Eastern Turkey & Georgia Explorer

Turkey | Georgia

From Ancient Anatolia to the Heart of Georgia.

14 days £2,995 pp (was £3,395 pp) This is the per person group tour price, based on 2 sharing. The price is subject to change with exchange rate and flight cost fluctuations.
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Intro, Dates & Prices

Intro

This trip takes you away on a Near-Eastern odyssey, weaving between vivid myth and fact, jaw-dropping natural wonders, and real life in a part of the world where the repercussions of history are still felt today.

Starting your voyage on Turkey’s highest and widest lake, Van, your route brings in the big hitters early in the game. See Mount Ararat, resting place of the Ark, and the lonesome ruins of Ani, then on to Ishak Pasha’s frontier palace amid the desolate beauty of the Anatolian Plateau. Support community initiatives dining with village locals outside Kars. Feel the elan of adventure at the border crossing with Georgia before driving into a whole different experience. From the Black Sea port resort of Batumi, experience holiday highs coursing through the Svanetian villages to Ushguli, Europe’s highest permanent settlement. While there, rub authentically against local cultural life lunching with mountain villagers.

Descend into the flatlands to visit Kutaisi, site of mythic Colchis, where Jason stole the Golden Fleece. Before ending in vibrant Tbilisi, let your imagination be carried away by the now-abandoned cave city of Uplistsikhe, as well as paying respects to Mtskheta and its ecclesiastical icons, UNESCO-rated Jvari and Svetitskhoveli, where Christ’s robe is reputed to dwell.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • The tiny isle of Akdamar on lake Van, with its Armenian Orthodox church.
  • The starkly beautiful Ishak Pahsa Palace
  • Anatolia's highest and most biblical peak, Ararat
  • Former Armenian capital of Ani
  • The pastoral ruggedness of Artvin and its surrounding peaks
  • Charming Black Sea resort town of Batumi
  • UNESCO-listed forts of Mestia
  • Handsome Zugdidi with its Dadiani Palace Complex
  • Ushguli's high pastoral panoramas

Places Visited

Lake Van - Mount Ararat - Kars - Ani - Batumi - Mestia - Ushguli - Kutaisi - Uplistsikhe - Mtskheta - Tbilisi

What's Included

English speaking guide service
Arrival & departure transfers
Ground transport with driver
Domestic flights (if relevant - refer to itinerary)
Accommodation
Meals (refer to itinerary for meal plan)
English-speaking guides
Entrance fees to sites & parks

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Itinerary & Map
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Overview Itinerary Detailed Itinerary
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Day 1 : Arrival in Van (Turkey)

Your TTU representative will be on hand to meet and greet you at Van’s regional airport for your transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Vanlife Hotel, Van

Meal plan: n/a

Van today is a young vibrant university town but the history of the region goes back more than 7 millennia, and the town itself was the Urartian capital as early as the 9th Century BC. 

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Day 2 : Van - Akdamar - Van

Set in sprawling Lake Van is the isle of Akdamar. After visiting a museum of Urartu Iron Age artefacts transfer by ferry to the isle’s early-medieval church where, aside from enjoying a lunch of local catch, you have the chance to dip into the lake’s bracing waters.

Back on the mainland, appreciate for yourself Van’s ancient cottage industry of colourful kilims. Then it’s off to the citadel and its millennia-old Iron Age fortress for an unforgettable sundown over the lake and surrounding mountains.

Overnight in Vanlife Hotel, Van

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

Lake Van, Turkey's largest lake, is flanked by the snowy peaks of the volcanoes of Mount Suphan and Mount Nemrut. The beautiful azure waters of the lake are highly alkaline and drilling at the bottom of the lake by German palaeontologists has revealed climate data covering almost 15,000 years despite only penetrating the first few metres of sediment. It is believed the sediment may hold climate data from the last 800,000 years!

Akdamar Island is a small island 3km from the Shore of Lake Van, most famous for the Armenian Cathedral of the Holy Cross (a.k.a. Akdamar Kilisesi). The unique importance of the building comes from the extensive array of bas-relief carvings, of biblical scenes predominantly, that adorn its external walls. Due to the contentious history between Turkey and Armenia the site has been subject to vandalism in the past and its restoration was never short on controversy, but the outcome is spectacular. Besides the marvellous views of the church, the island, the lake and the mountains beyond, there are ruins of an Armenian monastery which once served the church.

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Day 3 : Van - Dogubeyazit - Ararat - Kars

After breakfast, our first stop is the picturesque Bendimaahi Falls. Onward to the filmic majesty of Ishak Pasha Palace that, from its eagle’s nest promontory, looks directly onto our next stop: the one and only Mount Ararat. Immortalised in the Holy Bible, Turkey’s highest peak is a classic Stratovolcano that presides over everything around it for miles and miles. The view is legendary, as are the legends surrounding it. Interestingly, the name itself derives from a transliteration of Utartu, the people who inhabited the region in deep prehistory.

End a thrilling day in Kars, where you’ll rest for the night.

Overnight in Beylerbeyi Palace Hotel, Kars

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

The construction of Ishak Pasa Palace, a splendid 18th Century Ottoman complex, was started in 1685 by Colak Abdi Pasa, the bey of Beyazit province. A hundred years later, in 1784, his grandson Ishak Paşa completed the gargantuan task of its construction. The results are spectacular. It is one of the most distinguished and magnificent examples of 18th century Ottoman architecture and is very valuable in terms of art history. The beautiful stone complex contains a mosque, a library, a bath house, dining quarters and a harem, where the women used to live. Many of the stone carvings are simply exquisite, and the location, looking out over Mount Ararat (Turkey's highest peak, standing at 5,137m) and the Armenian plateau, is simply breathtaking.

Self-declared republic of Ararat, the town of Dogubeyazit sits at over 1,600m high under the watchful gaze of Mount Ararat. A strongly Kurdish flavour, the town is ideally located for trips out to Ishak Pasha Palace.  
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Day 4 : Kars - Ani - Kars

Kars, our base for the next two nights, is where we kick off another day of sightseeing Eastern Turkey’s layered and textured past. Today’s excursion is to remote Ani. Seat of the 10th century Bagratid Armenian Kingdom, the ruins remain both hard-to-reach and an absolute must for anyone travelling to Turkey’s far east. Back in Kars later in the day, we’ll open up a few of its ineluctable charms by seeing both the Fethiye Mosque and its castle. Being committed to supporting remote communities with real encounters and authentic experiences, we dine with a local family in a nearby village. Return to your hotel.

Overnight in Beylerbeyi Palace Hotel, Kars

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

Made famous as the setting of the novel “Snow” written by the Nobel-prize winning author Ohran Pamuk, Kars is a quintessentially diverse city. Originally Armenian, then Georgian, later Ottoman, the city fell under Russian occupation for much of the 19th Century and its recapture remained a Soviet aspiration up to and beyond the end of World War II. During its freezing winters the city is often cut off by snow (as happened in the novel “Snow”). The city is also famous in Turkey for its gravyer cheese, butter and honey.

Ani, the former Armenian capital, once rivalled Constantinople in beauty and status. Named for the ancient Urartian fertility goddess Anahid, a city had stood here for centuries before King Ashot III chose it for the site of his capital in 961. Successive kings built a citadel, great churches and monasteries within mighty city walls at the edge of a deep river gorge. Since then it has been home to the Byzantines, the Seljuks, the Kingdom of Georgia, the Persians, various Kurdish Emirs and even the Mongols! An earthquake in 1319 destroyed much of the city and lead to its abandonment by the Mongols. It has lain abandoned ever since. Nonetheless many of the buildings in Ani were built to the highest engineering and construction standards of their era and much still remains intact. Today, Ani retains that atmosphere. 
 
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Day 5 : Kars - Savsat - Artvin

Leaving Kars for the onward journey ending in Georgia, we’ll stop amid undisputable natural beauty at Seytan Kalesi. The fortress ruins of this so-called Devil’s Castle occupy a bluff squeezed on both sides by the abyssal drop of Karaçay Canyon. The drama of the sight is beyond question, given its proximity to Çıldır Lake. Speaking of lakes, after lunch in our choice of restaurant in the village of Velikoy, we’ll stop at the crater lake in Karagöl’s Natural Park. End the day overnighting in Artvin, both a small city and pretty province.

Overnight in Vila da Butik Otel, Artvin

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

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Day 6 : Artvin - Sarpi Border - Batumi (Georgia)

Today we leave Turkey and enter Georgia via the Sarpi border crossing. Keeping the momentum nicely going, upon being met by our Georgian guide the itinerary dives right into the 1st century fortress of Gonio, where you’ll learn of its distant ties to the legend of the Argonauts. Keen to showcase a panoply of incredible riches of this region, we’ll also stop at a private museum where a gifted wood-turner will show you Georgian architecture and ethnography in miniature, presumably etched in wood. End the day in Georgia's premier coastal town-cum-resort, Batumi.

Overnight in Hotel London Batumi , Batumi

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

Artvin is a city in northeastern Turkey located on a hill that overlooks the ​Çoruh River. It has a rich history, with artifacts dating back to the Bronze Age, and has belonged to a number of kingdoms that have conquered the Caucasus over time. It is known for the Caucasus Culture and Arts Festival and the bull wrestling, and the Artvin (Livana) Castle, built in 937, is also worth a visit.
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Day 7 : Batumi

After breakfast, ease into a pleasant day exploring the Pearl of the Black Sea. Find out just why it was dubbed so. Stroll its main boulevard, wander past the stalls of its farmer’s market, and even gauge the terrific plant life of a city sandwiched between the warm Black Sea and the chilled Grand Caucasus range at Batumi’s Botanical Gardens. Rejuvenate in the salty, sea air before returning to your hotel.

Overnight in Hotel London Batumi , Batumi

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

The attractive coastal resort town of Batumi, in the south-west of Georgia, has become the go-to destination for holidaying Georgians. Formerly the western terminus for a railway carrying oil from Azerbaijan, Batumi became cut off during the Soviet era, when the nearby border with Turkey was closed. However, in recent decades, time and money has been spent to turn it into a charming seaside resort on the Black Sea.

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Day 8 : Batumi - Zugdidi - Mestia

Leave Batumi for the hinterland, but not before hugging the coast for a slice of Georgia’s royal past at the Dadiani Palace. After appreciating its ethnographic displays, expect a different kind of lunch break in authentic fashion at the home of a Mingrelian family. An ethno-linguistic group native to Western Georgia, relax into their unique world as they teach you of their cuisine, their customs, and their Kartvelian language.

Veering inland from the coast, it’s up and up into rugged, heavily forested backcountry toward Upper Svaneti. Here we enter a classic mountain landscape of restless rivers, conifer-cloaked slopes, and snow-capped peaks. Get to know the Enguri river, first where it’s dammed for hydroelectric power, then where it meets the Chubrula. Pass Svanetian villages en route to Mestia where we spend the night.

Overnight in Hotel Posta, Mestia

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

The highland townlet of Mestia is located in the Svaneti region of Georgia, at an elevation of 1,500 metres. The small settlement was historically an important centre for Georgian culture and arts - today, remaining home to a number of UNESCO-listed medieval monuments and forts. The surrounding mountainous landscape provides an idyllic backdrop for the quaint medieval town. Mestia has become a centre for visitors wishing to explore the mountains and hike through the rural region. 

One of Georgia's prettier urban complexes, Zugdidi might have a long history of settlement going back 4,000 years, but it also claims a thriving present. Long synonymous with the nobility, it was the Dadianis who weighed heavily over this and the surrounding Samegrelo district. These Russian aristocrats might have gone but they left behind a palace and grounds for you to explore. 

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Day 9 : Mestia - Ushguli - Mestia

From our base in Mestia, the road takes us higher and higher to Europe’s loftiest, remotest permanent settlement at Ushguli. En route, stop in Svanetian villages to get a feel for the everyday life of the inhabitants, and to admire the tremendous vistas. On arrival in Ushguli, meander through its winding lanes, before climbing gently toward a favourite mountain view from which you’ll glimpse Georgia’s highest peak, the 5200m Mount Shkhara.

After all that, lunch with a local family is in order. Return later in the afternoon to Mestia, where you’ll spend the evening at leisure.

Overnight in Hotel Posta, Mestia

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

Ushguli is a community of four villages that are located in the Engurgi gorge of the UNESCO-listed region of Upper Svaneti. Ushguli is one of the highest settlements to have been continuously inhabited in Europe, which retains a traditional and medieval feel through the authentic defensive towers and chapel that date back to the 12th Century. Situated at an altitude of 2,100 metres, the area of Ushguli is covered by snow for almost 6 months of the year. Its remote and rural location means that it is often isolated, as the road out to Mestia often becomes impassable.

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Day 10 : Mestia - Martvili - Kutaisi

Dedicate the morning to getting to know a little of Mestia and its Svaneti Museum, filled as it is with choice regional artefacts, as well as a good ethnographic display. Around midday, depart the highlands for the lowlands. Lunch will be provided by the Oda Family Marani in Martvili, intrepid winemakers with a difference. Let the wine settle and then head to Martvili's overhanging canyon. In leisurely fashion, we’ll take a boat ride through the narrow chasm to a place known as Dadiani Baths. Take your time to appreciate the wonderfully primeval atmosphere of the place from atop the old bridge traversing the river.

Move on to our overnight stop in nearby Kutaisi.

Overnight in Hotel Newport, Kutaisi

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

The Gelati Monastery, founded by beloved Georgian ruler David IV (also referred to as ‘’David the Builder’’), consists of the main Church of the Virgin, the Church of St. George, the Church of St. Nicholas and a bell tower. The Academy building recalls the monastery’s history as a cultural centre of ancient Georgia, attracting great scientific and philosophical minds. Murals and mosaics, some of which date back to the 12th century, cover the spacious interior of the buildings, arching over windows, pressing backwards into alcoves and reaching the highest stretches of the vaulted ceiling. Despite damage from invasion and feuds, visitors can still admire detailed enamel and metal work from a bygone era.

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Day 11 : Kutaisi - Gelati - Prometheus Grotto - Kutaisi

Kutaisi is not only Georgia’s third city, it’s also renowned as the seat of ancestral Colchis, the very same kingdom where Greek lore states that Jason and his Argonauts stole the golden fleece from under the nose of King Aeëtes. Explore Kutaisi old and new and drift through its agricultural market to get a real feel for the town. After all that, decamp for UNESCO’s priceless monastery of Gelati. See the tomb of revered King David the Builder, plus the radiant brilliance of its altar, pieced together from two million golden stones to make the mosaic of Mary, Mother of Jesus. Contrast this with a subsequent ride out to the Cave of Prometheus. One of Georgia’s most iconic sights, its multi-coloured, lit interior is a wonderland of surreal mineral formations. Return to Kutaisi towards the end of the day.

Overnight in Hotel Newport, Kutaisi

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

 Kutaisi is Georgia’s second largest city and has a history that dates back to 2000 BC, when it served as the capital city of the Kingdom of Colchis. Ottoman forces conquered the city in the early 16th century, but it was reclaimed by the Georgian king in 1770. The city possesses two UNESCO World Heritage sites and sits on the banks of the Rioni river. 

Discover real masterpieces of nature - stalactites and stalagmites at Prometheus Cave, which are the most beautiful forms created by nature. One of Georgia's largest cave systems, the grotto comprises 22 grand halls, of which only 6 are on public display. A fairy tale world, and bonanza for all you speleologists. 

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Day 12 : Kutaisi - Uplistsikhe - Mtskheta - Tbilisi

Today you go into the deep past with a visit to the abandoned cave city of Uplistsikhe. One of the oldest settlements in all of Georgia, Uplistsikhe contains remnants of human habitation stretching back from its position as a Silk Road caravanserai in the late middle ages all the way to the early Iron Age a thousand years before Christ. An absolute highlight on any cultural tour of Georgia, feel the lure of history there before moving on to the nation’s spiritual centre of Mtskheta. Take in the UNESCO-listed grandeur of Jvari and Svetitskhoveli before ending our overland odyssey in the capital, Tbilisi. Overnight in Tbilisi.

Overnight in Strofi Boutique Hotel, Tbilisi

Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch

Uplistsikhe (meaning 'Fortress of the Ruler') is a rock-hewn town that dates back to 1000 BC and covers an area of approximately 8 hectares. The town is divided over three levels that are connected by a series of narrow tunnels. Uplistsikhe used to be a main point on the Silk Road, but was abandoned in the 17th century.

Mtskheta is one of Georgia’s oldest cities, located roughly 20 km north of Tbilisi at the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers. Within the city (which is itself a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, one of Georgia’s largest places of worship. The site, surrounded by a defensive wall, has housed churches since the 4th century, but the standing building was constructed in the early 11th century and artfully restored in the 1970s. According to Biblical canon, Christ’s robe was carried to Mtskheka after his crucifixion and buried beneath the cathedral. Inside, a painting illustrates the buried garment and the miracle of a pillar rising into the air during the church’s construction.  

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Day 13 : Tbilisi

Georgia’s capital is the crossroads of East and West and a true pillar of Georgian pride. Peel back the layers of its past and present on a cobblestone walking tour through its old quarter with its Ottoman-style balconies, heterodox places of worship, and cool cafes. With architectural influences ranging from Regency to Georgian, find out why this town is known as the balcony of Europe. Round off a fascinating tour with a stroll down Rustaveli Avenue. Best of all, try your hand in the kitchen with a masterclass in making Khachapuri pie, the nation’s signature dish. Return to your hotel in the evening.

Overnight in Strofi Boutique Hotel, Tbilisi

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

Tbilisi, formerly known as 'Tiflis', is Georgia's capital and the largest city of Georgia. It lays on the banks of the Mtkvari River and has a population of roughly 1.5 million people. Founded in the 5th century by the monarch of Georgia's ancient precursor, the Kingdom of Iberia, over the centuries the city was taken by successive invaders. Historically diverse, an increase in the Armenian population was noticed in the 19th century. Tbilisi has many narrow streets and a mixture of religious and secular architecture. The old city features many churches, synagogues, mosques and 19th-century houses with multi-coloured wooden balconies. For outright weirdness Tbilisi also has a street named in honour of ex-president, George W Bush.

Tbilisi’s old town stands in the shadow of Mother Georgia’s silvery statue, perched on a hill overlooking a mosaic of multi-coloured houses constructed in the 19th century. Nestled together on narrow streets, the homes feature wooden balconies that allow residents to revel in the fresh air. Established in the 4th century and fortified over hundreds of years, the ruins of Narikala Fortress also tower over Georgia’s capital, offering visitors spectacular panoramic views.

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Day 14 : Tbilisi - Departure

Enjoy a final breakfast in Georgia. Transfer at the appropriate time to the airport for your flight home. Alternatively, stay on and we’ll provide ideas for an extended stay in Georgia or into neighbouring Armenia or Azerbaijan.
 

Meal plan: Breakfast

Accommodation

Accommodation

All accommodation subject to availability. Final accommodation choices will be confirmed after booking.

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Vanlife Hotel

Van (2 nights)

Lovely setting on the shores of Turkey's largest and most mystical lake, Van, the Odalar is a hotel fit for any weary traveller. Inspired by the comfort and beauty of your surrounds, watch time slip away over the lake while relaxing in supreme comfort and professional service. 

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Beylerbeyi Palace Hotel

Kars (2 nights)

In 1579, Sultan Murad III's regional governor (Lala Mustafa Paşa) built an imposing palace on the southern foreslopes of Kars Castle crag. The structure was ravaged in the 1828 conflict with Russia and left in ruins, which remained little noticed until 2017. Since then, the original masonry was saved and a boutique hotel erected in honour of the place. The hotel is distinctive, spacious and truly characterful, and with its position at the foot of Kars Castle, you'll be hard pushed to forget your stay here. 

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Vila da Butik Otel

Artvin (1 night)

Located around a 5-minute ride from Artvin Castle, Villa Da Butik Otel Artvin includes 31 rooms with views of the lake. This hotel also features Wi-Fi throughout the property. Self-standing villas, fully furnished with mod cons and an obvious level of comfort. Buffet breakast included. 

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Hotel London Batumi

Batumi (2 nights)

A comfortable stay on the coast, attended by helpful staff. Located 16 minutes' walk of Ali and Nino Sculpture, this 4-star Hotel London Batumi offers airport shuttle service and 24-hour front desk assistance. The hotel is a short walk from Europe Square. The air-conditioned rooms have a balcony and a sitting area, and are furnished with sound-proofed windows. Also, there is a mini bar fridge and coffee/tea making machines as well as an electronic key card provided. The property is within 2.1 km to Dolphinarium Theme Park. The city centre is about 5 minutes on foot. 

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Hotel Posta

Mestia (2 nights)

An attractive Alpine-style lodge in the heart of Mestia, Hotel Posta is 800m from Museum of History and Ethnography, offers accommodation with a shared lounge, free private parking, a terrace and a restaurant. This 4-star hotel offers also a bar. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free WiFi throughout the property.

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Hotel Newport

Kutaisi (2 nights)

A very cool, neo-Baroque building, painted sky blue and commanding an unassailable view over this lovely town. Located in the heart of Kutaisi, steps away from the iconic Colchis Fountain, Newport Hotel is a modern 4-star hotel housed in the 19th-century cultural heritage building. Hotel building was originally built in 1914, emphasizing its cultural and historical significance. Featuring a bar, restaurant, terrace and views of the city, hotel offers ultimate comfort and luxury. Among the facilities of the hotel are a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free Wi-Fi throughout the property.

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Strofi Boutique Hotel

Tbilisi (2 nights)

Hotel Strofi is nestled in the heart of Tbilisi. Our hotel is a beautiful heritage building from the 19th century that has been carefully restored to preserve its original charm and character.
Located on the same street where Georgian poet Lado Asatiani once lived, our hotel is steeped in history and culture. From the moment you step through our doors, you will be transported back in time to a bygone era of elegance and sophistication.
 

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Extensions

Culinary Turkey (3-14 days)

Tickle your taste-buds with a tour of Turkey's cuisine

Turkey's Beaches

Relax and unwind on Turkey's Mediterranean beaches

The Magic of Cappadocia (4 days)

Unique history and fairytale landscapes

Troy and Nicaea Extension (2 days)

Explore two sites of enormous historical significance in this short extension

Thrace Extension (3 days)

Explore European Turkey in the Thrace region, a fascinating and little seen region

Turkey Gullet Experience

Set sail aboard a Turkish Gulet and explore Turkey's coast

Konya Extensions (3 days)

Day trip options from Konya

Istanbul Extensions (5 days)

Extend your trip from Istanbul

Turkey's Cities (1-14 days)

From Bodrum to Istanbul, explore Turkey's historic cities

Trekking in Turkey (3-14 days)

Discover Turkey's splendid and varied terrain on foot

Luxury Turkey

Discover the best Turkey has to offer

Highlights of Turkey (15 days)

East and west, see Turkey at its best

Archaeology of Western Turkey (15 days)

Uncover historical secrets in the west

Silk Road through Turkey (14 days)

Ancient trading routes, historic battles and striking scenery

Ancient Anatolia & Eastern Turkey (14 days)

Tread on antique footsteps through Central and Eastern Anatolia

Black Sea & Eastern Turkey (14 days)

Natural wonders, ancient sites & Kurdish culture

Eastern Turkey & Georgia Explorer (14 days)

From Ancient Anatolia to the Heart of Georgia.

Turkish Volcano Trek (10 days)

Stunning eastern peaks including Mount Ararat

Classical Turkey (10 days)

Journey through Turkey's iconic sites

Aegean Sea Gulet Cruise (8 days)

Explore the Gulf of Gokova on a classic Turkish sailboat

Southern Turkey Snapshot (7 days)

Turkey's southern frontiers: the cradle of civilisation

Classical Constantinople (4 days)

Discover the exotic charms of this eternal city

Reviews

I went on this trip rather than all the other interesting possibilities in the world because I wanted to go to Gobekli Tepe. Being there was all I could have hoped for. It was a stunning experience and I was moved to tears. Thank you so much for the opportunity. Regarding the food, the olives were the best I`ve ever tasted. And the yoghurt is fabulous. Also the cheese and pistachios and apricots. Oh yes, and the watermelon : ) Thanks to David too for being so patient with my endless questions

Cynthia Bishop , Eastern Turkey Explorer, Turkey

A great way to travel to some of the more remote and interesting places in the world. It was a very interesting area and we saw a lot that we would never have managed on our own. I would recommend the holiday to others.

Marion McCallum , Eastern Turkey Snapshot, Turkey

We were fortunate to book a private trip to Turkey with Travel the Unknown. All aspects exceeded our expectations: booking the trip, the guides and personalized tours, transport, accommodation and the food! Our tour operator on the ground was the best! She went out of her way to ensure a wonderful and special experience of Turkey and the private gulet cruise.

Johanna, Shiree, & Madelein , Tailormade Turkey

Travel the Unknown is an excellent company to chose for a real travel experience. It was a fabulous holiday where we felt we saw a different side to Turkey and saw sights and had experiences that were once in a lifetime events. I would certainly recommend them to anyone wanting to have new experiences and see the true side of a country.

Neil , Ancient Anatolia & Eastern Turkey

This was my third trip with Travel the Unknown and I was just as fully satisfied as on our previous trips. Rahul and his staff are extremely responsive and knowledgeable. Our original itinerary involved areas that were affected by the recent earthquake in Turkey, so the itinerary had to be modified. Rahul accomplished this in a seamless fashion and created a trip that was as interesting, and more varied, than the original one. Kudos for that.

Stephen Kamin , Eastern Turkey Explorer

As a worldwide traveller, explorer & author travelling through COVID times, my trip with Travel The Unknown was a perfect choice for my adventure in Turkey. As a solo booking , I didn’t need the usual tourist bling. I knew what I wanted to see and the company chose the best guide I could have wished for. No fuss. Dealing with my preferences. This company know exactly what they are doing with complete knowledge of their guests, countries and Travel passage. I highly recommend Travel the Unknown.

Tessa Skola , Tailormade Eastern Turkey

Travel the Unknown were very responsive to my personal wishes, and flexible enough to make this a fantastic tour- we covered a lot in a limited time. Guides were pleasant and informative, and the transport was excellent.

John Colligan , Eastern Turkey Snapshot & archaeology extension

This trip was an amazing and very exhilarating experience. We had high hopes of Gobekli Tepe, which were totally fulfilled- it is utterly amazing, but we had not anticipated some of the other gems to be so exceptional as well. We were a small group, which made the trip very personal. Altogether it was a marvellous week, helped by having a caring guide and an excellent driver.

Joy Lawley , Eastern Turkey Snapshot, Turkey

Charming people organising the trip and acting as guides. An inspirational visit taking us to out of the way places we would never have had the chance to visit. The personal touch Travel the Unknown brings sets them apart.

Caroline & Peter , Eastern Turkey Snapshot, Turkey

I had a lovely time in Turkey. Both of the tours that were part of the package were fabulous, both tour guides were very knowledgeable and made the trips very interesting providing plenty of information, and the places where we went for lunches as part of the trip were superb. David McGuinness is a credit to Travel the Unknown, he goes that `extra mile` to keep customer happy. I`d like to say a huge `thank you` for all the help you gave me organising and planning my trip. I certainly will recommend anyone to use you for planning their `unknown` destination holiday. The emails, telephone calls were all spot on, well done :-) :-)

Jane Kimberley , The Magic of Cappadocia, Turkey

This was a very exciting itinerary including fantastic historic and prehistoric site visits, as well as visits to wonderful towns, restaurants and markets. The attentiveness of the guide ensured that everything went smoothly, even in very out-of-the way places. It was possible to fall in love with the drama of the landscape, the character of the architecture, the colour, sights and sounds of the towns, the friendliness and honesty of the people - and I did!

Jane Neild , Eastern Turkey Explorer, Turkey

We greatly enjoyed visiting the ancient sites of Western Turkey with an experienced guide and seeing the remains of so many different periods and cultures. The scenery was spectacular and we felt that the tour gave us a wonderful introduction to the country.

Michael Wilson , Archaeology of Western Turkey, Turkey
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