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Eastern Turkey & Georgia Discovery

14 Days Istanbul to Tbilisi
Eastern Turkey & Georgia Discovery
Eastern Turkey & Georgia Discovery
Eastern Turkey & Georgia Discovery
New Release Adventure Small Group

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 14 Day Eastern Turkey & Georgia Discovery. Venture off the beaten path and into the heart of Turkey and Georgia on this immersive 14-day adventure. Step into history at the Karakus Tumulus and Metekhi Church, marvel at the breathtaking landscapes of Mardin and Martvili Canyon, and savour the rich flavours of regional cuisine perfected over centuries. Connect with locals over a farmhouse lunch, roll up your sleeves for a hands-on cooking class, and soak in the stories that bring these destinations to life. With a camera full of epic moments read more and a heart full of memories, you’ll return home feeling like you truly experienced something extraordinary.
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US$2,474 per person
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Trip Length
Trip Length

14 Days

Trip Starts
Trip Starts

Istanbul

Trip Ends
Trip Ends

Tbilisi

Countries Visited
Countries Visited:
Operator
Operator
G Adventures
Trip Style
Trip Style

Classic

Budget
Budget

Affordable

Age Range
Age Range

6-99 Years

Max. Group Size
Max. Group Size

16

Pace
Pace

Leisurely

Guide Style
Guide Style

Fully Guided

Tour Code
Tour Code

ETTG

Itinerary

Arrive at any time, and meet your CEO and group in the evening at a welcome meeting. Afterwards, head out for a short orientation walk around the hotel area on the way to an optional group dinner.
Accommodation: Golden Horn Sirkeci Istanbul
Included Experiences
  • 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.

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.
Accommodation: White Star Hotel Adıyaman
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Experiences
  • Plane: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
  • 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.
  • Mt Nemrut Sunset Experience: Revel in the stunning vistas and colourful sunset at Mt. Nemrut's summit.

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.
Accommodation: Şanlıurfa Uludağ Otel
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Experiences
  • 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.
  • 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.

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.
Accommodation: Kaya Ninova Hotel Mardin
Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Experiences
  • 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 Experiences
  • Latifiye Mosque: Wander through the Mosque, built in 1371 Abdüllatif bin Abdullah, the minaret built by the Governor of Egypt, Muhammed Ziya Tayyar Pasha, and the most recent minaret built by the Governor of Mosul, Gürcü Mehmet Pasha in 1845. Witness the impressive dome, colourful stones, and geometric motifs. A true architectural masterpiece.
  • Tellallar Bazaar: Take in some shopping in the Tellallar Bazaar, a shopping street, home to handicraft shops in a traditional bazaar style.

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.
Accommodation: Van Life Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Experiences
  • 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.

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.
Accommodation: Sim-er Hotel - Kars
Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Experiences
  • 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.

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.
Accommodation: Sim-er Hotel - Kars
Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Experiences
  • 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.
  • Free Time: There's plenty to see and do; now is the time to explore.
Optional Experiences
  • Kars Museum: Explore the 18 showcases housed in the museum's archaeology halls, offering a glimpse at fossils, spearheads, jewellery, and etc. Artifacts range from the Paleolithic and Periods all the way to the Principalities Period. In the ethnography hall, you'll find another 16 showcases displaying woven carpets, silver belts, kitchen utensils, etc. dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Round out your experience in the garden where ram and sheep tombstones from the 13th and 14th centuries are exhibited.

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.
Accommodation: Hotel Astoria Tbilisi
Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Experiences
  • 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.

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.
Accommodation: Hotel Astoria Tbilisi
Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Experiences
  • 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.

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.
Accommodation: Gudauri Inn Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Experiences
  • 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.

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.
Accommodation: New Port Hotel Kutaisi
Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Experiences
  • 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.
  • 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.

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.
Accommodation: New Port Hotel Kutaisi
Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Experiences
  • 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.

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.
Accommodation: Hotel Astoria Tbilisi
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Experiences
  • 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.
  • 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.

Depart at any time.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Experiences
  • Departure Day: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.

Trip Inclusions

  • Take in the vast beauty of Lake Van—Turkey’s largest lake.
  • Visit Karakus Tumulus—an ancient funerary monument steeped in history.
  • Soak in panoramic views from the Metekhi Church and Narikala Fortress.
  • Roll up your sleeves for a hands-on Khinkali cooking experience.

  • Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
  • 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 orientation walk
  • 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
  • Plane, private vehicle, boat, walking
  • CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout

  • Hotels (13 Nights)
  • 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.

  • 13 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 1 dinner

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.

Operator

G Adventures
G Adventures came from a desire to deliver authentic and responsible small group travel adventures that were equally life-changing for travellers and the communities they visit. And we’re been doing just that for almost 30 years. Our award-winning trips span seven continents and over 100 countries, giving you meaningful more experiences with people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife, as well as offering you the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own.

On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
Trip Style: Classic
Trip Style: Classic

Get the best of both worlds with G's Classic trips as your knowledgeable CEO (Chief Experience Officer) leads you to iconic highlights and hidden gems, while ample free time lets you discover what excites you most. Enjoy included meals showcasing local flavours, plus opportunities to dive deeper into the food scene independently. Stay in comfortable hotels, authentic homestays, and unique accommodations that capture the spirit of each destination.

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Dates & Pricing USD USD

Friday 08 May 2026 08 May 26 Istanbul
Thursday 21 May 2026 21 May 26 Tbilisi
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$3,299
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Friday 15 May 2026 15 May 26 Istanbul
Thursday 28 May 2026 28 May 26 Tbilisi
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$3,379
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Friday 22 May 2026 22 May 26 Istanbul
Thursday 04 Jun 2026 04 Jun 26 Tbilisi
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$3,379
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Friday 29 May 2026 29 May 26 Istanbul
Thursday 11 Jun 2026 11 Jun 26 Tbilisi
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $3,379
US$2,534
Save $845
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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