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ALTIN PUSULA TURİZM - TÜRSAB Licence No: 14338

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Visa-freeFlightTour code: KARSGRNO

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

Tour facts

RouteRize · Kars
Duration5 Nights 6 Days
TransportFlight
Departureİstanbul
Departure pointsİstanbul
VisaVisa-free
CountryTürkiye
Up to 9 instalments by credit cardInstalments are available with partner banks’ credit cards. For international tours the number of instalments may vary by bank; see the payment step for current options.

KARS - ANI - LAKE CILDIR - JOURNEY WITH EASTERN EXPRESS -
BORJOMI - BATUMI - AYDER - STORM VALLEY - TBILISI - GORI - CHRISTMAS MARKETS

Day 1

GEORGIA MANDATORY TRAVEL HEALTH INSURANCE INCLUDED

 

AYDER PLATEAU - ZILKALE - STORM VALLEY - BATUMI NIGHT TOUR AND CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Our tour starts with your transfer to Istanbul Airport by our service vehicle, which will pick you up at 03.00 from Kartal Bridge (Edirne Direction), 03.30 in front of Kadikoy Marriage Office, 04.00 in front of Prontotour Head Office in Sisli, and 04.30 in front of Yenibosna Koctas. Guests arriving at the airport by their own means must be at Istanbul Airport no later than 05.00. We perform our check-in procedures for our flight with our national ID card or driver's license at the airport. After passing through security, we fly to Rize with the 07.00 THY Istanbul - Rize flight. After meeting our vehicle and guide waiting for us in Rize, we go to our restaurant to shake off the morning drowsiness and have our extra breakfast. After breakfast, we set off for 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 historical Ottoman Stone bridges, Mikron or Kale Bridge, 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 on 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. You can capture the most beautiful photo frames of your life during the time we spend at Zilkale, which is 750 meters above sea level and 100 meters above the Cat Creek. After the beautiful moments, we get on our minibuses and return to Camlihemsin. We take a break for lunch 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 Tulu 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 depart for Batumi. After completing our entry procedures at the Sarp Border Gate, we cross into the Georgia / Adjara region. We see (panoramic) 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. As we continue towards Batumi city center, we see the Coruh River, which originates from Bayburt and forms sharp lines until the borders of Batumi, 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 set up in Europe Square.

According to the agreement between the states of Turkey and Georgia, T.C. citizens can enter Georgia with new type photo ID cards containing the T.C. ID number. Entry cannot be made with documents other than this (driver's license, institutional IDs, etc.). Entry to Georgia cannot be provided with old ID cards. It is legally mandatory for IDs 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

Day 2

BATUMI TOUR - STALIN MUSEUM - GORI - TBILISI

Our tour starts with our morning breakfast at the hotel, after which we begin to explore Batumi. We start touring the Batumi city center. We take a short walk in the city center of Batumi. In this pleasant walk we will take accompanied by our guide; the Orta Mosque remaining from the Ottomans, 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 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

Day 3

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

Our tour continues after our breakfast at the hotel in the morning, where we go to the monument located at the Tbilisi Sea (Extra). The Chronicle of Georgia monument contains 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 (Kingdom of Iberia) about 2000 years ago, which is 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, Azerbaijanis, 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

Day 4

BORJOMI - AKHALTSIKHE - RABATI CASTLE - LAKE CILDIR
Our tour continues after our morning breakfast at the hotel, where 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 Castle (Rabati), 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, which has a unique view, those who wish have the chance to ride a horse-drawn sleigh on the lake, which is generally covered with ice in winter (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

Day 5

KARS - ANI RUINS - CAUCASIAN NIGHT
Our tour starts after our morning breakfast at the hotel, where we begin to explore the city. Our first stop will be the Fethiye Mosque, which was built as a church from cut stone during the Russian occupation and converted into a mosque with the recapture of Kars. Afterwards, we move to the Church of the Apostles. After this structure, where we can examine the Armenian-Georgian architectural style, we take a walk in the streets of Kars. During the exploration made in the land of "Ashiks" (bards), tastes such as honey, cheddar cheese, gruyere cheese, piti, hangel, kete, goose meat, yellow fish... will encourage us to become gourmets. We see the Stone Bridge, which has reached the present day 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 we can see the reflection of all the subtleties of Russian architecture, we forget that we are in Turkey. We see the house where our famous poet Namik Kemal lived for a period and find the opportunity to get to know the Ashik tradition, which is an important cultural heritage of Kars. Afterwards, we go to the Ani Ruins, which were added to the UNESCO World Heritage list. In the ruins located in the Ocakli village, right next to the Arpa River, 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

Day 6

JOURNEY TO ERZURUM BY EASTERN EXPRESS - YAKUTIYE MADRASAH - TASHAN

Our tour, after breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Erzurum at 08.00 by the Eastern Express Pullman (seated) carriage. (If the train is not available, the journey between Kars and Erzurum will be made by vehicle.) If traveling by vehicle, the Sarıkamış Martyrs' Memorial will be visited on the way. After a pleasant journey of approximately four hours, we arrive in Erzurum, the land of the Dadaşes. We visit the Yakutiye Madrasah, the Double Minaret Madrasah, the Great Mosque, the Three Tombs, and the Erzurum Congress and National Struggle Museum (if open)... We then head to Tashan (Rüstem Pasha Caravanserai) for Oltu stone, a must-see in Erzurum, and to our restaurant for Cağ Kebab and Kadayıf Dolması. After some free time, we head to the airport. We return to Istanbul Airport with the 21.00 Turkish Airlines flight. Our shuttle service waiting at the airport will drop you, our valued guests, off at the points where we picked you up, hoping to see you again on our other tours.

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

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

Lunch: To be taken as an extra in Erzurum.

Dinner: To be taken as an extra.

Accommodation: It is the day of return, 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

Important Note: The departure point of our tours is Istanbul, and our guests who will join the tour from different cities are entirely responsible for the individual domestic flights or connecting tickets they purchase. Our agency is strictly not responsible for any cancellation, refund, or change costs of tickets purchased by guests from other provinces in case the tour is canceled due to insufficient participation or if flight times are changed by the airline company.

NOTE: All extra activities such as ATV safari, boat tours, diving, jeep safari, parachuting, hot air balloon, etc., which are not included in the package tour program and are offered or suggested to guests during the tour, are outside the scope of the Package Tour Agreement and are considered separate services. 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 request and initiative. The guest accepts and declares that they have established a direct contractual relationship with the relevant local service provider before 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, or negative situations caused by third parties that may occur during extra tours. The guest accepts that they know such activities involving risks are inherently dangerous, that their health status is suitable for participation, and that all necessary responsibility belongs to them. Furthermore, all dangerous activities are not covered by insurance.

 

 

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

* There is a mandatory stay of at least 3 days 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 country entrances. Legal proceedings are immediately initiated against persons found in possession of medication. For daily entries, you may take only one dose of medication you will use during the day, wrapped in paper.


* PRONTOTOUR is not responsible for any problems that may occur at the Georgian border crossing due to deformation of identity cards. Georgia requires photos on identity cards, including for 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 for Turkey 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 TRNC identity cards if they enter Turkey using their TRNC identity cards. TRNC citizens who enter Turkey with a European Union passport must also have obtained a multiple-entry visa to return to Turkey.
* 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.

* It is important for our citizens who will travel to Georgia to declare their money to Georgian customs officers in advance, either verbally or in writing, if they are carrying Turkish Lira/foreign currency equivalent to 30,000 Lari or more. 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.

Prices are per person in ₺. Child prices apply when sharing with two adults.

Per-person prices by departure date and room type
DateDoubleSingleTripleChildInfantStatus
22 Dec 2026İstanbul₺28,799————Last 4 seats
29 Dec 2026İstanbul₺29,799————Last 2 seats
05 Jan 2027İstanbul₺28,799————Available

Included in the price

* 5 Nights Bed and Breakfast Accommodation in Hotels

* Transportation with Tourism Certified Vehicles

* Prontotour Assurance

* Professional Turkish Guidance Service

* 5 Morning Breakfasts

* Mandatory Travel Insurance according to Tourism Law No. 1618

* Round-trip Economy Class Flight Ticket

* Round-trip Airport Transfers

* Pullman (Seated) Train Ticket between Kars and Erzurum

Not included

* All Lunches and Dinners

* Drinks Taken with All Meals

* All Personal Expenses

* All Extra Specified Organizations

* Museum Entrance Fees

* International Departure Fee

No visa is required for Turkish citizens. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after return.

Cancellation and refund terms vary by tour operator and are provided in writing before booking.

Draft — legal review required. Cancellation & Refund Cancellation & Refund

Transportation / Flight Information

DEPARTURE: WITH THY / ISTANBUL - RIZE / DEPARTURE: WITH 07.00 FLIGHT

RETURN: WITH THY / ERZURUM - ISTANBUL / RETURN: WITH 21.00 FLIGHT

The deposit depends on the tour and is shown during booking.

Yes, with a single room supplement.

Payments are converted to TRY at the rate on the payment date. Paid amounts are not affected by later changes.

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