancient ruins of Persepolis, once the capital of the mighty Achaemenid Persian Empire until it was conquered by Alexander the Great in 330BCE.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8
Today we will have an included walking tour of some of the highlights of the old city of Shiraz, including the beautifully-coloured Nasir ol Molk Mosque, the incredible mirrored interior of the Shah Cheragh Mosque, and the historical house of Narenjestan.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today we wil have a full day's drive to the stunning old Safavid-era capital of Esfahan.
On the following day we will have an included walking tour of the central highlights of Esfahan, including the showpiece central square of Naqsh-e Jahan and its surrounding mosques and royal palaces, the old bazaar, and the beautiful Jameh Mosque, one of the oldest in Iran.
On our second full day here, we will have free time to explore more of Esfahan's incredible sites, such as its ancient bridges, the curious 'Shaking Minarets', the Armenian Vank Cathedral, or the evocative Martyrs' Cemetery.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 9
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
There will be a pre-departure meeting at 10:00am - please look out for a note from your leader at the reception of the joining hotel upon arrival with more details about this important meeting.
After the meeting we will have an included tour of the stunning Golestan Palace and the fascinating National Museum of Iran.
Please note that due to restrictions on citizens of the UK, USA and Canada being permitted to remain unaccompanied in Iran, we would only be able to book one extra night of accommodation in Tehran for these nationalities before the trip starts. You will also be required to book an airport transfer in advance via your sales agent. Please ensure the correct dates for your plans are clearly stated on all your visa applications.
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
After our visit, we will continue our drive to the small town of Zanjan, where we have free time to explore and possibly visit the fascinating historical laundry hall of Rakhatshor-Khaneh.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5
Today we will drive across the border to Turkey and the Kurdish town of Doğubayazıt. En route we will have an included visit to the Ishak Pasha Palace and enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes and the nearby Mount Ararat.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping without facilities
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Another full drive day today however we will be rewarded with a beautiful campsite near Mt Nemrut at the end of the day with a bit of time to relax and enjoy the evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping without facilities
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
In Göreme we will stay 2 nights here in a well-equipped hostel - please note that dorm beds are sometimes used here.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8
On the way we will make a small detour to visit the ancient city of Termessos in Gulluk Dagi National Park.
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 3
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
In the afternoon we will cross the Dardenelles by ferry to arrive into Ecebat where we will stay the night in a local hostel.
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
After lunch we will then jump on the truck one last time to make our way to the bustling city of Istanbul.
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
Today will be free to explore the many sights of the incredible exotic city of Istanbul, including the Grand Bazaar, the Bosphorus River and the phenomenal Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia!
Today is the end day for passengers finishing their trip in Istanbul. Please note there is no accommodation included on the trip tonight - please contact your sales agent if you are interested in booking extra nights of accommodation in order to fully explore and take part in some of the optional activities listed.
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$5,915 USD
Status: Closed