Border Information: If joining in Istanbul, you will most likely enter Turkey at Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IATA code: IST).
There will be a pre-departure meeting at 10.00am - on arrival please look out for a note from your leader with more information about this important meeting. If you are travelling beyond Tbilisi, your tour leader will need to carefully check your visa situation for your entire trip.
The afternoon will be free to explore the many sights of the incredible exotic city of Istanbul, including the Grand Bazaar, the Bosphorus River, Hagia Sophia and the phenomenal Blue Mosque!
Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in Istanbul before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales Team or your Sales agent if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Istanbul.
* Important note - do not bring any medicines containing tramadol, codeine, temazepam, morphine or opiates to Central Asia. These are illegal in all circumstances in most of Central Asia and you will risk arrest. If in doubt about a particular medicine, please do not bring it. See the notes at the bottom for more details. *
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
This morning following breakfast we will depart Istanbul and begin our journey to the shores of Gallipoli.
After lunch we will get an insight into what happened between the ANZAC, Allied and Turkish forces during the first World War and have a guided tour of the Battlefields and Anzac Cove.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
Today we will cross the Dardenelles by ferry and head to Helsik where we will do a short tour of the Troy Ruins.
We will then continue onto Selcuk where we will be staying for two nights. In the evening we will have free time to explore the area or simply relax in one of the many cafes or tea bars which are great for people watching.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Today we will have a full day to be able to explore the Ephesus Ruins and Terraced Houses.
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Following breakfast we will drive inland towards the small village of Pamukkale.
After lunch we will have free time to visit the thermal hot springs and traverse through the travertine pools and terraces.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping without facilities
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 3
Today we continue our drive south and aim to reach the popular beach town of Olympos by lunchtime.
This evening we will walk up to the Chimera Fire Mountain and toast some marshmallows
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
Today we will have time to explore and participate in any optional activities if you wish or simply take a dip in the cool turquoise waters on one of the many beaches.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
After breakfast we will leave the beachside town of Olympos and make our way north.
We will have an included visit of Termessos on the way before continuing our journey towards Egirdir where we will find a good spot to bush camp for the night. Depending on the time of year we may also stay in a local guesthouse.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
We have an early start this morning to reach the small enchanting town of Goreme in the heart of the Cappadocia mountains.
In Goreme we will stay in a well-equipped hostel - please note that dorm beds are generally used here.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8
Today will be a full day to explore Goreme, including a guided tour of the enchanted valley of Cappadocia. There will also be an opportunity for a magical optional balloon ride over the valley during your time here.. Weather permitting.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today we continue our journey east with a full day's drive towards the Sumela monastery.
We will break the journey with a wild camp near Zara or the village of Alucra.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping without facilities
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10
Today we will reach the Sumela Monastery near the town of Macka, which we will visit in the afternoon if it is open.
We will camp overnight in a campsite near Sumela if conditions allow. Or we may opt to stay in a local hotel in Macka or Trabzon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping without facilities
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 9
Border Information: Exit Turkey at Sarp, enter Georgia at Sarpi.
This morning we will continue to the border and cross into Georgia, reaching the port town of Batumi.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10
After a relaxing morning, we leave the port town of Batumi behind us and make our way to the ancient town of Kutaisi. This afternoon we will visit the medieval Bagrati Cathedral and the Gelati monastery.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
Border Information: if joining in Tbilisi, you will most likely enter Georgia at Tbilisi International Airport (IATA code: TBS).
There will be a pre-departure meeting at 6.00pm - please meet at the joining hotel reception at this time. Please do not be alarmed if there is no note from your leader on arrival, as this is often a travelling day for the crew and they will not arrive until about 4.00pm.
Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in Tbilisi before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales Team or your Sales Agent if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Tbilisi.
*Important note - Please do not bring any medicines containing tramadol, codeine, temazepam, morphine or opiates to Central Asia. These are illegal in all circumstances in most of Central Asia and you will risk arrest. If in doubt about a particular medicine, please do not bring it. See the notes at the bottom for more details.*
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today we will visit the beautfiful old town of Tbilisi and visit sites including the National Museum, Sioni Cathedral and the Metekhi Temple.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
This morning we will have a short drive to the border and cross into the country of Armenia. Once the formalities are over we will continue on through the beautiful Dilijan National Park stopping for a truck lunch along the way.
Tonight we will either stay in the National Park or continue on to Lake Sevan where we will camp for the night
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping without facilities
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
After breakfast we will leave the sparkling waters of Lake Sevan behind and make our way towards the city of Yerevan. On the way we will visit the World Heritage - listed Geghard Monastery which has been carved out of the rock face of the Azat River Gorge. We will also spend some time exploring the Garni Temple before finally arriving at our destination.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5
We have a free day today to explore the stunning city of Yerevan. Simply spend the time relaxing and soaking up the city atmosphere or perhaps do a walking tour of the city admiring the soviet architecture.
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today we leave the city of Yerevan. We will start off with a visit to the Khor Virap Monastery before we begin to make our way north through the beautiful Armenian Highland.
Tonight we will wild camp in the Northern Armenian Highlands.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Wild Camp
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5
After packing up camp we continue north and head towards the Georgian border. We aim to arrive after lunch and if time permits have an included visit to the Vardzia Caves. If we arrive too late we will be able to explore the caves tomorrow morning also.
Tonight we will find a wild camp in the valley close to the caves.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Wild Camp
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
After breakfast we will make our way to Borjome National Park where we will have time to do a small hike through the ancient forest and an optional cable ride up the mountain.
We will then continue on to Mtsehketa, the ancient capital of Georgia. Whilst here we will explore the 11th century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5
Today our journey begins with a beautiful drive to the spectacularly located town of Stepantsminda (formerly known as Kazbegi).
Either this afternoon or tomorrow morning, we will take a trek up to the Tsminda Sameba Chruch (the church of the Holy Trinity), a beautiful small church nestled in the mountains.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5
This morning we will drive to the Alazani valley and on to Telavi, where we will base ourselves for 2 days to explore the area.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Homestay
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5
The area of Telavi is well known for its vineyards and wineries - there are hundreds of different grapes grown here, and every village has its own particular variety. We will visit some of the local vineyards today, where we can hopefully see some of the local traditions including grape harvesting and wine making, and enjoy some famous Georgian hospitality.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Homestay
Today we leave the wine region behind us as we make our way towards the Azerbaijan border. We will visit the Gremi citadel en route.
We will wild camp tonight, most likely in the Lagodekhi National Park close to the Azeri border.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Wild Camp
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 3
Border information: Exit Georgia at Lagodekhi, enter Azerbaijan at Balakan.
Today we cross the border to Azerbaijan and continue to the old town of Sheki, where we can visit the exquisite Khan's Palace.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 4
This morning we will continue on to Lahic Village. An old coppersmiths village, nestled in the mountains.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 4
We will continue our journey this morning to Gobustan, near the coast of the Caspian Sea where we will have a visit to the ancient petroglyphs and the mud volanoes that this area is famous for.
This afternoon we will continue on to the Old City of Baku where we will have free time on arrival to explore.
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 4
Border Information:
For everyone that is continuing with us onto Turkmenistan there will be short group meeting at 10.00am to explain the next few days until Ashgabat. Your leader will also collect the kitty for this linking section.
Please note the new ferry port has now moved to Alat a town south of Baku. Depending on ferry departures we may need to stay here the night instead of Baku limiting our time to explore the town of Baku.
Our itinerary in Baku and over the Caspian Sea must remain very flexible and is very much determined by sailing times of the local ferries. Please note that there is no regular schedule for the ferries, they are notoriously unpredictable, and information from the ferry operators regarding the sailing times constantly changes (or is non-existent) up until the point of departure. Maximum flexibility, open-mindedness and co-operation with your tour leaders are absolutely essential here!
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
From Alat/ Baku, we will take the ferry across the Caspian Sea to Turkmenistan. The boat docks at the city of Turkmenbashi.
The ferry is a fantastic local experience, but please do not expect any luxury whatsoever! These ferries are budget vessels for the locals and cargo hauliers, and are not designed with tourists in mind. We must be prepared for very basic conditions and limited provisions on board.
Please also note that the time that the ferry takes to cross is also very unpredictable, as it is often forced to wait outside of the port in Turkmenbashi while they arrange the unloading of the cargo on the boat.
There will be seats on the ferry overnight. Generally cabins are not available for passengers.
Accommodation: Overnight Boat
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10
Border information: Exit Azerbaijan at Baku, enter Turkmenistan at Turkmenbashi.
Today we hope to disembark the Caspian ferry and enter Turkmenistan.
We will be either staying at a local hotel in Turkmenbashi or we will start our journey towards Ashgabat and wild camp en route.
Turkemenistan Visa Note - as the timing of the Caspian ferry crossing can be very unpredictable, please get your Turkmenistan visa issued with at least 2 'flexible' days before the entry date listed on these notes. Please see the detailed visa notes below.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today we will have an included tour of the city of Ashgabat using local mini buses.
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Border Information: if joining in Ashgabat, you will most likely enter Turkmenistan at Ashgabat International Airport (IATA code: ASB).
There will be a pre-departure meeting at 10:00am - please look out for a note from your leader at the reception of the joining hotel upon arrival with more details about this important meeting.
After the meeting we will have an included tour of the city of Ashgabat using local minibuses.
Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in Ashgabat before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Ashgabat. If arriving at Ashgabat airport you will also need to have a confirmed arrival transfer and representative from our local supplier to meet you at the airport. Please contact your sales agent for prices and to book.
*Important note - any tobacco products are practically illegal in Turkmenistan, so please do not bring them or use them in Turkmenistan. Also please do not bring any medicines containing tramadol, codeine, temazepam, morphine or opiates to Central Asia. These are illegal in all circumstances in most of Central Asia and you will risk arrest. If in doubt about a particular medicine, please do not bring it. See the notes at the bottom for more details.*
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today we set off north from Ashgabat and head into the Karakum Desert. We will have an included side trip to the amazing flaming Darvaza Gas Crater (also known as the 'Door to Hell'!).
We will wild camp in the deserts near Darvaza Crater tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping without facilities
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5
Today we will continue our overland journey north across the Karakum. We will visit the Kunye Urgench ruins towards the end of the day.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping without facilities
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8
Border Information: Exit Turkmenistan at Shovot, enter Uzbekistan at Nijazov.
This morning we will visit the markets in the border town of Dashoguz, before driving across the border into Uzbekistan and continue to the beautiful historic town of Khiva.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
After breakfast we have a guided tour of the ancient city of Khiva. In the afternoon we will have plenty of free time to further explore this wonderfully preserved Khanate town.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today we will have a full day's drive to the fascinating city of Bukhara, where will spend the next 3 nights.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8
Today we will have a guided tour of Bukhara and the surrounding area, including the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, Kalon Mosque, Zindon Prison and the Ark Fortress.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Spend the day exploring this incredible historic city and its surroundings further and soaking up the atmosphere.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today we will drive into the Kyzylkhum Desert near the town of Nurata. In the afternoon we will have the opportunity to head out on an optional camel ride into the desert!
In the Kyzylkhum Desert we will stay in a desert yurt camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt Camp
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
This morning we will spend some time exploring the Nurata Hills with the option of taking a dip in Lake Ajdar Kul. After lunch we will drive to Samarkand where we will stay for the next 3 nights.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
Today we will have a guided tour of the incredible historic city of Samarkand and the surrounding area, including the Registan, Ulug Beg Observatory, Bibi-Khanym Mosque and Shah-I-Zinda.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
This morning we will have a little more free time to explore more of Samarkand. After lunch we will drive to the Uzbek capital of Tashkent.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
Today we will have a free day to explore Tashkent.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Border Information: if joining in Tashkent, you will most likely enter Uzbekistan at Tashkent International Airport (IATA code: TAS).
There will be a pre-departure meeting at 10:00am - please look out for a note from your leader at the reception of the joining hotel upon arrival with more details about this important meeting. Your leader will need to carefully check your visas at this initial meeting.
The rest of the day is free to explore the Uzbek capital.
Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in Tashkent before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Tashkent.
*Important note - do not bring any medicines containing tramadol, codeine, temazepam, morphine or opiates to Central Asia. These are illegal in all circumstances in most of Central Asia and you will risk arrest. If in doubt about a particular medicine, please do not bring it. See the notes at the bottom for more details.*
*Another important note - please be aware that all itineraries in Kyrgyzstan are highly weather-dependent. The itinerary described in these notes are a statement of best intention, but we must approach each trip in Kyrgyzstan with a large degree of flexibility, as our leaders and local guides will have to 'play things by ear' according to the local conditions and weather. In low season certain routes become impossible and it may become far too cold to camp - in all cases there are fantastic and well-tried alternatives in place which means we can always run an excellent and comprehensive trip here, but please do not treat the exact details of the itinerary listed here as gospel - thanks for your understanding!*
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
This morning we travel in local transport over the Kamchik Pass to Kokand, where we will have the opportunity to visit the Khudayar Khan's Palace and the nearby Margilan Silk Factory before completing the journey to Fergana.
The truck must pass over the Kamchik Pass without passengers and will rejoin us this evening in Fergana City.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Border information: Exit Uzbekistan at Andijon, enter Kyrgyzstan at Dustlik.
This morning we leave Uzbekistan behind and make our way into the magical mountain kingdom of Kyrgyzstan!
Once we have crossed the border we continue our journey to Arslanbob in Kyrgyzstan's Fergana Valley - if we are delayed at the border we may choose to stay in the closer town of Jalalabad instead.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Homestay
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Homestay
We will spend the next 2 days overlanding through the stunning and remote Kyrgyz Fergana Valley, stopping often to admire the views and perhaps take some impromptu hikes in the hills and countryside. Tonight we will find a wild camp close to Toktugal Lake. Please note that trips running in low season (May to mid-June and October to November), we may not be able to camp if temperatures are too low, in which case we will stay in local guesthouses along the route instead.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Homestay
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Homestay
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Today we complete the drive to the incredible Song Köl Lake, where we will spend the next two nights.
We will have free time here to explore the area, and to enjoy some optional activities including hiking and horse-riding.
Please note that trips during the low season will not be able to visit Song Köl Lake, as temperatures will be below freezing, the road will be snowed over, and there will be no yurts to stay in! Instead we will likely stay in yurts on the southern shore of Lake Issyk Köl.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt Camp
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 9
We will have free time in Song Kul Lake today to explore the area, and to enjoy some optional activities including hiking and horse-riding.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt Camp
Today we drive to the small village of Kochkor, where we stay in local family-run guesthouses and enjoy traditional Kyrgyz hospitality!
Whilst here we will visit a small museum and women's felt making cooperative that produces 'shyrdaks', the felt carpets for which Kyrgyzstan is renowned. We may also have the opportunity here to see some excellent local musicians playing traditional Kyrgyz folk music and to see how a yurt is put up!
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Homestay
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 4
Today we drive along the southern shore of Lake Issyk Köl and up into the mountains to the alpine trekking region of Jeti Oguz. En route we will have an included demonstation from a local 'eagle hunter'.
The next day we will have a free day to hike in the incredible scenery here, or take an optional horse ride with some of the local nomads!
Please note that on trips in the low season we may not be able to camp in Jeti Oguz due to low temperatures. If this is the case, we will stay for 1 night in a local hotel at the base of Jeti Oguz Valley (allowing time for some day walks) and then move via a stunning and incredible drive up a mountain in a Russian 4x4 truck to Altyn Arashan, a hot spring development in a stunning alpine setting, staying in dormitory accommodation.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Wild Camp
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
Today is a free day where we will have the chance to hike in the incredible scenery around Jeti Oguz, or take an optional horse ride with some of the local nomads!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Wild Camp
Today we will move on from Jeti Oguz or Altyn Arashan to the Russian-style town of Karakol, where we will have a free afternoon to explore and relax!
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 4
Today we will drive to the northern shore of Lake Issyk Köl and visit the ancient petroglyphs at Cholpon Ata. We will then continue to the beautiful area of Chong Kemin where we will spend 2 nights.
In Chong Kemin we will wild camp. If it is too cold or simply preferred by the group, we may choose to camp in the grounds of a guesthouse in Ashu, a village in the Chong Kemin valley, where there could be the possibility to upgrade to rooms.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Wild Camp
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Wild Camp
Today we have a short drive to the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek, with the opportunity to visit the Burana Tower en route. We will have free time to relax and explore the city upon arrival.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 4
For everyone that is continuing with us to China, there will be quick pre-departure meeting at 10:00am in order to explain the next 6 days until Kashgar, and your leader will collect the kitty for this linking section.
The remainder of the day is free to explore the relaxed and atmospheric city of Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan.
Hotel for the night: Hotel Asia Mountains
Hotel Asia Mountains
1a Lineinaja St
Bishkek 720021
Kyrgyzstan
Tel: +996 312 694 075
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today we drive to the small village of Kochkor, where we stay in local family-run guesthouses and enjoy traditional Kyrgyz hospitality!
Whilst here we will visit a small museum and women's felt making cooperative that produces 'shyrdaks', the felt carpets for which Kyrgyzstan is renowned. We may also have the opportunity here to see some excellent local musicians playing traditional Kyrgyz folk music and to see how a yurt is put up!
Please note that if the group has no new people joining in Bishkek, we may choose to stay instead in a guesthouse in the small town of Naryn (a further 2 hour drive beyond Kochkor). This is so that we don't repeat Kochkor unnecessarily and can have more time to explore the area of Tash Rabat the following day.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Homestay
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5
Today we continue our journey south to Tash Rabat, once a key staging post on the Silk Road close to the Kyrgyzstan-China border. During our time here we will visit an ancient caravanserai and have some time to explore the surrounding area.
In Tash Rabat we will wild camp. In cold weather (or if simply the group prefers and there is availability), we may choose to stay in local nomadic yurts that are set up for guests near the caravanserai, sleeping 8-10 people per yurt.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt Camp
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
Border information: Exit Kyrgyzstan at Torugart, enter China at Torugart.
Today we will have a full day drive over the 3752m Torugart Pass, crossing into China and heading down to the Uighur city of Kashgar.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8
Today we will have free time to explore the city of Kashgar and partake in any optional activities whilst we wait for our paperwork and documents to be processed with the border formalities
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
if joining in Kashgar, you will most likely enter China at Kashgar Airport (IATA code: KHG).
Welcome to Kashgar, one of the ancient trading posts on the Silk Route! If you are joining in Kashgar, you are free to explore the city, and there will be a group meeting today at 6:00pm. Please do not be alarmed if there is no welcome note at the hotel on your arrival, as this is often a travelling day for the tour leader and they will often arrive in Kashgar mid-afternoon.
Please note that many of the optional activities will only be possible for those with extra time in Kashgar before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Kashgar.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today we will visit the animal market just outside of town, and then the famous Kashgar Sunday Bazaar. We will also have an included visit to Shiptons Arch - the largest natural arch in the world!
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 1
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 9
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 9
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 9
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 3
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Please note that due to political tension in Western China there are many police checkpoints that we must go through to show our passports in the Xinjiang province. Sometimes it may be preferred by the group and the leader to split this drive over 2 days, staying in a local hotel in between - in this case we will have 1 less night in Pingliang towards the end of the trip.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 13
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 1
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping without facilities
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping without facilities
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
Border Information: if joining in Xi'an, you will most likely enter China at Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (IATA code: XIY).
Welcome to the amazing city of Xi'an, the ancient capital of Shaanxi province and the end of the 'Silk Road'!
There will be a group meeting today at 6:00pm - please look out for a note from your tour leader at the hotel reception with more information about this important meeting.
The rest of the day will be free to explore the city of Xi'an, its famous walls, bell and drum towers, pagodas and Muslim Quarter.
Please note that many of the optional activities listed will only be possible for those with extra time in Xi'an before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Xi'an.
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
We will have time this afternoon and the following morning to fully explore the mountain's sights, temples and martial arts schools.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 4
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
We will most likely have an included visit to the incredible Three Gorges Dam today, the largest hydroelectric dam in the world, although it is possible this visit may take place tomorrow depending on the ferry schedule.
We will most likely stay in our hotel in Yichang tonight, but our ferry may need to depart tonight, in which case we will have a spare day later in the trip that we can use at our discretion.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today we embark on our Yangtze River cruise. We travel on a local ferry boat used by local people, a much more authentic and interesting way of travelling than on a tourist cruise. We stay in shared cabins (4 members of the group to each cabin) with private bathrooms and air conditioning where possible.
The journey itself usually takes 3 days/3 nights and heads through some areas of stunning scenery, especially near the Three Gorges - the Qutang, Wu and Xiling Gorges. The boats usually stop at the Fengdu (Ghost City), Shibaozai Tower, home to the Lanruo Dian (Orchid Temple) and at the three Lesser Gorges at various points on the trip. However due to local conditions, stops cannot always be guaranteed.
Accommodation: Overnight Boat
Second day of our Yangtze River Cruise.
Accommodation: Overnight Boat
Third day of our Yangtze River Cruise.
Accommodation: Overnight Boat
Today we will disembark our ferry when it docks in Chongqing in the early morning, and rejoin the truck and our co-driver!
From Chongqing we have a short drive to Dazu, where we visit the Bei Shan and Baoding Shan caves, famous for their brightly-coloured freizes and carvings.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
There will be a group meeting at 18:00PM. The evening free to explore the city. Overnight in comfortable hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
This morning we will drive to the incredible Shilin Stone Forest. We will have a free afternoon exploring the stunning and bizarre rock formations of the Stone Forest.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 3
Heading south from Shilinzhen we have a full days drive towards the southern region of Xishuangbanna.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 4
Today we drive to Jinghong. Overnight in a local guesthouse.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5
Border Information: Exit China at Mohan, enter Laos at Boten.
Short morning drive to the border with Laos, cross border and drive on to Luang Namtha, a small laid-back town on the edge of the Nam Ha Protected Area.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
We have two full days in Luang Namtha for optional activities. There are many Hiking and trekking options available in the national park, or you could use this time to simply kick back and relax back at our guesthouse.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Today is a free day for activities in and around Luang Namtha.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
This morning we drive through the stunning countryside of northern Laos and make our way to Luang Prabang where we stay in a friendly local hotel.
This afternoon there will be free time for any optional activities.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8
Border Information: If joining in Luang Prabang, enter Laos at Luang Prabang Airport.
There will be an important group meeting at 10:00 hrs.
Your leader will leave a note at the reception telling you where this meeting will take place. Your leader will collect your kitty and check your passport and insurance details at this meeting.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
This morning we have a short drive to a small hill tribe village called Ban Long Lao. This Hmong village is where we begin our 4 hour trek to the stunning Kuang Si waterfalls. This afternoon you have time to relax and swim in the many warm turquoise pools. We return in the late afternoon to our comfortable hotel for the night.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
We leave after breakfast and drive to Vang Vieng (approx. 185 kms). The scenery today is spectacular as we make our way through windy and mountainous roads, passing small Hmong villages along the way so plenty of photo opportunities! We will stop for lunch in one of these villages before continuing our journey to Vang Vieng. The afternoon is free to explore.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
Today we have the whole day to explore Vang Vieng. Enjoy the stunning landscapes surrounding the village and take part of the many optional activities available in the area. Popular activities here include trekking, renting a bicycle or rock climbing.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Guesthouse
We set off early this morning for a full days drive from Vang Vieng to Thakhek. We will arrive in the late afternoon and set up camp for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping without facilities
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 9
We will have the morning to explore the town before continuing our journey south to Pakse. Once in Pakse we have a short drive to the magnificent Wat Phou, a ruined Khmer temple complex located at the base of Mt Phu Kao.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8
From Pakse we Drive South and transfer to a boat to take us over to one of the larger islands in the area
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 4
On our 2nd day on Don Khong we will have free time to explore the island which can be easily discovered by bicycles. On the bike you will discover a quiet rural life of the the four thousand Islands.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Border Information: Exit Laos at Voeung Kam, enter Cambodia at Dom Kralor.
Today we will be rejoining the truck. We then drive to the Cambodian border, cross and continue on to Kratie.
Kratie is situated in the northeast of Cambodia on the banks of the Mekong River, this area is famous for its sunsets! In Kratie we will stay with local families in their homes. The accommodation is fairly basic but this will be a fantastic local experience.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
On our 2nd day in Kratie we visit the fresh water dolphins and visit the town of Kratie, including the Pagodas.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today we drive to Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh. The afternoon is free to explore.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
This morning we will have a very moving visit to the infamous Tuol Sleng Prison Museum and the Killing Fields Memorial. We will then return to Phnom Penh and have a free afternoon to explore Cambodia's capital.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
This morning we have a fairly short drive to Sambor Prei Kuk, Cambodia's most impressive group of pre-Angkorian monuments. We will have plenty of time to explore the ruins before driving back to Kompong Thom, where we spend the night in the house of a local family.
The accommodation is basic and some bathrooms are outside, but experiencing traditional home-cooked food and spending time with people of the village is truly a special experience.
We stay overnight in a local home stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Homestay
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
This morning we drive from Kompong Thom to Siem Reap -
We will be in Siem Reap for 3 nights staying in a friendly local hotel.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5
Today we get up early for our full day guided exploration of the incredible temples of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. We will also be able to watch the sunset over the temples.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Today is a free day for you to do as you please. Return to the temples to spend some more time exploring, or maybe take some time to relax with a massage or local spa treatment. Siem Reap itself is a lively little town and interesting to wander around.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Border Information: Exit Cambodia at, enter Thailand at Aranyaprathet.
This morning we start our journey to the Cambodian border of Poipet where we will say goodbye to our co driver and overland truck. Once we have crossed the border and proceedings through the Thai Immigration office we will then finish our journey on locally chartered transport out of the Aranyaprathet and through the Thai countryside to the bustling city of Bangkok.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 9
Border Information: Finishing in Bangkok, exit Thailand at Bangkok Airport.
Today is the end day for passengers finishing their trip in Bangkok.
Please note there is no accommodation included on the trip tonight - please contact your sales agent if you are interested in booking extra nights of accommodation in order to fully explore and take part in some of the optional activities listed below.
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$22,380 USD
Status: Open