Silk Road from Turkey (Turkey, Armenia, Georgia)

Day 1 Fri: Istanbul

Upon arrival transfer to Titanic Hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 2 Sat: Istanbul

After breakfast visit The Blue Mosque, Hippodrome of Constantinople and St.Sophia Church, a former Eastern Orthodox Church converted to a mosque making it a must see attraction due its religious and architectural significance. Next visit Topkapi Palace, once the seat of the Ottoman Empire. Overnight in Istanbul. (B)

Day 3 Sun: Istanbul-Van

After breakfast transfer to the airport for flight to Van. On arrival drive to Akdamar Island and visit the beautifully restored 10th century Armenian Church of the Holy Cross, or Sourp Khach; built as a part of a palace and religious complex by the Armenian King Gagik Ardzruni. From Akdamar continue to the city of Van, to spend the night. Rescate Hotel. (B, D)

Day 4 Mon: Van

From Van travel south along the Silk Road (Ipek Yol). Visit 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 travellers. From Hosap return to Van for lunch, then end the day with a visit to the Citadel of Van at sunset with a wonderful panoramic view of the city of Van, Lake Van and Mt Suphan to the north-west. Overnight in Van. (B, D)

Day 5 Tue: Van-Dogubeyazit-Ishakpasa Palace-Kars

After breakfast, leave for Dogubeyazit via Muradiye and the pretty Bendimaahi FallsIn Dogubeayzit, visit the spectacular Ishak Pasha Palace with unique fusion of architecture from various Persian styles. Afterwards continue the journey south skirting around the western edge of Mt Ararat via Igdir arriving in Kars. Overnight at Buyuk Kale Kars hotel. (B, D)

Day 6 Wed: Kars-Ani

Continue to Ani to spend the morning at the former capital of the great medieval Armenian kingdom. The remains of the ruined city include several churches as well as the shell of the Cathedral of Ani, the citadel and a mosque along with an extensive and well preserved defensive wall. Overnight in Kars. (B, D)

Day 7 Thu: Kars (Turkish border)-Gyumri (Armenia)

Cross the border and drive to Gyumri, located in the north-western part of Armenia, in the middle of Shirak valley. With more than 1,000 buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, the historic district of Kumayri represents the old part of Gyumri. Overnight in Gyumri at Berlin Boutique Hotel. (B)

Day 8 Fri: Gyumri-Echmiadzin-Zvartnos Temple-Yeravan

Today, journey to Echmiadzin, located 30 minutes outside of the city, considered one of the holiest cities in Armenia. This former capital is now home to the Supreme Catholics of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox faith. On the way back visit ruins of Zvartnots Temple, this is included in UNESCO�s World Heritage sites. Yerevan is the capital of Armenia and one of the oldest cities in the world. Overnight in Yerevan at Ani Hotel. (B)

Day 9 Sat: Yerevan-Khor Virap-Noravank-Brandy Factory-Yerevan

A short drive from Yerevan will lead to Khor Virap Monastery a place of pilgrimage for Armenians all over the world. Afterwards travel to Vayots Dzor region and visit Monastery of Noravank � One of the most splendid monuments of medieval Armenia, built in a location of significant natural beauty. The magnificent landscapes of mountains, surrounding the monastery, display a beautiful array of colours from the sun’s reflection. Next visit to the Brandy Factory with the degustation of three types of cognac. Return back to your hotel. Overnight in Yerevan. (B)

Day 10 Sun: Garni-Geghard-Sevan-Begratashen-Tbilisi

Today, visit Garni Temple first century Roman building, soon after Armenia adopted Christianity, the temple became the summer residence of Armenian royalty. Next stop is Geghard cave Monastery, the name �geghard� derives from the relics of the Armenian Apostolic church. Tour to the Lake Sevan, the highest mountainous Lake 2000 metres above sea level, visiting the churches of the peninsula (St.Astvatsatsin and St.Arakelots). Proceed to Bagratashen on the border of Armenia and Georgia at Sadakhlo checkpoint. Transfer to Tbilisi for overnight at Holiday Inn. (B)

Day 11 Mon: Tbilisi-Mtskheta-Tbilisi

Start the day by driving to Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia which is situated 20 kilometres from Tbilisi. Scientists date the town back to the 2nd millennium B.C., Mtskheta was the capital of Georgian Kingdom of Iberia during 500BC - 500AD. The town and its architectural monuments are included in the World’s Cultural Heritage of UNESCO. Visit Jvari Monastery (6th c.), Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th c.) and Samtavro Monastery. Drive to Tbilisi for overnight. (B)

Day 12 Tue: Tbilisi

Start the city tour of Tbilisi with visits to the Old Town: Metekhi Temple (12th c.), the Abanotubani bath houses, these balmy sulphur baths have hosted poets, writers, musicians, kings down through the centuries; Narikala - The main fortress of Tbilisi (4th c.), excellent for views on the swirling river Mtkvari (Kura) and this city of so many ages and nationalities. Walking through some narrow streets, along which carpet and souvenir shops are situated. Visit Sioni Cathedral (11th c.) and Anchiskhati church (6th c.); Visit Georgian State Museum and Rustaveli Avenue - the main street of Tbilisi. (B)

Day 13 Wed: Tbilisi-Istanbul

After breakfast transfer to airport for flight back to Istanbul. (B)

2013 - 13 Days

Inclusions

Arrival and departure transfers
Transportation by air conditioned coach
12 nights accommodation in first class hotels
Flight from Istanbul to Van and Tbilisi to Istanbul
Meals as per itinerary (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner)
Professional English speaking guide throughout
Entrance Fees, local taxes and service charges