Vagabonds in Asia

In July 2020, our plan was to drive from Norway to Kyrgyzstan like shown on this map:

This was the itinerary we had planned:

Road tripping is the best, as it allows for flexibility whenever we want. That also makes it harder to have a set itinerary, but here is the plan for the first trip leg.

15. MAY: STAVANGER/FINNØY

Feel like arriving in Norway a few days before the trip start? No problem? You can stay for free at my parents’ house and we can go fishing in our boat and prepare for the road trip together. If you are up for a proper hike (8hrs), I can take you to Trolltunga. In the evenings I will prepare food for you so you can try some Norwegian dishes at my home.

As soon as you have your flight booked let us know so that we can pick you up from the airport.

Accommodation: a large house where everyone will get their own bed. Opt for camping on the lawn if you want to try out the camping gear before the start.

16. MAY: HIKING THE PULPIT ROCK

Today we will drive to Stavanger and then take the ferry over to Tau to drive to the famous Pulpit Rock. I have been working as a professional hiking guide here and know the trails in and out. If you would rather want to spend the day exploring Stavanger, I would recommend seeing the oil museum, the canning museum, the color street or an easier hike to Dalsnuten.

Accommodation: a large house where everyone will get their own bed. Opt for camping on the lawn if you want to try out the camping gear before the start.

17. MAY: STAVANGER – HIRTSHALS (NIGHT FERRY)

Today is the national day of Norway, so we will be celebrating in Stavanger and then take the MS Stavangerfjord ferry at 20.00. The ferry crossing is an interesting experience to see how Norwegians get drunk, go shopping for cheap liquor and take the same ferry back the next day.

Accommodation: We will sleep on the included ferry taking us from Norway to Denmark.

18. MAY: HIRTSHALS – EGESKOV CASTLE, DENMARK (350KM/4HRS)

Arriving rested in Hirtshals in the morning, we will get straight on the road to Egeskov Castle close to Odense.

Accommodation: On the premises of the castle they will let us camp and use the facilities of shower and bathroom.

19. MAY: EGESKOV – HAMBURG, GERMANY (300KM/4HRS)

We will drive to the city of Hamburg where we will be camping at a paid campsite. Once we have our tents set up, we can drive to the city to go out or explore the sights. The castle of Ahrensburg is close to the camping and we can enjoy included access to the lake in the afternoon/evening (normally 7€).

Accommodation: Campingplatz ABC Grossensee which costs 5,50€ per night + 6€ for a tent which you chose if you want to share with others or not.

20. MAY: HAMBURG

We will have a free day in Hamburg to explore one of the city’s many weird and wonderful sights including the following:

The “Rote Flora” leftist area

Herbertstrasse

Miniatur Wonderland

German Food Additives Museum

The Hall of Fame Heimfeld Grafitti

Accommodation: Campingplatz ABC Grossensee which costs 5,50€ per night + 6€ for a tent which you chose if you want to share with others or not.

21. MAY: HAMBURG – ORANIENBURG (300KM/4HRS)

Today will be our first long driving day. We will get up early and drive to Oranienburg, 35 kilometers from Berlin, known for its concentration camp called Sachsenhausen which will be possible to visit for free.

Accommodation: We will camp on a sandy beach by the lake close by.

22. MAY: ORANIENBURG – BERLIN (35KM/HALF HOUR)

Today we will drive 35 kilometers into Berlin and park the car in the city center. Feel free to spend the day as you wish, walking around the Berlin wall or visiting shops and museums.

Accommodation: We will stay in a hostel costing 10€ upwards.

23. MAY: BERLIN

Today will be a free day in Berlin. Optional activities include:

Checkpoint Charlie Museum (13EUR)
The Brandenburg Gate (free)
Jewish Museum (8EUR)
Berlin Television Tower (12-23EUR)

Accommodation: We will stay in a hostel costing 10€ upwards.

24. MAY: BERLIN – SWIEBODZIN, POLAND (200KM/3HRS)

Today we will drive to Poland, stopping by a lake near Swiebodzin to set up camp. From there we can drive around five kilometers to some bunkers. We will also drive to the tallest Jesus statue in the World standing at 52 meters tall, outside the city of Swiebodzin.

Accommodation: Free camping by the lake.

25. MAY: SWIEBODZIN – POZNAN (120KM/2HRS)

Explore the old town of Poznan known for its colorful renaissance buildings. There is a restaurant in the Northern part of the town that serves duck blood soup if you feel hungry for something special. You can also visit the Nieropoznani headless sculptures park, the croissant museum or see the fighting metal goats in the city center.

Accommodation: Camping by a nearby lake or staying in a 10€ hostel.

26. MAY: POZNAN – WROKLAW (200KM/3HRS)

Welcome to the Venice of Poland! The day is free to explore. Wander the quarters to shop or relax at a local café. You can also visit the Hydropolis techno temple, neon side gallery, and train to heaven.

Accommodation: We can camp at a nearby lake or stay at a hostel for more or less 10€.

27. MAY: WROKLAW – KATOWICE (200KM/3HRS)

Katowice is one of the most underrated cities in Poland. Once the biggest city in the historical region of Silesia, now the 11th largest city in Poland. Here you can visit the Silesian museum, which is part of the so-called “culture zone” with other museums, cafés and a nice place to stroll around.

Accommodation: We can camp at a nearby lake or stay at a hostel for more or less 10€.

28. MAY KATOWICE- KRAKOW (100KM/1,5HRS)

We will sleep in or have time to explore the city before continuing to the final stop of the first trip leg, which will be Krakow. The city has plenty to see, so you will easily find something to do these days.

Accommodation: Camping Clepardia (less than 5€/night) or hostels for 10€ upwards.

29. MAY KRAKOW

As always, we will be having a couple of buffer days at the end of our legs in case we have fallen in love with places and wanted to stay longer at the stops earlier on the trip. From Krakow, we can do day trips to interesting places as well.

Accommodation: Camping Clepardia (less than 5€/night) or hostels for 10€ upwards.

30. MAY KRAKOW

Free day in Krakow. We will have plenty of stuff we can do and see in this lovely city. We might also do a day trip to nearby sites which you can join.

Accommodation: Camping Clepardia (less than 5€/night) or hostels for 10€ upwards.

31. MAY KRAKOW (LEG 1 FINISH/LEG 2 START)

Today is the last day of the first trip leg. As soon as you have your flight booked let us know so that we can pick you up/drop you off at the airport.

Accommodation: Camping Clepardia (less than 5€/night) or hostels for 10€ upwards.

1. JUNE: KRAKOW – ZAKOPANE (120KM/2HRS)

Today we will drive down to the border between Poland and Slovakia, to a mountain city called Zakopane, known for its ski resorts. Here we can go for a hike or explore the town with its many food stalls.

Accommodation: It will be super easy to find a place to camp for free in Zakopane, otherwise camping places are charging less than 5€ including all facilities.

2. JUNE: ZAKOPANE – BANSKA STIAVNICA (200KM/3HRS)

Today we will drive to Slovakia and visit what is probably the most beautiful town in the country. The city is a UNESCO heritage site and has castle and mines dating back to the 13th century.

Accommodation: There will be a possibility to camp by the lake next to the city, or possibly next to some castle ruins nearby.

3. JUNE: BANSKA STIAVNICA – TRENCIN (200KM/3HRS)

We will travel to Trencin, the administrative capital of the Trencin region famous for its fort, which is Slovakia’s third-biggest. From here we will do a day trip to the border of the Czech Republic (50km each way) to do a hike up to Velka Javorina, a 360-degree view tower.

Accommodation: Camping Rybniky Opatovce which should be around 5€. Or we can continue to Cachtice which has some castle ruins where we can camp around.

4. JUNE: TRENCIN – BRATISLAVA (130KM/2HRS)

Our plan today is to drive down to Bratislava. A visit to the fort and walks around the small old town will probably be enough before cooking dinner or having a night out for those who want.

Accommodation: A hostel in the city center is less than 10€. We also have the option to continue to the Hungarian border to camp by the Danube.

5. JUNE: BRATISLAVA/VIENNA

Today we will have a free day in Bratislava. We can also do a day trip to Vienna which is just an hour (80km) away.

Accommodation: A hostel in the city center is less than 10€. We also have the option to continue to the Hungarian border to camp by the Danube.

6. JUNE: BRATISLAVA THROUGH GYOR – BUDAPEST (120KM/2HRS)

Today we will drive to the city of Budapest, my favorite city in Europe. There is plenty of stuff to do here, and most of it is cheap!

Accommodation: A hostel downtown where prices will be 6€ and upwards.

7. JUNE: BUDAPEST

We will have a free day in Budapest, my favorite city in Europe. There is plenty of stuff to do here, and most of it is cheap!

Accommodation: A hostel downtown where prices will be 6€ and upwards.

8. JUNE: BUDAPEST – KESZTHELY BALATON (200KM/2,5HRS)

Today we will not be in any rush to get on the road. You might be a bit hungover as Budapest for sure is one of the party capitals of Europe. Anyway, don’t worry, we will drive down to Lake Balaton and relax. It’s also a nice place to cycle around and get some fresh air around the lake past the wine yards.

Accommodation: Camping Castrum or similar which will have a pool and will for sure cost less than 10€.

9. JUNE: KESZTHELY BALATON – VARAZDIN (120KM/2HRS)

Today we will have a late start and drive (briefly) through Slovenia on our way to Croatia. We will have a shopping stop along the way for cooking in the evening.

Accommodation: A campsite next to the lake which is apparently free because the Austrian owner has died.

10. JUNE: VARAZDIN – ZAGREB (100KM/1,5HRS)

We will have a short drive to Zagreb, check into a hostel and go explore the Croatian Capital together.

Accommodation: Hostels from 10€.

11. JUNE: ZAGREB – PLITVICE LAKE NATIONAL PARK (130KM/2HRS)

We will drive through the Croatian countryside to Plitvice Lake and go for a swim in crystal-clear waters.

Accommodation: Wild camping close to the lake.

12. JUNE: PLITVICE LAKE NATIONAL PARK – SPLIT (280KM/3,5HRS)

We will drive around 120kms/1,5hrs to Zadar known for its Roman and Venetian ruins. Here you will also have the chance to see an organ being played by the waves of the sea and the circular solar-paneled light that turns into a dance floor at night. Afterward, we will continue driving 160km/2hrs to Split.

Accommodation: We will find a hostel which will cost from 12€ upwards.

13. JUNE: SPLIT

There is a chance that we would have arrived Split a bit later than planned (plans can change when you’re having fun!) which is why we have added a couple of days in Split at the end. Also, it’s quite a comfortable city with nice beaches, so I’m sure you wouldn’t mind too much. Or maybe you fancy a day trip from Split? There are lots of islands to choose from!

Accommodation: We will find a hostel which will cost from 12€ upwards.

14. JUNE: SPLIT (LEG 2 FINISH/LEG 3 START)

The trip leg is officially over, but feel free to hang around as there will be new people arriving and others departing. As soon as you have your flight booked let us know so that we can pick you up/drop you off at the airport.

Accommodation: We will find a hostel which will cost from 12€ upwards.

*15. JUNE: SPLIT – STARI GRAD

We will take the morning ferry over to Hvar and drive straight to a campsite near Stari Grad to change into our swimsuits. There are lots of things to do here including renting a boat to go to the blue grotto, going cliff diving, renting bikes to ride trails, exploring the green cave island, go snorkeling and watch unforgettable sunsets. In Jelsa, there is also a restaurant that serves grilled mice if you are keen.

Accommodation:

*16. JUNE: HVAR ISLAND (WEST)

We will spend another day on Hvar Island. There are lots of things to do here including renting a boat to go to the blue grotto, going cliff diving, renting bikes to ride trails, exploring the green cave island, go snorkeling and watch unforgettable sunsets. Optional day to Vis island.

Accommodation:

17. JUNE: HVAR ISLAND (EAST)

We will start moving towards the eastern part of the island, famous for its beautiful landscape and wineries.

Accommodation: We will find a place to free camp or possibly a cheap pension near the harbor town called Sucuraj.

18. JUNE: HVAR – MOSTAR

We will take a ferry from Sucuraj (Hvar) to Drvenik (Mainland) and drive up to Mostar, famous for the World’s coolest bridge. Do you dare to jump it?

Accommodation: We will stay at a hostel in town for 9-10€ or go to a campsite for less than 5€ in Stolac.

19. JUNE: MOSTAR – DUBROVNIK

We will drive to Dubrovnik and spend the evening there. It’s a good place if you feel like having a night out, otherwise, you can relax and get ready for a day of exploring in the morning.

Accommodation: We have the option of staying at a hostel in town for around 20€ (a bit overpriced), go camp around an abandoned resort (Kupari resort) but what we will most likely do is to stay at a campsite near Sheraton Beach (a bit out of town) for around 7€ a night.

20. JUNE: DUBROVNIK

We will have a full day to explore Dubrovnik, famous for its awesome old town which has seen an explosion of tourists ever since it was a filming location in the TV series “The Game of Thrones”. We can walk around to explore the town together and find some nice cafés overlooking the sea.

21. JUNE: DUBROVNIK – KOTOR

We will drive from Dubrovnik to Kotor, one of my favorite places in Montenegro. Spend the evening as you like.

Accommodation: We will stay in a hostel for around 8€ in the city center

22. JUNE: KOTOR

Opt to hike the Ladder of Kotor (around 4 hours) or walk around the old town.

Accommodation: We will stay in a hostel for around 8€ in the city center.

23. JUNE: KOTOR – ULCINJ

We will drive to what is one of the oldest settlements in the Balkans called Ulcinj which now only have a population of 10 000 people with the majority being Albanians. Alternatively, we will stay in Skhoder, not far away.

Accommodation: We will camp at a place which sometimes doesn’t charge, but the nights that they do they charge, it’s less than 5€ per night.

24. JUNE: ULCINJ – LEZHE DISTRICT

Today we will cross the border from Montenegro to Albania on the south side of Lake Shkodra and drive to the Lezhe District.

Accommodation: We will drive on to the beach and camp there. They charge a couple of euros for facilities.

25. JUNE: LEZHE DISTRICT – TIRANA

We will drive to the Albanian capital Tirana. As always, we have added a couple of extra buffer days as we know that there are places we will have found along the way which will not have been accounted for in this itinerary.

Accommodation: We will stay in a hostel in the city center for less than 10€ a night.

26. JUNE: TIRANA

Tirana is a fascinating city. We will visit a couple of museums to get to hear some stories of what it was like living in communist Albania not long ago. We will visit one of the many bunkers and see some strange looking buildings built in a fascist-soviet era of architectural style.

Accommodation: We will stay in a hostel in the city center for less than 10€ a night.

27. JUNE: MOUNT DAJTI DAY TRIP

If you want, you can come along on a day trip to hike around Mount Dajti. There will be a cable car that can take us up, and if we want, we can bring some camping stuff and stay up there overnight.

Accommodation: We will stay in a hostel in the city center for less than 10€ a night or camp in the mountains.

28. JUNE: ROAD TRIP ALONG THE ALBANIAN RIVIERA

We can drive down to the Albanian Riviera to stay at cheap hotels by the beach or find a place to camp.

Accommodation: Albania is cheap so we might as well find a hotel for a night somewhere or we can find a place to bush camp for free.

29. JUNE: ALBANIAN RIVIERA TO TIRANA

After a relaxing day at a beach, we will drive up to the Albanian capital.

Accommodation: We will stay in a hostel in the city center for less than 10€ a night or camp in the mountains.

30. JUNE: TIRANA (LEG 3 FINISH/LEG 4 START)

Welcome to Tirana! As soon as you have your flight booked let us know so that we can pick you up/drop you off at the airport. We will have dinner out where you will get all the information you need to prepare you for the journey you have ahead.

Accommodation: We will stay in a hostel in the city center for less than 10€ a night.

1. JULY: TIRANA – GALICHITSA NATIONAL PARK

We will drive across the border to North Macedonia and have a lunch/shopping break in Ohrid before continuing down to Galichitsa National Park.

Accommodation: We will find a place to wild camp next to Lake Ohrid where swimming is possible.

2. JULY: GALICHITSA NATIONAL PARK – PRILEP

We will drive to Bitola to see the Heraklea Linkestis archeological site before continuing to Prilep where we will spend the night

Accommodation: We will stay at Annika Guesthouse which has hot water, wifi and showers, and friendly owners. The price is 13€.

3. JULY: PRILEP – BLAGOJEWGRAD

Today we will drive to Gradsko to see the Stobi Roman settlement ruins with well preserved mosaic floors. (entrance is 120denar/less than 2€). From there we will drive across to Bulgaria where we will visit Blagojewgrad known for its hiking opportunities and the Rila monastery.

Accommodation: We will stay at a campsite near Rila Monastery.

4. JULY: BLAGOJEWGRAD – SOFIA

We will drive to the capital of Bulgaria and explore the city before spending the night there.

Accommodation: 123Hostel offers a bed in a 4 beds dorm including breakfast for 5€, but there are also lots of other alternatives available.

5. JULY: SOFIA – DEVETASHKA (170KM)

We will spend the day continuing to explore Sofia before driving to an incredible cave called Devetashka Cave where we will spend the night. On the way, we might stop at Karlukovo which is a cave called “the Eyes of God”. You will see why.

Accommodation: We will bush camp near the cave.

6. JULY: DEVETASHKA – BUDLUDZHA/BASHO KIRO (200KM)

Today we will drive to the Budludzha torch monument which is truly a Soviet-style monument. From there it will be a short drive up to the Basho Kiro cave where we will spend the night

Accommodation: We will bush camp near the cave.

7. JULY: BUDLUDZHA/BASHO KIRO – VARNA/SUNNY BEACH

Today we will drive to the black sea where we will find a nice place by the beach to be parked for a couple of days.

Accommodation: There are lots of possibilities. Hostels, hotels, campsites and wild camping

8. JULY: VARNA/SUNNY BEACH

We will be having a relaxing day at a place known for sun holidays.

Accommodation: There are lots of possibilities. Hostels, hotels, campsites and wild camping.

9. JULY: VARNA/SUNNY BEACH

We will be having a relaxing day at a place known for sun holidays.

Accommodation: There are lots of possibilities. Hostels, hotels, campsites and wild camping.

10. JULY: VARNA/SUNNY BEACH – BURGAS

We will drive to Burgas where we can have a lunch and shopping break before continuing down the coast.

Accommodation: Most likely we will find a nice place to stop along the coast at a beach-ish place.

11. JULY: BURGAS – ISTANBUL

We will cross into Turkey and drive to the beautiful city of Istanbul. As always, we will have a couple of buffer days here, as there is a probability that we might be delayed from finding other beautiful places along the way.

Accommodation: We will find an AirBnb, hostel or campsite to stay at for cheap. Hostels are 9€ upwards.

12. JULY: ISTANBUL

We will stay in the beautiful city of Istanbul. As always, we will have a couple of buffer days here, as there is a probability that we would be delayed from finding other beautiful places along the way.

Accommodation: We will find an AirBnb, hostel or campsite to stay at for cheap. Hostels are 9€ upwards.

13. JULY: ISTANBUL

There are so many day trips that can be done in Istanbul.

Accommodation: We will find an AirBnb, hostel or campsite to stay at for cheap. Hostels are 9€ upwards.

14. JULY: ISTANBUL (LEG 4 FINISH/LEG 5 START)

As soon as you have your flight booked let us know so that we can pick you up/drop you off at the airport. We will stay in the beautiful city of Istanbul and explore the city freely.

Accommodation: We will find an AirBnb, hostel or campsite to stay at for cheap. Hostels are 9€ upwards.

15. JULY: ISTANBUL – IZNIK (140KM/1,5HRS)

We will drive to Iznik which is an old Ottoman town famous for its production of tiles. All the tiles used in Sultanahmet and other famous Ottoman landmarks were made in this beautiful city.

Accommodation: We will find a place to wild camp near Lake Iznik (near Nicaea).

*16. JULY: IZNIK – BILECIK (60KM/1HR)

We will drive to Bilecik, the spiritual birthplace of the Ottoman empire with the tomb of Seyh Edebali which is perched on a picturesque valley next to his mosque. We will also have the possibility to visit Söğüt, the birthplace of the Ottoman empire and the resting place of Ertugrul Gazi who was the father of the first Ottoman sultan.

Accommodation:

17. JULY: BILECIK- YAZILI (120KM/1,5HRS)

We will drive to and stop in the picturesque city Eskişehir before continuing to Midas’ Throne in Tazili.

Accommodation: We will most likely bush camp near Midas Monument.

18. JULY: YAZILI – ISPARTA (460KM/ 6HRS)

We will drive south and have a stop at the Ayazini cave Church before continuing to Isparta where we can stop for a meal and go shopping.

Accommodation: We will most likely camp by a lake next to Isparta called Lake Burdur.

19. JULY: ISPARTA – ANTALYA (130KM/2HRS)

Today we will head to the coast to the famous resort town called Antalya.

Accommodation: We will find an AirBnB, Hotel, Hostel or campsite. It should not be expensive.

20. JULY: ANTALYA

We will relax at the beach and explore Antalya town.

Accommodation: We will stay at an AirBnB, Hotel, Hostel or campsite. It should not be expensive.

21. JULY: ANTALYA – SIDE (80KM/1HR)

We will relax at the beach and explore Side town.

Accommodation: We will camp at Pension Istanbul for less than 5€/night.

22. JULY: SIDE – ALANYA (70KM/1HR)

We will take our time in the morning to explore Side town before driving to Kizilot where we can have lunch and do some kitty shopping before continuing to Alanya, another famous Turkish beach town.

Accommodation: We will stay at an AirBnB, Hotel, Hostel or campsite. It should not be expensive.

23. JULY: ALANYA – TEKMEN

We will relax at the beach and explore Antalya town in the morning before driving off east. On the way, we will stop at the ruins of Antiochia ad Cragum where we can wild camp for a night or continue along the coast. Some of the beaches here are beautiful but have a lot of trash, so maybe we will do a cleanup and then camp on the beach afterward.

Accommodation: We will most likely be camping on a beach, all by ourselves.

24. JULY: TEKMEN – GILINDIRE/BOGSAK

We will continue driving along the coast of Turkey, stopping to make lunch at the beach and having a dip in the heat. On the way, we will also stop at the Gilindire Caves before continuing to find a bush camp near the Bogsak Lagoon.

Accommodation: We will most likely be camping on a beach.

25. JULY: GILINDIRE/BOGSAK – MERSIN

We will drive to the city of Mersin where we will stay one night.

Accommodation: We will most likely be camping on a beach.

26. JULY: MERSIN – GOREME

We will drive to Goreme, stopping at the Kaymakli underground city on the way and also the Tuz Gulu pink salt lake.

Accommodation: There will be lots of places to camp around Goreme, with superb views of the balloons launching in the morning.

27. JULY: GOREME

We will stay in Goreme. Opt to go for a balloon ride and explore this beautiful landscape.

Accommodation: There will be lots of places to camp around Goreme, with superb views of the balloons launching in the morning.

28. JULY: GOREME- KAYSERI

We will drive to Kayseri, our final stop on the fifth VA leg.

Accommodation: We will stay at an AirBnB, Hotel, Hostel or campsite. It should not be expensive.

29. JULY: KAYSERI

As always we have added a couple of extra buffer days at the end of our itinerary in case we found some sweet spots along the way where we decided to stay longer than planned.

Accommodation: We will stay at an AirBnB, Hotel, Hostel or campsite. It should not be expensive.

30. JULY: KAYSERI

Today you can either explore the town, relax at a hammam or come on a day trip.

Accommodation: We will stay at an AirBnB, Hotel, Hostel or campsite. It should not be expensive.

31. JULY: KAYSERI (LEG 5 FINISH/LEG 6 START)

Today is the final day of the fifth leg of Vikings in Asia. As soon as you have your flight booked let us know so that we can pick you up/drop you off at the airport. Opt to go for a day trip to Cappadocia and drive around beautiful scenery in Goreme. We will have a welcome dinner to the new ones so that we can explain what to expect for the weeks ahead.

Accommodation: We will find an AirBnb, hostel or campsite to stay at for cheap. Hostels are 9€ upwards.

1. AUGUST: KAYSERI – GUNPINAR (230KM/3HRS)

Well rested, we will pack our bags, check out and head for the Gunpinar Waterfall.

Accommodation: We will be wild camping by the fall.

2. AUGUST: GUNPINAR – SANLIURFA (360KM/5HRS)

Today we will drive to Göbekli Tepe – the oldest religious site in the World, before finding some lodging in Sanliurfa and explore the town there. This is a place with a lot of history!

Accommodation: We will find an AirBnb, hostel or campsite to stay at for cheap. Hotels will probably be around 10€ upwards.

3. AUGUST: SANLIURFA – NEMRUT KRATERI (460KM/6HRS)

Today we will drive to the Nemrut crater where we will pitch our tents in a place where it is said that lots of turtles walk around.

Accommodation: We will wild camp by the volcanic crater lake.

4. AUGUST: SANLIURFA – NEMRUT KRATERI (500KM/7HRS)

Today we will drive to the historical town called “Batman”, just like the superhero. Then we will continue to the Nemrut crater where we will pitch our tents in a place where walking around.

Accommodation: We will wild camp by the volcanic crater lake.

5. AUGUST: NEMRUT KRATERI – KARS (400KM/5HRS)

We will drive up north, stopping at a city called “Mus” (which means mouse/female genital part in Norwegian) to have lunch and do some shopping. Then we will drive up to Kars which is an old city with lots of ruins from towers, bunkers, and castles.

Accommodation: We will find an AirBnb, hostel or campsite to stay at for cheap. Hotels will probably be around 10€ upwards.

6. AUGUST: KARS – AKHALTSIKHE (200KM/4HRS)

Today we will leave Turkey and enter Georgia at the Turkgozu border. From here we will drive up to a classical Georgian town called Akhaltsikhe. Here we will stay with a couple (called Dato and Leila) who will most likely offer us wine, food and possibly a dance with them.

Accommodation: We will stay at a place called Dream House which is fabulous, for around 5€ per person including wifi, hot shower and electricity.

7. AUGUST: AKHALTSIKHE – KEDA (130KM/2HRS)

We will drive around 60 kilometers to Goderzi Ski Resort and drive up to Beshumi lake for a lunch picnic. If we want to stay overnight in this peaceful environment we can, otherwise, we will continue to Kulo or Keda where we can find a place to camp.

Accommodation: Today we have lots of places where we can bush camp. Or we can opt to stay at a hostel in Khulo for around 5€ per person.

8. AUGUST: KEDA – BATUMI (100KM/2HRS)

First, we will drive 40 kilometers to Batumi and drop off our bags at a hostel/hotel in the city before continuing to Mtirala National Park.

Accommodation: You have the option of staying in a hostel/guesthouse for less than 10€ per night. Or maybe you want to try out Couchsurfing? The choice is yours.

9. AUGUST: BATUMI – KUTAISI (150KM/3HRS)

We will drive to Kutaisi, a great place to stay for a few days while exploring the area. We can drive up to Sataplia Nature Reserve, drive to the Gelati Monastery or simply chill out in this backpacker-friendly town.

Accommodation: There are plenty of budget accommodation alternatives.

10. AUGUST: KUTAISI

As always, we will have some days of buffer time since we will probably have found some places along the way where we wanted to stay longer. But don’t worry, there are plenty of things to do in Kutaisi and we will drive you around to see it all.

Accommodation: There are plenty of budget accommodation alternatives.

11. AUGUST: KUTAISI – SVANETI (100KM/3HRS)

From Kutaisi, we can drive up to the fantastically beautiful region of Svaneti to do some trekking.

Accommodation: We could either bring our tents to camp along the hiking trails or we could check in a cheap guest house.

12. AUGUST: SVANETI

You could either stay in a town which will remind you of the Austro/Swiss alps or you could go hiking in the mountains

Accommodation: We could either bring our tents to camp along the hiking trails or we could check in to a cheap guest house.

13. AUGUST: SVANETI – KUTAISI (100KM/3HRS)

Today we will drive back to Svaneti where we can have a goodbye party for the ones leaving us there.

Accommodation: There are plenty of budget accommodation alternatives.

14. AUGUST: KUTAISI (LEG 6 FINISH/LEG 7 START)

Today will be the final day of this trip leg, and we hope you have enjoyed it. As soon as you have your flight booked let us know so that we can pick you up/drop you off at the airport. We will stay in the beautiful city of Kutaisi and explore the city on our own and together.

Accommodation: We will find an AirBnb, hostel or campsite to stay at for cheap. Hostels are 9€ upwards. There are plenty of options!

15. AUGUST: KUTAISI – TBILISI (250KM/4HRS)

Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital, is my favorite city in the region and the perfect place to kick off your Caucasus itinerary. We will spend our first night in Tbilisi hopping between wine bars or taking in a traditional dance performance. Needless to say, both these activities should be accompanied by copious amounts of delicious and cheap Georgian food.

Accommodation: We could stay for cheap at Fabrika Hostel which is my top choice of accommodation in the city.

16. AUGUST: TBILISI

After breakfast, we can head out and do a free walking tour of Tbilisi. We will take in the main tourist sights (including the fortress) or opt for something more niche. Get stuck into more scrumptious Georgian food for lunch (I highly recommend Keto & Kote), then spend the afternoon souvenir shopping, browsing the Dry Bridge Market, or exploring one of Tbilisi’s photogenic suburbs by foot. My favorite neighborhoods are Betlemi Street and Vera.

Accommodation: We could stay for cheap at Fabrika Hostel which is my top choice of accommodation in the city.

17. AUGUST: TBILISI/DAY TRIP FROM TBILISI

Tbilisi is perfectly positioned for day trips around Georgia. The easiest and closest option is visiting Mtskheta (Georgia’s old capital) and Gori (Stalin’s birthplace). There are lots of options for day trips from Tbilisi.

Accommodation: We could stay for cheap at Fabrika Hostel which is my top choice of accommodation in the city.

18. AUGUST: TBILISI – LAGODEKHI (150KM/3HRS)

Today we will drive from Tbilisi and make a stop in Telavi before we continue to Lagodekhi by the Azerbaijani border.

Accommodation: We will either wild camp by the border or stay in one of two guesthouses for either 9€ or 10€ per person.

19. AUGUST: LAGODEKHI – SHEKI (120KM/3HRS)

Today we will cross the border and drive to Sheki. It’s a lovely town where we have the opportunity to visit the Fazil labyrinth and a pretty nice church. We will walk around the cobbled old town before having drinks at the Buta Bar.

Accommodation: We will either wild camp by the border or stay in one of two guesthouses for either 9€ or 10€ per person.

20. AUGUST: SHEKI – GANJA (150KM/3HRS)

Ganja is the second biggest city in Azerbaijan and home to some of the most famous tourist attractions such as the historical museum.

Accommodation: There is a hostel (called Khurma Hostel) which allows people to camp and use the showers for free, but we can also drive up towards Goygol national park to wild camp.

21. AUGUST: GANJA – LAHIC (220KM/3,5HRS)

Lahic is a traditional town famous for its crafts including weaved carpets.

Accommodation: Around the Deniz pass there should be many beautiful places where we can wild camp.

22. AUGUST: LAHIC – BAKU (200KM/3HRS)

We will drive to the capital of Azerbaijan where we will find a guest house to stay at.