Day 1 TashkentKick off the journey in Uzbekistan's modern capital. Pick up Soviet-style souvenirs in Chorsu Bazaar and admire the ornately decorated Kukeldash Medressa. Days 2-4 SamarkandTravel to one of Central Asia's most magical destinations - Samarkand. Discover the romance of the Silk Road in this perfectly preserved city full of exotic architecture and majestic buildings. Day 5 Yurt StaySpend a night in a yurt camp with the local nomads, sleeping among the dunes of the Red Desert. Days 6-8 BukharaGet to know Central Asia's holiest city, where the combination of buildings spanning a thousand years and a thoroughly lived-in Old Town add to the bustling atmosphere. Days 9-10 KhivaGaze up at the ancient walls surrounding Khiva and imagine how they once provided sanctuary for weary Silk Road travellers. Explore the historic and perfectly preserved Old Town, beautifully decorated in classic turquoise tiles. Day 11 Kunye UrgenchTravel into Turkmenistan and visit 11th century ruins on the shore of the Amu Daria River. Day 12 DarwasaFollow a local trading route through the harsh Karakum Desert and meet the nomadic Turkmen. Visit the truly breathtaking sight of the massive Darwasa Gas Crater spitting flames into the sky. Days 13-15 AshgabatWander amongst the futuristic architecture that dominates the Ashgabat skyline. Stop by the Carpet Museum to spy the world's largest hand-woven rug or learn about the city's traumatic history at the Earthquake Museum. Day 16 ShirvanOn the banks of the Atrak River lies the beautiful city of Shirvan - a perfect introduction to alluring Iran. Day 17 DamghanThey don't get much older than the 1st centry Tarikhaneh Mosque in the slow-paced Damghan. Day 18 Garmeh, Dasht-e Kavir DesertExperience a real desert oasis in Garmeh, a captivating, isolated town in the Great Salt Desert. Days 19-20 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 try some tasty Iranian cuisine. Day 21 Zein-o-din CaravanseraiVisit the intruiging Zoroastrian tower of silence en route to a small resting place formerly used by Silk Road travllers, known as a caravanserai. Days 22-23 ShirazExplore the magnificent ruins of Persepolis on the road to the art-haven of Shiraz. Enjoy free time in town visiting the magnificent mosques and mausoleums or shopping in the fabulous Vakil Bazaar. Days 24-26 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 27-28 TehranDiscover the capital of Iran - sprawling, fascinating and intoxicating. Visit the impressive Golestan Palace or get lost in one of the city's museums. Days 29-30 Bush CampCamp in the wilds of this beautiful, mountainous region. Day 31 DogubayazitNestled at the foot of Turkey's highest peak, Dogubayazit holds a romantic palace-fortress that is fascinating to explore. Days 32-35 Eastern Turkey/Anotolia/GoremeTravel 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. Day 36 Tuz GoluJourney towards Istanbul, via the impressive salt lake and enjoying a night of wildcamping. Days 37-39 IstanbulBargain up a storm in the Grand Bazaar, admire the imposing Aya Sofya or munch on a tasty kebab in the fascinating Turkish capital of Istanbul.
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