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Xian to Istanbul Overview

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‡ As our kitty is flexible the indicated amount is indicative only - please click here to view the kitty amount for your departure date.

Take a Silk Road adventure from Xi’an to Istanbul

Get ready for a massive Overland adventure from the metropolitan core of Xi'an, China, to the bustling streets of Istanbul city. Travel through some of the planet's most remote, wild and uniquely beautiful wildernesses along the legendary Silk Road. See the flaming mountains of the oasis town of Turpan, pitch a tent beneath the stars in the Karakum Desert, step back in time sleeping in an ancient caravanserai and tour Iran’s dramatic mountain-scapes. This adventure will take you through the pages of time and introduce you to the friendly and hospitable locals who call these rugged lands home. If you're longing for an epic Overland odyssey, away from the tourist crowds and through some of the world's last wild terrains, then this epic journey is just for you.

  • Explore Persepolis’s magnificent ruins
  • Marvel at the evocative architecture of Samarkand
  • Purchase Soviet paraphernalia in Bishkek
  • Relax by the deep blue waters of Heavenly Lake
  • See Xi’an’s impressive Terracotta Warriors
  • Spend the night with Uzbek locals on a homestay in a desert yurt camp
  • Tour the underground houses of Goreme
  • Witness a field of fire at the Darvaza Gas Crater

Xian to Istanbul Summary

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Days 47-49 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 combine to create an awe-inspiring atmosphere.

Days 50-51 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.

Day 52 Kunye Urgench

Follow a local trading route through harsh desert sands, and meet the nomadic people who call this inhospitable region home.

Day 53 Darwasa

Drive across the Karakum Desert. If time allows, see the amazing Darvaza Gas Crater.

Days 54-56 Ashgabat

Wander among the futuristic architecture of Ashgabat's skyline. Spy the world's largest hand-woven rug or learn about the city's traumatic history at the Earthquake Museum.

Day 57 Shirvan

Make tracks towards the Iranian border today and explore Shirvan, nestled on the banks of Atrak River.

Day 58 Damghan

Take a walk around the ancient city of Damghan, perhaps stopping to visit one of the oldest mosques in the world - Jamrh.

Day 59 Garmeh/Dasht-e Kavir Desert

Travel into the heart of the central Iranian desert and enjoy a homestay in the small village of Garmeh.

Days 60-61 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.

Day 62 Zein-o-din Caravanserai

Keep quiet at the Zoroastrian Tower of Silence before heading to the historical Zein-o-din Caravanserai.

Days 63-64 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 65-67 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 68-69 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 70-71 Bush Camp

Camp in the wilds of this beautiful, mountainous region. Discover the unique rock formations in the enchanting Kandovan region.

Day 72 Dogubayazit

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

Days 73-74 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.

Days 75-76 Goreme

Discover Cappadocia's Goreme Valley and underground troglodyte cities, fairy chimneys and caves. Perhaps also enjoy a traditional Turkish bath or sip tea with locals in the quaint cafes of this fascinating area of Turkey.

Day 77 Tuz Golu

Farewell the fairy chimneys of Goreme and travel to the beautiful salt lake, Tuz Golu.

Days 78-80 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.
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What's included in this trip

  • Start:

    Xi'an, China

  • Finish:

    Istanbul, Turkey

  • Group size:

    Min 4 , Max 21

  • Ages:

    Min 18

  • Meals:

    All meals when camping

  • Accommodation:

    Bush camp (no facilities) (18 nts), Camping (with facilities) (3 nts), Guesthouse (4 nts), Homestay (2 nts), Hotel (42 nts), Yurt (5 nts)

  • Transport:

    Overland vehicle

  • Included activities:

    Aksu-Zhabagly National Park, Bingli Si Buddah Caves, entrance, Lanzhou, City Tour, Bukhara, Darwasa Gas Crater, Esfahan walking tour, Fort & Wall Entrance Jiayuguan, Guided tour of ancient ruins of Persepolis, Guided Tour of Cappadocia, Guided Tour of Terracotta Warriors, Guided visits to Bibi Hanum Mosque & Shakh-I-Zinda, Registan Square & Tamerlane's Tomb, Hiking, Jaohe Ruins, Turpan, Maogao Grottoes, Entrance, incl local guide,Dunhuang, Sunday and animal market, Sunday Market, Tehran walking tour, Visit to ancient ruined city, Visit to Lake Tuz, Women's felt-making cooperative

  • Notes:

    1. Please note that this trip requires minimum numbers to depart, and may be cancelled up until 56 days prior to departure. The places showing on the dates and availability page are an indication only so please contact Intrepid to check if your preferred date will depart before making any final arrangements, such as booking non-changeable flights.
    2. Due to a British government travel warning, from September 2012 this itinerary will no longer be able to visit Iran. It will instead travel from Turkmenistan to Azerbaijan and then through Georgia to Turkey. Passengers already booked to travel in 2012 have been notified. The new itinerary for 2013 will be published by November.
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About China , Kazakhstan , Kyrgyzstan , Turkey , Turkmenistan , Uzbekistan , Iran

    • 80
    • KDOBC
    • Contact us Discontinued trips tool tip
    •  
       
       
       
       
    •  
       
       
       
       
    • Overland
    • Basix
Contact us
‡ As our kitty is flexible the indicated amount is indicative only - please click here to view the kitty amount for your departure date.

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