Eastern Turkey & Georgia Discovery
14 days, Istanbul to Tbilisi
Itinerary
Day 1Istanbul
Arrive at any time, and meet your CEO and group in the evening at a welcome meeting. Afterwards, head out for a short orientation walk around the hotel area on the way to an optional group dinner.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Golden Horn Sirkeci Istanbul (or similar)
Day 2Istanbul/Adıyaman
Transfer to the airport this morning for the flight from Istanbul to Adiyaman. Settle in for lunch by the lake of the Ataturk Dam before continuing on to the Mt. Nemrut area. Visit the funerary monument, Karakus, the Cendere bridge, then ascend to the summit of Mt. Nemrut for sunset. Continue on to Adiyaman where you can settle in for the night and enjoy dinner in the hotel.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Karakus Tumulus Visit
See the Karakus Tumulous, a 35m high artificial mound built atop a hill, for Queen Isias and Princess Antiochis. Built between 30-20 BC, this site boasts limestone columns and acts as a funerary monument for royal women from the Kommagene family.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Mt Nemrut Sunset Experience
Revel in the stunning vistas and colourful sunset at Mt. Nemrut's summit.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
White Star Hotel Adıyaman (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 3Adıyaman/Sanliurfa
After an early breakfast, transfer to Ataturk Dam to enjoy the viewpoint, then continue to Karahantepe. You'll be welcomed into a local home for lunch before continuing on to the ancient and impressive archaeological site of Gobekli Tepe. Afterwards, transfer to the nearby town of Urfa for the night and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Your Local Living Moment: Lunch with a Local Family
Be welcomed into a traditional home in Karahan Tepe for a lunch with a local family. Enjoy a cultural immersive experience with typical regional food.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Göbekli Tepe Archaeological Site Visit
Explore the world’s oldest temple on a visit to Gobekli Tepe. Built approximately 11,600 years ago, the site is composed of large limestone pillars erected in a series of rings. Stroll around the site, check out the animal bas-reliefs that adorn the pillars, and contemplate the feat of constructing these impressive structures millennia ago.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Şanlıurfa Uludağ Otel (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 4Sanliurfa/Mardin
Travel to Mardin after breakfast this morning. Mardin's old town is protected by UNESCO and is considered to be an open-air museum. Explore the historic limestone architecture and learn about the interesting landmarks throughout. The rest of the day is free for individual exploration or time to relax before joining the CEO for an optional dinner in the evening.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Mardin UNESCO City Tour
The city of Mardin was strategically built at the top of a steep hill around the 11th century BC, overlooking the Tigris River. Mardin was the site of many religions and cultures over the previous centuries and was annexed by the Ottoman turks in the 16th century. Full of historically significant landmarks, UNESCO has protected the site, which now acts as an open-air museum. Explore Kasimiya Madrassa and the Deyrulzafaran Monastery.
Walking Tour Mardin
Explore on foot pausing to enjoy the Great Mosque, the Virgin Mary Church, and the local architecture outside the old town.
Free Time
There's plenty to see and do; now is your time to explore.
Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow
Latifiye Mosque
Wander through the Mosque, built in 1371 Abdüllatif bin Abdullah, the minaret built by the Governor of Egypt, Muhammed Ziya Tayyar Pasha, and the most recent minaret built by the Governor of Mosul, Gürcü Mehmet Pasha in 1845. Witness the impressive dome, colourful stones, and geometric motifs. A true architectural masterpiece.
Tellallar Bazaar
Take in some shopping in the Tellallar Bazaar, a shopping street, home to handicraft shops in a traditional bazaar style.
Accommodation
Kaya Ninova Hotel Mardin (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Mardin/Van
Settle in for a drive to Lake Van, the largest lake in Turkey. Upon arrival to the lakeside town of Gevas, board a boat to Akdamar Island for a CEO-led walk, then head back to your hotel in Van. Enjoy a free evening to end the day.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Walking Tour Akdamar Island
Explore Akdamar on foot with the help of your CEO. Witness the 10th century Armenian Holy Cross Cathedral, then wander around with free time.
Boat
Travel by boat and on foot to your hotel in Van.
Free Time
There's plenty to see and do; now is your time to explore.
Akdamar Island Boat Trip
Come aboard for a memorable boat trip to Akdamar Island on beautiful Lake Van. Tour the island's historic sites, and see the Armenian Cathedral of the Holy Cross, built between AD 915-921.
Accommodation
Van Life Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Van/Kars
Visit the Van Citadel this morning, built by the ancient kingdom of Urartu. From there transfer to the previous capital of the Republic of Ararat, Dogubeyazit. Explore Ishak Pasha Palace then take in views of Mt. Ararat and across the mountains where the possible resting place of Noah's Ark is said to be located. Continue on to Kars for a brief orientation walk, then settle in for the evening with free time.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Orientation Walk Kars
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main landmarks, and ATMs.
Van Castle
Explore the Citidel, a massive stone fortification, housing a "royal stable" carved from rock, where oxen and sheep were held prior to acting as sacrifice to the Gods.
Ishak Pasha Palace
This stunning 18th century palace located on the silk road is situated an imposing platform, boasting a mix of Anatolian, Iranian, and North Mesopotamian architectural styles. Explore this historical Turkish palace and take in breathtaking views of Mt. Ararat.
Accommodation
Buyuk Kale Hotel - Kars (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Kars
Drive to Ani this morning, known as the city of 1001 churches,. Explore the Ani complex with your CEO, seeing the many religious buildings, palaces and forts before heading back to Kars for a free evening and optional final dinner out with the group.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Ani Visit
Be transported to centuries past visiting historical Ani. Once the capital of the Armenian Empire, Ani was located at the crossroads of many important trade routes. When the medieval city was flourishing, the buildings were some of the most complex and beautiful around. Walk among hundreds of churches that rest in ruin today – the abandoned city creates a dramatic setting against the surrounding landscape.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
There's plenty to see and do; now is the time to explore.
Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow
Kars Museum
Explore the 18 showcases housed in the museum's archaeology halls, offering a glimpse at fossils, spearheads, jewellery, and etc. Artifacts range from the Paleolithic and Periods all the way to the Principalities Period. In the ethnography hall, you'll find another 16 showcases displaying woven carpets, silver belts, kitchen utensils, etc. dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Round out your experience in the garden where ram and sheep tombstones from the 13th and 14th centuries are exhibited.
Accommodation
Buyuk Kale Hotel - Kars (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Kars/Tbilisi
Wave goodbye to Turkey this morning on a drive to the Oncul Çıldır Aktaş Border Gate for the crossing into Georgia. Enjoy the picturesque scenery en route to Tbilisi, with a stop in the small town of Poka for a visit and some time for lunch. In the evening, take a short orientation walk with your CEO on the way to an optional dinner.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Poka Visit
Explore Poka on your own over lunch. Poka is home to the St Nino Monastery, one of the most important monuments in the Javakheti area. A nunnery was established in 1992 and the nuns produce delicious cheese and chocolates.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Address Boutique Hotel Tbilisi (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 9Tbilisi
Set off to explore Tbilisi this morning on a walking tour through various districts and past some of the iconic landmarks of the city. Enjoy views from the Narikala Fortress before descending into the Caravanserai, a place where travellers and trade caravans used to stop and spend the night in years past. Enjoy the remainder of the day and evening at leisure to continue exploring or to relax.
City Tour Tbilisi
Enjoy a city tour with included visits to the Old Town, Metekhi Temple, the Abanotubani 'bath district' and the Narikala, the main fortress in Tbilisi.
Caravanserai Visit
Built in the centre of Tbilisi in the 15th century, the caravanserai was a place where travellers could rest their heads and trade caravans could stop to peddle their wares or spend the night. This caravanserai was rebuilt on the original foundation in 1818 to include a hotel, shops, and a warehouse.
Free Time
There is plenty to see and do; now is your time to explore.
Accommodation
Address Boutique Hotel Tbilisi (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 10Tbilisi/Gudauri
Travel this morning from Tbilisi to the village of Stepantsminda, where you'll switch to 4WD Jeeps for the drive to the spectacular Gergeti Trinity Church. Visit the church and explore on your own before meeting a local family for a cooking experience involving the preparation of meat dumplings called khinkali, which will serve as lunch. Move on to Gudauri for the evening, stopping at the Friendship Monument on the way.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Your Foodie Moment: Khinkali Making Experience
Meet with a local Georgian family to enjoy lunch and learn the art of Khinkali making - a meat dumpling traditionally found in the mountain region, made of twisted knots of dough, stuffed with meat or vegetables and spices.
Gergeti Trinity Church Visit
Located near the village of Stepantsminda, Gergeti Trinity Church is located beside the Chkheri river, in the shadow of Mount Kazbek., and acts as a waypoint for trekkers in the area and can be reached by a steep climb. Enjoy free time on the property to take in the spectacular views.
Accommodation
Gudauri Inn Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 11Gudauri to Kutaisi
Travel to Gori, birthplace of the communist revolutionary and Soviet politician, Joseph Stalin. Choose to visit the State Stalin Museum or join your CEO on a walk up to the town fortress for views overlooking the valley. Continue to the archaeological site of Uplistsikhe, an ancient city carved out of the rock, before arriving to the city of Kutaisi. Join your CEO for a short orientation walk on the way to an optional dinner out with the group in the evening.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Gori Visit
Stop and visit the hometown of Joseph Stalin, leader of the Soviet Union from the mid-1920s until 1953. See the house where he was born, and visit the 'Stalin Museum' that is dedicated to him.
Uplistsikhe Visit
Visit this ancient cave town dating back to the 7th century BC. The name translates into ‘the lord’s fortress’ and the town continued to be a religious and political stronghold until the 14th century before being attacked by the Mongols. While many travellers have never heard of this ancient city before visiting, after a few hours climbing around the rocks and caves Uplistsikhe quickly becomes a highlight of any trip to Georgia.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Orientation Walk Kutaisi
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main sights, and ATMs.
Accommodation
New Port Hotel Kutaisi (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 12Kutaisi
Visit the impressive Martvili Canyon this morning, and board a boat for a short ride along the gorge with cascading waterfalls. Continue by foot to a quaint local village for for some free time for lunch before returning to Kutaisi. The rest of the afternoon and evening is free for individual exploration, or perhaps join your CEO for a walk to the Bagrati Church.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
There's plenty to see and do; now is your time to explore.
Martvili Canyon Boat Ride and Walking Trail
Martivili Canyon, a 2.4 km gorge carved by the powerful Abasha river, boasts 50-70m high rock walls and multiple cascading waterfalls. Board small inflatable boats and enjoy a short 15-minute before setting off on foot on a 700m walking trail to Inchkhuri Village.
Accommodation
New Port Hotel Kutaisi (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 13Kutaisi West/Tbilisi
Travel to Mtskheta this morning, one of the oldest cities in Georgia as well as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Visit the Svetitskhoveli cathedral, then continue on to Terragarden for lunch and a cooking class. Later, transfer to Tbilisi for a walk with your CEO and an optional farewell dinner.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral Visit
Located in one of the oldest cities in Georgia and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, the Svetitskhoveli cathedral is an 11th century cultural masterpiece, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit both the Orthodox Christian cathedral and Mtskheta's historic old town, and enjoy the many small shops and cafes throughout.
Your Foodie Moment: Terragarden Cooking Class
Take a seat in the hidden gem, culinary oasis, of Terragarden, located in the heart of Mtskheta. Known for it's unique atmosphere and delicious Georgian culinary offerings, you'll be delighted by the charming decor as you enjoy a cooking class and wine with the owners; a truly unique experience.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Address Boutique Hotel Tbilisi (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 14Tbilisi
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.