Turkic & Persian Splendours
Trip Details
- Duration: 26 days days
- Visited Areas: Turkey , Iran , Turkmenistan
Turkey and Turkmenistan are the two most westerly of the Turkic nations, joined by a distinctive culture. Beginning in Turkey we overland through Cappadocia, visiting the underground cities of the Goreme Valley before heading east to the Lake Van region. We cross into the Persian empire at the border with Iran - an amazingly friendly country with a great tradition of hospitality, as anyone who has been there will tell you. We visit the stunning Islamic architecture of Esfahan and explore the ancient capital Persepolis, following in the footsteps of Alexander the Great. We head to the present capital Tehran, then on through the north of the country. Leaving Iran we cross back into the Turkic world: Turkmenistan, isolated for many years, but now accessible to travellers. The trip ends in the surreal city of Ashgabat, an oasis of modernity in a desert of antiquity.
Itinerary
Days 1-6 Istanbul/Western & Central Turkey
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. Discover Cappadocia's Goreme Valley and underground troglodyte cities and caves.
Days 7-9 Eastern Turkey/Anotolia
Overland into Eastern Turkey via ancient trade routes and visit to Ishak Pasha Palace near Dogubayazit on the Iranian Border
Days 10-17 Western/Southern Iran
Explore the ancient ruins of Persepolis Persian ruins and visit the stunning Islamic Shiraz, its citadel and mosques before overlanding through the mountains of Western Iran. Trawl the souks, bazaars and beautiful squares and blue tiled Mosques
of Esfahan.
Days 18-20 Eastern Deserts
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 21-23 Northern Iran
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 24-26 Ashgabat/Turkmenistan
Say goodbye to Iran and travel into Turkmenistan. Conclude the adventure among the futuristic architecture of Ashgabat.