Grand Asian Caravan

The adventure begins – join your Tour Leader and fellow travellers this evening as final preparations are made for your departure.  Please meet your Tour Leader at 5:00pm for your Welcome Meeting as detailed on your Joining Instructions.

At the height of Silk Road prosperity Chang’an, as Xian was then known, was the glittering capital of ancient Cathay. For over 400 years the great caravans left the safety of Xian through the West Gate bound for the Taklamakan Desert, the high passes of the Tien Shan Mountains and the fabled cities of Central Asia. Today the old city walls, towers and pagodas reveal the city’s long and turbulent history. Beyond the city we see the mind-boggling, entombed Terracotta Warriors. You will be astounded at the display of thousands of life-sized terracotta warriors, a hundred or so chariots plus thousands of weapons.

 Heading west in the footsteps of the traders centuries before us we enter Gansu province for a stop at Dunhuang.

Known as Shazhou in ancient times, Dunhuang served as a rest stop for traders on the Silk Road and as well as a gateway through which Buddhism, Islam and Christianity entered China. At Dunhuang, we visit the incredible ‘Caves of a thousand Buddhas’ (Mogao Caves). 

Today we travel by road to Liuyuan before rejoining the train to cross the sea of dunes to Turpan, famed for its great trestles of vines and its channels dug beneath the desert bringing water from the Tien Shan.

Turpan, one of the most significant hubs of trade along the northern route of the Silk Road, still reflects life as it was and the faces of the bazaar recall the four corners of Asia. Most of Turpan’s attractions lie outside of the city and its grapevine-trellised pedestrian streets. While here we embark on an excursion to the fascinating Karez Irrigation System, the life source of Turpan as well as the ruins of the ancient city of Jiaohe. This is a spectacular site, and due to its remote location perched on top of a cliff, it remains mostly intact.

Today we delve further west towards the northern edge of the Taklamakan desert, where we will spend two nights in the city of Kuqa.

Kuqa is an ancient town which played an important role in the spread of Buddhism into the East. Today we head into the desert to see the ancient Buddhist art of the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves.

This morning we return to the station to meet our train to Kashgar.One of the most important Silk Road cities, Kashgar took centre stage in the ‘Great Game’. We learn of the intrigue when disguised spies from British India were sent to closely monitor Muslim sentiments, and Russian intentions; both perceived threats to their Indian empire.

Today, Kashgar’s Sunday Market with its incredible characters and riot of colour, is worthy of its reputation as one of Central Asia’s best. Listen out for “Boish-boish” (coming through) or risk being ploughed over by a pushcart. It is a chaotic but unforgettable experience.

Beyond Kashgar lie the high passes of the Tien Shan Mountains, gateway to Kyrgyzstan and the fabled cities of Central Asia. We follow the Silk Road over the Irkeshtam Pass to Sary Tash where we will spend the night getting to know some of the locals in a homestay.

This morning we travel to Osh, one of the oldest recorded cities in Central Asia with over 2,500 years under its belt. Here, Chaikana’s (tea-houses) offer refreshing tea, the mouthwatering smell of shashliks sizzling on street side grills fills the air, we visit a bustling bazaar and watch games of chess being played out under the filtered light of sprawling trees – welcome to Osh!

Leaving Kyrgyzstan at Dostuk we travel into Uzbekistan and to the rarely visited oasis of Fergana Valley where we visit the silk weaving town of Margilan with its large bazaar.

Continuing our journey we make our way on to the Uzbek Capital of Tashkent stopping en route at the potter’s town of Rishton, and one of the country’s most ancient cities, Kokand before boarding our train.

Although much of the Old City was lost to an earthquake Tashkent still retains some of its ancient treasures. This morning’s city tour will unveil the charm and history of the city before we drive to ‘Golden’ Samarkand. Tamerlane set out to make Samarkand the richest city on earth at the peril of those he conquered. Today, it retains its beauty as it was intended with its imposing constructions, azure topped domes and minarets.

In Samarkand, Tamerlane’s turquoise-spangled capital, we explore its fabulous monuments. Central Asia’s most spectacular architectural ensemble, the Registan, plus many other highlights including the Shah-i-Zinda Complex, Bibi Khanym Mosque and the Ulug Bek Observatory.

A spectacular drive through the Zerafshan Mountains takes us to Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of Tamerlane. Beside the ruined entrance towers of his Ak-Serai Palace, the pretty market town offers a relaxed atmosphere with traditional homes, teahouses and mosques.
Continuing across the Kyzyl Kum Desert we find the mud-brick monuments of Bukhara, arriving late afternoon.

Once known as ‘holy’ Bukhara, it was historically home to more than 2000 mosques. Today Bukhara’s monuments are some of the oldest on the Silk Road; the Ark Fortress, Samanid Mausoleum and the Kaylan Minaret – one of Central Asia’s tallest and so impressive that even Genghis Khan ordered it be spared from destruction during the Mongol invasions.Take your time here to explore the Old Town and enjoy some of the many chaikhanas (tea-houses) in Lyabi-Hauz, one of the most peaceful and interesting people-watching places in town.

Beyond Uzbekistan we cross the Kara Kum Desert to the oasis city of Mary and the ruins of Merv - one of the greatest of all the ancient Silk Road cities.

This morning we take a road trip across the Karakum desert, stopping to stretch our legs at ancient remains of important trading towns along the Silk Road. In the afternoon we arrive in Ashgabat, a flat, sometimes dusty city twinkling with unique architecture.

This afternoon we go beyond the city limits to witness the “Door to Hell’. The Darvaza gas crater has been burning for almost 40 years and was created when Soviet geologists started to drill at the site where they tapped into a cavern filled with natural gas. Fearing that the hole would release toxic gas they decided to burn it off with the hope the fire would use all the fuel in a few days, today it is still burning and is quite a sight to encounter.

After a desert sunrise and camp breakfast we make our way back to Ashgabat. 
This afternoon we will visit Arkadash Stud Farm for an up close experience with pure bred Akhal-Tekke horses, whose beauty, endurance and intelligence have captivated kings and generals since the hey-day of the Silk Road.

This morning we venture into the Kopet Dag Mountains and across the border to the most holy of Iran’s cities, Mashhad.

Best known for its incredible shrine complex of Emam Reza, the eighth grandson of the prophet Mohammed, this is one of the great architectural wonders of the Islamic world and is said to receive more than five million pilgrims a year. Witnessing the respect and emotion present is a moving experience, even for non-Muslims.
We join our overnight train to the beautiful city of Isfahan with its blue tiled buildings and covered bazaar.

After our morning arrival to Isfahan we visit the stunning Masjed-e Imam Mosque, one of Iran’s great architectural ensembles, with time to explore the Grand Bazaar, discover some of the city’s renowned tea-houses and taste some of Iran’s tastiest nougat, an Isfahan specialty.

On our second day in Isfahan, witness jaw-dropping Islamic architecture, iconic bridges and picturesque Persian gardens. 

This morning we make our way to Iran’s capital, Tehran.  Along the way we stop and visit Kashan and explore a beautiful palace and garden.

Northwards we spend time in the bustling capital of Tehran - a busy, crowded metropolis which boasts some excellent museums, many housed in former palaces. While some may tell you that this city is lacking in charm, its vibrant, dynamic culture and fast paced lifestyle makes everyday in Tehran an adventure!
Following a day to explore the museums and sights of this expanding city we take the train to the influential city of Tabriz.

Welcome to the historic, sprawling city of Tabriz! Situated at the crossroads of Persia and the Caucasus this is a classic stop along the Silk Road. During our stay, we visit the fascinating rock-hewn village of Kandovan.

Early this morning we set off by road towards the Armenian border and onto the town of Goris. The Caucasus region was at the crossroads of trade and conquest – today it is renowned for its hospitality, fine wines, spas and incredible mountain scenery.

Crammed between the Caspian and Black Sea is an incredible treasure trove of early Christian monuments set amongst spectacular mountain scenery. En route to Yerevan we stop to admire some of the region’s surrounding treasures including Noravank and Tatev Monasteries as well as the breathtaking view over biblical Mt Ararat (weather permitting), the reputed resting place of Noah’s Ark. 

Full of archaeological surprises, Armenia’s rich cultural heritage is stencilled on mountains and valleys in medieval architecture and Christian cathedrals. The first Christian country in the world, empires have risen and fallen here. The shadow of a bloody past still haunts the nation’s identity, although you wouldn’t know it from the warm welcome you’ll receive.

In Yerevan, street art brightens cracked pastel walls, and spaceship-like buildings break the uniformity of Stalinist architecture. Old teahouses sit alongside new wine bars, hipster fashion blends with babushka scarfs, and sidewalk restaurants spread joy through traditional music, sizzling barbecues and potent oghi (fruit liqueur).

Leaving Yerevan shortly after this morning’s breakfast we hit the road and head north, bound for the mountain spa town of Dilijan, a region known as the Armenian Switzerland. En route we pause at the serene Lake Sevan, the world’s second largest high altitude lake at 1900 metres above sea level. From here we can climb up to Sevanavank Monastery to marvel at the stunning panoramic views across the azure waters before continuing to Dilijan.

Today we wind our way through valleys and gorges to seek out the hidden monasteries and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Haghpat before we farewell Armenia and cross the border at Sadakhlo to Georgia, heading for Tbilisi. 

Explore the stunning mountain scenery and rich history, culture and hospitality of this fascinating city. Wander the backstreets of Tbilisi’s old town and along Rustaveli Avenue as you take in the city’s most ambient, impressive monuments and unique architecture.

This morning we make our way via the Georgian Military Highway, where we can see the colourful Russia - Georgia Friendship statue, stunning panoramic views and the Gergeti Trinity Church, as we travel towards Gudauri.

Leaving the mountains we head south towards Borjomi en route stopping at Gori - the birthplace of Stalin.
Relax in the beautiful spa town of Borjomi famous for its mineral springs, national parks, as well as its bottled version of the salty sparking water taken from the local volcanic springs.

This morning we head towards the Turkish border via Akhaltsikhe and Vardzia. The magnificent cave town of Vardzia is a journey highlight, where a monastery of 3,000 caves runs along a mountain cliff for some 500 metres and stretches over 19 tiers.

Early morning we depart Kars and start to travel towards Ankara where we will arrive the next morning. Late morning the following day you travel by road from Ankara to Istanbul.

Adorned with treasure from all periods of human history, Istanbul is not only one of the world’s most fascinating places it is also one of its most mesmerising.

We spend our last morning of this epic journey exploring Istanbul’s must-see sights in Sultanahmet before we say farewell to our fellow travellers and our journey comes to an end.