Flight-Included Georgia Christmas Markets Tour 3 Nights

New Year is celebrated twice in Tbilisi. One is on January 1st according to the Gregorian calendar and the other is on January 14th according to the Julian calendar. Since the Georgian people are an Orthodox Christian society, they celebrate the unofficial religious New Year as much as the official New Year. For this reason, Christmas markets and New Year decorations on main arteries such as Rustaveli Avenue, Freedom Square, Orbeliani Square, and Atoneli Street are also removed after mid-January. During the Christmas period, the city is adorned with festive decorations and traditional markets are set up. Various festive events and activities are organized in the city, including Christmas light shows and a Christmas concert at the concert hall. You can see colorful lights, Christmas trees, and New Year-themed decorations almost everywhere in the city. Going a bit overboard with fireworks, Georgians start celebrating with fireworks almost at all hours of the day starting a week before the new year. As part of this Christmas tour, we will visit the holiday markets, browse unique vendors, and give free time to buy traditional Georgian souvenirs. 

RİZE – KUTAİSİ - TBILISI

Our tour begins by picking you up at 03.30 in front of Beylikdüzü Migros - 04.00 in front of Yenibosna Airport Avm - 04.30 in front of Şişli Prontotour Central Office - at 05.00 next to the Kadıköy Marriage Office Parking Lot, and we depart with our services to Sabiha Gökçen Airport. We perform our check-in procedures for our flight at the airport with our identity card or driver's license. We meet with our guests who will come to the airport by their own means at 05.30 in front of the Ajet Airlines Counter, pass through security control, and depart for Rize with the Ajet Airlines Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen – Rize flight scheduled to depart at 07.50. After meeting with our vehicle and guide waiting for us in Rize, we depart for Batumi. Entering through the Sarp Border Gate, we depart for Tbilisi via Batumi and Kutaisi, the second largest city of Georgia after Tbilisi. We make our walking tour of Tbilisi. The places we will see will be; the Vakhtang Gorgasali Statue which gives Tbilisi its name, the David the Builder Statue, the Saint Nino Statue, Freedom Square, colorful historical Tbilisi houses around the Kura River, the Ottoman Period Mosque, Bath (old sulfur bath), and the Clock Tower next to the Rezo Gabriadze Puppet Theater which exhibits the life cycle with tiny puppets symbolizing marriages, the birth of their children, and funerals. During this walk, we also give short breaks decorated with live lights and lively markets. 

According to the agreement made between the states of Turkey and Georgia, TR citizens can cross into Georgia with new-type photo ID cards containing their TR identity number. Crossings cannot be made with other documents (driver's license, institutional IDs, etc.). Crossing into Georgia cannot be provided with old ID cards. It is legally mandatory for IDs to have a photograph, including babies and children. Guests under the age of 18 who will not travel with their family (both mother and father at the same time) are required to obtain a notarized consent letter for their crossings. The international departure fee is paid by the guest. Do not forget to take your photo TR identity card with you when setting off on the journey.

Morning Breakfast: Will Be Taken As Extra.

Lunch: Will Be Taken As Extra.

Dinner: Will Be Taken As Extra.

Hotel: Tbilisi Hotels or similar.

Route: Rize – Tbilisi (350 km)

Total Distance to be Covered: 350 Km

Hotel Check-in Time: 21.30 (Estimated Time)

BODBE MONASTERY - CITY OF LOVE SIGHNAGHI -  WINE TASTING - GEORGIAN BREAD MAKING - TBILISI CITY TOUR - TBILISI CHRISTMAS MARKETS

Our tour begins after breakfast at our hotel in the morning, as we start to explore Kakheti, the wine region of Georgia located in the eastern part of the country. Our first stop will be the winery located on the way. After doing our wine tasting and shopping here, we take a short break to see Georgian bread making on-site. After tasting traditional Georgian Bread Shotis Puri or Shoti, and Georgian cheeses,  we visit the Bodbe Monastery (today a convent of nuns) built on the burial place of St. Nino, who witnessed the conversion of Georgians to the Christian faith. 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 depart for 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; the city walls, St. George's Church, the marriage registry office (open all day), the statue of the healer on a donkey, its charming houses, and cobblestone streets.  After our break, we return to Tbilisi. We make our walking tour of Tbilisi. During this walk, we also give short breaks in the city which has transformed into a winter wonderland decorated with lively lights and bustling markets. We discover the lively Christmas markets, passing by beautifully decorated cafes, restaurants, bars, and market stalls, each telling a unique Christmas story. Afterwards, a Georgian night awaits you with a special menu consisting of Georgian dishes (Extra).

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

Lunch: Will Be Taken As Extra.

Dinner: Will Be Taken As Extra.

Accommodation: Tbilisi Hotels or similar.

Route: Tbilisi - Sighnaghi (105 km) Sighnaghi - Tbilisi (105 km) 

Total Distance to be Covered: 210 Km

Hotel Check-in Time: 18.00

TBILISI SEA - STALIN'S HOUSE - BATUMI CITY TOUR - BATUMI CHRISTMAS MARKET

Our tour begins after breakfast at our hotel in the morning, as we head to the monument located at the Tbilisi Sea (Extra). The Georgian Chronicle Monument features columns depicting both the history of the country and the 2000-year history of Christianity. After leaving here, we depart for Gori, known as the city where the Soviet leader of Georgian origin, Joseph Stalin, was born. In Gori, we will be able to see from the outside the small wooden hut where Stalin was born in 1878 and spent his first four years, and the green Pullman carriage that Stalin used on many of his travels. Then we depart for Batumi via Kutaisi. With our guests who wish, we go on a Batumi night city tour which creates a beautiful appearance with the illumination of the streets. On our city tour, our first sightseeing spot is the Justice House, designed in the shape of an inverted bottle among different and remarkable structures, and then we move to the Old Port, and the statue of Ali and Nino. Then we watch the dancing water at the Small Water Games located in the city center where we can watch its dance within the magnificent harmony of music and light, and we visit the Christmas Market set up in Europe Square. Afterwards, we depart for our hotel. 

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

Lunch: Will Be Taken As Extra.

Dinner: Will Be Taken As Extra.

Accommodation: Batumi Hotels, etc.

Route: Tbilisi - Batumi (350 km)

Total Distance to be Covered: 350 km

BATUMI CITY TOUR - MAKHUNTSETI WATERFALL

Our tour begins after breakfast at our hotel, as we set out to explore the center of Batumi city. We take a short stroll in the center of Batumi. During this pleasant walk accompanied by our guide, the places we will see include: the Ottoman-era Orta Mosque, Clock Tower, Piazza Square, Government Palace, Poseidon Statue, Theater Building, Astronomical Clock, St. Nicholas Church, and Hotel France, where Nâzim Hikmet once stayed. While walking, we also taste local street foods (Kvas, Pear Juice, Luca Polare Italian-style ice cream). Afterwards, we set off for the Makhuntseti Tour. First, we visit the authentic wine house (Adjarian Wine House) (Entrance Fee 20 Lari Extra). Guests who wish can purchase world-famous Georgian wines here. After the meal, we visit the Makhuntseti Stone Bridge, built during the ancient period by Queen Tamar Mepe of Georgia, and the Makhuntseti Waterfall, a wonder of nature. Following our visits, we depart from Batumi. Passing through the Sarp border gate, we head to Rize Airport. We depart for Istanbul with the Ajet Airlines flight at 18:35. We say goodbye with sadness, hoping to meet again on the next Prontotour journey. Goodbye...

Morning Breakfast: To 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: IT IS THE RETURN DAY, THERE IS NO ACCOMMODATION.

Route: Sightseeing Tours (50 km) Batumi - Rize (80 km)

Total Distance to be Traveled: 130 Km

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

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

* According to the law introduced by Georgia; Georgian Police do not accept any medicines at country borders. Legal proceedings are immediately initiated against individuals found possessing medicine. For daily entries, you can take a single dose of medicine you will use during the day wrapped in paper with you.
* PRONTOTOUR is not responsible for problems that may occur due to deformation of IDs at the Georgian border crossing. Georgia requests photographs on IDs, including babies and children. (Having a photograph is mandatory)
* Foreign guests who have entered Turkey from abroad with a passport must have obtained a multiple entry visa for Turkey in order to go to Georgia and return to Turkey. In addition, visa-free/visa-regulated crossings will be provided according to the visa protocol of the Georgian Government with the countries to which the passports or IDs belong. TRNC citizens will be able to enter Georgia with their TRNC IDs if they enter Turkey using their TRNC IDs. TRNC citizens who enter Turkey with an European Union passport must also have obtained a multiple visa in order to return to Turkey.

* Due to the density expected at the border gate on the day of crossing to Batumi, an early departure from the hotel in the morning may take place. Or similarly, a very late hotel check-in in the evening may occur. In this case, breakfast or dinner may not be available at the hotel. Prontotour has no responsibility in this case, and guests have no right to compensation. Breakfast time in hotels is between 07:00 – 10:00. Dinner time is between 19:00 – 21:30.
* The plateau hotels to be stayed have the structure of Bungalows and standard plateau hotels, and all accommodations are determined by the hotel. There is no obligation to have local food in the hotels. 
* 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.
* Long roads may be traveled during the day within the scope of the programs to be carried out. Information regarding the subject will be given to you by your guide.
* Economical menus specific to the region have been created for lunches.
* Tables separated for groups are used for lunches and dinners depending on regional density.

Important Note: The departure point of our tours is Istanbul, and interim flights or connection tickets to be purchased individually by our guests joining the tour from different cities are entirely their own responsibility. In the event that the tour is canceled due to insufficient participation or flight times change caused by the airline company, our agency is definitely not responsible for the cancellation, refund, or change costs 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 activities 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 Contract and constitute a separate service. Such extra services are not organized by our agency, and the relevant services are provided by independent third-party suppliers. Guests purchase and participate in these 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 participating 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 accidents, injuries, deaths, material and moral damages, and negative situations caused by third parties that may occur during extra tours. The guest acknowledges that they know such activities involving risks 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.

CLIMATE

It is a generally temperate climate type with rainfall in all seasons. Frontal and orographic precipitation dominate. The presence of high mountains parallel to the coast in the region has created an environment for increased precipitation. Although there is no major difference among the 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 in the region are not much. At the same time, winters in the region are not very cold, but rainy. Precipitation is mostly in the form of rain, and snowfall, frost events can be seen, as well as frequent fog. Summer months in the region are also temperate. 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. Although cold air masses coming from the northwest occasionally affect the region, this effect disappears as one goes east of the region. The region shows variations in terms of temperature and precipitation according to its geographical features. Precipitation occurs as the cool and moist 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 to 300 mm. The Central Black Sea Section, on the other hand, is the least precipitation-receiving section of the region due to the decrease in altitude. Here, the annual precipitation amount is around 700 mm on average. In the Western Black Sea Section, parallel to the fact that the altitude is less than the Eastern Black Sea Section, precipitation in this section is less than the Eastern Black Sea Section. The annual precipitation amount is around 1200 mm on average. Across the region, the annual precipitation amount can exceed 2000 mm especially in the Eastern Black Sea Section, while it can drop to 600 mm in the Central Black Sea Section.

BUSES

MERCEDES TRAVEGO & TOURISMO: 46+1+1 Seating, Abs, Asr, Air Conditioned, Body Lowering Lifting System Tempomat (Speed Limiter and Stabilizer), TV, DVD Player (DVD, VCD, CD, MP3), 15" LCD monitors in the front and middle.

MAN FORTUNA: 46+1+1 Seating, Abs, Asr, Air Conditioned, Body Lowering Lifting System Tempomat (Speed Limiter and Stabilizer), TV, DVD Player (DVD, VCD, CD, MP3), 15" LCD monitors in the front and middle.

NEOPLAN CITYLINER / TOURLINER: 46+1+1 Seating, Abs, Asr, Air Conditioned, Body Lowering Lifting System Tempomat (Speed Limiter and Stabilizer), TV, DVD Player (DVD, VCD, CD, MP3), 15" LCD monitors in the front and middle.

TEMSA SAFIR / MARATON: 46+1+1 Seating, Abs, Asr, Air Conditioned, Body Lowering Lifting System Tempomat (Speed Limiter and Stabilizer), TV, DVD Player (DVD, VCD, CD, MP3), 15" LCD monitors in the front and middle.

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 Lights, 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 Lights, 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 Lights, Sound System for Guide Announcement, Cd and Dvd Player.

MINIBUSES

MERCEDES SPRINTER: 12+1 or 16 + 1 Seating, Specially Designed Reclining Bus Leather Seats, Abs, Asr, Air Conditioning, 1 Refrigerator, Reading Lights, Sound System for Guide Announcement, Cd and Dvd Player.

VOLKSWAGEN CRAFTER: 12+1 or 16 + 1 Seating, Specially Designed Reclining Bus Leather Seats, Abs, Asr, Air Conditioning, 1 Refrigerator, Reading Lights, Sound System for Guide Announcement, Cd and Dvd Player.

NOTE: Depending on the number of people on our tours, any of the vehicle types mentioned above is used.

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