Paris to Persia

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Paris

Be romanced by the City of Light and its wealth of iconic landmarks. Picnic under the Eiffel Tower or nibble macarons while strolling the glittering Champs Elysees.

Days 3-4 Bruges

Indulge in some of the world's best beer and chocolate in this beautiful city of canals.

Days 5-6 Amsterdam

Be inspired by the art and architecture in this captivating city. Go Dutch and see the sights by bicycle.

Days 7-10 Berlin

Delve into this epic and progressive city - a mecca for artists and architects and home to some of the world's best nightlife.

Days 11-12 Krakow

This former imperial capital is home to one of Europe's grandest town squares and an enchanting old quarter.

Days 13-14 Prague

Castles, cathedrals and underground absinthe bars - there is plenty to see and do in the Czech Republic's bohemian hub.

Day 15 Cesky Krumlov

Explore the fairytale castle and crooked medieval streets, or hit the Vltava for a spot of rafting.

Days 18-19 Budapest

Grand old-world buildings, glamorous shops and glitzy restaurants make this one of Europe's greatest cities.

Days 20-21 Bled

Whether by raft or rollerblade, in a canoe or a cave, enjoy this lakeside town at your leisure before scaling Mt Vogel for a breathtaking view across the Julian Alps.

Days 22-23 Venice

Mingle with locals in a piazza and get a convict's final glimpse of Venice through the peepholes on the Bridge of Sighs.

Days 33-34 Corfu

Cool off in the sparkling waters and feast on the day's freshest catch by the harbour. Hike to Mt Pantokrator for an outlook over Albania and Italy, or get a bird's eye view of the island paragliding from one of the rocky outcrops.

Days 35-36 Athens

Discover the birthplace of Western democracy and experience a collision between ancient and modern culture. See the iconic Acropolis and the original Olympic Stadium or plan a day trip to the Peloponnese peninsula.

Days 37-38 Santorini

Take a ferry to an island paradise. Hike to the top of the impressive caldera or soak up the sun on the black sand beach. Find a good spot to see the sunset and end the day with an ouzo or two at a local tavern.

Day 39 Athens

Return to Athens en route to the third-largest island in Greece.

Days 40-41 Lesvos

Known as the Emerald Island, Lesvos is home to over 11 million olive trees, a scattering of charming coastal resorts and a fascinating fossilised forest. Spend a full day discovering its delights and delighting in its beaches.

Day 42 Ayvalik

Take a ferry to the Turkish town of Ayvalik, settled comfortably on the Aegean coast. Explore the cobbled backstreets and stay overnight in a beautiful traditional pension.

Days 43-44 Istanbul

Get off the beaten track and visit the city's historical and cultural sites, ending the day among the colours and aromas of the spice markets in the bazaar quarter.

Day 45 Safranbolu

Leave the city bound for a village hidden in the mountains of the Anatolia region. Explore narrow cobbled laneways flanked by heritage-listed houses. Indulge in the local specialty - yaprak helvast - layers of helva interspersed with walnuts.

Days 46-47 Amasya

Explore the picturesque views of half-timbered Ottoman houses overlooking a rocky ravine. Set in a confined valley, Amasya is easy to explore by foot. Why not check out the Pontic tombs or wander the backstreets and end the day at a local teahouse or hamam.

Days 48-49 Sivas

Enter a land suspended in time, boasting beautiful Seljuk buildings decorated with geometric carvings and unique tile work. Perhaps take a day trip to the mountain village of Divrigi with its World Heritage-listed mosque-medrese complex.

Day 50 Erzurum

Travel through wild and beautiful landscapes to reach a town torn between two ways of life. Get an insight into the complexities of eastern Turkish society by exploring the tree-lined boulevards - home to both staunch conservatives and outspoken university students.

Day 51 Kars

Take the opportunity to visit the ruins of Ani, once the impressive Armenian capital. Back in Kars, stroll through the town and discover rich ethnic influences in the architecture and cuisine.

Day 52 Dogubayazit

With free time, perhaps explore the Ishak Pasa Palace with its enchanting mix of Ottoman, Persian and Seljuk architecture. Below Mt Ararat, look out for the fossilised remains of Noah's Ark.

Days 53-56 Tabriz

See the impressive Poet's Mausoleum or journey to the ancient village of Kandovan and wander among the dwellings carved into the mountains. Alternatively, travel to Jolfa to discover the unique culture of Armenian Christians.

Day 57 Sara'eyn

Perhaps stop off at the Sheikh Safi od-Din Mausoleum in Ardabil. In Sara'eyn, soothe travel aches in hot springs reputed to contain a cure-all mineral mixture.

Days 58-59 Masuleh

Enjoy a scenic drive past the Bandar-e Anzali lagoon to reach a car-free city boasting UNESCO Heritage-listed architecture - here, due to the steep location, rooftops and the village streets above them are one and the same.

Days 60-61 Tehran

Ramble through the Tehran Bazaar, see the impressive display of faith at Imam Khomeini Mosque during prayer time or stop by the National Jewels Museum to see the world's largest uncut diamond.