10-Day Turkey and Georgia Adventure: Culture, Cuisine, and Scenic Landscapes

Day 1: Historic Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi

Start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast, featuring cheeses, olives, eggs, and fresh bread in a cozy setting.
TRY150, 1h

9:30am

Visit Hagia Sophia

Explore this architectural marvel that blends Byzantine and Ottoman history, an absolute must-see for culture lovers. Open 9am-7pm.
TRY100, 2h

11:45am

Blue Mosque tour

Visit the stunning Blue Mosque famous for its beautiful blue tiles and grand design. Open 24 hours but best visited outside prayer times.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Balıkçı Sabahattin

Enjoy fresh seafood dishes near Sultanahmet in this renowned restaurant, known for its quality and atmosphere.
TRY200, 1h

2:30pm

Topkapi Palace tour

Visit the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans with treasures and beautiful gardens. Open 9am-6:45pm.
TRY150, 2h

5:00pm

Stroll through the Grand Bazaar

Experience one of the world’s oldest covered markets, perfect for souvenir shopping and soaking up local life. Open until 7pm.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

Dine with a view of the Golden Horn and savor traditional Turkish kebabs.
TRY250, 1h30m
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Day 2: Istanbul Modern and Bosphorus

Istanbul, Turkey on May 6, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Mangerie

Enjoy a morning coffee and healthy breakfast with views over the Bosphorus in Karaköy.
TRY120, 1h

9:45am

Istanbul Modern Art Museum

Discover contemporary Turkish art and rotating exhibitions. Open 10am-6pm, closed Tuesdays.
TRY90, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Karaköy Lokantası

Taste delicious and upscale Turkish mezze and dishes in this stylish setting.
TRY180, 1h

1:30pm

Bosphorus Cruise

Take a relaxing 2-hour ferry cruise along the Bosphorus, viewing palaces, fortresses, and charming seaside villages.
TRY120, 2h

4:00pm

Visit Dolmabahçe Palace

Tour the grand and lavish Ottoman palace, symbolizing the Ottoman Empire’s modernization. Open 9am-4:30pm.
TRY130, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Meze by Lemon Tree

Dine on contemporary mezzes and grilled dishes in Beyoğlu's vibrant dining scene.
TRY220, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Travel & Explore Cappadocia

Cappadocia, Turkey on May 7, 2025

7:00am

Early flight to Kayseri Airport (Cappadocia)

Fly from Istanbul to Kayseri, a 1.5-hour flight; then transfer to your hotel in Cappadocia.
TRY450, 3h including transfer

11:00am

Check-in and Rest at Hotel

Settle into a cave hotel for an authentic Cappadocia experience with unique accommodations.
Varies, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Dibek

Sample traditional pottery kebab in a charming local setting.
TRY160, 1h

2:00pm

Goreme Open Air Museum

Explore rock-cut churches and monasteries with vivid frescoes, open 8am-7pm.
TRY150, 2h

4:30pm

Sunset at Red Valley

Hike or drive to the Red Valley for spectacular sunset views over Cappadocia’s distinctive landscape.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Seten Anatolian Cuisine

Indulge in authentic Anatolian dishes made from local ingredients.
TRY220, 1h30m
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Day 4: Cappadocia Adventure

Cappadocia, Turkey on May 8, 2025

5:00am

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Experience a magical sunrise flight over Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys and valleys. Book in advance.
TRY1800, 3h

9:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Relax with a hearty breakfast after your early flight.
Included, 1h

11:00am

Visit Kaymakli Underground City

Discover the extensive subterranean city carved out by ancient civilizations. Open 8am-7pm.
TRY120, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Ziggy Café

Enjoy modern Turkish plates in a lovely terrace setting in Ürgüp.
TRY180, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Pasabag (Monks Valley)

Walk among the famous mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys unique to the area. Open daylight hours.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax at your hotel or visit local pottery workshops

Discover local ceramic artistry or unwind at your hotel after a busy day.
Varies, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Pumpkin Goreme Restaurant

Savor seasonal, farm-to-table dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
TRY220, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Travel to Tbilisi

Tbilisi, Georgia on May 9, 2025

8:00am

Morning transfer to Kayseri Airport

Return to Kayseri for your flight to Tbilisi, connecting via Istanbul or direct if available.
TRY500, 4h including flight and transfer

1:00pm

Arrive in Tbilisi and Check-in

Settle into a central hotel to explore the Georgian capital with its charming old town.
Varies, 1h

2:30pm

Lunch at Café Gabriadze

Enjoy Georgian favorites including khachapuri and khinkali in the quirky puppet theater café.
GEL40, 1h

4:00pm

Walk Old Town and Narikala Fortress

Explore the cobbled streets, sulfur baths area, and enjoy panoramic city views from the fortress. Open daily.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Barbarestan

Taste authentic Georgian dishes inspired by a 19th-century cookbook in a cozy ambience.
GEL70, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Tbilisi Cultural Day

Tbilisi, Georgia on May 10, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Entree

Start your day with fresh pastries and coffee from this popular bakery chain in Tbilisi.
GEL15, 1h

9:30am

Georgian National Museum

Explore exhibits on Georgian history and archaeology. Open 10am-6pm, closed Tuesday.
GEL10, 1h30m

11:15am

Metekhi Church and Bridge

Visit this historic church with great views over the river and explore the surrounding old quarter.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Samikitno

Enjoy traditional Georgian dishes in a rustic large setting, well-loved by locals.
GEL35, 1h

2:00pm

Tbilisi Botanical Garden

Relax amongst diverse flora and waterfalls in this peaceful garden, open 10am-7pm.
GEL5, 2h

5:00pm

Cable Car to Mtatsminda Park

Take a scenic cable car ride for sunset views and amusement park fun atop the hill.
GEL7, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Funicular Restaurant

Dine on Georgian and European dishes with panoramic Tbilisi views at the hilltop restaurant.
GEL80, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Day Trip to Kazbegi

Kazbegi, Georgia on May 11, 2025

7:00am

Depart for Kazbegi

Enjoy a scenic 3-hour drive through the Georgian Military Highway to the mountain town of Kazbegi.
GEL40 for transport, 3h

10:30am

Visit Gergeti Trinity Church

Hike or take a jeep to this iconic 14th-century church perched on a hill beneath Mount Kazbek.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Rooms Hotel Kazbegi

Relax with delicious meals and stunning mountain views at this stylish hotel’s restaurant.
GEL60, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Gveleti Waterfalls

An easy hike to beautiful waterfalls in the surrounding mountains, peaceful and scenic.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Tbilisi

Travel back to Tbilisi after an adventurous day.
Included in transport cost, 3h

8:00pm

Light dinner/snack at Hotel

Rest and have a light meal at the hotel after your return.
Varies, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Tbilisi: Markets & Relaxation

Tbilisi, Georgia on May 12, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Stamba Café

Enjoy a trendy café breakfast in a historic industrial building.
GEL25, 1h

10:30am

Visit Dry Bridge Market

Browse for antiques, crafts, and secondhand treasures at Tbilisi’s famous flea market.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Pinchik

Savor Georgian street food including fresh khinkali and local specialties.
GEL30, 1h

2:00pm

Relax at Sulfur Baths

Unwind in historic sulfur baths in Abanotubani, a perfect rejuvenation experience. Open daily.
GEL40, 2h

5:00pm

Explore Rustaveli Avenue

Stroll down Tbilisi’s main thoroughfare lined with shops, theaters, and cafes.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Keto and Kote

Try inventive Georgian cuisine in a romantic old-town setting.
GEL60, 1h30m
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Day 9: Mtskheta & Wine Region

Mtskheta, Georgia on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Drive to Mtskheta

Travel 30 minutes to Georgia’s ancient capital, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
GEL20 transport, 30m

8:45am

Visit Jvari Monastery

One of Georgia’s most sacred sites, offering beautiful views over Mtskheta. Open daily.
GEL5, 1h

10:00am

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral tour

Explore this magnificent medieval cathedral, a centerpiece of Georgian Christianity.
GEL5, 1h

11:30am

Drive to Kakheti Wine Region

Head to Georgia’s premier wine-producing area in 1.5 hours.
GEL40, 1h30m

1:00pm

Wine Tasting & Lunch at Shumi Winery

Sample unique Georgian wines paired with delicious local cuisine at Shumi Winery.
GEL70, 2h

3:30pm

Explore Sighnaghi Town

Discover this charming ‘city of love’ with charming streets and panoramic vistas.
Free, 1h30m

5:30pm

Return to Tbilisi

Drive back to the city after a fulfilling day of culture and wine.
Included in transport cost, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at Shavi Lomi

Enjoy innovative Georgian dining made with fresh, local ingredients.
GEL60, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Departure Day

Tbilisi, Georgia on May 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a leisurely breakfast before departure.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Last-minute Shopping or Walk in Old Town

Use your remaining time to grab souvenirs or enjoy a final stroll through Tbilisi’s charming streets.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Transfer to Tbilisi International Airport

Head to the airport for your outbound flight.
GEL20, 30m
View Hotel Availability