19 Day Gorgeous Georgia & Turkey
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19 Day Gorgeous Georgia & Turkey Istanbul Tbilisi Kutaisi Batumi Trabzon Ankara Cappadocia Izmir Troy Canakkale Gallipoli Time to get excited FROM NZ $7,999 PER PERSON, TWIN SHARE Situated at the crossroads of Western Asia and Eastern Europe, Georgia offers a kaleidoscope of culture intertwined with some of the most breathtaking scenery you could imagine. Turkey follows with another climax highlighting famous ancient cities, rare geological formations and authentic cuisine. Book Now TOUR ITINERARY The information provided in this document is subject to change and may be effected by unforeseen events outside the control of Inspiring Vacations. Where changes to your itinerary or bookings occur, appropriate advice or instructions will be sent to your email address. Call 0800 475 025 Email [email protected] www.inspiringvacations.com Page 1 TOUR ITINERARY DAY 1 Destination Home Tbilisi Meals included Hotel 5 The Biltmore Hotel Tbilisi, or similar Welcome to Georgia! Today we arrive into the capital city of Tbilisi, a cobblestoned old town with diverse architecture reflecting a long and complicated history. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be welcomed by one of our representatives and transferred to your hotel. After checking in, take the evening to enjoy a lovely dinner at the hotel and prepare for our amazing adventure both in Georgia and Turkey. PLEASE NOTE - Some flights may depart the night before. DAY 2 Destination Tbilisi Meals included Breakfast, Dinner Hotel 5 The Biltmore Hotel Tbilisi, or similar Today we will partake on a full day guided tour of colourful Tbilisi. We’ll begin by wandering through the narrow streets of the old districts of the city, beautifully structured like terraces. Here we’ll enjoy colourful houses, patterned balconies and wonderful samples of modern architecture. Our first stop will be a visit to the 13th century Metekhi church, resting on the top of a hill on the river bank, facing back towards the magnificent views over old Tbilisi. From here we will travel a little higher to enjoy some breathtaking panoramic views from the ancient 4th century Narikala fortress. This magnificent fortress sits high on a steep hill overlooking the entire city. Here we will find ourselves in the historical domed Sulphur bath area, one of the most iconic sights of Tbilisi. Afterwards, we’ll continue on to visit the ancient capital and religious center of Georgia – Mtskheta and see its historical landmarks: 6th century Jvari Monastery and the impressive 11th century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, where the Robe of Christi is buried. Both Jvari and Svetitskhoveli are UNESCO World Heritage sites. After all the sightseeing of the day, our tour leader will take us out for a scrumptious welcome dinner. There will be a Georgian dance performance during the dinner as well! The information provided in this document is subject to change and may be effected by unforeseen events outside the control of Inspiring Vacations. Where changes to your itinerary or bookings occur, appropriate advice or instructions will be sent to your email address. Call 0800 475 025 Email [email protected] www.inspiringvacations.com Page 2 TOUR ITINERARY DAY 3 Destination Tblisi Meals included Breakfast, Lunch Hotel 5 The Biltmore Hotel Tbilisi, or similar Following breakfast this morning, we’ll take a drive up the famous Georgian Military Highway, leading to the Georgian- Russian border and following the traditional route used by invaders and traders throughout the ages. Along the way, we’ll visit a 17th century Neuroarchitecture complex. Consisting of two churches and a fortress, this stunning site overlooks the brilliant blue Zhinvali water reservoir, home to one of the largest hydroelectric power stations in Georgia. The carvings on the churches are one of the best samples of the Georgian art. Following our visit here, we will continue on our highway drive north towards the Russian border, taking in the beautiful scenery through the high Caucasus Mountains. When we arrive in Stepantsminda, the main town in the region, we’ll enjoy lunch with a local family, indulging in some delicious homemade dishes. From Stepantsminda we’ll take 4WD vehicles up through lush valleys and woodland towards Gergeti Trinity Church located at 2170m. Weather permitting we may catch a glimpse of one of the highest glaciers in the Caucasus – Mt Kazbegi at 5047m. After we soak up some awe-inspiring vistas here, we’ll return to the town and begin our drive back to Tbilisi. DAY 4 Destination Tbilisi Kutaisi Meals included Breakfast Hotel 4 Best Western Kutaisi, or similar Today we will be driving to Gori, a city in eastern Georgia whose name is from the Georgian ‘gora’, which translates to "heap" or "hill". Gori was an important military stronghold in the Middle Ages. Here we will visit Stalin Museum, dedicated to the life of Joseph Stalin, the leader of the Soviet Union, who was born in Gori. Next we’ll explore Uplistsikhe Cave Town, an ancient rock-hewn town near Gori originating in the 1st millennium BC. Uplistsikhe is the place where the Great Silk Road used to pass. This is an old and interesting complex with dwelling quarters, wine-cellars, bakeries, a three-nave basilica church cut from the rock and even an antic theatre. After our tour here we will continue our drive west towards Kutaisi, the third largest city in Georgia. Upon arrival here, the rest of the day is yours to spend at your leisure. The information provided in this document is subject to change and may be effected by unforeseen events outside the control of Inspiring Vacations. Where changes to your itinerary or bookings occur, appropriate advice or instructions will be sent to your email address. Call 0800 475 025 Email [email protected] www.inspiringvacations.com Page 3 TOUR ITINERARY DAY 5 Destination Kutaisi Batumi Meals included Breakfast Hotel 5 Divan Suites, or similar In the morning after breakfast we will enjoy a lovely city tour of Kutaisi with our guide. We will begin at the 11th century Bagrati Cathedral, which ranks among the best monuments of Georgian architecture. We’ll follow this with a visit to the beautiful Gelati Monastery and Academy, which together with the Bagrati Cathedral were made a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994. Afterwards we’ll depart Kutaisi and drive to the Black Sea coast to Batumi, Georgia’s summer holiday capital. This wonderful city has sprouted new hotels and attractions like mushrooms in recent years, but it still has much of its charm. Upon arrival, take a stroll along Batum Boulevard, taking in its trees, pathways, fountains, cafes, beach bars and quirky attractions. This is the life and soul of Batumi. DAY 6 Destination Batumi Meals included Breakfast Hotel 5 Divan Suites, or similar This morning our guide will take us for a walking tour of beautiful Batumi! During the city tour we’ll visit Batumi cathedral, the Church of the Mother of God, built in Neo-Gothic style. Next we’ll tour Europe Square, a must-see historic part of Batumi adorned with an intriguing Astronomical Clock Tower, which measures not just the time, but the position of the sun, the moon and the planets. Europe Square is also home to the iconic Medea Statue, a monument featuring Medea from Greek Mythology, who was a daughter of Aeetes, King of the legendary kingdom of Colchis (present day western Georgia). We’ll also visit Piazza Square, one of the most beautiful squares in the whole of Georgia. Distinguished by its painting, as well as by its exquisite mosaics and stained-glass windows, Piazza Square has already become the venue of numerous entertaining and cultural events. After our city tour, we’ll head to the dazzling Botanical Gardens and have a visit there. Following a guided tour of the gardens, you’ll have free time to either continue exploring or to relax back at the hotel. The information provided in this document is subject to change and may be effected by unforeseen events outside the control of Inspiring Vacations. Where changes to your itinerary or bookings occur, appropriate advice or instructions will be sent to your email address. Call 0800 475 025 Email [email protected] www.inspiringvacations.com Page 4 TOUR ITINERARY DAY 7 Destination Batumi Trabzon Meals included Breakfast, Dinner Hotel 5 Zorlu Grand Hotel, or similar After breakfast this morning we will head to Sarpi, which lies on the border of Georgia and Turkey. Here we say farewell to beautiful Georgia and our Georgian guide as we make our way into Turkey. On the other side of the border, our Turkish tour leader will be waiting for us to welcome us and assist in beginning the Turkey part of our adventure! Please note that during our border crossing, everyone will be responsible for carrying their own luggage and belongings. Once we arrive on the Turkey side, we will begin our drive to the pearl of Black Sea Coast – Trabzon. The city of Trabzon is famous for its amazing cuisine, passionate people and its football club! After checking in at the hotel, our guide will run a quick welcome meeting before taking us out for a lovely local dinner. DAY 8 Destination Trabzon Meals included Breakfast, Lunch Hotel 5 Zorlu Grand Hotel, or similar We will hit the roads of Trabzon this morning, beginning with a guided visit to the incredible Sumela Monastery. Nestled in a steep cliff at an altitude of about 1,200 metres, the monastery faces the scenic valley below and is a site of great historical and cultural significance. Next, we will check out the beautifully landscaped Mansion of Ataturk in Trabzon. Ataturk was the founder of modern Turkey and he had a mansion here in Trabzon.