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. We will spend the rest of the day at our leisure to unwind and perhaps begin exploring this fascinating city. Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM.

Overnight: Titanic Hotel (4-star), Istanbul (2 nights)

Day 02: Istanbul

Today’s tour takes us to the iconic Blue Mosque, renowned for its breathtaking blue-tiled interior and its status as one of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks. We’ll also explore St. Sophia Church, a former Eastern Orthodox cathedral transformed into a mosque. Together, these two masterpieces offer a fascinating blend of Christian and Islamic architecture, highlighting the rich religious and cultural history of Istanbul. Next, we’ll visit the Hippodrome of Constantinople, once the heart of Byzantine public life, before continuing to Topkapi Palace, the lavish seat of the Ottoman Empire for over 400 years, symbolizing its immense power and grandeur. (B)

*Please note Istanbul day tour is included on shared basis. Upgrade this tour to private basis for an additional cost of US$ 195 per person.

Day 03: Istanbul/Van (Flight)

Early this morning, we are transferred to the airport for a flight to Van. Upon arrival, we head to Akdamar Island, home to the beautifully restored 10th-century Armenian Church of the Holy Cross. This church, built between 915 and 921 by the Armenian King Gagik Ardzruni as part of a palace and religious complex, stands as a remarkable example of Armenian architecture. The island itself, once an important center for Armenian Christianity, offers a rare glimpse into the rich history of the region and the influence of the Armenian Kingdom of Vaspurakan.

Overnight: Ramada Hotel (4-star), Van (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 04: Van

From Van, we travel south along the Silk Road (Ipek Yolu) in Türkiye, visiting Hosap Castle. The main structure of Hosap Castle was built straddling the Silk Road and served both as a means of protecting the route and as a point for collecting tolls from travelers. We then return to Van to visit the Citadel at sunset. Perched on a large rock outcrop, the 3000-year-old Urartian castle, once the center of Tushpa, the Urartian capital, offers stunning panoramic views of the city of Van, Lake Van, and the majestic Mt. Suphan to the northwest, as well as Mt. Nemrut. (B, D)

Day 05: Van/Dogubeyazit/Kars (Drive)

We leave for Dogubeyazit via Muradiye and the picturesque Bendimaahi Falls. Our first stop is the spectacular Ishak Pasha Palace, renowned for its unique fusion of architectural styles, including Seljuk, Ottoman, Georgian, Armenian, and Persian influences. This palace, dating back to the 17th century, is an important example of cultural and architectural synthesis in the region. We continue our journey south, skirting around the western edge of Mt. Ararat via Igdir before arriving in Kars.

Overnight: Buyuk Kale Hotel/Beylerbeyi Palace (4-star), Kars (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 06: Kars

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." We also 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. (B, D)

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

Today we will be transferred to the Georgia border at Karsaki. 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.

Overnight: Shiraz Plaza Radisson Hotel (4-star), Gyumri (1 night) (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 will transfer to Tbilisi airport for our departure. (B)

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Departure Dates & Prices

We accept payments in US$, CA$ as well as in other convertible currencies like EUR, AUD and GBP. Tour prices have been costed in US$. CA$ price shown below is an indicative amount reached at by using the conversion rate at the time of web posting and will be applicable if there is no change in the conversion rate. Should the currency conversion rate change, the US$ pricing will prevail. Bestway Tours & Safaris offers a conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please click here

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
You may e-mail 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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