20-Nights Turkey to Georgia Highlights - Classic

Turkey to Georgia Highlights
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.

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

Accomodation
On this trip you can expect to stay in small family-run hotels or pensions (with the exception of the start and finish hotels, which are often larger city hotels), which will vary a little in standard and facilities: some may not have elevators, air-conditioning or English-speaking staff, but most importantly all are locally-run, with some traditional character, and in excellent central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights. You can expect to find clean, safe, simple accommodation in convenient locations.

Group Leader
This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders, otherwise known as a Chief Experience Officer (CEO). The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.

Group Size Notes
Max 16, avg 12.

Meals Included
20 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 2 dinners

What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: Çöp(m)adam Visit, Ayvalik
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Foodie Moment: Pide Demonstration and Lunch, Selçuk
Your Local Living Moment: Dinner with Local Family, Çavusin
Your Discover Moment: Istanbul
Your Local Living Moment: Lunch with a Local Family, Karahan
Your Foodie Moment: Khinkali Making Experience, Kazbegi
Your 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 Dogubeyazit. 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.