Turkey to Georgia Highlights
- Trip code: 481X013
- Dauer: 21
- Stil: Classic
Venture off the beaten path on this 21-day adventure through Eastern Turkey and Georgia, uncovering hidden gems and legendary landmarks along the way. Picture ancient cities, surreal landscapes, rich history, and more stories than you can imagine. Walk through the ruins of Troy and Ephesus, marvel at the underground city of Kaymakli, and take in Cappadocia’s dreamlike terrain. Then, step into the lesser-known wonders of Karakus Tumulus, Atatürk Dam, and Gobekli Tepe. Explore the beauty of Lake Van, Van Castle, and Ani before crossing into Georgia to visit the Metekhi Church, Gori, and so much more. With a camera to capture the magic, sturdy shoes for exploring, and an open mind ready for centuries of tales, this journey is one for the books.
Übersicht
Accommodation
Hotels (19 nts), overnight train (1 nt)
Checklist
Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)
Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket
Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear
Group Size Notes
Max 16, avg 12
Introduction
Venture off the beaten path on this 21-day adventure through Eastern Turkey and Georgia, uncovering hidden gems and legendary landmarks along the way. Picture ancient cities, surreal landscapes, rich history, and more stories than you can imagine. Walk through the ruins of Troy and Ephesus, marvel at the underground city of Kaymakli, and take in Cappadocia’s dreamlike terrain. Then, step into the lesser-known wonders of Karakus Tumulus, Atatürk Dam, and Gobekli Tepe. Explore the beauty of Lake Van, Van Castle, and Ani before crossing into Georgia to visit the Metekhi Church, Gori, and so much more. With a camera to capture the magic, sturdy shoes for exploring, and an open mind ready for centuries of tales, this journey is one for the books
Meals Included
20 Frühstück, 5 Mittagessen, 2 Abendessen
Meal Budget
Plane USD490-640 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein
Optional Activities
Istanbul
- Istanbul Walking Tour and Bosphorus Cruise
- Galataturm (30EUR pro Person)
- Besichtigung der Aya Sofya (25EUR pro Person)
- Besuch im Topkapi-Palast (1500TRY pro Person)
Göreme
- Besuch eines Töpferzentrums (Gratis)
- Balloonfahrt in Kappadokien
- Turkish Bath (75EUR pro Person)
Cappadocia
- Teppichvorführung (Gratis)
Istanbul
- Archäologisches Museum (15EUR pro Person)
- Dolmabahçe-Palast (1200TRY pro Person)
- Cisterna Basilica (900TRY pro Person)
Mardin
- Latifiye Mosque
- Tellallar Bazaar
Kars
- Kars Museum
Start / Finish
Istanbul nach Tbilisi
Transport
Plane, private vehicle, boat, walking
What's Included
Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Handwerksprojekt Çöp(m)adam, Ayvalık
Dein Welcome-Moment: Anreise und Begrüßungstreffen
Dein Foodie-Moment: Pide Demonstration and Lunch, Selçuk
Dein Local-Living-Moment: Abendessen bei einer einheimischen Familie, Çavuşin
Dein Discover-Moment: Istanbul
Dein Local-Living-Moment: Lunch with a Local Family, Karahan
Dein Foodie-Moment: Khinkali Making Experience, Kazbegi
Dein Foodie-Moment: Terragarden Cooking Class, Mtskheta. Istanbul evening orientation walk. Gallipoli battlefields entrance and guided visit. Troy entrance and guided visit. Ephesus entrance and visit. Orientation walk in the old Kemeralti bazaar in Izmir. Tour the Mevlana Museum. Tea at sunset from a viewpoint over Cappadocia. Hike through the "fairy chimneys" of Cappadocia. Kaymakli underground city exploration. Internal flight. Visit the Karakus Tumulous Monument. Sunset from the summit of Mt Nemrut. Gobekli Tepi archaeological site visit. Walking tour of Mardin. Boat ride on Lake Van. Walking exploration of Akdamar Island. Visit Van Castle. Ishak Pasha Palace Tour in Doğubeyazıt. Tour the Ari Complex. Tbilisi walking tour and Caravanserai Visit. Gergeti Trinity Church excursion. Friendship Monument visit. Gori Visit. Explore the ancient Uplistsikhe archaeological site. Kutaisi orientation walk. Martvili Canyon Boat Ride and Walking Trail. Visit Mtskheta and the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Group Leader
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout
Highlights
Explore the legendary ruins of Ephesus and Troy, Step back in time at the historic WWI battlefield of Gallipoli, Marvel at the extraordinary scenery of Cappadocia, Stroll through the UNESCO-listed open-air museum town of Mardin, Master the art of Georgian meat dumplings in a hands-on Khinkali cooking class, Explore the historic Republic Square in Yerevan
Internationale Flüge
Check-in-Zeiten und Freigepäck/Einschränkungen können je nach Fluggesellschaft variieren und sich jederzeit ändern. Für die aktuellsten Informationen zu deinem Flug wende dich bitte an deine Fluggesellschaft. Wir empfehlen Online-Check-in, um mögliche Verzögerungen am Flughafen zu vermeiden
Minimum Age
Um ohne Begleitperson mit G Adventures zu reisen, musst du mindestens 18 Jahre alt sein. Das Mindestalter für Kinder in Begleitung eines Erziehungsberechtigten (über 21) beträgt 12 Jahre
Itinerary
Day 1 Istanbul
Arrive at any time, and meet your CEO and group in the evening at a welcome meeting. Head out for an optional group dinner and take a walk through the old square to see some of Istanbul's iconic monuments lit up at night
Day 2 Istanbul/Çanakkale
Travel east from Istanbul to the Gallipoli Peninsula for a guided tour of the area including ANZAC Cove, the war cemeteries, and Lone Pine. In the afternoon, continue on to the harbour town of Çanakkale
Day 3 Çanakkale/Selçuk
Set off from Çanakkale and visit the ancient city of Troy. Continue to Ayvalik and stop by the G-supported Cöp(m)adam handicraft coop before travelling south to the town of Selçuk for the night
Day 4 Selçuk/İzmir
Explore Ephesus this morning as well as the Temple of Artemis, one of the ancient seven wonders of the world. Back in Selçuk, take part in a demonstration of how to prepare pide, a traditional Turkish flatbread, then devour the delicious results for lunch. In the afternoon transfer to the city of Izmir for an orientation walk of the old Kemeralti bazaar then board an overnight train bound for Cappadocia
Day 5 Konya/Cappadocia
Disembark the train in Konya and grab some breakfast at a nearby restaurant. Visit the Mevlana Museum before continuing by private vehicle to the Cappadocia region and check into the hotel. Sip a cup of tea or coffee while taking in the sunset from a nearby viewpoint before heading out for an optional dinner with the group in the evening
Day 6 Cappadocia
Set out on a full day of exploration of the Cappadocia area, starting with a hike through the iconic "fairy chimneys." Stop at various scenic viewpoints for photos on the way to the massive subterranean complex of the Kaymakli underground city before some free time in the afternoon for individual exploration or to relax at the hotel. In the evening, gain insight into the local cultural traditions by sharing a meal with a local family
Day 7 Cappadocia/Istanbul
After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport to catch the flight back to Istanbul. Enjoy the rest of the day free for individual exploration of the historic and vibrant city, grab some street food or relax at a cafe before an optional final dinner with the group
Day 8 Istanbul
Enjoy a full free day to explore Istanbul's many historic sites, vibrant bazaars and incredible restaurants. Head out in the evening for an optional dinner with your CEO and fellow travellers
Day 9 Istanbul/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
Day 10 Adıyaman/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
Day 11 Sanliurfa/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
Day 12 Mardin/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
Day 13 Van/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
Day 14 Kars
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
Day 15 Kars/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
Day 16 Tbilisi
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
Day 17 Tbilisi/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
Day 18 Gudauri 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
Day 19 Kutaisi
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
Day 20 Kutaisi 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
Day 21 Tbilisi
Depart at any time
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Istanbul
Get the most out of your time in Istanbul by pre-booking the following activity to experience before your tour starts: Istanbul Walking Tour and Bosphorus Cruise. If you do, we recommend booking accommodation for an extra night pre-tour.
And don’t worry if you can’t decide now. This activity is available for pre-booking any time before your tour starts, while any of the optional activities listed can be booked independently upon arrival in Istanbul.
Day 2 Istanbul/Çanakkale
Make an early morning visit to Gallipoli, where thousands gave their lives during WWI in the battle of the same name. Take in the sights and learn the sombre story.
It is only a little further to Çanakkale, a busy harbour town with a thriving student population. Join the crowds as they stroll the waterfront nightly.
Day 3 Çanakkale/Selçuk
Visit the nearby historic and world-famous city of Troy and then visit the G-supported Cöp(m)adam handicraft cooperation, which support the local women who work in the workshop. Continue south to Selçuk for the next couple of nights.
Day 4 Selçuk/İzmir
Tour the nearby ancient Roman ruins of Ephesus for a glimpse into what life was like thousands of years before in this part of what is now Turkey. After driving back to Selçuk, learn all about how to make "Turkish pizza," called pide before transferring north to the city of Izmir for some exploration before hopping on the overnight train.
Day 5 Konya/Cappadocia
Transfer to Cappadocia for 2 days of exploring the surreal and spectacular landscapes of the area.
Day 6 Cappadocia
Outdoor enthusiast? Hire a bike to get around on two wheels or join your CEO on an optional trekking tour through one of the beautiful valleys of the region.
Day 7 Cappadocia/Istanbul
Continue on to İstanbul for the opportunity to finish up your sightseeing or get in some last minute shopping.
Day 8 Istanbul
Day 9 Istanbul/Adıyaman
Day 10 Adıyaman/Sanliurfa
Day 11 Sanliurfa/Mardin
Day 12 Mardin/Van
Day 13 Van/Kars
Day 14 Kars
Day 15 Kars/Tbilisi
Day 16 Tbilisi
Day 17 Tbilisi/Gudauri
Day 18 Gudauri to Kutaisi
Day 19 Kutaisi
Day 20 Kutaisi West/Tbilisi
Day 21 Tbilisi
