Border Information: If joining in Istanbul, you will most likely enter Turkey at Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IATA code: IST).There will be a pre-departure meeting at 10.00am - on arrival please look out for a note from your leader with more information about this important meeting. If you are travelling beyond Tbilisi, your tour leader will need to carefully check your visa situation for your entire trip. The afternoon will be free to explore the many sights of the incredible exotic city of Istanbul, including the Grand Bazaar, the Bosphorus River, Hagia Sophia and the phenomenal Blue Mosque!Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in Istanbul before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales Team or your Sales agent if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Istanbul. * Important note - do not bring any medicines containing tramadol, codeine, temazepam, morphine or opiates to Central Asia. These are illegal in all circumstances in most of Central Asia and you will risk arrest. If in doubt about a particular medicine, please do not bring it. See the notes at the bottom for more details. *
This morning following breakfast we will depart Istanbul and begin our journey to the shores of Gallipoli. After lunch we will get an insight into what happened between the ANZAC, Allied and Turkish forces during the first World War and have a guided tour of the Battlefields and Anzac Cove.
Today we will cross the Dardenelles by ferry and head to Helsik where we will do a short tour of the Troy Ruins. We will then continue onto Selcuk where we will be staying for two nights. In the evening we will have free time to explore the area or simply relax in one of the many cafes or tea bars which are great for people watching.
Today we will have a full day to be able to explore the Ephesus Ruins and Terraced Houses.
Following breakfast we will drive inland towards the small village of Pamukkale. After lunch we will have free time to visit the thermal hot springs and traverse through the travertine pools and terraces.
Today we continue our drive south and aim to reach the popular beach town of Olympos by lunchtime.This evening we will walk up to the Chimera Fire Mountain and toast some marshmallows
Today we will have time to explore and participate in any optional activities if you wish or simply take a dip in the cool turquoise waters on one of the many beaches.
After breakfast we will leave the beachside town of Olympos and make our way north. We will have an included visit of Termessos on the way before continuing our journey towards Egirdir where we will find a good spot to bush camp for the night. Depending on the time of year we may also stay in a local guesthouse.
We have an early start this morning to reach the small enchanting town of Goreme in the heart of the Cappadocia mountains. In Goreme we will stay in a well-equipped hostel - please note that dorm beds are generally used here.
Today will be a full day to explore Goreme, including a guided tour of the enchanted valley of Cappadocia. There will also be an opportunity for a magical optional balloon ride over the valley during your time here.. Weather permitting.
Today we continue our journey east with a full day's drive towards the Sumela monastery.We will break the journey with a wild camp near Zara or the village of Alucra.
Today we will reach the Sumela Monastery near the town of Macka, which we will visit in the afternoon if it is open.We will camp overnight in a campsite near Sumela if conditions allow. Or we may opt to stay in a local hotel in Macka or Trabzon.
Border Information: Exit Turkey at Sarp, enter Georgia at Sarpi.This morning we will continue to the border and cross into Georgia, reaching the port town of Batumi.
After a relaxing morning, we leave the port town of Batumi behind us and make our way to the ancient town of Kutaisi. This afternoon we will visit the medieval Bagrati Cathedral and the Gelati monastery.
This morning is free to explore the charming town of Kutaisi. In the afternoon we will make our way to Gori, the birthplace of Stalin - here we will have an included guided tour of the city and the Stalin Museum. We will then continue on to the welcoming Georgian capital of Tbilisi
Border information: if you are leaving in Tbilisi, you will most likely exit Georgia at Tbilisi International Airport (IATA code: TBS).Today will be a free day in Tbilisi to relax and freely explore the city, or take an optional city tour where we can visit the old town, the National Museum, Sioni Cathedral and the Metekhi Temple.Today is the end day for passengers finishing their trip in Tbilisi. Please note there is no accommodation included on the trip tonight - please contact the Sales team if you are interested in booking extra nights of accommodation in order to fully explore and take part in some of the optional activities listed below.
