Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Kars Tour with Flight from Ankara and Eastern Express 7 Nights

DEPARTURE

Our tour begins; our guests who will arrive at the airport by their own means will arrive at the airport at 21.00 and complete our check-in procedures for our flight with our passports.

NOTE: According to the agreement between the States of Azerbaijan and Georgia, Turkish citizens can cross the border ONLY WITH A PASSPORT.

Passports must have a minimum validity of 9 months based on the end date of the trip. Guests traveling with less than 9 months of validity may face the situation of not being admitted to the country by the country's passport police. In such cases, the responsibility belongs to the passport holder.

OLD BAKU - MAIDEN TOWER - NIZAMI STREET - FIRST OIL WELL - ATEŞGAH FIRE TEMPLE - AZERBAIJANI NIGHT

Our tour begins; we depart for Baku with the Ankara - Baku flight operated by Pegasus Airlines, which will depart from international terminals at 00.05. When we land in Baku at 03.00 local time, we meet our guide and vehicle to start our trip. First, we head to the restaurant where we will have an extra breakfast. After breakfast, we start exploring Baku. First, we head to the Baku city center. We take a short break at Highland Park in the city center. During the break, you have the chance to photograph the Baku Flame Towers and the Caspian Sea. Here, accompanied by our guide, we also visit the Turkish Martyrs' Cemetery and the Alley of Martyrs, built for our soldiers who fell as martyrs on the Caucasian front in 1918. Afterwards, we head to the Baku Boulevard or the Seaside National Park, a recreational area built along the part of Baku facing the Caspian Sea. Here we see the Carpet Museum (from the outside), the Little Venice Canal, and the Puppet Theater. Then we continue our Baku tour on foot. The places we will see are; the House of Scientists Building, the Seyid Mirbabayev Palace, the Azerbaijan State Academic Philharmonic Building, and the Icherisheher Walls. Afterwards, we start our Icherisheher (Old City) tour, which has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, with our guide. The places we will see here are; Aliaga Vahid Bust, Historical Baths, the world's first and only Miniature Book Museum, Shirvanshahs' Palace, Juma Mosque, Caravanserais, Maiden Tower, and the Double Gates. Afterwards, we see the street used as the Formula 1 track and take a short break in front of the Azerbaijan Literature Museum. We take a break at a restaurant where we will find dishes unique to Azerbaijani Cuisine. After our lunch break, we take a short walk on Nizami (Torgovoya) Street (a pedestrian street likened to Istanbul Taksim) to see the historical buildings. We meet our vehicle and visit the First Oil Well, a historical site that marks the beginning of the world oil industry. After our break here, we visit the Ateşgah Fire Temple, an ancient place of worship for Zoroastrians. The structure, which is one of the three Magi (Zoroastrian) Temples in the world, will give us an idea about the fire worship practices of ancient cultures. After our temple tour, we head to our hotel. We go to the restaurant for the dinner we will take as an extra (Musical Azerbaijani Night) with our guests who wish (EXTRA).

NOTE: According to the agreement between the States of Azerbaijan and Georgia, Turkish citizens can cross the border ONLY WITH A PASSPORT.

Passports must have a minimum validity of 9 months based on the end date of the trip. Guests traveling with less than 9 months of validity may face the situation of not being admitted to the country by the country's passport police. In such cases, the responsibility belongs to the passport holder.

Breakfast: Will be taken as an extra.

Lunch: Will be taken as an extra.

Dinner: Will be taken as an extra.

Accommodation: Baku Hotels etc.

Route: Baku City Tours (120 km)

Total Distance to be Covered: 120 Km

Hotel Check-in Time: 16.30

SHAMAKHI - MUD VOLCANOES - NOHUR LAKE - SHEKI STREETS - SILK SHOPPING - SHEKI FORTRESS - SHEKI KHAN PALACE - SHEBEKE CRAFT

Our tour begins; after breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we set off for Sheki, which was chosen as the Cultural Capital of the Turkic World in 2016 and houses historical and natural beauties. Depending on road and weather conditions, after a short break at the mud volcanoes, we head to the Turkish Martyrs' Cemetery built for our soldiers who fell as martyrs on the Caucasian front. After our break, we head to the city of Shamakhi. After seeing the Shamakhi Juma Mosque, which was the first built in the Caucasus, we take a break at Nohur Lake, known for its lush forests, untouched nature, and clear waters located at the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains. At the end of our break, we head to Sheki. In the city, which is famous for its dessert, we stop by a baklava shop to get information about baklava and halva making. Afterwards, we start exploring Sheki, which has a unique structure with its rich historical past, architecture, art, culture, and cuisine. We start our tour with a visit to the Upper Caravanserai, which is used as a hotel today. We photograph the caravanserai, which will impress you with its courtyard and size, and take a break for you to buy silk products in Sheki, which is recorded in old travelogues as the most important silk production center of the Caucasus. The traditional shawl made of world-famous and award-winning Sheki silk is called "kelagayi". This headscarf, decorated with patterns unique to the region and used in daily life or on special occasions, was included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2014. During the break, you can walk through the historical stone streets and photograph the historical buildings. Sheki's old historical houses are very similar to house designs in Anatolia and Istanbul. Generally built as one or two stories, the mansions made with traditional architecture such as stone and brick mixed exterior, large wooden windows, and bay windows were built in different structures to reflect class membership. After our break, we head to the fortress. We get out of our car and start visiting the fortress and the historical artifacts inside. First, we visit the Sheki Khan Palace, which was included in the World Cultural Heritage list by UNESCO along with the historical center of Sheki. There are two 500-year-old plane trees on both sides of the pool located in its garden called 'Khan Garden'. After seeing the plane trees, which are called 'Khan Plane' by the public, and its magnificent exterior, we start visiting the palace. When you visit the two-story palace, you will be amazed when you see the decorations and paintings inside. All of the facade windows were made with a craft branch where wooden slats, which Azerbaijanis call shebeke, are shaped to fit into each other without using any nails or adhesive materials, created by combining them with colored glass pieces. We take a short break at the 'Craftsmen's House', built with architecture unique to Sheki, where there are ceramic workshops and shops near the palace, which Nazim Hikmet said, "Even if there were no other works of art in Azerbaijan, this palace alone is enough to introduce it". Afterwards, we see the Round Church built by the Russians from the outside and stop by the workshop of the master who did the shebeke restoration of the Sheki palace to get to know the Shebeke craft closely. We try to learn this craft by trying it. Afterwards, we head to our hotel.

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: Sheki Hotels etc.
Route: Sheki - Shamakhi (170 km) Shamakhi - Nohur Lake (65 km) Nohur Lake - Sheki (90 km)
Total Distance to be Covered: 325 Km
Hotel Check-in Time: 17.00

CITY OF LOVE SIGHNAGHI - BODBE MONASTERY - TBILISI

Our tour begins; after breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we leave Sheki and head to the Azerbaijan-Georgia border gate with a journey of about two hours. Crossing the (Lagodekhi Border Gate), 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; fortress walls, St. George's Church, marriage office (open all day), statue of a doctor on a donkey, fascinating houses, and cobblestone streets. After our break, we visit the Bodbe Monastery (now a nunnery), built on the place where Saint Nino, who witnessed the Georgians' conversion to the Christian faith, was 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 Tbilisi.

NOTE: According to the agreement between the States of Azerbaijan and Georgia, Turkish citizens can cross the border WITH A PASSPORT.

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

Route: Sheki - Sighnaghi (140 km) Sighnaghi - Tbilisi (110 km)

Total Distance to be Covered: 250 Km

Hotel Check-in Time: 17.00

MEDIEVAL FORTRESS ANANURI - MTSKHETA - TBILISI CITY TOUR

Our tour begins; after breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we head to Ananuri Fortress, where we will see the Caucasus mountains towards the Russian border gate. In the structure, which is considered one of the best-preserved monuments from the early feudal period, we will feel the atmosphere of the Middle Ages with all its gloomy and dark events. After photographing the fortress, which was also visited by Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin in 1829, and the Jinvali Dam Lake, the largest artificial lake in Georgia, we go to Mtskheta, which was the capital of Georgia (Kingdom of Iberia) 2000 years ago and is located between the Kura and Aragvi rivers, included in the UNESCO Protection List. Our first stop here will be the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Svetitskhoveli, a work from the early Middle Ages, has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. The cathedral is the burial place of the Georgian royal family and it is believed that Saint Nino, an important saint in the Christian world, is buried here. Afterwards, we explore the historical texture and local atmosphere of the city on foot. After our old city tour, we head to Tbilisi. We do our Tbilisi tour on foot. The places we will see are; the Vakhtang Gorgasali Statue, which gives Tbilisi its name, the David the Builder Statue, the Saint Nino Statue, Freedom Square, the historical colorful Tbilisi houses around the Kura River, the Ottoman Period Mosque, the Bath (old sulfur bath), and the Clock Tower, which displays the life cycle with tiny puppets symbolizing marriages, the birth of children, and funerals, located next to the Rezo Gabriadze Puppet Theater. Afterwards, a Georgian night with a special menu consisting of Georgian dishes awaits you (Extra).

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 - Ananuri (65 km) Ananuri - Mtskheta (40 km) Mtskheta - Tbilisi (25 km)

Total Distance to be Covered: 130 Km

Hotel Check-in Time: 17.00

STALIN'S HOUSE - HOMELAND OF MINERAL WATER BORJOMI - AKHALTSIKHE - ÇILDIR LAKE

Our tour begins; after breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we go to the monument located at the Tbilisi Sea (Extra). There are columns in the Chronicle of Georgia Monument that tell both the history of the country and the 2000-year history of Christianity. After leaving here, we head to Gori, known as the city where the Georgian-born Soviet leader Josef Stalin was born. 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 (FROM THE OUTSIDE). Afterwards, we head to Borjomi, famous for its soda waters, amidst natural beauties. The places we will see in Borjomi are; Central Park (you can taste the mineral water here), the Cultural Heritage Monument Firuza Building, and the Poseidon Monument. Afterwards, we head to the historical city of Akhaltsikhe through the Azguri gorge. After seeing the Akhaltsikhe Fortress (Rabati), which was the administrative center of the Çıldır province during the Ottoman period with its unique architectural structure that does not resemble any of the fortress complexes in the world, panoramically, we head to Çıldır Lake. After a journey of about 2 hours via the Aktaş Border Gate, we reach Çıldır Lake. 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 head to our hotel in Kars.

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: Tbilisi - Gori (85 km) Gori - Borjomi (85 km) Borjomi - Kars (290 km)

Total Distance to be Covered: 450 km

KARS - ANI ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE - CAUCASIAN NIGHT

Our tour starts after breakfast at our hotel, as we set off to fully immerse ourselves in the magic of this fantastic city of the East, which has been shining brightly in recent times, and to see Kars' rich cultural and historical texture up close. Our first stop will be the Fethiye Mosque, which was built by the Russians in the late 19th century as a church in the Baltic architectural style and converted into a mosque in 1985. This historical transition stands out as an example reflecting the cultural richness of Kars. Afterwards, we move on to the Church of the Apostles (Kümbet Mosque), built at the foot of Kars Castle. This church draws attention as a prominent example of the Armenian-Georgian architectural style. The details of the structure offer important clues reflecting the history and culture of the region. Then, we go for a walk in the streets of Kars. In this region, known as the land of 'Ashiks' (bards), we witness the rich gastronomy and cultural heritage of Anatolia. We step into the gourmet world of the region by tasting delicacies such as honey, kashar cheese, gruyere cheese, piti, hangel, kete, goose meat, and yellow fish. We visit the Stone Bridge, which has survived from the Roman period to the present day and is still in use. This bridge appears as a structure that emphasizes the historical and geographical importance of the region. Similarly, the Historical Bath offers us a historical journey as a structure extending from the past to the present. While walking in the city, we encounter structures where we see the reflection of all the subtleties of Russian architecture, and we feel as if we are taking a journey outside of Turkey. By seeing the house where one of our famous poets, Namık Kemal, lived for a period, we witness the literary and cultural importance of Kars. After this natural beauty, we go to the Ani Archaeological Site, which has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. At the archaeological site located in the village of Ocaklı, right next to the Arpaçay River, which forms the border with Armenia today, the Tigran Honents Church, Ani Cathedral, Convent of the Virgins, Menuçehr Mosque, and Abughamrents (Poladoğlu) Church will be the monumental structures to be seen. After our excursions, we return to our hotel in the evening. We go to the Caucasian Folk Dances show (Extra) with our guests who wish to attend. (Night tours are extra and are carried out depending on participation and the number of people.)

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

Lunch: Will be taken as an extra at a point to be directed by our guide.

Dinner: Will be taken as an extra at a point to be directed by our guide.

Route: Kars Surroundings Excursions (100 km)

Total Distance to be Covered: 100 Km

JOURNEY TO ERZURUM BY EASTERN EXPRESS - YAKUTIYE MADRASAH - TASHAN

After a lovely breakfast at our hotel, we depart at 08:00 for the land of the 'Dadas' (brave hearts), Erzurum, by taking our seats in the Pullman carriage of the historic Eastern Express, one of the most enjoyable moments of this trip. After a nostalgic journey of approximately four hours accompanied by the fascinating landscapes of the railways, we reach Erzurum. (In case of any possible disruption in train services, our journey will be carried out by our comfortable tour vehicle via the Kars-Erzurum highway, and we will have the chance to visit the Sarıkamış Martyrs' Cemetery, where epics of heroism were written on this route.) Upon our arrival in Erzurum, we step into the streets that resemble an open-air museum to discover the city's deep-rooted history and architectural masterpieces. Among the historical places we will see within the scope of our cultural tour are: the Yakutiye Madrasah with its magnificent architecture that has survived from the Ilkhanid period to the present day, the Çifte Minareli Madrasah, a Seljuk masterpiece that is the most important symbol of the city, the Great Mosque (Ulu Camii), which is the oldest and largest place of worship in the city, the Three Tombs (Üç Kümbetler), one of the most beautiful examples of monumental tombs in Anatolia, and the Erzurum Congress and National Struggle Museum (if open), where the foundations of our Republic were laid. The Atatürk University Ata Ice Works Museum, which is the first and only ice museum in our country, offers both an artistic and cultural experience with its unique works where art is reflected in ice, providing us with unforgettable moments. After our cultural discoveries, we go to the historical Tashan (Rüstem Pasha Caravanserai) for shopping for Oltu stone, the world-famous black amber of Erzurum. After the wonderful souvenirs you can buy for your loved ones, we move to our restaurant to experience the most special flavors of the gourmet world. We have a feast that will leave unforgettable marks on our palates with the delicious Cağ Kebab, which is the first thing that comes to mind when Erzurum is mentioned and is flavored over a wood fire, and the crispy Kadayıf Dolması. After the pleasant free time we will give after the meal, we move to Erzurum Airport. We complete this fairy-tale Eastern adventure with the AJet Airlines 21:05 Ankara flight and return to Ankara. We bid farewell to you, our dear guests, with the hope of meeting again on another tour.

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

Morning Breakfast: To 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 Surroundings Excursions (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

NOTE: According to the agreement made between the States of Azerbaijan and Georgia, TR citizens can cross with a PASSPORT. Other identity cards (driver's license, etc.) cannot be used for crossing. Our guests under the age of 18 who will not be traveling with their family (Mother and Father at the same time) must obtain a NOTARIZED CONSENT FORM for Baku crossings. It is mandatory for IDs to have photos, including for babies and children. IDs must not be torn or worn out.

ATTENTION: DO NOT FORGET TO TAKE YOUR TR ID CARD AND PASSPORT WITH YOU WHEN SETTING OFF ON THE TRIP. THE INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE FEE IS PAID BY THE GUEST.

During registration, the name, date of birth, and passport number appearing on the passport must be entered into the system. Flight tickets are issued according to this information. No-show costs for flight ticket cancellations or changes resulting from incorrect information will be reflected to the guests.

Important Note: The departure point of our tours is Ankara, and the intermediate flights or connecting tickets that our guests who will join the tour from different cities will purchase individually are entirely their own responsibility. In case the tour is canceled due to insufficient participation or flight times are changed by the airline company, our agency is absolutely not responsible for the cancellation, refund, or change costs of the tickets that guests have purchased from other provinces.

NOTE: All extra activities such as ATV safari, boat tour, diving, jeep safari, parachute, 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 Contract and are a separate service. 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 establish 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 that may occur during extra tours, and negativities caused by third parties. The guest accepts that they know that such activities involving risk are inherently dangerous, that their health status is suitable for participation, and that all necessary responsibility belongs to them. In addition, all dangerous activities are not covered by insurance.

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

* 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 country entrances. They immediately start legal proceedings against the person possessing medicine. For daily entries, you can take one single dose of medicine that you will use during the day, wrapped in paper.

* PRONTOTOUR is not responsible for problems that may occur due to deformation in IDs at the Georgia border crossing. Georgia requests photos on IDs, 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 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 IDs belong. TRNC citizens will be able to enter Georgia with their TR ID cards if they enter Turkey using their TR ID cards. TRNC citizens who enter Turkey with an European Union 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. 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 THE CONSUMER LAW NO. 6502.