Turkey and Tehran Trails

Istanbul - Tehran

17 days through Turkey, Iran

FROM: $2225 USD + 460 USD Kitty

Transport:

Overland Expedition Vehicle

Crew:

Two Dragoman Crew Members, Local Crew Member in certain areas

Accom:

Comfortable Hotel 2 nights
Multishare Hostel 5 nights
Camping 1 night
Basic Hotel 6 nights
Camping without facilities 2 nights

Meals:

Breakfasts x 3, Lunches x 3, Dinners x 3

Physical:

Lifestyle:

Code:

ZTI

Deposit:

$260 USD per person

Foreign Travel Advice

TRIP OVERVIEW

This tour connects Turkey and Iran, two fascinating and deeply historic countries on the crossroads between the East and West. Turkey has been invaded from nearly every direction in the course of its history which makes it a melting pot of influences, a captivating mix of familiar and strange; meanwhile Iran is one of the world's best kept travel secrets, an incredibly hospitable land of striking natural beauty, its varied landscape comprising mountains, salt-plains, steppes, beaches, forests and deserts, as well as beautiful tiled mosques and other wonderful architecture.

Between them they have no shortage of wonderful places to explore, including the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, the battlefields on the Gallipoli Peninsula and the ruins of the lost city of Troy, the Dome of Soltaniyeh, the historic Bazaar of Tabriz and the colourful Prometheus Caves. We also take a guided tour of the unworldy geological wonder of Cappadocia with its magical hoodoos and undulating valleys of pink and white rock.

HIGHLIGHTS

Guided tour of Golestan Palace in Tehran

Learn about Iran's fascinating history at the National Museum

See the spectacular Dome of Soltaniyeh

Wander through the ancient bazaar of Tabriz, the largest covered market in the world

Overnight in the Kurdish town of Do?ubayaz?t

Overland Eastern Turkey and wild camp en-route

Guided tour of the valley of Cappadocia

Take an optional balloon ride over Cappadocia

Visit the incredible Blue Mosque

Explore the many amazing sites of Istanbul

WHAT TO EXPECT

A perfect trip for lovers of culture and history, this tour takes in more than its fair share of wonderful ruins and monuments. The Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans have all made their mark on Turkey, while the aesthetic beauty of Islamic architecture can be found all over Iran. This is a comfortable trip, mostly staying in hotels and hostels, with some wild camping.

ITINERARY

EXPAND ALL CLOSE ALL

Day 1 - Istanbul (5th April 2021)

Border Information: If joining in Istanbul, you will most likely enter Turkey at Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IATA code: IST).

There will be a pre-departure meeting at 10.00am - on arrival please look out for a note from your leader with more information about this important meeting. If you are travelling beyond Tbilisi, your tour leader will need to carefully check your visa situation for your entire trip.

The afternoon will be free to explore the many sights of the incredible exotic city of Istanbul, including the Grand Bazaar, the Bosphorus River, Hagia Sophia and the phenomenal Blue Mosque!

Please note that many of the optional activities will only be possible for those with extra time in Istanbul before the start of your trip with us - please contact your Sales agent if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Istanbul.

* Important note - 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. *

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Day 2 - Gallipoli (6th April 2021)

This morning following breakfast we will depart Istanbul and begin our journey to the shores of Gallipoli.

After lunch we will get an insight into what happened between the ANZAC, Allied and Turkish foreces during the first World War and have a guided tour of the Battlefields and Anzac Cove.

Accommodation: Multishare Hostel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6

Day 3 - Selcuk (7th April 2021)

Today we will cross the Dardenelles by ferry and head to Helsik where we will do a short tour of the Troy Ruins.

We will then continue onto Selcuk where we will be staying for two nights. In the evening we will have free time to explore the area or simply relax in one of the many cafes or tea bars which are great for people watching.

Accommodation: Multishare Hostel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7

Day 4 - Selcuk (8th April 2021)

Today we will spend the day exploring the Ephesus Ruins and Terraced Houses.

Accommodation: Multishare Hostel

Day 5 - Pamukkale (9th April 2021)

Following breakfast we will drive inland towards the small village of Pamukkale.

After lunch we will have free time to visit the thermal hot springs and traverse through the travertine pools and terraces.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 3

Day 6 - Olympos (10th April 2021)

Today we continue our drive south and aim to reach the popular beach town of Olympos by lunchtime.

We will have free time in the afternoon to relax or explore the local area.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Multishare Hostel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6

Day 7 - Olympos (11th April 2021)

On the second day there will be plenty of time to explore and participate in optional activities, in the evening we will walk up to the Chimera Fire Mountain and toast some marshmallows.

Accommodation: Multishare Hostel

Day 8 - Egirdir (12th April 2021)

After breakfast we will leave the beachside town of Olympos and make our way north.

We will have an included visit of Termessos on the way before continuing our journey towards Egirdir where we will find a good spot to bush camp for the night.

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7

Day 9 - Goreme (13th April 2021)

We have an early start this morning to reach the small enchanting town of Goreme in the heart of the Cappadocia mountians.

In Goreme we will stay in a well-equipped hostel - please note that dorm beds are generally used here.

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8

Day 10 - Goreme (14th April 2021)

Today is a full day to explore Goreme, including a tour of the enchanted valley of Cappadocia. There will also be an opportunity for a magical optional balloon ride over the valley during your time here.

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Day 11 - Mount Nemrut (15th April 2021)

Today is a drive day as we travel through the stunning landscapes in eastern Turkey towards the Kurdish town of Dogubayazit. We will aim to overnight close to Mount Nemrut this evening.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping without facilities

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8

Day 12 - Lake Nemrut (16th April 2021)

Another full drive day today however we will be rewarded with a beautiful campsite near Lake 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

Day 13 - Dogubayazit (17th April 2021)

Today we will complete our drive to the Kurdish town of Doğubayazıt. On arrival 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.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7

Day 14 - Tabriz (18th April 2021)

Border Information: Exit Turkey at Gurbulak, enter Iran at Bazargan.

Today we will drive across the Iranian border to the city of Tabriz, where we will have free time to explore some of the sights of the old town.

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6

Day 15 - Zanjan (19th April 2021)

Today we will continue our journey east 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): 5

Day 16 - Tehran (20th April 2021)

Today we will have an included visit to the impressive Dome of Soltaniyeh, just outside of Zanjan. The 14th-century mausoleum is the 3rd largest dome in the world.

After our visit we will continue our drive to the buzzing and chaotic Iranian capital of Tehran.

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6

Day 17 - Tehran - End Date (21st April 2021)

Border Information: If leaving in Tehran, you will most likely exit Iran at Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IATA code: IKA).

This morning we will have an included tour of the stunning Golestan Palace and the fascinating National Museum of Iran.

Today is the end day for passengers finishing their trip in Tehran. Please note there is no accommodation included on the trip tonight.

Please note that due to restrictions on citizens of the UK, USA and Canada being permitted to remain unaccompanied in Iran, we will only be able to book one extra night of accommodation in Tehran for these nationalities at the end of this trip. 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.

DATES, PRICES & TRIP NOTES

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Departing

Finishing

Total Price (USD)

05 Apr 21 Istanbul

21 Apr 21 Tehran

$2,225 USD + 460 USD Kitty

Status: Open

Trip Notes:

Trip Itinerary

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Duration: 17 days Add to basket

27 Sep 21 Tehran

13 Oct 21 Istanbul

$2,225 USD + 480 USD Kitty

Status: Open

Trip Notes:

Trip Itinerary

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Duration: 17 days Add to basket

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Turkey and Tehran Trails

Istanbul - Tehran

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