18 day Armenia, Georgia,
& Eastern Turkey Tour

October 11 - 28, 2010

$4582
per person, double occupancy

Single Supplement: $650

Tour route map!

Oct 11/12: Meet your private car/driver upon exit from customs, then transfer to the hotel for a rest. Later this morning start the sightseeing tour of the city of Yerevan, which will introduce you to the capital of the Republic of Armenia, with its well-designed buildings, squares and streets, open air coffee houses and wealthy museums. The tour begins with a drive from the Republic Square - the heart of the city, a significant site for all major celebrations and the location of many impressive buildings, such as the History Museum, National Art Gallery, major ministries and the House of Government. Continue to the Panorama Ground affording a dramatic view of Yerevan with Mount Ararat in the background. Our program can also include an optional visit to the "Noy-Ararat" factory - one of the oldest wineries in the region, where you can taste 2 brands of 1933 - 1937 wines and 2 of their current brandies (cognac). Overnight in Yerevan. (B/L/D)

Oct 13: Our tour starts with an excursion to the Echmiatsin Cathedral and its Museum, and the Church of St. Hripsimeh Martyria. Return to the capital and visit the ruins of once magnificent Cathedral of Zvartnots en-route. Continue touring and visit the medieval monasteries of Ohannavank and Saghmosavank. Return to Yerevan and visit the Matenadaran - the depository of ancient Armenian manuscripts (UNESCO World Heritage Site), which houses a superb collection of 15,000 manuscripts from the 5th until 15th centuries. When in Yerevan spend the rest of the day at leisure or to independently visit 1-2 small museums here. Possible suggestions for visits: Museum of Collages of the world famous film director Sergey Parajanov, House museum of the painter Martiros Saryan, House Museum of sculptor Y. Kochar, House Museum of the world known composer Aram Khachaturyan. Overnight in Yerevan. (B/L/D)

Oct 14: Today is our excursion to the Fortress and Temple of Garni - a testimony to the Roman influence in Armenia. Afterwards we will visit the medieval monastery of Guerhard, an architectural treasure carved into a cliff and which is counted as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Return to Yerevan and visit of the colorful fruit and vegetable market and continue to visit the National Museum of Armenian History - one of the most interesting museums of the kind, which possesses a rich collection of archaeological and historical artifacts - the oldest dating to the Stone and Bronze ages. Time permitting, we may have an optional visit to the Art Gallery - the third largest collection of paintings in the former USSR. Overnight in Yerevan. (B/L/D)

Oct 15: This morning we check out of our 'home' in Yerevan and leave for the North of Armenia. The first sight to visit is Khor Virap monastery - once a royal prison of the early Christians in pagan Armenia and the site from where the light of Christianity spread all over Armenia. A majestic view of Mount Ararat opens from here! Afterwards continue onto the main highway and head in the direction of the Noravank Monastery (10-14th cc. UNESCO Site) - a splendid monastic complex hidden in the pictorial reddish mountains - like a wild flower, or a white dressed bride in the heart of the rocks. The monastery was once the site of the royal princes and a school of famous stonemasons. Spend some time walking in the vicinity. We may have an optional visit to one of the local wineries in the village of Areni with an opportunity to taste the local wines and buy some if so wished. Our journey then passes through the Selima Pass - once a major junction on the Great Silk Route. Brief photo stop by the Caravanserai here, which by right is considered to be the finest and well preserved ones that have survived till nowadays. We conclude our journey at the local hotel in the spa town of Tsakhkadzor. (B/L/D)

Oct 16: Today we travel through breathtakingly beautiful mountain scenery leading to the famous spa town of Dilijan, called the Little Switzerland of Armenia. Drive along Lake Sevan, one of the largest high altitude lakes in the world. Stop to visit Sevanavank, a monastery built on an island (now a peninsula) in Lake Sevan in 305 AD on the site of a former pagan temple. The present day structure dates back to 8th century. This mountainous lake covers approximately 5% of Armenia's surface area and is 2000 meters/2187 yards above sea level. Maxim Gorky said about the waters, that they were like a piece of the sky that had descended to earth among the mountains. Hidden into the forest, Dilijan has preserved its vivid style of architecture, which differs from what we see in the rest of Armenia with its wooden elements. First we will visit Haghartsin - one of the brilliant samples of Medieval Armenian ecumenical architecture. Haghartsin monastery was a major religious and cultural center of Armenia. It also housed an important school of church music that developed a new system of notation for the Armenian liturgy. Spend some time to leisurely explore the site and enjoy walking in the Natural Reserve. Time permitting, we will also visit Goshavank Monastery. Goshavank was established in the late 12th century by the cleric Mkhitar Gosh. It was here that Mkhitar Gosh first formally codified Armenian law (partly as a defense against the imposition of Islamic shariah law) and also wrote his fables which make moral points using birds as the protagonists. Continuinuing our drive, we will tour briefly the recently restored historic 19th century Old Town with its beautiful wooden houses and ornately carved balconies, and visit authentically recreated artisans' workshops. End the day at our hotel in Vanadzor. (B/L/D)

Oct 17: After breakfast we check out and proceed to visit the monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin both listed as World Heritage Sites and protected by UNESCO. These two magnificent monastic complexes are among the most outstanding examples of Armenian religious architecture, and are important not only for the original architecture of the buildings, but because of the tremendous influence they exerted on the overall development of medieval Armenian art and architecture. Head for Sadakhlo/Bagratashen on the Georgian - Armenian border. Bidding farewell to our hospitable Armenian friends we are met by our Georgian friends who will help you proceed through customs and immigration formalities. We will meet our new guide and change busses, then continue on to Tbilisi for dinner and overnight. (B/L/D)

Oct 18: After breakfast enjoy a short sightseeing tour of Tbilisi including visits to Sioni - a cathedral of the 6th-7th century; Metekhi church (12th century, cross-domed church); Anchiskhati (6th century) - one of the most ancient basilicas in Tbilisi; District of Sulfur bathhouses, Holy Trinity cathedral. Around noon we will drive to the mountainous region of Georgia by the historic "Georgian Military Highway" - the main transport artery linking Georgia with Russia. En rout explore sacred Mtskheta, the ancient capital of eastern Georgia. Georgia's conversion to Christianity occurred in Mtskheta in 337 AD and it is considered to be one of Georgia's most important religious centers. Today, Mtskheta is designated as a living museum and UNESCO site; after having visited Jvari church (6th-7th c) and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th c), drive to Gudauri. Pushing north visit the Ananuri architectural complex (16th-17th c) built by the warring dukes of Aragvi in an attempt to control the main road. Overnight at the hotel in Gudauri. (B/L/D)

Oct 19: After breakfast we continue our journey up and north through alpine meadows and mountain passes littered with medieval watchtowers. We will visit Gergety Trinity Church with views of a snow-capped Mount Kazbek - a spent volcano overlooking Stepantsminda town (5047 meters above seal level). (2-3 hours walking tour to visits Gerghety Trinity Church is required). We will have picnic lunch at a nice spot, then return to Gudauri for dinner and overnight. (B/L/D)

Oct 20: Check out after breakfast. From the mountains we return to Kartli, the heart of the country, known for its agriculture and architectural monuments. First stop today is Uplistsikhe, an unusual medieval cave town that developed over hundreds of years starting in the first millennium BC. At its height it was an important trade center occupying 22 acres. In Gori, visit the house museum of Joseph Stalin. The next province we will visit is Imereti, with its cool springs, green fields, and delicate manicured gardens. Here is the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Colchis - Kutaisi, now the second city of Georgia. The people of Imereti are renowned for their sense of humor, politeness, and a special kind of 'khachapuri', the cheese-bread unique to Georgia. Afternoon arrival in Kutaisi and if time permit we will go for a walk in Old Town. Dinner and overnight at the guesthouse in Kutaisi. (B/L/D)

Oct 21: After breakfast we will visit the Bagrati Cathedral, dating from the 11th century (UNESCO) and the Gelati complex, one the best examples of Georgian architecture, where we will visit the Cathedral of the Virgin, Church of St. George, Church of St. Nicholas, the Bell Tower and Academy which was built in 1104 (UNESCO). Next we head to Vale/Posof en rout visit Ubisi Basilica of the 9th century, a richly decorated mural painted in the 14th century. In Akhaltsikhe visit Rabati and its History museum. Afterwards we proceed to border to cross in to Turkey. Having wished a good - bye to our Georgian hosts we pass through immigration and passport control, and meet our Turkish hosts represented by a professional guide who will help you change to Turkish bus. We will meet our Turkish hosts represented by a professional guide who will help you change to Turkish bus and continue to Kars. We will have a brief city tour of Kars including the Museum and the Old Town. Check in at Sim-Er Hotel for dinner and overnight. (B/L/D)

Oct 22: Our program today includes: the medieval city of Ani - once a major junction on the Great Silk Route. We journey to the site of Ani, which was one of the former capitals of the Armenian Kingdom (10-11th cc). In the mid 10th century, nothing in Europe could compete with this city in terms of either size or magnificence. The remains of the ruined 'shadow' city include several churches as well as the shell of the Cathedral of Ani, the citadel and a mosque. There are also some exciting remains of wall frescoes inside the Church of St. Gregory (Tigran Honents). Despite of having been exposed to elements for centuries the effect that these frescoes produce on visitors is far beyond expectation. After lunch at one of the local cafes en route we return to Kars and spend the afternoon touring here if time did not allow to do so on arrival day. Overnight in Sim - Er Hotel. (B/L/D)

Oct 23: We continue our journey southwards and arrive at Doguebayezit where we visit the spectacular Isaak Pasha Palace and break for lunch at the restaurant of the local Sim Er Hotel. Enjoy the spectacular view during our meal since the restaurant overlooks the Mount Ararat! Continue the touring and drive to Van city via Muradiye and the eye-catching Bendimaahi Falls. Van is presently known as a market town of the Kurdish people and we have an opportunity to visit the local market, as well as pay a short call to the Van Museum. Arrive for check in dinner and overnight at the Hotel Urartu, or similar. (B/L/D)

Oct 24: After breakfast at the hotel we start our daily tour with a boat - ride and sail to the island of the Lake Van - the largest soda lake in the world. Here on the island of Akhtamar (Akdamar) we'll visit the recently reconstructed 10th C Armenian Church of the Holy Cross. It is worth mentioning that Lake Van is home to unique flora and fauna therefore we will spend some time here to discover the wild and untouched beauty of the local nature. Head for lunch at the local restaurant and taste the unique habitat fish of the extremely salty water that is known as "Tarekh". After lunch we drive to the Urartian site of Cavustepe where we visit the ruins of the 8th C BC fortress-palace Sarduri-Hinilig. Proceed to the Kurdish castle at Hosap and end the day with an optional visit to the Rock of Van to explore further the remains of the ancient Urartian period. (B/L/D)

Oct 25: After an early breakfast drive to Erzrum - the largest city in Anatolia present day. On arrival visit double Minaret Medrese. Check in at the local hotel Oral or similar in Erzurum. Dinner & overnight in Erzurum. (B/L/D)

Oct 26: Continue the touring and drive to Macka. Visit the 6th century Monastery of Sumela, hanging precariously over a cliff, it opens a breathtaking view of the river in the valley. Drive to Trabzon for dinner and overnight at the Hotel Aksular or similar. (B/L/D)

Oct 27: In the morning drive to Ayder Plateau by passing the natural wonder Camlin Hemsin. Spend half a day in the plateau. Back to Trabzon. A short city tour of the old part continued by visit to the church of Hagia Sophia and Ataturk's villa. Dinner and overnight in Trabzon. (B/L/D)

Oct 28: Transfer to Airport for flight to Istanbul or catch the return flight home.

Included:

• Land transportation in minibus/coach
• Qualified English speaking guides throughout
• Entrance fees as per program
• Accommodation based on double occupancy, full board, in best available hotels

Not Included:

• Air fare
• Personal expenses, extras, snacks, optional tours
• Beverages
• Porters may not be available in all areas
• Tips for guides and drivers
• Transportation to Gerghety Trinity Church
• Airfare Trabzon/Istanbul- $89USD/person, (subject to change without notice until purchased)
• Visa for Armenia obtained in advance by E-Visa for $15 - Turkey and Georgia visas obtained on arrival

Please note that guesthouses are local's houses, where 2 rooms share 1 bathroom.