11 days in Istanbul & Tbilisi Itinerary

A physical and cultural bridge between Europe and Asia, the transcontinental city of Istanbul serves as a living reminder of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires.

Visit Hagia Sophia Mosque and Basilica Cistern for their historical value. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Chora Museum and Galata Mevlevi Museum. And it doesn't end there: take an in-depth tour of Topkapi Palace, contemplate the long history of Serefiye Sarnici, examine the collection at Ural Ataman Classic Car Museum, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Sultan Ahmed Mosque.

To find maps, other places to visit, where to stay, and tourist information, you can read our Istanbul trip planner.

Beirut, Lebanon to Istanbul is an approximately 5.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of taxi, ferry, bus, and train. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 1 hour traveling from Beirut to Istanbul. Plan for slightly colder temperatures traveling from Beirut in November, with highs in Istanbul at 17°C and lows at 17°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Fri) to allow time to fly to Tbilisi.

On the bank of the Mtkvari River and at the foot of Trialeti mountain range, Tbilisi's location has given the city strategic significance since it was founded in the 5th century.

Shop till you drop at Yuliko & Friends Concept Store and Fotografia. Your inner history buff will appreciate Tsminda Sameba Cathedral and Sioni Church. Get out of town with these interesting Tbilisi side-trips: Mtskheta (The City-Museum Reserve of Mtskheta & Samtavro Church), Tsinandali (House-museum of Chavchavadze & Tsinandali Palace) and Numisi (in Velistsikhe). Next up on the itinerary: hit the best photo ops around with an inspiring photography tour, take in the architecture and atmosphere at St. Nicholas Church, slough off your stress at Turkish baths, and delve into the distant past at Narikala Fortress.

To find where to stay, reviews, traveler tips, and tourist information, read our Tbilisi journey maker website.

Getting from Istanbul to Tbilisi by flight takes about 5.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Istanbul to Tbilisi, you'll lose 1 hour due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Istanbul in November, expect little chillier with lows of 5°C in Tbilisi. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 25th (Fri) so you can catch the flight to Istanbul.

Start off your visit on the 25th (Fri): appreciate the extensive heritage of Pierre Loti Tepesi, then examine the collection at Rahmi M. Koc Museum, and then take a stroll through Beyoglu.

To find other places to visit, more things to do, reviews, and other tourist information, you can read our Istanbul online trip itinerary maker.

Traveling by flight from Tbilisi to Istanbul takes 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. The time zone difference moving from Georgia Standard Time to Turkey Time is minus 1 hour. Traveling from Tbilisi in November, plan for a bit warmer nights in Istanbul, with lows around 17°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 25th (Fri) to allow time to fly back home.