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Turkic & Persian Splendours Overview

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Experience Turkic and Persian Splendours on this Middle East trip.

Visit Turkey, Turkmenistan and Iran, a fascinating collection of nations joined not only by land but by distinctive cultures and charms. Beginning in Turkey, travel overland through Cappadocia; visit the underground cities of the Goreme Valley and explore the Lake Van region before crossing into Iran - an amazingly friendly country with a great tradition of hospitality. Visit Esfahan and explore the ancient capital Persepolis, following in the footsteps of Alexander the Great. Travel to Tehran, then on through the north of the country, crossing into Turkmenistan, a once-isolated land that is now proudly accessible to travelers. Your expedition through Turkic and Persian splendours ends in the surreal city of Ashgabat, an oasis of modernity set among a desert of antiquity.

  • Wonder at Ashgabat’s futuristic architecture
  • Munch on a kebab in Yazd
  • Search for Noah's Ark in Anatolia
  • Visit Istanbul and see the Blue Mosque
  • Make camp in the wilds of Iran
  • Explore the ruins of Persepolis
  • Experience the beauty of Esfahan

Turkic & Persian Splendours Summary

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Days 1-2 Istanbul

Welcome to incredible 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

Visit Turkey's salt lake, Tuz Golo, which provides 63% of Turkey's salt. Bush camp in the evening.

Days 4-5 Goreme

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

Days 6-7 Bush Camp

Travel overland into Eastern Turkey via ancient trade routes. Camp under skies that have been gazed at for centuries by fellow travellers.

Day 8 Dogubeyazit

The town of Dogubayazit is at the foot of Mount Ararat, reportedly where Noah's Ark came to rest after The Flood.

Day 9 Kandovan

Enjoy the first night in Iran at Kandovan, an ancient village of caves built into the volcanic rock - and where locals still live.

Day 10 Zanjan

Explore Zanjan's delightful bazaar and check out the beautiful handicrafts on sale here - perhaps answer the question: does a handcrafted rug fit in a backpack?

Days 11-12 Tehran

Travel to Tehran and be awed by this vibrant city where ancient meets modern. There is plenty of time here to explore the incredible Golestan Palace.

Days 13-15 Esfahan

Spend three days in this breathtaking city and take time trawling the souqs, bazaars, beautiful squares and blue-tiled Mosques of Esfahan.

Days 16-17 Persepolis/Shiraz

Explore the ancient ruins of Persepolis, Persia, and visit the stunning Islamic Shiraz - discovering its impressive citadel and mosques.

Day 18 Zein-o-din Caravanserai

Feel transported back in time while staying in a traditional caravanserai in the Dasht-e Lut desert.

Days 19-20 Yazd

Wind through the old city of Yazd - reputedly one of the oldest towns in the world.

Day 21 Dasht-e Kavir Desert/Khoor

Travel through the Dasht-e Kavir Desert, which lies in the middle of the Iranian plateau, to the tranquil oasis of Khoor.

Day 22 Damghan

Explore Iran's oldest surviving mosque - dating back to the 1st century - in Damghan.

Day 23 Shirvan

Relax by Shirvan's Atrak River, which gives this small town a lush and peaceful feel.

Days 24-26 Ashgabat

Say goodbye to Iran and travel into Turkmenistan. Conclude the adventure among the futuristic architecture of Ashgabat.
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What's included in this trip

  • Start:

    Istanbul, Turkey

  • Finish:

    Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

  • Group size:

    Min 4 , Max 19

  • Ages:

    Min 18

  • Meals:

    All meals when camping

  • Accommodation:

    Bush camp (no facilities) (5 nts), Camping (with facilities) (2 nts), Guesthouse (1 nt), Hostel (2 nts), Hotel (15 nts)

  • Transport:

    Overland vehicle

  • Included activities:

    Ali Qapu Palace, Esfahan walking tour, Guided tour of ancient ruins of Persepolis, Guided Tour of Cappadocia, Guided walking tour, Iman Mosque entrance and guided tour, Ishak Pasha Palace, Jameh Mosque, Sunday Market, Tehran walking tour, Visit to Lake Tuz

  • Carbon emissions offset:

    1066kg 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 , Iran

    • 26
    • KDOT
    • 4.50 out of 5
    • 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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