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Map of Premium Turkey & the Caucasus including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey

Get beneath the surface of Turkey and the Caucasus Mountains

Immerse yourself in four unforgettable countries wrapped up in stories on a 29-day Premium journey. Go deep into the ancient heart of fascinating Turkey, then continue to the vibrant green hillsides and majestic snow-capped mountains of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia. Explore lands where the walls hold the weight of centuries of rich history and where ancient traditions mingle with modern influences. Journey through forests and past towering peaks to find medieval mosques and villages. Travel with expert local leaders, make local friends along the way and discover there’s so much more to each destination than what meets the eye.

Start
Istanbul, Turkey
Finish
Yerevan, Armenia
Destinations
Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey
Style
Premium
Theme
Explorer
Code
ERPCC
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

premium accommodation

Our best accommodation and highest level of service.

premium experiences

Unusual, exceptional and authentic on-trip experiences.

premium knowledge

Led by our most experienced and highest rated local leaders.

  • Get to the heart of Turkey and the Caucasus’s with experienced local leaders – enjoy guided city tours, stroll the ancient streets of Ephesus, learn the secrets of Troy, marvel at Baku’s diverse architecture, explore Tbilisi’s winding narrow streets, and uncover the history of ancient Yerevan.

  • Enjoy Feature Stays in Cappadocia, with elegantly decorated rooms carved from stone, and at the foot of the Tsiv-Gombori mountains, with unforgettable views of the Alazani Valley.

  • Uncover the real Turkey during Exclusive Experiences, including a cooking class with a celebrated chef, visit to an empowering carpet weaving cooperative, cruise around the southern coast, and traditional dinner at a local’s home in Cappadocia

  • Visit the Tserovani Refugee Settlement in Georgia during an Exclusive Experience, where you will visit a jewellery making workshop aimed at providing employment to displaced women within the camp, create a piece yourself and learn about the issues surrounding long-term displacement.

  • Marvel at ancient wonders and otherworldly sights, from the Cotton Castle of Pamukkale and psychedelic rockscapes of Cappadocia to the open-air archaeological museum of Qobustan in Azerbaijan and the magnificent cave town of Vardzia in Georgia.

Is this trip right for you?

  • There are a couple of long drives on this trip, in particular on Days 6, 18, 20 and 26. These journeys are by private vehicle and although they may be a little tiring, they're a great chance to sit back and enjoy the passing scenery and chat to your fellow travellers.

  • Some activities in Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia, are weather and road condition dependent. For example, the trip to the high Caucasus around Kazbegi. Your leader will keep you up to date on any necessary itinerary changes due to local conditions.

Intrepid group sitting down and enjoying the ruins of the Ancient Greek city of Ephesus, Turkey
Local Intrepid leader with a passenger in the Hagia Sophia, Turkey
Looking out at the blue water of the Mediterranean Sea with the town of Kas in the foreground
The beautiful pools of Pamukkale, Turkey
Table full of delicious local Turkish food
Georgia Tbilisi
KMPC - Old settlement in Uplistsikhe cave town, Georgia
KMPC - Local bakery and traditional bread making in Georgia
KMPC - Azerbaikan Baku, old town, concrete buildings

Itinerary
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Welcome to Istanbul, the continent-straddling metropolis that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans have all once called home. Enjoy a complimentary transfer to your hotel from the airport. You’re never far from a great meal in Istanbul, so if you arrive early be sure to grab some lunch at one of the city’s many eateries. Your Intrepid Premium adventure then begins with a welcome meeting at 1 pm. After the meeting, head out with your Intrepid local leader and small group to explore the Old City of Istanbul. Your knowledgeable leader will introduce you to some of the historical treasures of the city, including the dazzling Blue Mosque, the ancient Hippodrome, and the Million - a stone road marker in use since the fourth century. This evening get to know your fellow travellers over dinner at a stylish restaurant where local delicacies are paired with panoramic views of the Bosphorus.
Accommodation
  • Fer Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Istanbul - City Tour
  • Istanbul - Blue Mosque Visit
  • Istanbul - Welcome Dinner
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
Optional Activities
  • Istanbul - Hagia Sophia - Free
  • Istanbul - Topkapi Palace (Excluding Harem) - TRY320
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
Your complimentary airport transfer is valid from both Istanbul New Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gocken Airport (SAW). Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 15 days prior to travel (please note we may not be able confirm a request made in the 15 days before your trip begins). Once you have provided your flight details a transfer representative will be booked to meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Rise and shine for an early breakfast, then begin the drive to Çanakkale, a port city located on the shores of the Dardanelles. Arrive in time to buy yourself some lunch, then head to the Gallipoli Peninsula. Thousands from across the world make the journey here each year to pay respect to those who lost their lives in the battles of 1915. Tour the former battlefields and find remnants of trenches used by the Turkish soldiers. Head up to the memorials of Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair while your leader explains the significance of the events that took place across the landscape. Look down upon the rough hills and gullies that became the graveyard for so many thousands of young men on both sides. After a day that will no doubt be full of sombre reflection, the evening is free for you to do as you wish in Canakkale.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Cura or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Gallipoli - Anzac Cove, Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 6 hours.

Drive to Selcuk with a stop en route in Troy, where history and mythology sit side by side. Your leader will take you around the ancient city walls, and there will be time for a photo op with a replica Trojan horse. Learn how the site has confounded historians and archaeologists, then continue to Selcuk. Join your leader for an orientation walk around Selcuk, a sprawling town lying at the base of the ancient Aysoluk Hill fortress. Visit the last remaining column of the Temple of Artemis, the ancient aqueducts and the 14th-century Isabey Mosque.
Accommodation
  • Celsus Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Troy - Archaeological site visit
  • Selcuk - Leader-led orientation walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 6 hours.

Today, visit one of the best-preserved classical cities in the eastern Mediterranean and arguably the greatest Greco-Roman site in the world – Ephesus. Learn from your leader what life here was like as you tour the amphitheatre, stroll the marble streets once walked by Cleopatra and Mark Antony and marvel at the gymnasium, baths and restored Library of Celsus. Later, drive past apple and peach orchards to the quaint village of Sirence, where charming red-roofed houses clamber up the hillside. Drop by a local wine house where you’ll enjoy a tasting of the locally produced fruit wines. Try a sip of kiwi, pear, peach, quince or all of the above! Next, you’re in for an extraordinary treat - meet a local chef (who has appeared on the BBC!) for a Turkish cooking class, using olive oil grown and made on site as well as herbs and vegetables picked fresh from the garden. If you’re just eating Turkish food in restaurants, you’re only getting half the story. Learn how to make a range of small meze dishes using seasonal ingredients. Enjoy the fruits of your labour as this evening’s dinner will be the mouth-watering meze plates you’ve made together.
Accommodation
  • Celsus Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Ephesus - Archaeological site visit
  • Sirince - Village visit and fruit wine tasting
  • Selcuk - Cooking class
Optional Activities
  • Selcuk - Ephesus Archaeological Museum - TRY50
  • Ephesus - Terrace Houses entry - TRY85
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

After breakfast this morning, travel to the town of Pamukkale. Named after its incredible travertine terraces, Pamukkale means “cotton castle” in Turkish. This magical and spectacular natural phenomenon was created by deposits from thermal waters that cascaded down the mountainside over hundreds of years, forming a collection of pools and terraces. As the water overflows, dazzling cream-coloured stalactites are formed that, from afar, resemble cotton or snow. The pools are filled with waters that many believe have healing properties for circulation and the digestive system. But that’s not all this site has to offer - head up to the ruins of Hierapolis, an important Roman bath centre founded by the King of Pergamon in 190 BC, where your leader will bring history to life and guide you through an ancient temple, holy area, monumental fountain, bath, basilica, necropolis and an impressive theatre. Enjoy a free evening in Pamukkale.
Accommodation
  • Hierapark Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Pamukkale - Hierapolis and Travertines National Park
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 4 hours.

Make the journey to the coast, with a stop en route at the ghost village of Kayakoy. Abandoned after WWI and the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, this once-thriving village now lies as a sombre reminder of the human cost of war and politics. Spend some time on the eerie streets, then continue to Kas (which means eyebrow in Turkish) and begin exploring on a walking tour. Now primarily a holiday town, Kas is strewn with the remains of Lycian tombs, iconic white-washed walls covered with climbing bougainvillea and an ancient theatre where you can watch a spectacular sunset. The walk is sure to inspire your appetite and your leader will be on hand to show you where to grab a great gozleme (stuffed Turkish flatbread). The rest of the afternoon is free to enjoy this easy-going town, perhaps sit back with a pomegranate cocktail or check out the local markets.
Accommodation
  • Payam Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kayakoy - Village visit
  • Kas - Leader-led orientation walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 6 hours.

Set off for an experience like no other - a magical boat cruise around the islands with two local guides, Mehmet and Sebahat. The married couple use their special knowledge and love of the local waters to share a distinctly traditional way of cruising and eating with travellers. Cruise to their home village of Ucagiz, then on to the village of Simena, where its friendly inhabitants sell ice cream in front of bougainvillea covered houses. On board you’ll enjoy a range of freshly prepared local greens, zucchini fritters and maybe even some Turkish raki. Sail from large bays to protected inlets where you can cool off with a swim in turquoise waters. Kick back with a cold beer or learn how to play backgammon, Turkey’s most beloved game. Look out for the ruins of an ancient city submerged under the clear water. Return to Kas for an evening at your leisure.
Accommodation
  • Payam Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kas - Sailing trip with seafood lunch
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Travel from Kas on a scenic route to Anatalya. Your accommodation is tucked away in Kaleici (the Old City) so settle in on arrival and then head out on an early evening walk to see Hadrian's Gate, the Old Roman Harbour and plenty of photo-worthy views. Soak up the city’s Mediterranean atmosphere and attitude over a fresh seafood dinner – your leader can recommend some superb spots for eating.
Accommodation
  • Dogan Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Antalya - Leader-led orientation walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 3.5 hours.

Wake up in beautiful Antalya and start your day with a guided visit though the Antalya Museum. The province of Antalya includes dozens of important ancient Hellenistic and Roman cities, and some of the best artefacts are on display in the museum’s 13 exhibition halls and open-air gallery. Then travel to a lesser-known treasure - the archaeological site of Sagalassos. Set on the slopes of the Taurus mountains, the views from the site certainly deserve attention, but the ancient ruins are even more memorable. Enjoy a guided visit through agoras, a Roman bath complex, an intricately decorated fountain and a theatre, and learn what life looked like set against this remarkable backdrop. If time permits, you may have the chance to visit a workshop where local women have revived traditional tile-making techniques. In the afternoon, return to Antalya. Maybe wander the narrow cobblestoned streets of Kaleici with an ice cream in hand, beat the heat with a dip in the sea, chill out poolside or take an optional visit to the ancient cities of Side, Perge or Apsendos. Be sure to speak to your leader for details on these optional activities.
Accommodation
  • Dogan Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Antalya - Antalya Museum
  • Sagalassos - Archaeological site visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Say goodbye to Antalya and take a morning drive to Konya, an ancient city important in the Roman era where the Sufi practice of 'whirling' was born. On arrival, discover the mystic resting place of Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi, the 13th-century mystic, poet and theologian whose teachings continue to inspire and influence Muslims around the world. Visit the small museum dedicated to his life and work. The rest of the day is free for you to get to know the city. Konya offers up a wealth of museums, mosques and monuments worth visiting so be sure to ask your leader for recommendations. For a leisurely afternoon, head to Alaeddin Hill, where locals sip coffee, eat pastries and let the hours slip calmly by.
Accommodation
  • Şems-i-Tebrizi Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Konya - Mevlana Museum
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 6 hours.

Depart from Konya and travel to Cappadocia, where on arrival your leader will take you on an orientation walk to get to know your new otherworldly surroundings. Check in to your Feature Stay accommodation and discover something truly special. Feel miles away from the modern world in a cave hotel that looks like a page straight out of a fairy tale. Uniquely beautiful rooms are carved into stone and feature elegant décor with modern conveniences. Keep an eye out for hot air balloons passing overhead. Head out for a drink with a view and watch the sun set over one of the world’s most enchanting places. The rest of the evening is free for you to take it all in, or perhaps watch a performance of whirling by local Dervishes in a restored han (caravansary).
Accommodation
  • Utopia Cave Hotel or Alfina Cave Hotel (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cappadocia - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Cappadocia - Sunset drinks
Optional Activities
  • Goreme - Whirling Dervish Show - EUR25
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 4 hours.

Early birds have the option of taking a hot air balloon over the ethereal Cappadocian landscape. The scene at sunrise is sure to take your breath away. After a relaxing breakfast overlooking the valley, step back in time with a visit to the Goreme Open Air Museum. See the incredible houses, churches and monasteries carved out of the soft cliff face as your leader shares stories of the civilisations who lived here. Next up visit a carpet weaving co-operative that empowers women by giving them the tools to produce one-of-a-kind traditional rugs. Hear local insight on the history of traditional carpet weaving and see how the intricate pieces are made. Later in the afternoon, go on a short walk through the cheekily named 'Love Valley' which is famous for its phallic rock formations. Then head back to your hotel and perhaps take an optional Turkish bath to unwind at the end of the day.
Accommodation
  • Utopia Cave Hotel or Alfina Cave Hotel (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cappadocia - Valley walk
  • Cappadocia - Goreme Open Air Museum
  • Cappadocia - Carpet weaving co-op
Optional Activities
  • Goreme - Hot Air Balloon, Cappadocia Regular Flight - EUR300
  • Goreme - Hot Air Balloon, Cappadocia Deluxe Flight - EUR410
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Please note that hot air ballooning can only be booked locally. Please speak to your trip leader at the beginning of the tour to organise this.

Take a morning walk to see the fascinating rock formations of the Kizilcukur valley. After lunch, head toward the red river of Avanos and descend to Ozkonak, where you’ll explore an underground city hollowed out of tufa rock that dates back to 400 BC. Return to the surface and visit the studio of a local ceramic master whose family have been in the pottery business for six generations. Speak with a local artist who will explain the history and techniques of traditional Turkish ceramics. Discover the rich clay from the red river and watch how it is moulded into exquisite pieces. This evening you’ll be warmly welcomed into the cave home of Nuray, a local woman who will prepare a special home-cooked dinner for your group. Sit down to a feast made with passion, enjoy a friendly chat with your affable host and perhaps top off the night with some Turkish delight.
Accommodation
  • Utopia Cave Hotel or Alfina Cave Hotel (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cappadocia - Pottery demonstration
  • Cappadocia - Ozkonak Underground City
  • Cappadocia - Kizilcukur Valley
  • Cappadocia - Home-cooked dinner
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

This morning say goodbye to Cappadocia and return to where it all began - Istanbul. On arrival in Istanbul you may wish to join your leader for a trip across the Bosphorus to the Asian side of the city. Here you’ll find lively, close-knit communities and jumbles of cute cafes, markets and restaurants. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore some more of the charms of this enthralling city. This evening consider rounding off your adventure by joining your group and leader for an optional farewell dinner at one of Istanbul’s excellent waterfront restaurants.
Accommodation
  • Fer Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Transfer to the airport in Cappadocia will take approximately 1.5 hours. The flight to Istanbul will be booked out of Nevsehir or Kayseria. Flight time is approximately 1.5 hours.

Today you will leave Turkey behind and catch a flight to Baku in Azerbaijan, a city where old meets new and ancient fortified buildings stand next to Russian imperial-style squares and ultra-modern architectural wonders. On arrival at Baku Airport, you'll be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel. A meeting will take place here at 6pm to welcome any new travellers joining you for the next part of your journey. After your meeting, enjoy a local dinner with your leader and small group. In Azerbaijan, sharing bread is thought to seal a bond of friendship, so perhaps break some bread with your new travel companions.
Accommodation
  • City Park Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Baku - Welcome Dinner at Local Restaurant
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive on time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

This morning, embark on a tour of the city with a local guide. Pay a visit to the fortified Old City, once the Medieval capital, where your guide will weave together the history of Baku, from the rule of the Shirvanshahs to the cosmopolitan city you see today. Stop by the Shemakha Gate, Maiden Tower (visit optional), Old Market Square and end with a guided tour of the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. Be sure to bring your camera as there will be some panoramic views of Baku's varied skyline to enjoy. The rest of the day is free to explore.
Accommodation
  • City Park Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Baku - Palace of the Shirvanshahs
  • Baku - Walking Tour with Local Guide
Optional Activities
  • Baku - National Museum of History of Azerbaijan - AZN10
  • Baku - National Carpet Museum - AZN10
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This morning, head out of the city on a half day trip to Qobustan, located around 60 kilometres south of Baku. Stop off along the way to view old oil rigs and learn how Azerbaijan was one of the birthplaces of the oil industry. On arrival to Qobustan National Park, visit one of the world's largest open-air archaeological museums where a local guide will share the stories of ancient rock art dating back some 40,000 years. The prehistoric carvings depict scenes of hunting, fishing and gathering. Return to Baku in the afternoon for free time - Perhaps visit one of Baku's most significant modern landmarks, the Heydar Aliyev Center designed by Zaha Hadid. This evening you may like to take a walk along the waterfront to find a restaurant for dinner, keeping an eye out for the Baku Eye and Flame Towers that light up the city skyline at night.
Accommodation
  • City Park Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Qobustan - Petroglyphs
  • Qobustan - Half Day Trip
Optional Activities
  • Baku - The Heydar Aliyev Centre - AZN15
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 3 hours.

Leave Baku and head for the Caucasus Mountains in the northwest of Azerbaijan. Watch arid landscapes slowly give way to densely forested mountains. En route to Sheki, there will be stops at the Yeddi Gumbaz Mausoleum and the Juma Mosque in Shamakhi. On arrival in Sheki, visit a local craft workshop where the famous shebeke – stained-glass windows with intricately carved frames – are made by hand. You will also visit the acclaimed Palace of Shaki Khans to see its magnificent frescoes and stained glass. Arrive in Sheki and enjoy a final evening of Azerbaijani cuisine during an included dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation
  • Sheki Palace Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Sheki - Khan's Palace
  • Sheki - Stained Glass Workshop Visit
  • Shamakhi - Yeddi Gumbaz Mausoleum & Juma Mosque
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 6 hours. Please note that it can sometimes be difficult to confirm our preferred hotel in Sheki. If you would like to confirm which hotel your departure will be staying, please contact an Intrepid booking agent.

Please note that the stained glass workshop is interactive, and you may create an item. If you would like to take your creation home with you, you can pay 25 AZN to do so.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before driving to Lagodeckhi – a town at the Azerbaijan–Georgia border – where you will change transportation. From here, travel to Georgia's Kakheti region, known for its winemaking. Enjoy a wonderful lunch with a local wine making family, which includes delicious homemade cuisine, wine and chacha, a local brandy. There will also be time to listen to unique Georgian polyphonic songs – a traditional style of music prevalent in the Kakheti region. Afterwards, travel to your beautiful accommodation near Telavi. Tucked into the foothills of the Tsiv-Gombori mountains, the Savaneti Hotel offers a chic aesthetic in a serene location. Enjoy a lovely swimming pool, a marvellous on-site restaurant and unbeatable views of the Alazani Valley and Caucasus mountains.
Accommodation
  • Savaneti Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kakheti - Lunch and Wine Tasting with a Local Family
  • Kakheti - Georgian Polyphonic Singing
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 3.5 hours. Today you will cross the border from Azerbaijan to Georgia. You are required to have your passport with you, and you will need your Azerbaijan visa to exit the country. It will be necessary to carry or wheel your luggage a short distance (700 meters) to the Georgia customs area.

Following breakfast, explore the famous Telavi Bazaar. Wander through stall selling fresh produce and aromatic spices as your leader picks out delicious local specialties for you to try. Discover the importance of bread in the Georgian diet and discover how they bake this staple. After snacking you way thorugh the market, drive to Tbilisi with your leader. Once arrived perhaps wander the old districts of Georgia’s capital, which are structured like terraces, and walk through the narrow streets to appreciate the colourful houses, patterned balconies and revamped modern architecture. Enjoy a free afternoon – your leader will have some wonderful recommendations for local restaurants to head for dinner.
Accommodation
  • Museum Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Telavi - Market Tour with Tastings
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 2 hours.

This morning uncover the secrets of the city on a walking tour with your local guide, beginning from the 13th-century Metekhi Church, which offers magnificent views over old Tbilisi. You will take a cable car to the ancient Narikala Fortress, a former Persian citadel with a history stretching back to the 4th century. Here your guide will share the layered history of the fortress while you take in sweeping views across Tbilisi. Then make your way to a historic part of the city where you will learn a little more about Tbilisi’s past. The name Tbilisi translates to ‘warm place’ which is thought to be after the bubbling hot springs that the city was built around. This afternoon you may like to visit one of the local bathhouses for a dip in the therapeutic waters, or perhaps visit the stunning treasury of the Golden Fund at the National History Museum (closed on Mondays), where you’ll learn why Georgia is called the land of the Golden Fleece.
Accommodation
  • Museum Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Tbilisi - Narikala Fortress & Cable Car
  • Tbilisi - Old Town Walking Tour with Local Guide
Optional Activities
  • Tbilisi - Thermal Bath House Visit - from - GEL180
  • Tbilisi - Anchiskhati Church - Free
  • Tbilisi - Sioni Cathedral - Free
  • Tbilisi - Georgian National Museum - GEL30
  • Tbilisi - The National Gallery - GEL25
  • Tbilisi - Open Air Museum of Ethnography - GEL20
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today you will visit Mtskheta, the ancient capital and religious centre of Georgia. Visit World Heritage-listed sites with your local guide on hand to share their fascinating histories, such as the 6th-century Jvari Monastery. Afterwards, pay a visit to the Tserovani Refugee Settlement, home to 8000 people displaced by the 2008 conflict between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Georgia over South Ossetia. While here you will visit an enamel jewellery workshop – a social enterprise offering training and employment to displaced youth and women within the camp. You will have the chance to meet the jewellery artists whose pieces tell the story of Georgia, and with their guidance, you will design a piece yourself. Stop for a light lunch of Georgian specialties then tour the settlement to learn about the issues surrounding long-term displacement faced by thousands of Georgia’s citizens to this day. This inspiring experience sheds light on a side of the country that few visitors get to see, and is sure to be one of your lasting memories of your time in Georgia. In the afternoon, drive to the south-western part of Georgia and visit Borjomi Spa Town, famous for its naturally fizzy mineral water. Stay overnight at your beautiful Feature Stay hotel, located in the former residence of the Iranian consul, a building with almost 130 years of history.
Accommodation
  • Golden Tulip Hotel (feature stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Tserovani - Refugee Settlement & Enamel Workshop Visit
  • Mtskheta - Jvari Monastery
Optional Activities
  • Borjomi - Sulfur Pools - GEL5
  • Borjomi - Ekaterina Spring - GEL5
  • Mtskheta - Svetitskhoveli Cathedral - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 3 hours.

Today, drive to the magnificent and once mighty cave city of Vardzia, with a stop en route at the 10th-century Khertvisi Fortress. Vardzia stretches over half a kilometre along the river Mtkvari and has 19 tiers of winding cobbled streets. There is a church hewn out in rock with amazing 12th-century frescos, and the complex also includes dwellings quarters, small hall-type churches, refectories and wine cellars. You will tour the site with a local guide who will provide historical context and explain the rise and fall of this magical city, which now serves as a working monastery. Head back to Borjomi for the evening, and perhaps perhaps ask your leader to recommend the tastiest local dishes for dinner. You may like to try some khinkali, which are spicy dumplings, or chakapuli, a herby and flavoursome stew.
Accommodation
  • Golden Tulip Hotel (feature stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Meskheti - Khertvisi Fortress
  • Vardzia - Cave Town Visit with Local Guide
Optional Activities
  • Borjomi - Cable Car - GEL25
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 5 hours. We recommend wearing sturdy shoes for today’s activity. Steep weathered stairs, sandy platforms and narrow tunnels at this site mean you need to watch your footing.

In the morning visit Gori, a charming town with unique history that is also the birthplace of Joseph Stalin. Your leader will take you on a city tour before you visit the Stalin Museum. See the sites of Gori, including The Memorial of Georgian War Heroes and Gori Fortress, and delve into its artistic side, as you visit a contemporary art gallery and see traditional ornamental mosaics. Afterwards, drive up the renowned Georgian Military Highway, which eventually leads to the Georgia–Russia border. On the way, you'll visit the Ananuri architectural complex – two churches and a fortress that overlook the Zhinvali water reservoir. Your leader will explain how the carvings on the churches are some of the best surviving examples of Georgian art. Take a scenic drive through the Caucasus Mountains, and arrive at your hotel in Gudauri. Enjoy an included dinner at a fantastic local restaurant.
Accommodation
  • Marco Polo Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Ananuri - Architectural Complex
  • Gori - Stalin Museum
  • Gori - City Tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 5 hours.

Enjoy a stunning drive from Gudauri along the Tergi River before arriving in Kazbegi. From here, head into the heart of the Caucasus Mountains and take the mountain road to Gergeti Trinity Church, located at 2170 metres above sea level. Weather depending, you may catch a glimpse of Mt Kazbegi. On the way back to Gudauri, stop at the small village of Sno to explore the local version of Easter Island - a park with half a dozen massive stone heads representing famous figures of Georgian history. Return to Gudauri this afternoon for time to relax in your hotel. This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the mountain air and views. Your hotel has many facilities including a bowling alley and a wellness centre.
Accommodation
  • Marco Polo Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Stepantsminda - Gergeti Trinity Church
  • Stepantsminda - Caucasus Mountains Day Trip
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Enjoy a final breakfast in Gudauri before driving to Sadakhlo – a village at the Georgia–Armenia border. On the way to the border stop in Tbilisi to break the journey and have lunch. Continue to Armenia and after completing all formalities. Begin the Armenian leg of your adventure with a visit to Haghpat Monastery, listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site. Haghpat stands as an example of one of the most outstanding works of medieval Armenian architecture – your leader will give you an introduction to the country’s history and design. Continue on to the charming town of Dzoraget where you will spend the evening enjoying serene views of the Debed river.
Accommodation
  • Avan Dzoraget Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Haghpat - Haghpat Monastery
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 6 hours. Today is a long travel day, but the scenery is spectacular and there are plenty of stops to break the day. Depending on the size of the group, your luggage may be transported in a separate vehicle in Armenia, to allow for a comfortable trip.

After breakfast, you'll meet your Armenian driver, new vehicle, and local guide, and drive to the reflective waters of Lake Sevan, nicknamed ‘The Pearl of Armenia’. Sevan is one of the largest fresh-water high-altitude lakes in the world. Visit Sevanavank Monastery, which overlooks the water on the Peninsula. Move on to the village of Garni to visit the first century Garni Temple, where your guide will explain how it was built by the Armenian King Tiridates and dedicated to Mithra, the God of the Sun. Be treated to a special local performance in the temple and hear the magnificent sounds of the Duduk – a flute-like instrument originating to Armenia, and currently listed on the UNESCO in-tangible Cultural Heritage List. Travel northeast of Garni, higher up the gorge of the Azat River, to the magnificent Geghard Monastery. This World Heritage-listed site is partly carved out of a mountain and surrounded by cliffs. In the afternoon, drive to Armenia’s capital, Yerevan, where you will spend the next two evenings.
Accommodation
  • Tufenkian Historic Yerevan Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Geghard - Geghard Monastery
  • Lake Sevan - Sevanavank Monastery
  • Garni - Temple Visit & Duduk Performance
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 3.5 hours.

This morning your local guide will introduce you to the sights and sounds of Yerevan on a tour of the city. Established in 782 BC, Armenia’s capital is one of the oldest cities in the world. Nowadays, the city’s liveliness comes from its ancient culture mixed with a modern lifestyle. Afterwards, visit the Armenian Genocide Museum to learn the tragic history of this region. The afternoon is free for reflection or further exploration. Tonight, join your group for a final dinner at a local restaurant. Armenian cuisine is built on a foundation of fresh local produce and meat. Perhaps try some khorovats, a barbecued kebab, or spas, a refreshing yoghurt soup.
Accommodation
  • Tufenkian Historic Yerevan Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Yerevan - City Tour with Local Guide
  • Yerevan - Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you would like to spend some more time in Yerevan, we would be happy to arrange additional accommodation ahead of time (subject to availability).
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

27 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 8 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Boat, Plane

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (22 nights), Feature Stay (6 nights)

Included activities

  • Istanbul - City Tour
  • Istanbul - Blue Mosque Visit
  • Istanbul - Welcome Dinner
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Gallipoli - Anzac Cove, Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair
  • Troy - Archaeological site visit
  • Selcuk - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Ephesus - Archaeological site visit
  • Sirince - Village visit and fruit wine tasting
  • Selcuk - Cooking class
  • Pamukkale - Hierapolis and Travertines National Park
  • Kayakoy - Village visit
  • Kas - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Kas - Sailing trip with seafood lunch
  • Antalya - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Antalya - Antalya Museum
  • Sagalassos - Archaeological site visit
  • Konya - Mevlana Museum
  • Cappadocia - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Cappadocia - Sunset drinks
  • Cappadocia - Valley walk
  • Cappadocia - Goreme Open Air Museum
  • Cappadocia - Carpet weaving co-op
  • Cappadocia - Pottery demonstration
  • Cappadocia - Ozkonak Underground City
  • Cappadocia - Kizilcukur Valley
  • Cappadocia - Home-cooked dinner
  • Baku - Welcome Dinner at Local Restaurant
  • Baku - Palace of the Shirvanshahs
  • Baku - Walking Tour with Local Guide
  • Qobustan - Petroglyphs
  • Qobustan - Half Day Trip
  • Sheki - Khan's Palace
  • Sheki - Stained Glass Workshop Visit
  • Shamakhi - Yeddi Gumbaz Mausoleum & Juma Mosque
  • Kakheti - Lunch and Wine Tasting with a Local Family
  • Kakheti - Georgian Polyphonic Singing
  • Telavi - Market Tour with Tastings
  • Tbilisi - Narikala Fortress & Cable Car
  • Tbilisi - Old Town Walking Tour with Local Guide
  • Tserovani - Refugee Settlement & Enamel Workshop Visit
  • Mtskheta - Jvari Monastery
  • Meskheti - Khertvisi Fortress
  • Vardzia - Cave Town Visit with Local Guide
  • Ananuri - Architectural Complex
  • Gori - Stalin Museum
  • Gori - City Tour
  • Stepantsminda - Gergeti Trinity Church
  • Stepantsminda - Caucasus Mountains Day Trip
  • Haghpat - Haghpat Monastery
  • Geghard - Geghard Monastery
  • Lake Sevan - Sevanavank Monastery
  • Garni - Temple Visit & Duduk Performance
  • Yerevan - City Tour with Local Guide
  • Yerevan - Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex

Premium Inclusions

  • Arrival airport transfer
  • Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
  • Luggage transfer
  • Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
  • 24/7 on-ground support

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Premium Turkey & the Caucasus trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. There are a limited number of single supplements available per trip departure. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 
3. Due to current border crossing restrictions for different Caucasus nationalities, your Trip Leader may be from nearby Ukraine or Russia. Your leader will have in-depth knowledge and extensive travel experience throughout the Caucasus. Local guides from Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia are represented throughout the itinerary to ensure you receive a diverse and uniquely local range of perspectives.
4. Travel is always an adventure and, as destinations reopen, there are a few challenges as everyone gets back up to speed and adjusts to the new normal. Our leaders are experts when it comes to dealing with anything unexpected along the journey, so pack your understanding and flexibility, sit back and relax while they take care of the rest.
5. The Formula 1 Grand Prix will take place in Baku from April 27 - 30, 2023. During this period, streets may be closed and traffic may be heavy.

Essential trip information

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