Turkic & Persian Splendours - Reverse
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 1-2 Ashgabat
Welcome to Turkmenistan and the futuristic architecture of Ashgabat.
Days 6-7 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 9-10 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 11-13 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. Take in the splendour of this city by visiting ornate mosques and historic palaces.
Days 14-15 Tehran
Discover the capital of Iran, Tehran, a sprawling, fascinating and intoxicating place. Visit the impressive Golestan Palace or get lost in one of the Tehran's museums.
Days 16-17 Bush Camp
Camp in the wilds of this beautiful, mountainous region. Discover the unique rock formations in the enchanting Kandovan region.
Day 18 Dogubayazit
Nestled at the foot of Turkey's highest peak, Dogubayazit has a romantic palace-fortress that is fascinating to explore.
Days 24-26 Istanbul
Visit Istanbul's Grand Bazaar to hunt for a bargain, admire the Blue Mosque or the imposing Aya Sofya. On the cobblestone streets of this fascinating city is where the Turkic and Persian Splendours adventure comes to an end.
Day 3 Shirvan
Make tracks towards the Iranian border today and explore Shirvan, nestled on the banks of Atrak River.
Day 4 Damghan
Take a walk around the ancient city of Damghan, perhaps stopping to visit one of the oldest mosques in the world - Jamrh.
Day 5 Garmeh / Dasht-e Kavir Desert
Travel into the heart of the central Iranian desert and enjoy a homestay in the small village of Garmeh.
Day 8 Zein-o-din Caravanserai
Keep quiet at the Zoroastrian Tower of Silence before heading to the historical Zein-o-din Caravanserai.
Days 19-20 Bush Camp
Travel overland into Eastern Turkey via ancient trade routes. Explore the Enchanted Valley where cones of soft volcanic rock have been carved to create mystical churches and mysterious dwellings.
Day 23 Tuz Golu
Farewell the fairy chimneys of Goreme and travel to the beautiful salt lake, Tuz Golu.