The Caucasus & Turkey Experience

Salam aleykum! Welcome to Azerbaijan! At the airport, you’ll be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. Get your first glimpse of Baku, where ancient stone walls and winding lanes share the skyline with grand imperial-era buildings and striking contemporary architecture. Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you have some free time beforehand, wander along Nizami Street, one of the city’s liveliest boulevards, lined with elegant Baroque, Neo-Gothic and Neo-Renaissance facades. This evening, get to know your group over a traditional Azerbaijani dinner where you can try shakh plov (the country’s festive rice dish, baked inside a crisp, golden pastry crust).

After breakfast this morning, discover the ‘fiery’ side of Baku on a half-day trip to the Absheron Peninsula. Wander through the Ateshgah Fire Temple, dedicated to the ancient Zoroastrian tradition of fire worship, then witness the ‘eternal’ flame at Yanar Dag (Burning Mountain), where a natural gas fire has been burning, according to local belief, for hundreds of years. Return to Baku this afternoon for a guided walk through the fortified Old City. As you wander its narrow lanes, learn how centuries of history, from the Shirvanshahs to the present day, have shaped Azerbaijan’s capital.

Leave Baku behind and travel north towards the forested slopes of the Caucasus Mountains, watching the landscape shift from arid plains to green, rolling hills. Along the way, stop at the Yeddi Gumbaz Mausoleum and the historic Juma Mosque in Shamakhi. Arrive in Sheki and round out the day at the Palace of the Sheki Khans, famed for its intricate frescoes and luminous stained glass. Unlike its neighbour Georgia, which claims the world's oldest winemaking tradition, Azerbaijan has kept a lower profile in the world of wine. This evening, head to a local wine bar for a tasting of some of Azerbaijan’s much-loved wines.

After breakfast, drive to Lagodekhi – a border town where you’ll switch transport and cross into Georgia. Continue into Kakheti, the country’s renowned winemaking region, where rolling vineyards stretch towards the Caucasus foothills. Pause in Sighnaghi – a hilltop town overlooking the Alazani Valley, with sweeping mountain views. Share lunch with a local winemaking family and taste distinctive amber and red wines before continuing to Tbilisi. Arrive in the capital by evening and enjoy a free night to explore at your own pace.

This morning, set out on a walking tour through Tbilisi’s Old Town with a local guide, tracing the layers of the city’s long and complex history. Visit the 6th-century Anchiskhati Basilica, then ride the cable car up to Narikala Fortress – an ancient citadel overlooking the river and rooftops below. From the ramparts, take in sweeping city views as your guide brings to life centuries of change, from Persian rule to the present day. Learn how Tbilisi – literally translating to ‘a warm place’ – was founded around natural hot springs that still define the city today. This afternoon, you may choose to unwind in one of the traditional bathhouses, where steaming sulphur waters offer a soothing end to the day.

Today, travel to Mtskheta, Georgia’s ancient capital and spiritual heart, where centuries of history are preserved in its UNESCO World Heritage–listed sites. Visit the iconic Jvari Church and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral – a masterpiece of medieval architecture and one of the country’s most sacred landmarks. Continue along the dramatic Georgian Military Road, winding deeper into the Greater Caucasus Mountains, until you reach Stepantsminda. Settle into a family-run hotel and enjoy a warm, homecooked dinner together. Your hosts will guide you through a hands-on khinkali masterclass, sharing the traditions behind Georgia’s beloved dumplings.

Set out this morning on a scenic mountain drive into the heart of the Greater Caucasus, travelling by 4WD along winding roads to the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church at 2170 m (7120 ft) above sea level. If the weather cooperates, you’ll get sweeping views of Mount Kazbegi rising dramatically above the surrounding peaks. Switch transport, then drive towards Borjomi, stopping along the way at the fortress-like Ananuri complex, set above the Jvari reservoir. Arrive in Borjomi, famous for its naturally sparkling mineral water, and take a short walk with your leader through its leafy parks and spring-filled surroundings.

Today, you'll catch an unescorted flight to Istanbul for the second leg of your trip. When you arrive, you'll be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel, where there will be a second welcome meeting with your new group members and leader at 3 pm. After, head out with your group for a short orientation walk and join in a public cruise of the Bosphorus Strait for a fantastic view of the cityscape of Istanbul of its old and new, Europe and Asia.

You’ll depart Istanbul this morning, heading to Bolu. On the way, stop at Demirciler Village to visit a women-run coop restaurant. Learn their story of self-sufficiency, how they renovated an unused village school and transformed it into a countryside restaurant serving traditional, local food. Of course, you’ll also get to enjoy their excellent cooking, and the women will show you a few tricks to try at home! When you arrive in Bolu, get your bearings on an orientation walk with your leader through the historic Old Town and around Yukari Tashan and Beyazit Mosque, full of well-preserved Ottoman architecture. Bolu is also famous for its fantastic Ottoman cuisine, so ask your leader for suggestions on where to grab some dinner tonight.

Today, you’ll head to Cappadocia – the city famed for its fairytale-like spires and sky full of hot air balloons. It’s a bit of a long travel day today, so make sure to have your favourite audio books on hand. When you arrive in the early afternoon, you’ll visit Kaymakli Underground City – a maze of tunnels and rooms carved eight layers beneath the earth’s surface and one of the largest underground settlements in the region! You’ll see the stables, kitchens and wineries that have been discovered underground, then sit down for Turkish tea while taking in the surreal panorama view of Cappadocia landscape at sunset. Enjoy a free evening. Maybe ask your leader for the best spots for dinner or get some rest for your early start tomorrow (if you’re taking on the highly recommended hot-air balloon ride!).

This morning, you have the option to take a hot-air balloon ride – a once-in-a-lifetime experience to watch the sun illuminate the distinctive Cappadocian landscape. Even if you don’t opt to take the flight, it’s still worth waking up for the incredible sight of sunrise, with hot air balloons scattered across the brightening sky. Later in the morning, head out to the Goreme Open Air Museum – a monastic complex and Christian sanctuary of carved houses, churches and monasteries. The museum was one of the earliest centres for religious education and there are at least 10 churches and chapels in the complex, dating between AD900 and 1200. Enter the cave chapels and see the exquisite colours of the biblical frescoes. This afternoon, walk through one of the nearby valleys with your leader. It could be the Valley of Love where the fairy chimneys and their distinctive phallic shape will provide nothing if not an amusing afternoon. In the evening, you’ll be welcomed into the cave home of Nuray, a local woman who will prepare a special homecooked dinner for your group. Sit down to a feast made with passion, enjoy a friendly chat with your host and top off the meal with some local Turkish delight.

You’ll have a free morning today, so if you’ve not had the chance for a hot-air balloon flight, this is your chance. Then, drive to Konya, stopping at Catalhoyuk along the way. This settlement offers a window into the shift from nomadic life to settled communities 9000 years ago through its mudbrick homes, early wall paintings and evidence of plant and animal domestication. When arrive in Konya, the rest of the day is free. Maybe go see a dervish dance or visit The Mevlana Museum – home to 13th-century philosopher, poet and religious leader Rumi’s tomb.

Today, drive on to Pamukkale, best known for its mineral-rich thermal waters that flow spectacularly down a terraced hillside, nicknamed ‘cotton castle.’ Take a restorative dip in the hot springs and explore the nearby ancient city of Hierapolis – an important Roman bath centre founded by the King of Pergamon in 190 BC. Your leader will bring history to life and guide you through the ancient temple, fountain, bath, basilica, necropolis and impressive theatre. Tonight, you have a free evening to keep exploring Pamukkale at your own pace.

Today, make your way to Selcuk, your base for visiting Ephesus. Selcuk itself is culturally rich and retains many Turkish traditions. On the slopes of Ayasuluk Hill lie several historical buildings and you’ll see the Isa Bey Mosque – a beautiful example of 14th-century Seljuk Turkish architecture – and the imposing Byzantine citadel of the Grand Fortress. Just below the fortress are the ruins of the Basilica of St John, built over the supposed burial site of the saint. Follow your leader on an orientation walk, then enjoy a free afternoon.

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ephesus today – one of Turkey’s most important ancient sites. Explore this beautifully preserved city with your leader as they reveal its colourful 1500-year history. As you explore, the sophistication of this former metropolis will reveal itself – it had running water, public toilets, a renowned medical institute and Roman baths. The theatre is well-preserved and regularly hosts concerts, but the marvellous library might just be the highlight. Later, stop for lunch at a family-run restaurant where you’ll feast on gozleme (the popular Turkish flatbreads filled with spinach and feta, spicy potato or meat) that’s made fresh before your eyes. The afternoon and evening are free for you to keep exploring at your own pace.

This morning, leave Selcuk behind and drive on to your final stop – Antalya. Your leader will introduce you to the delights of the Old City with an orientation walk along its cobblestone streets. Visit the clock tower, Hadrian’s Gate and the Roman Harbour before venturing into the historical zone of Kaleici – an area within Antalya’s historic centre that’s protected from modern development. This area is home to relics of Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman occupations. Later, you’ll have some free time to swim, relax and soak up the amazing views of the Mediterranean Sea. Maybe head out with your group for a final dinner, celebrating a great journey through Turkey as you overlook the blue Turkish coast at sunset.