This spectacular train tour combination of two countries,Türkiye and Georgia starts in Istanbul and ends in Batumi.
Trains are used as much as possible. Our own transport is used for the connections and excursions required for the program.
In Ankara you board the Doğu express train, also called Doğu ekspresi. It is one of the most epic train rides in the world. The train journey in Turkey ends at the impressive Russian station in Kars where you will stay for two nights before leaving for neighboring country Georgia.
If you embrace slow travel and love the romance of the railways, you’ll enjoy using Georgia’s trains, with some private transportation to see more of the country’s amazing sights.
Highlights
Turkey:
- Istanbul
- Ankara
- Gordion the Ancient capital of Phrygia
- Remains of the Seljuk and Ottoman era
- Ani, the medieval capital of the Armenian Kingdom
- Kars
- Stunning section of the train journey
Georgia:
- Citadel of Akhaltsikhe
- Vardzia Cave monastry
- Borjomi
- Tbilisi
- Mtskheta, the ancient capital.
- Caucasian Mountains
- Gori
- Batumi
İtinerary
Day 1. Arrival in Istanbul
transfer to hotel in Sultan Ahmet quarter.
Overnight: Istanbul ***
Day 2. Istanbul-Ankara
Embark on the high speed train from Istanbul to Ankara. The morning train departs from Halkalı or Söğütlüçeşme train station.The journey takes ca 4, 5 hrs.
After arrival in Ankara, transfer to hotel in the center. Nearby are Ankara castle , museum of Anatolian civilisations, which displays may pieces from the stone age to present day, Roman bath, Atatürk’s Mausoleum and other highlights.
Overnight Ankara: *** hotel (BB)
Day 3. Visit to Gordion- sleeper train to Erzincan
Start the day with a ride to Yassıhöyük village ( ca 95 km) for a visit to
to Gordion. Gordion was the capital of Ancient Phrygia and it is here that Alexander de Great cut the proverbial knot and opened the way to Asia. Explore the site on your own.( 2-3 hrs)
On return in Ankara check in on the Doğu Express train to Erzincan. ( Dept 17.55 hrs) Sleeping places in the couchettes have been arranged for you.
Overnight in train. Bed in couchettes ( 2 pax)
Day 4. Erzincan- Taxi transfer to Erzurum – Train to Kars.
Make yourself comfortable with snacks and drinks, and prepare for the night, as the landscape passes by and changes from day to night and to day again, as the estimated arrival time in Erzincan is 11.17 hrs, the next morning.
Upon arrival,the taxi awaits you at the station and takes you to Erzurum.( 207 km/ 3 hrs) During a beautiful drive along the Euphrates river there will be time to visit the twelfth century Mama Hatun caravanserai and tomb and in Erzurum the remarkable Seljuk buildings. Then take your pullman seats on the train for the last scenic part on the train to Kars ( end station of the train) where you arrive at approx 20.20 hrs.
Overnight in Kars: *** hotel( BB)
Day 5: Kars-Anı ruins-Kars
After breakfast you are collected for a guided excusion to Anı, (45 km) the capital of Bagratid Armenia, and UNESCO world heritage site. The site is bounded by one side by the gorge of the Arpaça ( Akhurian river) which forms Turkey’s border with the Armenian republic. Impressive fortified walls still encircle the ruins of numerous churches, mosques and carvansaries.
In the afternoon explore Kars on your own. The city was under Russian rule for about 40 years and the Russian legacy can still be seen in much of the town’s architecture.
Overnight Kars: *** hotel (BB)
Day 6: Kars- Lake Çıldır- Devils castle-Posof
Todays drive takes you past Lake Çıldır to the border town of Posof. Along the way you stop for a walk to Devil’s castle (Şeytan kalesi) The castle located on high cliffs was used continuously from the Hellinistic era to the Ottoman period.
Distance : 186 km/ ca 3 hrs
Overnight: Posof: hotel (BB) 3 km from the Georgian border.
Day 7: Posof- Türgözü-Vale border- Borjomi
Head to Türkgözü for border crossing with Georgia and continue with taxi towards Borjomi spa resort.
The driver will stop at Vardzia, a monastery in a cave and small town Akhaltsika for a visit to Rabati fortress where you will find traces of the mix of cultures that dominated the area.
Borjomi was already a popular spa resort in times of the Romanovs. They called it the ‘ pearl of the Caucasus’.
Distance: 90 km/ ca 2 hrs
Overnight: Borjomi *** hotel (BB)
Day 8 Borjomi-Tbilisi
Stroll through the park and sip the famous Borjomi mineral water, or take a ride in the cable car and visit the salfur pools or museums before you get in the old electric Soviet train to Tbilisi.
The ride is slow (4 hrs) and not comfortable at all but part of the train adventure.
Dept 16.35 hrs. Arrival in Tbilisi 21.00 hrs.
After arrival in Tbilisi. Transfer to your hotel.
Overnight: Tbilisi *** hotel (BB)
** possible to book an upgraded private taxi transfer from Borjomi to Tbilisi **
Day 9. Tbilisi
Tbilisi city tour or your own.
Located in the gorge of Mtkvari River Tbilisi is shaped out in accordance with the terrain and forms a very beautiful city with Mt. Mtatsminda embracing the entire town, Narikala Fortress topping up the oldest quarter of Tbilisi and Metekhi Church overlooking Mtkvari River from a rocky plateau.
Highlights of Tbilisi are beautiful Orthodox Christian churches, Mosque, Synagogue, famous Sulphur Baths, narrow cobbled streets with hanging wooden carved multi-colored balconies, 19th century houses following the architectural styles of 19th century Europe, cable car up to Narikala Fortress, the glass Bridge of Peace, Freedom Square and Rustaveli Avenue.
Overnight: Tbilisi *** hotel (BB)
Day 10. Tbilisi-Mtskheta-Stepantsminda-Tbilisi
Today you continue with a guided tour to discover more about the history of Mtskheta.
Enjoy the natural and historical beauty of the Caucasian Mountains on a full-day tour from Tbilisi to Kazbegi (Stepantsminda).You will visit the 6th-century Jvari monastery in Mtskheta, which is one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and other highlights, which include confluence of the two Rivers – black and white Aragvi, Gergeti Trinity Church, Ananuri Fortress and Jinvali Water Reservoir
Overnight: Tbilisi*** hotel (BB)
Day 11. Tbilisi- Gori-Tbilisi
Except the Stalin museum there is plenty to do and see in Gori. Cave town Uplislistsike consists of several hundred chambers and rooms excavated from a relatively flat cliff face.
Gori is easily visited by train. Upon arrival 10.00 hrs. at Gori train station, there is a taxi ride to Uplistsikhe, which you can explore on your own. The driver will wait 2 hrs, and drive you back to Gori to explore the other highlights before you take the train back to Tbilisi. Dept 16.00 hrs / or 22.18 hrs.
Overnight: Tbilisi *** hotel (BB)
Day 12. Tbilisi- Batumi
Take morning or evening train to Batumi (5hrs8 min)
Batumi—the “Pearl of the Black Sea,” as it is often called—is located in the autonomous republic of Adjara. It’s history date back to the 4thcentury BC and was it was ruled by the Ottoman approximately 300 years. European architects undertook numerous projects in Batumi at the beginning of the 20th century, and today it remains a hub of architectural innovation.
Overnight: Batumi *** hotel (BB)
Day 13. Batumi
Stroll around the old town of Batumi , visit the statue of Ali and Nino, which symbolizes the love of two young people who cannot meet. Visit Batumi theatre and square, the church of virgin Mary, Batumi botanical garden, the lighthouse and harbour or enjoy the beach and take a dip in the sea.
Overnight: Batumi *** hotel (BB)
Day14. Onward travel.
After breakfast your arrangement ends with a transfer to Batumi airport.
***We are happy to help you with extra nights in Istanbul and other places ***
**** Since we have to buy traintickets one month before departue, this program cannot be booked later than 5 weeks before arrival.
İncluded:
12 Nights in *** hotel based on BB.
1 Night in 2 Pax couchette in Doğu express train
All train tickets
Transfers according to program
excursions according to program
Excluded:
Lunches
Dinners
Personal expenses.
Tips