Jet Luxe is more than a private jet management and charter company. We are a full-service luxury travel experience provider, powered by a global fleet and 24/7, 365, Forbes accredited concierge service. In this blog, we explore 3 destinations in Europe not to be missed: Kazakhstan, Georgia, and Turkey. If you think you know these countries already, think again. We’re here to take you off the beaten-track to explore new and exciting elements of these beautiful destinations. To find out more or book your bespoke trip, get in touch at fly@jetluxe.com.
Kazakhstan – a nature-lover’s paradise
The largest landlocked country and the ninth-largest country in the world, Kazakhstan is a nation of wonderful geographical and cultural variety. This is the perfect destination if you’re looking for a unique, luxury, bespoke trip that touches on culture, scenery, history, wellness, and adventure. Nature lovers will adore the mind-blowing Tien Shan Mountains and should trek around the Issyk and Big Almaty Lakes. The Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve will provide peace and serenity for those seeking downtime from their busy city lives. After your hiking adventures, head to the Caspian coast for some well-earned downtime at a hot spa or continue the adrenaline with a fast horse ride through the Burabay National Park.
With such a rich history, including influences from many different tribes, Kazakhstan offers a wealth of historical sites, from underground mosques to a petroglyph site famous for its rock carvings of the Buddha. For those seeking adventure, Kazakhstan doesn’t disappoint. Your concierge will book you a bucket-list worthy tour to the Charyn Canyon where you can discover off-the-beaten track Kazakhstan and learn about its nomadic people.
Don’t miss: A visit to Baikonur Cosmodrome, the world’s first and largest operational space launch facility.
What to eat: Immerse yourself in the full Kazakh experience by trying local delicacies, all of which can be sourced by your Jet Luxe concierge. Here are some of our favourites –
Manti – Stuffed Dumplings, Kurt (fermented cheese balls), Shelpek – (fried flatbread), Shalgam – (Kazakh salad), Chechil – Kazakh stringed-cheese, Tandyr Nan (disc-shaped flatbread), Zhaya (Dried Horse Meat).
Georgia – a sensory, gastronomic delight
If you are tired of traditional travel destinations and you’re looking for something new, add Georgia to your bucket list. A visit to Georgia is unforgettable. This beautiful country stands at the crossroads of Europe and Asia and your visit will be a full-sensory experience. Millenniums of history have shaped the culture and cuisine of enchanting Georgia. Framed by the rugged Caucasus Mountains, Georgia – from Black Sea to the frontier of Azerbaijan – is a fascinating combination of historic Orthodox chapels, electric city vibes, and out-of-this-world cuisine.
There is no doubt that Georgia is the capital of food in the Caucasus region. In Georgia, a guest is considered a blessing and you will be welcomed to an immersive feast of local produce and delicious, local wines. For culture lovers, the capital, Tbilisi is a true melting pot of influences and inspiration. The eclectic architecture varies from Ottoman inspired hot baths, delicate and crooked buildings built into the rock with intricately decorated balconies and incredible examples of Art Nouveau. Architecture, art, music and cuisine are all distinctive threads in Georgia’s culture.
Don’t miss: A visit to the ancient monasteries of Mtskheta, the spiritual heart of Georgia. One of the oldest cities in Georgia where 4000-year-old traces of human settlements were found. Mtskheta is home to three of Georgia’s most important churches: Svetitskhoveli, Jvari and the Samtavro Monastery.
What to eat: Khinkali (Georgian dumplings, local artisan breads stuffed with meat and spices, Lobio (Bean Soup), Qababi (Kebabs), Mtsvadi (Shashlik, meat skewers) and don’t miss the country’s incredible fine wines.
Turkey – a spellbinding, “tick-all-boxes” trip
Turkey is easily accessible from all global destinations and has been a go-to favourite vacation spot for many years. But if you think you know Turkey, think again because this beautiful country has so much more to offer than its stunning coastlines. Blessed with 300 days of sunshine per year, twinkling beaches, and dramatic waterways, it’s easy to see why Turkey has been such a travel hotspot over the past few decades.
If the allure of the azure Agean isn’t enough to tempt you, its awe-inspiring architecture, incredible shopping, beautiful fishing villages, buzzing cities, and epic wellness offering should do the trick. When you’re ready for some culture and action, head to Istanbul to tour the city by yacht. On the banks of the river, you may be tempted to invest in your next holiday home at The Yalis, a collection of $100m homes rated as fifth most expensive in the world by Forbes. Be sure to include a trip to Cappadocia, a rocky landscape dating back to the 4th century. The underground cities of Cappadocia were once home to thousands of people. Now, the best way to see this incredible piece of history is by hot air balloon.
Don’t miss: a trip to the mineral springs of Pamukkale – a Unesco World Heritage Site with a series of natural, shallow basins of bright-white travertine filled with 34°C mineral rich spring water. After you’re fully relaxed, head to Kadikoy for a cutting-edge art and music scene.
What to eat: Indulge in a 10-plate banquet with local cheeses, hummus, honeycomb, olives, bread, Jerusalem artichokes, and halva.
How to book: Your Jet Luxe concierge will manage every aspect of your trip from your on-board private jet catering and entertainment through to every experience on land. Simply reach out at fly@jetluxe.com to find out more.