Premium Turkey & the Caucasus

Hoş geldin! Welcome to Turkey! Your adventure begins in Istanbul – the continent-straddling metropolis that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans have all once called home. If you’re arriving today, you’ll have a complimentary transfer to your hotel from the airport. If you arrive early, maybe grab lunch at one of the city’s many eateries. Your adventure then begins with a welcome meeting at 1 pm. After, you’ll head out with your local leader and small group to explore the Old City of Istanbul. Your leader will introduce you to some of the city’s historic treasures, including the dazzling Blue Mosque, the ancient Hippodrome and the Million – a stone road marker in use since the 4th century. This evening, get to know your fellow travellers over dinner at a stylish restaurant.

Rise and shine for an early breakfast, then begin the drive to Canakkale – a port city on the shores of the Dardanelles. Arrive in time to buy yourself some lunch, then head to the Gallipoli Peninsula. Thousands from across the world journey here each year to pay respect to those who lost their lives in the battles of 1915. Tour the former battlefields and find remnants of trenches used by the Turkish soldiers. Head up to the memorials of Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair while your leader explains the significance of the events across the landscape. Look down upon the rough hills and gullies that became the graveyard for thousands of young men on both sides. After a day that will no doubt be full of sombre reflection, the evening is free for you to do as you wish in Canakkale.

Drive to Selcuk and stop along the way in Troy, where history and mythology sit side by side. Your leader will take you around the ancient city walls – there’ll be time for a photo op with a replica Trojan horse, too. Learn how the site has confounded historians and archaeologists, then continue to Selcuk. When you’ve checked into your accommodation, join your leader for an orientation walk around this sprawling town at the base of the ancient Ayasoluk Hill fortress, then visit the last remaining column of the Temple of Artemis and the ancient aqueducts.

Today, visit one of the best-preserved classical cities in the eastern Mediterranean and arguably the greatest Greco-Roman site in the world – Ephesus. Learn what life here was like as you tour the ancient theatre, gymnasium, baths and restored Library of Celsus, and stroll the marble streets once walked by Cleopatra and Mark Antony. Later, drive past apple and peach orchards to the village of Sirince, where red-roofed houses clamber up the hillside. Drop by a local wine house where you’ll taste locally produced fruit wines. Try a sip of kiwi, pear, peach, quince or all the above. Next, you’ll meet a local chef for a Turkish cooking class, using olive oil grown and made on-site and herbs and vegetables picked fresh from the garden. Learn how to make a range of small Turkish meze dishes using seasonal ingredients. Enjoy the fruits of your labour with an evening dinner of the mouth-watering meze plates you’ve made together.

After breakfast, travel to the town of Pamukkale. Named after its incredible travertine terraces, Pamukkale means ‘cotton castle.’ This magical and spectacular natural phenomenon was created by deposits from thermal waters that cascaded down the mountainside over hundreds of years, forming a collection of pools and terraces. As the water overflows, dazzling cream-coloured stalactites are formed that, from afar, resemble cotton or snow. The pools are filled with water that many believe has healing properties for circulation and the digestive system. Head up to the ruins of Hierapolis – an important Roman bath centre founded by the King of Pergamon in 190 BC, where your leader will bring history to life and guide you through an ancient temple, holy area, monumental fountain, bath, basilica, necropolis and an impressive theatre. You then have the evening free to spend how you wish.

Make the journey to the coastal town of Kas (meaning ‘eyebrow’) and begin exploring on a walking tour. Now primarily a holiday town, Kas is strewn with the remains of Lycian tombs, iconic, whitewashed walls covered with climbing bougainvillea and an ancient theatre where you can watch a spectacular sunset. The walk is sure to inspire your appetite, and your leader will be on hand to show you where to grab a great gozleme (stuffed Turkish flatbread). The rest of the afternoon is free to enjoy this easygoing town – maybe sit back with a pomegranate cocktail or check out the local markets.

Set off for a boat cruise around the islands today, with a local family who use their unique knowledge and love of the local waters to share a distinctly traditional way of cruising and eating with travellers. On board, you’ll enjoy a range of freshly prepared local greens, zucchini fritters and maybe even some Turkish raki (an anise-flavoured alcoholic spirit). Sail from large bays to protected inlets where you can cool off with a swim. Kick back with a cold beer or learn how to play backgammon – Turkey’s most beloved game – and look out for the ruins of an ancient city submerged under the water. Return to Kas for an evening at your leisure.

Travel from Kas along a scenic route, stopping at the ancient city of Phaselis. Here you’ll have time to stretch your legs among Roman ruins or cool off with a swim in the sea. Then, continue to Antalya, where your accommodation is tucked away near the beach. Once you’ve settled in, join your leader for an early evening walk around Kaleici (the Old City). See Hadrian’s Gate, the Old Roman Harbour and photo-worthy views of the Mediterranean. Tonight, you’ll experience Turkish family-style dining at a traditional meyhane (tavern) with plenty of shared plates, local drinks and live music.

Today, you’ll travel to the Manavgat region for a Premium Experience with DEKAFOK. This important conservation initiative focuses on protecting marine life while creating a balance between tourism and the natural environment. Meet the local DEKAFOOK conservationists, who will walk along the coastline with you and share more about their work, ongoing research and education efforts. Then, take a boat trip along the Manavgat River with the conservationists, where you’ll take in the region’s lush landscapes from a different perspective and hear more insights about the region’s marine environments and the impacts of the growing tourism industry. Enjoy lunch onboard as you drift through this scenic setting. Later, return to your hotel in Antalya, where you can unwind after a day of discovery.

Set out this morning on your journey from Antalya to Cappadocia, with a great stop along the way – the peaceful lakeside town of Beysehir. It’s home to the expansive Lake Beysehir – the largest freshwater lake in Turkey – surrounded by unspoilt nature and mountain views. Here, visit the remarkable Esrefoglu Mosque, a rare example of Seljuk wooden architecture, known for its intricately carved pillars and unique flat wooden ceiling that has stood for over 700 years. Take some time to relax by the lake and enjoy a meal of freshly caught fish. Soak up the tranquil atmosphere before continuing your journey inland. Arrive in Cappadocia later in the day and head out on a short orientation walk to get your bearings, then settle in and enjoy a well-earned rest ahead of tomorrow’s adventures.

Early birds have the option of taking a hot air balloon over the Cappadocian landscape. The scene at sunrise is sure to take your breath away. Enjoy a relaxing breakfast overlooking the valley, then step back in time at the Goreme Open Air Museum. See the incredible houses, churches and monasteries carved out of the soft cliff face as your leader shares stories of the civilisations who lived here. Next, you’ll visit a carpet-weaving cooperative that empowers women by giving them the tools to produce one-of-a-kind traditional rugs. Hear local insight into the history of carpet weaving and see how the intricate pieces are made. Later in the afternoon, go on a short walk through the cheekily named Love Valley, famous for its phallic rock formations. Then, head back to your hotel and perhaps take an optional Turkish bath to unwind at the end of the day.

Take a morning walk to see the fascinating rock formations of the Kizilcukur Valley. After lunch, head toward the red river of Avanos and descend to Ozkonak to explore an underground city hollowed out of tufa rock that dates to 400 BC. Return to the surface and visit the studio of a local ceramic master. Speak with a local artist who’ll explain the history and techniques of traditional Turkish ceramics. Discover the rich clay from the red river and watch how it’s moulded into exquisite pieces. This evening you’ll be warmly welcomed into the home of a local family who’ll prepare a special homecooked dinner for your group. Sit down to a feast made with passion, enjoy a friendly chat with your hosts and top off the night with some Turkish delight.

Say goodbye to Cappadocia this morning and return to where it all began – Istanbul. When you arrive, settle into your hotel, then head out to continue exploring the city. Wander through the historic neighbourhoods of Fener and Balat, known for their colourful houses, cobbled streets and rich cultural heritage. Along the way, you’ll come across centuries-old churches, including the striking Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and other hidden gems that reflect the area’s deep-rooted Greek Orthodox history. Take your time to soak up the atmosphere, discover local cafes and perhaps capture a few photos of the vibrant facades before returning for the evening.

After a relaxed morning, continue your day uncovering treasures of a different kind in Grand Bazaar, where over 3000 shops line 61 bustling streets. Meet a few local characters, practise your haggling skills, sip a traditional Turkish coffee and take your time browsing everything from handwoven textiles to intricate ceramics. Then, visit the elegant Rustem Pasha Mosque, famed for its vibrant Iznik tiles, before heading up to the grand Suleymaniye Mosque, an architectural masterpiece offering sweeping views over the city. Later, step aboard a private cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, where you can unwind with a drink in hand as the city slowly shifts from day to night. Drift between two continents as you take in some of Istanbul’s most iconic sights from the water – from leafy shores and elegant Ottoman mansions to landmarks like Dolmabahce Palace. Stretching between Europe and Asia, the Bosphorus is the heart of the city and the vital link connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara – and there’s no better way to experience its beauty than from the deck as the sun sets. This evening, join your group for a farewell dinner at one of Istanbul’s excellent restaurants to celebrate a well-travelled trip.

Wave goodbye to Turkey today and catch an unescorted flight to Azerbaijan to begin the second half of your adventure. When you arrive at Baku Airport, you'll be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel. Baku is where ancient, fortified buildings stand next to Russian imperial-style squares and ultra-modern architectural wonders. This portion of your adventure begins with a meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your new local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, maybe walk down Nizami Street and observe its Baroque, Neo-Gothic and Neo-Renaissance architecture. After your meeting, head out for a local dinner with your new companions.

This morning, embark on a tour of the city with a local guide. Visit the fortified Old City, once the medieval capital, where your guide will weave together the history of Baku, from the rule of the Shirvanshahs to the cosmopolitan city you see today. If you like, stop by the Shemakha Gate, the Maiden Tower and Old Market Square, ending with a guided tour of the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. Make sure to take plenty of photos of the panoramic views of the skyline. The rest of the day is free to explore at your own pace.

This morning, head out of the city on a half-day trip to Qobustan, about 60 km (37.2 mi) south of Baku. Stop along the way to view old oil rigs and learn how Azerbaijan was one of the birthplaces of the oil industry. Visit Qobustan National Park and one of the world’s largest open-air archaeological museums, where a local guide will share the stories of ancient rock art dating back some 40,000 years. The prehistoric carvings depict scenes of hunting, fishing and gathering. While here, visit the impressive mud volcanoes that create the surreal lunar landscape. Return to Baku in the afternoon for free time. Maybe visit one of Baku’s most significant modern landmarks – the Heydar Aliyev Center, designed by Zaha Hadid. This evening, you might like to take a walk along the waterfront to find a restaurant for dinner, keeping an eye out for the Baku Eye and Flame Towers that light up the city skyline at night.

Leave Baku and head for the Caucasus Mountains in the northwest of Azerbaijan. Watch arid landscapes slowly give way to densely forested mountains. Along the way, you’ll stop at the Yeddi Gumbaz Mausoleum and the Juma Mosque in Shamakhi. When you arrive in Sheki, visit a local craft workshop where the famous shebeke (stained-glass windows with intricately carved frames) are made by hand. You’ll also visit the acclaimed Palace of Sheki Khans to see its magnificent frescoes and stained glass. Enjoy a final evening of Azerbaijani cuisine during dinner at a local restaurant.

After breakfast, drive to Lagodekhi – a town at the Azerbaijan–Georgia border where you’ll change transportation. From here, travel to Georgia’s Kakheti region, known for its winemaking. Stop in Sighnaghi, one of Georgia’s most stunning towns, overlooking the Alazani Valley and the Caucasus Mountains. After, travel to your accommodation in Telavi. Your hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, as well as its own cellar showcasing wines produced by female winemakers. Have dinner (outdoors if the weather’s nice) with a local winemaking family. This private culinary experience is a great time to try specialty orange and red wines, as well as chacha (a local brandy). Soak up the celebratory feel of a traditional supra feast, with plenty of delicious homemade cuisine, toasts and Georgian polyphonic music, prevalent in the Kakheti region.

Enjoy a relaxing start to your morning, then get a taste of local life at the Telavi Food Market. Wander the stalls and feast your senses on the region’s delicacies – there are specialty cheeses, wines and sweets to try! Next visit Batonistsikhe Castle, a remarkable and superbly preserved 17th-century fortress in the centre of Telavi, which was once the most important residence for the royal family of the Kakheti Kingdom. After, drive to the remote and beautiful Pankisi Valley, inhabited mainly by the Muslim Kist community. You’ll take a cultural walking tour of the valley, led by local Kists and designed to support young people in building skills and earning an income. Enjoy a traditional lunch in the valley, then return to your accommodation for a free evening.

Following breakfast, drive to Tbilisi. Check into your hotel, a historical building once owned by a noble family and overlooking Georgia’s presidential palace. The hotel has played host to aristocrats, famous writers and public figures. You’re free to explore Tbilisi at your own pace when you arrive, so you might like to wander the old districts of Georgia’s capital to see the colourful houses, patterned balconies and revamped modern architecture. Your leader will always have some great restaurant recommendations ready for dinner.

This morning, set out on a walking tour with a local guide to explore Tbilisi’s Old Town and uncover more about the city’s past. Visit the 6th-century Anchiskhati Basilica, take the cable car up to the ancient Narikala Fortress – a former Persian citadel dating back to the 4th century. Enjoy sweeping views of the city as your guide shares the layered history of the fortress. The name Tbilisi translates to ‘warm place’, a reference to the bubbling hot springs around which the city was founded. In the afternoon, you may wish to continue the theme with a visit to one of Tbilisi’s traditional bathhouses for a rejuvenating dip.

Today, you’ll visit Mtskheta – the ancient capital and religious centre of Georgia. Visit World Heritage–listed sites with your local guide as they share fascinating histories. After, visit the Tserovani Refugee Settlement – home to 8000 people displaced by the 2008 conflict between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Georgia over South Ossetia. While here you’ll visit an enamel jewellery workshop run by social enterprise Ikorta, offering training and employment to displaced youth and women within the settlement. Meet the artists whose pieces tell the story of Georgia, and with their guidance, maybe even design a piece for yourself. Have a light lunch, then tour the settlement to learn about the issues surrounding long-term displacement faced by thousands of Georgia’s citizens. In the afternoon, drive to Akhaltsikhe, a multicultural town in the southwest known for its architectural variety. Check into your Feature Stay – Hotel Gino Wellness Rabati, on the grounds on Rabati Fortress, the city’s main attraction. Feel the living history from your balcony overlooking the courtyard, which overlooks the fortress towers.

Today, drive to the once-mighty cave city of Vardzia, with a stop along the way at the 10th-century Khertvisi Fortress. Vardzia stretches over half a kilometre along the river Mtkvari and has 19 tiers of winding cobbled streets. Check out a church hewn out in rock with 12th-century frescos and a complex with dwelling quarters, small hall-type churches, refectories and wine cellars. A local guide will provide historical context and explain the rise and fall of the city, which now serves as a working monastery. On the way back to Akhaltsikhe, stop for a Premium Experience – making traditional ‘string’ cheese, or tenili. With a local family, you’ll learn the ancient technique of stretching softened curds into fine strands. This type of cheese is only produced by a few households today, usually for traditional Meskhetian feasts. You’ll work within two traditional oda houses, one over 300 years old and one with a Meskhuri oven. While you’re pulling your cheese, enjoy some traditional Georgian dishes like khachapuri and khinkali. Return to your accommodation for a restful evening.

This morning you’ll visit Gori – the birthplace of Joseph Stalin. Your trip leader will take you on a city tour before you visit the Stalin Museum. See the sites of Gori, including The Memorial of Georgian War Heroes and Gori Fortress, and delve into its artistic side to see traditional ornamental mosaics. After, drive the renowned Georgian Military Highway, which eventually leads to the Georgia – Russia border. On the way, you’ll visit the Ananuri architectural complex – two churches and a fortress that overlook the Zhinvali water reservoir. Your leader will share the history of this site and explain the importance of similar fortifications in the region. Take a scenic drive through the Caucasus Mountains and arrive at your hotel in Gudauri, where you’ll have dinner with the group.

Enjoy a scenic drive from Gudauri along the Tergi River before arriving in Stepantsminda. From here, head into the heart of the Caucasus Mountains, hop in 4WDs and take the mountain road to Gergeti Trinity Church, 2170 m above sea level. Weather depending, you may catch a glimpse of Mt Kazbegi. On the way back to Gudauri, stop at the small village of Sno to explore the local version of Easter Island – a park with half a dozen massive stone heads representing famous figures of Georgian history. Return to Gudauri this afternoon for some free time – the perfect opportunity to enjoy the mountain air and views. Maybe check out your hotel facilities, including a wellness centre.

Have breakfast in Gudauri before driving to Sadakhlo – a village at the Georgia–Armenia border. On the way to the border, stop in Tbilisi to break the journey and have lunch. Continue to Armenia and after completing all the formalities, begin the Armenian leg of your adventure with a visit to Haghpat Monastery, listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. Haghpat stands as an example of one of the most outstanding works of medieval Armenian architecture. Your leader will give you an introduction to the country’s history and design. Continue to Dzoraget, where you’ll spend the night surrounded by views of the Debed River.

After breakfast, meet your Armenian driver and local guide and drive to the reflective waters of Lake Sevan, nicknamed ‘The Pearl of Armenia.’ Sevan is one of the world’s largest freshwater, high-altitude lakes. Visit Sevanavank Monastery, which overlooks the water on the peninsula. Move on to the village of Garni to visit the 1st-century Garni Temple, where your guide will explain how it was built by the Armenian King Tiridates and dedicated to Mithra, the God of the Sun. Be treated to a special local performance in the temple and hear the sounds of the Duduk – a flute-like instrument originating in Armenia and currently listed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Travel northeast of Garni, higher up the gorge of the Azat River, to the magnificent Geghard Monastery. This UNESCO World Heritage site is partly carved out of a mountain and surrounded by cliffs. In the afternoon, drive to Armenia’s capital, Yerevan, where you’ll spend the next two evenings.

This morning, take a tour of Yerevan with your local guide, who will introduce you to the sights and sounds of the city. Established in 782 BC, Armenia’s capital is one of the world’s oldest cities. Nowadays, the city’s liveliness comes from its ancient culture mixed with a modern lifestyle. Visit the Armenian Genocide Museum to learn the tragic history of this region, then the afternoon is free for reflection or further exploration. Tonight, join your group for a final dinner at a local restaurant. Armenian cuisine is built on a foundation of fresh local produce and meat. Maybe try some khorovats (a barbecued kebab) or spas (a refreshing yoghurt soup).

Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you would like to spend some more time in Yerevan, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.