Once Forbidden Lands of Central
Asia & lran
The countries of Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Iran are woven together like
a fine Persian carpet. From the time of Marco Polo, these lands have exchanged
rulers, architecture, art and religion.
Our travels begin in Uzbekistan where we spend almost a week exploring the
cities of Samarkand and Bukhara. Major oases along the Silk Road, these cities
were visited by some of the world's infamous conquerors: Alexander the Great,
Genghis Khan and Tamerlane.
Next we cross the Turkmen border to explore the ancient remains of Marghiana
(Merv), once one of the most important capitals in the Islamic world, before continuing
on to Ashkabad. The many museums and the market stacked with deep red carpets
and handcrafted jewelry enrich our stay in Ashkabad.
We continue our journey into Iran, where our first stop is Mashad and the Holy
Shrine of Imam Reza. We spend the next ten days exploring the best of Iran - from
the living capital of Tehran to the remaining ornamental stonework of Persepolis.
We visit ancient Kerman and its surrounding citadels, and continue on to Yazd,
known for its choice silk products. Seated at the junction of several old caravan
routes,
Yazd was a Zoroastrian center in Sassanid times.
Next we venture to the romantic and hospitable Shiraz, the favorite of many
travelers. From here we visit the vast ruins of Persepolis, the ceremonial capital
of the Achaemenid kings.
Our final stop is Isfahan, known for its exquisite carpets, hand-printed textiles
and elegant bridges. Here we visit the Friday Mosque, one of the masterpieces
of world architecture. We sip saffron tea in one of the teahouses under the bridges
of the Zayande River, and soak up the atmosphere of Iran.
Trip Details
| Length of Trip: |
20 Days |
| Departures in 2005: |
2 |
| Dates: |
April 23-May 12 |
| |
October 1-20 |
 |
| Land Tour Cost |
|
| 6-16 travelers |
$4,795 |
| Single Supplement |
$895 |
|
Special Features
- Explore Samarkand, a fabled oasis on the fringes of the Kyzyl Kum Desert
- Rub shoulders with local shoppers at the vibrant and exotic Tolkuchka Bazaar
- Penetrate ancient history as you visit the ruins of Persepolis
- Respond to the warm and hospitable Iranian people
Map
| |
| Day 1: |
Tashkent |
|
| Day 2: |
drive to Samarkand |
|
| Day 3: |
Samarkand |
|
| Day 4: |
drive to Bukhara |
|
| Days 5-6: |
Bukhara |
|
| Day 7: |
drive to Merv, fly to Ashkabad |
|
| Days 8-9: |
Ashkabad |
|
| Day 10: |
drive to Mashad |
|
| Day 11: |
fly to Tehran |
|
|
| Day 12: |
fly to Kerman |
|
| Day 13: |
Kerman, day trip to Arg-e Rayen |
|
| Day 14: |
drive to Yazd |
|
| Day 15: |
drive to Shiraz via Pasargadae |
|
| Day 16: |
Shiraz, day trip to Persepolis, fly to Isfahan |
|
| Days 17-18: |
Isfahan |
|
| Day 19: |
fly to Tehran |
|
| Day 20: |
Depart Tehran |
|
|
|
