TURKEY – IRAN – ARMENIA – GEORGIA

Arrive at Istanbul Airport, where you are met by your name board and transfer to your Hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

Pick up from the hotel and transfer to the Istanbul Airport. Flight to Van. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Van. (B/L/D)

Van is a city in eastern Turkey’s Van Province and is located on the eastern shore of Lake Van. We will sail to the island Akhtamar. Visit to the Armenian Cathedral which has a very unique structure. Our trip continues up to the monastery Varagavank (monastery of Varag) also known as seven churches. Varagavank was a prominent Armenian monastery whose ruins are located on the slopes of Mount Varag. Interesting trip and deep emotions. Overnight in Van. (B/L/D)

After the breakfast we will visit Doğubayazıt. It is a settlement with a long history. The trip continues to Ani. Ani is a ruined and uninhabited medieval Armenian city-site situated in the Turkish province of Kars. All the structures at Ani are constructed using the local volcanic basalt, a sort of tufa stone. It is easily carved and comes in a variety of vibrant colors, from creamy yellow, to rose-red, to jet black. Drive to Kars. Overnight in Kars. (B/L/D)

After the breakfast transfer to the border between Turkey and Iran. Drop you off at the Dogubayazit Gurbulak Border. End of services. Meet and greet at the Turkey- Iran border, move to Khoy, en route visiting of the St. Thaddeus Monastery. Transfer to hotel. Check in and rest. Overnight in Khoy. (B/L/D)

Visiting of the stone gate of Khoy, Shams Tabrizi monument and old Bazar. Then transfer to Orumieh, move to hotel, check in and rest.
Orumieh city tour, visiting of the Seh Gonbad building, Friday mosque and Nane Maryam church. Overnight in Orumieh. (B/L/D)

Move to Tabriz, en route visiting of the Kandovan stone village, transfer to hotel check in and rest.
Visiting of the El Goli park, Alishah Citadel, the Municipality building, Blue Mosque, Bazar and Azerbaijan museum. Overnight in Tabriz. (B/L/D)

Move to Jolfa to visit the St. Stephanus Cathedral, drive along the Aras River to the Nordooz boarder and departure. Meet Armenian guide at the border and drive to Goris. On your way to Goris. Visit the cave village of Khndzoresk, a picture –perfect valley with a stream running through it, where many caves and rock formations are waiting to be explored. Overnight in Goris. (B/L/D)

Tour to the most magnificent monastery in all Armenia, TatevMonastery (9-13cc), a former center for the sciences and art, where many famous Armenians lived and worked centuries ago. Sightseeing in Noravank monastery – a great religious and cultural centre of 12th c. On the way visit Areni wine factory to taste local wine made from special sorts of vines. Drive to Yerevan. Overnight in Yerevan. (B/L/D)

Excursion around Yerevan city. Visit to Manuscript museum, Matenadaran. Then our tour continues to Genocide museum and Tsitsernakaberd monument and Brandy Factory. Lunch at the local house, where you will have opportunity to see and participate in the preparation of Armenian bread „„Lavash‟‟.Then our tour continues to the Pagan Temple of Garni, which is the only non-Christian temple currently, standing in Armenia and cave monastery in Geghard. Geghard monastery inscribed in UNESCO World Heritage list. Then visit to Megerian Carpet factory. Overnight in Yerevan. (B/L/D)

Today we will visit two unique monuments of Armenian architecture of X-XIV centuries: the monasteries of Sanahin and Haghpat which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These two monasteries are very close to each other and can be easily seen from one to the other. After all we will drive to the border between Armenia and Georgia. We‟ll chnage guide and transport and continue the trip in Georgia. Drive to Tbilisi. Check in at hotel. Overnight in Tbilisi. (B/L/D)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Mtskheta – ancient capital of Georgia to view UNESCO sites: Jvari monastery 6th c and Svetitskhoveli cathedral 11th c. Next stop in Gori – a small city where we will visit Stalin’s house-museum and explore Uplistsikhe caves 1st mill BC, Drive to the Spa city Borjomi, visit the National Park, where we can taste famous mineral spring water Borjomi. Overnight in Akhaltsikhe. (B/L/D)

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Rabati fortress, museum and old citadel. Photo stop in Khertvisi (Castle). Continue to the 12th c cave city Vardzia, enjoy exploration of Javakheti region. Visit 12th c cave city Vardzia, carved into the volcanic rocks on 13 levels, linked inside by internal corridors, secrete tunnels, painted chapels, also-different medieval fortresses by Kura riverside. Drive to Tbilisi across the beautiful lakes: Sagamo, Paravani and Tsalka. Stop for taking photos. Overnight in Tbilisi. (B/L/D)

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you have Tbilisi Full Day City Tour: visit all the main attractions of the city. Start from the Holy Trinity Cathedral (“Sameba”) built in 21st c. and being the main Christian Orthodox cathedral in Georgia. Continue to Metekhi Church of 13th c. located by the bank of Mtkvari river. Ride up to Narikala Fortress by aerial cable car. Narikala fortress dates back to 4th century AD, it has a superb location with magnificent panoramic views over the Tbilisi city. Stroll down to Legvtakhevi (translated literally as “Fig Ravine”) – a beautiful place with waterfall, blooming plants and a small river. Take a walk in park near Sulfur bathhouses, well-known for their healing powers are located nearby, Shardeni street and its neighborhood and Meidan square with its outdoor cafes, galleries and souvenir shops. Cross the Bridge of Peace – a modern glass bridge in high-tech style. Free time on Rustaveli Avenue, where you can buy the souvenirs and handicraft. Farewel dinner in Tbilisi Traditional Restaurant with National dishes and Georgian Folk Show. Overnight in Tbilisi. (B/L/D)

Breakfast. Transfer to the Airport. Departure. (B/-/-)