Day 01: Arrive Istanbul (TÜRKIYE)

Upon our arrival in Istanbul, we will be warmly greeted by our representative and transferred to our hotel. Straddling Europe and Asia, Istanbul has served as the capital of three great empires—Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman—earning it a unique place in history as a crossroads of cultures. Check in time starts at 1500 hrs.

Overnight: Levni Hotel (1 night)

Day 02: Istanbul/Muş (Flight)

Early morning, we are transferred to the airport for our flight to Mus in eastern Turkey. It is the seat of Muş Province with a population is 120,699 mainly of Kurdish origin.

Upon arrival, we head for Akdamar Island where we visit the beautiful restored 10thCentury Armenian Church of the Holy Cross; built as a part of a palace and religious complex between 915 and 921 by the Armenian King Gagik Ardzruni.

Overnight: Ramada Hotel (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 03: Van

From Van we travel south along the Silk Road (Ipek Yolu) in Türkiye.   We visit the Hosap Castle.   The main castle structure of Hosap was built straddling the Silk Road and served as both a means of protecting the road and as a point of charging tolls on travelers.   Return to Van to visit the Citadel at sunset.   On a large rock outcrop, the 3000 years old Urartian castle, once the centre of Tushpa, the Urartian capital, commands wonderful panoramic views of the city of Van, Lake Van and Mt. Suphan to the north-west and Mt. Nemrut. (B, D)

Day 04: Van/Dogubeyazit/Kars (Drive)

We leave for Dogubeyazit via Muradiye and the pretty Bendimaahi Falls. The spectacular Ishak Pasha Palace, with its unique fusion of architecture from Seljuk, Ottoman, Georgian, Armenian & Persian styles.  We continue our journey south skirting around the western edge of Mt. Ararat via Igdir before arriving at Kars.

Overnight: Kale Hotel (3 nights) (B, D)

Day 05: Kars

Kars is known as a centre for trade specialising mainly in livestock and cheese.   It also produces coarse woolens, carpets, and felts. An important military station, it is linked by rail and road with the principal Turkish cities. We will have a very good opportinity to meet the  various folks. We explore this rural town with its friendly people mostly in the agricultural activities.

We begin our morning excursion to the former capital of the great medieval Armenian kingdom of Ani, exploring its fascinating ruins, including several churches, the shell of the cathedral, the citadel, and a mosque, all surrounded by a well-preserved defensive wall. Ani was once a thriving metropolis and a cultural hub, often referred to as the "City of 1,001 Churches." (B)

Day 06: Kars

We visit the Church of St. Gregory, where some exciting remains of frescoes can still be seen despite centuries of exposure to the elements, offering a glimpse into the artistic heritage of this once-glorious city. Balance of the day is at leisure. (B)

Day 07: Kars/Kartsakhi (GEORGIA)/Gyumri (ARMENIA) (Drive)

Today we cross over into Georgia at the Kartsakhi border, then proceed to Armenia via the Bavra border before driving to Gyumri, located in the heart of Shirak Valley. Gyumri is Armenia's second-largest city and has long been known for its rich cultural history and as a center of traditional craftsmanship. Walking through the streets, we can see the influence of the past, with its unique blend of Soviet and pre-Soviet architecture. (B)

Day 08: Gyumri/Echmiadzin/Yerevan (Drive)

We head for Echmiadzin, considered one of the holiest cities in Armenia. This former capital is now home to the Supreme Catholicos of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church. Our next visit is to the ruins of Zvartnots Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 7th century, the temple was once one of Armenia's most important religious structures, known for its unique architectural design and influence on Armenian church architecture. We then continue onto Yerevan.

Overnight: Ani Hotel (4-star), Yerevan (2 nights) (B)

Day 09: Yerevan

A short drive from Yerevan will take us to Khor Virap Monastery, a major pilgrimage site for Armenians worldwide. It is located near the Turkish border and offers stunning views of the Biblical Mt. Ararat, traditionally believed to be the resting place of Noah's Ark. Afterward, we continue to Vayotz Dzor to visit the Monastery of Noravank, one of the most impressive monuments of medieval Armenia. Set amidst dramatic red rock cliffs, Noravank is known for its beautifully ornate architecture and historical significance. Before returning to Yerevan, we will make a stop at a local brandy factory to sample three types of Armenian cognac. (B)

Day 10: Yerevan/Tbilisi (GEORGIA) (Drive)

Today’s tour begins with a visit to Garni Temple, a 1st-century Roman structure. After Armenia adopted Christianity, the temple became the summer residence of Armenian royalty. Our next stop is Geghard Cave Monastery, named after the sacred spear that Roman soldiers used to pierce the side of Christ during the crucifixion. Then, we head to Lake Sevan, the highest mountainous lake, situated 2,000 meters above sea level. Here, we will visit the churches on the peninsula, St. Astvatsatsin and St. Arakelots. Afterward, we will proceed to the Sadakhlo border, cross into Georgia, and drive on to Tbilisi, a journey that takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Overnight: Mercure Tbilisi Old Town (4-star), Tbilisi (3 nights) (B)

Day 11: Tbilisi

We will embark on a half-day excursion to Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia, which served as the capital of the Kingdom of Iberia from 500 BC to 500 AD. It was in Mtskheta that the Georgians first accepted Christianity in the early 4th century. The town and its architectural monuments are now part of UNESCO’s World Heritage. Our visit will include Jvari Monastery, known for its breathtaking panoramic views, as well as Svetitskhoveli and Samtavro Monastery, both important religious sites in Georgian history. Afterward, we will return to Tbilisi, with the remainder of the day at leisure. (B)

Day 12: Tbilisi

Today's city tour of Tbilisi includes a visit to the Old Town, starting with Metekhi Temple, which dates back to the 13th century and offers stunning views of the city. We will also explore the Abanotubani bath houses, known for their sulfuric hot springs that have hosted poets, writers, musicians, and kings throughout history. Next, we visit Narikala Fortress, the main fortress of Tbilisi, which provides excellent views of the winding Mtkvari River. Additionally, we will visit Sioni Cathedral, a key example of Georgian ecclesiastical architecture, and Anchiskhati Church, the oldest church in Tbilisi, built in the 6th century. Our tour also includes the Georgian State Museum and a walk along Rustaveli Avenue, the main street of Tbilisi, where we can appreciate the city’s vibrant cultural and historical atmosphere. (B)

Day 13: Depart Tbilisi

Check-out is by 11:00 AM, after which we are transferred to the airport for our onwards destination. Optional extensions to Azerbaijan, Cyprus, Uzbekistan, Romania, Albania, Slovenia, Jordan etc. (B)

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Departure Dates & Prices

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Notes

Inclusions

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 2 participants

Customised Itinerary

If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you.

Contact Info
Email us at bestway@bestway.com or call 1-604-264-7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1-800-663-0844.

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