Tour overview
Departure date(s) – 14 June 2025
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD BROCHURE (PDF)
NOTE – If you wish to remove Turkey and fly back home unassisted on Day 12— Early bird Package price is $7,380 per person
Do you have Whatsapp on your phone?
Scan the QR code below to chat to us instantly about our tours!
Or submit an enquiry
Included
- Accommodation - Based on specified hotel in itinerary or similar class
- International economy flights with Emirates Airlines (in the case of unforeseen circumstances we will notify passengers if we need to change to an equivalent airline for international flights)
- International economy flight - TBILISI to CAPPADOCIA - Involves one stopover in Istanbul
- Gratuities - Included
- Meals - Daily breakfast including meals as mentioned. 1 bottle of drinking water provided daily
- Transfers - Private and pubic transfers as specified in itinerary
- Admission Fees - As mentioned in itinerary
- Guides / Tour leader - English speaking guides throughout tour and 1 tour leader escort for the group
Not Included
- Travel Insurance - Not included. We strongly recommend taking out insurance cover which includes adequate cover for medical COVID-19
- Europe Travel Visa Waiver (ETIAS) $20 AUD for Australian Passports. Subject to change. We will apply for this on behalf of guests
- Turkey EVisa $100 AUD for Australian Passports
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 - Best Western Congress Yeravan or similar
Included meals - As per flight / Lunch / Dinner
Day 3 - YERAVAN CITY TOUR
The day begins with a city tour of Yerevan, Armenia's ancient capital known as "The Pink City" for its distinctive pink tuff stone buildings. Highlights include Republic Square, the Opera House, and a climb up the Cascade stairs for stunning views of the city and Mount Ararat. After visiting the UNESCO-listed Etchmiadzin, home of the Armenian Apostolic Church, and enjoying a local lunch, we'll explore the ruins of the 7th-century Zvartnots, another UNESCO site. The day concludes with a visit to the Ararat Brandy Factory for tastings, followed by a welcome dinner featuring traditional cuisine and folk music.
Accommodation - Best Western Congress Yeravan or similar
Included meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 4 - YERAVAN/KHOR VIRAP/NORAVANK/YERAVAN
After breakfast, we will drive an hour to Khor Virap Monastery, the closest point to biblical Mount Ararat, where Saint Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for spreading Christianity. The monastery offers stunning views of Mount Ararat. Next, we'll visit the 13th-century Noravank Monastery, noted for its unique two-story design and beautiful setting against red rock cliffs. Finally, we'll explore the Areni Wine Factory, one of the world's oldest wineries dating back to 6100 BC, where we can taste delicious Areni wine before returning to Yerevan for the night.
Accommodation - Best Western Congress Yeravan or similar
Included meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 5 - YERAVAN/SAGHMOSAVANK/VERNISSAGE/YERAVAN
The day begins with a visit to Saghmosavank Monastery, perched on the edge of a canyon and named after the Armenian word for psalm, reflecting its history as a place where Saint Gregory the Illuminator taught clergymen. Next, we'll explore the Amberd medieval fortress, located at 2300 meters on the slopes of Mount Aragats, offering stunning views and natural protection from gorges. Afterward, we'll enjoy lunch in Byurakan village, accompanied by a performance of Armenian tales, music, and traditional dances. Finally, we’ll return to Yerevan to visit Vernissage, an open-air market showcasing Armenian artwork and handmade crafts before spending the night.
Accommodation - Best Western Congress Yeravan or similar
Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 6 - YERAVAN/DILIJAN
This morning we travel to Geghard Monastery, a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rock-carved architecture and incredible acoustics. Next, we'll visit the pagan Temple of Garni, built in the 1st century AD and dedicated to the Sun god Mihr. After enjoying a local lunch with a lavash-baking masterclass, we'll proceed to Sevanavank Monastery on the picturesque Sevan Peninsula, where stunning views of Lake Sevan, known as the "Blue Pearl of Armenia," await. Finally, we will drive to Dilijan, often called “Armenian Switzerland” for its lush forests, before concluding the day with an overnight stay.
Accommodation - Best Western Plus Paradise Hotel Dilijan or similar
Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 7 - DILIJAN/GOASHAVANK/TBILISI (GEORGIA)
On our last day in Armenia, we begin with a tour of the green town of Dilijan before heading to Goshavank Monastery, a 12th-century complex named after Armenian scholar Mkhitar Gosh and renowned for its picturesque location and cultural significance. We then travel north to the UNESCO-listed monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin, stopping for tea in Fioletovo, where we’ll learn about the local Molokan community and their traditions. After visiting the historic monasteries, we proceed to the Sadakhlo-Bagratashen border to cross into Georgia, where we will meet our guide and check in at a hotel in Tbilisi for free time to relax before overnight stay.
Accommodation - Brosse Garden Tbilisi or similar
Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 8 - TBILISI/MTSKHETA/JVARI MONASTERY/TBILISI
After breakfast, we will embark on an excursion to Mtskheta, Georgia's ancient capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site, where we will visit the 11th-century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, known as the burial site of Christ's mantle and the mother church of Georgia. Next, we'll explore Jvari Monastery, a renowned 6th-century site famous for its architecture and stunning views of the Aragvi and Kura rivers, believed to house the cross of St. Nino. After lunch at Salobio, we'll return to Tbilisi for free time to explore the capital before our overnight stay.
Accommodation - Brosse Garden Tbilisi or similar
Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 9 - TBILISI/ANANURI/KAZBEGI/TBILISI
On our second day in Georgia, we will drive to Stepantsminda (Kazbegi), known for its healing mineral springs and rich history. Along the way, we'll visit the picturesque 16th-century Ananuri Fortress and the stunning Zhinvali Water Reservoir, before crossing the scenic Cross Pass and following the Tergi River. In Kazbegi, we will have lunch with local highlanders and participate in a khinkali cooking master class. Afterwards, we'll explore the Gergeti Holy Trinity Church, a popular tourist site offering breathtaking views of Mount Kazbegi, before returning to Tbilisi for the night.
Accommodation - Brosse Garden Tbilisi or similar
Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 10 - TBILISI/BODBE/MANAVI/TBILISI
After breakfast, we will travel to Sighnaghi, the "City of Love," stopping at the Bodbe monastic complex to visit St. Nino's tomb and the healing St. Nino's Spring. We'll then explore the ancient streets of Sighnaghi, which overlooks the Alazani Valley, and learn about the history of the Manavi Fortress and Manavi Temple. Our journey continues to the private estate "Chateau Fort de Manavi," where we will tour the Art Gallery showcasing local masterpieces and enjoy a tasting of traditional wines and chacha, highlighting the unique "Manavi Green" wine made from a local grape variety. We will stay overnight.
Accommodation - Brosse Garden Tbilisi or similar
Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 11 - TBILISI/TELAVI/GREMI/TBILISI
Today, we'll travel to the Kakheti region via Gombori Pass, stopping first at the impressive 11th-century Alaverdi Cathedral, which features a solid stone fence and multiple buildings. In Telavi, the heart of Georgian winemaking, we'll visit the well-preserved Palace of King Erekle II, followed by the House Museum of Alexander Chavchavadze in Tsinandali, known for its cultural significance and romantic history. We'll also see the 16th-century royal fortress of Gremi, before enjoying a farewell folklore dinner with traditional Georgian songs and dances during our return to Tbilisi.
Accommodation - Brosse Garden 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 most likely 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
