Eastern Turkey, Georgia, & Armenia

Arrive at any time, and meet your CEO and group in the evening at a welcome meeting. Afterwards, head out for a short orientation walk around the hotel area on the way to an optional group dinner.

Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Transfer to the airport this morning for the flight from Istanbul to Adiyaman. Settle in for lunch by the lake of the Ataturk Dam before continuing on to the Mt. Nemrut area. Visit the funerary monument, Karakus, the Cendere bridge, then ascend to the summit of Mt. Nemrut for sunset. Continue on to Adiyaman where you can settle in for the night and enjoy dinner in the hotel.

Karakus Tumulus Visit: See the Karakus Tumulous, a 35m high artificial mound built atop a hill, for Queen Isias and Princess Antiochis. Built between 30-20 BC, this site boasts limestone columns and acts as a funerary monument for royal women from the Kommagene family.

: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

After an early breakfast, transfer to Ataturk Dam to enjoy the viewpoint, then continue to Karahantepe. You'll be welcomed into a local home for lunch before continuing on to the ancient and impressive archaeological site of Gobekli Tepe. Afterwards, transfer to the nearby town of Urfa for the night and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Lunch with a Local Family: Be welcomed into a traditional home in Karahan Tepe for a lunch with a local family. Enjoy a cultural immersive experience with typical regional food.

: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST, LUNCH

Travel to Mardin after breakfast this morning. Mardin's old town is protected by UNESCO and is considered to be an open-air museum. Explore the historic limestone architecture and learn about the interesting landmarks throughout. The rest of the day is free for individual exploration or time to relax before joining the CEO for an optional dinner in the evening.

Mardin UNESCO City Tour: The city of Mardin was strategically built at the top of a steep hill around the 11th century BC, overlooking the Tigris River. Mardin was the site of many religions and cultures over the previous centuries and was annexed by the Ottoman turks in the 16th century. Full of historically significant landmarks, UNESCO has protected the site, which now acts as an open-air museum. Explore Kasimiya Madrassa and the Deyrulzafaran Monastery.

: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Free Time: There's plenty to see and do; now is your time to explore.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST

Settle in for a drive to Lake Van, the largest lake in Turkey. Upon arrival to the lakeside town of Gevas, board a boat to Akdamar Island for a CEO-led walk, then head back to your hotel in Van. Enjoy a free evening to end the day.

Walking Tour Akdamar Island: Explore Akdamar on foot with the help of your CEO. Witness the 10th century Armenian Holy Cross Cathedral, then wander around with free time.

: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Free Time: There's plenty to see and do; now is your time to explore.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST

Visit the Van Citadel this morning, built by the ancient kingdom of Urartu. From there transfer to the previous capital of the Republic of Ararat, Dogubeyazit. Explore Ishak Pasha Palace then take in views of Mt. Ararat and across the mountains where the possible resting place of Noah's Ark is said to be located. Continue on to Kars for a brief orientation walk, then settle in for the evening with free time.

Van Castle: Explore the Citidel, a massive stone fortification, housing a "royal stable" carved from rock, where oxen and sheep were held prior to acting as sacrifice to the Gods.

: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST

Drive to Ani this morning, known as the city of 1001 churches,. Explore the Ani complex with your CEO, seeing the many religious buildings, palaces and forts before heading back to Kars for a free evening and optional final dinner out with the group.

Ani Visit: Be transported to centuries past visiting historical Ani. Once the capital of the Armenian Empire, Ani was located at the crossroads of many important trade routes. When the medieval city was flourishing, the buildings were some of the most complex and beautiful around. Walk among hundreds of churches that rest in ruin today – the abandoned city creates a dramatic setting against the surrounding landscape.

: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Free Time: There's plenty to see and do; now is the time to explore.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST

Wave goodbye to Turkey this morning on a drive to the Oncul Çıldır Aktaş Border Gate for the crossing into Georgia. Enjoy the picturesque scenery en route to Tbilisi, with a stop in the small town of Poka for a visit and some time for lunch. In the evening, take a short orientation walk with your CEO on the way to an optional dinner.

Poka Visit: Explore Poka on your own over lunch. Poka is home to the St Nino Monastery, one of the most important monuments in the Javakheti area. A nunnery was established in 1992 and the nuns produce delicious cheese and chocolates.

: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST

Set off to explore Tbilisi this morning on a walking tour through various districts and past some of the iconic landmarks of the city. Enjoy views from the Narikala Fortress before descending into the Caravanserai, a place where travellers and trade caravans used to stop and spend the night in years past. Enjoy the remainder of the day and evening at leisure to continue exploring or to relax.

City Tour Tbilisi: Enjoy a city tour with included visits to the Old Town, Metekhi Temple, the Abanotubani 'bath district' and the Narikala, the main fortress in Tbilisi.

Free Time: There is plenty to see and do; now is your time to explore.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST

Travel this morning from Tbilisi to the village of Stepantsminda, where you'll switch to 4WD Jeeps for the drive to the spectacular Gergeti Trinity Church. Visit the church and explore on your own before meeting a local family for a cooking experience involving the preparation of meat dumplings called khinkali, which will serve as lunch. Move on to Gudauri for the evening, stopping at the Friendship Monument on the way.

Gergeti Trinity Church Visit: Located near the village of Stepantsminda, Gergeti Trinity Church is located beside the Chkheri river, in the shadow of Mount Kazbek., and acts as a waypoint for trekkers in the area and can be reached by a steep climb. Enjoy free time on the property to take in the spectacular views.

: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST, LUNCH

Travel to Gori, birthplace of the communist revolutionary and Soviet politician, Joseph Stalin. Choose to visit the State Stalin Museum or join your CEO on a walk up to the town fortress for views overlooking the valley. Continue to the archaeological site of Uplistsikhe, an ancient city carved out of the rock, before arriving to the city of Kutaisi. Join your CEO for a short orientation walk on the way to an optional dinner out with the group in the evening.

Gori Visit: Stop and visit the hometown of Joseph Stalin, leader of the Soviet Union from the mid-1920s until 1953. See the house where he was born, and visit the 'Stalin Museum' that is dedicated to him.

: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST

Visit the impressive Martvili Canyon this morning, and board a boat for a short ride along the gorge with cascading waterfalls. Continue by foot to a quaint local village for for some free time for lunch before returning to Kutaisi. The rest of the afternoon and evening is free for individual exploration, or perhaps join your CEO for a walk to the Bagrati Church.

Martvili Canyon Boat Ride and Walking Trail: Martivili Canyon, a 2.4 km gorge carved by the powerful Abasha river, boasts 50-70m high rock walls and multiple cascading waterfalls. Board small inflatable boats and enjoy a short 15-minute before setting off on foot on a 700m walking trail to Inchkhuri Village.

: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Free Time: There's plenty to see and do; now is your time to explore.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST

Travel to Mtskheta this morning, one of the oldest cities in Georgia as well as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Visit the Svetitskhoveli cathedral, then continue on to Terragarden for lunch and a cooking class. Later, transfer to Tbilisi for a walk with your CEO and an optional farewell dinner.

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral Visit: Located in one of the oldest cities in Georgia and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, the Svetitskhoveli cathedral is an 11th century cultural masterpiece, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit both the Orthodox Christian cathedral and Mtskheta's historic old town, and enjoy the many small shops and cafes throughout.

: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST, LUNCH

Wave goodbye to Tbilisi this morning and cross the border into Armenia. Stop in the city of Vanadzor for a walking tour and some free time for lunch before continuing on to Yerevan. Head out in the evening for an optional dinner with your CEO and fellow travellers.

Vanadzor Walking Tour: Join your CEO on a walk to Lachin open air food market in the city centre. Indulge in all the colours and aromas of fresh fruits and vegetables, locally sourced from nearby farms. Along the way, learn of the eateries, subtle street art, and graffiti, rich in social commentary.

: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST

Set out on foot this morning with a walking tour of the city. Discover the historical significance of Republic Square before visiting the Megerian Carpet Museum to enjoy the rich traditions of the Armenian rug weaving culture. Continue to the Cascade complex for stunning views of the city, learn all about the stone-carved Armenian Khachkar, and try your hand at playing the Duduk instrument with a local musician. Enjoy free time for the rest of the day and evening.

Republic Square Tour: During the Soviet period, it was called Lenin Square and a statue of Vladimir called it home. After Armenia's independence, the statue was removed and the square was renamed 'Republic Square'. The square is considered to be an architectural highlight and is a site to behold.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST

Depart for Lake Sevan this morning and take some free time to explore or take an optional boat ride on the lake. Continue on to Dilijian for a cooking class about how to make traditional sweet Armenian pastries called 'gata' which will serve as a light lunch. Continue exploring the area on foot with a walking tour and finish the day with free time and an optional dinner out with the group in the evening.

Gata-Making Class: Stop by a local community member's house and take part in a sweet gata-making class with included lunch. Gata is a traditional Armenian pastry or sweet bread that varies depending on the region of creation. Originally baked in a tonir, it is now baked in ovens and can vary in shape and size, but pairs well with a cup of tea or coffee.

: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Free Time: There's plenty to see and do in Lake Sevan; now is your time to explore.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST, LUNCH

Set out for Khor Virap and enjoy a tour of the Monastery this morning. After some free time for lunch, depart for the Areni-1 Cave to explore the multicomponent cave complex on foot. Continue on to Goris for the evening and take a short orientation walk with your CEO on the way to an optional dinner.

Khor Virap Monastery: Khor Virap monastery was originally built in 642 in the form of a simple chapel. Over the centuries it was repeatedly rebuilt until 1662 when St Astvatsatsin was erected around the original chapel's ruins. Khor Virap is currently one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in Armenia.

: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST

Travel to Goris Crochet this morning to visit the WINNET Goris Foundation, which works to empower the women of southern Armenia in their political, economic, and social lives. Continue on to Halidzor and hop on the Wings of Tatev Cable Car up to the monastery for a visit of the ancient complex before returning to the bus and carrying on to Yerevan in the afternoon.

WINNET Goris Foundation Visit: Created in 2009, the WINNET Goris Foundation aimed to contribute to the development of communities in Armenia. It empowers the women of southern Armenia in their political, economic, and social lives. Visit with the ladies and learn about the project.

: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST

Enjoy a free day to explore Yerevan's parks, museums and historical monuments. Perhaps join an excursion to the Geghard monastery and Garni monastery, and finish off with a cooking demonstration at a local guesthouse. Regroup in the evening for an optional final dinner out with the group.

Free Time: There's plenty to see and do; today is yours to explore.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST

Depart at any time.

Departure Day: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST