Turkey Extension: Istanbul to Georgia by Rail
- 8
- £599
- Turkey
- Start out from Istanbul and take the train to Turkish capital Ankara
- Take the famous Dogu Express sleeper service to Kars, near the Georgian border
- Transfer to the Black Sea resort of Batumi
- Continue by local train to Tbilisi, where you have a 3-night stay
- Take the train from London to Istanbul
- Decide when you would like to travel
- Adapt the route to suit your plans
- Upgrade hotels and rail journeys
- Add extra nights, destinations and/or tours
- Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations starting in Istanbul and finishing in Tbilisi
- 7 nights’ handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Overnight couchette from Ankara to Kars
- Comprehensive directions to your hotels
- Easy-to-follow travel documentation
- Despatch of tickets by email, post or collection from our London office
Suggested Itinerary
Head across the Bosphorus to the Asian side of Istanbul, and board the high-speed Turkish YHT train at Söğütlüçeşme station bound for the nation’s capital, Ankara. Zoom at high speed across the scorched countryside of northwestern Turkey, passing the cities of Izmit and Eskisehir before arriving into Ankara and checking in at the Ankara Hotel (or similar) for an overnight stay.
If you’re flying into Istanbul today, you might like to stop for a few nights here to explore before moving on. Please ask us to include extra nights if you would like these.
You have the majority of the day to explore all that Ankara has to offer. No trip to Turkey’s capital is complete without a trip to the impressive Anıtkabir, the resting place of Turkey’s founder, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk located in the Çankaya district. Enjoy the views from Ankara’s castle and citadel, and sample a mint tea in one of the many pavement cafés while you watch the locals go about their business.
In the early evening, it’s time to board the Doğu Express, which takes you across the heart of Anatolia to Kars in the nation’s north-eastern corner. Settle into your comfortable reclining seat (upgrades to couchettes may be available on request), as you trundle at a leisurely pace out of Ankara’s main station.
Today the scenery goes up a notch, as you twist and turn through the wilds of Anatolia, alongside rivers and wide valleys, dissecting mountains and over viaducts.
After a fabulous feast for the eyes for the duration of the journey, you arrive into the remote city of Kars in the evening. Check into your accommodation, the Kars-i Sirin Hotel (or similar) for a night’s rest.
Today, it’s time to cross into Georgia, a journey undertaken by private car transfer. You will be collected from your hotel and driven north through the mountains, with an hour-long stop to break up the journey at Borçka, a stunningly situated town close to the border. Once you are into Georgia, it’s a short drive up the Black Sea coast to Batumi.
Check in at the Radisson Blu Batumi (or similar) for your 2-night stay.
Spend a day exploring Georgia’s second-largest city, the centre of which has been transformed since 2010. The skyline boasts stunning architecture, including the iconic Alphabet Tower and futuristic skyscrapers that contrast beautifully with the historic charm of its old town. Known as the “Las Vegas of the Black Sea” there are an array of casinos if you fancy trying your luck!
It’s time to head inland today on a Georgian Railways’ service to the capital Tbilisi. The journey takes around 5 to 6 hours, allowing ample time to relax and enjoy the scenery through large windows. As the train ascends into the Greater Caucasus Mountains, the views become even more spectacular, with dramatic peaks and rushing rivers. Upon arrival in Tbilisi, the vibrant capital city welcomes you with its blend of history and modernity, making the journey an unforgettable part of your Georgian adventure. Check in for 3 nights at the Hotel Graf (or similar).
Georgia’s capital is an underrated gem, and you have two full days to explore. Tbilisi has been been growing tourist destination over recent years. It features a wealth of different architectural styles with a backdrop of mountains on three sides and an imposing fortress dominating the landscape. There’s also a great range of museums here and exceptional Georgian cuisine to be tasted, along with plenty of international restaurants.
Leave Tbilisi today for your onward journey. You can either add a flight to your booking or perhaps continue your journey with a sleeper service into Armenian capital Yerevan, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Please call us to help tailor make your holiday.
Typical hotels on this itinerary
Ankara
Located in the centre of Ankara, this modern hotel provides a great base to explore the Turkish capital. As well as complimentary Wi-Fi internet access, bedrooms also feature en suite bathrooms with bathrobes and slippers, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a minibar and a safe. There is a 24-hour reception as well as a concierge service and airport shuttle (payable). The hotel also features a restaurant with a buffet and a la carte options.
Kars
Located in the heart of historic Kars, Kars-i Si̇ri̇n Otel is a modern hotel with classic decor. Sound-proofed bedrooms are furnished with a flat-screen TV, desk, fridge and private en suite bathroom. There is also a garden available for guests to enjoy as well as a shared lounge and room service. The hotel offers a 24-hour reception desk.
Batumi
This ultra-modern hotel is located just a short walk from Iveria Beach and the Black Sea promenade. The spacious bedrooms are equipped with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, Nespresso coffee machines, a safe and floor-to-ceiling windows. Facilities at the hotel include an indoor and outdoor pool, a gym and a rooftop restaurant & bar where guests can enjoy creative cocktails.
Tbilisi
Situated in close proximity to Freedom Square, the Graf Hotel is a modern design hotel with free Wi-Fi throughout. The bedrooms all come with air-conditioning, safe, flat-screen TV, a seating area and a kettle. The hotel has a 24-hour reception with room service and airport transfers available to book. There is also an on-site bar and sun terrace.
