Multi Country Tour – Eastern Turkey and Georgia

After breakfast we will visit the largest Urartu museum and then visit the special cat that has two different colour eyes, blue and yellow and we will also visit the old city of Van and then drive to Akdamar Island, where we visit the beautifully restored 10th-century Armenian Church of the Holy Cross, or Sourp Khach, before continuing to the eastern city of Van.

Overnight at the hotel in Van.

In the morning we depart for the Mount Nemrut crater (not to be confused with Nemrut Dagi in Adiyaman with the statues) that rises above Tatvan on the southwestern edge of Lake Van. Nemrut has a great caldera, which is 8 km in diameter and about 40 km in circumference.

In caldera lies a big cold lake and two smaller lakes with hot water up to 60 degrees Celsius. The big cold lake is situated on the height of 2,247 m, 600-700 m lower at the crater rims. The depth of them is up to 170 m.

Continue by vehicle to Ahlat to see the tombs of the Seljuk Kings before returning to Tatvan, Overnight at a hotel in Tatvan.

We leave Tatvan for Dogubeyazit via Muradiye and the pretty Bendimaahi Falls. In Dogubeyazit, we visit the spectacular Ishak Pasha Palace before continuing our journey north skirting around the western edge of Mt Ararat. Mt. Ararat is one of the great natural spectacles of the world, known in Turkish as `the Mountain of Pain` and in Kurdish as the `Mountain of Fire`.

Armenians know it at as Masis. The name Ararat derives from the Bible (Jeremiah 51:27) and is a transliteration of `Urartu` the name foreigners gave to this region and its inhabitants in Biblical times. We will spend the night in Kars.

Using Kars as our base we will continue to Ani to spend the morning at the former capital of the great medieval Armenian Kingdom. The remains of the ruined city include several churches as well as the shell of the Cathedral of Ani, the citadel and a mosque along with an extensive and well-preserved, defensive wall. In the afternoon visit the 12 Apostles  Church and Kars Castle in Kars.

Overnight at the hotel in Kars.

Transfer to Cildir-Aktas border. Change guide and transportation. Drive to Vardzia – the magnificent cave town of 12th century, that is one of the highlights of the trip. It stretches over half a kilometer along the river Mtkvari and has 19 tiers. There used to be about 3000 caves. It`s got a church hewn out in rock with amazing 12th century frescos. The complex also includes dwellings quarters, small hall-type churches, refectories, wine cellars, pharmacy, etc.

On the way to Akhaltsikhe, photo-stop at Khertvisi fortress (10th century). In the town of Akhaltsikhke, we`ll visit Rabath castle. Here in this recently renovated castle we`ll get acquainted with rich history of the region and will travel in the past.

Overnight at a hotel in Akhaltsikhe.

In the morning, we will take the road to Borjomi. A leisurely walk in the park and savor the renowned mineral water “Borjomi”.

Then drive to Gori – the heart of Kartli region and the birthplace of Stalin. Here we’ll make photo stop near his house and museum.

Then, we visit Uplistsikhe Cave Town (1st millennium BC). That’s the place where the Great Silk Road used to pass. Complex includes dwelling quarters, wine-cellars, bakeries, a three-nave basilica church hewn out in rock and even an antic theatre. Continue driving to the capital.

Overnight at a hotel in Tbilisi.

Today we will explore the capital of Georgia, Tbilisi. We start our walking tour from Metekhi church (13th century) facing the magnificent views over Old Tbilisi. Wonder in the old streets of the city, structured like terraces, and enjoy colorful houses, patterned balconies and wonderful samples of modern architecture.

Take a cable car (if available) to contemplate the panoramic views of the whole town. Then walk downwards to the historical Sulphur bath district – connected with the name of the city.

Finally, we walk on Rustaveli Avenue. This is where the most important state, public or cultural institutions of the country are located.

Overnight at a hotel in Tbilisi.

In the morning we drive to Kakheti region. Famous for being wine making area, as well as associated with welcoming hospitality. Firstly we visit 18th century beautiful, small town of Sighnaghi which will impress us with its old fence and small houses with tile roofs and decorated balconies.

From here we can see the picturesque views of Alazani valley and Great Caucasus mountains. For lunch we drive to local farmer’s house where we enjoy the homemade dishes. Here we also attend the cooking class where we see how to make Churchkhela – a traditional dessert made with grape juice and walnuts.

Afterwards, we drive to Gremi complex. Photo stop near the site. Then, near Telavi, visit typical Georgian wine cellar and taste unique Georgian bio-wines produced by ancient tradition in Kvevri – Georgian farmers use to make exactly this type of wine during the centuries. This method of wine making is inscribed in UNESCO intangible heritage list. Finally, we drive to Telavi.

Overnight at a family hotel in Telavi.

To immerse ourselves in the local culture, a visit to the Telavi market is a must. This lively market provides an insight into the daily life of the region`s inhabitants, where we can discover a colorful array of freshly picked fruits and vegetables, local sweets, and spices, perfect for preparing a variety of Georgian dishes. Continuing our journey, we visit the remarkable Alaverdi Cathedral (11th century).

We continue our journey northward through the country, passing through Tianeti. Then, we take the famous “Military Highway,” allowing us to admire the landscapes with snow-capped peaks of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. Along the way, we visit the architectural complex of Ananuri dating back to the 16th-17th centuries.

Arrival in Stepantsminda. Overnight at the hotel in Stepantsminda.

Today we visit Gergeti Trinity church – the most popular tourist destination in Georgia. With its special location and centuries-old history, it really represents the face of the country. The green slopes decorated with mountain flowers and the great Caucasus leave an unforgettable impression on the visitor. Walk up through the picturesque valleys and woodland to Gergeti Trinity Church located at 2170m.

Weather permitting you may catch a glimpse of one of the highest glaciers in the Caucasus – Mt Kazbegi (5047m).

In the afternoon we drive back to the capital. On the route, we`ll stop in Mtskheta, the ancient capital and religious center of Georgia. Here, we`ll explore its rich historical landmarks, including the Jvari church dating back to the 6th century and the amazing Svetitskhoveli Cathedral from the 11th century. Both of these sites hold UNESCO World Heritage status. Overnight at a hotel in Tbilisi.

Stepantsminda-Gergeti-Stepantsminda ↑↓435m, 3 hrs, 7km

Note: From Stepantsminda we can hire 4WD cars to drive up to Gergeti church.

Pick up from the hotel and transfer to the airport for your departure flight.