DAY, 1: USA-TURKEY

FLY FROM U.S.A. TO TURKEY

DAY, 2: ISTANBUL NIGHT SIGHTSEEING

Arrive today at Ataturk Istanbul international airport. Upon arrival, you will be met and assisted by Yona Tours representatives. Then, transfer to your hotel. (Please note that check in at hotels is usually after 3:00 PM). After dinner, enjoy panoramic sightseeing by night through the most interesting avenues and squares of the city and spectacular illuminated sights. Then, drop off at your hotel.

DAY, 3: HAGIA SOPHIA, GALATA TOWER, NEVE SHALOM SYNAGOGUE, BOSPHORUS CRUISE

Visit “Hagia Sophia”, where 1500 years of Christian and Islamic history can be seen side-by-side. Wonder at the incredible height of the famous dome and the amazing architecture, see the glittering remains of the original gold mosaics and learn about the history of this icon of Istanbul. Next visit “Galata Tower”. It is a symbolic landmark of Istanbul and is a tourist hotspot. The topmost floor of the tower is known for the stellar 360-degree panoramic views of the city. From here you can enjoy the breathtaking skyline of Istanbul, including the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus, and the Historical Peninsula. Afterwards visit “Neve Shalom Synagogue”. The synagogue was built in response to an increase in the Jewish population in the old Galata neighborhood in the late 1930s. Neve Shalom is the central and largest Sephardic synagogue in Istanbul, open to service especially on Shabbats, High Holidays, bar mitzvahs, and weddings. Then, take a relaxing Bosphorus Cruise. Cross the Bosphorus Bridge, a unique chance to step from one continent, Asia, to another, Europe.

DAY, 4: GRAND BAZAAR, SPICE MARKET, NIGHT ENTERTAINMENT CRUISE

Stop off at the dazzling Grand Bazaar. It is the world’s largest historical covered bazaar with 4,000 shops, 500 stalls and 21 gates. No trip to Istanbul is complete without stopping by the famous Grand Bazaar! Whether you're looking for unique souvenirs, leather jackets, jewelry, silk pashminas, kilims and Turkish carpets, kilim cushions, hammam sets, hand-painted ceramics, and coffee or tulip teacups - you can find everything at the Grand Bazaar! Proceed to the bustling Spice Market, a colorful bazaar heaped with various sweets and spices. Make the most of an evening in Istanbul with a sparkling 4-hour cruise experience on the Bosphorus Strait. Admire spectacular views of Istanbul’s beautifully illuminated palaces, mosques and Bosphorus bridges with select drinks. Glittering entertainment from Turkish dancers, whirling dervishes and other artistes is included along with hotel drop-off.

DAY, 5: TOPKAPI PALACE, DOLMABAHÇE PALACE, ISTIKLAL AVE

Visit “Dolmabahçe Palace” with its elegant four courts. Explore the “the Dolmabahçe Palace” which is the last, biggest, and most costly royal residence of the sultans and the imperial family of the Ottoman Empire. Gaze in awe at the mesmerizing view of the Bosphorus Strait. It was the residence of the last six Ottoman Sultans, and Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic. The white marble Dolmabahce palace has a basic European baroque style architecture with oriental texture. Afterwards, proceed to Istiklal Ave (Independence Avenue), an elegant pedestrian shopping street in Istanbul's New Districts. More than 3 million people visit the street daily. Depart to the airport and take the late-night flight to the next country. Arrive at Tbilisi international Airport, meeting and greeting by the guide and explanation about forthcoming trip. Transfer to the hotel.

DAY, 6: TBILISI SIGHTSEEING

The country of Georgia is located on the crossroads of two continents: Europe and Asia. The legendary Silk Road, layers of different cultures from great civilizations, have been stored in this country, creating a unique and diverse identity. Following the Silk Road, you get to know the mystery of the Ancient World. This great adventure into the Caucasus region of Central Asia discovers one of the fascinating states of the former USSR.
Start your tour of Tbilisi and ride up by cableway to “Narikala Fortress” to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. Then we descend from the mountain, through the narrow streets to the fortress “Narikala”. From the fortress enjoy magnificent views of the old part of Tbilisi. Next, walk past Tbilisi’s only mosque, down to the sulfur bath house district. Enjoy a stroll through the “Sharden area”, which is full of narrow streets with cozy cafés, wine bars, and souvenir shops, and breathe in the history of Old Tbilisi. Also visit the famous “Rezo Gabriadze Theatre’s” clock tower, before crossing the Bridge of Peace to “Rike Park”. Check in at your hotel to prepare for services and shabbat dinner.

DAY, 7: TBILISI COMMUNITY AND WALKING TOURS

Jews have lived in Georgia continuously since the exile from Jerusalem during the First Temple. Today we will visit the Great Synagogue of Tbilisi. After lunch, enjoy a walking tour along the Bridge of Love, and a walk to the natural waterfall, located in the center of the capital. The rest of the day is at your leisure for relaxation in your pampering hotel. By evening, have some free time to explore the old town. Visiting the sulfur baths in Tbilisi is an enjoyable experience.

DAY, 8: ANANURI FORTRESS, JINVALI WATER RESERVOIR, KAZBEGI MOUNTAIN

Today’s full day tour of “Mount Kazbegi” will open an enchanting Georgia. On the way there, you will visit a “Ananuri” complex located at the quiet waters of the “Jinvali Reservoir”, see the beauty of mountainous rivers and gorges of Kazbegi, and enjoy the tranquility in the “Gerget”, which is the final destination of the journey. There you will get an amazing view of the village of Kazbegi and the glacier. Visit “Jinvali Water Reservoir” an artificial water reservoir located on the river “Aragvi” in Georgia. “Ananuri” Fortified Castle Fortress is one of the best monuments of the late feudal era of Georgia. This area (village) has been inhabited since ancient times. We will continue our way to Kazbegi through “Gudauri” and Cross pass. With a driver to handle the winding mountain roads, you are free to enjoy dramatic views on your way to some of the region’s top highlights to explore fascinating history.

DAY, 9: UPLISTSIKHE, GORI, PROMETHEUS, BATUMI

Depart Tbilisi for western Georgia. Today explore the cave town of “Uplistsikhe”, which dates back to the Hellenistic Period. Uplistsikhe is notable for its unique combination of various styles of rock-cut architecture, including “bothpagan” and Christian architecture. The second stop will be at Stalin’s hometown of “Gori” to visit the Stalin Museum. This museum includes more than 60,000 artifacts, the tiny house where Stalin was born, and an impressive bulletproof train Stalin used to travel to Yalta and Potsdam. Then drive to western Georgia, over the “Rikoti Pass” and through Georgia’s longest tunnel (1,722m). Finally, drive to Batumi, the charming city on the coast of the Black Sea.

DAY, 10: BATUMI

Batumi is not only one of Georgia’s most important seaports, but also one of the country’s tourism capitals. This morning, relax and use the hotel’s facilities. By afternoon visit Batumi’s Europe Square, Piazza Square, Alphabet tower, and “Ali and Nino” statue. Ride Georgia’s longest cableway to the best panoramic viewpoint in the city. By evening, have some free time for soaring the heights of the Panoramic Ferris Wheel in this fun city.

DAY, 11: MARTVILI CANYON, TBILISI

Visit “Martvili Canyon”. Martvili is a natural wonder, located in the Samegrelo region, Western Georgia, 280 km from Tbilisi. It used to be a bath place for Georgian Nobles, “Dadiani” family. Now it is a touristic site. Enjoy the scenery, its waterfalls and take a boat trip in the river “Abasha” and beautiful views of the mountain river canyon with its deep green color. Afterwards, visit “Prometheus cave”, one of the biggest and most beautiful caves in Europe.

DAY, 12: GEORGIA-AZERBAIJAN

Fly from Tbilisi to Baku. Dig into the past, present and future of Baku in today’s “Baku” City Sightseeing Tour. Along the way, listen to your guide's commentary on the culture, music, people, and food of Azerbaijan. Visit “Highland Park”, the landscaped terraces of which overlook the city and give the best view over the Baku Bay, National Flaq Square, “Ichari Shahar” and Seaside Boulevard. Afterwards, visit “Fountain square”. The name of the fountains square derives from the presence of dozens of fountains throughout the square first constructed during Soviet rule of Azerbaijan. It is an attractive tourist destination with many boutiques, restaurants, shops, hotels, and passage. Visit one of the most famous shopping streets in Baku “Nizami Street” and find something to take home with you

DAY, 13: GOBUSTAN, YANAR DAG, MUD VOLCANO

Today first stop is “Gobustan Museum of Petroglyphs”, about 70 kilometers from Baku, to see prehistoric rock drawings, or petroglyphs. Here, admire an array of ancient rock paintings and artifacts. You can also admire some of the world's most famous mud volcanos here. Azerbaijan is well known for active mud volcanoes approximately 300 at the local shore, sea, and islands. Your second stop will be “Yanar Dag” (burning mountain). It is one of the most famous and popular tourist locations of the 'eternal flame' in Azerbaijan, the mountain of “Yanar Dag”. Actually, it is rather more a hill than a mountain with natural gas burning on its slope from ancient times. Meter long tongues of fire lick the stratified earth approximately for 10 meters in width, searing those who approached too close.

DAY, 14: NIGHT SIGHTSEEING, FLAME TOWER

After praying and shabbat lunch, you can relax in your hotel as time is at your leisure. Enjoy the hotel’s fantastic leisure facilities. By evening visit “Flame Tower”. Completed in 2012, this trio of blue-glass skyscrapers forms contemporary Baku's architectural signature. The three towers range from 28 to 33 stories, so huge that they're most impressive seen from a considerable distance, especially at night when they form a vast palette for a light show which interchanges between fire effects, pouring water and the national flag. Take a tour of Baku by night, and discover the city’s contemporary architecture, and illuminated monuments.

DAY, 15: OLD TOWN, HEYDAR ALIYEV CENTER, SHOPPING

Today visit the old city. You will get to know the evolution of Baku since its establishment in the V century through the Soviet era up to its independence. The Maiden Tower is a 12th-century monument in the Old City, along with the Shirvanshahs' Palace, dated to the 15th century. Then visit “Heydar Aliyev Center”, the building designed by Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadidi in 2012. An internationally recognized architectural work, the building of the Heydar Aliyev Center has become a signature landmark of modern Baku due to its innovative and cutting-edge design. Extending on eight floor levels, the center accommodates a 1000-seat auditorium, temporary exhibition spaces, a conference center, workshops, and a museum. Then take photos with the “I LOVE BAKU” stand. Then have some free time for shopping. There are many malls in Baku, and one of them is 28 Mall. This is almost at center of the city. There you can find such shops as GAP, ZARA, Eves Rocher, La Souza, Aldo Accessories, Chicco, Music Gallery, Swarovski, etc.

DAY, 16: AZERBEIJAN - U.S.A.

Transfer to airport for your return flight. Arrive at JFK or LAX airport. Plan your next trip with Yona Tours.