6-Night Azerbaijan and Georgia Tour with Flight from Ankara

DEPARTURE

Our tour, meets with our guests who will arrive at the airport by their own means at 20.00 in front of the Pegasus Airlines Counter, passes the security check, and departs from the International Departures at 22.30 with the Azerbaijan Airlines flight from Ankara to Baku. 

NOTE: Due to the agreement made between the States of Azerbaijan and Georgia, Turkish citizens can cross the border ONLY WITH A PASSPORT. 

Passports must have a minimum validity of 9 months based on the expiration date of the travel. Guests traveling with less than 9 months of validity may face the situation of not being admitted to the country by the country's passport police. Responsibility in such cases belongs to the passport holder.

OLD BAKU - MAIDEN TOWER - NIZAMI STREET - FIRST OIL WELL - YANAR DAG - ATESHGAH FIRE TEMPLE - AZERBAIJAN NIGHT

Our tour, starts upon meeting our guide and vehicle when we land in Baku at 03.00 local time. First, we head to the restaurant where we will have an extra breakfast. After our breakfast, we start exploring Baku. We first start our Baku tour with a panoramic tour of the new city, formerly known as Black City and today called White City. After seeing the building that hosts the Nobel Brothers Museum, the first Nobel museum outside of Sweden, from the outside, we move to Baku city center. In the city center, we first give a short break at Highland Park. During the break, you will have the chance to photograph the Baku Flame Towers and the Caspian Sea. Here, accompanied by our guide, we also visit the Turkish Martyrdom and Martyrs' Lane built for our soldiers who were martyred on the Caucasus front in 1918. Afterwards, we head to Baku Boulevard or Seaside National Park, a recreation area built along the part of Baku facing the Caspian Sea. Here we see the Carpet Museum (from the outside), Little Venice Canal, and the Puppet Theater. Then we continue our Baku tour on foot. The places we will see will be; Academy of Sciences Building, Seyid Mirbabayev Palace, Azerbaijan State Academic Philharmonic Building, and Icherisheher Walls. Afterwards, with our guide, we start our Icherisheher (Old Town) tour included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The places we will see here will be; Aliaga Vahid Bust, Historical Baths, the world's first and only Miniature Book Museum, Palace of the Shirvanshahs, Juma Mosque, Caravanserais, Maiden Tower, and Double Tower Gates. Afterwards, we give a short break in front of the Museum of Azerbaijan Literature by seeing the street used as a Formula Track. We give a break at the restaurant where we will find dishes specific to Azerbaijani Cuisine. After our meal break, we take a short walk on Nizami (Torgovoya) Street (pedestrian street likened to Istanbul Taksim) seeing the historical buildings. Meeting with our vehicle, we visit the First Oil Well, which marks the beginning of the world oil industry and is a historical area. After our break here, we continue towards the mystic Yanar Dag.  After photographing this natural gas fire that has been burning continuously for thousands of years, we visit Ateshgah Fire Temple, an ancient place of worship for Zoroastrians. The structure, which is one of the Three Magian (Zoroastrian) Temples in the world, will give us an idea about the fire-worship practices of ancient cultures. After our temple tour, we move to our hotel. With our guests who wish, we go to the restaurant for the dinner we will take as an extra (Musical Azerbaijan Night) (EXTRA).  

Breakfast: Will Be Taken as an Extra.

Lunch: Will Be Taken as an Extra.

Dinner: Will Be Taken as an Extra.

Accommodation: Baku Hotels etc.

Route: Baku City Tours (120 km)

Total Distance to be Covered: 120 Km

Hotel Check-in Time: 16.30

SHAMAKHI - MUD VOLCANOES - WINERY - NOHUR LAKE - LAHIJ VILLAGE

Our tour, after breakfast at our hotel in the morning, departs for Sheki, which was chosen as the Cultural Capital of the Turkic World in 2016 and hosts historical and natural beauties. Depending on the road and weather conditions, after a short break at the mud volcanoes, we move to the Turkish Martyrdom built for our soldiers who were martyred on the Caucasus front. After our break, we head to the city of Shamakhi. After seeing the Shamakhi Juma Mosque, which was the first built in the Caucasus, we stop at the country's newest and first winery with an organic producer certificate from the European Union. Here, after touring the cellars, we taste the wines specific to the region. After wine tasting, depending on road and weather conditions, we head to Lahij village, which is especially famous for its craftsmanship and copper processing art (EXTRA). We take a break in the village surrounded by mountains offering fresh air and unique landscapes. During our break, you can watch traditional copper processing techniques in the workshops. After our village tour, we stop at Nohur Lake, known for its lush forests, untouched nature, and clear waters located at the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains. At the end of our break, we head to Sheki. We stop by a baklava shop in the city, which is famous for its dessert in the country, and get information about the making of baklava and halva. Afterwards, we move to our hotel. 

Breakfast: Will Be Taken at the Hotel and is Included in the Tour Price.
Lunch: Will Be Taken as an Extra.
Dinner: Will Be Taken as an Extra.
Accommodation: Sheki Hotels etc.
Route: Sheki - Shamakhi (170 km) Shamakhi - Lahij (50 km) Lahij - Nohur Lake (65 km) Nohur Lake - Sheki (90 km)
Total Distance to be Covered: 375 Km
Hotel Check-in Time: 18.00

SHEKI STREETS - SILK SHOPPING - SHEKI FORTRESS - SHEKI KHAN PALACE - SHEBEKE CRAFT - CITY OF LOVE SIGHNAGHI - BODBE MONASTERY 

Our tour, after breakfast at our hotel in the morning, starts exploring Sheki, which has a unique structure with its rich historical past, architecture, art, culture, and cuisine. We start our tour with our visit to the Upper Caravanserai, which is used as a hotel today. After photographing the caravanserai, which will impress you with its courtyard and size, we take a break for you to buy products made of silk in Sheki, which is recorded in old travel books as the most important silk production center of the Caucasus. The traditional shawl made of world-famous and award-winning Sheki silk is called "kelagayi". Decorated with patterns specific to the region and used in daily life or on special occasions, this headscarf was included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2014. During the break, you can walk on historically important stone streets and photograph historical buildings. The old historical houses of Sheki are very similar to house designs in Anatolia and Istanbul. Built generally as single or two stories, mansions made with traditional architecture such as stone and brick mixed exterior, large wooden windows, and bay windows were built in different structures to tell class affiliation. After our break, we head to the fortress. Getting off our car, we start exploring the fortress and the historical artifacts inside. First, we visit the Sheki Khan Palace, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list along with the historical center of Sheki. There are 2 plane trees about 500 years old on both sides of the pool located in the garden named 'Han Bagi'. After seeing the plane trees called 'Han Chınarı' by the public and its magnificent exterior, we start touring the palace. When you tour the two-story palace, you will be mesmerized when you see the decorations and paintings inside. All of the facade windows were made with the craft branch where wooden laths, which Azerbaijanis call shebeke, are shaped to pass into each other without using any nails or adhesive material, created by combining with colored glass pieces. We give a short break at the 'House of Artisans' built with Sheki-specific architecture, where ceramic workshops and shops are located near the palace, which Nazim Hikmet said, "Even if Azerbaijan had no other work of art, just this palace is enough to introduce it". Afterwards, we see the Round Church built by the Russians from the outside and stop by the workshop of the master who did the shebeke restoration of the Sheki palace to get to know the Shebeke craft closely. We try to learn this craft branch by trying it. Afterwards, meeting with our vehicle, we leave Sheki and head to the Azerbaijan-Georgia border gate with a journey of about two hours.  (Lagodekhi Border Gate) Passing through, we head to Sighnaghi, one of the oldest and best-preserved fortified cities in Georgia, also known as the "City of Love". The places we will see here will be; castle walls, St. George Church, marriage registry office (open all day), statue of a doctor on a donkey, fascinating houses, and cobblestone streets.  After our break, we visit the Bodbe Monastery (today a convent of nuns) built on the place where Saint Nino, who witnessed the transition of Georgians to the Christian faith, is buried. From the monastery, we also see the Alazani Valley, famous for its vineyards and fruits, and the Caucasus Mountains. After photographing this magnificent view, we move to Tbilisi. 

NOTE: Due to the agreement made between the States of Azerbaijan and Georgia, Turkish citizens can cross the border WITH A PASSPORT. 

Breakfast: Will Be Taken at the Hotel, Included in the Tour Price.

Lunch: Will Be Taken as an Extra.

Dinner: Will Be Taken as an Extra.

Accommodation: Tbilisi Hotels

Route: Sheki - Sighnaghi (140 km) Sighnaghi - Tbilisi (110 km) 

Total Distance to be Covered: 250 Km

Hotel Check-in Time: 18.00

MEDIEVAL CASTLE ANANURI - MTSKHETA - TBILISI CITY TOUR 

Our tour, after breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we head to Ananuri Castle where we will see the Caucasus mountains towards the Russian border gate. In the structure, which is considered one of the best preserved monuments from the early feudal period, we will feel the medieval atmosphere with all its gloomy and dark events. After photographing the castle, which was also visited by Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin in 1829, and Jinvali Reservoir, Georgia's largest artificial lake, we go to Mtskheta, established between the Kura and Aragvi rivers, which was the capital of Georgia (Kingdom of Iberia) 2000 years ago and is on the UNESCO Conservation List. Our first stop here will be Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. An early medieval work, Svetitskhoveli is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. The cathedral is the burial place of the Georgian royal family and it is believed that Saint Nino, an important saint in the Christian world, is buried here. Then we walk and discover the historical texture and local atmosphere of the city. After our old city tour, we move to Tbilisi. We do our Tbilisi tour on foot. The places we will see will be; Vakhtang Gorgasali Statue which gave Tbilisi its name, David the Builder Statue, Sister Nino Statue, Freedom Square, historical colorful Tbilisi houses around the Kura River, Ottoman Period Mosque, Bathhouse (old sulfur bath), and the Clock Tower next to the Rezo Gabriadze Puppet Theater, which exhibits the life cycle with tiny puppets symbolizing marriages, birth of children, and funerals. Afterwards, a Georgian night awaits you with a special menu consisting of Georgian dishes (Extra).

Breakfast: Will Be Taken at the Hotel, Included in the Tour Price.

Lunch: Will Be Taken as an Extra.

Dinner: Will Be Taken as an Extra.

Accommodation: Tbilisi Hotels etc.

Route: Tbilisi - Ananuri (65 km) Ananuri -  Mtskheta (40 km) Mtskheta - Tbilisi (25 km) 

Total Distance to be Covered: 130 Km

Hotel Check-in Time: 17.00

HOUSE OF STALIN - BORJOMI, THE HOMELAND OF MINERAL WATER - AKHALTSIKHE - CAVE CITY VARDZIA - LAKE ÇILDIR

Our tour starts after breakfast at our hotel, heading to the monument located in the Tbilisi Sea (Optional). The Chronicle of Georgia monument features columns depicting both the history of the country and the 2,000-year history of Christianity. After leaving here, we depart for Gori, known as the birthplace of the Georgian-born Soviet leader Joseph Stalin. We will be able to see the small wooden cabin where Stalin was born in 1878 and spent his first four years, as well as the green Pullman wagon used by Stalin on many of his travels. Afterwards, we set off for Borjomi, famous for its soda waters nestled among natural beauties. The places we will see in Borjomi include Central Park (where you can taste the mineral water), the Firuza House Cultural Heritage Monument, and the Poseidon Monument. Then, we head through the Azguri Gorge to the historic city of Akhaltsikhe. After a panoramic view of Akhaltsikhe Castle (Rabati), which was the administrative center of the Çıldır eyalet during the Ottoman period with its unique architectural structure unlike any other castle complex in the world, we depart for Vardzia, which houses Georgia's most impressive cave monastery built in the 12th century during the reign of Queen Tamar. On our way, we will have a panoramic view of the magnificent Khertvisi Castle and reach Vardzia, a rock-carved city consisting of more than 6,000 caves. From here, a short minibus ride (Optional) brings us to the city where we will explore hidden tunnels, ancient chapels, storehouses, and striking frescoes, including a famous portrait of Queen Tamar. After enjoying the breathtaking view of the Kura valley, we depart for Lake Çıldır. After a journey of approximately 2 hours via the Aktaş Border Gate, we arrive at Lake Çıldır. Following a short break by this lake, which boasts a unique landscape, we set off for Kars.

Morning Breakfast: To be taken at the hotel and is included in the tour price.

Lunch: To be taken optionally.

Dinner: To be taken optionally.

Accommodation: Kars Hotels, etc.

Route: Tbilisi - Gori (85 km) Gori - Borjomi (85 km) Borjomi - Vardzia (95 km) Vardzia - Kars (185 km)

Total Distance to be Covered: 450 km

KARS - ANİ RUINS - SARIKAMIŞ - ERZURUM

Our tour starts after breakfast at our hotel, as we set out to completely immerse ourselves in the magic of this fantastic eastern city, which has been shining brightly in recent times, and to closely examine Kars' rich cultural and historical texture. Our first stop will be Fethiye Mosque, built as a church in the late 19th century by the Russians in the Baltic architectural style and converted into a mosque in 1985. This historical transition stands out as an example reflecting Kars' cultural wealth. Afterwards, we proceed to the Church of the Apostles (Kümbet Mosque), built at the foot of Kars Castle. This church draws attention as a prominent example of the Armenian-Georgian architectural style. The details of the structure offer important clues reflecting the history and culture of the region. Afterwards, we go for a walk in the streets of Kars. In this region, called the land of 'Minstrels' (Aşıks), we witness Anatolia's rich gastronomy and cultural heritage. We step into the region's gourmet world by tasting delicacies such as honey, Kashar cheese, Gruyère cheese, piti, hangel, kete, goose meat, and trout. We visit the Stone Bridge (Taşköprü), which has survived from the Roman period and is still in use. This bridge stands out as a structure emphasizing the historical and geographical importance of the region. Similarly, the Historical Bath offers us a historical journey as a structure extending from the past to the present. While wandering around the city, we encounter structures where all the subtleties of Russian architecture are reflected, and we feel almost as if we are taking a trip outside of Turkey. By seeing the house where our famous poet Namık Kemal once lived, we witness Kars' literary and cultural importance. Following this natural beauty, we head to the Ani Ruins, added to the UNESCO World Heritage list. Located in Ocaklı village right next to the Arpaçay River, which forms the border with Armenia today, the monumental structures to be seen in the ruins will include the Church of Tigran Honents, the Cathedral of Ani, the Convent of the Virgins, the Menuçehr Mosque, and the Abughamrents (Poladoğlu) Church. After our tours, we depart for Erzurum. Sarıkamış Martyrdom will be seen along the way. After a pleasant journey of about four hours, we arrive in Erzurum, the land of the Dadaşes. We take tours of Yakutiye Madrasah, Çifte Minareli Madrasah, Ulu Mosque, and Three Tombs (Üç Kümbetler). We head to Taşhan (Rüstem Pasha Caravanserai) for Oltu stone, a must-see in Erzurum, and to our restaurant for Cağ Kebabı and Kadayıf Dolması. After free time, we go to the airport. We return to Ankara with the 21.00 flight of Ajet Airlines. We say goodbye with the hope of meeting again on our other tours. Goodbye...

Morning Breakfast: To be taken at the hotel and is included in the tour price.

Lunch: To be taken optionally at a spot to be directed by our guide.

Dinner: To be taken optionally at a spot to be directed by our guide.

Route: Kars Sightseeing Tours (100 km) Kars - Erzurum (200 km)

Total Distance to be Covered: 300 km

TOTAL TOUR DISTANCE: 1625 km

NOTE: Due to the agreement made between the States of Azerbaijan and Georgia, Turkish citizens can cross with a PASSPORT. Crossing with other identity cards (driver's license, etc.) is not possible. Guests under the age of 18 who will not be traveling with their family (both Mother and Father at the Same Time) are required to obtain a NOTARIZED AUTHORIZATION LETTER for their crossings to Baku. It is mandatory for identity cards, including babies and children, to have a photograph. Identity cards must not be torn or worn out.

ATTENTION: DO NOT FORGET TO TAKE YOUR TC NUMBERED NATIONAL IDENTITY CARD AND PASSPORT WITH YOU WHEN GOING ON THE TRIP. THE ABROAD DEPARTURE FEE IS PAID BY THE GUEST.

During registration, the name, date of birth, and passport number on the passport must be entered into the system. Flight tickets are issued according to this information. No-show charges for flight ticket cancellations or changes resulting from erroneous information will be reflected to the guests.

INFORMATION

* There is a minimum stay requirement of 3 days in order to bring goods (alcohol, cigarettes, etc.) when entering Turkey from abroad.

* With the regulation introduced by Georgia; Georgian Police do not accept any medication at country entry points. They immediately initiate legal proceedings against anyone possessing medication. For daily entries, you can take a single piece of medication that you will use during the day, wrapped in paper.

* Foreign guests who have entered Turkey from abroad with a passport must have obtained a multiple visa entry to Turkey in order to go to Georgia and return to Turkey. In addition, Visa/Visa-free transit will be provided according to the visa protocol of the Georgian Government with the countries to which the passports or identity cards belong. TRNC citizens will also be able to enter Georgia with their TRNC identity cards if they enter Turkey using their TRNC identity cards. TRNC citizens who entered Turkey with an European Union passport must also have obtained a multiple visa in order to return to Turkey.

* Since it is not always possible to find ATMs, exchange offices, etc. during the tour due to the intensity of the program, it is beneficial for our guests to be prepared for this situation.

* If citizens traveling to Georgia carry an amount of Turkish Lira/foreign currency equivalent to 30,000 Lari or more, it is important that they verbally or in writing declare their money to the Georgian customs officers in advance. Undeclared cash is confiscated in accordance with Georgian legislation.

During registration, the name, date of birth, and passport number on the passport must be entered into the system. Flight tickets are issued according to this information. No-show charges for flight ticket cancellations or changes resulting from erroneous information will be reflected to the guests.

The city where the plane will land may vary. Prontotour cannot be held responsible for schedule changes and possible delays that may be made by airlines.

Airline rules apply to group tickets, and in accordance with the group ticket rule, if the outbound flight is not used, the return flight cannot be used either.

In most flights departing from Turkey, the luggage weight is 20 kg. This weight may vary depending on the airline company and the country to be visited. On domestic flights in the visited countries, this weight may drop to 15 kg. Excess baggage weight/price rules are determined by the airlines and are not under the responsibility of Prontotour.

The tour route specified in the tour program is an example route and changes may occur in the tour track. City introduction tours can be carried out the next day/days depending on the arrival time to the city.

Optional tours can be realized provided that there is a minimum participation of 20 people; if there is less participation, they can be realized at the guide's initiative and by changing the prices if necessary. Prontotour cannot be held responsible for the failure to perform these trips or tours.

Optional tours on the way take place if at least 10 people from the group participate. Guests who do not wish to participate are made to wait at the break spot.

Trips or tours that are not permitted to be visited or gone to by local authorities for any reason will not be carried out. Prontotour cannot be held responsible for the failure to perform these trips or tours.
  
Prontotour reserves the right to change hotel names provided that the star category remains the same.

All hotel names, etc. specified in the programs are equivalent and written to serve as an example in terms of star category and distance. It does not mean that accommodation will be made in the specified hotel.

In triple rooms, there is an extra bed application, and the 3rd bed is smaller than the standard bed and/or is an additional opening-closing extra bed.

CLIMATE

It is a generally temperate climate type with precipitation in all seasons. Frontal and orographic precipitation is dominant. The presence of high mountains parallel to the coast in the region has created an environment for increased precipitation. Although there are no significant differences among precipitation amounts in the region, the highest precipitation is seen in autumn and the least in spring. The region is also the most humid region of our country in terms of humidity. Therefore, the annual and daily temperature differences are not large in the region. At the same time, winters are not very cold in the region, but they are rainy. Precipitation is mostly in the form of rain, while snowfall, frost events, and frequent fog can also be seen. Summer months are also temperate in the region. The average of the warmest month does not exceed 22°C-24°C. The average temperature of the coldest month is always above 0°C. From time to time, cold air masses coming from the northwest affect the region, but this effect disappears as one goes east of the region. Depending on its geographical characteristics, the region shows variations in terms of temperature and precipitation. Precipitation occurs as the cool and humid air coming over the Black Sea rises along the North Anatolian Mountains. Due to the high altitude in the Eastern Black Sea Section, the highest precipitation is seen in this section. The average annual precipitation amount is 2000 mm (Rize 2300 mm). On the southern part of the North Anatolian Mountains, this value drops down to 300 mm. The Central Black Sea Section, on the other hand, is the least rainy section of the region due to the decrease in altitude. Here, the average annual precipitation amount is around 700 mm. In the Western Black Sea Section, parallel to the fact that the altitude is lower compared to the Eastern Black Sea Section, precipitation in this section is less than in the Eastern Black Sea Section. The annual precipitation amount is around 1200 mm. Throughout the region, the annual precipitation amount can exceed 2000 mm, especially in the Eastern Black Sea Section, while it can drop down to 600 mm in the Central Black Sea Section.

MIDIBUSES

ISUZU TURKUAZ: 31+1 or 27 + 1 Seating, Reclining Bus Seats, ABS, ASR, Air Conditioning, 1 Monitor, 1 Refrigerator, Kitchen Unit with Water Heater, Reading Lamps, Sound System for Guide Announcements, CD and DVD Player.

NOVO LUX: 31+1 or 27 + 1 Seating, Reclining Bus Seats, ABS, ASR, Air Conditioning, 1 Monitor, 1 Refrigerator, Kitchen Unit with Water Heater, Reading Lamps, Sound System for Guide Announcements, CD and DVD Player.

TEMSA PRESTIGE: 31+1 or 27 + 1 Seating, Reclining Bus Seats, ABS, ASR, Air Conditioning, 1 Monitor, 1 Refrigerator, Kitchen Unit with Water Heater, Reading Lamps, Sound System for Guide Announcements, CD and DVD Player.

MINIBUSES

MERCEDES SPRINTER: 12+1 or 16 + 1 Seating, Specially Designed Reclining Bus Seats, ABS, ASR, Air Conditioning, 1 Refrigerator, Reading Lamps, Sound System for Guide Announcements, CD and DVD Player.

VOLKSWAGEN CRAFTER: 12+1 or 16 + 1 Seating, Specially Designed Reclining Bus Seats, ABS, ASR, Air Conditioning, 1 Refrigerator, Reading Lamps, Sound System for Guide Announcements, CD and DVD Player.

NOTE: Any of the vehicle types mentioned above is used in our tours depending on the number of people.

OUR TOUR PROGRAMS HAVE BEEN PREPARED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONSUMER LAW NO. 6502.