1. Day 1 Turkmenistan Arrival & Ashgabat Walking Tour

   We’ll meet in a designated spot in Turkmenistan’s capital, Ashgabat.

   Our first stop will be the Tekke Bazaar, where a little exploration reveals a slice of local life much missing in the marbled sections of the city. As it’s a weekend, there may also be a few second-hand booksellers willing to sell a copy of the Ruhnama, the book written by Saparmurat Niyazov, the Turkmenistan president. Niyazov famously said, ”a person that reads Ruhnama three times becomes smart, and after it, he will go straight to heaven.”

   Following a light lunch, we continue on to the nearby Inspiration Park. A narrow park at the centre of Ashgabat lined with sculptures of Persian poets, scholars, and great thinkers, all surrounding an artificial river and impressive water fountains. Close by is the Russian Bazaar – a covered market where you can buy almost everything you may need in daily life; fruit & nuts, cables & chargers, sweets, kimchi, baked goods, souvenirs, and so on. In the market area is also the Alty Asyr Shopping Centre, an excellent place to buy cotton goods (tracksuits, towels, bedsheets, made from local cotton, and all very cheap!).

   From the Russian market, it’s only fitting that we continue with our walk to catch a glimpse of Ashgabat’s Lenin statue. It may be one of the smaller Lenin statues you’ve seen, but the giant plinth decorated in central Asian tile-work makes up for Lenin’s more diminutive stature. Across the road from Lenin is the Pushkin Monument, a small bust erected to Russia’s most famous poet in a beautiful setting.

   From Pushkin’s bust, we stroll onwards through tree-lined streets past impressive government buildings to Pervyy Park, one of Ashgabat’s oldest parks. It was founded in 1890 and has been through a few incarnations. These days Pervyy park is home to a rather impressive dinosaur collection, a large play area, and fringed with coffee shops. We’ll be sure to stop for a cuppa before exploring the nearby Ashgabat Train Station. The Train station was initially built in 1888 but destroyed in the earthquake of 1948, along with much of Ashgabat. A new station was constructed around 1950 and remodelled in 2009, taking on its now grand form crowned by the eight-pointed star (Rub El Hizb).

    

   Included Meals: Dinner 

   Accommodation: Grand Turkmen Hotel

2. Day 2 Ashgabat City & Outlying Areas Tour

   After a hearty breakfast, it’s out to visit Ashgabat’s famed Altyn Asyr Bazaar, located around 30 minutes from the city. Also known as Tolkuchka Market, the Bazaar can be a hive of activity with people selling everything from fruit, vegetables, camels, and cars. The Bazaar covers over 160 hectares, houses over 2,200 stalls and shops; if all of that were not enough, Central Asia’s largest market is designed so that its layout resembles the pattern of a Turkmen carpet when viewed from above!

   Following our market adventure, we’ll journey back through history as we explore the archaeological site of Old Nisa. Once the royal residence of Parthian kings, this partly restored ancient site gives us a chance to look back in time. Just five minutes from Nisa is the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque and Turkmenbashi Mausoleum built in honour of former leader President Saparmurat Niyazov. Although controversial, the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque is a fantastic construction that must be seen to be believed. The mosque building is monumental, visible from miles around, with an equally impressive interior. Although within its vast dome, more words from Turkmenbashi’s book, the Ruhnama, line the walls, making for a somewhat blasphemous visit. We finish the morning with a brief trip to the Akhal-Teke Stud Farm to see some of the most expensive horses in the world.

   Upon our return to downtown Ashgabat, we’ll visit some of those must-see structures and statues, including the Monument of Neutrality, constructed in 1998 to celebrate a neutral Turkmenistan, an impressive building topped with a 15-metre tall gold statue of Niyazov which used to rotate in order to always face the sun! From the Monument of Neutrality, it’s a short coach ride to our next stop Independence Monument and park.

   Independence Monument is a 118-metre tall building surrounded by statues of famous Turkmens from history, some with almost superhero-like poses. Amongst the figures there is, of course, a statue honouring Niyazov (he’s in gold while the others not). Within the park, there is also a giant statue of Niyazov’s famed book, the Ruhnama. Turkmens were once required to learn the Ruhnama to obtain a better job, pass their driving test and even enter heaven. This giant book monument used to be even more impressive as once a day its massive pages would open and a crackly voice would read excerpts from within. However, these days since the death of Niyazov, the book isn’t essential and seems a little neglected.

   Time permitting, on our way back to the hotel we’ll pass by some of the more bizarre ministerial buildings found in Ashgabat.  The Ministry of Gas in the shape of a giant lighter, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the shape of a globe, and our favourite, the Ashgabat Dental Hospital, yes, you guessed it, is in the form of a massive tooth.

    

   Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

   Accommodation: Grand Turkmen Hotel

3. Day 3 Bokhurdag Village & Gas Crater

   This morning there is some free time for relaxing or shopping for supplies. Later in the morning, we’re off into the desert. We will make a lunch stop in the small desert village of Bokhurdag for a taste of local cuisine.  After lunch, we’ll head deeper into the Karakum Desert; our destination is the Darvaza Gas Crater. We will see other examples of the desert’s mining history as we go, stopping to visit two other craters filled with mud and water.

   Burning since 1971, the fantastic Darvaza Gas Crater was created when Soviet engineers were drilling in what they thought were vast oil fields. These fields turned out to be rich in gas, evident when the drilling rig at Darvaza hit a void and collapsed in on itself. Sometime later, it’s believed that the escaping gas was set alight to prevent methane from polluting a nearby village. Here we are all these years later, and the gas crater has now become one of the world’s most unusual tourist attractions.

   We’ll arrive during daylight hours to observe the transition from light to dark as the night sky becomes illuminated by the flickering blaze of the crater.

   Camping next to this burning void, we will enjoy a delicious Turkmen BBQ prepared by our local crew.

    

   Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Accommodation: Camping

4. Day 4 Return to Ashgabat; Lunch, Shopping and Stadium

   For some, it may be a little bit of a hazy start after enjoying a night of peering into the flaming heart of the Darvaza Gas Crater. After breakfast, we’ll climb back into the 4X4s arriving in Ashgabat before lunch.

    

   Once we have checked in and had a chance to freshen up, we’ll take local taxis into Ashgabat’s Marbled Centre to see its notorious white heart. First stop, Ashgabat’s grandiose, opulent shopping mall Berkerar. Berkerar Mall was opened in 2015; it looks like a cross between a mosque and a palace from the outside. While the inside is just as grand, for us it’s an excellent opportunity to grab a spot of lunch and see some local life before starting our walk.

   Once we have eaten, it’s out into the city, passing wide open streets and pristine white apartments as we make our way back to the hotel. The start of our city hike takes us past the imposing 2017 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games Stadium Area. The stadium area was built at the cost of around 5 billion USD. At its heart lies the Saparmurat Turkmenbashy Olympic Stadium, noticeable as part of the stadium is in the shape of a giant Akhal-Teke horse head.

   As we walk on through the city, we will skirt the Presidential Area Complex, forbidden to head inside, but we can still marvel at the magnificent golden domes and massive structures located there.

   Before we reach our hotel, we will pass more statues, mosaics, and impressively whitened buildings.

    

   Included Meals: Breakfast

   Accommodation: Grand Turkmen Hotel

5. Day 5 Drive to Ancient Merv

   This morning we’re on the road early as we make the 370km drive to the city of Mary; on the way, we will stop at the settlement of Anau.

   Anau was made a city in 2008 and is home to several archaeological sites, including ruins of the medieval Sheikh Jemaliddin Mosque.

   Upon reaching Mary, we will first have lunch so that we’re ready for an afternoon exploring Ancient Merv. Merv was a major Silk Road city that had been in existence since the 3rd millennium BC. This ancient metropolis was to meet its demise at the hands of the Mongols, with some claiming over one million people were put to the sword.

   This evening, after exploring this archaeological marvel, we will return to the city of Mary for our well-deserved evening meal.

    

   Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Accommodation: Mary Hotel

6. Day 6 Explore Ancient Merv & Fly Back to Ashgabat

   Today we’re out into the desert once more as we travel to the excavations of the ancient Margush capital – Gonur.  Gonur Tepe, an early Bronze Age settlement, was only uncovered in the 1950s by Russian archaeologists, with the first excavations only beginning in the 1970s.

   Today, the leading site consists of the City Palace, Fire and Water Temples, as well as a rather impressive Necropolis. This exciting area is believed to have been inhabited between 2400 and 1600 BC, only abandoned when the Murghab River changed course, leaving the city to dry up in the desert.

   Late this afternoon, we’ll return to Mary for a 40-minute flight to Ashgabat; we will transfer to our hotel from there.

    

   Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Accommodation: Grand Turkmen Hotel

7. Day 7 Cross into Iran & Holy Shrine of Imam Reza Visit

   Today we eat our breakfast and say one final goodbye to Ashgabat before making the relatively short drive to the Turkmenistan-Iranian border, where we make our crossing.

   The Bajgiran Border crossing formalities are relatively simple, and at all times you will be accompanied by your Absolute Nomads Tour Leader; the whole process should take around 2-3 hrs at most. Once we have said goodbye to our Turkmen team, we will be met on the Iranian side by our crew there.

   We board our bus, and the adventure begins, striking out to the city of Mashhad, located in the Northeast of Iran and the countries second-most populous city. Mashhad is lovingly known as the spiritual capital of Iran as it is home to our first stop in this impressive country, the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza.

   The Holy Shrine of Imam Reza is a lot more than it sounds, considered by many to be the heart of Shia Islam; this large complex is visited by millions every year. The Shrine complex was started in 818 AD and marks the burial site of Ali ibn Musa al-Ridha, a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad. This beautiful building covers almost 600,000 m² incorporating fourteen minarets, seven courtyards, two fountains, four bast halls, and the imposing Goharshad Mosque.

   We’ll be sure to maximise our time here and visit as much as we can, soaking up the area’s ambience, viewing the fantastic architecture and its intricate Islamic styling whilst also learning a little more about Iranian history and that of Shia Islam.

    

   Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

   Accommodation: Tehran Hotel

8. Day 8 Mashhad City Tour

   Today we awake not only in Iran but its holiest city, Mashhad, and after a filling breakfast, we’re out and about to see and learn a lot more about this metropolis.

   Mashhad City was founded in the same year as the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza, 818 CE, built to honour Ali ibn Musa al-Ridha who was murdered, and so the name Mashhad means the place of martyrdom.

   What better way to begin the day than a visit to the local Bazaar. Mashhad Bazaar is a real treat, referred to by many Iranians as the world’s heart for saffron it is also seen as a centre for that most Persian of gems, Turquoise. Mashhad Bazaar has an authentic middle eastern feel to it with over 1,100 stalls and 3km of passageways. We will have a chance to browse everything from saffron worth more than gold, carpets, turquoise, jewellery, prayer beads and more while the smell of middle eastern perfume permeates our thoughts.

   Once we have finished our shopping, it’s on with the journey as we make a short excursion to a small town called Tus to visit the Mausoleum of Ferdowsi.

   Tus was formerly the regional capital until successive Mongolian and Turkish invasions led to its decline. However, Tus is still firmly on the map as the home of one of the most famed Persian poets, Ferdowsi. We may not know too much about Ferdowsi in the west, although the Persian Book of Kings (Shahnameh) is a true poetic masterpiece that details life not only during the 10th century but also at a time when Islam was spreading across the region; it is made up of over 50,000 lines, making it one of the longest epic poems ever written.

   Once our visit is complete, we’ll drive back to Mashhad to visit the ”Tomb of Nader Shah” King of Iran during the 17th century. Nader Shah was a Turkmen ruler known as the Napoleon of Persia, Sword of Persia, and after his assassination in 1747, the last great Asian Military Conqueror. Although relatively modern, the Mausoleum doubles as a museum and houses some precious artefacts from the time.

   Once our sightseeing is completed, we’ll head to the airport to take an evening flight to the city of Isfahan.

   Included Meals: Breakfast

   Accommodation: Setareh Hotel

9. Day 9 The Ancient City of Isfahan City Tour

   We awake to a new city, and following a delicious breakfast, we’re once more out and about to explore this beautiful place. Once one of the largest cities in the world, Isfahan is now home to a modest 1.5 million, although it still contains many of its original ancient buildings and features from the 16th century. Founded in the 10th century, Isfahan was ideally situated on a crossroads between two major trading routes allowing it to grow, eventually becoming the capital of Iran. These days the city still retains some fantastic examples of Perso–Islamic architecture.

   We’re here for a couple of days, not only to soak up the excellent atmosphere but also to wander along grand boulevards, cross covered bridges, visit stunning palaces, and call at glistening tiled mosques.

   We begin with a stop at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Naqshe Jahan Square. Jahan Square is rated as one of the largest city squares in the world and is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful. The square was the symbolic centre of the Safavid Dynasty in the 16th century used for polo matches, festivals, executions, and street selling. Its grand appearance enshrines it as the symbolic heart of a once great empire.

   From the square, it’s only a short walk to the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, another masterpiece of Iranian architecture. Constructed in 1602, this exquisite build was built and named in homage to the father-in-law of Shah Abbas I of Persia (Abbas the Great). It was Abbas the Great who was to lead Iran to war with neighbouring countries and reestablish much of its former territories.

   From the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, we will cross the square and head to another mosque, the Imam Mosque of Esfahan (Shah Mosque). If the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque is a masterpiece, then the Imam Mosque of Esfahan is the pinnacle of Persian architecture. Known more commonly as the Shah Mosque. Its intricate tile work and stunningly vivid colours have all who visit in awe at this colossal construction.

   From the Shah Mosque, it’s a short walk to the Isfahan Grand Bazaar, with an entrance as grand as you would expect from the old city of Isfahan, and the interior too doesn’t disappoint. The Isfahan Grand Bazaar is an excellent place to people watch, soak up the city’s ambience, or do as it was designed for and shop. Many visitors to Iran claim that the Bazaar in Isfahan is the best place in the country to shop for souvenirs, and after a short orientation walk, we’ll let you be the judge of that as your free to enjoy your own time.

   Included Meals: Breakfast

   Accommodation: Setareh Hotel

10. Day 10 Further Exploration of Isfahan

    An ancient Persian proverb declares, ”Esfahān nesf-e-jahān ast”: Isfahan is half (of) the world. And if that’s the case, then indeed it can’t be visited in a day. That’s why today we continue our adventure, exploring a little more of this fantastic city. Another day and yes, you guessed it, another mosque, this time the UNESCO World Heritage Site of ”Jaame Mosque of Esfahan.” Also known as the Friday Mosque, this beautiful building has been in a constant state of construction since 771; it is one of Iran’s oldest mosques, and it’s even claimed that one of its pillars was made by the Caliph in Damascus.

    Next, we call at the Chehel Sotoon Palace a beautiful pavilion that houses frescoes, paintings, and even more intricate tile work. The Chehel Sotoon Palace is set within the grounds of a lovely park beside a clear lake. Its name translates as ‘forty columns’, although eagle-eyed visitors will only count twenty, that’s because the other twenty are made up in the palace’s watery reflection.

    Next up, a change of scene and religion as we call at the city’s Armenian Quarter, making the Vank Cathedral our first stop. Armenians first started to call Isfahan their home when they were controversially forced to relocate here by Shah Abbas I as part of his scorched-earth policy in Armenia during the Ottoman War of 1603-1618. As well as the rich golden frescos found within the Vank Cathedral, there is also a museum on site that covers the fascinating history of the Armenians in Iran. Following our visit to the Vank Cathedral, we will call at the Holy Bethlehem Church of New Julfa, perhaps the most historically significant church within Isfahan and home to the 72 exquisite paintings that line the gilded golden walls of the church.

    After wandering a little more of Isfahan’s Armenian Quarter, we’ll make a stop at the Isfahan Music Museum, learning about traditional Iranian music and the instruments. This museum displays the instruments, but there are also live performances to enjoy the melodic sounds.

    After dinner, we have a little more exploration walking alongside the Zayandeh Rood River for those who wish. Unfortunately, due to mismanagement of the river further upstream, for much of the year the Zayandeh Rood lies dry. However, we’re here to enjoy the two seventeenth-century bridges Siose Pol and Khajoo. The bridges of Siose Pol and Khajoo have become places to visit in their own right, with their many vaulted arches spanning this once churning waterway.

     

    Included Meals: Breakfast

    Accommodation: Setareh Hotel

11. Day 11 A Journey Through History to Shiraz City

    This morning we’ll depart Isfahan, heading south to the city of Shiraz; as we go we’ll have what can only be described as one of the most historically significant days on tour as we make stops at two of the most important cities of ancient times.

    Our first stop is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pasargadae, the capital of Cyrus the Great, founder of the Achaemenid Empire. For those not familiar with Cyrus the Great, he created the largest empire the world had yet seen, conquering most of Western Asia and much of Central Asia. From the Mediterranean Sea and Hellespont in the west to the Indus River in the east.

    Pasargadae was established as the capital of Cyrus the Great’s Achaemenid empire in the 6th century. It would remain so throughout his life, eventually the site of his tomb and his son Cambyses I, which are both visible to this day. Pasargadae is also the site of many other archaeological finds, from ancient palaces to crumbling citadels.

    Following our visit to Pasargadae, it’s onwards with our journey and through time as we make our next stop at the famed ancient wonder, Persepolis. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site Persepolis is perhaps the most well-known of all ancient Persian capitals, home of renowned Persian leaders Darius the Great and Xerxes the Great, whose names are steeped in myth and legend. Persepolis is also known as one of the most beautiful places on earth, remaining from ancient times. Whether this is true or not, it is undoubtedly a fascinating visit as we explore the ruins of this ceremonial capital.

    Before reaching Shiraz City, we have one final stop at another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Naghshe Rostam.

     

    Included Meals: Breakfast

    Accommodation: Aryo Barzan Hotel

12. Day 12 Shiraz City Tour

    Shiraz is a beautiful city in which to end our adventure, known by many as the city of poets, literature, wine, and gardens it has a natural, relaxed feel to it. Established in the seventh century, Shiraz has grown to become Iran’s fifth-largest city, home to a wide array of industries from carpet production to modern electronics manufacturing. For us, however, our Shiraz tour takes us to its more picturesque sites. Our first stop today, the Nasir Al Mulk Mosque. The mosque is named the ‘pink mosque’ due to the heavy use of pink tiles and intricate stained class in its design.

    Moving on, we’ll visit the Naranjestan Palace, completed in 1886. This once merchant house borrows on design aspects from Victorian Europe through to traditional Persian design. Most famed for its gorgeous Persian garden. Our next visit is to the Zand Complex, one of the must-see areas of Shiraz. The Zand Complex is a group of buildings built during the Zand dynasty (1751 – 1794).

    Vakil Bazaar may not be the best-stocked Bazaar in Iran, although it is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque with long-vaulted avenues, elaborate tile work, and leafy courtyards. Next up, the Vakil Bathhouse, do not worry; we’re not here to grab a wash and a heavy scrub as this once grand bathhouse now houses the Shiraz anthropology museum. The Vakil Bathhouse offers us the opportunity to learn a little of Shiraz’s old customs and glimpse its refined architectural design and beautiful plasterwork.

    As with many city mosques, our next stop, the Vakil Mosque, is located next to the central Bazaar and borrows heavily from its architectural design. Although once inside the prayer hall, visitors are met with beautiful Islamic calligraphy and tile work as well as 48 twisted carved pillars.

    Once we leave the Zand complex, we’ll visit the Mausoleum of Hafez, one of Shiraz’s poetic sons from the 14th century. Hafez, even today, is held in high regard amongst many Iranians who come here to offer their respects. A visit here rewards us with a bit of historical knowledge and understanding of local culture, and the gardens are stunning.

    Our final visit of the day is to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Eram Garden, not only the most beautiful garden in the whole of Iran but a garden showcasing the pinnacle of Persian garden design. And a perfect way for us to finish our adventure.

    Having crossed the heart of Asia together, it’s time to say goodbye as our tour finishes. For those heading to the airport to fly Turkish Airlines home, you’ll be whisked away. Should you wish to remain in the beautiful Shiraz for a while longer, we can help with hotel extensions. Alternatively, your welcome to join in on our Tehran Extension to the now beating heart of Iran.

     

    END OF TOUR

Camping and Hotels throughout Persia