Embark on an unforgettable journey through Turkey, Armenia, and Georgia, exploring world-famous archeological sites, rich culture, and stunning natural wonders. At the crossroads of Europe and Asia, this region is dotted with historical sites dating back to the ancient Mesopotamians, Hittites, and early Christians. Although the region has experienced war and ongoing political tensions, it still captivates travelers with ancient landmarks, culinary traditions, and some of the most dramatic landscapes on Earth. On this trip, travelers will immerse themselves in the region’s rich history by visiting UNESCO sites, notably Gobekli Tepe, an ancient site near the city of Sanliurfa that dates back to the Neolithic period and is considered the earliest temple built on Earth. In Eastern Turkey, travelers will explore the Roman ruins of the Cendere Bridge, the Ani complex home to 1001 churches, and explore Urfa, Mardin, Kars, and Lake Van. Archaeology, legend, and landmarks blur together on this trip with visits to Mt. Ararat, said to be the final resting place of Noah’s Ark, and Mt. Nemrut, where travelers will hike to see sunset surrounded by the ruins of ancient stone statues of deities. In Georgia, travelers will visit the capital Tbilisi, see the 11th-century Svetitskhobeli Cathedral, and the cities of Kutaisi and Gori, where Joseph Stalin was born. In Armenia, travelers will explore numerous ancient monasteries, visit the Areni-1 cave complex, which was once a Bronze Age settlement, and visit a community project supporting Armenian women. Between historical wonders, travelers will take cooking classes to make local favorites like Georgian soup dumplings called khinkali and Armenian gata, a flaky and sweet pastry. Other highlights include enjoying views of the Martvili Canyon waterfalls by boat, riding in 4WD Jeeps through Georgia's rolling hills, and taking in the mountains on the way to the 9th-century Tatek Monastery via cable car in Armenia. This trip is perfect for the adventurous history lover who wants to see the remains of civilizations past first-hand while enjoying traditional cuisine and breathtaking mountain landscapes.
This 20-day trip costs $3,994 per person and is led by G Adventures, which focuses on small-group travel that brings together travelers from around the world and fully immerses them in local culture. G Adventures also dedicates itself to sustainability and giving back to the communities its travelers visit. For each traveler on this trip, 20 trees will be planted (one for each day) through its Trees For Days initiative, and 100% of the money spent on the trip will go back into the local economy.