Turkey & Western Georgia

Tbilisi - Istanbul

12 days through Georgia, Turkey

FROM: $N/A USD

Transport:

Overland Expedition Vehicle, Private Bus

Crew:

Two Dragoman Crew Members, Local Guides where necessary, Local Crew Member in certain areas

Accom:

Comfortable Hotel 3 nights
Guesthouse 3 nights
Camping without facilities 2 nights
Basic Hotel 3 nights

Meals:

Breakfasts x 9, Lunches x 2, Dinners x 5

Physical:

Lifestyle:

Code:

ZUT

Deposit:

$260 USD per person

Foreign Travel Advice

TRIP OVERVIEW

This trip combines two historical destinations on the intersection of Europe and Asia. On the one hand we have Turkey, on which the Romans, Ottomans and Byzantines have all made their mark; and on the other we have the small country of Georgia, a strongly Orthodox Christian country with some of the finest Christian sites in the world. It's also thought to be the oldest winemaking country in the world.

There are plenty of sights to see on this tour, including the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, the geological wonder of Cappdocia with its fairy chimneys and undulating valleys of pink and white rock, and the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Tsminda Sameba Church near Stepantsminda.

We have no shortage of optional activities to take up, including quad biking, horse-riding, a massage at a traditional Georgian bath house and learning to make dolma and sarma at a Turkish cooking class. We'll also get to the heart of both cultures through sampling their aromatic and flavorful cuisines, with a fusion of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences.

HIGHLIGHTS

Visit the incredible Blue Mosque

Explore the many amazing sites of Istanbul

Guided tour of the valley of Cappadocia

Take an optional balloon ride over Cappadocia

Visit the Black Sea at Batumi

Visit the Stunning Bagratu Cathedral & Gelati monastery

Trek up to the Tsminda Sameba Church at Stepantsminda

Stop at Gori, the birthplace of Stalin and tour the museum

Explore the fascinating city of Tbilisi

WHAT TO EXPECT

A comfortable cultural and historical journey through two countries with well-developed infrastructure. A few nights' wild camping; otherwise we'll be staying in good local hotels. The standard itinerary isn't physically demanding, but there are opportunities to get involved with a few active pursuits.

ITINERARY

EXPAND ALL CLOSE ALL

Day 1 - Tbilisi (1st January 1970)

Border information:

if you are joining in Tbilisi, you will most likely enter Georgia at Tbilisi International Airport (IATA code: TBS).

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.

This afternoon we will visit the old town of Tbilisi and visit sites including the National Museum, Sioni Cathedral and the Metekhi Temple.

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 if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Tbilisi.

*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.*

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Day 2 - Stepantsminda (2nd January 1970)

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 Church (the Church of the Holy Trinity), a beautiful small church nestled in the mountains.

In Stepantsminda we will stay in a local hotel or family-run guesthouse.

Estimated Drive Time - 4-5 hours (please note that all drive times given here are the approximate number of hours that the truck will be in motion only, and does not include any time taken for coffee or lunch stops, border crossings, photo stops, activities en route, comfort breaks, shopping stops, toilet stops, etc. The times given are approximate estimates only and whilst given with the best of intentions, the drive times are heavily dependent on traffic, road conditions, weather, police roadblocks, and many other factors - flexibility is essential on any overland trip!).

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5

Day 3 - Mtskheta (3rd January 1970)

We spend this morning in and around Stepantsminda, where we can trek to the Tsminda Sameba Church if we haven't done so already.

This afternoon we have a beautiful drive to the UNESCO world heritage site of Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia. Whilst here we will explore the 11th century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.

In Mtskheta we will stay overnight in a local guesthouse.

Estimated Drive Time - 3-5 hours.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7

Day 4 - Kutaisi (4th January 1970)

This morning we drive to Gori, the birthplace of Stalin - here we will have a guided tour of the city and the Stalin Museum.

We then make our way to the ancient town of Kutaisi. This afternoon we will visit the medieval Bragrati cathedral and the Gelati monastery.

In Kutaisi we will stay in a local hotel or a family-run guesthouse.

Estimated Drive Time - 4-5 hours.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5

Day 5 - Batumi (5th January 1970)

This morning we will continue to the port town of Batumi, where we will have a free afternoon to explore.

In Batumi we will stay in a comfortable hotel.

Estimated Drive Time - 3-5 hours.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5

Day 6 - Sumela (6th January 1970)

Border Information: Exit Georgia at Sarpi, enter Turkey at Sarp.

This morning we will continue to the border and cross into Turkey. We will reach the awe-inpsiring Sumela Monastery near the town of Macka, which we will either visit in the afternoon or the next morning.

We will camp overnight in a campsite near Sumela if conditions allow. In cold weather we may opt to stay in a local hotel in Macka or Trabzon.

Estimated Drive Time - 5-7 hours.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping without facilities

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 9

Day 7 - Zara (7th January 1970)

This morning we will visit the beautiful Sumela Monastery if we didn't have time yesterday, and then start our drive through central Turkey towards Göreme.

We will break the journey with a wild camp near Zara or the village of Alucra.

Estimated Drive Time - 8-10 hours.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping without facilities

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 9

Day 8 - Goreme (8th January 1970)

Today we will complete our drive to Göreme, a small enchanting town in the heart of the Cappadocia mountains.

In Göreme we will stay in a well-equipped hostel - please note that dorm beds are sometimes used here.

Estimated Drive Time - 6-8 hours.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 9

Day 9 - Goreme (9th January 1970)

We now have a 2 full days to explore Göreme, including a guided tour of the enchanted valley of Cappadocia. There will be an opportunity for a magical optional balloon ride over the valley during our time here.

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Day 10 - Goreme (10th January 1970)

We will have one final day in Goreme to partake in any optional activities here in Goreme.

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Day 11 - Istanbul (11th January 1970)

Today we will have a full day's drive west to arrive in Istanbul, the only city in the world that straddles two continents, Europe and Asia.

In Istanbul we will stay in dorm accommodation in a fantastic hostel with good facilities, which is a 5 minute walk from the Blue Mosque.

Estimated Drive Time - 10-11 hours.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 12

Day 12 - Istanbul - End Date (12th January 1970)

Border information: if leaving the trip in Istanbul, you will most likely exit Turkey from Istanbul Atatürk International Airport (IATA code: IST).

Today will be free to explore the many sights of the incredible exotic city of Istanbul, including the Grand Bazaar, the Bosphorus River and the phenomenal Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia!

Today is the end day for passengers finishing their trip in Istanbul. 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.

DATES, PRICES & TRIP NOTES

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Turkey & Western Georgia

Tbilisi - Istanbul

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