Turkey, Georgia & Armenia Encompassed
27 days, Istanbul to Yerevan
Itinerary
Day 1Istanbul
Arrive at any time, and meet your CEO and group in the evening at a welcome meeting. Head out for an optional group dinner and take a walk through the old square to see some of Istanbul's iconic monuments lit up at night.
Get the most out of your time in Istanbul by pre-booking the following activity to experience before your tour starts: Istanbul Walking Tour and Bosphorus Cruise. If you do, we recommend booking accommodation for an extra night pre-tour.
And don’t worry if you can’t decide now. This activity is available for pre-booking any time before your tour starts, while any of the optional activities listed can be booked independently upon arrival in Istanbul.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Optional Activities - Day 1 HideShow
Istanbul Walking Tour and Bosphorus Cruise
Go even deeper into Istanbul, discovering diverse and lesser-visited districts with your CEO, and some of the best photography spots in the city! Today we will walk along the ancient Constantinople city walls; see Tekfur Palace(the Blaherne Palace) which has got thick walls adjacent to the landwalls ; stroll through the photogenic Fener (Greek) and Balat (Jewish) districts, known for their colourful wooden houses; enjoy lunch together; and cruise the Bosphorus Strait for stunning views of Ottoman palaces and the city skyline.
Please note: this is a full day (6+ hours) day excursion. Lunch is included. Your CEO will collect you from the hotel lobby at 9am. Please bring sunscreen, a water bottle, and modest clothing/coverings for shoulders and upper legs for visiting religious sites.
There will be a welcome note at the reception with more details from your CEO, so please check on arrival.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Hotel Centrum Istanbul (or similar)
Day 2Istanbul/Çanakkale
Travel east from Istanbul to the Gallipoli Peninsula for a guided tour of the area including ANZAC Cove, the war cemeteries, and Lone Pine. In the afternoon, continue on to the harbour town of Çanakkale.
Make an early morning visit to Gallipoli, where thousands gave their lives during WWI in the battle of the same name. Take in the sights and learn the sombre story.
It is only a little further to Çanakkale, a busy harbour town with a thriving student population. Join the crowds as they stroll the waterfront nightly.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Gallipoli Battlefields Guided Tour
Visit this moving and beautiful site, a great complement to any trip to Turkey, even for those not familiar with the Battle of Gallipoli. Tour the grounds to see ANZAC Cove, the war cemeteries, and Lone Pine. Learn how the Turks fought off the numerically superior, but badly commanded, Allied forces who were forced to withdraw nine months later; this battle holds special significance for Australians and New Zealanders, as both nations lost many soldiers.
Ferry
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Accommodation
Grand Anzac Hotel Canakkale (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Çanakkale/Selçuk
Set off from Çanakkale and visit the ancient city of Troy. Continue to Ayvalik and stop by the G-supported Cöp(m)adam handicraft coop before travelling south to the town of Selçuk for the night.
Visit the nearby historic and world-famous city of Troy and then visit the G-supported Cöp(m)adam handicraft cooperation, which support the local women who work in the workshop. Continue south to Selçuk for the next couple of nights.
Troy Visit
See historic Troy, made famous by Homer’s “Iliad,” (and more recently by Orlando Bloom and Brad Pitt). Tour the city that, for centuries, was regarded as just a myth, until its ruins were found in in the mid-19th century. Imagine what a great city this must have been, while taking a tour of the remains. Don't miss the chance to have a photo taken with the Trojan horse.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Your G for Good Moment: Çöp(m)adam Visit
Visit the G-supported çöp(m)adam handicraft cooperation. All products are made out of recycled goods and by making a purchase it will directly support the local women who work in the workshop and over time has contributed to over 500 women who have been part of the project.
Accommodation
Cenka Hotel Selcuk (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Selçuk/İzmir
Explore Ephesus this morning as well as the Temple of Artemis, one of the ancient seven wonders of the world. Back in Selçuk, take part in a demonstration of how to prepare pide, a traditional Turkish flatbread, then devour the delicious results for lunch. In the afternoon transfer to the city of Izmir for an orientation walk of the old Kemeralti bazaar then board an overnight train bound for Cappadocia.
Tour the nearby ancient Roman ruins of Ephesus for a glimpse into what life was like thousands of years before in this part of what is now Turkey. After driving back to Selçuk, learn all about how to make "Turkish pizza," called pide before transferring north to the city of Izmir for some exploration before hopping on the overnight train.
Ephesus Visit
Tour the ruins of ancient Ephesus to get a feeling of what life must have been like during Roman times. Take in its massive, well-preserved theatre, which dominates the view down Harbour Street. See the two-story library, whose façade has been carefully reconstructed from all original pieces. Built in AD 125, it once held nearly 12,000 scrolls.
Your Foodie Moment: Pide Demonstration and Lunch
Lean all about the preparation of pide, a savoury flatbread often affectionately referred to as "Turkish pizza." See how they are traditionally prepared by flattening wheat dough then topping with cheese, tomatoes and other ingredients before cooking in a hot oven. Enjoy the finished results for lunch.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Orientation Walk of Kemeralti Old Bazaar
Set out on foot with your CEO on an orientation walk of the Kemeralti Old Bazaar, in Izmir. Wander amongst the traditional food stores before taking some free time in Izmir to explore.
Overnight Train (beds)
Curl up in shared, private sleeper cabins and catch a snooze en route to the next stop.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 5Konya/Cappadocia
Disembark the train in Konya and grab some breakfast at a nearby restaurant. Visit the Mevlana Museum before continuing by private vehicle to the Cappadocia region and check into the hotel. Sip a cup of tea or coffee while taking in the sunset from a nearby viewpoint before heading out for an optional dinner with the group in the evening.
Transfer to Cappadocia for 2 days of exploring the surreal and spectacular landscapes of the area.
Mevlana Museum Visit
Visit the Mevlana Museum and mausoleum of Mevlana Rumi, a Persian Sufi mystic. Learn more about the mystic Islamic sect known as the Whirling Dervishes.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Akuzun Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Cappadocia
Set out on a full day of exploration of the Cappadocia area, starting with a hike through the iconic "fairy chimneys." Stop at various scenic viewpoints for photos on the way to the massive subterranean complex of the Kaymakli underground city before some free time in the afternoon for individual exploration or to relax at the hotel. In the evening, gain insight into the local cultural traditions by sharing a meal with a local family.
Outdoor enthusiast? Hire a bike to get around on two wheels or join your CEO on an optional trekking tour through one of the beautiful valleys of the region.
Hike Through the Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia
Immerser yourself into the surreal and spectacular landscapes of Cappadocia on a hike through the iconic and aptly-named "fairy chimney" formations.
Kaymakli Underground City
Visit the ancient and expansive subterranean complex of the Kaymakli Underground City. Thought to have been built between the 8th and 7th Century BC, Kaymakli was carved out of the rock and consists of nearly a hundred tunnels with vast amounts of storerooms, ventilation shafts and a church.
Free Time
Take advantage of free time in the Cappadocia area to choose from a number of optional activities or relax at the hotel.
Your Local Living Moment: Dinner with Local Family
Enjoy seasonal homemade dishes, and talk with friendly hosts about life in rural Cappadocia.
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Pottery Center Visit
FreeLearn more about the infamous local art of pottery making and take advantage of the opportunity to create your own masterpiece.
Carpet Demonstration
FreeEnjoy an informative demonstration of one of the oldest art-forms in Turkish history. Gain a greater appreciation for the labour and workmanship involved in weaving rugs and carpets as you learn about the process.
Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride
Cappadocia is captivating from the ground, but that’s just the half of it. See the seemingly hand-painted landscapes of Cappadocia as they deserve to be seen, from the air aboard a hot air balloon. Take to the skies in one of the most favoured places in the world to experience a hot air balloon ride.
Turkish Bath
75EUR per personTake along a towel, soap, and shampoo, and experience a bath like no other. Following your bath, you will enjoy a traditional foam massage, included in the entrance fee. Get some tips from the friendly locals – they’ll show you the correct protocol. Make sure to check the hours as the bathhouses are strictly segregated, usually being used by men in the morning and evenings, and women in the afternoons.
Accommodation
Akuzun Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 7Cappadocia/Istanbul
After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport to catch the flight back to Istanbul. Enjoy the rest of the day free for individual exploration of the historic and vibrant city, grab some street food or relax at a cafe before an optional final dinner with the group.
Continue on to İstanbul for the opportunity to finish up your sightseeing or get in some last minute shopping.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow
Archaeological Museum
15EUR per personOpened in 1891, the Istanbul Archaeological Museum is a must-visit for history buffs. Home to a classical statuary, artifacts, and sarcophagi - including the stunning sarcophagus from the Royal Necropolis of Sidon - this museum presents one of the best opportunities to catch a glimpse into the life of ancient Turks.
Dolamabahçe Palace
1200TRY per personBuilt in the early 1800s, the Dolamabahçe Palace is the largest and the most important palace of the Ottoman Empire, after the Topkapi Palace. Marvel at its grandeur.
Galata Tower
30EUR per personClimb up the Galata Tower - one of Istanbul's oldest architectural landmarks - for an amazing panoramic view of the city. To get the full experience, time your visit with the call to prayer that happens at sunset.
Basilica Cistern
900TRY per personBuilt in 532 AD, the Basilica Cistern is the largest cistern (underground water storage) of Istanbul. Spot the pillar bases carved in the likeness of Medusa.
Hagia Sophia (or Aya Sofya) Visit
25EUR per personVisit the Hagia Sophia, one of the most important and breathtaking icons of ancient Byzantine architecture. The domes and buttresses of the mosque punctuate the skyline of Turkey's capital and stand tall as a symbol of national pride.
Topkapi Palace Visit
1500TRY per personTake a step back in time with a visit to the Topkapi Palace. Once home to the Ottoman sultans and their harems, it's now a museum hosting a number of collections, ranging from porcelains found in Europe, Asia and China to Ottoman-era weaponry.
Accommodation
Hotel Centrum Istanbul (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Istanbul
Enjoy a full free day to explore Istanbul's many historic sites, vibrant bazaars and incredible restaurants. Head out in the evening for an optional dinner with your CEO and fellow travellers.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Istanbul, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like taking in the greatness of Hagia Sophia, go beneath the surface for a visit to Basilica Cistern, or wander around the Historic Areas. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Accommodation
Golden Horn Sirkeci Istanbul (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 9Istanbul/Adıyaman
Transfer to the airport this morning for the flight from Istanbul to Adiyaman. Settle in for lunch by the lake of the Ataturk Dam before continuing on to the Mt. Nemrut area. Visit the funerary monument, Karakus, the Cendere bridge, then ascend to the summit of Mt. Nemrut for sunset. Continue on to Adiyaman where you can settle in for the night and enjoy dinner in the hotel.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Karakus Tumulus Visit
See the Karakus Tumulous, a 35m high artificial mound built atop a hill, for Queen Isias and Princess Antiochis. Built between 30-20 BC, this site boasts limestone columns and acts as a funerary monument for royal women from the Kommagene family.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Mt Nemrut Sunset Experience
Revel in the stunning vistas and colourful sunset at Mt. Nemrut's summit.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
White Star Hotel Adıyaman (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 10Adıyaman/Sanliurfa
After an early breakfast, transfer to Ataturk Dam to enjoy the viewpoint, then continue to Karahantepe. You'll be welcomed into a local home for lunch before continuing on to the ancient and impressive archaeological site of Gobekli Tepe. Afterwards, transfer to the nearby town of Urfa for the night and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Your Local Living Moment: Lunch with a Local Family
Be welcomed into a traditional home in Karahan Tepe for a lunch with a local family. Enjoy a cultural immersive experience with typical regional food.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Göbekli Tepe Archaeological Site Visit
Explore the world’s oldest temple on a visit to Gobekli Tepe. Built approximately 11,600 years ago, the site is composed of large limestone pillars erected in a series of rings. Stroll around the site, check out the animal bas-reliefs that adorn the pillars, and contemplate the feat of constructing these impressive structures millennia ago.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Şanlıurfa Uludağ Otel (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 11Sanliurfa/Mardin
Travel to Mardin after breakfast this morning. Mardin's old town is protected by UNESCO and is considered to be an open-air museum. Explore the historic limestone architecture and learn about the interesting landmarks throughout. The rest of the day is free for individual exploration or time to relax before joining the CEO for an optional dinner in the evening.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Mardin UNESCO City Tour
The city of Mardin was strategically built at the top of a steep hill around the 11th century BC, overlooking the Tigris River. Mardin was the site of many religions and cultures over the previous centuries and was annexed by the Ottoman turks in the 16th century. Full of historically significant landmarks, UNESCO has protected the site, which now acts as an open-air museum. Explore Kasimiya Madrassa and the Deyrulzafaran Monastery.
Walking Tour Mardin
Explore on foot pausing to enjoy the Great Mosque, the Virgin Mary Church, and the local architecture outside the old town.
Free Time
There's plenty to see and do; now is your time to explore.
Optional Activities - Day 11 HideShow
Latifiye Mosque
Wander through the Mosque, built in 1371 Abdüllatif bin Abdullah, the minaret built by the Governor of Egypt, Muhammed Ziya Tayyar Pasha, and the most recent minaret built by the Governor of Mosul, Gürcü Mehmet Pasha in 1845. Witness the impressive dome, colourful stones, and geometric motifs. A true architectural masterpiece.
Tellallar Bazaar
Take in some shopping in the Tellallar Bazaar, a shopping street, home to handicraft shops in a traditional bazaar style.
Accommodation
Kaya Ninova Hotel Mardin (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 12Mardin/Van
Settle in for a drive to Lake Van, the largest lake in Turkey. Upon arrival to the lakeside town of Gevas, board a boat to Akdamar Island for a CEO-led walk, then head back to your hotel in Van. Enjoy a free evening to end the day.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Walking Tour Akdamar Island
Explore Akdamar on foot with the help of your CEO. Witness the 10th century Armenian Holy Cross Cathedral, then wander around with free time.
Boat
Travel by boat and on foot to your hotel in Van.
Free Time
There's plenty to see and do; now is your time to explore.
Akdamar Island Boat Trip
Come aboard for a memorable boat trip to Akdamar Island on beautiful Lake Van. Tour the island's historic sites, and see the Armenian Cathedral of the Holy Cross, built between AD 915-921.
Accommodation
Van Life Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 13Van/Kars
Visit the Van Citadel this morning, built by the ancient kingdom of Urartu. From there transfer to the previous capital of the Republic of Ararat, Dogubeyazit. Explore Ishak Pasha Palace then take in views of Mt. Ararat and across the mountains where the possible resting place of Noah's Ark is said to be located. Continue on to Kars for a brief orientation walk, then settle in for the evening with free time.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Orientation Walk Kars
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main landmarks, and ATMs.
Van Castle
Explore the Citidel, a massive stone fortification, housing a "royal stable" carved from rock, where oxen and sheep were held prior to acting as sacrifice to the Gods.
Ishak Pasha Palace
This stunning 18th century palace located on the silk road is situated an imposing platform, boasting a mix of Anatolian, Iranian, and North Mesopotamian architectural styles. Explore this historical Turkish palace and take in breathtaking views of Mt. Ararat.
Accommodation
Buyuk Kale Hotel - Kars (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 14Kars
Drive to Ani this morning, known as the city of 1001 churches,. Explore the Ani complex with your CEO, seeing the many religious buildings, palaces and forts before heading back to Kars for a free evening and optional final dinner out with the group.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Ani Visit
Be transported to centuries past visiting historical Ani. Once the capital of the Armenian Empire, Ani was located at the crossroads of many important trade routes. When the medieval city was flourishing, the buildings were some of the most complex and beautiful around. Walk among hundreds of churches that rest in ruin today – the abandoned city creates a dramatic setting against the surrounding landscape.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
There's plenty to see and do; now is the time to explore.
Optional Activities - Day 14 HideShow
Kars Museum
Explore the 18 showcases housed in the museum's archaeology halls, offering a glimpse at fossils, spearheads, jewellery, and etc. Artifacts range from the Paleolithic and Periods all the way to the Principalities Period. In the ethnography hall, you'll find another 16 showcases displaying woven carpets, silver belts, kitchen utensils, etc. dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Round out your experience in the garden where ram and sheep tombstones from the 13th and 14th centuries are exhibited.
Accommodation
Buyuk Kale Hotel - Kars (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 15Kars/Tbilisi
Wave goodbye to Turkey this morning on a drive to the Oncul Çıldır Aktaş Border Gate for the crossing into Georgia. Enjoy the picturesque scenery en route to Tbilisi, with a stop in the small town of Poka for a visit and some time for lunch. In the evening, take a short orientation walk with your CEO on the way to an optional dinner.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Poka Visit
Explore Poka on your own over lunch. Poka is home to the St Nino Monastery, one of the most important monuments in the Javakheti area. A nunnery was established in 1992 and the nuns produce delicious cheese and chocolates.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Address Boutique Hotel Tbilisi (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 16Tbilisi
Set off to explore Tbilisi this morning on a walking tour through various districts and past some of the iconic landmarks of the city. Enjoy views from the Narikala Fortress before descending into the Caravanserai, a place where travellers and trade caravans used to stop and spend the night in years past. Enjoy the remainder of the day and evening at leisure to continue exploring or to relax.
City Tour Tbilisi
Enjoy a city tour with included visits to the Old Town, Metekhi Temple, the Abanotubani 'bath district' and the Narikala, the main fortress in Tbilisi.
Caravanserai Visit
Built in the centre of Tbilisi in the 15th century, the caravanserai was a place where travellers could rest their heads and trade caravans could stop to peddle their wares or spend the night. This caravanserai was rebuilt on the original foundation in 1818 to include a hotel, shops, and a warehouse.
Free Time
There is plenty to see and do; now is your time to explore.
Accommodation
Address Boutique Hotel Tbilisi (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 17Tbilisi/Gudauri
Travel this morning from Tbilisi to the village of Stepantsminda, where you'll switch to 4WD Jeeps for the drive to the spectacular Gergeti Trinity Church. Visit the church and explore on your own before meeting a local family for a cooking experience involving the preparation of meat dumplings called khinkali, which will serve as lunch. Move on to Gudauri for the evening, stopping at the Friendship Monument on the way.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Your Foodie Moment: Khinkali Making Experience
Meet with a local Georgian family to enjoy lunch and learn the art of Khinkali making - a meat dumpling traditionally found in the mountain region, made of twisted knots of dough, stuffed with meat or vegetables and spices.
Gergeti Trinity Church Visit
Located near the village of Stepantsminda, Gergeti Trinity Church is located beside the Chkheri river, in the shadow of Mount Kazbek., and acts as a waypoint for trekkers in the area and can be reached by a steep climb. Enjoy free time on the property to take in the spectacular views.
Accommodation
Gudauri Inn Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 18Gudauri to Kutaisi
Travel to Gori, birthplace of the communist revolutionary and Soviet politician, Joseph Stalin. Choose to visit the State Stalin Museum or join your CEO on a walk up to the town fortress for views overlooking the valley. Continue to the archaeological site of Uplistsikhe, an ancient city carved out of the rock, before arriving to the city of Kutaisi. Join your CEO for a short orientation walk on the way to an optional dinner out with the group in the evening.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Gori Visit
Stop and visit the hometown of Joseph Stalin, leader of the Soviet Union from the mid-1920s until 1953. See the house where he was born, and visit the 'Stalin Museum' that is dedicated to him.
Uplistsikhe Visit
Visit this ancient cave town dating back to the 7th century BC. The name translates into ‘the lord’s fortress’ and the town continued to be a religious and political stronghold until the 14th century before being attacked by the Mongols. While many travellers have never heard of this ancient city before visiting, after a few hours climbing around the rocks and caves Uplistsikhe quickly becomes a highlight of any trip to Georgia.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Orientation Walk Kutaisi
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main sights, and ATMs.
Accommodation
New Port Hotel Kutaisi (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 19Kutaisi
Visit the impressive Martvili Canyon this morning, and board a boat for a short ride along the gorge with cascading waterfalls. Continue by foot to a quaint local village for for some free time for lunch before returning to Kutaisi. The rest of the afternoon and evening is free for individual exploration, or perhaps join your CEO for a walk to the Bagrati Church.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
There's plenty to see and do; now is your time to explore.
Martvili Canyon Boat Ride and Walking Trail
Martivili Canyon, a 2.4 km gorge carved by the powerful Abasha river, boasts 50-70m high rock walls and multiple cascading waterfalls. Board small inflatable boats and enjoy a short 15-minute before setting off on foot on a 700m walking trail to Inchkhuri Village.
Accommodation
New Port Hotel Kutaisi (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 20Kutaisi West/Tbilisi
Travel to Mtskheta this morning, one of the oldest cities in Georgia as well as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Visit the Svetitskhoveli cathedral, then continue on to Terragarden for lunch and a cooking class. Later, transfer to Tbilisi for a walk with your CEO and an optional farewell dinner.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral Visit
Located in one of the oldest cities in Georgia and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, the Svetitskhoveli cathedral is an 11th century cultural masterpiece, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit both the Orthodox Christian cathedral and Mtskheta's historic old town, and enjoy the many small shops and cafes throughout.
Your Foodie Moment: Terragarden Cooking Class
Take a seat in the hidden gem, culinary oasis, of Terragarden, located in the heart of Mtskheta. Known for it's unique atmosphere and delicious Georgian culinary offerings, you'll be delighted by the charming decor as you enjoy a cooking class and wine with the owners; a truly unique experience.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Address Boutique Hotel Tbilisi (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 21Tbilisi/Yerevan
Wave goodbye to Tbilisi this morning and cross the border into Armenia. Stop in the city of Vanadzor for a walking tour and some free time for lunch before continuing on to Yerevan. Head out in the evening for an optional dinner with your CEO and fellow travellers.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Vanadzor Walking Tour
Join your CEO on a walk to Lachin open air food market in the city centre. Indulge in all the colours and aromas of fresh fruits and vegetables, locally sourced from nearby farms. Along the way, learn of the eateries, subtle street art, and graffiti, rich in social commentary.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Ibis Yerevan Center (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 22Yerevan
Set out on foot this morning with a walking tour of the city. Discover the historical significance of Republic Square before visiting the Megerian Carpet Museum to enjoy the rich traditions of the Armenian rug weaving culture. Continue to the Cascade complex for stunning views of the city, learn all about the stone-carved Armenian Khachkar, and try your hand at playing the Duduk instrument with a local musician. Enjoy free time for the rest of the day and evening.
Republic Square Tour
During the Soviet period, it was called Lenin Square and a statue of Vladimir called it home. After Armenia's independence, the statue was removed and the square was renamed 'Republic Square'. The square is considered to be an architectural highlight and is a site to behold.
Megerian Carpet Museum Visit
Take a guided visit of the Megerian Carpet factory to learn about the ancient tradition of Armenian carpet making. Observe traditional carpet weavers at their craft, and marvel at the colourful and diverse rugs on a wander through the gallery of Armenian carpets and even try your hand at weaving on the loom.
Duduk Class with a Local Musician
The duduk is a double reed wind instrument with origins in Armenia and with regional variations of the instrument throughout the region. Learn all about how it's played from a local musician and hear its unique sound, similar to en English horn or a bassoon.
Accommodation
Ibis Yerevan Center (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 23Yerevan/Dilijan
Depart for Lake Sevan this morning and take some free time to explore or take an optional boat ride on the lake. Continue on to Dilijian for a cooking class about how to make traditional sweet Armenian pastries called 'gata' which will serve as a light lunch. Continue exploring the area on foot with a walking tour and finish the day with free time and an optional dinner out with the group in the evening.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
There's plenty to see and do in Lake Sevan; now is your time to explore.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Your Foodie Moment: Gata-Making Class
Stop by a local community member's house and take part in a sweet gata-making class with included lunch. Gata is a traditional Armenian pastry or sweet bread that varies depending on the region of creation. Originally baked in a tonir, it is now baked in ovens and can vary in shape and size, but pairs well with a cup of tea or coffee.
Walking Tour Dilijan
Head out on a walking tour of Dilijan beginning on Sharambeyan Street. This a spa town and urban municipal community in the Dilijan Municipality of the Tavush Province of Armenia. The town is one of the most important resorts in Armenia, situated within the Dilijan National Park. The forested town is home to numerous Armenian artists, composers, and filmmakers and features some traditional Armenian architecture.
Free Time
There is plenty to see and do; now is time to explore.
Accommodation
Armenia Guesthouse Dilijan (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 24Dilijan/Goris
Set out for Khor Virap and enjoy a tour of the Monastery this morning. After some free time for lunch, depart for the Areni-1 Cave to explore the multicomponent cave complex on foot. Continue on to Goris for the evening and take a short orientation walk with your CEO on the way to an optional dinner.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Khor Virap Monastery
Khor Virap monastery was originally built in 642 in the form of a simple chapel. Over the centuries it was repeatedly rebuilt until 1662 when St Astvatsatsin was erected around the original chapel's ruins. Khor Virap is currently one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in Armenia.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Areni-1 Cave Visit
The Areni Cave is a cave system dating back to 4,300 - 3,500 BC and the site of artifacts dating from the Chalcolithic to the Bronze age. In 2008, a 5500 year old leather shoe was recovered from the site and in 2011, an ancient winery was discovered as well. Join a walking tour of this cave system to see it for yourself.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Orientation Walk Goris
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Accommodation
Mina Hotel Goris (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 25Goris/Yerevan
Travel to Goris Crochet this morning to visit the WINNET Goris Foundation, which works to empower the women of southern Armenia in their political, economic, and social lives. Continue on to Halidzor and hop on the Wings of Tatev Cable Car up to the monastery for a visit of the ancient complex before returning to the bus and carrying on to Yerevan in the afternoon.
WINNET Goris Foundation Visit
Created in 2009, the WINNET Goris Foundation aimed to contribute to the development of communities in Armenia. It empowers the women of southern Armenia in their political, economic, and social lives. Visit with the ladies and learn about the project.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Wings of Tatev Cable Car
Wings of Tatev is the longest reversible cableway in the world, as recognized by the Guinness Books of Records and the shortest, most picturesque route to the Tatev Monastery. Moving at an altitude of 320 m, enjoy 12 minutes of stunning scenery, flying over the ravine cut by the Vorotan River.
Tatev Monastery Visit
The Tatev Monastery is a 9th-century Armenian Apostolic Christian monastery located near the village of Tatev, in the Syunik province. Located on a cliff, the views of surrounding mountains and the Vorotan River gorge are simply stunning. After falling into disrepair most notably caused by an earthquake in 1138, the complex has now been lovingly restored and boasts the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, the Church of Saint Gregory, and several other impressive architectural feats, reaching toward the sky.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Ibis Yerevan Center (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 26Yerevan
Enjoy a free day to explore Yerevan's parks, museums and historical monuments. Perhaps join an excursion to the Geghard monastery and Garni monastery, and finish off with a cooking demonstration at a local guesthouse. Regroup in the evening for an optional final dinner out with the group.
Free Time
There's plenty to see and do; today is yours to explore.
Accommodation
Ibis Yerevan Center (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 27Yerevan
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.