Georgia Christmas Markets Tour by Plane from Ankara 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 removed after mid-January. During the Christmas period, the city is decorated with festive ornaments 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, pine trees, and New Year-themed decorations almost everywhere in the city. Georgians, who are a bit exaggerated about fireworks, start celebrating with fireworks almost every hour of the day in the last week before the new year. As part of this Christmas tour, we will visit holiday markets, browse unique vendors, and give free time to buy traditional Georgian souvenirs.

RIZE - KUTAISI - TBILISI

Our tour starts in Ankara and extends to Georgia's historic capital, Tbilisi. We take our first step by meeting at Ankara Esenboğa Airport at 05.30. We perform our check-in procedures with our ID card or driver's license for the Ankara - Rize flight departing at 07.50 operated by AJet Airlines. After a pleasant flight, we land at Rize-Artvin Airport. After meeting our vehicle and professional guide waiting for us in Rize, we head towards our restaurant to shake off the morning drowsiness and have our extra breakfast. After a pleasant breakfast, we reach the Sarp Border Gate, the crossing point between Turkey and Georgia. We complete our passport control and customs procedures and enter Georgia. Passing through Batumi, we follow the route to Kutaisi, the second-largest city in the country after Tbilisi, and head towards the capital, Tbilisi. When we reach Tbilisi, we set out on a walking exploration accompanied by our guide to feel the spirit of the city in the best way. The places we will see during our Tbilisi city tour are; the Vakhtang Gorgasali Statue, which gives Tbilisi its name, the David the Builder Statue, the Mother of Georgia (Kartlis Deda) Statue, Freedom Square, the colorful historic Tbilisi houses lined up around the Kura River, the Ottoman Period Mosque, the Bath (old sulfur bath), and the Clock Tower located next to the Rezo Gabriadze Puppet Theater, which displays the cycle of life with tiny puppets symbolizing marriages, births of children, and funerals. During this pleasant walk, we also take short breaks at stops decorated with bright lights and lively local markets.

According to the agreement between the states of Turkey and Georgia, T.C. citizens can enter Georgia with new-type photo ID cards containing a T.C. identity number. Entry cannot be made with other documents (driver's license, institutional IDs, etc.). Entry to Georgia cannot be provided with old identity cards. It is legally mandatory for IDs to have a photo, including for babies and children. Guests under the age of 18 who will not be traveling with their family (mother and father at the same time) must obtain a notarized letter of consent for their passage. The international departure fee is paid by the guest. Do not forget to take your photo T.C. ID card with you when traveling.
 

Breakfast: Will be taken as an extra.

Lunch: Will be taken as an extra.

Dinner: Will be taken as an extra.

Hotel: Tbilisi Hotels etc.

Route: Rize - Tbilisi (350 km)

Total Distance to be Traveled: 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, after the breakfast we will have at our hotel in the morning, we start to explore Kakheti, the wine region of Georgia located in the eastern part of the country. Our first stop will be the wine factory on the way. After 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 (now a nunnery), built on the site where Saint Nino, who witnessed the Georgians' conversion 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 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 are; city walls, St. George Church, marriage office (open all day), statue of a doctor on a donkey, charming houses, and cobblestone streets. After our break, we return to Tbilisi. We take our Tbilisi tour on foot. During this walk, we also take short breaks in the city, which has turned into a winter wonderland decorated with bright lights and lively markets. We explore the lively Christmas markets, passing by beautifully decorated cafes, restaurants, bars, and market stalls, each telling a unique Christmas story. Afterwards, a Georgian night with a special menu consisting of Georgian dishes awaits you (Extra).

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 - Sighnaghi (105 km) Sighnaghi - Tbilisi (105 km)

Total Distance to be Traveled: 210 Km

Hotel Check-in Time: 18.00

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

Our tour, after the breakfast we will have at our hotel in the morning, we go to the monument located at the Tbilisi Sea (Extra). The Chronicle of Georgia monument contains pillars that tell both the history of the country and the 2000-year history of Christianity. After leaving here, we move to Gori, known as the city where the Georgian-born Soviet leader Josef Stalin was born. We visit the Stalin Museum in Gori. In the museum, we will also be able to see 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 trips. After our museum visit, we move to Batumi via Kutaisi. With our guests who wish, we go on a Batumi night city tour, which creates a beautiful appearance with the lighting of the streets. Our first sightseeing spot on the city tour is the Justice House, designed in the shape of an inverted bottle, one of the different and remarkable structures, the Old Port, and the statue of Ali and Nino. Afterwards, we watch the dance of water in the Small Water Games located in the city center, where we can watch the magnificent harmony of music and light, and visit the Christmas Market set up in Europe Square. Then we move to our hotel. Our guests who wish can benefit from the Casino near 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: Batumi Hotels, etc.

Route: Tbilisi - Batumi (350 km)

Total Distance to be Traveled: 350 km

BATUMI CITY TOUR - MAKHUNTSETI WATERFALL - STORM VALLEY - ZILKALE

Our tour begins after breakfast at our hotel, as we start exploring the city center of Batumi. We take a short stroll through the city center. During this pleasant walk accompanied by our guide, we will see the Orta Mosque remaining from the Ottoman era, the Clock Tower, Piazza Square, the Government Building, the Statue of Poseidon, the Theater Building, the Astronomical Clock, the Church of Saint Nicholas, and Hotel France, where Nazım Hikmet once stayed. While walking, we also taste local street delicacies (Kvass, Pear Juice, Luca Polare Italian-style ice cream). Afterward, we set out for the Makhuntseti Tour. First, we head to 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 by the Georgian Queen Tamar Mepe in the old era, and the Makhuntseti Waterfall, a natural wonder. After our visits, we leave Batumi. We cross the Sarp border gate and head towards the Storm Valley (Fırtına Vadisi), one of the most beautiful valleys of the Black Sea. In the Storm Valley, we first have activity time at our facilities by the Storm Creek (Fırtına Deresi); for our guests who wish, we start a magnificent tour with minibuses we will board from Çamlıhemşin (EXTRA). We enter the Çat Valley, one of the important valleys that make up the Storm Valley. First, passing through Ortan Village, we see Şenyuva Village, formerly known as Çinçiva, where the TV series SEVDALUK and many other productions were filmed. Here, we take a photo break at one of the wide and long stone bridges, of which there are dozens in the valley. We set off towards Zilkale, which rises in the wild nature of the Çat Valley, passing through the Storm Mansions, which are the oldest mansions in our country located in this region. You will admire the appearance of Zilkale, which resembles an Eagle's Nest. During the time we spend at Zilkale, located 750 meters above sea level and 100 meters above the Çat Creek, you can capture some of the most beautiful photo frames of your life. After these beautiful moments, we board our minibuses and return to Çamlıhemşin. Afterward, we head to Rize Airport. We depart for Ankara with the 20.35 flight operated by Ajet Airlines. We say goodbye with sadness, hoping to meet again on the next Prontotour trip. 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: THIS IS THE RETURN DAY, THERE IS NO ACCOMMODATION.

Route: Sightseeing (50 km) Batumi - Rize (130 km)

Total Distance to be Covered: 180 Km

INFORMATION
* Due to periodic congestion at the Batumi border crossing, there may be delays in crossing procedures. Your guide will provide the necessary warnings regarding this matter.

* There is a mandatory 3-day stay requirement to bring goods (alcohol - cigarettes, etc.) when entering Turkey from abroad.

* According to the law introduced by Georgia, the Georgian Police do not accept any medication at the country's entry points. They immediately initiate legal proceedings against individuals found with medication. For daily entries, you may take only one dose of the medication you will use during the day, wrapped in paper.
* PRONTOTOUR is not responsible for problems experienced due to deformation of IDs at the Georgian border crossing. Georgia requires photos on IDs, including for babies and children. (Having a photo is mandatory)
* Foreign guests who have entered Turkey from abroad with a passport must have obtained a multiple-entry visa for Turkey to be able to go to Georgia and return to Turkey. In addition, visa/visa-free passage 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 used their TRNC IDs to enter Turkey. TRNC citizens who entered Turkey with an EU passport must also have obtained a multiple-entry visa to return to Turkey.

* On the day of crossing to Batumi, due to the density at the border gate, early departure from the hotel may be required. Or, similarly, very late entry to the hotel in the evening may occur. In this case, breakfast or dinner may not be taken at the hotel. Prontotour has no responsibility in this situation, and guests have no right to compensation. Breakfast hours at hotels are between 07.00 – 10.00. Dinner hours are between 19.00 – 21.30.
* The highland hotels to be stayed in have a Bungalow and standard highland hotel structure, and all accommodations are determined by the hotel. There is no obligation for local food in the hotels.
* Since it is not always possible to find ATMs, currency 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 distances may be covered during the day within the programs to be carried out. Information on this subject will be provided to you by your guide.
* Economical menus specific to the region have been created for lunches.
* Tables divided into groups are used for lunches and dinners depending on the regional density.

CLIMATE

It is a generally temperate climate type that is rainy in every season. Frontal and orographic rains are dominant. The presence of high mountains parallel to the coast in the region has created an environment for increased rainfall. Although not among the rainfall amounts in the region, the most rainfall is seen in autumn and the least in spring. The region is also the most humid region of our country in terms of humidity. For this reason, the annual and daily temperature difference in the region is not large. At the same time, winter is not very cold in the region, but it is rainy. Precipitation is mostly in the form of rain, and while snowfall and frost events can be seen, fog is also frequently seen. Summer months are also temperate in the region. The average of the hottest 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 to the east of the region. The region shows changes in terms of temperature and precipitation according to its geographical features. Precipitation occurs as 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 Region, the most rainfall is seen in this section. The annual rainfall amount is 2000 mm on average (Rize 2300 mm). In the southern part of the North Anatolian Mountains, this value drops to 300 mm. The Central Black Sea Region is the region's least rainy section due to the decrease in altitude. Here, the annual rainfall amount is about 700 mm on average. In the Western Black Sea Region, rainfall is less than in the Eastern Black Sea Region, parallel to the fact that the elevation is lower than in the Eastern Black Sea Region. The annual rainfall amount is around 1200 mm on average. Throughout the region, the annual rainfall amount can exceed 2000 mm, especially in the Eastern Black Sea Region, and can drop to 600 mm in the Central Black Sea Region.

BUSES

MERCEDES TRAVEGO & TOURISMO: 46+1+1 Seating, ABS, ASR, Air Conditioning, Body Lowering-Lifting System, Tempomat (Speed Limiter and Cruise Control), TV, DVD Player (DVD, VCD, CD, MP3), 15" LCD monitor in the front and middle.

MAN FORTUNA: 46+1+1 Seating, ABS, ASR, Air Conditioning, Body Lowering-Lifting System, Tempomat (Speed Limiter and Cruise Control), TV, DVD Player (DVD, VCD, CD, MP3), 15" LCD monitor in the front and middle.

NEOPLAN CITYLINER / TOURLINER: 46+1+1 Seating, ABS, ASR, Air Conditioning, Body Lowering-Lifting System, Tempomat (Speed Limiter and Cruise Control), TV, DVD Player (DVD, VCD, CD, MP3), 15" LCD monitor in the front and middle.

TEMSA SAFIR / MARATON: 46+1+1 Seating, ABS, ASR, Air Conditioning, Body Lowering-Lifting System, Tempomat (Speed Limiter and Cruise Control), TV, DVD Player (DVD, VCD, CD, MP3), 15" LCD monitor 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 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 Lights, 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 Lights, Sound System for Guide Announcements, CD and DVD Player.

MINIBUSES

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

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

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

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