Itinerary
- Day 1
Istanbul
You'll arrive in Istanbul whenever works for your schedule, then head to a welcome meeting with your CEO and group in the evening. After that, you'll walk through the old square to see some of Istanbul's iconic monuments all lit up at night. There's an optional group dinner if you're interested.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Centrum Istanbul)
Included Activities
- Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Optional Activities
- Istanbul Walking Tour and Bosphorus Cruise
- Day 2
Istanbul to Çanakkale
Starting early this morning, you'll travel east from Istanbul to the Gallipoli Peninsula for a guided tour of ANZAC Cove, the war cemeteries, and Lone Pine. You'll learn about the solemn history of the WWI battle here. In the afternoon, you'll continue to the harbour town of Çanakkale and join the crowds strolling the waterfront.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Grand Anzac Hotel Canakkale)
Included Activities
- Gallipoli Battlefields Guided Tour
Landmarks/POIs ANZAC Cove Lone Pine Gallipoli Battlefields 
- Day 3
Çanakkale to Selçuk
You'll set off from Çanakkale to visit the ancient city of Troy, then stop by the group-supported Çöp(m)adam handicraft coop to support local women working in the workshop. From there, you'll continue south through Ayvalik to the town of Selçuk where you'll be staying for the next couple of nights.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Cenka Hotel Selcuk)
Included Activities
- Troy Visit
- Çöp(m)adam Visit
Landmarks/POIs Troy - Day 4
Selçuk to Izmir to Cappadocia
This morning you'll check out the ancient Roman ruins of Ephesus and see the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Back in Selçuk, you'll learn how to prepare pide, a traditional Turkish flatbread, and have the delicious results for lunch. Later you'll transfer to Izmir for an orientation walk through the old Kemeralti bazaar, then board an overnight train to Cappadocia.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Pide (Turkish flatbread) prepared during hands-on demonstration)
Included Activities
- Ephesus Visit
- Pide Demonstration and Lunch
- Orientation Walk of Kemeralti Old Bazaar
Landmarks/POIs Ephesus Temple of Artemis Kemeralti Bazaar 
- Day 5
Konya to Cappadocia
You'll get off the train in Konya and grab breakfast at a nearby restaurant. After that, you'll visit the Mevlana Museum before transferring by private vehicle to the Cappadocia region. You'll check into your hotel and enjoy tea or coffee while taking in the sunset from a nearby viewpoint. There's an optional dinner with the group available in the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Grand Uchisar Hotel Cappadocia), Hotel (Akuzun Hotel)
Included Activities
- Mevlana Museum Visit
Landmarks/POIs Mevlana Museum 
- Day 6
Cappadocia
Your full day starts with a hike through the iconic fairy chimneys, with stops at scenic viewpoints for photos along the way. Next you'll explore the massive subterranean complex of Kaymakli underground city. The afternoon is free for individual exploration or to relax at the hotel. In the evening, you'll share a meal with a local family to gain insight into local cultural traditions.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Meal with a local family)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Grand Uchisar Hotel Cappadocia), Hotel (Akuzun Hotel)
Included Activities
- Hike Through the Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia
- Kaymakli Underground City
- Dinner with Local Family
Optional Activities
- Bike rental for exploring the region
- Optional trekking tour through one of the beautiful valleys
Landmarks/POIs Kaymakli Underground City - Day 7
Cappadocia to Istanbul
After an early breakfast, you'll transfer to the airport to catch a flight back to Istanbul. You'll have the rest of the day free for individual exploration of the historic and vibrant city. Grab some street food, relax at a cafe, or continue sightseeing. There's an optional final dinner with the group available in the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Centrum Istanbul)
Optional Activities
- Final dinner with the group
- Day 8
Istanbul
This morning you have the full day to yourself in Istanbul. Walk through the historic neighborhoods and check out the bazaars at your own pace. There's no rush, so you can grab lunch where you want and spend as much time as you need exploring the restaurants and shops that catch your attention. By evening, there's an optional dinner with your CEO and other travelers if you're interested in joining, or you can continue on your own and find dinner wherever you'd like.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Golden Horn Sirkeci Istanbul)
Optional Activities
- Istanbul Walking Tour and Bosphorus Cruise
- Galata Tower visit (30EUR per person)
- Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya) visit (25EUR per person)
- Topkapi Palace visit (1500TRY per person)
- Archaeological Museum visit (15EUR per person)
- Dolmabahçe Palace visit (1200TRY per person)
- Basilica Cistern visit (900TRY per person)
- Evening dinner with CEO and fellow travelers
Landmarks/POIs Galata Tower Hagia Sophia Topkapi Palace Archaeological Museum Dolmabahçe Palace Basilica Cistern - Day 9
Istanbul to Adiyaman
You'll transfer to the airport this morning for a flight from Istanbul to Adiyaman. You'll settle in for lunch by the lake of the Ataturk Dam before continuing on to the Mt. Nemrut area. You'll visit the funerary monument Karakus and the Cendere bridge, then ascend to the summit of Mt. Nemrut for sunset. Later you'll continue to Adiyaman for the night and dinner at the hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch by the lake of the Ataturk Dam), Dinner (Dinner in the hotel)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (White Star Hotel Adıyaman)
Included Activities
- Karakus Tumulus Visit
- Mt Nemrut Sunset Experience
Landmarks/POIs Karakus Tumulus Mt. Nemrut Cendere Bridge Ataturk Dam - Day 10
Adiyaman to Urfa
After an early breakfast, you'll transfer to Ataturk Dam to enjoy the viewpoint, then continue to Karahantepe. You'll be welcomed into a local home for lunch before heading on to the ancient and impressive archaeological site of Göbekli Tepe. Afterwards, you'll transfer to the nearby town of Urfa for the night and have the rest of the day at leisure.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch with a local family)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Şanlıurfa Uludağ Otel)
Included Activities
- Lunch with a Local Family
- Göbekli Tepe Archaeological Site Visit
Landmarks/POIs Göbekli Tepe Ataturk Dam - Day 11
Urfa to Mardin
You'll travel to Mardin after breakfast. Mardin's old town is protected by UNESCO and functions as an open-air museum. You'll explore the historic limestone architecture and learn about the interesting landmarks throughout. The rest of the day is free for individual exploration or relaxation before an optional dinner with your CEO in the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Kaya Ninova Hotel Mardin)
Included Activities
- Mardin UNESCO City Tour
- Walking Tour Mardin
Optional Activities
- Dinner with CEO
Landmarks/POIs Mardin Old Town - Day 12
Mardin to Van
You'll settle in for a drive to Lake Van, the largest lake in Turkey. Upon arrival to the lakeside town of Gevas, you'll board a boat to Akdamar Island for a CEO-led walk, then head back to your hotel in Van. You'll have a free evening after that.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Van Life Hotel)
Included Activities
- Walking Tour Akdamar Island
- Akdamar Island Boat Trip
Landmarks/POIs Lake Van Akdamar Island - Day 13
Van to Kars
This morning you'll visit the Van Citadel, built by the ancient kingdom of Urartu. You'll transfer to Dogubeyazit, the previous capital of the Republic of Ararat. You'll explore Ishak Pasha Palace and take in views of Mt. Ararat and across the mountains where the possible resting place of Noah's Ark is said to be located. Later you'll continue to Kars for a brief orientation walk, then settle in for the evening with free time.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Buyuk Kale Hotel - Kars)
Included Activities
- Orientation Walk Kars
- Van Castle
- Ishak Pasha Palace
Landmarks/POIs Van Castle Ishak Pasha Palace Mt. Ararat - Day 14
Kars to Ani
You'll drive to Ani this morning, known as the city of 1001 churches. You'll 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.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Buyuk Kale Hotel - Kars)
Included Activities
- Ani Visit
Optional Activities
- Final dinner with the group
Landmarks/POIs Ani - Day 15
Kars to Tbilisi
You'll wave goodbye to Turkey this morning on a drive to the Oncul Çıldır Aktaş Border Gate for the crossing into Georgia. You'll enjoy the scenic landscapes en route to Tbilisi, with a stop in the small town of Poka for a visit and some time for lunch. In the evening, you'll take a short orientation walk with your CEO on the way to an optional dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Address Boutique Hotel Tbilisi)
Included Activities
- Poka Visit
Optional Activities
- Dinner
Landmarks/POIs Poka - Day 16
Tbilisi
You'll set off to explore Tbilisi this morning on a walking tour through various districts and past some of the iconic landmarks of the city. You'll 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. You'll have the remainder of the day and evening at leisure to continue exploring or to relax.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Address Boutique Hotel Tbilisi)
Included Activities
- City Tour Tbilisi
- Caravanserai Visit
Landmarks/POIs Narikala Fortress Caravanserai - Day 17
Tbilisi to Gudauri
You'll 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. You'll 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. You'll move on to Gudauri for the evening, stopping at the Friendship Monument on the way.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Khinkali (meat dumplings) prepared during cooking experience with local family)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Gudauri Inn Hotel)
Included Activities
- Khinkali Making Experience
- Gergeti Trinity Church Visit
Landmarks/POIs Gergeti Trinity Church Friendship Monument - Day 18
Gudauri to Kutaisi
You'll travel to Gori, birthplace of the communist revolutionary and Soviet politician Joseph Stalin. You can choose to visit the State Stalin Museum or join your CEO on a walk up to the town fortress for views overlooking the valley. You'll continue to the archaeological site of Uplistsikhe, an ancient city carved out of the rock, before arriving in Kutaisi. You'll join your CEO for a short orientation walk on the way to an optional dinner out with the group in the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (New Port Hotel Kutaisi)
Included Activities
- Gori Visit
- Uplistsikhe Visit
- Orientation Walk Kutaisi
Optional Activities
- State Stalin Museum visit
- Dinner with group
Landmarks/POIs Gori Uplistsikhe - Day 19
Kutaisi
You'll visit the impressive Martvili Canyon this morning and board a boat for a short ride along the gorge with cascading waterfalls. You'll continue by foot to a quaint local village for some free time for lunch before returning to Kutaisi. The rest of the afternoon and evening is free for individual exploration, or you can join your CEO for a walk to the Bagrati Church.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (New Port Hotel Kutaisi)
Included Activities
- Martvili Canyon Boat Ride and Walking Trail
Optional Activities
- Walk to Bagrati Church with CEO
Landmarks/POIs Martvili Canyon Bagrati Church - Day 20
Kutaisi to Tbilisi
You'll 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. You'll visit the Svetitskhoveli cathedral, then continue on to Terragarden for lunch and a cooking class. Later, you'll transfer to Tbilisi for a walk with your CEO and an optional farewell dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch and cooking class at Terragarden)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Address Boutique Hotel Tbilisi)
Included Activities
- Svetitskhoveli Cathedral Visit
- Terragarden Cooking Class
Optional Activities
- Farewell dinner
Landmarks/POIs Mtskheta Svetitskhoveli Cathedral - Day 21
Tbilisi
You're free to depart at any time that works for you.
- Meals
- Breakfast
