This portion of my trip was just like the rest of it: well planned and with centrally located hotels. I don't need to sing Istanbul's praises, although I could and would because it's a fabulous place to visit, but Georgia was an unknown quantity. Once there it's easy to see why it's becoming so popular. Not only is it beautiful, its history and culture are fascinating. And, of course, the wine is delicious. Leave enough room in your luggage for several bottles. My initial introduction to Georgia was not happy but that had nothing to do with Tailor Made Rail or Georgia and everything to do with there being scam artists the world over. Beware taxi touts. No, the places I visited in Georgia (Batumi, Kutaisi and Tbilisi) were well worth it, Tbilisi in particular. I am definitely going back there, with at least some of my family who were persuaded by my reports before I had even left. Unfortunately, I had to fly from Istanbul to Batumi so was not able to experience the Dogu Express. Another year perhaps.