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.
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.
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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$2,930 USD
Status: Closed