Ashgabat To Tbilisi (24 Days) Iran Caravan
24 Days Starting in 37.960418,58.329928 and ending in 41.719114,44.829238
Visiting: Armenia, Falkland Islands, Turkmenistan
Tour operator:
Tour code:
489
Specialist Group:
Singles Solo
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 10
Age range:
18-80
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Adventure Tours, Camping, Safari Tours, Walking Hiking and Trekking
Interests:
Tour Overview
Embark on a 24-day adventure from Ashgabat to Tbilisi with the Iran Caravan tour, exploring the rich cultures and landscapes of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkmenistan. Discover the ancient wine-growing region of Telavi, visit the serene Savanavank monastery by Lake Sevan, and enjoy Yerevan's vibrant cafes and museums. Ride the Wings of Tatev cable car, witness Azerbaijan's explosive mud volcanoes, and journey across the Caspian Sea. Experience the Turkmen desert on a thrilling 4X4 safari and take a guided tour through the marble city of Ashgabat. This tour offers a unique blend of camping and simple accommodations, making it perfect for adventure seekers.
Highlights
Itinerary
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
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
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
On arrival in Azerbaijan, we get to visit the 18th Century UNESCO town of Sheki and continue to 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 a fascinating and enjoyable addition to the itinerary.
DAY 17-22: BAKU TO ASHGABAT
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 the road, and 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
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 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 Mosque, the Arch of Neutrality, the Turkmenbashi Mosque Mausoleum 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
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
Accommodation is provided for approximately 50% camping and 50% in hostels/hotels.
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Caspian Ferry
The ferry across the Caspian Sea is included.
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Turkmenistan Letter of Invitation
Support and fees for the Turkmenistan Letter of Invitation are included.
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4X4 Desert Safari
A 4X4 Desert Safari in Turkmenistan is included.
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Departure Airport Transfer
Departure airport transfer in Ashgabat is included.
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Ashgabat City Tour
A guided city tour of Ashgabat is included.
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Meals
Approximately 50% of meals are included.
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Transport
All transport on the Oasis Expedition Truck is included.
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Camping and Cooking Equipment
Camping and cooking equipment are provided.
What's Not Included
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Visas
Visas are not included.
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Local Payment
Local payment is not included (see tour notes and options).
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions as listed in the Pre-Departure Information are not included.
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Flights
Flights are not included.
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Airport Taxes and Transfers
Airport taxes and transfers are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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Meals
Approximately 50% of meals are not included.
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Drinks
Drinks are not included.
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Tips
Tips are not included.
More Info
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.
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 type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
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.
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What kind of transport will be used during the tour?
The Oasis expedition truck will be your new home, giving you a comfortable and 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. The truck is equipped with all of the equipment we may need en-route, including a professionally compiled expedition Medical Kit, large water and fuel carrying capacities, an extensive range of spare parts as well as the kitchen sink, so all you need is your sleeping bag, a roll mat, and your own personal gear.
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What activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes a variety of activities such as a wine tour in Telavi, visiting the Hayravank Monastery overlooking Lake Sevan, riding the 'Wings of Tatev' cable car, exploring the mud volcanoes of Qobustan, and a 4X4 desert safari in Turkmenistan. Additionally, there is a city tour of Ashgabat, visiting sites like Independence Park, the Ertogrul Gazi Mosque, and the Arch of Neutrality.
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What should I bring for camping during the tour?
You should bring your own sleeping bag, a roll mat, and your own personal gear. It would also be a good idea to bring your own freestanding mosquito net 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, and digging your own toilet pit with the shovels supplied is essential.
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Are meals included in the tour?
Meals are included for approximately 50% of the tour. The rest of the meals will need to be arranged by the travelers themselves.
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What is the policy on seatbelts in the Oasis Overland trucks?
All Oasis Overland trucks are fitted with seatbelts. For your own safety and security, it is recommended that travelers wear these at all times while the vehicle is moving.
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What kind of unique experiences can I expect on this tour?
You can expect a variety of unique experiences such as camping in bush camps with no facilities, staying in yurts, and simple village pensions. You will also get to experience a 4X4 desert safari in Turkmenistan, visit the mud volcanoes in Azerbaijan, and take a ferry across the Caspian Sea. Additionally, the city tour of Ashgabat offers a glimpse into one of the most mystifying and unusual cities with its unique structures and wide streets lined with marble.
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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.
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Oasis Overland requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person 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.