Tbilisi, Georgia - Istanbul, Turkey 25 days trip

Full of history and unassuming charm, Georgia's capital boasts diverse architecture, several museums, and amazing Georgian cuisine.

Georgia's largest church features nine different chapels, a wealth of ornamental details, an adjacent monastery, and a bell-tower.

Explore the cobbled streets of the Old Town, admiring historic buildings, visiting local cafes, or simply enjoying people-watching.

Book in advance not to miss the unique experience of this fantastic puppet theater, well-known for its remarkable performances.

With a history stretching to the 4C, this fortress overlooks Tbilisi and houses frescoes depicting biblical and historical scenes.

Recognized as one of Georgia's earliest settlements, this ancient town is carved into the rock, featuring tunnels and chambers.

With its uncommon architectural layout, fine decorative reliefs, and amazing views, this 6C church is worth the hike up a hill.

With its extensive grounds sprawled along the Tsavkisis-Tskali Gorge, this botanical garden boasts diverse flora and a waterfall.

Admire the elegant 19C Rococo building as you explore the streets in the morning, then at night head to the theater to catch a show.

Part of Georgia's national museum, this institute exhibits archaeological and ethnographic relics tracing the local history.

Take a cable car ride up to the Narikala Fortress, enjoying the comprehensive panorama of Tbilisi opening up before you.

Visit this ancient monastery, whose history stretches to the 6C and whose wine is well-known in all of Georgia.

Nestled amidst breathtaking scenery, the 13C castle retains much of its architecture and features two historic churches.

Housed in a beautiful 19C Moorish-Revival palace, Georgia's national theater offers an evening saturated with culture.

One of Tbilisi's historic neighborhoods, boasting architectural curios and a well-preserved 13C church.

An open-air museum exhibiting ethnographic items, traditional buildings, and craftsmanship from various Georgian regions.

Named for its abundance of resident turtles, this small lake is a known recreational area, offering peaceful getaway from the city.

Set on the border with Azerbaijan, this 6C monasterial complex is hewn into rock, boasting ancient murals and fascinating caves.

A national park set 60km from Tbilisi, encompassing the stunning landscape of the Algeti valley and the 2,000m high Mount Kldekari.

This elegant 13C brick cathedral is home to several beautiful murals and paintings depicting bible scenes.

Dating to the 6C and boasting traditional Georgian architecture, this church is home to a 17C altarpiece and some remarkable art.

Perched on top of the lovely Sololaki Hill, this 20m aluminum statue commemorates the capital's foundation 1,500 years ago.

Established in the 19C, Tbilisi Circus offers a wealth of fun and exhilarating performances for the whole family.

Sprawling along the Saguramo Range, Georgia's oldest national park boasts indigenous flora and fauna, offering hiking trails.

A great spot for bird watching, this scenic lake is also home to a variety of mammals and reptiles.

An early 20C church established on the ruins of a previous church, boasting lovely frescoes and ornamental details.

An impressive architectural feat, this 150m pedestrian bridge connects Old Tbilisi with the rest of the city.

This family-friendly theme park offers a few water attractions, as well as rides and slides, a ferris wheel, and a rollercoaster.

Established in 1927, Georgia's oldest zoo is small, but suitable for a stroll and a couple of amusing hours.

These two monasteries date to the 6C and 16C, respectively, retaining fine murals, old architecture, and a few ecclesiastical gems.

Featuring Georgian architecture, a church, and a great panorama, this 16C castle complex now houses a small archaeological museum.

A popular Black Sea resort, Georgia's third largest city boasts vibrant nightlife, 19C buildings, and a lively atmosphere.

Stretching for over 7km, this seaside park is full of modern sculptures, indigenous flora, and beautiful scenery.

The Soviet Union's largest botanical garden boasts over 2,000 plants, maintaining 9 diverse habitats and wonderful scenery.

Walk around the street, admiring 19C building facades, wonderful local restaurants, and a vibrant waterfront.

Listen for the tune that marks the hour, or trace the positions of sun and moon on the face on this charming tower clock.

Engulfing a large part of the Lesser Caucasus, this gorgeous national park is home to waterfalls and lush nature.

A national park encompassing lakes and rivers, offering a wealth of fun activities including kayaking, hiking, and bird-watching.

Stroll around the park for a respite from the busy streets, visit the aquarium or the lake, and be sure to drop by the dolphinarium.

Catch a show at the local dolphinarium for a chance to watch leaping dolphins, or simply take a few photos with these creatures.

A central spot for meet-ups, concerts, and cultural assemblies. Admire the statue of Medea or simply enjoy a snack in the sun.

With a modern design showcasing the Georgian alphabet, this 150m tower houses a restaurant set on a revolving observation deck.

Walk around the ruins of this 6C citadel, perched on a cliff overlooking the Black Sea coast.

Flanked on both banks by a biodiverse habitat, this river offers stunning surrounding, hiking, rafting, and kayaking.

An archaeological museum exhibiting items from the Bronze Age until the 16C, including numismatics, pottery, jewelry, and others.

A museum tracing the history of technological progress in Batumi from the 19C onward, exhibiting relics and photographs.

Georgia's oldest fortress dates to the 1C at least, houses a small archaeological museum, and offers a nice stroll among the ruins.

A bustling modern city with a somewhat relaxed sea-side feel, Trabzon's architecture is an interesting mixture of old and new.

A fort dating to the 21C BC, this construction once comprised three castles, now boasting nice ruins with great views of the city.

Dating to the 13C, this ancient church now houses the St. Sophia museum, and has also served as a mosque.

A wonderful Ottoman mosque dating to the 16C, featuring marvelous ornamentation and honoring the mother of Sultan Selim I.

Escape the bustle of the city at this scenic park, where you can stroll the paths, or relax on the sprawling lawns with a picnic.

Blessed with beautiful and varied verdure, this national park is most-known for the world famous Sumela Monastery.

Hike through the beautiful forest to reach this ancient monastery, situated high in the cliffs overlooking the Altindere valley.

This ancient church is the oldest in the city and probably dates to around the 6C-7C.

Stroll through this historic town, admiring the old architecture, and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere.

A museum home to archeological and ethnographic exhibitions which depict the history and culture of Trabzon and the region.

Ruins of a 15C Armenian monastery, located on a hill and offering excellent views of the surrounding area.

One of the most important historical sites in the region, this medieval castle sits high in the mountains surrounded by natural beauty.

Explore this gorgeous valley, rich with breathtaking expanses of lush greenery, and trace all 20 of the Ottoman stone bridges.

A great hilltop city dating to 13C BC, best-known for its historic Artuqid architecture, as well as various ecclesiastic buildings.

A 14C Islamic seminary, boasting well-preserved Artuqid architecture, a stately mosque, and superb views of the city from its roof.

A wonderful museum exhibiting archaeological artifacts, paintings, and photography that well-represents the history of Mardin.

Overlooking the entire city from a mountain ridge, this stronghold dates to the Roman period and features marvelous stone-carvings.

A lovely museum tracing the cultural and historical legacy of Mardin, as well as housing temporary exhibits of art and photography.

Travel back in time, visiting these wonderfully-preserved 6C ruins of an ancient fortress in northern Mesopotamia.

An ancient city with superb archaeological value, sprawled along the Tigris River and featuring mosques, tombs, and more.

Dating to the 12C, this mosque boasts intricate stone-carved details and offers a breathtaking view of the Mesopotamian plains.

Honoring Cappadocian martyrs, this medieval Assyrian Orthodox church features fine decorative details and a lovely inner courtyard.

Experience the cultural wealth of Mardin's lovely old city, where fine limestone buildings foster a genuine Turkish atmosphere.

Dating to the 16C, this former Islamic seminary boasts spectacularly ornate portals, and a replica of a famed elephant clock.

One of Turkey's most significant Syriac landmarks, this Orthodox monastery dates to the 5C and is rich with local history.

Believed to be the world's oldest Syriac Orthodox monastery, this 4C institute is still operational and open for visitors.

Dating to the 14C, this fine red sandstone mosque boasts an impressive minaret with intricate carvings and elegant balconies.

A wonderful city with a rich and complicated history, famed for its textile handicraft and exquisite silversmithing.

The second largest city in Anatolia, Diyarbakir is the cultural center of the region, boasting mosques, museums, and rich cuisine.

Beautifully situated among fantastical rocky peaks, the small, laid-back town of Goreme has a unique, otherworldly feel.

Mix with the locals and experience the rustic charm of Goreme as you wind through the beguiling lanes of the old town.

A UNESCO site, this collection of religious buildings, carved from rocky outcrops by Byzantine monks, is a must-see attraction.

Famed for its uncanny rock formations shaped like mushroom-topped fairy chimneys, this valley offers a glimpse into another world.

Offering stunning landscape shaped over centuries by erosion, this national park is home to rock hewn villages dating to the 4C.

A small village of stone-carved houses, famed for a surrealistically beautiful citadel set on the highest point in Cappadocia.

Over 200 villages of cavernous dwellings are carved into the rock formations of this region, evoking its millennia-long history.

Spanning several subterranean levels, this underground city dates to the 8C BC and serves as a superb remnant of Byzantine ingenuity.

Visitors can see the Roman Bath Section, Agora, The Basilica and The Bouleterion buildings in this ancient Roman village.

The highest summit in its mountain range, Mount Erciye is truly awe-inspiring in its beauty and is popular with winter sports fans.

A spectacular little known multilevel subterranean monastery, featuring magnificently preserved frescoes from the Byzantine era.

Turkey's largest Mediterranean coastal city is home to some of the country's finest beaches, and is dotted with historic sites.

Antalya's historic heart is a beautiful mix of ancient relics, Ottoman architecture, small hotels, boutique shops and restaurants.

A series of magnificent waterfalls which span a section of the Duden River, the last of which cascades into the Mediterranean.

One of Turkey's largest and best museums is an absolute must, helping to convey the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Check out the impressive sand sculptures at this amazing beach-side attraction.

Hike through a pine forest to reach this 1,000m high city, whose splendid theater and historic relics uphold a unique atmosphere.

Set amidst historically famed regions, this national park offers an exciting variety of outdoor activities and archaeological sites.

The best of Antalya's bustling beaches is just a short hop from the center, offering sun, sea, sand and beach-side bars and cafes.

Check out this huge aquarium for a glimpse of the wild and wonderful creatures that inhabit the world's oceans.

The tower and ruins at this site once formed a Roman temple which went on to play a huge part in the religious history of the city.

Stroll through this large park with fantastic views of the city's ancient harbor and the sparkling seas of the gulf.

Visit these ruins not only for their rich history going back to the 4C BC, but for the wild and beautiful surrounding nature as well.

Comprising ancient archaeological sites, a seashore, and mountains, this national park has something to offer everyone.

This coastal tower is thought to have been built by the Romans and has since been used as a battlement and lighthouse.

The finest architecture from around Turkey can all be seen here in the scaled down models of this open air attraction.

Head to Tunek Tepe for views out over the surrounding hills and Antalya Gulf.

The two beautifully renovated buildings that make up this museum house exhibits of the region's artistic and cultural traditions.

Dating as far back as the 7C BC, this ancient ruined city retains several original Lycian features.

A great national park centered on the 400m-deep canyon, stretching along the Kopru River and famed for its archaeological remains.

Known for its stunning beaches, protected lagoon, and nature reserve, this Turkish town is an idyllic getaway.

Enjoy the clean white sand of one of Turkey's nicest beaches, and take a swim in the clear blue sea.

With pools and slides of varying sizes, this exciting park promises to be fun for adults and children of all ages.

Wander through this sea-side town, enjoying the laid back atmosphere, and relax in one of the local cafes.

Let your imagination roam as you explore the ruins of this once-thriving city, glimpsing its vibrant past through cracks of time.

Explore these ancient Lycian ruins, which are located along Turkey's longest stretch of uninterrupted beach.

Explore the hiking trails surrounding this abandoned village, as well as the 3,000 still standing dilapidated buildings.

The former capital of Lycia, this site boasts remarkable archaeological remains, among them the wonderfully decorated Harpy Tomb.

Dating to 4C BC, this marvelous tomb boasts intricate ornamental stone carvings, an inner burial chamber, and a few statue ruins.

Ruins of an ancient Lycian city popular with travelers, where one can find an Ottoman citadel, a grand theater, tombs, and more.

Hike through the stunning canyons in the unique park, where rushing blue waters will stream past you.

An island perfectly combining history with natural beauty, home to several ancient cities ruins and brilliant turquoise water.

The sparkling waters, beaches and relaxing atmosphere of this Mediterranean coastal town make it a highly popular getaway spot.

Wind your way through streets lined with Greek-style whitewashed houses, ducking into cafes and absorbing the Mediterranean feel.

This beautifully-located 15C castle houses the Underwater Archaeology Museum and boasts fantastic views of the surrounding area.

Considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the foundations of this 350 BC tomb can still be seen.

Take a dip in the gorgeous Mediterranean waters and relax on the sand at the city's beach.

Famous for the Egyptian spherical seashells comprising its unique sands, this island is the perfect destination for beach lovers.

Turkey's most famous historic site, this ancient city dates to 10C BC and is home to several illustrious archaeological findings.

Sitting on the headland, the location of these crumbling old windmills offers pleasant views out over the city and bay.

Over 2000 years old, this ancient, 13,000-capacity, open-air theater continues to be used for events in the summer months.

The last remaining gate of what was once the defensive walls of the ancient settlement of Myndos.

Once the house of Turkish music legend Zeki Muren, this is now a museum opened in his honor.

Once a thriving ancient city, this village is dominated by the majestic Besparmak Mountains that offer great hiking and climbing.

Flanked by two lovely harbors, this site has produced several marvelous archaeological findings and offers great views of the area.

Surrounded by sea and mountains, the large port city of Izmir is becoming known for its lively, forward-thinking cultural scene.

One of the Izmir's main attractions is the lively city bazaar, with its abundance of fine Turkish goods and culinary delicacies.

Relics from millennia of history in the Izmir Gulf can be seen at this museum, including ornate coffins and ancient statues.

Built in the 16C, the city center's largest mosque has some interesting interior design features typical of Izmiri style.

Home to a huge range of animals from around the world, Izmir's wildlife park is fun day out for adults and children alike.

Turkey's most famous historic site, this ancient city dates to 10C BC and is home to several illustrious archaeological findings.

Saturated with history and mythology, this national park is full of animal, lush verdure, and spectacular mountain routes.

Wander the streets and take waterfront strolls as you spy out ancient relics and sample the restaurants and bars of the city.

Located in an exquisite early-20C building, the gallery has a range of changing exhibitions from Turkish and international artists.

Explore the ruins of an ancient Roman settlement, built for Alexander the Great and rebuilt in 2C after a huge earthquake.

A blue-tiled mosque with examples of both Iznik and Izmir tiles adoring its pretty interior and good views over the local area.

Comprised of a lush forested peninsula and a large delta, this national park is one of the most biologically diverse parks in Turkey.

With rides, slides, and pools of various sizes, both adults and children will enjoy a few hours at this exciting water park.

A museum showcasing historical art and craftwork from the region, including treasures from the Roman and Neolithic eras.

Take a break from sightseeing for a fun few hours on the rides and fairground attractions at the city's mini theme park.

Built in 1901, the historical clock tower that sits at the center of bustling Konak square was designed in an ornate Ottoman style.

Head to the bustling historic district of Alsancak for great shops, eateries, bars, city squares, museums and hotels.

Perfect for nature lovers who favor the waterside, this resort town boasts gorgeous beaches and spectacular views of the region.

Believed to be the house where the Virgin Mary spent the last days of her life, this site is a popular pilgrimage site.