Turkmenistan, Iran or Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia
Free Cancellation
up to 24 hours prior to departure
Ashgabat To Tbilisi (26 Days)
Uncover the mysteries of the Silk Road on this overland expedition from Ashgabat
Highlights
A guided tour through the marble city of Ashgabat
Experience the desert proper on a 4X4 safari in Turkmenistan (route dependent)
Visit the bubbling and sometimes explosive mud volcanoes found in Azerbaijan (route dependent)
Take a journey across the Caspian Sea (route dependent)
Explore the bridges, mosques and squares of Esfahan (route dependent)
Ride on the Wings of Tatev Cable car (route dependenet)
Enjoy the capital city, Yerevan with its cafes, museums and world-famous brandy
Visit Savanavank monastery on the shores of Lake Sevan
Discover the ancient wine-growing region of Telavi
Itinerary
Ashgabat was founded in the 1880s by the Russian Tsarist government, and 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 – it has even been decreed that all the cars in the city must be white.
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.
Important Note - From Ashgabat, our journey may head west through more of Uzbekistan towards the Caspian Sea and across to Azerbaijan. Alternatively we will head south to the border with Iran and cross through the country before entering Armenia. Both routes come together again in Tatev in Armenia. Which route we take will depend on the current situation with regard to border closures, Caspian Sea ferry operations, and regional security issues. We will make a final decision on which route we will take a couple of months before each trip departs.
Iran route: After crossing into Iran, our first stop will be Mashhad, the holiest city in Iran. Here we can see the Imam Reza Shrine, where the eighth Shia Imam, Ali al-Rida is buried. Our route west towards Esfahan from here is flexible and may include stops to explore the Morteza Ali Canyon, and the old adobe village of Esfahak, destroyed by the big earthquake in 1978.
Azerbaijan route: As we leave Ashgabat, we will set off for a scenic adventure on our way to the Caspian Sea. We'll start off with a stop for a potential swim at the Kow Ata underground lake, and continue to the fascinating village of Nokhur in the foothills of the Kopet Dag mountains. We'll camp near the village and see a unique tribal cemegery, sacred Oriental plane tree (Chinar) and the Kyz Bibi cave. The next day we'll drive through the desert past teh towering Balkan Mountians and bush camp in the desert. From there we head to the colouful and spectacular 'firey fortress' of Yangikala Canyon, whose massive limestone cliffs have striking red and pink bands. We'll camp at a pilgrim house close to the Gozli Ata mausoleum, one of the holiest sites in Turkmenistan. Finally, we continue to the coast of the Caspian Sea at Turkmenbashi where we board our ferry.
Note: Ferry schedules across the Caspian Sea are notoriously unreliable and not fixed, and we may need to wait for a day or two for one to be available and ready to leave. We may also adjust our itinerary through Turkmenistan based on the current location and expected departure day and time of the next ferry.
Iran route - For many, Esfahan, will be the highlight of their travels through Iran. Exploring the huge main square, bazaars, beautifully mosaiced mosques, and the famous bridges will take up a couple of days here. From Esfahan we head north towards Kashan, famous for Persian ceramics, and woollen & silk carpets and then onward towards the capital Tehran. This is a friendly city, and we can visit the Golestan Palace, several excellent museums, and in the evening perhaps take a walk up from Darband where there are many restaurants and cafes either side of the river which forms the start of the hiking trail up to Mount Tochal.
Finally, we head further west to Tabriz, where we can explore its impressive Grand Bazaar.
Azerbaijan route - After we arrive in Baku we have a few days to explore the city. Baku has an amazing blend of the old city and the ultra-modern and as somewhere well off the tourist route is fascinating to explore. Heading north-west we visit the mud volcanoes of Qobustan and then onto visit the picturesque ancient village of Lahich with its copper beaters and ancient crafts and the 18th Century UNESCO town of Sheki.
Iran route - We leave Tabriz and head north to the border with Armenia. After crossing, we head to the hilltop town of Tatev, which at 5.7km long, hosts 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. From Tatev we head north to Yerevan where we are able to spend a couple of days to explore and enjoy the city.
Azerbaijan route - We cross the border into Georgia for a short time and then turn south into Armenia as we head to Yerevan where we are able to spend a couple of days to explore and enjoy the city. Our exact route will depend on border crossing options, and the weather at the time.
Our routes combine again from Yerevan onwards. 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.
We cross the border into Georgia 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. The Old Town of Tbilisi has much to offer. Here you can take a stroll along narrow 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
included with
Accommodation - approx. 50% camping & 50% in hostels/hotels
Caspian Sea Ferry (route dependent)
Turkmenistan Letter of Invitation support and fees
Arrival airport transfer in Ashgabat
Ashgabat city tour
Meals - approx. 50%
All Transport on Oasis Expedition Truck
Camping and Cooking equipment
Services of Oa
excluded by
Visas
Local Payment (see tour notes & options)
Optional Excursions as listed in the Pre-Departure Information
Flights
Airport Taxes & Transfers
Travel Insurance
Meals - approx. 50%
Drinks
Tips
Extras /
Upgrades
Pre Or Post-trip Accommodation Ashgabat, Per Night - Turkmenistan £65
Detailed Description
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.
Note: We have two options for our route on this trip, either travelling through Azerbaijan or through Iran to get from Turkmenistan to Georgia and Armenia. Which we take depends on whether Azerbaijan's land borders are open are not, the operating schedule and reliability of the Caspian Sea ferry, and the overall regional security situation. We will make a final decision on the route a few months before departure
