This amazing journey takes you from Izmir, Ancient Smyrna, via the Roman Metropolis of Ephesus.
Into the Anatolian heartland by sleeper train, we visit the mystic city of Konya, home of the Whirling Dervishes, before a visit to Catal Hoyuk, the world’s oldest town.
We continue to the Silk Road staging post of Sultanhani before entering the unique landscape of Cappadocia, first taking a trek through the lush, church-lined Ihlara Valley.
After a full day walking the rock churches and valleys of Cappadocia we take to the sleeper train again on the Eastern Express (Dogu Ekspresi). Following the banks of the Western Euphrates, this long and scenic journey is one to be savoured.
Arriving in Erzurum, Turkey’s highest city, you will have the opportunity to look at some of the historic Mosques, Madrassas and Ancient Selcuk Turkish Mausoleums, before next day taking an optional trek into the spectacular Palandoken Mountains. We continue on the train to Kars, to view the unusual Russian architecture, and then to the evocative abandoned Armenian city of Ani, right on Turkey’s Eastern border.
We then strike south through the volcanic lands around Mt Ararat, visiting the unforgettable Ishakpasa Palace.
From here we skirt the Iranian border, descending to the shores of Lake Van.
From here we say goodbye to Turkey, and our adventure continues on the sleeper train to Tebriz. ( If this train is not running we will take you by private car)
In Tebriz you will visit El Goli park, the National Museum, the UNESCO certified Grand Bazaar, Blue Dome and Jame mosque. After a day of relaxing and sightseeing, we take the sleeper train to Tehran.
In Tehran, you will take a Tehran city tour, visit National Museum, Carpet Museum, Glassware Museum and Grand Bazaar.
Heading down by train to Isfahan you will visit the Naghshe Jahan Square, Imam & Sheikh Lotfollah Mosques, Alighapou Palace, and the old bridges.
Finally you will visit the Ancient Persian capital of Persepolis, and also visit Naqsh-e Rustam.
Tour ends with a full tour of Shiraz, before a transfer back to the airport for onward flights.