Turkey & Western Georgia

Istanbul - Tbilisi

12 days through Georgia, Turkey

FROM: $1110 USD + 370 USD Kitty

Transport:

Overland Expedition Vehicle, Private Bus

Crew:

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

Accom:

Meals:

Breakfasts x 8, 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 - Istanbul (9th April 2020)

Border Information:

if joining in Istanbul, you will most likely enter Turkey at Istanbul Atatürk Airport (IATA code: IST).

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. If you are travelling beyond Tbilisi, your tour leader will need to carefully check your visa situation for your entire trip.

The afternoon 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!

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.

Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in Istanbul 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 Istanbul.

*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

Day 2 - Goreme (10th April 2020)

Today we start our journey with a full day's drive east 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 - 10-11 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!).

Day 3 - Goreme (11th April 2020)

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.

Day 4 - Goreme (12th April 2020)

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

Day 5 - Zara (13th April 2020)

Today we continue our journey east with a full day's drive towards the Sumela monastery.

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

Estimated Drive Time - 7-8 hours.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 - Sumela (14th April 2020)

Today we will reach the awe-inpsiring Sumela Monastery near the town of Macka, which we will visit in the afternoon.

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 - 5-6 hours.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 - Batumi (15th April 2020)

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

This morning we will continue to the border and cross into Georgia, reaching the port town of Batumi.

In Batumi we will stay in a comfortable hotel.

Estimated Drive Time - 5-6 hours.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 - Kutaisi (16th April 2020)

After a relaxing morning, we leave the port town of Batumi behind us and 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 - 3-5 hours.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9 - Mtskheta (17th April 2020)

This morning is free to explore the charming town of Kutaisi. This afternoon we make our way to Gori, the birthplace of Stalin - here we will have an included guided tour of the city and the Stalin Museum.

We will then continue on to the ancient UNESCO world heritage site of Mtskheta where we will stay overnight in a local guesthouse.

Estimated Drive Time - 4-5 hours.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10 - Stepantsminda (18th April 2020)

This morning we will explore the 11th century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.

This afternoon we have 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 - 3-5 hours.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11 - Tbilisi (19th April 2020)

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 will drive to Georgia's capital Tbilisi.

In Tbilisi we will stay in a local hotel.

Estimated Drive Time - 4-5 hours.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 12 - Tbilisi - End Date (20th April 2020)

Border information:

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

Today will be a free day in Tbilisi to relax and freely explore the city, or take an optional city tour where we can visit the old town, the National Museum, Sioni Cathedral and the Metekhi Temple.

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

Meals: Breakfast

DATES, PRICES & TRIP NOTES

Show only available departures

Departing

Finishing

Total Price (USD)

09 Apr 20 Istanbul

20 Apr 20 Tbilisi

$1,110 USD + 370 USD Kitty

Status: Open

Trip Notes:

Trip Itinerary

Essential Info:

Essential Info.

Duration: 12 days Add to basket

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Turkey & Western Georgia

Istanbul - Tbilisi

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