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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 travellers. Your expedition through Turkic and Persian splendours ends in the surreal city of Ashgabat, an oasis of modernity set among a desert of antiquity.

  • Experience the beauty of Esfahan
  • Experience the beauty of Esfahan
  • Make camp in the wilds of Iran
  • Search for Noah's Ark in Anatolia
  • Take a walk through the Enchanted Valley
  • Travel to Tehran’s exciting urban sprawl
  • Visit Istanbul and see the Blue Mosque
  • Wonder at Ashgabat’s futuristic architecture

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 in this fascinating city.

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. Perhaps also enjoy a traditional Turkish bath or sip tea with locals in the quaint cafes of this fascinating area of Turkey.

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

Visit Ishak Pasha Palace near Dogubayazit on the Iranian Border. 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, the city's many fascinating museums and galleries, and to relax and chat with locals while watching this interesting part of the world go by.

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 Shiraz

Visit the stunning Islamic Shiraz - discovering its impressive citadel and mosques.

Day 18 Persepolis/Zein-o-din Caravanserai

Explore the ancient ruins of Persepolis, Persia, then 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. Sign up for a scrub in a local hamam or sample some tasty Iranian cuisine.

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 21

  • Ages:

    Min 18

  • Meals:

    14 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 14 dinners

  • 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
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About Turkey , Turkmenistan , Iran

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    • KDOT
    • Contact us Discontinued trips tool tip
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