Days 1-2 AshgabatWelcome to Turkmenistan and the futuristic architecture of Ashgabat. Day 3 ShirvanMake tracks towards the Iranian border today and explore Shirvan, nestled on the banks of Atrak River. Day 4 DamghanTake a walk around the ancient city of Damghan, perhaps stopping to visit one of the oldest mosques in the world - Jamrh. Day 5 Garmeh / Dasht-e Kavir DesertTravel into the heart of the central Iranian desert and enjoy a homestay in the small village of Garmeh. Days 6-7 YazdWind through the old city of Yazd - reputedly one of the oldest towns in the world. Sign up for a scrub in a local hamam or sample some tasty Iranian cuisine. Day 8 Zein-o-din CaravanseraiKeep quiet at the Zoroastrian Tower of Silence before heading to the historical Zein-o-din Caravanserai. Days 9-10 ShirazExplore the magnificent ruins of Persepolis en route to Shiraz. Spend free time in town visiting magnificent mosques and mausoleums or shopping in the fabulous Vakil Bazaar. Days 11-13 EsfahanWith stately bridges, blue-tiled Islamic buildings and a gargantuan city square, Esfahan provides welcome splashes of lush colour after a few days in the dry countryside. Take in the splendour of this city by visiting ornate mosques and historic palaces. Days 14-15 TehranDiscover the capital of Iran, Tehran, a sprawling, fascinating and intoxicating place. Visit the impressive Golestan Palace or get lost in one of the Tehran's museums. Days 16-17 Bush CampCamp in the wilds of this beautiful, mountainous region. Discover the unique rock formations in the enchanting Kandovan region. Day 18 DogubayazitNestled at the foot of Turkey's highest peak, Dogubayazit has a romantic palace-fortress that is fascinating to explore. Days 19-20 Bush CampTravel overland into Eastern Turkey via ancient trade routes. Explore the Enchanted Valley where cones of soft volcanic rock have been carved to create mystical churches and mysterious dwellings. Days 21-22 GoremeDiscover Cappadocia's Goreme Valley and underground troglodyte cities, fairy chimneys and caves. Perhaps also enjoy a traditional Turkish bath or sip tea with locals in the quaint cafes of this fascinating area of Turkey. Day 23 Tuz GoluFarewell the fairy chimneys of Goreme and travel to the beautiful salt lake, Tuz Golu. Days 24-26 IstanbulVisit Istanbul's Grand Bazaar to hunt for a bargain, admire the Blue Mosque or the imposing Aya Sofya. On the cobblestone streets of this fascinating city is where the Turkic and Persian Splendours adventure comes to an end.
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