Days 1-2 IstanbulWelcome to incredible Istanbul! Have your fortune told in the Taksim, bargain up a storm in the Grand Bazaar or admire the imposing Blue Mosque. Day 3 Tuz Golu/Bush CampVisit Turkey's salt lake, Tuz Golo, which provides 63% of Turkey's salt. Bush camp in the evening. Days 4-5 GoremeDiscover Cappadocia's Goreme Valley and underground troglodyte cities, fairy chimneys and caves. Days 6-7 Bush CampTravel overland into Eastern Turkey via ancient trade routes. Camp under skies that have been gazed at for centuries by fellow travellers. Day 8 DogubeyazitThe town of Dogubayazit is at the foot of Mount Ararat, reportedly where Noah's Ark came to rest after The Flood. Day 9 KandovanEnjoy the first night in Iran at Kandovan, an ancient village of caves built into the volcanic rock - and where locals still live. Day 10 ZanjanExplore Zanjan's delightful bazaar and check out the beautiful handicrafts on sale here - perhaps answer the question: does a handcrafted rug fit in a backpack? Days 11-12 TehranTravel to Tehran and be awed by this vibrant city where ancient meets modern. There is plenty of time here to explore the incredible Golestan Palace. Days 13-15 EsfahanSpend three days in this breathtaking city and take time trawling the souqs, bazaars, beautiful squares and blue-tiled Mosques of Esfahan. Days 16-17 Persepolis/ShirazExplore the ancient ruins of Persepolis, Persia, and visit the stunning Islamic Shiraz - discovering its impressive citadel and mosques. Day 18 Zein-o-din CaravanseraiFeel transported back in time while staying in a traditional caravanserai in the Dasht-e Lut desert. Days 19-20 YazdWind through the old city of Yazd - reputedly one of the oldest towns in the world. Day 21 Dasht-e Kavir Desert/KhoorTravel through the Dasht-e Kavir Desert, which lies in the middle of the Iranian plateau, to the tranquil oasis of Khoor. Day 22 DamghanExplore Iran's oldest surviving mosque - dating back to the 1st century - in Damghan. Day 23 ShirvanRelax by Shirvan's Atrak River, which gives this small town a lush and peaceful feel. Days 24-26 AshgabatSay goodbye to Iran and travel into Turkmenistan. Conclude the adventure among the futuristic architecture of Ashgabat.
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