TURKEY & THE CAUCASUS 22 Days from $5999 Includes tour & flights Departing from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, or Adelaide Hurry last seats available!
Departs: 10 May, 14 June, 23 August, 2019 Price: From $5999 per person twin share Package Includes: International airfares from Australia flying a premium airline All accommodation as stated in the itinerary Air-conditioned transport throughout the tour Services of a local tour leader throughout Entrance fees to various sites Daily Breakfast and meals as indicated in the itinerary Excluded: Airport transfers (available for a surcharge) Visa fees Travel insurance (compulsory, available on request) Meals not indicated in the itinerary Drinks, snacks and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry) Tips for guide & driver Any other items not mentioned in inclusions and itinerary Single supplement Tour Itinerary: Day 1: Depart Australia for Turkey Depart for Istanbul today. Day 2: Arrive into Istanbul, transfer to hotel Upon arrival our staff will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in the centre of Istanbul for the start of your trip. The rest of your day is free to explore this vibrant city. Overnight: Istanbul Day 3: Istanbul, old city tour Our trip begins this morning with a full day tour of Istanbul. Lying across two continents this historically important city played an integral role in the development of both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. We visit the 17th century Blue Mosque, the Aya Sofya museum and explore the former residence of the Ottoman Sultans at Topkapi Palace before ending at the famous Hippodrome. Overnight: Istanbul Day 4: Gallipoli battlefields and memorials tour We depart Istanbul this morning for the drive to Gallopoli where we will receive a fully guided tour of this World War I battlefield site. Although home to some of the fiercest fighting during the War today the site is full of poignant memorials set against a subdued wood landscape.
Our tour will include the Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair memorials, ANZAC Cove, Johnston Jolly as well as The Nek and Gallipoli Museum. There will also be chance to see the original trenches and tunnels used during the war before we head to our hotel in Canakkale. Overnight: Canakkale, Dinner Day 5: Tour of Troy and the Acropolis of Pergamum This morning we make the short drive to the ancient city of Troy. Lying undiscoverd until midway through the 19th Century the excavations here brought the legend of the Trojan horse and the poems of Homer back to life. We then continue our drive south to the acropolis of Pergamum. A former kingdom we enjoy a full tour of the site including the Temple of Trajan and the famous library which is believed to have rivalled the library of Alexandria and helped shape Pergamum into a renowned cultural and political centre. Overnight: Kusadasi, Dinner Day 6: Kusadasi, Ephesus Roman ruins tour After breakfast we drive to the Roman site of Ephesus. The city at one time housed 250,000 people and is regarded as one of the best preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean. We visit the Temple of Artemis, and explore the ancient marble streets of this ruined Roman city. This afternoon we visit the fruit wine growing village of Sirince and learn about the history of carpet weaving in Turkey. Overnight: Kusadasi, Dinner Day 7: Drive to Pamukkale and Hieropolis We travel east this morning to Pamukkale, site of the well-known white calcium terraces known as Travertines. Pamukkale translates as 'cotton castles' and the naturally occuring geology here has created cloud like formations unlike anywhere else. We then head to the ancient city of Hierapolis to enjoy a dip in the hot thermal pools lodged amongst ancient columns left by the Romans who used the pools for their therapeutic powers. Overnight: Pamukkale, Dinner Day 8: Drive to Istanbul via Bursa Heading off in the direction of Istanbul we drive through the rural Turkish countryside this morning on the way to the ancient city of Bursa. The former capital of the Ottoman Turks, we will visit the ornately decorated Green Mosque and explore the bustling streets of the Silk Bazaar before returning to Istanbul this afternoon. Overnight: Istanbul Days 9 & 10: Istanbul free days The next two days are free for you to explore more of incredible Istanbul. Optional extras are available to book locally or directly with the tour company. Overnight: Istanbul Day 11: Istanbul to Baku After breakfast this morning you will be transferred back to Istanbul airport for your ongoing flight to Azerbaijan.
Start in Baku, the largest city on the Caspian Sea and capital of Azerbaijan. Today you have time to settle in and explore at leisure. Think of the city as a combination of Paris and Dubai, a place that offers both history and contemporary culture, and an intriguing blend of east meets west. The heart of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, surrounded by a fortified wall and pleasant pedestrianised boulevards that offer fantastic shopping opportunities. Attractions include the local Carpet Museum and the National Museum of History and Azerbaijan. If you arrive early you ll have free time to explore the city. The waterfront is a great place to stroll this evening, with a cooling sea breeze and plenty of entertainment options and restaurants. Overnight: Baku DAY 12: Baku - Gobustan National Park - Mud Volcano Safari - Baku Old City Tour After breakfast, dive straight into exploring the history of Azerbaijan! Head south from Baku to Gobustan National Park. This archaeological reserve is home to mud volcanoes and over 600,000 ancient rock engravings and paintings. After exploring this national historical landmark of Azerbaijan, we make our way back to Baku city and embark on a sightseeing tour. Then, it s onto the iconic Icheri Sheher, the Old (or Inner) City of Baku. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and includes the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and Maiden Tower. Wind down after a day of exploring by walking along the flower-lined central boulevards of the city. Finally, make a stop at the updated Fountains Square, an area famous for its dozens of fountains and numerous shopping boutiques. Overnight: Baku DAY 13: Shamakhi Sheki First sight of the day is Shamakhi, an ancient city of Azerbaijan, to see where the first dynasty of the state of Shirvan was founded. Visit Yeddi Gumbez, the mausoleum known as the Seven Domes, where the remains of the last of the Shamakhi Dynasty lies. We'll then visit Dzhuma Mosque, the oldest and largest mosque in Azerbaijan. Our next stop for the day is Kish, one of the oldest villages in Azerbaijan. We visit the Mother of Alban church and ancient cemetery that dates back all the way to the 6th Century. Once we reach our final destination, Sheki, you will have the evening to explore at your leisure. Overnight: Sheki, Lunch
DAY 14: Sheki Kakheti Khareba Winery - Signagi Today, we cross the border into the Kakheti region of eastern Georgia. Our first stop is the Khareba winery for a local wine tasting experience. Georgia has a wine history that dates back more than 8,000 years! Continue to Gremi, the once glorious capital of the kingdom of Kakheti to see the church and castles erected in the 16th Century. Soak in the views of the Alazan valley before heading to Signagi, Georgia s city of love. This royal town is surrounded by a wall of 23 towers and 6 gates that used to connect it with Europe and Asia. Take time this afternoon to stroll the cobbled streets, see the rustic buildings and shop from local vendors. Overnight: Signagi DAY 15: Signagi Tbilisi Venture to the capital of Georgia, Tbilisi! While exploring the city a memorable stop is the 13th Century Metekhi Church. Other sights to explore include the Sulfur Baths and the 4th Century Narikala Fortress. Why not wander through Sioni cathedral, and follow the history in the Tbilisi National Museum. Overnight: Tbilisi DAY 16: Kazbegi Tbilisi This morning we drive along one of the most intriguing roads in the Caucasus! The Georgian Military Highway is the historic route that connects Georgia to Russia. On your way, you will pass the most incredible scenery. From remote villages, to castles and other sites that are steeped in history. Stop and take in the significant Ananuri fortress complex, built in the late Feudal times, and the remarkably scenic location on the foreland by the Aragvi River. Next, we make our way to the Ananuri Fortress. This 13th Century church complex was once the castle and seat of the eristavis (Dukes) of Aragvi. Dine with locals in their home. The last part of the day is a scenic adventure. We drive uphill in four-wheel drive vehicles, through narrow gorges and unspoiled mountains, until we find the prize of Georgia's isolated Gergeti Trinity church. Overnight: Tbilisi, Lunch
DAY 17: Mtskheta Gori Tbilisi Mtskheta is our first stop of the day. Inhabited since before 1,000 BC, Mtskheta was once the capital of the early Kingdom of Iberia (Eastern Georgia today). Drive up to Jvari monastery, a Georgian Orthodox monastery built on a hill. Shortly after the adoption of Christianity, an enormous wooden cross was erected on this site. In the second half of the 6th Century, a small church was built beside the Holy Cross. The church complex has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. Next up, is a visit to Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. This religious centre dates back to the 6th Century and is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Learn more about Georgian architecture and the tombs of Tbilisi's founder located inside. Continue to Inner Kartli province, to the town of Gori. This Georgian town is famous for being the birthplace of Joseph Stalin. See and explore the Joseph Stalin Museum and the house he was born in. Overnight: Tbilisi DAY 18: Sadakhlo - Akhtala - Odzun - Qefo Armenia is on the cards after breakfast today! First stop after we cross the border is the Akhtala Monastery, known for its 13th Century artistic frescoes. After exploring, we continue to our lunch stop of the day - Odzun, a historic village located on the Debed river bank. Enjoy an included traditional lunch served by a local family in their home. Also take the chance learn more about the family's bee hives and how they make honey. Overnight: Qefo, Lunch, Dinner DAY 19: Haghpat - Molokan - Jukhtak Vank - Dilijan Start the day with a gentle walk to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Haghpat, visiting a WWII war memorial along the way. The medieval monastery complex overlooks the Debed river gorge, and provides incredible views of the surrounding hills. Travel through the region inhabited by the Molokan people. Molokans are the largest minority in Armenia, exiled from Russia in the 19th Century. Dine with locals in a traditional Molokan home. Journey through the Dilijan National Park to make it to the spa town of Dilijan. Known for its spas and traditional craft workshops, Dilijan is surrounded by forests and located in the Argstev gorge. With marvellous views, it s no wonder it s known as Armenian Switzerland! Overnight: Dilijan, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 20: Dilijan - Sevan Lake - Geghard - Garni - Yerevan This morning, it s a short drive to Lake Sevan. This is the highest freshwater lake in the Caucasus. Visit the Sevanavank Monastery, from where you can enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Sevan and surrounds. Drive to the UNESCO-protected Geghard Monastery. This ancient chapel was originally founded as a small cave chapel as early as the 4th Century! We'll make a photo stop near to the border with Turkey for incredible views of Mount Ararat, the place where Noah's Ark is said to rest. Continue to the Garni Pagan Temple, located in the State Khosrov Reserve. This is the only temple that remained after the adoption of Christianity. Take the opportunity to listen to the Duduk - an Armenian instrument made of apricot wood. Its sound is said to have human-voice quality. Overnight: Yerevan DAY 21: Yerevan city tour - Echmiatsin - Yerevan Today we'll explore Yerevan. Here, a city tour will reveal all the main places of interest. See the sights of Yerevan Cascade, a giant stairway made of limestone and the Matenadaran museum. See the likes of Abovyan Street, the Republic Square and Cafesjian centre of Arts. The last stop is the Yerevanian food market, also the best place to sample some fresh Armenian fruits and sweets. For the last night on tour, sit down for a traditional Armenian meal accompanied by traditional Armenian music and dancing. Overnight: Yerevan, Dinner DAY 22: End of tour After breakfast you will be transferred to Yerevan airport for your flight home.
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