Tbilisi To Ashgabat (24 Days) The Caucasus Region Uncovered
Tbilisi To Ashgabat (24 Days) The Caucasus Region Uncovered
$2391
Tbilisi To Ashgabat (24 Days) The Caucasus Region Uncovered
24 Days Starting in Tbilisi, Georgia and ending in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Visiting: Tbilisi, Telavi, Yerevan, Sheki, Baku, Ashgabat
Tour operator:
Tour code:
466
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 10
Age range:
18-80
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$2391
$2283 (USD)
Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$108
NB: Prices correct on 15-May-2024 but subject to change.
Tour Overview
Uncover the mysteries of the Silk Road on this overland expedition from Tbilisi in the former Soviet Republic of Georgia before travelling south into Armenia and Azerbaijan before crossing the Caspian Sea. Explore bustling and cosmopolitan cities, haggle in chaotic bazaars, camp under the stars in the desert and discover the rich and vibrant history along the way. End your adventure in Turkmenistan, one of the world's most secretive and rarely visited destinations.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 - 3 : Tbilisi To Telavi
Location: Tbilisi, Telavi
Upon leaving Tbilisi is 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.
Day 4 - 8 : Telavi To Yerevan
Location: Telavi, Yerevan
We depart Telavi embark on a border crossing to Armenia and on to the ancient town of Dilijan, famous for its hiking, food and arts.
From Dilijan we will head down to high altitude Lake Sevan with the possibility to visit the Hayravank Monastery that overlooks the lake. Leaving the Lake Sevan area, we make our way via the Geghard Monastery and Garni Temple to one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world that is Yerevan where we will be based for the next couple of days and where there is plenty to see and do.
Day 9 - 11 : Yerevan To Azerbaijan
Location: Yerevan
From Yerevan we head south to Tatev, and at 5.7km long, 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, and cross the border into our new destination of Azerbaijan!
Day 12 - 16 : Azerbaijan - Sheki To Baku
Location: Sheki, Baku
On arrival in Azerbaijan we get to visit the 18th Century UNESCO town of Sheki and continue on to the the picturesque ancient village of Lahich with its copper beaters and ancient crafts.
Heading south we visit the mud volcanoes of Qobustan before arriving in the capital of Azerbaijan, Baku.
Baku has an amazing blend of the old city and the ultra-modern and I am sure it will be fascinating and enjoyable addition to the itinerary.
Day 17 - 22 : Baku To Ashgabat
Location: Baku, Ashgabat
Accommodation: Hotel, Camp
From Baku, we take the ferry across the Caspian Sea to our next country, Turkmenistan.
On arrival in Turkmenbashi, we will be collected by off road jeeps and head off for our 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.
Finally, we head towards Ashgabat and arrive at our hotel for a city tour and a well-earned rest!
Day 23 : Ashgabat
Location: Ashgabat
We have some free time and enjoy a city tour of Ashgabat. Turkmenistan’s capital, founded in the 1880s by the Russian Tsarist government, 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.
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.
Day 24 : Ashgabat
Location: Ashgabat
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip ends after breakfast. Additional nights in Ashgabat must be booked in advance, through your Oasis Overland account, and we recommend leaving no later than the day after your trip ends. Departure airport transfers are included in the trip price, and you will be taken straight from the hotel to Ashgabat’s futuristic, falcon-shaped airport to catch your flight.
What's Included
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Accommodation - approx. 50% camping & 50% in hostels/hotels
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Caspian Ferry
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Turkmenistan Letter of Invitation support and fees
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4X4 Desert Safari in Turkmenistan
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Departure airport transfer in Ashgabat
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Ashgabat city tour
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Meals - approx. 50%
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All Transport on Oasis Expedition Truck
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Camping and Cooking equipment
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Services of Oasis Crew
What's Not Included
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Visas
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Optional Excursions as listed in the Pre-Departure Information
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Flights
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Airport Taxes & Transfers
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Travel Insurance
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Meals - approx. 50%
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Drinks
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Tips
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Local payment from US$750
Local Payment (LP) is in the addition to the Trip Price and is paid to your Tour Leader at the start of your Trip.
It covers some of the trip's day to day expenses such as food and accommodation which your tour leader pays direct to local people.
More Info
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.
Mode of Transport
The Oasis expedition truck will be your new home giving you a comfortable & secure base with which to experience your trip. We use a purpose built truck which has been converted especially for this expedition, which passes through all types of terrains from soft sand, mud, rock and potholed roads to tarseal. It is reassuring to know that these vehicles can handle the tough conditions that they are put through. The truck is equipped with all of the equipment we may need en-route, including a professionally compiled expedition Medical Kit, large water & fuel carrying capacities, an extensive range of spare parts as well as the kitchen sink, (well almost!) so all you need is your sleeping bag, a roll mat and your own personal gear!
Seatbelts
All Oasis Overland trucks are fitted with seatbelts. For your own safety and security we recommend that travellers wear these at all times whilst the vehicle is moving. Most of our overland trucks also have a ‘beach area’ which is a chill out zone to be used when the truck is not moving.
Accommodation
Accommodation is split throughout this trip between simple hotels and hostels and camping. The variety of accommodation provided is great and often a totally unique experience, including bush camps with no facilities, yurts and simple village pensions. Some are well managed and some very basic. Oasis uses roomy three-person tents but only for two people. They are specially made for us to meet the tougher conditions of an expedition trip and have mosquito netting sewn into the door and windows. It would also be a good idea to bring your own freestanding mosquito net so as to give you the freedom of sleeping under the stars at night. At bush camps you will be living off the truck, so there will be no showers or en-suite facilities, so digging your own toilet pit with the shovels supplied is essential!
Check out our Q&As
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What is the maximum group size?
Maximum 10 people.
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Where does the trip start?
The trip starts from the Envoy Hostel at approximately 8am on the morning of Day 1 of your trip. A clean and well-located hostel in the Old Town of Tbilisi, within easy walking distance of the city's bars, restaurants, and many sights. All rooms are air-conditioned and breakfast is included, with free Wi-Fi also available. The Envoy Hostel will also offer an airport pick-up service, please contact them for more details. Trip Joining Point: Envoy Hostel - Tbilisi Start Time Day 1: 08:00 Address: 45 Betlemi St., Tbilisi, 0105 Telephone: +995-322-920-111 Website: www.envoyhostel.com
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
As detailed in the itinerary.
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Are flights included in this tour?
Starting in Istanbul - If you plan to collect your Iranian visa in Istanbul, we recommend that you arrive at least five working days before your trip departure date and take in to account any days the embassy/consulate may be closed (holidays, weekends etc). Starting in Tbilisi, Bishkek or Dushanbe - Please note that our trip leaves the city on Day 1 - we recommend arriving a day or two earlier if you wish to make the most of the sights and attractions of the relevant city and surrounding areas. Starting in Ashgabat - Because of restrictions on tourism in Turkmenistan, we advise arriving no earlier than the day before the trip begins. Please note that pre-trip accommodation in Ashgabat must be booked and paid to Oasis Overland before travelling. Return flights must be booked for at least the day AFTER the trip is due to end, but flexible tickets are best in case of unforeseen delays. You may wish to allow some extra time to explore your departure cities. One way ticket - If you intend to travel on a one way ticket to meet up with one of our trips, without possessing an onward flight ticket - we recommend that you have a copy of your payment confirmation/receipt (that you will be sent at time of your balance payment) available at immigration to assist easy entry. Departure Taxes - Please check with your Travel Agent or Airline if your flight ticket already includes a departure tax payment out of the country. If it does not - please budget for approx US$30 to $70 USD - to be paid in US$ only.
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What to expect at meal times?
When 'on the road' with the expedition vehicle or camping, we usually cook using gas or over open fires in a rota system and you can expect to cook in a group of two or three people approximately once every ten days depending on the number of people on trip and whereabouts you are. Your cook group will have to decide on what to cook, utilise stocks from the truck stores and locally obtain ingredients from markets, shops etc and rustle up a meal. But don't worry if you're not a Gordon Ramsay as the rest of the group and the Tour Leader usually lend a helping hand. Here is an idea of what to expect at meal times: Breakfasts - Usually simple - we help ourselves to cereal, toast, hot drinks and on occasion we will splurge with a cooked breakfast. Lunch - Cold and usually quick. The cook group will put out bread, tinned supplies and maybe make a salad. Dinner - Cooks come into their own in the evening and will always attempt to cook up some delights. When the truck is parked up for a few days in a town or city most people usually like the option to eat out at local restaurants - so we often don't cook all meals when at these locations. Meals whilst staying in Hotels/Hostels/Pensions are not included in the local payment price.
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Airport Transfer Costs: Approximately $20 USD If you would like to arrange an airport transfer, please contact Envoy Hostel directly. On arrival into Tbilisi airport you will be met by a hotel representative who will take you to the group joining Hotel. The driver will have your name on a sign. If you have chosen not to book a transfer with the Envoy Hostel, there are taxis and a shuttle bus running into town from straight outside the airport as you exit after arrivals. Not all taxi drivers will speak English, so it is advised to have the hostel address written down to advise them. Ensure they use the meter. We recommend to change some currency into Georgian Lari (GEL) in the airport at a bureau de change or there are ATM's - hostel rates can be low. Your departure airport transfer is included in your trip price. You can contact the Oasis Office before your trip commences to arrange this, please email centralasia@oasisoverland.co.uk.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes, if you are travelling solo. On our Overland Adventures and Ultimate Expeditions, we will pair you up with a tent buddy of the same sex when we camp and the same goes for twin & shared rooms in hostels, so there is no need to go it alone! If you specifically would like to request your own single room whilst on the trip, this may be requested subject to availability and additional fee.
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How many people do you take on your Trips?
On most of our Overland Adventures and Ultimate Expeditions our vehicles can carry a maximum of 24 travellers, the average however is around 16-20 on any one trip. Our Small Group Adventures have a maximum of 18 people per Tour Leader, although again the average is around 10-14 people.
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Dates & Availability
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Sunday - Tuesday
Apr 27, 2025 - May 20, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Oasis Overland requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of oasis overland charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 33% of booking price.
At 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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