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Istanbul to Tashkent Overview

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Visit Turkey, Iran, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan travelling from Istanbul to Tashkent.

Embark on the trip of a lifetime through Turkey, Iran, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan on a tour from Istanbul to Tashkent. Beginning in the atmospheric city of Istanbul, travel overland through Turkey’s vast interior, exploring the mysterious landscape of Cappadocia before heading into Iran. One of the most engaging cultural locations on Earth, Iran's convoluted history vies with its warm hospitality for visitors' attention. Experience this friendly country’s stunning Islamic architecture and relics of antiquity in Esfahan and the ancient capital, Persepolis. North of Iran, head back to the Turkic world and enter Turkmenistan, traversing the Karakum Desert, bound for the legendary cities of the Silk Route – Bukhara and Samarkand - a fitting end to this magnificent journey from Istanbul to Tashkent.

  • Admire Ashgabat´s futuristic architecture
  • Delve into the sprawl of Tehran
  • Discover Cappadocia's enchanting skyline in Goreme
  • Discover the romance of the Silk Road in Samarkand
  • Experience the beauty of Esfahan
  • Explore the ruins of Persepolis
  • Make camp in the wilds of Iran
  • Walk through Bukhara's historic Old Town

Istanbul to Tashkent Summary

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Days 1-2 Istanbul

Travel to Turkey and start your adventure in Istanbul. Have your fortune told in the Taksim, bargain up a storm in the Grand Bazaar or admire the imposing Blue Mosque.

Day 3 Tuz Golu/Bush Camp

Camp beside the salty Tuz Golu lake.

Days 4-5 Goreme

Discover Cappadocia's Goreme Valley and underground troglodyte cities and caves.

Days 6-7 Bush Camp

Head east before making camp in rural Turkey.

Day 8 Dogubeyazit

Situated at the foot of Mt Ararat, Dogubeyazit’s Ishak Pasha Palace is well worth a visit.

Day 9 Kandovan

Cross the border into Iran and explore this bizarre volcanic village.

Day 10 Zanjan

Shop in Zanjan’s thriving bazaars.

Days 11-12 Tehran

Travel to Tehran and trawl the souqs of this sprawling city.

Days 13-15 Esfahan

Visit the blue tiled Mosques of Esfahan.

Days 16-17 Persepolis/Shiraz

Admire the incredible ruins of Persepolis, once known as the ‘City of the Persians’.

Day 18 Zein-o-din Caravanserai

Stay in traditional silk road accommodation.

Days 19-20 Yazd

Wind through the old city of Yazd and sign up for a scrub in a local hamam.

Day 21 Dasht-e Kavir Desert/Khoor

Travel through stunning desert landscapes to the village of Khoor.

Day 22 Damghan

See the ancient Jamrh Mosque.

Day 23 Shirvan

Explore Shirvan’s tranquil gardens and natural springs.

Days 24-25 Ashgabat

Leave Iran and travel to Turkmenistan's futuristic-looking city of Ashgabat.

Day 26 Darvaza

Camp in the Karakum Desert on the way to Darvaza. Perhaps see the breathtaking Darvaza gas crater.

Day 27 Bush Camp

Continue the Overland journey through the Karakum Desert, and take in the parched landscape of Asia's hottest desert.

Days 28-29 Khiva

Gaze up at the ancient walls surrounding Khiva on the Silk Road.

Days 30-32 Bukhara

Get to know the bustling atmosphere of Bukhara, Central Asia's holiest city.

Day 33 Nurata

Spend a night in a desert yurt camp among the rolling dunes of the Kyzylkhum Desert.

Days 34-36 Samarkand

Larger-than-life monuments and a technicolour bazaar make Samarkand one of Central Asia's most magical destinations.

Days 37-39 Tashkent

Check out a risque cabaret show over dinner in one Tashkent’s old Russian bars or shop at the Chorsu Bazaar for some USSR souvenirs.
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What's included in this trip

  • Start:

    Istanbul, Turkey

  • Finish:

    Tashkent, Uzbekistan

  • Group size:

    Min 4 , Max 19

  • Ages:

    Min 18

  • Meals:

    All meals when camping

  • Accommodation:

    Bush camp (no facilities) (7 nts), Camping (with facilities) (2 nts), Guesthouse (1 nt), Hostel (2 nts), Hotel (25 nts), Yurt (1 nt)

  • Transport:

    Overland vehicle

  • Included activities:

    Ali Qapu Palace, Esfahan walking tour, Guided city tour, Guided tour of ancient ruins of Persepolis, Guided Tour of Cappadocia, Guided visits to Bibi Hanum Mosque & Shakh-I-Zinda, Registan Square & Tamerlane's Tomb, Guided walking tour, Iman Mosque entrance and guided tour, Ishak Pasha Palace, Jameh Mosque, Sunday Market, Tehran walking tour, Visit to ancient ruined city, Visit to Lake Tuz

  • Carbon emissions offset:

    1681kg pp per trip

  • 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 Turkey to Georgia and then through Azerbaijan to Turkmenistan. 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 Turkey , Turkmenistan , Uzbekistan , Iran

    • 39
    • EDOYC
    • 4.50 out of 5
    • Contact us Discontinued trips tool tip
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    • 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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