Itinerary | Istanbul to Singapore
Turkey – Weeks 1–2
Highlights Istanbul, Gallipoli Battle Fields, Troy, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Cappadocia, Nemrut Dagi
We start the trip in Istanbul, old Constantinople on the Bosporus. Must sees are; the Covered Bazaar, the biggest and oldest covered market in the world, the Topkapi Palace, home of the Sultans and harems of the Byzantium & Ottoman Empire, the Blue Mosque and Santa Sophia; a beautiful church converted into a beautiful mosque.
We leave Istanbul for Gallipoli, famous for the allied Anzac WWI invasion, a sea landing designed by Winston Churchill to sail through the Dardanelles water way to Istanbul. The plan was to run the royal navy ships up the Dardanelles to bombard Istanbul, forcing Turkey out of the war, hopefully shortening WWI. You can wander the bleak remains of the battlefields and trench networks.
We cross the Dardanelles by ferry from Europe to Asia and on to Troy -a city made famous by Helen of Troy, Paris, Achilles, and the Trojan Horse with a wooden replica now on site – it’s worth a look, though nothing like the one in the film
Ephesus is the largest and best-preserved Roman city on the Mediterranean coast. Nearby are the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, though only a few columns remain.
Pamukkale is an ancient flow of mineralised water that has created a hillside of white limestone curtained terraces, with ancient spa pools.
In central Turkey is Cappadocia, a region formed from volcanic ash. In the region the large village of Goreme has churches and monasteries carved into the rock with Christian frescoes and valleys full of chimney shaped houses.
Derinkuyu is a massive underground city, five story’s deep and miles wide, tunnelled beneath the plains it is large enough to hold 15,000 people. Here you can buy some of the best value Turkish carpets and pottery in the world.
At Nemrut Dagi you see the huge statues scattered on the mountain. These huge statues were carved from solid rock by King Antiochus.
Georgia – Week 3-4
Leaving Turkey we cross the border to Georgia and the Caucasus and begin the next chapter of our Asian adventure….. Over the next two weeks we will cross this small former Soviet republic.
Our first stop in Georgia, Batumi. We will spend a couple of nights in this port city that has had an important role as a trading post from the second century BC when it was used by the Ancient Greeks as a commercial base.
We leave the Black Sea coast and drive to Kutaisi where we can rest up after some bush camps and enjoy a bed for the night, as well as check out the local cafes and restaurants. Continuing east our next stop is the Safara Monastery, a still-functioning seminary of the Georgian Orthodox Church constructed in the 10th Century AD, with Byzantine-style frescoes and a dramatic location on the edge of an imposing gorge.
After a bush camp in rural Georgia we arrive in the capital, Tbilisi. Sat on the River Mtkvari and surrounded by mountains on three sides with a combination of modern and historic architecture, this calm and photogenic city is our base for the next couple of days. Strolling the streets and people-watching in the many imperious squares of the city, with their mix of Russian, Classical and Soviet architecture, peppered with churches and cathedrals, is a pleasant way to spend a day.
We head towards Gori stopping on the way at the Uplistsikhe Caves, a remarkable subterranean complex of buildings built into the hillside, with origins as a religious and trading centre just off the Silk Road. At one point its population is estimated to have reached as many as 20,000, living and working in and around the caves. We have some free time to scramble across the rocky paths and find our way through the long-abandoned buildings and try to imagine what it would have been like living in such a unique and unusual place all those years ago.
Gori is a small city that played an important role as a military stronghold with strategic significance throughout the Middle Ages and has been occupied at various points by many different powers throughout its history, giving the city a blend of flavours and influences that have by now become a recognisable feature of our Caucasus adventure. The city is famous as the birthplace of the Soviet leader Josef Stalin; the main avenue running through the city centre and the main town square bear his name. Visit the Stalin Museum and see the house where the former dictator was born and grew up. This makes for an intriguing experience, with Stalin’s rule and its consequences still very much within living memory.
Our next stop is Telavi town to the north-east, sat on a hilltop with views across a wide valley with towering, snow-capped peaks visible in the distance. Telavi is the principal town of the Kakheti region, famous for its vineyards and wineries. Wine has been produced in Georgia since 4000BC and wine plays 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.
Armenia – Week 5
Armenia, a country of just over 3 million people, the size as Belgium. In the South Caucasus; stunning mountains, rich verdant landscapes, rich and varied history, and a unique and strong sense of nationhood with an international importance that belies its small size and location, almost ‘hidden’ amongst larger neighbours in Turkey and Iran.
We head to Sevanavank, a monastery complex on the shores of Lake Sevan that dates back to the ninth century. Formerly situated on an island, following the draining of the lake as during the time of Stalin’s rule, the monastery is now sat at the end of a small peninsula and is a picturesque spot well worth a short detour.
We reach the country’s capital Yerevan. This will be our base for three nights; strolling the streets of the city’ central area the combination of Armenian and Soviet architecture shows the country’s more recent history while the nineteenth-century Blue Mosque reminds us that we are in a part of the world where Islamic influences and cultures are prevalent.
You cab visit Yerevan’s famous brandy distillery, for a tour and to sample the national drink.
Azerbaijan – Week 6
Over half of Azerbaijan consists of mountain ridges, crests and plateau. It has been estimated that over 8000 rivers flow into the Caspian Sea (a misnomer as its actually the world’s second largest inland lake), most from the slopes of the Caucasus mountains.
From Tatev its north across the border to Azerbaijan. We visit the 18th Century UNESCO town of Sheki and continue on to the ancient village of Lahich with its copper beaters and ancient crafts. Heading south, we visit the mud volcanoes of Qobustan to the capital of Azerbaijan, Baku. It was here that the first commercial oil well was drilled in mid 19th century and large-scale oil exploration commenced in 1872. This is ancient and modern rolled into one; stone palaces and towers alongside ultra modern skyscrapers.
In Baku, we take the ferry across the Caspian Sea to Turkmenistan.
CENTRAL ASIA – Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan & Kazakhstan
Horses been ridden by a nations of horsemen with incredible skill on the saddle – they can ride alone before the age of five.
Turkmenistan – Week 7
The capital city Ashgabat made in white marble. The rest of the country is a beautiful empty dessert, with nomads in their yurts. The economy is run off its vast reserves of oil and gas which lies beneath Central Asia’s largest desert; the Karakum or Black Desert.
Highlights – Ashgabat, Darvaza Gas Craters, Konye-Urgench
We go off road to visit the Yangykala Canyons and the white cliffs of Koymat, and along the banks of the old Uzboy River, before reaching the desert settlement of Melegoch, in the dunes.
Then to the capital Ashgabat, with enormous monuments and extravagant buildings made entirely of white marble.
We visit Darvaza Gas Craters, or the ‘Doors to Hell’, it’s a drilling operation gone wrong, which opened a massive hole in the desert; from which the natural gas came. it was lit to get rid of the dangerous gas and it’s been burning for 40 years.
Kanye-Urgench on the northern border is a ruined town, with old monuments. Is was the scene of one of the biggest massacres in human history by Genghis Khan; this start of his killings led to the death of over 70 million people; some 17% of the world population
Uzbekistan – Week 8-9
The heart of the ancient Silk Road
Highlights – the beautiful cities of Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand are the main highlights not only Uzbekistan but of the whole of Central Asia
Khiva town is one of the best preserved of the in Central Asia the Old Town is within a massive mud brick fortress. Climb the towering minarets and sit in the tranquil old mosques. We cross the desert and the Amu Darya River, (known in ancient times as the Oxus), to Bukhara. Its old centre with easy to get lost in narrow winding streets, mosques, medieval royal fortress and a bazaar complex; its a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Samarkand was once the most populous city in the world; its 2,500 years of history old rivaling Rome in importance; now its attractions are large colourful mosques, markets and the impossibly big public square called ‘Registan’ or sandy place in Persian. This was made when public squares were for public announcements and executions.
Time allowing we visit the UNESCO Town of Shahrisabz. Here still standing since 1380 – the original gate towers to Timur’s Summer Palace.
Tajikistan – Week 10
Dushanbe is Tajikistan’s largest city, with beautiful parks, fountains and the wide boulevards and grand buildings.
We drive north in to the Fann Mountains, one of Tajikistan’s great ranges, with high snowy peaks to Iskander Kul Lake. It is said to be the resting place of Alexander the Greats horse, Bucephalus. The glacial lake is a stunning spot for a hike and we aim to visit Tajikistan’s highest waterfall.
Continuing north we arrive in toKhujand – the furthest points reached by Alexander the Great. It is said in this area that he wept, saying he had no further territory to conquer. We visit the Fortress and Panjshanbe Market – the largest covered markets in the region.
Kyrgyzstan – Week 11
A land of high mountain passes, grassy plains, alpine lakes & yurts, all in the Celestial Mountains. The beginning for us of a strong Chinese influence.
Highlights – Osh High altitude Lake Song Kol, Fergana Valley and Ala Archa National Park.
As big as England with just 5 million people; there is space to wander. We visit the capitol Bishkek You can go walking and horse trekking around Lake Issyk Kul.
In Kyrgyzstan our first stop is Osh, a 2,000 year old city, with a grand bazaar, a major stop along the ancient Silk Road.
We visit the vast red stone cliffs in Jeti Orguz or ‘Seven Bulls’ and visit the town of Karakol with its beautiful Russian wooden houses and tree-lined streets. Nearby are the Terskay Ala Too Mountains, a wilderness with nomadic shepherds.
Continuing around the lake to Semenovskre Gorge you can go walking and follow the rivers that wind through the national reserve.
On to Ala Archa National Park; forests, glaciers and alpine streams to camp amongst the nomads in their yurts.
Kazakhstan – Week11
To Almaty, Kazakhstan’s old capital, in the foothills of the Trans Lli Alatau mountains, the city has many sights – Ascension Cathedral, Abay Opera House; Golden Warrior Monument in the Republic Square and the Almaty Tower
Kyrgyzstan – Week 12
We return to Kyrgyzstan and Lake Issyk-Kul, in the northern Tien Shan Mountains. The region of Altyn Arashan and its surrounds has hiking and horse riding trails and we spend a few days here to take in the amazing scenery.
We visit the vast red stone cliffs in Jeti-Oguz and visit the town of Karakol with its attractive houses and tree-lined streets. Behind it are the Terskay Ala-Too Mountains, an unspoilt wilderness populated only by nomadic shepherds. Continuing around the lake to Semenovskre Gorge to hike along rivers that wind through the national reserve.
China – Week 13 – 16
China invented everything we like; Chinese food, chopsticks, fireworks, goldfish, tea, toilet paper, kites, paper money and hundreds of other things.
Highlights – Kashgar, Taklamakan Desert, Turpan Oasis, Gobi Desert, Yellow River, Chengdu city, Giant Pandas, Xi’an Terracotta army.
We cross the border to China by the Torugat Pass to high plains with nomadic Kygys people with their yurts and horses. Kashgar – a major trading point on the Silk Road. Big bazaars, markets and old tombs.
We take the train to Jiayuguan Fort, built in the Ming Dynasty is the westernmost section lies The Great Wall of China spreads across a great many parts of the country.at the walls most western end
Into the Taklamakan Desert – a dry massive desert of slowly moving sand. We spend a few days on the northern edge of this long desert.
To Kuqa and the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, these caves were carved into the cliff face over a period of 1,700 years; all overlooking the Muzat River, a broad river running through this dry country.
On to the ruins of Turpan, a revitalized oasis town, hot weather and good irrigation produces trellised vine s and the best grapes and raisins in the world. On a nearby plateau are the ruins of Jiaohe; a city destroyed by the Mongols under Genghis Kahn.
We cross the Gobi Desert visiting oasis towns of Dunhuang to visit Ming Sha Hill and the Crescent Moon Pool. Spring water flows into a depression between huge sand dunes, forming a picture postcard crescent-shaped lake.
Through the Gampala Pass to visit Yamdrok Tso Lake, to Lhasa to catch the high altitude train to Lhasa. A classic two day train journey at high altitude.
Lhasa, Tibet is one of the highest cities in the world. We will take time to acclimatise to the altitude. We explore Lhasa, with our guide to; Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Square and the stunning Potala Palace. We hope to also visit the Sera Monastery.
We cross the mighty Gampala Pass and see Yamdrok Tso Lake surrounded by snow capped peaks and in the distance, and on a clear day, you can see Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar.
On arrival in Shigatse we visit the home of Panchan Lama – Tashilunpo Monastery, built by the Dalai Lama. We visit Rongbuk Monastery, the highest in the world. From here we can see Mount Everest. We visit Mount Everest Base Camp hoping for a glimpse of the peaks, before driving to Tingri, a stopping point on the Friendship Highway.
We continue on the Friendship Highway to Gyantse, where you can visit Pelkor Chode Monastery and Kumbum Stupa and on to Gyantse.
We recross the mighty Gampala Pass, with time to visit Yamdrok Tso Lake, before heading back in to Lhasa to catch the high altitude train to Chengdu.
Chengdu is our massive city in China with around 14 million people – the capital of Sichuan province, the home of the spicy Chinese food. The Giant Panda breeding centre is here, to see the baby bears up close. The film Kung Fu Panda was set in this city. It’s an attractive modern city and worthwhile spending time to wander around, and to visit the Wuhou Temple & Wenshu Monastery.
To Xi’an and the Terracotta Warriors; 8,000 life size terracotta soldiers and horses lay buries for 2,000 years. They are all unpainted as when they are unearthed and exposed to the air, within just two minutes the ancient colourful paint job fades and flakes off. Also, you can see a relic of the Buddha, a finger bone at Famen Temple.
We take an overnight train to Kunming or Spring City in Yunnan Province. One of the prettier cities in China, with tree-lined boulevards and Tang Dynasty Pagodas and the 8th century Yuatong Temple. In the south of China is Jinghong. A small city on the Mekong River, we often follow the river through Indochina to the Mekong Delta near Saigon in Vietnam.
Southeast Asia
Week 17-18 Laos
We enter Laos, with verdant tropical landscapes dotted with thick, forested hills and sleepy towns and cities. Its rich history and varied culture make it a fantastic country to explore. Our first stop is Luang Namtha, with surrounding jungle and hills with hikes, rafting and overnight village stays.
After two nights in Luang Namtha we head to the old royal capital of Luang Prabang, stopping en route in the small town of Nong Khiaw, on the Nam Ou River set below imposing limestone cliffs with caves and Hmong villages.
In Luang Prabang, our base for the next four nights, we rejoin the Mekong River to explore its many temples. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can hire a bicycle and explore the streets by yourself, visit the Pak Ou Caves take a cooking course or just take a seat in one of the many bars or cafes and watch the Buddhist Monks, local traders and local life unfold in front of you.
South to Vientiane, a relaxed capital city where we get our visas for Vietnam. We leave the city behind us and return to the wilds of Laos as we reach Phu Hin Bun National Park where we take a longtail boat up the river into some spectacular caves and stay in a rustic bush lodge overlooking the river. We continue to follow the river south to Savannaket, a decent-sized town, with a sense of faded colonial splendour as crumbling French buildings slowly give way to modern Laos.
Week 19 – 20 Vietnam
To Vietnam and Hue, one of countries cultural and religious centres on the banks of the Song Huong or Perfume River. The Citadel – Kinh Thanh and the opulent tombs of the Nguyen Emperors are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and for those interested in more recent history can visit the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) from the Vietnam War.
We head south to Hoi An, known for its Old Town, crossed by canals and multicultural history as a key trading port throughout Vietnam’s history. There are nearby white sandy beaches. We continue to beach hop down to Ho Chi Min City.
Ho Chi Minh City, still well known as Saigon. A busy city with countless motorbikes swarming through its crowded streets and plenty to do for a couple of days. Visit the War Remnants Museum or Reunification Palace, take a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels, where the Vietcong dug out an underground network of supply lines during the war and to the Mekong Delta, where this mighty river finally ends its long journey into the sea.
Week 21 Cambodia
Cambodia is a stunning country, which is also home to one of the greatest ancient wonders to be found in the world: Angkor Wat.
We spend a few nights in the capital city of Phnom Penh. Visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, and the reminders of Pol Pot’s brutal regime at the Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields.
Phnom Penh is a busy city, neon signs mixed in with French Colonial buildings, it’s a great city to just wander around and enjoy great food and nightlife.
Leaving Phnom Penh we stop for two nights in Battambang city on the banks of the Sangkae River. This city has some more great temples and Buddhist shrines to explore, including the Bamboo Railway.
From Battambang by boat, motoring along the Tonle Sap Lake up the river to Siem Reap and Angkor Wat. This abandoned temple is the world’s largest religious monument. The Temples of Angkor are massive and it’s easy to get away from the crowds and wander the far reaching sites alone.
Week 22 Thailand
From the border crossing to Bangkok, the sea level capital of Thailand. Bangkok has plenty to keep us occupied, from very modern shopping malls full of western brands to ancient palaces and monuments. We visit the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. We spend three nights in Bangkok, so there is time explore the many canals on a Khlong Tour, visit one of the weekend Floating Markets, or walk down Khao San Road.
From Bangkok we head west to Kanchanaburi, famous for the Bridge on the River Kwai. Built by Allied prisoners of war during the Second World War the bridge was made famous in the film ‘Bridge on the River Kwai’. It is possible to cross the bridge, and visit the allied war graves.
After two nights in Kanchanaburi we overnight bus to down the peninsula to Surit Thani and start our beach week on the tropical islands.
From Surit Thani we take a ferry to one of the off shore islands; Koh Phan-gan or Koh Samui. Relax on the beach do a full moon party, go scuba diving, and great island night life.
Beach week in Thailand is not included in the trip price, so you decide where you want to stay and go on the islands.
Week 23 – 24 Malaysia, Indonesia & Singapore
Back to Surit Thani on the mainland and on to Malaysia. Malaysia is a very well run ex British colony with a real ethnic diversity of Indigenous Malays Chinese and Indians. Our first stop is Penang, for two nights before flying to Medan, just across the Strait of Malacca to Sumatra, in Indonesia – this flight is not included and is booked on the spot.
It is Sumatra’s lush jungles, one of the richest ecosystems in the world, steaming and rumbling volcanoes and blue crater lakes which make this part of the world fascinating and so different from everything else experienced on the expedition to date.
As we head into the interior of the world’s sixth largest island our destination is Lake Toba, high in the volcanic peaks and home to the Batak. The lake covers an area of 1707 sq km and we head for the island in the middle of the lake called Pulau Samosir which is almost the same size as Singapore. The island offers many different options but the best way to experience it is to head off and explore the countryside; go swimming, trekking, learn Indonesian cooking.
In the jungle of Sumatra at Bukit Lawang is an Orangutan feeding station, one of many to help these impressive primates feed as so much of their jungle home has been cut down for logging and human settlement.
With feeding stations, the orangutans don’t upset the local humans by raiding their fields. From the feeding station you can walk through the jungle to visit the orangutans in their own forest homes.
The capital of Sumatra is Medan; we spend time in this particularly Indonesian city before flying back to Malaysia.
Georgetown on Penang Island was formerly the Malayan base for the historic East India Company, it’s a great spot to take a wander amongst the colonial buildings and see the impressive street art. Great food; with Indian, Chinese and Malay.
From Penang we cross the Malaysian peninsula to the island of Pulau Perhenthian; great for snorkelling and diving, with turtles and little friendly sharks just off the shore.
Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia. There is the colonial area around Merdeka Square, the chaos of Little India and Chinatown with its famous Jalan Petaling market. Go to the top of the high Petronas Towers, though for the best views of the city, KL Tower is only a short walk away.
South to Melaka, an historical trading post with a mix of Malay, Portuguese, Dutch and British culture and peoples. Take a boat trip on the Malacca River, explore the museums, temples and churches, climb the hill to St John’s Fort or take a trip out to the Melaka Zoo.
Our last few days on the trip are spent in Singapore. It’s well planned and easy to get around with massive shopping malls where you can spend the day watching films, eating and going for a swim on the beach at Sentosa Island. Then to the Raffles Hotel to try the cocktail of Gin, Cointreau and pineapple juice; a Singapore Sling.
