Istanbul to Beijing Overland
This mother of all Asian overlanders takes in the top sites across the breadth of a vast and varied continent. Explore the fabled cities and monuments of the Silk Road, including Isfahan, Merv, Bukhara, Samarkand and Xian, and revel in the cultures that grew up, or spread and set up, along its length. Take in the legacies of thousands of years of history, thousands of miles of grand landscapes and the little-known treasures of far flung countries and climes. From the stunning shrines of Iran, through the impressive desert citadels of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, to the pristine wilderness areas in Kazakhstan and the remote cities of Western China, this is a feast for adventurers looking to travel the full stretch between Europe and the Far East.
Itinerary
| Day Number(s) | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to hotel. |
| 2 | Explore Istanbul, including Aya Sofya and Topkapi Palace. Evening departure on train to Tabriz. |
| 3-4 | On board the Istanbul-Tehran Express. |
| 5-6 | Arrive Tehran this evening. Full-day sightseeing including Saad Abad Palace. |
| 7 | Drive to Kashan visiting Broujerdi House and Fin Garden, before continuing on to Abyaneh mountain village and overnight. |
| 8-9 | Arrive Esfahan and evening excursion to famous Zayandeh River bridges. Full-day tour of Esfahan, including Vank Cathedral, Imam Square Ensemble and Chehel Suton Palace. Overnight train to Mashad. |
| 10 | Visit Holy Shrine of Imam Reza (subject to permission). |
| 11 | Cross Iranian-Turkmenistan border and continue to Ashgabat. Free afternoon. |
| 12-13 | Explore in and around Ashgabat. Nissa Ruins, National Museum, Tolkochka Bazaar and Akhal-Teppe horse stud. |
| 14-15 | Drive to Mary. Explore the ancient ruins of Merv, the local bazaar and orthodox church. |
| 16 | Cross the border to Uzbekistan, continue on to Bukhara. |
| 17-18 | Explore Bukhara, Ark Fortress, Poikalon Ensemble and Samanid Mausoleum. |
| 19-20 | Continue via Alexander the Great's fortress to Nurata. Overnight in Sentab village. Optional short walks in the area. |
| 21 | Explore Samarkand. Visit Registan Square, Shah-i-Zinda Mausoleum, Ulugbek Observatory and local bazaar. |
| 22 | Travel to Tashkent. Visit Barak Khan Medressa, Kukeldash Medressa and Chorsu Bazaar. |
| 23 | Cross into Kazakhstan and continue to Aksu-Dzhabagly Nature Reserve. |
| 24-25 | Walking in Aksu-Dzhabagly and travel to Taraz city. Aishabibi Mausoleum and Babashi-Khatum Mausoleum. |
| 26-27 | Drive to Almaty. Visit History Museum, Zenkov Cathedral and Green Bazaar before evening train to Urumqi. |
| 28 | Aboard the train to Urumqi. |
| 29-31 | Visit National Museum and Heavenly Lake. Depart by train to Xian. |
| 32-33 | Free time to explore Xian. Terracotta Warriors. Depart in evening on overnight train to Beijing. |
| 34-36 | Arrive Beijing. Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace and Great Wall. |
Trip Highlights
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At A Glance
Trip Length |
36 days |
Trip Code |
PCIB |
Activities |
|
| Culture (Remote), Walking (Moderate) | |
Countries Visited |
|
| China, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Turkey, Iran | |
Start City |
|
| Istanbul | |
End City |
|
| Beijing | |
