Istanbul To Bishkek (74 Days) Turkey, Caucusus & The Stans
Istanbul To Bishkek (74 Days) Turkey, Caucusus & The Stans
Istanbul To Bishkek (74 Days) Turkey, Caucusus & The Stans
74 Days Starting in Istanbul, Turkey and ending in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Visiting: Osh, Fergana Valley, Khujand, Fann Mountains, Dushanbe, Bukhara, Samarkand, Khiva, Aral Sea, Kara-Kum Desert, Kunye Urgench, Ashgabat, Turkmenbashi, Sheki, Baku, Tatev, Dilijan, Tbilisi, Batumi, Cappadocia, Kutaisi, Svaneti, Black Sea, Pamukkale, Istanbul
Tour operator:
Tour code:
462
Specialist Group:
Singles Solo
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 10
Age range:
18-80
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an extraordinary 62-day adventure from Istanbul to Bishkek, traversing Turkey, Azerbaijan, and the Stans. This tour offers a unique blend of cultural exploration and thrilling experiences. Wander through the ancient bazaars of Osh, marvel at the ever-changing landscapes of Tajikistan, and delve into the rich history of Bukhara and Samarkand. Witness the surreal sight of ships marooned in the Aral Sea desert, camp under the stars in the Kara-Kum Desert, and feel the heat of the Darwaza Gas Crater. Enjoy a guided tour of Ashgabat's futuristic cityscape and a 4X4 desert safari in Turkmenistan. This journey promises unforgettable memories and unparalleled adventures.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Bishkek To Osh
Location: Osh
We leave Bishkek and drive through stunning mountain views and past the turquoise waters of Toktogul Reservoir, before arriving in Osh. Osh, the second biggest and the country’s oldest, city. Make sure you visit the bazaar, which has occupied the same spot for over 2000 years and used to be a major stop along the ancient Silk Road.
Day 2 : Osh To Fergana Valley
Location: Fergana Valley
We enter Uzbekistan and arrive in the Fergana Valley, known for its silk production and the area that gave the name to one of the greatest routes in history.
Day 3 : Khujand
Location: Khujand
Continuing west we arrive in to Khujand – although today the city is not one of the most picturesque, it has had an important role in the history of the Silk Road and was one of the furthest points reached by Alexander the Great. It is said in this area that he wept, saying he had no further territory to conquer. We have time to visit the Fortress and Panjshanbe Market (one of the largest covered markets in Central Asia).
Day 4 : Fann Mountains
Location: Fann Mountains
We drive south in to the Fann Mountains, one of Tajikistan’s great ranges (the other being the Pamirs). Peaks of over 5000 mtrs slip by as we head to Iskanderkul Lake at 2200 mtrs. It is said to be the resting place of Alexander the Greats horse, Bucephalus. The glacial lake is a stunning spot for a hike and we aim to visit Tajikistan’s highest waterfall (40 mtrs).
Day 5 : Fann Mountains
Location: Dushanbe
We continue south to Dushanbe - Tajikistan’s largest city, and aptly its name means “Money” in Tajik language. It is a big showy entry to the country, in stark contrast to the East. You’ll pass a lovely day strolling through parks, admiring the fountains and the wide boulevards punctuated with grand buildings. Visit “Flag Pole Park” or the bazaar, or make the most of being in a city with restaurants specialising in various different cuisines!
Day 6 : Dushanbe
Location: Dushanbe
We continue south to Dushanbe - Tajikistan’s largest city, and aptly its name means “Money” in Tajik language. It is a big showy entry to the country, in stark contrast to the East. You’ll pass a lovely day strolling through parks, admiring the fountains and the wide boulevards punctuated with grand buildings. Visit “Flag Pole Park” or the bazaar, or make the most of being in a city with restaurants specialising in various different cuisines!
Day 7 : Dushanbe
Location: Dushanbe
We continue south to Dushanbe - Tajikistan’s largest city, and aptly its name means “Money” in Tajik language. It is a big showy entry to the country, in stark contrast to the East. You’ll pass a lovely day strolling through parks, admiring the fountains and the wide boulevards punctuated with grand buildings. Visit “Flag Pole Park” or the bazaar, or make the most of being in a city with restaurants specialising in various different cuisines!
Day 8 : Dushanbe To Bukhara
Location: Bukhara
From Dushanbe we drive westwards and we re-enter Uzbekistan. In Uzbekistan we will find well preserved relics from the time when Asia was a centre of empire, learning, and trade along the famous silk route. Some of its cities have abundant old architecture, mosques and minarets cloaked with the mystery of the orient dating back thousands of years.
Day 9 : Dushanbe To Bukhara
Location: Samarkand
Samarkand, the second largest city in the country. The history of Samarkand is about 2,500 years old and it's as old as Babylon or Rome. Here we have a couple of days to explore the splendid architecture such as the 15th century Bibi-Khanum Mosque which when it was built was considered to have the largest dome in the Muslim world. Today it stands next to a noisy and colourful Oriental market. No trip here is complete without a wander around the three edifices of the Registan, once Medieval Samarkand's commercial plaza and today quite possibly the most awesome sight in Central Asia.
Day 10 : Dushanbe To Bukhara
Location: Bukhara
The Kyzylkum Desert is about 300,000 sq km and lies between the Syr Darya and the Amu Darya rivers. This is a vast arid plain with a number of isolated bare mountains rising to 900 metres and we journey across it on our way to Bukhara. Time and schedules permitting, we will take the trip from Bukhara to Samarkand by train, giving us an opportunity to travel with the locals as we pass through the arid landscape.
Day 11 : Dushanbe To Bukhara
Location: Bukhara
Bukhara, our next stop, is situated on a sacred hill, and was founded in the 13th century BC and it is home to over 350 mosques and some 100 Islamic colleges. The city is intrinsically linked to the history of the Silk Road and later ‘Great Game’ that played out in the nineteenth century between Russia and Great Britain. One of the most famous individuals involved in this historical period, the Englishman Alexander Burnes, was known as ‘Burnes of Bukhara’ and the books he authored based on his adventures in this part of Asia gave him celebrity status in Victorian England.
Bukhara today is an attractive city with narrow streets, green parks and gardens, and is a pleasure to wander around and there will be the opportunity for a bout of good humoured haggling in the bazaar.
Day 12 : Bukhara To Aral Sea
Location: Khiva
Continuing north, we bush camp out in the desert before reaching Khiva, another town with much historical influence, that was also on the great silk route. This, our last city stop, is one of the most noteworthy of the cities and towns of Central Asia. It is a unique monument town, completely preserved in the cultural style of the region, and is a World Heritage Site for its historical significance. It has more minarets than any other place in Asia, and the Juma Mosque, which has an amazing 218 ornate carved wooden columns, is another of the main attractions. We will spend a couple of nights here to explore the ancient medressas, medinas, mausoleums and museums and soak up the unique atmosphere.
Day 13 :
Location: Khiva
Continuing north, we bush camp out in the desert before reaching Khiva, another town with much historical influence, that was also on the great silk route. This, our last city stop, is one of the most noteworthy of the cities and towns of Central Asia. It is a unique monument town, completely preserved in the cultural style of the region, and is a World Heritage Site for its historical significance. It has more minarets than any other place in Asia, and the Juma Mosque, which has an amazing 218 ornate carved wooden columns, is another of the main attractions. We will spend a couple of nights here to explore the ancient medressas, medinas, mausoleums and museums and soak up the unique atmosphere.
Day 14 :
Location: Aral Sea
Road conditions permitting, we will then drive to the edge of where the Aral Sea used to lie. In the 1960's the Soviet Union began an intense irrigation project to boost cotton growth in the region using the then vast sea as its source. The project led to the sea shrinking to just 10% of its original size and today as we reach where its edge formerly was, we can see ships sitting incongruously in the middle of what is now a huge desert where we camp for the night.
Day 16 : Ashgabat
Location: Kara-Kum Desert
We cross the border into Turkmenistan, one of the world’s most secretive and mysterious countries, largely cut off from the outside world. Most of Turkmenistan is covered by the vast Kara-Kum (Black Sand) desert and conditions can be challenging with hot weather and some poor roads to travel along, but it is all worth it with some memorable stops along the way and also the opportunity to travel through this rarely-visited country.
Day 17 : Ashgabat To Turkmenbashi
Location: Kunye Urgench
Our first stop is Kunye Urgench, a UNESCO World Heritage site and ancient stop on the Silk Road; now largely abandoned we are able to bush camp near the site. It is said that the 60 metre high Kutlug-Timur minaret so impressed Genghis Khan that he specifically ordered for it not to destroyed when his Mongol hordes invaded the area in the thirteenth-century, so we are able to see it for ourselves today!
Day 19 : Ashgabat
Location: Ashgabat
We have some free time and enjoy a city tour of Ashgabat. Turkmenistan’s capital, founded in the 1880s by the Russian Tsarist government, sits between the foothills of the Koptedag mountains to the south, and the vast Karakum Desert to the north. The city was almost entirely destroyed following an earthquake in 1948 and rebuilt in the Soviet style. Following independence in 1991 the city has been transformed into a futuristic, and in many ways bizarre collection of unique structures and wide streets lined with marble. For many travellers, Ashgabat is one of the most mystifying and unusual cities they will ever experience.
On the city tour we visit Independence Park, the Ertogrul Gazi Mozque, the Arch of Neutrality, the Turkmenbashi Mosque Mauasoleum and many other sites throughout the city. There are plenty of fantastic photo opportunities, and we will have the chance to explore some of the markets and meet the locals.
Day 20 : Ashgabat To Turkmenbashi
Location: Ashgabat
As we leave Ashgabat, we will be collected by off road jeeps and head off for our desert adventure. This will be a truly unique experience as we get to visit the Yangikala Canyons via the Balkan Mountains, then on past the white cliffs of Koymat, and along the banks of the dried up Uzboy River before reaching the desert settlement of Melegoch. We will pass several traditional villages on the way before setting up camp near the dunes of Melegoch. Much of this trip will be off road, and totally remote and will truly be a new experience on our way to the port of Turkmenbashi.
Day 21 : Ashgabat To Turkmenbashi
Location: Ashgabat
As we leave Ashgabat, we will be collected by off road jeeps and head off for our desert adventure. This will be a truly unique experience as we get to visit the Yangikala Canyons via the Balkan Mountains, then on past the white cliffs of Koymat, and along the banks of the dried up Uzboy River before reaching the desert settlement of Melegoch. We will pass several traditional villages on the way before setting up camp near the dunes of Melegoch. Much of this trip will be off road, and totally remote and will truly be a new experience on our way to the port of Turkmenbashi.
Day 22 : Ashgabat To Turkmenbashi
Location: Ashgabat
As we leave Ashgabat, we will be collected by off road jeeps and head off for our desert adventure. This will be a truly unique experience as we get to visit the Yangikala Canyons via the Balkan Mountains, then on past the white cliffs of Koymat, and along the banks of the dried up Uzboy River before reaching the desert settlement of Melegoch. We will pass several traditional villages on the way before setting up camp near the dunes of Melegoch. Much of this trip will be off road, and totally remote and will truly be a new experience on our way to the port of Turkmenbashi.
Day 23 : Turkmenbashi To Baku
Location: Turkmenbashi
Whilst we are in Turkmenbashi we will need to complete all of our border formalities before we take the ferry across the Caspian Sea to our next country, Azerbaijan.
Day 24 : Turkmenbashi To Baku
Location: Turkmenbashi
Whilst we are in Turkmenbashi we will need to complete all of our border formalities before we take the ferry across the Caspian Sea to our next country, Azerbaijan.
Day 25 : Turkmenbashi To Baku
Location: Turkmenbashi
Whilst we are in Turkmenbashi we will need to complete all of our border formalities before we take the ferry across the Caspian Sea to our next country, Azerbaijan.
Day 26 : Baku To Sheki
Location: Sheki
Our ferry will arrive into the port of Baku. Baku has an amazing blend of the old city and the ultra-modern and I am sure it will be fascinating and enjoyable addition to the itinerary and a destination that is not yet on the tourist route.
Heading north we visit the mud volcanoes of Qobustan and then onto visit the picturesque ancient village of Lahichwith its copper beaters and ancient crafts and the 18th Century UNESCO town of Sheki.
Day 27 : Baku To Sheki
Location: Baku
Our ferry will arrive into the port of Baku. Baku has an amazing blend of the old city and the ultra-modern and I am sure it will be fascinating and enjoyable addition to the itinerary and a destination that is not yet on the tourist route.
Heading north we visit the mud volcanoes of Qobustan and then onto visit the picturesque ancient village of Lahichwith its copper beaters and ancient crafts and the 18th Century UNESCO town of Sheki.
Day 28 : Baku To Sheki
Location: Baku
Our ferry will arrive into the port of Baku. Baku has an amazing blend of the old city and the ultra-modern and I am sure it will be fascinating and enjoyable addition to the itinerary and a destination that is not yet on the tourist route.
Heading north we visit the mud volcanoes of Qobustan and then onto visit the picturesque ancient village of Lahichwith its copper beaters and ancient crafts and the 18th Century UNESCO town of Sheki.
Day 29 : Baku To Sheki
Location: Baku
Our ferry will arrive into the port of Baku. Baku has an amazing blend of the old city and the ultra-modern and I am sure it will be fascinating and enjoyable addition to the itinerary and a destination that is not yet on the tourist route.
Heading north we visit the mud volcanoes of Qobustan and then onto visit the picturesque ancient village of Lahichwith its copper beaters and ancient crafts and the 18th Century UNESCO town of Sheki.
Day 30 : Baku To Sheki
Location: Baku
Our ferry will arrive into the port of Baku. Baku has an amazing blend of the old city and the ultra-modern and I am sure it will be fascinating and enjoyable addition to the itinerary and a destination that is not yet on the tourist route.
Heading north we visit the mud volcanoes of Qobustan and then onto visit the picturesque ancient village of Lahichwith its copper beaters and ancient crafts and the 18th Century UNESCO town of Sheki.
Day 31 : Sheki To Tatev
Location: Tatev
We cross the border into Georgia and then Armenia as we head south to Tatev, and at 5.7km long, the longest cable tramway in the world the "Wings of Tatev" that whisks you up into the mountains where there are lots of additional activities to take part in.
Day 32 : Sheki To Tatev
Location: Tatev
We cross the border into Georgia and then Armenia as we head south to Tatev, and at 5.7km long, the longest cable tramway in the world the "Wings of Tatev" that whisks you up into the mountains where there are lots of additional activities to take part in.
Day 33 : Tatev To Dilijan
Location: Dilijan
From Tatev we head north to Yerevan where we are able to spend a couple of days to enjoy its many things to do. On departure we visit the Geghard Monastery and Garni Temple before making our way to high altitude Lake Sevan with the possibility to visit the Hayravank Monastery that overlooks the lake and then on to the ancient town of Dilijan, famous for its hiking, food and arts.
Day 37 : Dilijan To Tbilisi
Location: Tbilisi
We cross the border to ever popular Telavi, the principal town of the Kakheti region, famous for its vineyards and wineries. Wine has been produced in Georgia since 4000BC and the industry has played a small but significant role in the country’s history ever since, as winemaking (and its consumption) has enjoyed an important role in Georgian culture and society. Here we have the option of taking a wine tour to find out more about the history of the area, why wine production has been so important, and of course to try some ourselves!
Telavi itself is a fascinating and relaxing place to spend a couple of nights with many good restaurants and cafes, and not far from the town there are other sites well worth a visit, such as the monastery of Akhali Shuamta, and the small village of Ikalta and its Church of the Transfiguration which dates from the 8th Century BC.
After our time in Telavi we continue to Tbilisi with its cobblestoned old town, delicious food and welcoming atmosphere.
Day 38 : Dilijan To Tbilisi
Location: Tbilisi
We cross the border to ever popular Telavi, the principal town of the Kakheti region, famous for its vineyards and wineries. Wine has been produced in Georgia since 4000BC and the industry has played a small but significant role in the country’s history ever since, as winemaking (and its consumption) has enjoyed an important role in Georgian culture and society. Here we have the option of taking a wine tour to find out more about the history of the area, why wine production has been so important, and of course to try some ourselves!
Telavi itself is a fascinating and relaxing place to spend a couple of nights with many good restaurants and cafes, and not far from the town there are other sites well worth a visit, such as the monastery of Akhali Shuamta, and the small village of Ikalta and its Church of the Transfiguration which dates from the 8th Century BC.
After our time in Telavi we continue to Tbilisi with its cobblestoned old town, delicious food and welcoming atmosphere.
Day 39 : Tbilisi
Location: Tbilisi
The Old Town of Tbilisi has much to offer. Here you can take a stroll along narrow cobbled streets, past traditional old houses with carved wooden balconies, relax in the warm waters of the historic sulphur baths and visit some of the city’s key historical sites; Metekhi Church, Narikala Fortress, Sioni Cathedral and Anchiskhati Church.
Day 40 : Tbilisi
Location: Tbilisi
The Old Town of Tbilisi has much to offer. Here you can take a stroll along narrow cobbled streets, past traditional old houses with carved wooden balconies, relax in the warm waters of the historic sulphur baths and visit some of the city’s key historical sites; Metekhi Church, Narikala Fortress, Sioni Cathedral and Anchiskhati Church.
Day 41 : Tbilisi
Location: Tbilisi
The Old Town of Tbilisi has much to offer. Here you can take a stroll along narrow cobbled streets, past traditional old houses with carved wooden balconies, relax in the warm waters of the historic sulphur baths and visit some of the city’s key historical sites; Metekhi Church, Narikala Fortress, Sioni Cathedral and Anchiskhati Church.
Day 42 : Tbilisi
Location: Tbilisi
The Old Town of Tbilisi has much to offer. Here you can take a stroll along narrow cobbled streets, past traditional old houses with carved wooden balconies, relax in the warm waters of the historic sulphur baths and visit some of the city’s key historical sites; Metekhi Church, Narikala Fortress, Sioni Cathedral and Anchiskhati Church.
Day 43 : Tbilisi
Location: Tbilisi
The Old Town of Tbilisi has much to offer. Here you can take a stroll along narrow cobbled streets, past traditional old houses with carved wooden balconies, relax in the warm waters of the historic sulphur baths and visit some of the city’s key historical sites; Metekhi Church, Narikala Fortress, Sioni Cathedral and Anchiskhati Church.
Day 44 : Tbilisi To Batumi
Location: Batumi
Leaving Tbilisi we visit Gori the birthplace of Georgia’s most infamous son, Josef Stalin and we have time to visit the museum dedicated to him which is built alongside the house in which he was born, which still stands today. Here you will find many items from Stalin’s reign, and also his bullet-proof train carriage, in which he travelled across the Soviet Union.
There may also be the chance to stop at Uplistsikhe, an ancient cave city built into the mountains not far from Tbilisi. Dating from the early Iron Age, this historic site says much about Georgia’s long and often turbulent past at the crossroads of a number of might empires throughout the centuries.
Our next stop is Kutaisi¸ the country’s second largest city and home to a buzzing fruit and vegetable market where you can barter for goods with the local traders. Kutaisi offers a glimpse of what modern day life in urban Georgia is like, and the real joy of the city is found in simply wandering the streets and observing the locals go about their routine. This is also an opportunity to top up on some food and drink supplies before we head into the foothills of Caucasus and some more remote areas in the next few days.
Day 45 : Batumi
Location: Batumi
We spend the next two days exploring the Svaneti region. This mountainous area is beautiful and untamed, and offer fantastic hiking options with the mighty Caucasus mountain range as a stunning backdrop. Using our overland truck as our base we will bush camp and spend some time travelling around, including a visit to Mestia, a pretty small town that forms the centre of the region. Weather and climate can be unpredictable so this part of the trip is kept quite loose to allow for itinerary changes, depending on what is our best option at the time, but with the truck carrying all of our camping and cooking gear we are free to travel almost anywhere!
Returning to civilisation we reach the port city of Batumi. Here we spend a couple of nights to check out the city with its modern and often bizarre architecture and enjoy our first taste of Georgia’s famous warm hospitality. A walk along the waterfront promenade is always popular, especially at night when the buildings are lit up in bright neon colours.
Day 46 : Batumi
Location: Batumi
We spend the next two days exploring the Svaneti region. This mountainous area is beautiful and untamed, and offer fantastic hiking options with the mighty Caucasus mountain range as a stunning backdrop. Using our overland truck as our base we will bush camp and spend some time travelling around, including a visit to Mestia, a pretty small town that forms the centre of the region. Weather and climate can be unpredictable so this part of the trip is kept quite loose to allow for itinerary changes, depending on what is our best option at the time, but with the truck carrying all of our camping and cooking gear we are free to travel almost anywhere!
Returning to civilisation we reach the port city of Batumi. Here we spend a couple of nights to check out the city with its modern and often bizarre architecture and enjoy our first taste of Georgia’s famous warm hospitality. A walk along the waterfront promenade is always popular, especially at night when the buildings are lit up in bright neon colours.
Day 47 : Batumi To Istanbul
Location: Cappadocia
Leaving Georgia, we have some long drives to reach our next destination as we crossing rural Turkey. We head towards the Black Sea before following the coast west. This captures the essence of an overland adventure expedition, as we stop for bush camps in the evening and are able to watch as the stunning and varied scenery of this rarely-vested part of the country rolls past, stopping off to meet locals and buy food and drinks as we go.
We arrive in Cappadoccia, where we stay for a few nights. Here, over the centuries, houses, churches, fortresses and even underground cities have been carved into this eerily eroded volcanic rock. The Goreme Valley provides us with an astonishing setting in which to spend a few days investigating the region. Why not take in the scenery from the skies in a Hot Air Balloon flight (optional). We will take you to one of the underground cities where you can explore alone or with a guide this ancient and mysterious area!
Day 48 : Tbilisi To Batumi
Location: Kutaisi
Leaving Tbilisi we visit Gori the birthplace of Georgia’s most infamous son, Josef Stalin and we have time to visit the museum dedicated to him which is built alongside the house in which he was born, which still stands today. Here you will find many items from Stalin’s reign, and also his bullet-proof train carriage, in which he travelled across the Soviet Union.
There may also be the chance to stop at Uplistsikhe, an ancient cave city built into the mountains not far from Tbilisi. Dating from the early Iron Age, this historic site says much about Georgia’s long and often turbulent past at the crossroads of a number of might empires throughout the centuries.
Our next stop is Kutaisi¸ the country’s second largest city and home to a buzzing fruit and vegetable market where you can barter for goods with the local traders. Kutaisi offers a glimpse of what modern day life in urban Georgia is like, and the real joy of the city is found in simply wandering the streets and observing the locals go about their routine. This is also an opportunity to top up on some food and drink supplies before we head into the foothills of Caucasus and some more remote areas in the next few days.
Day 48 :
Location: Svaneti
We spend the next two days exploring the Svaneti region. This mountainous area is beautiful and untamed, and offer fantastic hiking options with the mighty Caucasus mountain range as a stunning backdrop. Using our overland truck as our base we will bush camp and spend some time travelling around, including a visit to Mestia, a pretty small town that forms the centre of the region. Weather and climate can be unpredictable so this part of the trip is kept quite loose to allow for itinerary changes, depending on what is our best option at the time, but with the truck carrying all of our camping and cooking gear we are free to travel almost anywhere!
Day 49 :
Location: Batumi
Returning to civilisation we reach the port city of Batumi. Here we spend a couple of nights to check out the city with its modern and often bizarre architecture and enjoy our first taste of Georgia’s famous warm hospitality. A walk along the waterfront promenade is always popular, especially at night when the buildings are lit up in bright neon colours.
Day 49 : Tbilisi To Batumi
Location: Svaneti
We spend the next two days exploring the Svaneti region. This mountainous area is beautiful and untamed, and offer fantastic hiking options with the mighty Caucasus mountain range as a stunning backdrop. Using our overland truck as our base we will bush camp and spend some time travelling around, including a visit to Mestia, a pretty small town that forms the centre of the region. Weather and climate can be unpredictable so this part of the trip is kept quite loose to allow for itinerary changes, depending on what is our best option at the time, but with the truck carrying all of our camping and cooking gear we are free to travel almost anywhere!
Returning to civilisation we reach the port city of Batumi. Here we spend a couple of nights to check out the city with its modern and often bizarre architecture and enjoy our first taste of Georgia’s famous warm hospitality. A walk along the waterfront promenade is always popular, especially at night when the buildings are lit up in bright neon colours.
Day 50 :
Location: Black Sea
Leaving Georgia, we have some long drives to reach our next destination as we crossing rural Turkey. We head towards the Black Sea before following the coast west. This captures the essence of an overland adventure expedition, as we stop for bush camps in the evening and are able to watch as the stunning and varied scenery of this rarely-vested part of the country rolls past, stopping off to meet locals and buy food and drinks as we go.
Day 51 :
Location: Cappadocia
We arrive in Cappadoccia, where we stay for a few nights. Here, over the centuries, houses, churches, fortresses and even underground cities have been carved into this eerily eroded volcanic rock. The Goreme Valley provides us with an astonishing setting in which to spend a few days investigating the region. Why not take in the scenery from the skies in a Hot Air Balloon flight (optional). We will take you to one of the underground cities where you can explore alone or with a guide this ancient and mysterious area!
Day 52 :
Location: Pamukkale
After a few days in Goreme we continue west towards Pamukkale where we will spend a night and there is the opportunity to swim in warm, mineral-rich waters. We then travel further west and finally reach the Aegean Sea in Selcuk where we will spend a couple of nights. Here we find Ephesus. Built by the Greeks a thousand years before Christ and then rebuilt by the Romans, this immense ancient city boasts an amphitheatre that can seat 24000 and a harbour with no water - still in good condition after all these years.
Day 62 : Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Your trip ends after breakfast.
Day 62 : Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Your trip ends after breakfast.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided for approximately 60% camping and 40% in simple hostels and hotels.
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Turkmenistan Letter of Invitation
Support and fees for the Turkmenistan Letter of Invitation are included.
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Ashgabat City Tour
A guided tour around the futuristic and bizarre capital city of Ashgabat is included.
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Darvaza Gas Craters
Visit to the Darvaza Gas Craters is included.
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4X4 Desert Safari in Turkmenistan
Experience the desert proper on a 4X4 safari in Turkmenistan.
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Caspian Ferry
Ferry crossing the Caspian Sea is included.
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Gallipoli Tour
A tour of Gallipoli is included.
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Meals
Approximately 50% of meals are included.
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Transport
All transport on the Oasis Expedition Truck is included.
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Camping and Cooking Equipment
Camping and cooking equipment are provided.
What's Not Included
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Visas
Visas are not included.
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Local Payment
Local payment is not included.
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions as listed in the Pre-Departure Information are not included.
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Flights
Flights are not included.
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Airport Taxes and Transfers
Airport taxes and transfers are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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Meals
Approximately 50% of meals are not included.
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Drinks
Drinks are not included.
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Tips
Tips are not included.
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Personal Gear
Personal gear, including sleeping bags and roll mats, is not included.
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Freestanding Mosquito Net
A freestanding mosquito net for sleeping under the stars is not included.
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Toilet Facilities at Bush Camps
Toilet facilities at bush camps are not provided; you will need to dig your own toilet pit.
More Info
Join this Overland adventure and follow in the footsteps of Alexander the Great and Marco Polo on this groundbreaking expedition along ancient trading routes. Discover some of the oldest cities in the world steeped in history and legend, from Troy in Turkey to Baku in Azerbaijan. Visit the legendary 'Stan's' taking in the bizarre city of Ashgabat and the splendour of the Old Registan in Uzbekistan.
Mode of Transport
The Oasis expedition truck will be your new home giving you a comfortable & secure base with which to experience your trip. We use a purpose built truck which has been converted especially for this expedition, which passes through all types of terrains from soft sand, mud, rock and potholed roads to tarseal. It is reassuring to know that these vehicles can handle the tough conditions that they are put through. The truck is equipped with all of the equipment we may need en-route, including a professionally compiled expedition Medical Kit, large water & fuel carrying capacities, an extensive range of spare parts as well as the kitchen sink, (well almost!) so all you need is your sleeping bag, a roll mat and your own personal gear!
Seatbelts
All Oasis Overland trucks are fitted with seatbelts. For your own safety and security we recommend that travellers wear these at all times whilst the vehicle is moving. Most of our overland trucks also have a ‘beach area’ which is a chill out zone to be used when the truck is not moving.
Accommodation
Accommodation is split throughout this trip between simple hotels and hostels and camping. The variety of accommodation provided is great and often a totally unique experience, including bush camps with no facilities, yurts and simple village pensions. Some are well managed and some very basic. Oasis uses roomy three-person tents but only for two people. They are specially made for us to meet the tougher conditions of an expedition trip and have mosquito netting sewn into the door and windows. It would also be a good idea to bring your own freestanding mosquito net so as to give you the freedom of sleeping under the stars at night. At bush camps you will be living off the truck, so there will be no showers or en-suite facilities, so digging your own toilet pit with the shovels supplied is essential!
Check out our Q&As
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What type of vehicle will we be traveling in during the tour?
You will be traveling in the Oasis expedition truck, which is a purpose-built vehicle designed to handle various terrains such as soft sand, mud, rock, and potholed roads. The truck is equipped with all necessary equipment, including a medical kit, large water and fuel capacities, and spare parts.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
Accommodation is split between simple hotels and hostels and camping. You will experience a variety of accommodations, including bush camps with no facilities, yurts, and simple village pensions. Oasis uses roomy three-person tents but only for two people, and they are specially made to meet the tougher conditions of an expedition trip.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Approximately 50% of meals are included in the tour package. The remaining meals will need to be covered by the participants.
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What should I bring for camping?
You should bring your own sleeping bag, a roll mat, and personal gear. It is also recommended to bring a freestanding mosquito net for sleeping under the stars at night.
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Will there be any guided tours included in the itinerary?
Yes, a guided tour around the futuristic and bizarre capital city of Ashgabat is included in the itinerary.
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What unique experiences are included in this tour?
Unique experiences include camping under the stars in the Kara-Kum Desert, visiting the Darvaza Gas Crater, experiencing a 4X4 desert safari in Turkmenistan, and taking a ferry across the Caspian Sea.
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What are the toilet facilities like at bush camps?
At bush camps, there will be no showers or en-suite facilities. You will need to dig your own toilet pit with the shovels supplied.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included in the tour package. You will need to arrange your own travel insurance.
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Are there any optional excursions available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional excursions available as listed in the Pre-Departure Information. These are not included in the tour package and will need to be paid for separately.
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What kind of landscapes and sights will we see in Tajikistan?
In Tajikistan, you will take in incredible landscapes with forever changing colors as the sun moves. You will also visit Iskanderkul Lake, the resting place of Alexander the Great's horse, and Tajikistan's highest waterfall.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes, if you are travelling solo. On our Overland Adventures and Ultimate Expeditions, we will pair you up with a tent buddy of the same sex when we camp and the same goes for twin & shared rooms in hostels, so there is no need to go it alone! If you specifically would like to request your own single room whilst on the trip, this may be requested subject to availability and additional fee.
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How many people do you take on your Trips?
On most of our Overland Adventures and Ultimate Expeditions our vehicles can carry a maximum of 24 travellers, the average however is around 16-20 on any one trip. Our Small Group Adventures have a maximum of 18 people per Tour Leader, although again the average is around 10-14 people.
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Monday - Thursday
Apr 07, 2025 - Jun 19, 2025Monday - Thursday
Apr 06, 2026 - Jun 18, 2026Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Oasis Overland requires a minimum deposit of 400 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of oasis overland charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 65% of booking price.
At 39 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.