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Tbilisi, Georgia
Start in the atmospheric Old Town with its sulfuric bathhouses and crooked balconies. Don't miss Narikala Fortress and the vibrant Rustaveli Avenue. Try khinkali dumplings and Georgian wine in the Fabrika district.
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Göreme, Türkiye
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Konya, Türkiye
Konya is the spiritual home of the Whirling Dervishes and the great Sufi poet Rumi — visit the Mevlana Museum housed in his mausoleum. The city has a deeply traditional atmosphere distinct from Turkey's coastal resorts. Try the local specialty etli ekmek, a long flatbread topped with minced meat.
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Ankara, Türkiye
Turkey's capital is often overlooked but rewards visitors with the outstanding Museum of Anatolian Civilisations and Atatürk's grand mausoleum Anıtkabir. The hilltop Ankara Castle offers sweeping views over the city. Explore the bohemian Hamamönü district for traditional Ottoman architecture and tea houses.
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Istanbul, Türkiye
End your Turkish journey in the magnificent city straddling two continents — the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar are unmissable. Hop a Bosphorus ferry for stunning views of the skyline and cross into the Asian side for a more local vibe in Kadıköy. Feast on simit, fresh fish sandwiches by the Galata Bridge and baklava from a classic pastane.
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Bucharest, Romania
Fly into Romania's energetic capital and explore the grandiose Palace of the Parliament and the charming Lipscani old town. The city has a buzzing café and street art scene centred around Floreasca and Victoriei. Use Bucharest as your base to stock up on supplies before heading north into the mountains.
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Brașov, Romania
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Piatra Neamț, Romania
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Budapest, Hungary
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Bratislava, Slovakia
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Krakow, Poland
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Warsaw, Poland
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Vilnius, Lithuania
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Riga, Latvia
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Tallinn, Estonia
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Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Vienna, Austria
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Bled, Slovenia
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Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Split, Croatia
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Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Podgorica, Montenegro
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Tiranë, Albania
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Ohrid, North Macedonia
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Athens, Greece