Crossroads of Empire

After breakfast, you enjoy a fully guided tour of the only city to span two continents, visiting the Blue Mosque, St Sophia Museum, Topkapi Palace (including Hagia Irene and the Harem) and the Hippodrome.

Cruise between two continents on the stretch of water that separates Europe from Asia in the afternoon with an optional 'Half day Bosphorus cruise'.
Overnight : Istanbul Category : 4 star Hotel : Port Bosphorus Hotel

One of the most emotionally touching places in Turkey, today we visit the WWI Battlefields of Gallipoli including Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Memorials, ANZAC Cove, The Nek, Johnston's Jolly, original trenches and tunnels.
Overnight : Çanakkale Category : 5 star Hotel : Kolin Hotel

Depart from Çanakkale and head towards Troy, where we will explore the ancient city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the new, award-winning Troy Museum. We continue on to Bergama and visit the magnificent Acropolis of Pergamon. Its impressive temples and library made it one of the most important cultural and political centres of the ancient world. From Bergama, we head south to Kuşadası.
Overnight : Kuşadası Category : Boutique Hotel : Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel

Absorb yourself in history today with a guided tour of Ephesus and a visit to the site of the Temple of Artemis. Feel the mystical atmosphere of the ancient city and theatre before exploring the Ephesus Archaeology Museum, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts from the region. Carpet weaving has long traditions in Turkey, and at the carpet village, we learn how the carpets are made by hand and what determines their value.
Overnight : Kuşadası Category : Boutique Hotel : Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel

This morning we will enjoy a display of locally handcrafted leather goods before heading to the magnificent white calcium terraces, known as Travertines, in Pamukkale where we also tour the ancient city of Hierapolis. Take a dip, amongst ancient columns, in the hot springs that were used in Roman times for their therapeutic powers.
Overnight : Pamukkale Category : 4 star Hotel : Adem Pira Hotel

Today we travel the ancient Silk Road visiting Sultanhani Caravansary and the Mevlana museum in Konya along the way. Tonight, don't miss the optional traditional Turkish folklore evening!
Overnight : Cappadocia Category : 4 star Hotel : Dere Suites Hotel

Marvel at the lunar landscape of Cappadocia today as we visit the Goreme Valley Open Air Museum and the fairy chimneys, and explore the many levels of an underground city.
Overnight : Cappadocia Category : 4 star Hotel : Dere Suites Hotel

Early morning departure to the nation's capital, Ankara where we visit Anitkabir, mausoleum of the famed Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, before returning to Istanbul.
Overnight : Istanbul Category : 4 star Hotel : Port Bosphorus Hotel

We begin at the remnants of the former Imperial Palace, Blachernae Palace. Next, Yedikule Fortress, a stone guardian where Ottoman and Byzantine legacies unite. We drive beneath the Valens Aqueduct, a remarkable engineering feat. Balat's vibrant streets embrace us, their cobbled paths leading to the enigmatic Iron Church. Finally, the Church of St. George, the Ecumenical Patriarchate's spiritual heart.
Overnight : Istanbul Category : 4 star Hotel : Port Bosphorus Hotel

We'll transfer you to Istanbul Airport for your flight to Van. Arrive in Van in the afternoon and transfer directly from the airport to the impressive Van Citadel. Perched above Lake Van, the citadel offers a magnificent setting to take in the atmosphere and enjoy spectacular sunset views across the lake.

Originally built around 870 BC by Urartian King Sarduri I, Van Citadel has witnessed the passage of numerous civilisations, including the Assyrians, Persians, Armenians, Arabs, Seljuks and Ottomans. Its long history reflects the rich cultural heritage of this region.
Overnight : Van Category : 4 star Hotel : Karaca Hotel Van

After breakfast, travel along the southern shores of Lake Van before taking a ferry to Akdamar Island. Visit the remarkable 10th-century Armenian Church of the Holy Cross, renowned for its intricately carved exterior depicting biblical scenes and its beautifully preserved interior frescoes.

Return to Van in the afternoon and visit the Van Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum, home to an extensive collection tracing the history of the region from antiquity to the present day. Highlights include the enigmatic Hakkari Stele and an impressive collection of Urartian artefacts, weapons and works of art.

Continue to a breeding centre for the distinctive Van cats, famous for their striking eyes and unique appearance.
Overnight : Van Category : 4 star Hotel : Karaca Hotel Van

After breakfast, depart Van for Doğubeyazıt, travelling via Muradiye and stopping at the picturesque Bendimaahi Falls. En route, pass near the historic site of the Battle of Çaldıran, fought on 23 August 1514. Although little remains to mark the battlefield today, the conflict played an important role in shaping the borders of this region.

Continue north across the dramatic, otherworldly landscape of the Tendürek Shield Volcano, with the opportunity to catch your first views of the majestic Mount Ararat, traditionally associated with the biblical story of Noah.

In Doğubeyazıt, visit the spectacular Ishak Pasha Palace, built between 1685 and 1784. Its distinctive architecture brings together Seljuk, Ottoman, Georgian, Armenian and Persian influences, making it a remarkable reflection of the region's diverse cultural heritage. Continue to Kars for the evening.
Overnight : Kars Category : Boutique Hotel : Kars Beylerbeyi Palace

Today, explore the evocative ruins of Ani, the former medieval Armenian capital renowned for its imposing defensive walls, churches, mosques and castle. Set in a vast, windswept landscape overlooking the gorge of the Arpaçay River, Ani's dramatic frontier setting adds to its unique character.

Return to Kars and explore the city, including the historic Church of the Twelve Apostles and Kars Castle, before completing the day's sightseeing.
Overnight : Kars Category : Boutique Hotel : Kars Beylerbeyi Palace

Today, depart Kars and travel towards the Posof/Vale border crossing. After completing the necessary Turkish border formalities, change vehicles and continue into Georgia. Meet your Georgian guide and driver at the border at approximately 12:00 (Armenia time) and travel through a short section of Georgia before entering Armenia via the Bavra border crossing. No vehicle change is required at the Georgia–Armenia border, allowing for a smooth continuation of the journey.

Continue to Gyumri, Armenia’s second-largest city and an important cultural centre known for its distinctive architecture, traditions and warm hospitality.

Upon arrival, enjoy a short city tour of Gyumri, exploring its unique 18th- and 19th-century architecture and historic streets. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before checking in to your hotel.
Overnight : Gyumri Category : 4 star Hotel : Radisson Hotel Gyumri

Depart Gyumri for Etchmiadzin, the spiritual heart of the country often called the "Vatican of Armenia." Explore the UNESCO-listed Etchmiadzin Cathedral—one of the world's oldest Christian places of worship, founded between 301–303 AD on the spot where Saint Gregory the Illuminator famously envisioned Christ. Continue to the nearby ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral, a 7th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its groundbreaking circular architecture and profound influence on medieval builders. Head to the capital city of Yerevan for a guided introduction to its main highlights:

Republic Square: The grand, architectural center of the city.

Opera House & Abovyan Street: Highlights of Yerevan's rich cultural life and historic charm.

The Cascade Complex: A massive outdoor stairway featuring modern art displays and sweeping vistas of the skyline framed by Mount Ararat.

Conclude the day with dinner at a traditional local restaurant in Yerevan.
Overnight : Yerevan Category : 4 star Hotel : Ani Plaza

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel before setting off for the scenic village of Garni. Here, you will visit the 1st-century Garni Temple—Armenia's sole surviving Greco-Roman pagan monument from the pre-Christian era. Perched high above the countryside, it commands sweeping views of the deep Azat River Gorge and the surrounding peaks. Journey down into the Azat Gorge to marvel at the "Symphony of Stones" (or "Basalt Organ"). This jaw-dropping geological wonder features massive cliff faces of hexagonal basalt columns shaped by ancient volcanic activity and cooling lava flows. Head further into the Azat Valley to explore Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site founded in the 4th century. Renowned for its medieval Armenian architecture, much of the complex—including its churches, chapels, and royal tombs—was hand-carved directly into the cliff faces. Beyond its striking mountain backdrop and historical artistry, Geghard remains an active holy site where you might catch a traditional Armenian baptism or wedding in progress. Head back to Yerevan to explore Vernissage, the capital's vibrant open-air market and the ultimate destination for authentic Armenian gifts and keepsakes. Popular with locals and travelers alike, this bustling market offers a rich variety of locally crafted treasures, including:

Traditional hand-woven carpets and detailed textiles/embroidery

Handcrafted silver jewelry and unique artwork

Intricate wood carvings, classic books, and specialty souvenirs

Wrap up the day with a relaxed dinner served at your hotel or a local restaurant.
Overnight : Yerevan Category : 4 star Hotel : Ani Plaza

After breakfast, head toward Lake Sevan, the largest body of water in the Caucasus. Stop at the 9th-century Sevanavank Monastery, dramatically perched on a high peninsula overlooking the deep blue lake and surrounding peaks.

Note: Reaching the monastery requires climbing approximately 250 stone steps.

Continue to Dilijan, a lush mountain resort town famed for its forested scenery. Take a stroll through the historic Old Town to admire 19th-century alpine architecture, detailed wooden balconies, and traditional craft workshops. Travel to Haghpat Monastery, a 10th-century medieval complex known for its monumental stone architecture, ornate gavits (narthexes), and legacy as a major hub for Armenian manuscript illumination and scholarship.

After touring Haghpat, head to the Armenian border point at Bagratashen to complete departure formalities. Meet your Georgian guide and driver at the Sadakhlo border by 4:00 PM. Switch vehicles and drive to Tbilisi. Wrap up the day with dinner at a local restaurant before checking in to your hotel in Tbilisi for the night.
Overnight : Tbilisi Category : 4 star Hotel : Brim Hotel

Spend the day exploring Georgia's vibrant capital, famous for its terraced historic quarters, winding alleyways, carved wooden balconies, and striking modern landmarks.

Metekhi Church (13th c.): Begin the tour atop a cliffside cliff overlooking the river, offering spectacular views across the old town.

Old Town Walk: Stroll through narrow streets to take in the unique blend of historic and contemporary architecture.

Cable Car & Narikala Fortress (4th c.): Glide above the skyline in a cable car for panoramic views, then descend past the ancient fortress walls down to the city's famous brick-domed sulfur bath district.

Georgian National Museum: Visit the impressive Golden Fund exhibit, where ancient gold treasures illustrate Georgia's legendary ties to the Golden Fleece.

Gather for dinner at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel in Tbilisi for the night.
Overnight : Tbilisi Category : 4 star Hotel : Brim Hotel

Day Trip to Sighnaghi & Kakheti Wine Region.

Escape to the 18th-century hilltop town of Sighnaghi, famed for its cobblestone streets, ornate wooden balconies, and well-preserved ancient city walls. Take in sweeping views of the fertile Alazani Valley backed by the dramatic peaks of the Greater Caucasus.

Family Lunch: Visit a local family for an authentic look at rural Georgian life and enjoy a homemade farm-to-table lunch.

Kvevri Wine Tasting: Stop at a traditional wine cellar where the passionate host crafts fine wines using ancient kvevri (earthenware vessels buried underground)—a traditional winemaking technique protected on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Return to Tbilisi in the evening for an overnight stay at your hotel.
Overnight : Tbilisi Category : 4 star Hotel : Brim Hotel

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.