Georgia Christmas Markets Tour by Plane from Izmir 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, New Year decorations on main arteries such as Christmas markets and Rustaveli Avenue, Freedom Square, Orbeliani Square, and Atoneli Street are removed after mid-January. During the Christmas period, the city is filled with festive decorations and traditional markets. 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 tend to exaggerate with 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 the holiday markets, browse unique vendors, and have free time to purchase traditional Georgian souvenirs.

KUTAISI - TBILISI

Our tour starts by meeting at the airport at 03.30 for the Sunexpress Airlines flight from Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Trabzon, which will depart at 05.40. We complete our check-in procedures for our flight with our national ID cards or driver's licenses. We fly to Trabzon with the Sun Express Airlines flight departing at 05.40. After meeting our vehicle and guide waiting for us in Trabzon, we head to our restaurant to shake off our morning drowsiness and have our extra breakfast. After breakfast, we depart for Batumi. We enter through the Sarp Border Gate and proceed to Tbilisi via Batumi and Kutaisi, the second-largest city in Georgia after Tbilisi. We take a walking tour of Tbilisi. The places we will see 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 historic colorful Tbilisi houses around the Kura River, the Ottoman-era Mosque, the Bathhouse (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, the birth of children, and funerals. During this walk, we also take short breaks decorated with lively lights and bustling markets.

According to the agreement between the Republic of Turkey and the State of Georgia, Turkish citizens can enter Georgia with new-type photo ID cards containing a T.R. identity number. Entry cannot be made with other documents (driver's license, institutional IDs, etc.). Entry to Georgia cannot be provided with old-style 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 families (mother and father simultaneously) 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.R. ID card with you when traveling.

Morning 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: Trabzon – Tbilisi (540 km)

Total Distance to be Covered: 540 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 breakfast at our hotel in the morning, begins with exploring Kakheti, Georgia's wine region located in the eastern part of the country. Our first stop will be a wine factory on the way. After wine tasting and shopping here, we take a short break to see the making of Georgian bread 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 Christianity, 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 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; the city walls, St. George's Church, the marriage office (open all day), the statue of a doctor on a donkey, charming houses, and cobblestone streets. After our break, we return to Tbilisi. We take a walking tour of Tbilisi. The places we will see are; the Vakhtang Gorgasali Statue, which gives Tbilisi its name, the David the Builder Statue, the Mother of Georgia Statue, Freedom Square, the historic colorful Tbilisi houses around the Kura River, the Ottoman-era Mosque, the Bathhouse (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, the birth of children, and funerals. During this walk, we also take short breaks in the city, which has turned into a winter wonderland decorated with lively lights and bustling 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 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 - Sighnaghi (105 km) Sighnaghi - Tbilisi (105 km)

Total Distance to be Covered: 210 km

Hotel Check-in Time: 18.00

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

Our tour, after breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we head to Gori, known as the city where the Georgian-born Soviet leader Joseph Stalin was born. We visit the Stalin Museum in Gori. In the museum, we will be able to see the small wooden hut where Stalin was born in 1878 and spent his first four years, as well as the green Pullman carriage that Stalin used on many trips. After our museum visit, we head to Batumi. 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, 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 head to our hotel. Guests who wish can make use of the casino near 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: Batumi Hotels, etc.

Route: Tbilisi - Gori (85 km) Gori - Batumi (300 km)

Total Distance to be Covered: 385 km

BATUMI CITY TOUR - MAKHUNTSETI WATERFALL

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 from the Ottoman era, the Clock Tower, Piazza Square, the Government Building, the Poseidon Statue, the Theater Building, the Astronomical Clock, St. Nicholas Church, and the Hotel France, where Nazım Hikmet once stayed. While walking, we also taste local street delicacies (Kvass, Pear Juice, Luca Polare Italian-style ice cream). Afterwards, we set out for the Makhuntseti Tour. First, we head to an 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 depart from Batumi. We cross the Sarp border gate and head to Trabzon Airport. We depart for İzmir with the 23.10 Sunexpress Airlines flight. We sadly say goodbye, hoping to meet again on another Prontotour trip. Goodbye...

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 - Trabzon (230 km)

Total Distance to be Traveled: 280 Km

INFORMATION
* Due to periodic congestion at the Batumi border crossing, there may be delays in processing. 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 upon entry into the country. Legal proceedings are immediately initiated against individuals found with medication. For daily entries, you may carry only one day's worth of medication wrapped in paper.
* PRONTOTOUR is not responsible for any problems arising from deformation of IDs during the Georgian border crossing. Georgia requires photos on IDs, including for babies and children. (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 go to Georgia and return to Turkey. Furthermore, visa-free/visa-required 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 who enter Turkey using their TRNC ID cards will be able to enter Georgia with their TRNC ID cards as well. TRNC citizens who enter 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 congestion at the border gate, an early departure from the hotel may be required in the morning. Similarly, a very late check-in to the hotel may occur in the evening. 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 are Bungalow and standard highland hotel structures, and all accommodations are determined by the hotel. There is no obligation for local food to be served at the hotels.
* During the tour, as it is not always possible to find ATMs, currency exchange offices, etc., due to the intensity of the program, it is beneficial for our guests to be prepared for this situation.
* Long distances may be traveled during the day within the scope of the programs to be carried out. Information regarding this will be provided 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 the density of the region.

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 there is no significant difference in the amount of rainfall, 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 high. At the same time, winters in the region are not very cold, but they are 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 in the region are also temperate. 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 moves towards the east of the region. The region shows variations 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 highest rainfall is seen in this section. The annual average rainfall is 2000 mm (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 least rainy part of the region due to the decrease in altitude. Here, the annual rainfall 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 altitude is lower than in the Eastern Black Sea Region. The annual rainfall is around 1200 mm on average. Throughout the region, the annual rainfall 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/Raising 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/Raising 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/Raising 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/Raising 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.