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.
Border Information: if joining in Tehran, you will most likely enter Iran at Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IATA code: IKA).
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
Day 2 - Zanjan (28th September 2021)
Today we will set off from Iran's chaotic capital and head west to the impressive Dome of Soltaniyeh, where we have an included visit. The 14th-century mausoleum is the 3rd largest dome in the world.
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
Day 3 - Tabriz (29th September 2021)
Today we will drive to the western Iranian 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): 5
Day 4 - Dogubayazit (30th September 2021)
Border Information: Exit Iran at Bazargan, enter Turkey at Gurbulak.
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
Day 5 - Lake Nemrut (1st October 2021)
Today is a drive day as we travel through the stunning landscapes in eastern Turkey towards the central Cappadocia region. We will aim to overnight close to Lake Nemrut this evening.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping without facilities
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Day 6 - Mount Nemrut (2nd October 2021)
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
Day 7 - Goreme (3rd October 2021)
Today we will complete our drive to Göreme, a small enchanting town in the heart of the Cappadocia mountains.
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
Day 8 - Goreme (4th October 2021)
One the second day we will explore Goreme, including a guided 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 (weather permitting).
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Day 9 - Egirdir (5th October 2021)
After breakfast we will continue south towards the town of Egirdir, today will mostly be a travel day.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8
Day 10 - Olympos (6th October 2021)
This morning we will continue onto the ancient beach town of Olympos on the Southern Turkish coast.
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
Day 11 - Olympos (7th October 2021)
Today 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 12 - Pamukkale (8th October 2021)
Today we will head back inland to the small village of Pamukkale. Either this afternoon or tomorrow morning we will have time to visit the thermal hot springs and traverse the travertine pools and terraces.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
Day 13 - Selcuk (9th October 2021)
We only have a short drive this morning to make it to our next destination Selcuk where we will have two nights. On arrival we will have free time to explore the local area or simply relax in one of the many cafes or tea bars which are great for people watching.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 3
Day 14 - Selcuk (10th October 2021)
Today we will spend the day exploring the Ephesus Ruins and Terraced Houses.
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Day 15 - Gallipoli (11th October 2021)
After breakfast we will leave Selcuk and drive to Helsik following the coast. Here we will have an included tour of the Troy Ruins.
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
Day 16 - Istanbul (12th October 2021)
Rising early we will have an included tour of Gallipoli with our local guide.
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
Day 17 - Istanbul - End Date (13th October 2021)
Border information: if leaving the trip in Istanbul, you will most likely exit Turkey from Istanbul Atatürk International Airport (IATA code: IST).
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.
Trusted Partner
