Kars, Georgia and Christmas Markets Tour with Flight from Izmir and Eastern Express 5 Nights

GEORGIA MANDATORY TRAVEL HEALTH INSURANCE INCLUDED

AYDER PLATEAU - ZILKALE - STORM VALLEY - BATUMI NIGHT TOUR AND CHRISTMAS MARKETS
For our tour, we meet at the airport at 03.30 for the Pegasus Airlines flight from Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Rize, which will depart at 05.30. We carry out our check-in procedures for our flight at the airport with our identity cards or driver's licenses. We fly to Rize with the Sunexpress Airlines flight departing at 05.30. After meeting our vehicle and guide waiting for us in Rize, we go to our restaurant to shake off our morning drowsiness and have our extra breakfast. After breakfast, we set off towards Ayder Plateau, a paradise on earth. While following the Storm Creek, we see the richest examples of Eastern Black Sea vegetation such as chestnut, alder, and oriental spruce, and take a photo break at the Mikron or Kale Bridge, which are among the historical Ottoman stone bridges next to the Hala Creek. We enter the Cat Valley, one of the important valleys that make up the Storm Valley. First, we pass through Ortan Village and see Senyuva Village, formerly known as Cinciva, 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. After a short break in the wild nature of the Cat Valley, among the Storm Mansions, which are the oldest mansions in our country located in this region, we set off towards Zilkale, which rises in the wild nature of the Cat Valley (EXTRA). You will admire the appearance of Zilkale, which resembles an Eagle's Nest. During the time we spend in Zilkale, which is 750 meters above sea level and 100 meters above the Cat Creek, you can capture the most beautiful photo frames of your life. After the beautiful moments, we get on our minibuses and return to Camlihemsin. We take a break for a meal next to the Storm Creek, one of the most beautiful valleys of the Black Sea. Afterwards, we go up to Ayder Plateau, one of the most beautiful points of the Kackar Mountains, and take a pleasant walk. We see the Gelin Tuvani Waterfall and other waterfalls. After the Galerduzu and Kalegon trips, we take a pleasant walk during our free time on the plateau. You will feel like you are in a completely different world in Ayder Plateau. Afterwards, we set off for Batumi. After completing our entry procedures at the Sarp Border Gate, we cross into the Georgia / Adjara region. We see (panoramically) the Gonio (Apsaros) Fortress, which remains from the Roman period and was last used during the Ottoman period, where the tomb of St. Matthias, one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus, is also located. While continuing towards the Batumi city center, we see the Coruh River, which rises from Bayburt and forms sharp lines up to the Batumi borders, and the old Gonio Bridge over it. 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 stop on the city tour is the Old Port, and we move to the statue of Ali and Nino. Afterwards, we move to the point in the Small Water Games located in the city center, where we can watch the dance of music and light in magnificent harmony. At the end of our break here, we visit the Christmas Market established in Europe Square.

According to the agreement between the states of Turkey and Georgia, T.R. citizens can enter Georgia with new type photo identity cards containing the T.R. identity number. Entry cannot be made with documents other than this (driver's license, institutional IDs, etc.). Entry to Georgia cannot be provided with old identity cards. It is legally mandatory for identity cards to have photos, including babies and children. Our guests under the age of 18 who will not travel with their families (mother and father at the same time) must obtain a notarized consent form for their passage.

Lunch: Will be taken as an extra.

Dinner: Will be taken as an extra.

Accommodation: Batumi Hotels

Route: Rize - Ayder (105 km) Ayder - Batumi (130 km)

Total Distance to be Covered: 235 km

Hotel Check-in Time: 19.00

BATUMI TOUR - STALIN MUSEUM - GORI - TBILISI

Our tour, after the morning breakfast we will have at the hotel, we start touring Batumi. We start touring the Batumi city center. We go on a short trip in the Batumi city center. In this pleasant walk we will take accompanied by our guide; the Orta Mosque remaining from the Ottoman period, Clock Tower, Piazza Square, Government Building, Poseidon Statue, Theater Building, Astronomical Clock, Saint Nicholas Church, and Hotel France, where Nazim Hikmet once stayed, will be among the places we will see. While walking, we also taste street delicacies (Kvass, Pear Juice, Luca Polare Italian-style ice cream). After our trips here, we set off for 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 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 set off for Tbilisi.

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 at a point directed by our guide.

Accommodation: Tbilisi Hotels.

Route: Tbilisi - Batumi (350 km)

Total Distance to be Covered: 350 km

TBILISI SEA – MTSKHETA - SAMEBA CATHEDRAL – DAVID STATUE – NUN NINO STATUE - JARDAN STREET – OTTOMAN BATH - CHRISTMAS MARKETS

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). In the Chronicle of Georgia Monument, there are columns that tell both the history of the country and the 2000-year history of Christianity. After leaving here, we go to Mtskheta, which is located between the Kura and Aragvi rivers and is on the UNESCO Protection List, having served as the capital of Georgia (Iberian Kingdom) about 2000 years ago, 20 minutes away. Our first stop here will be Jvari Monastery. Built in the 6th century, Jvari Monastery is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Here, a unique view of the meeting point of the Kura and Aragvi rivers will welcome you. After our monastery visit, we continue our Tbilisi tour. We see the Sameba Cathedral, the largest cathedral in the Caucasus and the 3rd largest in the Middle East. After seeing the Vakhtang Gorgasali Statue, which gives Tbilisi its name, the David the Builder Statue, and the Nun Nino Statue, we move to Jardan Street, where Turks, Azeris, Armenians, and Georgians live together. After seeing the historical colorful Tbilisi houses, the Ottoman Period Mosque, and the Bath (old sulfur bath) around the Kura River, we give free time. 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 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: 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 City Tours (70 km)

Total Distance to be Covered: 70 km

Hotel Check-in Time: 18.00

BORJOMI - AKHALTSIKHE - RABATI CASTLE - LAKE CILDIR
Our tour, after the morning breakfast we will have at the hotel, we set off for Borjomi, famous for its soda waters. The places we will see in Borjomi are; Central Park (you can taste the mineral water here), Cultural Heritage Monument Firuza Building, and Poseidon Monument. Afterwards, we set off for the historical city of Akhaltsikhe through the Azguri gorge. After seeing the Akhaltsikhe (Rabati) Castle, which was the administrative center of the Cildir province during the Ottoman period with its unique architectural structure that does not resemble any of the castle complexes in the world, panoramically, we set off for Lake Cildir. We reach Lake Cildir after a journey of approximately 4 hours via the Aktas Border Gate. In this lake with a unique view, those who wish have the chance to take a tour with a horse-drawn sleigh on the lake, which is generally covered with ice in winter months (if the ice thickness is suitable according to seasonal conditions). Afterwards, we set off 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: Kars Hotels etc.

Route: Inside Tbilisi (35 km) Tbilisi – Borjomi (240 km) Borjomi – Posof (90 km) Posof – Kars (140 km)

Total Distance to be Covered: 505 km

Hotel Check-in Time: 20.00

KARS - ANI ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE - CAUCASIAN NIGHT
Our tour, after the morning breakfast we will have at the hotel, we start exploring the city. Our first stop will be the Fethiye Mosque, which was built as a church from cut stones during the Russian occupation and converted into a mosque with the recapture of Kars. Afterwards, we move to the Church of the Apostles. After examining this structure, where we can study the Armenian-Georgian architectural style, we take a walk in the streets of Kars. During our exploration in the land of "Aşıks" (bards), tastes like honey, cheddar cheese, gruyere cheese, piti, hangel, kete, goose meat, yellow fish... will also encourage us to become gourmets. We see the Stone Bridge, which has survived from the Roman period and is still in use, and the Historical Bath, and we find the opportunity to photograph the city panoramically from the Kars Castle, which is called the central castle or inner castle today. While walking among the structures where all the subtleties of Russian architecture are reflected, we forget that we are in Turkey. We see the house where our famous poet Namik Kemal lived for a period and have the opportunity to get to know the Ashik tradition, which is an important cultural heritage of Kars. Afterwards, we go to the Ani Archaeological Site, which was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. In the archaeological site located in the Ocakli village, right next to the Arpa Cay, which forms the border of modern-day Armenia, the Tigran Honents Church, Ani Cathedral, Convent of the Virgins, Manuchehr Mosque, and the Church of the Apostles will be waiting for us as monumental structures to be seen. After our trips, we return to our hotel in the evening. We go to the Caucasian Folk Dances show (Extra) with our guests who wish. (Night tours are extra and are carried out depending on participation and the number of people.)
 

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

Route: Kars - Ani (45 km) Ani - Kars (45 km)

Total Distance to be Covered: 90 km

Hotel Check-in Time: 16.00

JOURNEY TO ERZURUM WITH EASTERN EXPRESS - YAKUTIYE MADRASA - TASHAN

Our tour, after the morning breakfast we will have at the hotel, we set off for Erzurum at 08.00 with the Eastern Express Pullman (Seated) Wagon. (If there is no train, the journey between Kars and Erzurum will be made by vehicle.) If we go by vehicle, the Sarikamis Martyrs' Cemetery will be seen on the way. After a pleasant journey of approximately four hours, we arrive in Erzurum, the land of Dadas. We visit the Yakutiye Madrasa, Double Minaret Madrasa, Grand Mosque, Three Tombs, and Erzurum Congress and National Struggle Museum (if open). We go to Tashan (Rustem Pasha Caravanserai) for Oltu Stone, which is a must for Erzurum, and to our restaurant for Cag Kebab and Kadayif Stuffed. After free time, we go to the airport. We return to Izmir with the 23.15 flight of Sunexpress Airlines. We say goodbye sadly to meet again on the next Prontotour trip. Goodbye...

Note: If there is no space on the train, the journey between Kars and Erzurum will be made by bus.

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

Lunch: Will be taken as an extra in Erzurum.

Dinner: Will be taken as an extra.

Accommodation: It is the return day, there is no accommodation.

Route: Erzurum City 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

INFORMATION
* Due to periodic density at the Batumi border crossing, delays may occur in crossing procedures. Your guide will provide the necessary warnings on this subject.

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

* With the law introduced by Georgia; the Georgian Police do not accept any medicine at the country's entrances. They immediately start legal proceedings against the person possessing medicine. For daily entries, you can take a single dose of medicine that you will use during the day by wrapping it in paper.

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

* Foreign guests who have entered Turkey from abroad with a passport must have obtained a multiple-entry visa to Turkey in order 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 identity cards belong. TRNC citizens will be able to enter Georgia with their TR identity cards if they use their TR identity cards when entering Turkey. TRNC citizens who enter Turkey with an EU passport must also have obtained a multiple-entry visa to return to Turkey.
* Since it is not always possible to find an ATM, currency exchange office, etc. due to the intensity of the program during the tour, it is beneficial for our guests to be prepared for this situation.

* It is important for our citizens who will travel to Georgia to declare their money to Georgian customs officers verbally or in writing in advance if they have Turkish Lira/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 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 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 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.