Turkey, GeorgiaTurkey to Georgia Highlights
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. 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.
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.
Optional Activities - Day 1Show
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
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. 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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Gallipoli Battlefields Guided Tour
Visit this moving and beautiful site, a great complement to any trip to Turkey, even for those not familiar with the Battle of Gallipoli. Tour the grounds to see ANZAC Cove, the war cemeteries, and Lone Pine. Learn how the Turks fought off the numerically superior, but badly commanded, Allied forces who were forced to withdraw nine months later; this battle holds special significance for Australians and New Zealanders, as both nations lost many soldiers.
Ferry
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Accommodation
Grand Anzac Hotel Canakkale
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. 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.
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Troy Visit
See historic Troy, made famous by Homer’s “Iliad,” (and more recently by Orlando Bloom and Brad Pitt). Tour the city that, for centuries, was regarded as just a myth, until its ruins were found in in the mid-19th century. Imagine what a great city this must have been, while taking a tour of the remains. Don't miss the chance to have a photo taken with the Trojan horse.
Your G for Good Moment: Çöp(m)adam Visit
Visit the G-supported çöp(m)adam handicraft cooperation. All products are made out of recycled goods and by making a purchase it will directly support the local women who work in the workshop and over time has contributed to over 500 women who have been part of the project.
Accommodation
Vinifera Ephesus Hotel
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. 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.
Ephesus Visit
Tour the ruins of ancient Ephesus to get a feeling of what life must have been like during Roman times. Take in its massive, well-preserved theatre, which dominates the view down Harbour Street. See the two-story library, whose façade has been carefully reconstructed from all original pieces. Built in AD 125, it once held nearly 12,000 scrolls.
Your Foodie Moment: Pide Demonstration and Lunch
Lean all about the preparation of pide, a savoury flatbread often affectionately referred to as "Turkish pizza." See how they are traditionally prepared by flattening wheat dough then topping with cheese, tomatoes and other ingredients before cooking in a hot oven. Enjoy the finished results for lunch.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Orientation Walk of Kemeralti Old Bazaar
Set out on foot with your CEO on an orientation walk of the Kemeralti Old Bazaar, in Izmir. Wander amongst the traditional food stores before taking some free time in Izmir to explore.
Overnight Train (beds)
Curl up in shared, private sleeper cabins and catch a snooze en route to the next stop.
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. Transfer to Cappadocia for 2 days of exploring the surreal and spectacular landscapes of the area.
Mevlana Museum Visit
Visit the Mevlana Museum and mausoleum of Mevlana Rumi, a Persian Sufi mystic. Learn more about the mystic Islamic sect known as the Whirling Dervishes.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Goreme Inn Hotel
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. 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.
Hike Through the Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia
Immerser yourself into the surreal and spectacular landscapes of Cappadocia on a hike through the iconic and aptly-named "fairy chimney" formations.
Kaymakli Underground City
Visit the ancient and expansive subterranean complex of the Kaymakli Underground City. Thought to have been built between the 8th and 7th Century BC, Kaymakli was carved out of the rock and consists of nearly a hundred tunnels with vast amounts of storerooms, ventilation shafts and a church.
Free Time
Take advantage of free time in the Cappadocia area to choose from a number of optional activities or relax at the hotel.
Your Local Living Moment: Dinner with Local Family
Enjoy seasonal homemade dishes, and talk with friendly hosts about life in rural Cappadocia.
Optional Activities - Day 6Show
Accommodation
Goreme Inn Hotel
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. Continue on to İstanbul for the opportunity to finish up your sightseeing or get in some last minute shopping.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Optional Activities - Day 7Show
Accommodation
Golden Horn Sirkeci 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.
Free Time
There's plenty to see and do; now is your time to explore.
Optional Activities - Day 8Show
Accommodation
Golden Horn Sirkeci Istanbul
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
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
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 11Show
Accommodation
Kaya Ninova Hotel Mardin
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
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
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 14Show
Accommodation
Buyuk Kale Hotel - Kars
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
Hotel Astoria 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.
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
Hotel Astoria Tbilisi
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
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
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
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
Hotel Astoria Tbilisi
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.
