Self-Launched: Eastern Turkey, Georgia & Armenia (Istanbul to Yerevan)
20 days · Eastern Turkey, Georgia & Armenia
G Adventures charges £4,119
No-markup version: ~£720 per person
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
A 20-day self-launched version of G Adventures' classic Istanbul-to-Yerevan route through Eastern Turkey, Georgia and Armenia. You'll fly and bus your way between the same headline sights — Mt. Nemrut, Göbekli Tepe, Mardin, Lake Van, Ani, Tbilisi, Kazbegi, Yerevan and Tatev — booking accommodation night-by-night in hostels and guesthouses, using local buses and shared minibuses (Turkish dolmuş, Georgian marshrutka) instead of a private vehicle, and joining cheap local day tours or going independently where a guide is needed (e.g. Nemrut sunset, Tatev cable car). Costs are backpacker-grade estimates in GBP and will vary with season and how far in advance you book.
Day-by-day
Arrive Istanbul
Istanbul, Turkey
Land at IST/SAW and take the metro (M11/M4) or Havataş bus into the old city for around £2-4. Check into a hostel in Sultanahmet or Karaköy. Spend the evening on a self-guided orientation walk past the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and the Hippodrome, and eat dinner at a lokanta near Eminönü.
🚌Airport metro/bus to centre
🛏Hostel in Sultanahmet/Karaköy
- →Self-guided old town orientation walk
- →Eminönü street-food dinner
Istanbul to Adıyaman area, Mt. Nemrut sunset
Adıyaman / Mt. Nemrut, Turkey
Fly Istanbul–Adıyaman (Pegasus/AJet, book early, ~£35-60 one way) or overnight bus (~£18, 15 hrs). Base in Kahta or Adıyaman. Join a shared sunset tour to Mt. Nemrut (UNESCO) covering Karakuş Tumulus and the Cendere Bridge; local operators charge roughly £20-30 per person sharing a minibus.
🚌Domestic flight Istanbul–Adıyaman or overnight intercity bus
🛏Guesthouse in Kahta/Adıyaman
- →Mt. Nemrut sunset tour
- →Karakus Tumulus & Cendere Bridge
Göbekli Tepe & Şanlıurfa
Şanlıurfa, Turkey
Take a local dolmuş or shared minibus from Adıyaman south to Şanlıurfa. On the way in, stop at Göbekli Tepe (11,000-year-old UNESCO site — arrange a taxi or join a cheap local tour, entry ~£5). Overnight in Şanlıurfa and explore the bazaar, Balıklıgöl (Pool of Abraham) and the old town on foot.
🚌Local dolmuş/minibus Adıyaman–Şanlıurfa
🛏Guesthouse in Şanlıurfa
- →Göbekli Tepe UNESCO site
- →Balıklıgöl & Urfa bazaar
Mardin old town
Mardin, Turkey
Morning bus to Mardin (~2-3 hrs, ~£5). Check in and spend the day wandering the UNESCO-listed limestone old town — the Deyrulzafaran Monastery, the Zinciriye Medresesi and the Mesopotamian plain views from the terrace are all free or a few lira. Eat kebab and baklava in the bazaar.
🚌Intercity bus Şanlıurfa–Mardin
🛏Guesthouse in Mardin old town
- →Mardin old town walking exploration
- →Zinciriye Medresesi viewpoint
On to Lake Van — Akdamar Island
Van / Gevaş, Turkey
Long but scenic bus east to Van (~7-8 hrs, ~£12-15, or break the journey overnight). From the lakeside town of Gevaş take the short local boat to Akdamar Island to see the 10th-century Armenian Church of the Holy Cross (boat ~£3, entry ~£3). Have dinner at a Van breakfast house or a local eatery — sütlü kahvaltı is a must.
🚌Intercity bus Mardin–Van; local boat to Akdamar
🛏Budget hotel in Van
- →Akdamar Island church
- →Lake Van shoreline walk
Van Citadel, Doğubayazıt & İshak Paşa Sarayı, then Kars
Van / Doğubayazıt / Kars, Turkey
Visit Van Citadel (Urartian fort, entry ~£3) in the morning, then bus toward Doğubayazıt to see İshak Paşa Palace and views toward Mt. Ararat. Continue by bus/minibus to Kars (~£8-12, several hours). Evening orientation walk in Kars' grid-plan streets.
🚌Local/intercity buses Van–Doğubayazıt–Kars
🛏Guesthouse in Kars
- →Van Citadel
- →İshak Paşa Sarayı
- →Mt. Ararat viewpoint
Ani — the city of 1001 churches
Kars / Ani, Turkey
Take a taxi or shuttle from Kars out to the border-edge ruins of Ani (~£3-5 return sharing a taxi; entry ~£2). Spend the day among the medieval Armenian churches, mosques and city walls, then return to Kars for a free evening — try Kars cheese and goose dishes at a local restaurant.
🚌Shared taxi Kars–Ani and back
🛏Guesthouse in Kars
- →Ani archaeological complex
- →Kars old town evening
Cross into Georgia — Tbilisi
Çıldır / Tbilisi, Georgia
Bus or shared taxi from Kars to the Çıldır–Aktaş border crossing (~£10-15), then onward transport to Tbilisi. Once in Georgia, change money to lari, grab a local SIM, and check into a hostel in the Old Town or Chugureti. Evening stroll around Freedom Square and Rustaveli Avenue.
🚌Bus + shared taxi/marshrutka over the Aktaş border to Tbilisi
🛏Hostel in Tbilisi Old Town
- →Border crossing to Georgia
- →Tbilisi Old Town orientation
Tbilisi: Nankali-style old town, baths & cafés
Tbilisi, Georgia
Free day in the capital. Explore the Old Town, Narikala Fortress (free, cable car ~£0.50), the sulphur bath district and the Bridge of Peace. Eat khinkali and khachapuri in a local dukhan. Optionally join a free/tipping walking tour to get your bearings.
🚌Metro & taxis in the city
🛏Hostel in Tbilisi Old Town
- →Narikala Fortress & cable car
- →Sulphur baths district
- →Free walking tour
Day trip: Uplistsikhe & Mtskheta
Mtskheta / Uplistsikhe, Georgia
Day trip by marshrutka to Uplistsikhe ('Fortress of God') cave town (entry ~£2) and to Mtskheta, the ancient capital and UNESCO site (Jvari Monastery, Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, free). Return to Tbilisi in the evening.
🚌Marshrutka Tbilisi–Gori/Mtskheta
🛏Hostel in Tbilisi Old Town
- →Uplistsikhe cave town
- →Mtskheta UNESCO sites
Tbilisi to Kazbegi (Stepantsminda)
Kazbegi, Georgia
Take a marshrutka from Tbilisi's Didube station to Stepantsminda (~4 hrs, ~£6). Check into a guesthouse. In the afternoon hike up to Gergeti Trinity Church (free, or take a shared taxi up for ~£4). Tonight enjoy a home-cooked Georgian dinner at your guesthouse.
🚌Marshrutka Tbilisi–Stepantsminda
🛏Guesthouse in Kazbegi
- →Gergeti Trinity Church hike
- →Kazbegi valley views
Kazbegi — Caravanserai, Truso Valley & back
Kazbegi / Truso, Georgia
Hike or take a shared 4x4 to the Truso Valley (~£15-20 shared) with its mineral springs and the old Caravanserai ruins near Gudauri. Return to Kazbegi and rest; alternatively base here and day-trip back toward Tbilisi in the morning.
🚌Shared 4x4 / minibus for Truso Valley
🛏Guesthouse in Kazbegi
- →Truso Valley hike
- →Caravanserai historic ruins
Kazbegi toward Armenia — via Tbilisi
Kazbegi / Tbilisi, Georgia
Catch a morning marshrutka back to Tbilisi (~£6). Spend the afternoon repacking and enjoying the city — an evening meal and a glass of Georgian wine — or if you prefer, continue straight through, taking an overnight connection toward the Armenian border. Most travellers overnight in Tbilisi before crossing.
🚌Marshrutka Kazbegi–Tbilisi
🛏Hostel in Tbilisi Old Town
- →Tbilisi free afternoon
- →Georgian wine bar evening
Cross into Armenia — Yerevan
Tbilisi / Yerevan, Armenia
Cross the Sadakhlo/Bagratashen border into Armenia. Pre-book a marshrutka or shared minibus (Tbilisi–Yerevan ~£15-20, ~6 hrs) or take the bus to Vanadzor. Land in Yerevan and settle into a hostel near Republic Square, then wander the square and the Cascade on foot.
🚌Marshrutka/shared minibus Tbilisi–Yerevan over the border
🛏Hostel in Yerevan centre
- →Border crossing to Armenia
- →Republic Square & Cascade evening walk
Khor Virap & Ararat views
Yerevan / Ararat plain, Armenia
Take a cheap shared tour or marshrutka to Khor Virap Monastery, with stunning views of Mt. Ararat just over the border. Combine it with nearby Noravank or Areni cave if joining a group tour (~£20-25 per person for a full day). Return to Yerevan for dinner.
🚌Shared tour/van from Yerevan
🛏Hostel in Yerevan centre
- →Khor Virap Monastery
- →Mt. Ararat viewpoint
Yerevan: markets, museums & food
Yerevan, Armenia
Free city day. Visit the Matenadaran manuscript museum and the Armenian Genocide Memorial, browse the Vernissage flea market and GUM market for dried fruit and lavash, and eat khorovats and dolma in a local tavern. Cheap and endlessly walkable.
🚌Metro, bus & walking
🛏Hostel in Yerevan centre
- →Vernissage & GUM markets
- →Matenadaran museum
- →Local Armenian dinner
Down to Tatev via the Wings of Tatev
Goris / Tatev, Armenia
Travel south by marshrutka or shared tour toward Goris (~£8-10, ~5-6 hrs). Ride the Wings of Tatev cable car — one of the world's longest — to Tatev Monastery perched above the Vorotan Gorge (~£10-12). Overnight in Goris or Halidzor.
🚌Marshrutka/shared van Yerevan–Goris; Tatev cable car
🛏Guesthouse in Goris
- →Wings of Tatev cable car
- →Tatev Monastery
Goris caves & back to Yerevan
Goris / Yerevan, Armenia
Explore the Goris rock-hewn cave dwellings and Old Goris in the morning (free). Optionally detour to Shaki Waterfall. Return to Yerevan by afternoon marshrutka or shared van (~£10). Evening free for a last Armenian meal.
🚌Marshrutka/shared van Goris–Yerevan
🛏Hostel in Yerevan centre
- →Goris cave dwellings
- →Old Goris walk
Yerevan buffer & day trip
Yerevan / Garni & Geghard, Armenia
Use this day as a flex buffer for transport overruns or a side trip: the pagan Temple of Garni and the rock-carved Geghard Monastery are an easy half-day from Yerevan by marshrutka or cheap shared tour (~£20). Pack and prep for departure.
🚌Marshrutka/shared tour to Garni & Geghard
🛏Hostel in Yerevan centre
- →Garni Temple
- →Geghard Monastery
Depart Yerevan
Yerevan, Armenia
Depending on your flight time, squeeze in a last coffee and lavash breakfast before heading to Zvartnots Airport by taxi or the No. 201 minibus (~£2-4). End of trip.
🚌Taxi or airport minibus to Zvartnots Airport
🛏—
- →Departure from Yerevan
Self-launched vs. G Adventures
| This itinerary (self-launched) | G Adventures | |
|---|---|---|
| Price per person | ~£720 | £4,119 |
| Duration | 20 days | 20 days |
| Who books it | You and your group, direct | Tour operator, guided group |
| Savings | £3,399 per person (83%) | |
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
Want to see more G Adventures-style trips? Check them out here.~£720
estimated per person
You never pay Travel Crew for this — you pay hostels, transport, and activity providers directly, the same as if you'd booked it all yourself.
This publishes your dates so other travellers can find and join you — no tour operator needed.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does Self-Launched: Eastern Turkey, Georgia & Armenia (Istanbul to Yerevan) cost?+
Doing it yourself with this self-launched itinerary costs an estimated £720 per person for 20 days in Eastern Turkey, Georgia & Armenia. This is an AI-generated estimate based on typical budget-traveller prices — actual costs will vary by season and how you book.
Is this cheaper than booking with G Adventures?+
Yes — G Adventures charges around £4,119 per person for a similar tour. Doing the same route independently, using the same standard of accommodation and activities, costs an estimated £720 — a saving of roughly £3,399 (83%) per person.
How long is the Eastern Turkey, Georgia & Armenia trip?+
This itinerary runs 20 days, covering 20 day-by-day stops through Eastern Turkey, Georgia & Armenia.
How do I join this trip?+
You can join an existing open departure using this itinerary if one is scheduled, or launch your own departure with your own dates and invite other travellers to join you — no tour operator required.
Isn't it easier to just use a tour operator?+
Well, yes, a tour operator will book all the individual parts of your travel for you and provide a guide. That's obvious, but doing this has the potential to save the group thousands, which can in turn improve your itinerary substantially or save you huge amounts of money. Also, when you launch a departure, Travel Crew has tools in place to help you book the individual sections of the trip or make it easier for you to do this as a group. Really, you do not need a middle man. If you are more comfortable paying more and using a middle man, then you should certainly do this.
Is it safer to book through a tour operator?+
Arguably, there isn't much difference. A self-launched trip runs on the same principle as a group travel crew: collective responsibility, everyone looking out for each other, the same way it would if a group of friends organised the trip themselves — because that's exactly what's happening. You should always take out travel insurance before you go, self-launched or not; that doesn't change either way. Every open departure is published publicly with real dates and a real trip organiser, so it's never an anonymous arrangement, and our support team is reachable any time you need help, including in an emergency while you're away. Longer-term, we're building direct relationships with ground DMCs in popular destinations, offered as an optional paid add-on for extra on-the-ground support. Ultimately, though, the group is responsible for its own conduct and safety on a self-launched trip, same as on any trip you plan yourself.
What kind of trip is this?+
This is a culture, budget, backpacker trip through Eastern Turkey, Georgia & Armenia, self-launched rather than run by a tour operator — you organise it with a group you find or bring yourself.
Would you like to name the operator, name the trip, or have any suggestions about how to improve this itinerary?
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