Baku to the Bosphorus

Baku to the Bosphorus

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30 Days From

$12570

$12174

Baku to the Bosphorus

30 Days Starting in Baku and ending in Istanbul

Visiting: Baku, Sheki , Telavi, Kazbegi , Kutaisi , Mestia (Svaneti) , Borjomi , Gyumri , Yerevan , Goris , Dilijan , Tbilisi , Camlihemsin, Kastamonu, Safronbolu , Amasra, Bursa, Istanbul

Tour operator:

Sundowners Overland

Tour code:

BBBI

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 15

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

12-90

Special diets catered:

Please advise requests

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

Private Available:

Request A Private Tour

From: $12570 $12174 Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$396

NB: Prices correct on 31-Oct-2024 but subject to change.

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Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey from Baku to the Bosphorus, traversing the rich cultural landscapes of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey. This immersive tour offers a blend of history, nature, and culinary delights, starting in the medieval walled city of Baku and culminating in the vibrant metropolis of Istanbul. Along the way, explore ancient monasteries, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and picturesque mountain villages. Savor local wines in Georgia's Kakheti region, marvel at the architectural wonders of Sheki, and experience the serene beauty of Armenia's Lake Sevan. This tour promises a captivating adventure through some of the most historically and culturally significant regions of the world.

Highlights

  • Explore Baku's medieval walled city 'Icheri Sheher' and the Zoroastrian fire temple.

  • Visit Sheki, one of Azerbaijan's most ancient cities, and the Palace of Sheki Khans.

  • Travel to Georgia's Kakheti wine region, enjoying excellent food, wine, and stunning mountain views.

  • Explore Tbilisi's Old Town, including Metekhi Church and Sioni Cathedral.

  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta.

  • Take a cable car ride up Mt Zuruldi in Svaneti for exceptional views of the Caucasus Mountains.

  • Discover the last surviving Pagan Temple in Garni and the UNESCO World Heritage Listed monastery of Geghard in Armenia.

  • Explore Istanbul's classic sights, including Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Baku

Location: Baku

Spared destruction by the Mongols, Azerbaijan’s capital of Baku has a walled city where narrow streets lead to Shirvanshah’s Palace and the Maiden Tower, while the Caravanserai is a reminder that Silk Road caravans once stopped here.
In the evening of Day 1 join your Tour Leader and fellow travellers at 5:00pm for your Welcome Meeting as detailed on your Joining Instructions.

Day 2: Baku

Location: Baku

We begin the day exploring Baku, including the medieval walled city 'Icheri Sheher'.  We also make time to visit the Gobustan preserve and mud volcanoes, created from oil and hot gas reserves. An unusual natural phenomena, watching the lava bubble up is quite captivating. 

Day 3: Baku To Sheki

Location: Sheki

Today we make our way to Sheki travelling through beautiful landscapes stopping first to visit Shemakha. Weather permitting we will also stop by the 'village of masters' Lahij which is famous for its' authentic handicrafts, particularly copper on our way to Sheki. 
Note: In case of bad weather we will visit the Ateshgah Zoroastrian Fire Temple, formerly used by traders from Persia and India.
 

Day 4: Sheki And Kish

Location: Sheki

Sheki is one of the most ancient cities of Azerbaijan and is rightly called the architectural reserve of the country.  The Palace of Sheki Khans is a rare and stunning example of combining the national and palace architecture traditions.  We also visit the workshop of a shabaka maker, a style of window making that has been used inAzerbaijan since the 11th-12th centuries. Tiny glass pieces are assembled by the master with wood elements that fix each other without glue or nails. 

Day 5: To Kakheti

Location: Telavi

Welcome to Georgia!  Today we travel across the border and into the Kakheti wine region, and the towns of Gremi and Telavi, enjoying the excellent food, wine and stunning mountain views. We also visit the village of Varisubanui and a traditional qvevri maker.

Day 6: Kakheti To Stepantsminda

Location: Kazbegi

A stunning drive will bring us to Stepantsminda from where we can explore the Kazbegi region. Mountains and stunning scenery awaits at every turn. 

Day 7: Kazbegi And Stepantsminda

Location: Kazbegi

We set out on a challenging and rewarding 1.5 hour walk to Gergeti Trinity Church (2170m) high in the Caucasus Mountains. Alternatively, transport will be arranged locally. Weather permitting you will have a chance to see Mt Kazbegi.

Day 8: Kutaisi Via Gori

Location: Kutaisi

We continue through Gori, Stalin’s birthplace, to see where it all began visiting the dictators house and museum – though you will not find any reference to his purges which cost millions their lives. Then on to Kutaisi.

Day 9: Mestia (Svaneti)

Location: Mestia (Svaneti)

Today we visit Prometheus grotto, one of Georgia’s natural wonders rich in petrified waterfalls, stalactites, stalagmites, underground rivers and lakes.  Climbing deep into the Caucasus Mountains to Svaneti we see unique ‘watchtower’ constructions which provided protection from would-be conquerors so successfully that the Svan tribes became isolated in their mountain fortresses. 

Day 10: Mestia (Svaneti)

Location: Mestia (Svaneti)

Travel deep into the Svan heartland to Ushguli which at 2200 metres is the highest permanent village in Europe. Today upper Svaneti is a UNESCO Heritage Site, where the locals retain their old unwritten language and are known to practice blood-feuds from time to time. Svan offers some of the best views in Europe across the surrounding peaks and glaciers of the High Caucasus, and if the weather conditions are right, we’ll have the opportunity to see them.

Day 11: Return To Kutaisi

Location: Kutaisi

We visit Zugdidi where we join a tour of the Dadiani Palace, a testimony to the regions rich royal past, before continuing to Kutaisi. It is Kutaisi where Georgia’s most revered King, David the Builder, is buried within the UNESCO listed Gelati Monastery. Here we marvel at the wonderful mosaics and wall paintings of this well-preserved complex. 

Day 12: Kutaisi To Akhaltsikhe Via Borjomi

Location: Borjomi

We leave Kutaisi for Akhaltsikhe where we wander the Rabat Fortress (Old Town) with its rare examples of darbazebi (traditional Georgian houses), castle, mosque and synagogue. 

Day 13: Into Armenia And Gyumri

Location: Gyumri

This morning we visit the remarkable remains of Vardzia, a monastery complex carved into the rocks and cliffs dating back to the 12th - 13th centuries.
Continuing to the Armenian Border at Bavra we farewell our Georgian guide and after completing border formalities we set foot in Armenia bound for the capital of the Shirak Province, Gyumri.

Day 14: To Yerevan

Location: Yerevan

Armenia was the world’s first state to adopt Christianity as its official religion. Winding our way to Armenia’s capital we make a stop at the archaeological remains of Zvartnots.

Day 15: Yerevan

Location: Yerevan

Whilst in Yerevan we explore the delightful city with beautiful tree-line streets, cafes and museums on our city tour including a visit to the State History Museum. 

Day 16: Yerevan

Location: Yerevan

Beyond the city we visit the last surviving Pagan Temple in Garni of indeterminate origin, and farther on the UNSECO World Heritage Listed monastery of Geghard, which is carved, literally, out of the surrounding mountain.

Day 17: To Goris

Location: Goris

Leaving Yerevan we stop to admire some of the region’s surrounding treasures including Noravank Monastery.
Travelling northwards from Goris to Tsaghkadzor we visit the breathtaking Khndzoresk Village. Situated on the steep slopes of Khir Dzor is the thousand-year-old Khndzoresk cave village, today around four hundred natural and man-made dwellings remain etched in the hillsides. Sixty-three metres above the ground Khndoresk Swinging Bridge runs over a deep canyon connecting the old and new villages.
Continuing our journey, we take some time to uncover the mysterious Karahunge Observatory, known as the Armenian Stonehenge (predating its English counterpart by 3,000 years)
 

Day 18: Goris To Dilijan

Location: Dilijan

Today will take in the Karahunge observatory, Selim caravansarai, Noratus Khachkar, Lake Sevan. You will feel a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of Yerevan.Serene Lake Sevan, the world’s second largest, high altitude lake at 1900 metres above sea level. 

Day 19: Dilijan To Tbilisi

Location: Tbilisi

Today we wind our way through valleys and gorges to seek out the hidden monasteries amongst untouched nature, serenity and impressive architecture before returning to Tbilisi. En route we pause at the serene Lake Sevan, the world’s second largest, high altitude lake at 1900 metres above sea level. From here we can climb up to Sevanavank Monastery to marvel at the stunning panoramic views across the azure waters.

Day 20: Tbilisi

Location: Tbilisi

Tbilisi, the charming capital is situated on the Mtkvari River and is a delightful city to explore on foot. With 5th century origins in the Old Town we visit Metekhi Church and Sioni Cathedral then stroll along Rustaveli Avenue to Freedom Square.

Day 21: Tbilisi To Batumi And To Camlihemsin

Location: Camlihemsin

An early start and busy day ahead as we transfer first by train to the Black Sea coast and the main seaside resort town of Batumi. We then cross the border into Turkey and travel deep into the mountains of Rize Province, and to the tea fields of Camlihemsin - our base for the next two nights. We will learn about the history and traditions of the region over dinner this evening.

Day 22: Camlihemsin

Location: Camlihemsin

Located on the fast flowing Firtina River, Camlihemsin was part of an important trading region over the centuries of the Silk Road trade. We will enjoy a guided walk to the tea plantations by our local hosts and learn about how tea came to be grown in the region, the processes and comerce of the modern tea trade - and how Turkey became the biggest consumer of tea in the world. We enjoy lunch with a local family.

Day 23: To Trabzon And On To Ordu

We descend to the Black Sea and follow the coast road through Rize to Trabzon; founded by Byzantine Greeks in the 8thC we vist the Hagia Sophia Byzantine church, and in the nearby mountains the 4th C Byzantine Sumela Monastery -hewn into the rock face.  

Day 24: To Samsun And On To Kastamonu

Location: Kastamonu

Leaving Ordu we follow the coast to Samsun then inland to the charming provincial town of Kastamonu; renowned for its food, in particular its speciality - halva .  

Day 25: Kastamonu To Safranbolu

Location: Safronbolu

We travel to the old Silk Road town of Safranbolu - its name taken from its most famous produce, saffron. Explore the old town, sample the local Turkish delight - and a visit to the historic Turkish bathhouse for a traditional 'hamam'

Day 26: Safranbolu To Amasra: Safranbolu

Location: Amasra

We explore the ancient picturesque port of Amasra, a thriving centre of trade for the ancient Greeks, Genoese and Ottoman empires. Enjoy a swim and a traditional fish lunch before bidding farewell to the Black Sea and reurning to Safranbolu.

Day 27: Safranbolu To Bursa

Location: Bursa

To Bursa; ancient Silk Road trade centre - it remains a centre of silk production; first capital of the Ottoman Empire and home of the legendary 'Iskender kebab'! We explore the historic centre: the Grand Mosque, Bazaar, Koza Han Caravanserai and enjoy the lively nightlife of this university town.

Day 28: Bursa To Istanbul

Location: Istanbul

We board a local ferry for the final leg of our journey to Istanbul - crossing the Sea of Marmara to the Bosphorous and the gateway for east to west - Istanbul. This afternoon we take in the classic sights: Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern and the Grand Bazaar 

Day 29: Istanbul

Location: Istanbul

Our sightseeing today will take in the Spice Market, Rustem Pasha Mosque, Dolmabahce Palace and the Navy Museum. 

Day 30: Istanbul

Location: Istanbul

Your journey from Baku to the Bosphorous concludes today, continue your travels or perhaps extend for some additional nights in Istanbul for further adventures.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    29 Hotel/Guesthouse (twin share)

  • Additional Services

    Comprehensive schedule of sightseeing with certified Local Guides. You’ll have a generous sprinkling of free time to relax or explore on your own.

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

    All transfers including to and from the airport.

  • Fully Guided

    An experienced Tour Leader accompanies the whole journey to keep your adventure on track. Local Guides are native to each destination and as certified professionals will share their immense knowledge with you. 24/7 support is available in the office and on the ground.

  • Meals

    29 breakfasts, 14 lunches, 18 dinners

What's Not Included

  • Insurance

  • International Travel

Check out our Q&As

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Yes, all arrival and departure transfers are included to and from the airport.

  • What is the maximum group size?

    Small group tours ensure an intimate experience and all of our tours have a maxumum group size of 15.

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    There are no single supplements on group tours if you are happy to share wtih fellow travellers. If you craft a custom journey or would prefer private hotel accommodation a single supplement may apply.

  • Are all entrance fees included in the price?

    Yes, all entrance fees for scheduled sightseeing are included.

  • Can I travel independently on this journey?

    Yes, Sundowners Overland can created a customised Tailor Made journey to meet your needs should you wish to travel independently through these regions.

  • Do you require a visa for this holiday?

    Depending on your passport you may require visas for this journey. You will be provided with a comprehensive set of visa guidelines to assist you.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Like-minded, well travelled clients who you are sure to forge lasting friendships with as you unlock the wonders of the world together.

  • Can I create a customised journey with Sundowners Overland

    Yes. All of our group tours can be used as a starting point to create your own adventure. Whether travelling alone or in a private group the options are endless. We are happy to work with you to craft a journey that meets your interests and requirements.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1964

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    There are no single supplements on group tours if you are happy to share with fellow travelers. If you craft a custom journey or would prefer private hotel accommodation, a single supplement may apply.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Comprehensive tour documentation and visa guidelines

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please see full booking conditions for details.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    Contact us to see if an alternative start point applies to your chosen journey.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes, we ensure that all accommodation is of a suitable standard for our journeys.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    Please see full booking conditions for details

Reviews from travellers on this tour

David  

Baku to the Bosphorus

02-Aug-2024

A stunning trip with an amazingly wide variety of experiences - one day walking in the Georgian mountains with unforgettable views and on another day swimming in the Black Sea; one day being the only people exploring an 11th century castle and on another battling through the crowds in the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul . History, culture and modern politics are all brought vividly to life whilst surrounded by the amazing scenery of each of the four countries.

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1 Select your preferred date

Wednesday - Thursday

Apr 09, 2025 - May 08, 2025
$12570 $12174

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$396

Wednesday - Thursday

May 14, 2025 - Jun 12, 2025
$12605 $12208

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$397

Wednesday - Thursday

Jul 16, 2025 - Aug 14, 2025
$12605 $12208

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$397

Wednesday - Thursday

Sep 10, 2025 - Oct 09, 2025
$12665 $12266

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$399

Saturday - Sunday

Oct 11, 2025 - Nov 09, 2025
$12605 $12208

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$397

Wednesday - Thursday

Apr 08, 2026 - May 07, 2026
$13075 $12663

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$412

Wednesday - Thursday

May 13, 2026 - Jun 11, 2026
$13105 $12692

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$413

Wednesday - Thursday

Jun 17, 2026 - Jul 16, 2026
$13105 $12692

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$413

Wednesday - Thursday

Jul 15, 2026 - Aug 13, 2026
$13105 $12692

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$413

Wednesday - Thursday

Sep 09, 2026 - Oct 08, 2026
$13170 $12755

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$415

Wednesday - Thursday

Oct 07, 2026 - Nov 05, 2026
$13105 $12692

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$413

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Sundowners Overland requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of sundowners overland charges.

    Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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