G Adventures
Save 15%Turkey, Georgia & Armenia Encompassed
Turkey, Armenia, Georgia · 27 days · Easy
fromCAD 7,749
Next: 07 Aug
Operated by G Adventures
Istanbul to Tehran by Rail
From
Price on request
Duration
17 days
Countries
Turkey, Iran
Activity
easy
Group size
Max 15
The adventure
You may have made your way into Turkey before, but now it's time to take it a little farther east and discover some of the greatest underexplored territory in the world. This 17-day rail tour will bring you through the Turkish countryside to see the highlights of the Cappadocia region and the elegant, lakeside city of Van. You'll cross into Iran to find yourself in bustling Tehran, roam ancient Persepolis, and sample Shiraz grapes in the city that gave them their name. Take a true adventure and experience a part of the globe that's made for small-group travel.
Arrive at any time.
Enjoy an orientation walk around Istanbul before moving on to the capital city of Ankara.
Visit Anitkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, before driving to the Cappadocia region. Enjoy a home-cooked dinner with a local family.
Enjoy an included visit to the Göreme Open Air Museum before free time to explore this unique region. Opt to see it from above on a hot air balloon ride.
Enjoy one more morning in Cappadocia before driving to nearby Kayseri. Board an overnight train for Eastern Turkey.
Arrive to Tatvan and board a ferry for the scenic ride across Lake Van. Arrive to the other side and the town of Van in the afternoon.
Enjoy a day trip to Mt Ararat with a visit to the Ishak Pasha Palace.
Use a full day here to enjoy Lake Van. Drive to Gevas for a short cruise to Ahtamara Island to visit a beautiful Armenian Church. Opt to swim at the local beach.
Enjoy another day in the Van area with a visit to the Van Castle. Board the Trans-Asia train in the evening for the journey to Tehran.
Spend the day absorbing the scenery from the train, arriving into Tehran in the evening.
Explore Tehran with a local guide, visiting the Sa’d Abad Palace and National Jewel Museum before boarding an evening train to Shiraz.
Arrive in Shiraz in the late morning. Spend the day visiting the Karim Khan Citadel, Vakil Mosque, and the tombs of Hafez and Sa’adi.
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Persepolis, the ceremonial palace of Darius, and admire its amazingly well-preserved carvings. Later, wander the streets and mingle with the students in laid-back Shiraz.
Stop at the Koran Gate and the UNESCO-listed Pasargadae complex en route to Isfahan, one of the finest Islamic cities in the world.
Tour the beautiful city of Isfahan, enjoying the famous square, mosques, and bartering at the bazaar. Hang out on the many bridges that make Isfahan unique, or shop for an authentic Persian rug. In the evening, board a final overnight train to Tehran.
Arrive early and enjoy a final day of sightseeing in the busy capital of Tehran. Visit Golestan Palace, the National Museum, and the Carpet Museum.
Depart at any time.
At a glance
Duration
17 days
Route
Istanbul → Tehrān
Countries
Turkey, Iran
Activity level
easy
Style
Beach & Islands, Culture & History, Rail Journeys
Group size
Max 15
Ages
12+
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
Turkey & Iran
Showing Days 1-7
17-day itinerary
Day 1Arrival dayArrivalThere are no planned activities before an evening welcome meeting.
There are no planned activities before an evening welcome meeting.
Day 2Enjoy an orientation walk around Istanbul before moving…
IstanbulEnjoy an orientation walk around Istanbul before moving on to the capital city of Ankara.
Day 3Visit Anitkabir
Visit Anitkabir before transferring to the town of Göreme, the base for exploring Cappadocia. With 2.5 days free to explore, there will be plenty of time to tour the area by bike, visit neighbouring villages, trek regional valleys or try a hot air balloon ride. During one of the evenings, travel to a nearby village and enjoy dinner with a local family.
Day 4Enjoy an included visit to the Göreme Open…Outdoor enthusiast? Hire a bike to get around on two wheels or join your CEO on an optional trekking tour through one of the beautiful valleys of the region. If you want to go further afield, take a local bus to explore nearby villages.
Outdoor enthusiast? Hire a bike to get around on two wheels or join your CEO on an optional trekking tour through one of the beautiful valleys of the region. If you want to go further afield, take a local bus to explore nearby villages.
Day 5Enjoy one more morning in Cappadocia before driving…
Enjoy one more morning in Cappadocia before driving to nearby Kayseri. Board an overnight train for Eastern Turkey.
Day 6Arrive to Tatvan and board a ferry…
Arrive to Tatvan and board a ferry for the scenic ride across Lake Van. Arrive to the other side and the town of Van in the afternoon.
Day 7Enjoy a day trip to Mt Ararat with a visit to the Ishak Pasha Palace
Enjoy a day trip to Mt Ararat with a visit to the Ishak Pasha Palace.
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Discover Turkey
A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.
Operated by G Adventures
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From
Price on request