Ashgabat To Tbilisi (26 Days) Persia & Caucasus Uncovered
Ashgabat To Tbilisi (26 Days) Persia & Caucasus Uncovered
Ashgabat To Tbilisi (26 Days) Persia & Caucasus Uncovered
26 Days Starting in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan and ending in Tbilisi, Georgia
Visiting: Armenia, Falkland Islands, Turkmenistan
Tour operator:
Tour code:
489
Specialist Group:
Singles Solo
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 10
Age range:
18-80
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Adventure Tours, Camping, Safari Tours, Walking Hiking and Trekking
Interests:
Tour Overview
Starting in the heart of Asia you will feel as if you have almost returned to Europe. You will encounter friendly locals, a diverse and long history, a unique and varied culture, lively and cosmopolitan cities, and vast, stunning landscapes that range from arid desert to rugged mountains, with dense forests and snow-capped peaks as we reach the Caucus states of Armenia and Georgia.
Note: We have two options for our route on this trip, either travelling through Azerbaijan or through Iran to get from Turkmenistan to Georgia and Armenia. Which we take depends on whether Azerbaijan's land borders are open are not, the operating schedule and reliability of the Caspian Sea ferry, and the overall regional security situation. We will make a final decision on the route a few months before departure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Ashgabat was founded in the 1880s by the Russian Tsarist government, and sits between the foothills of the Koptedag mountains to the south, and the vast Karakum Desert to the north. The city was almost entirely destroyed following an earthquake in 1948 and rebuilt in the Soviet style. Following independence in 1991 the city has been transformed into a futuristic, and in many ways bizarre collection of unique structures and wide streets lined with marble. For many travellers, Ashgabat is one of the most mystifying and unusual cities they will ever experience – it has even been decreed that all the cars in the city must be white.
On the city tour we visit Independence Park, the Ertogrul Gazi Mozque, the Arch of Neutrality, the Turkmenbashi Mosque Mauasoleum and many other sites throughout the city. There are plenty of fantastic photo opportunities, and we will have the chance to explore some of the markets and meet the locals.
Important Note - From Ashgabat, our journey may head west through more of Uzbekistan towards the Caspian Sea and across to Azerbaijan. Alternatively we will head south to the border with Iran and cross through the country before entering Armenia. Both routes come together again in Tatev in Armenia. Which route we take will depend on the current situation with regard to border closures, Caspian Sea ferry operations, and regional security issues. We will make a final decision on which route we will take a couple of months before each trip departs.
DAY 2-7: IRAN – MASHAD TO ESFAHAN OR AZERBAIJAN - ASHGABAT TO TURKMENBASHI
Iran route - After crossing into Iran, our first stop will be Mashhad, the holiest city in Iran. Here we can see the Imam Reza Shrine, where the eighth Shia Imam, Ali al-Rida is buried. Our route west towards Esfahan from here is flexible and may include stops to explore the Morteza Ali Canyon, and the old adobe village of Esfahak, destroyed by the big earthquake in 1978.
Azerbaijan route - As we leave Ashgabat, we will be collected by off road jeeps and head off for a desert adventure. This will be a truly unique experience as we get to visit the Yangikala Canyons via the Balkan Mountains, then on past the white cliffs of Koymat, and along the banks of the dried up Uzboy River before reaching the desert settlement of Melegoch. We will pass several traditional villages on the way before setting up camp near the dunes of Melegoch. Much of this trip will be off road, and totally remote and will truly be a new experience on our way to the port of Turkmenbashi. Whilst we are in Turkmenbashi we will need to complete all of our border formalities before we take the ferry across the Caspian Sea to our next country, Azerbaijan. Ferry schedules are notoriously unreliable and unpredictable and we may need to wait for a day or two (or more) for the next ferry to fill up and depart. The crossing takes approximately 18 hours.
DAY 8-14: IRAN - ESFAHAN TO TABRIZ OR AZERBAIJAN - BAKU TO SHEKI
Iran route - For many, Esfahan, will be the highlight of their travels through Iran. Exploring the huge main square, bazaars, beautifully mosaiced mosques, and the famous bridges will take up a couple of days here. From Esfahan we head north towards Kashan, famous for Persian ceramics, and woollen & silk carpets and then onward towards the capital Tehran. This is a friendly city, and we can visit the Golestan Palace, several excellent museums, and in the evening perhaps take a walk up from Darband where there are many restaurants and cafes either side of the river which forms the start of the hiking trail up to Mount Tochal.
Finally, we head further west to Tabriz, where we can explore its impressive Grand Bazaar.
Azerbaijan route - After we arrive in Baku we have a few days to explore the city. Baku has an amazing blend of the old city and the ultra-modern and as somewhere well off the tourist route is fascinating to explore. Heading north-west we visit the mud volcanoes of Qobustan and then onto visit the picturesque ancient village of Lahich with its copper beaters and ancient crafts and the 18th Century UNESCO town of Sheki.
DAY 15-19: IRAN - INTO ARMENIA AND ON TO YEREVAN OR AZERBAIJAN - THROUGH GEORGIA TO YEREVAN
Iran route - We leave Tabriz and head north to the border with Armenia. After crossing, we head to the hilltop town of Tatev, which at 5.7km long, hosts the longest cable tramway in the world; the "Wings of Tatev", that whisks you up into the mountains where there are lots of additional activities to take part in. From Tatev we head north to Yerevan where we are able to spend a couple of days to explore and enjoy the city.
Azerbaijan route - We cross the border into Georgia for a short time and then turn south into Armenia as we head to Yerevan where we are able to spend a couple of days to explore and enjoy the city. Our exact route will depend on border crossing options, and the weather at the time.
DAY 20-26: YEREVAN TO TBILISI
Our routes combine again from Yerevan onwards. On departure we visit the Geghard Monastery and Garni Temple before making our way to high altitude Lake Sevan with the possibility to visit the Hayravank Monastery that overlooks the lake and then on to the ancient town of Dilijan, famous for its hiking, food and arts.
We cross the border into Georgia to ever popular Telavi, the principal town of the Kakheti region, famous for its vineyards and wineries. Wine has been produced in Georgia since 4000BC and the industry has played a small but significant role in the country’s history ever since, as winemaking (and its consumption) has enjoyed an important role in Georgian culture and society. Here we have the option of taking a wine tour to find out more about the history of the area, why wine production has been so important, and of course to try some ourselves!
Telavi itself is a fascinating and relaxing place to spend a couple of nights with many good restaurants and cafes, and not far from the town there are other sites well worth a visit, such as the monastery of Akhali Shuamta, and the small village of Ikalta and its Church of the Transfiguration which dates from the 8th Century BC.
After our time in Telavi we continue to Tbilisi with its cobblestoned old town, delicious food and welcoming atmosphere. The Old Town of Tbilisi has much to offer. Here you can take a stroll along narrow streets, past traditional old houses with carved wooden balconies, relax in the warm waters of the historic sulphur baths and visit some of the city’s key historical sites; Metekhi Church, Narikala Fortress, Sioni Cathedral and Anchiskhati Church.
What's Included
What's Not Included
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Visas
Visas are not included.
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Local Payment
Local payment is not included (see tour notes and options).
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions as listed in the Pre-Departure Information are not included.
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Flights
Flights are not included.
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Airport Taxes and Transfers
Airport taxes and transfers are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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Meals
Approximately 50% of meals are not included.
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Drinks
Drinks are not included.
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Tips
Tips are not included.
More Info
Uncover the mysteries of the Silk Road on this overland expedition from Tbilisi in the former Soviet Republic of Georgia before travelling south into Armenia and Azerbaijan before crossing the Caspian Sea. Explore bustling and cosmopolitan cities, haggle in chaotic bazaars, camp under the stars in the desert and discover the rich and vibrant history along the way. End your adventure in Turkmenistan, one of the world's most secretive and rarely visited destinations.
Mode of Transport
The Oasis expedition truck will be your new home giving you a comfortable & secure base with which to experience your trip. We use a purpose built truck which has been converted especially for this expedition, which passes through all types of terrains from soft sand, mud, rock and potholed roads to tarseal. It is reassuring to know that these vehicles can handle the tough conditions that they are put through. The truck is equipped with all of the equipment we may need en-route, including a professionally compiled expedition Medical Kit, large water & fuel carrying capacities, an extensive range of spare parts as well as the kitchen sink, (well almost!) so all you need is your sleeping bag, a roll mat and your own personal gear!
Seatbelts
All Oasis Overland trucks are fitted with seatbelts. For your own safety and security we recommend that travellers wear these at all times whilst the vehicle is moving. Most of our overland trucks also have a ‘beach area’ which is a chill out zone to be used when the truck is not moving.
Accommodation
Accommodation is split throughout this trip between simple hotels and hostels and camping. The variety of accommodation provided is great and often a totally unique experience, including bush camps with no facilities, yurts and simple village pensions. Some are well managed and some very basic. Oasis uses roomy three-person tents but only for two people. They are specially made for us to meet the tougher conditions of an expedition trip and have mosquito netting sewn into the door and windows. It would also be a good idea to bring your own freestanding mosquito net so as to give you the freedom of sleeping under the stars at night. At bush camps you will be living off the truck, so there will be no showers or en-suite facilities, so digging your own toilet pit with the shovels supplied is essential!
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
Accommodation is split throughout this trip between simple hotels and hostels and camping. The variety of accommodation provided is great and often a totally unique experience, including bush camps with no facilities, yurts, and simple village pensions. Some are well managed and some very basic. Oasis uses roomy three-person tents but only for two people. They are specially made for us to meet the tougher conditions of an expedition trip and have mosquito netting sewn into the door and windows.
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What kind of transport will be used during the tour?
The Oasis expedition truck will be your new home, giving you a comfortable and secure base with which to experience your trip. We use a purpose-built truck which has been converted especially for this expedition, which passes through all types of terrains from soft sand, mud, rock, and potholed roads to tarseal. The truck is equipped with all of the equipment we may need en-route, including a professionally compiled expedition Medical Kit, large water and fuel carrying capacities, an extensive range of spare parts as well as the kitchen sink, so all you need is your sleeping bag, a roll mat, and your own personal gear.
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What activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes a variety of activities such as a wine tour in Telavi, visiting the Hayravank Monastery overlooking Lake Sevan, riding the 'Wings of Tatev' cable car, exploring the mud volcanoes of Qobustan, and a 4X4 desert safari in Turkmenistan. Additionally, there is a city tour of Ashgabat, visiting sites like Independence Park, the Ertogrul Gazi Mosque, and the Arch of Neutrality.
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What should I bring for camping during the tour?
You should bring your own sleeping bag, a roll mat, and your own personal gear. It would also be a good idea to bring your own freestanding mosquito net to give you the freedom of sleeping under the stars at night. At bush camps, you will be living off the truck, so there will be no showers or en-suite facilities, and digging your own toilet pit with the shovels supplied is essential.
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Are meals included in the tour?
Meals are included for approximately 50% of the tour. The rest of the meals will need to be arranged by the travelers themselves.
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What is the policy on seatbelts in the Oasis Overland trucks?
All Oasis Overland trucks are fitted with seatbelts. For your own safety and security, it is recommended that travelers wear these at all times while the vehicle is moving.
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What kind of unique experiences can I expect on this tour?
You can expect a variety of unique experiences such as camping in bush camps with no facilities, staying in yurts, and simple village pensions. You will also get to experience a 4X4 desert safari in Turkmenistan, visit the mud volcanoes in Azerbaijan, and take a ferry across the Caspian Sea. Additionally, the city tour of Ashgabat offers a glimpse into one of the most mystifying and unusual cities with its unique structures and wide streets lined with marble.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes, if you are travelling solo. On our Overland Adventures and Ultimate Expeditions, we will pair you up with a tent buddy of the same sex when we camp and the same goes for twin & shared rooms in hostels, so there is no need to go it alone! If you specifically would like to request your own single room whilst on the trip, this may be requested subject to availability and additional fee.
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How many people do you take on your Trips?
On most of our Overland Adventures and Ultimate Expeditions our vehicles can carry a maximum of 24 travellers, the average however is around 16-20 on any one trip. Our Small Group Adventures have a maximum of 18 people per Tour Leader, although again the average is around 10-14 people.
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Tuesday - Saturday
Sep 23, 2025 - Oct 18, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Sep 22, 2026 - Oct 17, 2026Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Oasis Overland requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of oasis overland charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 33% of booking price.
At 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.