20 day Amazing Armenia, Georgia and Turkey

Day 1 - HOME/DUBAI

This evening, we board our overnight Emirates flight bound for Dubai.

Included Meals - As per fight

Day 2 - DUBAI/YERAVAN (ARMENIA)

Your overnight flight arrives into Yeravan just before noon today. Our trusty local guide will be on hand to greet us and take us our to our first lunch. Afterwards, our group will check into our hotel for some much needed rest in preparation for the next day. Dinner later tonight at scheduled time.

Accommodation - DoubleTree by Hilton Yerevan or similar

Included meals - As per flight / Lunch / Dinner

Day 3 - YERAVAN CITY TOUR

Your day begins with a tour of Armenia's ancient capital, Yerevan, affectionately known as "The Pink City" for its buildings crafted from pink volcanic tuff; you will explore central highlights such as Republic Square, the Opera House, Swan Lake, and Northern Avenue before climbing the artistic Cascade complex to take in panoramic views of the city and the biblical Mount Ararat. Following this, you will visit the 7th-century ruins of Zvartnots, a majestic UNESCO-listed medieval landmark, before enjoying a delicious traditional Armenian lunch preceded by a hands-on masterclass in preparing *gata*, a beloved local sweet pastry. The day concludes with a visit to the UNESCO-listed Etchmiadzin Cathedral, the historic mother church of the Armenian Apostolic Church dating back to 303 AD, before returning to Yerevan.

Accommodation - DoubleTree by Hilton Yerevan or similar

Included meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 4 - YERAVAN/KHOR VIRAP/NORAVANK/YERAVAN

After breakfast, you will enjoy a one-hour drive to the historic Khor Virap Monastery, a site famously situated at the closest point to Mount Ararat; its name, meaning "deep pit," honors its history as the dungeon where Saint Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 14 years before Christianity was established in Armenia. You will then continue to the 13th-century Noravank Monastery, an architectural masterpiece by the sculptor Momik known for its unique two-story design and dramatic setting against striking red rock cliffs. Finally, you will explore the Areni Cave (the "Birds' Cave"), an internationally significant archaeological site where researchers unearthed the world's oldest wine-making facility, dating back over 6,100 years, alongside remarkably preserved artifacts like the world's oldest leather shoe.

Accommodation - DoubleTree by Hilton Yerevan or similar

Included meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 5 - YERAVAN/SAGHMOSAVANK/VERNISSAGE/YERAVAN

Your day begins with a visit to the medieval Amberd fortress—aptly named "fortress in the clouds"—perched on the slopes of Mount Aragats at an altitude of 2,300 meters and protected by deep, rocky gorges. After taking in this historic site, you will head to Byurakan village for lunch, where you will be immersed in Armenian culture through a performance of traditional tales, rituals, music, and dance. Following this unique experience, you will visit the scenic Saghmosavank Monastery, which sits dramatically on the edge of a canyon and is named for the psalms Saint Gregory the Illuminator is said to have taught there. The day concludes with a return to Yerevan to explore Vernissage, an open-air market showcasing a vibrant array of Armenian artworks, handmade jewelry, traditional rugs, and unique national souvenirs before your overnight stay.

Accommodation - DoubleTree by Hilton Yerevan or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 6 - YERAVAN/DILIJAN

After breakfast, we depart Yerevan and make our way to the Geghardavank Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its architecture partially carved into rock and its mysterious, 40-second acoustic resonance, where you will enjoy a moving choral performance. You will then travel to the Garni Temple, a 1st-century pagan monument dedicated to the sun god Mihr, followed by a local lunch featuring a hands-on masterclass in baking lavash, Armenia’s UNESCO-recognized traditional bread. Afterward, you will journey to the "Blue Pearl of Armenia," Lake Sevan, to explore the historic Sevanavank Monastery perched on its scenic peninsula 1,900 meters above sea level. The day concludes with a drive to the lush, forested landscapes of Dilijan, often called "Armenian Switzerland," for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation - Best Western Paradise Hotel Dilijan or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 7 - DILIJAN/TBILISI (GEORGIA)

On your final day in Armenia, you will begin by exploring the charming town of Dilijan, followed by a visit to the majestically situated Haghartsin Monastery. As you head north, you will pause in the village of Fioletovo to enjoy traditional samovar tea with the local Molokan community and learn about their unique daily life and traditions. Your journey continues to the UNESCO-listed Haghpat Monastery and Sanahin Monastery, both significant medieval educational and spiritual centers. Finally, you will proceed to the Sadakhlo-Bagratashen border crossing to transition into Georgia, where you will meet your new guide and conclude the day with a hotel check-in in Tbilisi.

Accommodation - Philharmonic by Mercure Tbilisi or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 8 - TBILISI/MTSKHETA/JVARI MONASTERY/TBILISI

After breakfast, we visit Mtskheta, the ancient capital of East Georgia, where you will explore the UNESCO-listed 6th-century Jvari Monastery and the sacred 11th-century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, known for housing Christ’s robe. Afterward, you will transition to Tbilisi for a tour that blends driving and walking through the city's rich history, featuring the 13th-century Metekhi Church, the imposing 4th-century Narikala Fortress, and the scenic Legvtakhevi ("Fig Ravine"). You will also experience the city's vibrant character by visiting the historic Old Sulfur Bathhouses, the lively Meidan Square and Shardeni Street, the modern Bridge of Peace, and the Anchiskhati Basilica, a 6th-century treasure that stands as one of the city's oldest churches.

Accommodation - Philharmonic by Mercure Tbilisi or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 9 - TBILISI/ANANURI/KAZBEGI/TBILISI

Today, our journey begins with a scenic drive to the 14th–17th-century Ananuri Fortress, a historic defensive complex that once served as the residence of the Dukes of Aragvi, followed by a stop at the iconic Gudauri Viewpoint, a 1983 monument offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Caucasus Mountains and the "Devil’s Valley." After enjoying a traditional lunch at a local cafe, you will switch to 4x4 vehicles for an exhilarating ascent to the 14th-century Gergeti Trinity Church, a spiritual masterpiece perched high on the slopes of Mount Kazbegi. If the weather permits, you will be rewarded with a clear view of this majestic 5,047-meter peak, famous for the local legend of Amirani—the Georgian Prometheus—before returning to Tbilisi in the evening.

Accommodation - Philharmonic by Mercure Tbilisi or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 10 - TBILISI/BODBE/MANAVI/TBILISI

After breakfast, you will travel to the "City of Love," Sighnaghi, stopping first in the village of Bodbe to visit the St. George monastic complex and the tomb of St. Nino, where you can also witness the healing waters of St. Nino's Spring. After exploring the ancient streets of Sighnaghi, which overlook the renowned Alazani Valley wine region, you will continue to the Giuaani Winery in Manavi. There, you will discover the ancestral heritage of Georgian winemaking, learn about the traditional Qvevri production method, and enjoy a tasting of three local wine varieties.

Accommodation - Philharmonic by Mercure Tbilisi or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 11 - TBILISI/TELAVI/GREMI/TBILISI

This morning we travel to the historic Alaverdi Monastery, a majestic cathedral founded by the Assyrian monk Joseph Alaverdeli on the site of an ancient pagan center, which remained Georgia's tallest religious building for centuries. Your journey continues to the Batonis Tsikhe Castle in Telavi, where you can explore the 17th- and 18th-century residence of Kakhetian kings, including the ruins of royal baths and the Persian-style palace of King Erekle II. Following a local lunch, you will visit the Tsinandali Museum, the 19th-century estate of the poet and wine pioneer Alexander Chavchavadze, for a tour and a tasting of their finest cellar wine. Finally, you will explore the 16th-century Gremi Fortress, the sole survivor of the former Kakheti Kingdom capital, before driving back to Tbilisi for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation - Philharmonic by Mercure Tbilisi or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 12 - TBILISI/CAPPADOCIA (TURKEY)

This morning we leave Georgia and fly over to Turkey. This flight will transit in Istanbul before arriving to Nevesehir airport, which is not too far away from the beautiful mountains of Cappadocia. Upon arrival, your local guide will greet you and then take you on a late lunch. Afterwards, we will check in at our hotel and then after dinner we head out again for a traditional Turkish night belly show.

Accommodation -MCR Cappadocia Hotel or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 13 - CAPPADOCIA

This morning, we embark on an exciting tour of Cappadocia, a region renowned for its unique landscapes and rich history. Our journey will take us through the stunning Pigeon Valley, known for its picturesque views and the countless pigeon houses carved into the cliffs. We'll also marvel at the iconic Fairy Chimneys, which rise majestically from the earth, creating a surreal and enchanting atmosphere. As we continue, we'll visit Uchisar Castle, a remarkable fortress that offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Finally, a visit to the famous Goreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with ancient rock-cut churches and stunning frescoes that tell the story of early Christian communities in the region.

Accommodation -MCR Cappadocia Hotel or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 14 - CAPPADOCIA/PAMUKKALE

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we will start our journey by departing for a visit o a local leather factory, where we can observe the craftsmanship behind high-quality leather goods. Following this, we will head to the Mevlana Mausoleum in Konya, a significant cultural and spiritual site that honours the esteemed poet Rumi. Lastly, we will explore the historical Kervansaray Konak, which offers insight into the region’s rich history and architecture. Overnight in Pamukkale.

Accommodation - Adem Pira hotel or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 15 - PAMUKKALE/KUSADASI

This morning, we will visit the stunning Cotton Castle and the ancient city of Hierapolis, known for its well-preserved ruins and thermal springs. Following this, we will depart for Ephesus, one of the most iconic archaeological sites in Turkey, where we will explore its remarkable structures. Our day will conclude with a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, a significant pilgrimage site that holds deep spiritual importance. We arrive to Kusadasi, a famous beach resort town on Turkey’s western Aegean coast. 

Accommodation - Korumar Hotel or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 16 - KUSADASI/CANAKKALE

After breakfast, enjoy the stunning views of the Aegean Coast as we drive towards the iconic Trojan Horse for a photostop, a wooden structure famously used by the Greeks during the Trojan War. We will then take a scenic cable car ride up to the Pergamum Acropolis, where we can explore the impressive ancient ruins. Afterward, we will. Finally, we will transfer to our hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation - Kolin Canakkale Hotel or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 17 - CANAKKALE/ISTANBUL

Our final stop on this adventure is the city of Istanbul and upon arrival, we will enjoy lunch. During our journey, we will cross the 1915 Canakkale Bridge, the world’s longest suspension bridge. Once in Istanbul, we will visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of architecture and history. Next, we will take a short walk to the Blue Mosque, where we can admire its six stunning minarets and intricate Iznik wall tiles as our guide shares fascinating stories about the ambitious sultan who commissioned its design. We will also have the opportunity to explore the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayı), the largest of the hundreds of ancient cisterns beneath the city. After a day filled with exploration, we will check into our hotel for the evening.

Accommodation - Wyndham Grand Europe Hotel or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 18 - ISTANBUL CITY TOUR

After breakfast this morning, we will visit Topkapi Palace, where we’ll step back in time to an era of sultans and their harems that once ruled Istanbul. We'll explore the palace's ornate Imperial Treasury, marvelling at its rich history and opulence. Following our visit, we'll enjoy lunch before indulging in some retail therapy at the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest covered markets in the world. In the afternoon, we will set sail on a relaxing Bosphorus cruise, taking in the stunning views of the skyline and waterfront attractions.

Accommodation - Wyndham Grand Europe Hotel or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 19 - ISTANBUL/DUBAI/HOME

This morning, a bit of free time around our hotel area before we make our way to Istanbul airport for our Emirates flights home. We will have a transit in Dubai airport before reboarding our flight back home.

Included Meals - Breakfast / As per flight

Day 20 - ARRIVE HOME

This morning we arrive back home and we hope you enjoyed your time on this tour!

Included Meals - As per flight