
Arrival in Ashgabat, either by air (late evening or early morning, depending on airline schedule) or overland. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Time to rest after the journey.
Overnight in Ashgabat.
After breakfast, begin a city tour of Ashgabat, visiting Independence Park, the Neutrality Arch, the Ferris Wheel, and the Wedding Palace viewpoint. In the afternoon, explore the National Museum of Turkmenistan and the Turkmenbashi Mosque and Mausoleum.
In the evening, transfer to the train station for the overnight sleeper train to Turkmenbashi (4-berth compartment).
Overnight on board.
Arrival in Turkmenbashi in the morning. Visit the local Russian Orthodox Church, then continue by 4WD vehicle toward the remote Yangisuw canyons (approx. 4 hours). Explore the dramatic landscapes and colorful rock formations.
Overnight camping in tents in the canyon area.
Morning visit to the spectacular Yangikala Canyons and the sacred Gozli Ata pilgrimage site. Return drive to Turkmenbashi (approx. 4 hours), followed by an evening flight back to Ashgabat.
Transfer to hotel. Overnight in Ashgabat.
Early departure into the Karakum Desert by 4WD. Drive to the remote tribal settlement of Damla, then continue off-road toward Darwaza. In the evening, experience the famous Darwaza Gas Crater, also known as the “Door to Hell.”
Overnight in a yurt camp near the crater.
Morning drive to Kunya Urgench, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring mausoleums and ancient monuments of the Khorezm civilization. Continue to Dashoguz in the afternoon.
Overnight in Dashoguz.
Transfer to Dashoguz Airport for a domestic flight to Mary. In the afternoon, visit Ancient Merv, one of Central Asia’s most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a former Silk Road metropolis.
Overnight in Mary.
Transfer to the Serakhs border, cross the frontier, and continue by road to Mashhad. In the evening, take a domestic flight to Shiraz.
Overnight in Shiraz.
Full-day exploration of Shiraz, one of Persia’s most cultural and poetic cities. Visit the Karim Khan Citadel, Vakil Mosque, Vakil Bazaar, and Saraye Moshir. Continue to the famous Nasir al-Molk (Pink) Mosque, followed by visits to the tombs of Hafez and Saadi.
In the afternoon, explore Eram Garden (UNESCO-listed Persian garden), Jahan Nama Garden, Ali Ibn Hamzeh Shrine, and the tomb of Khajou-ye Kermani, offering panoramic views over Shiraz.
Overnight in Shiraz.
Drive from Shiraz toward Yazd, visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Persepolis, Naqsh-e Rostam, and Pasargadae along the way. Continue through central Iran’s desert landscapes.
Arrival in Yazd by evening. Overnight in Yazd.
Full-day tour of Yazd, a historic desert city known for wind towers and adobe architecture. Visit Yazd Jame Mosque, the Old City, Alexander’s Prison, the Tomb of the Twelve Imams, Dowlatabad Garden, and the Water Museum. Time to explore traditional confectionery and handicraft workshops.
Overnight in Yazd.
Travel by road to Esfahan, one of Iran’s most iconic historic cities, via the traditional desert towns of Ardakan and Nain, known for their ancient mosques and traditional architecture.
Arrival in Esfahan by evening. Overnight.
Full-day tour of Esfahan, often called “Half of the World.” Visit Naqsh-e Jahan Square (UNESCO), Imam Mosque, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Ali Qapu Palace, Chehel Sotoun Palace, Hasht Behesht, and the historic bazaar.
Overnight in Esfahan.
Continue exploring Esfahan with visits to the Jame Mosque of Esfahan, Vank Cathedral, Menar Jonban, and the iconic Si-o-se Pol Bridge. In the evening, transfer to the airport for a flight to Tehran.
Overnight in Tehran.
Departure from Tehran by air or overland toward Turkey or Azerbaijan, marking the end of the journey.