The country has a wealth of sights, from medieval ruins and prehistoric towns to underwater caves and a flaming gas crater.

Operated by one only few companies offering trips into Turkmenistan, and with travel not permitted without a local guide, this nine-day tour affords a rare opportunity to experience a fascinating country off the tourist map.

Turkmenistan has just opened itself up to tourism after being relatively closed off from the outside world following the death of the Turkmenbashi dictator in 2006.

Perergine's nine-day Turkmenistan Discoverer costs from $2995 a person.

There are four departures are in 2015 commencing April 27.

Save 10 per cent when booked by December 20.

See peregrineadventures.com.