Join this overland adventure through Turkey, the Caucasus states of Georgia and Armenia before travelling across the Caspian Sea and ending in the isolated desert country of Turkmenistan. From Istanbul to Ashgabat, this trip is full of fascinating and varied history, demonstrating the contested and often turbulent past of this relatively unknown region. Those who do travel here are rewarded with breathtaking scenery from stunning snowy mountains to seemingly endless desert, ancient and medieval sites that rival and often outdo any found in Europe, and a wide array of eclectic cultures, with consistently friendly and welcoming locals.
Explorer
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Camping, Hotel
Age Range
18-80 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Istanbul, Ashgabat, Cappadocia
Istanbul, Ashgabat, Cappadocia, Tbilisi, Yerevan, Baku
A sweeping and varied expedition that has it all - majestic vistas with snow-capped mountains and crystal clear lakes, buzzing modern cities, ancient sites embedded in the history of Central Asia and a mixture of cultures, flavours and sights that will constantly surprise you. Follow the ancient traders of the Silk Road and through the heart of Asia on this once in a lifetime overland adventure!
Beginning in the cosmopolitan and multicultural capital of Georgia, travel south through the Lower Caucasus to Yerevan. From here we will either enter Azerbaijan and cross the Caspian Sea to Turkmenistan, or, take the southern route through Iran. From Ashgabat we embark on a journey through The 'Stans', including a drive on the iconic Pamir Highway before ending at the foothills of High Asia in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. This overland adventure offers the very best of Central Asia: be it stunning mountain scenery, vast desert landscapes, or ancient historic sites, there is something for everyone.
Note: The land borders to Azerbaijan are currently closed and so we cannot operate this trip via that route. Instead we are currently taking our Iranian route. We will make a final decision on which route each departure takes a few months before it leaves, based on the current situation with border closures, the schedules & reliability of the Caspian Sea ferries, and the regional security situation.
Starting in the heart of Asia you will feel as if you have almost returned to Europe. You will encounter friendly locals, a diverse and long history, a unique and varied culture, lively and cosmopolitan cities, and vast, stunning landscapes that range from arid desert to rugged mountains, with dense forests and snow-capped peaks as we reach the Caucus states of Armenia and Georgia.
Discover some of the oldest cities in the world steeped in history and legend, from Troy in Turkey, Baku - the largest city on the Caspian Sea to the legendary 'Stans'. Experience the incredibly diverse landscapes from the baron desert in Turkmenistan to the high mountain passes in Tajikistan.
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.
Journey from the shores of the Caspian Sea to Constantinople; explore the mountains, monasteries and unique cultures and cuisine of the Caucasus. You will follow the routes of trade and conquest in the footsteps of Mongol, Persian and Ottoman armies to the borders of Byzantium. Discover ancient underground cities and Silk Road caravanserai and the contemporary tea fields and silk manufacture on this Silk Road to Istanbul.
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers