Azerbaijan, Georgia and Kars Tour with Flight and Eastern Express 7 Nights

GEORGIA MANDATORY TRAVEL HEALTH INSURANCE IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

DEPARTURE AND RETURN AIRPORT SHUTTLE SERVICE

DEPARTURE

Our tour, begins by picking you up from 17.00 in front of Beylikdüzü Migros - 17.30 in front of Yenibosna Airport AVM - 18.00 in front of Şişli Prontotour Office - 18.30 next to Kadıköy Marriage Office Parking Lot, and moving with our services to Sabiha Gökçen Airport. At the airport, we complete our check-in procedures for our flight with our passports. Meeting with our guests who will arrive at the area by their own means at 20.00 in front of the Pegasus Airlines Counter, we pass the security check and depart for Baku with the Pegasus Airlines flight Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen – Baku, which will depart from the International Terminal at 23.10.

NOTE: According 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 a period of less than 9 months may encounter the situation of not being accepted into the country by the country passport police. In such cases, the responsibility belongs to the passport holder.

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

Our tour, starts as we meet with our guide and vehicle upon landing in Baku at 03.00 local time. First, we depart for the restaurant where we will have extra breakfast. After our breakfast, we start exploring Baku. First, we head to the Baku city center. In the city center, we first take a short break at Highland Park. During the break, you 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 fell as martyrs 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), the Little Venice Canal, and the Puppet Theatre. Then we continue our Baku tour on foot. The places we will see will be; the Scientists House Building, Seyid Mirbabaev Palace, Azerbaijan State Academic Philharmonic Building, and Icherisheher City Walls. Afterwards, with our guide, we start our Icherisheher (Old City) tour, which is 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, Shirvanshahs' Palace, Juma Mosque, Caravanserais, Maiden Tower, and Double Castle Gates. Afterwards, seeing the street used as the Formula Track, we take a short break in front of the Azerbaijan Literature Museum. We take a break at the restaurant where we will find dishes specific to Azerbaijani Cuisine. After our food 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 visit Ateshgah Fire Temple, an ancient place of worship for Zoroastrians. One of the Three Magi (Zoroastrian) Temples in the world, the structure will give us an idea about the fire-worship practices of ancient cultures. After our temple tour, we depart for our hotel. With our guests who wish, we go to the restaurant for dinner, which we will take as an extra (Musical Azerbaijan Night) (EXTRA).

Morning 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 Sightseeing Tours (120 km)

Total Distance to be Covered: 120 Km

Hotel Check-in Time: 16.30

SHAMAKHI - MUD VOLCANOES - NOHUR LAKE - SHEKI STREETS - SILK SHOPPING - SHEKI FORTRESS - SHEKI KHAN PALACE - SHEBEKE CRAFT

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 harbors historical and natural beauties. Depending on the road and weather conditions, after a short break at the mud volcanoes, we head to the Turkish Martyrdom built for our soldiers who fell as martyrs 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 take a break 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. In the city, which is famous for its dessert, we drop by a baklava shop to get information about baklava and halva making. Afterwards, we start exploring Sheki, which has a unique structure with its rich historical past, architecture, art, culture, and cuisine. We start our tour first 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 to buy silk products in Sheki, which is recorded in old travelogues as the most important silk production center of the Caucasus. The traditional shawl made from world-famous and award-winning Sheki silk is called "kelagayi". This headscarf, decorated with region-specific patterns and used in daily life or special occasions, was included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2014. During the break, you can walk on the historically significant stone streets and photograph the historical buildings. Sheki's old historical houses are very similar to house designs in Anatolia and Istanbul. Built generally as single or double storeyed, mansions constructed with traditional architecture such as stone and brick mixed exteriors, large wooden windows, and oriels, were built in different structures to indicate class membership. 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 was included in the UNESCO World Heritage list along with the historical center of Sheki. On both sides of the pool located in the garden named 'Han Bagi' (Khan Garden), there are 2 plane trees about 500 years old. After seeing the plane trees named 'Han Plane' by the public and its magnificent exterior, we start touring the palace. When you tour the two-storey palace, you will be amazed when you see the decorations and paintings inside. All of the facade windows are shaped in such a way that they pass into each other without using any nails or adhesive material, made with the branch of art where wooden slats, which Azerbaijanis call shebeke, are combined with colored glass pieces. Nazım Hikmet said, "Even if Azerbaijan had no other work of art, just this palace is enough to introduce it." We take a short break at the 'House of Craftsmen' built with Sheki-specific architecture, where ceramic workshops and shops are located near the palace. Afterwards, seeing the Round Church built by the Russians from the outside, we drop 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 branch of art by trying it. Afterwards, we depart for our hotel.

Morning 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 - Nohur Lake (65 km) Nohur Lake - Sheki (90 km)
Total Distance to be Covered: 325 Km
Hotel Check-in Time: 17.00

CITY OF LOVE SIGHNAGHI - BODBE MONASTERY - TBILISI

Our tour, after breakfast at our hotel in the morning, leaves Sheki and heads to the Azerbaijan-Georgia border gate with a journey of about two hours. Passing through the (Lagodekhi Border Gate), we head to Sighnaghi, also known as the "City of Love", which is one of the oldest and best-preserved fortified cities in Georgia. The places we will see here will be; fortress walls, St. George Church, marriage office (open all day), donkey-back doctor statue, fascinating houses, and cobblestone streets. After our break, we visit the Bodbe Monastery (nowadays a convent of nuns) built in 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 head to Tbilisi.

NOTE: According to the agreement made between the States of Azerbaijan and Georgia, Turkish citizens can cross the border with a PASSPORT.

Morning 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: 17.00

MEDIEVAL CASTLE ANAURI - MTSKHETA - TBILISI CITY TOUR

Our tour, after breakfast at our hotel in the morning, heads towards the Russian border gate to Anaururi Castle where we will see the Caucasus mountains. In the structure accepted as 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, the largest artificial lake in Georgia, we go to Mtskheta, established between the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers, which was the capital of Georgia (Kingdom of Iberia) 2000 years ago and is on the UNESCO Protection 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. Afterwards, we explore the historical texture and local atmosphere of the city on foot. After our old city tour, we head to Tbilisi. We make 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 Mtkvari River, Ottoman Period Mosque, Bathhouse (old sulfur bath), and the Clock Tower located next to the Rezo Gabriadze Puppet Theatre, which exhibits the life cycle with tiny puppets symbolizing marriages, the birth of their children, and funerals. Afterwards, a Georgian night awaits you with a special menu consisting of Georgian dishes (Extra).

Morning 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: Tbilisi Hotels etc.

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

Total Distance to be Covered: 130 Km

Hotel Check-in Time: 17.00

STALIN'S HOUSE - HOMELAND OF MINERAL WATER BORJOMI - AKHALTSIKHE - LAKE CHILDIR

Our tour, after breakfast at our hotel in the morning, goes to the monument located in Tbilisi Sea (Extra). There are columns telling both the history of the country and the 2000-year history of Christianity in the Chronicle of Georgia Monument. After leaving here, we head to Gori, known as the city where the Georgian-born Soviet leader Joseph Stalin was born. We will be able to see the small wooden hut where Stalin was born in 1878 and spent his first four years, and the green Pullman wagon that Stalin used on many trips (FROM THE OUTSIDE). Afterwards, we head to Borjomi, famous for its soda waters amidst natural beauties. The places we will see in Borjomi will be; Central Park (you can taste the mineral water here), Cultural Heritage Monument Firuza Building, and Poseidon Monument. Afterwards, from the Azguri gorge, we head to the historical city of Akhaltsikhe. After seeing Akhaltsikhe Fortress (Rabati), which was the administrative center of Chылdıր (Çıldır) Eyalet during the Ottoman period with its original architectural structure unlike any of the castle complexes in the world, panoramically, we head to Lake Childir. After a journey of about 2 hours via Aktaş Border Gate, we reach Lake Childir. In this lake which has a unique view, those who wish get the chance to tour on the lake, which is generally covered with ice in winter months, by horse-drawn sleigh (if the ice thickness is suitable according to seasonal conditions). Afterwards, we depart for our hotel located in Kars.

Morning 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: Kars Hotels, etc.

Route: Tbilisi - Gori (85 km) Gori - Borjomi (85 km) Borjomi - Kars (290 km)

Total Distance to be Covered: 450 km

KARS - ANI RUINS - CAUCASUS NIGHT

Our tour, after the breakfast we will have at our hotel in the morning, sets off to completely surrender to the magic of this fantastic city of the East, which has been shining brightly in recent times, and to see Kars' rich cultural and historical texture up close. Our first stop will be the Fethiye Mosque, which was built as a church in the Baltic Architectural style by the Russians in the late 19th century and converted into a mosque in 1985. This historical transition stands out as an example reflecting the cultural richness of Kars. Afterwards, we proceed to the Church of the Apostles (Kümbet Mosque) built at the foothills of Kars Castle. This church draws attention as a prominent example of the Armenian-Georgian architectural style. The details of the structure provide important clues reflecting the history and culture of the region. Afterwards, we take a walk in the streets of Kars. In this region, called the land of 'Ashiqs', we witness Anatolia's rich gastronomy and cultural heritage. We step into the gourmet world of the region by trying delicacies such as honey, Kashar cheese, Gruyère cheese, piti, hangel, kete, goose meat, and whitefish. We visit the Taş Köprü (Stone Bridge), which has survived from the Roman period and is still in use. This bridge appears 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 walking around the city, we encounter structures where we see the reflections of all the subtleties of Russian architecture and we feel as if we are making a journey outside of Turkey. By seeing the house where our famous poet Namık Kemal lived for a period, we witness the literary and cultural importance of Kars. Following this natural beauty, we go to the Ani Ruins, which have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage list. Located in the Ocaklı village right next to the Arpaçay River, which forms the border of Armenia today, the monumental structures to be seen in the archaeological site will be the Church of Tigran Honents, Ani Cathedral, Convent of the Virgins, Menuçehr Mosque, and Abughamrents (Poladoğlu) Church. Following our tours, we return to our hotel in the evening hours. We go to the Caucasus Folk Dances show (Optional) with our guests who wish. (Night tours are optional and are carried out depending on participation and the number of people.)

Breakfast: To be Taken at the Hotel and is Included in the Tour Price.

Lunch: To be Taken Optionally at a Point to be Directed by Our Guide.

Dinner: To be Taken Optionally at a Point to be Directed by Our Guide.

Route: Kars Sightseeing Tours (100 km)

Total Distance to be Covered: 100 Km

JOURNEY TO ERZURUM WITH THE EASTERN EXPRESS - YAKUTIYE MADRASAH - TAŞ HAN

Following a nice breakfast at our hotel, at 08.00 we take our places in the Pullman wagon of the historical Eastern Express, one of the most enjoyable moments of this trip, and set off towards Erzurum, the land of dadaşes. We reach Erzurum after a nostalgic journey of approximately four hours accompanied by the fascinating scenery of the railways. (In case of any possible disruption in train services, our journey will be carried out via the Kars-Erzurum highway with our comfortable tour vehicle, and on this route, we will have the chance to visit the Sarıkamış Martyrdom where epics of heroism were written.) With our arrival in Erzurum, we step into the streets resembling an open-air museum to discover the deep-rooted history and architectural masterpieces of the city. Among the historical places we will see within the scope of our cultural tour are; Yakutiye Madrasah with its magnificent architecture surviving from the Ilkhanid period, Çifte Minareli Madrasah, a Seljuk masterpiece which is the most important symbol of the city, Ulu Mosque, the oldest and largest place of worship in the city, Üç Kümbetler, one of the finest examples of monumental tombs in Anatolia, and the Erzurum Congress and National Struggle Museum (If Open) where the foundations of our Republic were laid. Atatürk University Ata Ice Works Museum, Turkey's first and only ice museum, offers both an artistic and cultural experience with its unique works where art reflects on ice, giving us unforgettable moments. After our cultural discoveries, we go to the historical Taşhan (Rüstem Pasha Caravanserai) for shopping for Oltu stone, Erzurum's world-famous black amber. After wonderful souvenirs you can buy for your loved ones, we proceed to our restaurant to experience the most special delicacies of the gourmet world. We feast on the delicious Cağ Kebab, which comes to mind first when Erzurum is mentioned and is flavored over a wood fire, and crispy Kadayıf Dolması, leaving unforgettable marks on our palates. After the pleasant free time we will give after dinner, we depart for Erzurum Airport. We complete this fairy-tale Eastern adventure with the 20.45 Istanbul flight of AJet Airlines and return to Istanbul. Our comfortable transfer vehicles waiting for us at the airport safely drop our esteemed guests off at the departure points we took on the first day, with the wish to meet again on another tour.

Note: In case there are no seats on the train, transportation between Kars and Erzurum will be by bus.

Breakfast: To be Taken at the Hotel and is Included in the Tour Price.

Lunch: To be Taken Optionally in Erzurum.

Dinner: To be Taken Optionally.

Accommodation: It is the Return Day, There is No Accommodation.

Route: Erzurum Sightseeing Tours (40 km)

Total Distance to be Covered: 40 km

Total Tour Distance: 950 Km

Ahıska Palas Hotel : Ministry of Culture and Tourism - Tourism Operation Certificate: G_16969

Sim – er Hotel : Ministry of Culture and Tourism - Tourism Operation Certificate: 7721

NOTE: Due to the agreement made between the States of Azerbaijan and Georgia, TR citizens can cross with a PASSPORT. Crossing with identity cards other than this (driving license, etc.) cannot be done. Guests under the age of 18 who will not travel with their family (Mother and Father at the Same Time) are required to obtain a NOTARY-approved LETTER OF CONSENT for their Baku crossings. 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 TR ID CARD AND PASSPORT WITH YOU WHEN SETTING OUT ON THE TRIP. INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE FEE IS PAID BY THE GUEST.

During registration, the name, date of birth, and passport number appearing on the passport must be entered into the system. Plane tickets are issued according to this information. The no-show fee for plane ticket cancellations or changes resulting from incorrect information will be reflected to the guests.

Important Note: The departure point of our tours is Istanbul, and the individual domestic flights or connecting tickets to be purchased by our guests who will join the tour from different cities are entirely under their own responsibility. In case the tour is canceled due to insufficient participation or flight times change caused by the airline company, our agency is by no means responsible for the cancellation, refund, or change expenses of the tickets purchased by guests from other provinces.

NOTE: All extra activities such as ATV safari, boat tour, diving, jeep safari, parachute, hot air balloon, and similar ones offered or suggested to guests during the tour, which are not included in the package tour program, are outside the scope of the Package Tour Agreement and qualify as a separate service. Such extra services are not organized by our agency, and the related services are provided by independent third-party suppliers. Guests purchase and participate in the said services entirely at their own will and initiative. The guest accepts and declares that they establish a direct contractual relationship with the local service provider concerned prior to participation in extra activities, and that information regarding the scope, safety, and conditions of the service will be provided by the relevant provider. In this context; our agency has no responsibility for any kind of accidents, injuries, deaths, material and moral damages, and negativities originating from third parties that may occur during extra tours. The guest accepts that they know such activities involving risk inherently contain danger, that their health condition is suitable for participation, and that all necessary responsibility belongs to them. In addition, all dangerous activities are not covered by insurance.

INFORMATION
* Delays may occur in crossing procedures due to seasonal densities at the Batumi border crossing. Your guide will make the necessary warnings regarding this issue.

* There is a mandatory accommodation of at least 3 days to bring goods (alcohol - cigarette, etc.) when entering Turkey from abroad.

* With the regulation introduced by Georgia; Georgian Police do not accept any medicine at country entries. They immediately start legal proceedings against the person possessing medicine. For daily entries, you can take only one piece of medicine that you will use during the day wrapped in paper with you.

* PRONTOTOUR is not responsible for problems that may occur due to deformation in identity cards at the Georgian border crossing. Georgia requests photographs on identity cards, including babies and children. (Having a photograph is mandatory)

* Foreign guests who have entered Turkey with a passport from abroad must have obtained a multiple entry visa to Turkey in order to go to Georgia and return to Turkey. In addition, Visa/Visa-free crossing 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 use their TRNC identity cards when entering Turkey. TRNC citizens who enter Turkey with an European Union passport must also have obtained a Multiple visa to return to Turkey.
* Since it is not always possible to find ATMs, exchange offices, etc. during the tour due to program density, it is useful for our guests to be prepared for this situation.

* It is important for our citizens who will travel to Georgia to declare their money verbally or in writing to Georgian customs officers in advance if they have Turkish Liras/foreign currency equivalent to 30,000 Lari or more with them. Undeclared cash is confiscated in accordance with Georgian legislation.

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 Announcement, 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 Announcement, 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 Announcement, 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 Announcement, Cd And Dvd Player.

WOLKSWAGEN CRAFTER: 12+1 or 16 + 1 Seating, Specially Designed Reclining Bus Seats, Abs, Asr, Air Conditioning, 1 Refrigerator, Reading Lamps, Sound System for Guide Announcement, 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 CONSUMER LAW NO. 6502.