Ashgabat To Tbilisi (26 Days) Persia & Caucasus Uncovered

DAY 1: ASHGABAT

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.

DAY 2-7: IRAN – MASHAD TO ESFAHAN OR AZERBAIJAN - ASHGABAT TO TURKMENBASHI

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 be collected by off road jeeps and head off for a 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. 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. Ferry schedules are notoriously unreliable and unpredictable and we may need to wait for a day or two (or more) for the next ferry to fill up and depart. The crossing takes approximately 18 hours.

DAY 8-14: IRAN - ESFAHAN TO TABRIZ OR AZERBAIJAN - BAKU TO SHEKI

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.

DAY 15-19: IRAN - INTO ARMENIA AND ON TO YEREVAN OR AZERBAIJAN - THROUGH GEORGIA TO YEREVAN

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.

DAY 20-26: YEREVAN TO TBILISI

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.