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Istanbul to Tashkent - Reverse

Watch the vibrant cultures of Iran and the Silk Road unfurl on this astonishing 39-day adventure through Turkey and Central Asia. Roam across vast rugged landscapes that have been claimed by Commagene kings, Kurdish chieftains, Persian shahs, Mongol khans, Islamic sultans and more recently Soviet Russia, leaving behind a wealth of cityscapes and remote fortresses. Meet desert nomads and mountain villagers and share their traditional way of life, which has remained largely unchanged over the centuries. From the grand buildings and bustling backstreets of Istanbul to the Soviet stylings of Tashkent, this overland trip will exhilarate and inspire.

Itinerary

Day 1 Tashkent

The Uzbek capital was once the fourth largest city in the former USSR and is still Central Asia's main hub. Check out a cabaret show in one of the old Imperil Russian style bars or pass by the Chorsu Bazaarto pick up some last-minute souvenirs.

Days 2-4 Samarkand

From the sprawling street of tombs, larger-than-life monuments and technicolour bazaar - Samarkand is one of Central Asia's most magical destinations. Discover the romance of the Silk Road in this perfectly preserved city.

Day 5 Yurt Stay

Spend a night in a yurt camp with the Kakaz and Uzbek nomads, sleeping amongst the dunes of the Red Desert.

Days 6-8 Bukhara

Get to know Central Asia's holiest city, where the combination of buildings spanning a thousand years and a thoroughly lived-in Old Town add to the bustling atmosphere.

Days 9-10 Khiva

Gaze up at the ancient walls surrounding Khiva and imagine how they once provided sanctuary for weary Silk Road travellers. Explore the historic and perfectly preserved Old Town, beautifully decorated in classic turquoise tiles.

Days 11-12 Bush camp

Follow a local trading route through the harsh Karakum Desert and meet the nomadic Turkmen, the only people who call this inhospitable region home.

Days 13-15 Ashgabat

Wander amongst the futuristic architecture that dominates the Ashgabat skyline. Stop by the Carpet Museum to spy the world's largest hand-woven rug or learn about the city's traumatic history at the Earthquake Museum.

Days 16-17 Alborz Mountains

Camp amid the splendour of the rugged Alborz Mountains.

Days 18-19 Tehran

Discover the capital of Iran - sprawling, fascinating and intoxicating. Visit the impressive Golestan Palace or get lost in one of the city's museums.

Days 20-22 Yazd

Wind through the old city of Yazd - reputedly one of the oldest towns in the world. Sign up for a scrub in a local hamam or sample some tasty Iranian cuisine.

Days 23-24 Shiraz

Explore the magnificent ruins of Persepolis en route to Shiraz. Spend free time in town visiting magnificent mosques and mausoleums or shopping in the fabulous Vakil Bazaar.

Days 25-27 Esfahan

With stately bridges, blue-tiled Islamic buildings and a gargantuan city square, Esfahan provides welcome splashes of lush colour after a few days in the dry countryside.

Days 28-29 Bush Camp

Begin the Iranian portion of this adventure camping in the wild and discovering the country's mountainous heart.

Day 30 Dogubayazit

Nestled at the foot of Turkey's highest peak, Dogubayazit holds a romantic palace-fortress that is fascinating to explore.

Days 31-32 Nemrut Dagi

Thought to be the holy seat of the 1st century BC Commagene King Antiochus, the archaeological site of Nemrut Dagi was hidden from the world for thousands of years.

Days 33-35 Goreme

Explore the Enchanted Valley where cones of soft volcanic tuff rock have been carved to create mystical churches and mysterious dwellings.

Days 36-39 Istanbul

Have your fortune told in the Taksim, bargain up a storm in the Grand Bazaar or admire the imposing Aya Sofya in this fascinating city.

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