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central asia
the caucasus & trans caspian - istanbul (or uk) to ashgabat
is this trip for me?
Very comprehensive and inclusive journey. Explores remote areas, as well as cities and countries seldom visited by outsiders. Local interaction homestays. Culturally fascinating with some trekking and activity opportunities. Pretty easy lifestyle with some long drives. Highly recommended for those looking for a trip with a difference. Book early due to visa procedure. Rating: Moderate. Crew: 2 crew, local guides as necessary. Vehicle: Classic Dragoman truck and local ex Soviet Ferry. Accommodation: 45% camping, 55% hotels. Good small hotels, homestays, beautiful wildcamps and a couple of campsites.
43
25 nights
· Overland through eastern Georgia and the wine growing region, stock up time Nights 17-20: Azerbaijan: · Overnight in a converted very atmospheric Caravanserai at Sheiki · Journey from rural Azerbaijan, great hill scenery, ancient village and peasant farmers · Day trip to Gobustan to see the mud volcanoes and the petroglyphs · Guided trip around old town Baku including the Maiden Tower & Shirvan Shakh Palace Nights 21-25: Caspian Sea & Turkmenistan: · 24 hour ferry crossing of the Caspian Sea, don't read too much into the word 'ferry' · Overland from Turkmenbashi via the stunning underground lake at Bakharden to Ashgabat · Discover the incredible bizarre modern city of Ashgabat with its' great hotels and restaurants · The morning to explore, shop and haggle at the vast Tolkuchka Sunday Market
what's included?
If Starting in UK: It is possible to start or finish in the UK 10 days before or after the Istanbul start or finish date. We will pass through Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro, Macedonia and Greece. See refs TUT opposite or search for TUT on website. Nights 1-7: Turkey: · Time to explore historic Istanbul and its markets · 2 night guided tour of Capadocia's Goreme Valley and underground troglodyte cities and caves · Exploration of the Black Sea mountain monastery at Sumela Nights 8-11: Western & Northern Georgia: · Overland through western Georgia via the Bagrati Cathedral at Kutasi and Batumi · Homestays, walks and hikes either in Caucasus Mountains or skiing in the Southern Mountains · Guided visit to Stalin's house, railway carriage and museum in his birthplace, Gori · Tour of the remarkable Silk Road Uplistsikhe Caravanserai with its theatre, palaces and wine presses · Visit to the largest cathedral complex in Georgia, the Svetitschoveli Nights 12-16: Eastern Georgia: · 2 nights and guided city tour of historic Tbilisi with its' hilltop fortress and churches
Go to: www.dragoman.com
enter trip code: TCT
for trip notes for ultimate overlands p54-57 incorporating this trip see
or TUT
what else can I do?
· Take a hot air balloon above the lunar landscape of Goreme
samarkand & tamerlane's testament - ashgabat to tashkent
is this trip for me?
A well paced very comprehensive itinerary with a good quality lifestyle, no real hardships except that it is hot and very dry. Excellent multi night stays at places of interest. Cultural and historic style trip with some off the beaten track exploration. Interesting mix of local peoples. Suits travellers wanting to experience routes others miss. Book early due to visa procedure. Rating: Moderate. Crew: 2 Dragoman crew and 1 local crew. Vehicle: Classic Dragoman truck. Accommodation: 20% camping, 80% hotels. Mainly 2-3 star fun local hotels, yurt homestay and wildcamps.
14 nights
· 2 nights discovering the staggering splendour of Samarkand · Guided visits to Bibi Hanum Mosque & Shakh-I-Zinda, Registan Square & Tamerlane's Tomb in Samarkand Nights 13-14: Tashkent: · Wander the streets of urbane Tashkent and experience a surreal cabaret dinner
what's included?
Nights 1-3: Turkmenistan: · Discover the incredible bizarre modern city of Ashgabat with its' great hotels and restaurants · The morning to explore, shop and haggle at the vast Tolkuchka Sunday Market · 2 day crossing and wildcamping in the Turkmen Karakum Desert · Visit to a remote Turkmen desert community · Overland into the green Oxus Valley to the ancient ruined city of Kunye Urgench Nights 4-5: Uzbekistan & Khiva: · 2 night stay in and guided visit to the UNESCO heritage site of the old walled city of Khiva Nights 6-8: Bukhara: · 2 nights to explore the amazingly historic and beautiful city of Bukhara · Guided city tour of Bukhara, including the Ark Fortress, Death Tower and Ismail Samanid Mausoleum · Wander the historic bazaars and markets of Bukhara, unbelievable bargains can be had Nights 9-12: Kyzylkhum Desert & Samarkand: · Overnight homestay in yurts with Uzbek families in the Kyzylkhum Desert
what else can I do?
· Bargain hard for the stunning Turkmen and Uzbek carpets and tribal rugs in Ashgabat or Bukhara · Take a Uzbek camel safari into Kyzylkhum Desert · Visit the nightclubs and Imperial Russian styled cabaret restaurants of Tashkent
Go to: www.dragoman.com
enter trip code: STT
for trip notes
for ultimate overlands p54-57 incorporating this trip see
mountain kingdoms of kyrgyzstan - tashkent to bishkek
is this trip for me?
Off the beaten track journey mainly through stunning mountains; generally short driving days; trekking, horses, homestays, wilderness, suiting the outdoor enthusiast. Itinerary likely to vary due to weather conditions or local circumstances.Very popular trip. Book early due to visa procedure. Rating: Challenging. Crew: 2 Dragoman crew and 1 local crew. Vehicle: Classic Dragoman truck. Accommodation: 55% camping, 45% hotels. Fun local hotels, yurt homestay and wildcamps.
15 nights
what else can I do?
· Visit the nightclubs and Imperial Russian styled cabaret restaurants of Tashkent · Witness the unbelievable game of mountain polo, played with a sheep's head
what's included?
Nights 1-2: Uzbekistan: · Wander the streets of urbane Tashkent and experience a surreal cabaret dinner · Overland through Uzbekistan's Fergana Valley including historic Kokand and Fergana City Nights 3-8: Kyrgyzstan & Tian Shan Mountains: · Visit to the southern Kyrgyzstan city of Osh · 3 nights wildcamping and leisurely overland journey through the stunning mountains of Kyrgyzstan · 2 nights homestay in traditional Kyrgyz yurts near Song Kul Lake · Experience the daily life of the Kyrgyz mountain shepherds, riding out on the mountain ponies Nights 9-13: Lake Issyk-Kul area: · Journey around the whole of Lake Issyk-kul via the Russian style town of Karakol · 2 night stay to trek into the wilds of the Djety Oguz Gorge on the edge of the Tian Shan mountains · Tourist time, pedalos, sand, sun, on Lake Issyk-kul at Chopon Ata resort, it's a time warp Nights 14-15: Kyrgyz Ala-Toosu Mountains: · Wildcamping and hiking in the beauty of Ala Archa Gorge · Civilisation again, in the picturesque city of Bishkek
Go to: www.dragoman.com
enter trip code: KYR
for trip notes
for ultimate overlands p54-57 incorporating this trip see
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