Escorted Tours 2020 & 2021 - 2nd Edition - Mercury Holidays

112 EUROPE AND THE MED MEAL PLAN: 10 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 5 dinners ACCOMMODATION Tbilisi 4 nights 4 ★ Tiflis Palace Dilijan 1 nights 4 ★ Best Western Paradise Dilijan Yerevan 3 nights 4 ★ Hilton by Double Tree Stepantsminda 2 nights 4 ★ Rooms Kazbegi or 4 ★ Porta Caucasia DAY 1: UK TO TBILISI, GEORGIA Depart London on your scheduled overnight flight to Tbilisi via Istanbul. DAY 2: TBILISI D Upon arrival into Tbilisi, spend an afternoon at leisure, followed by a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. DAY 3: TBILISI B Beginning in the old district, take a walking tour of this picturesque capital city; weave through narrow streets of cobbled stone, marvelling at an array of striking buildings that decorate the skyline, an eclectic mix of Byzantine, Persian and Soviet architecture. Observe the splendid Metekhi Church - a symbol of the country’s Orthodox Christian heritage, whose excellent hilltop vantage point offers incredible views of the Mtkvari river and Old Tbilisi. A host of incredible sights which epitomise the charm of this city follows: take a cable car ride to the imposing Narikala Fortress, delve into Georgia’s historical past at the National Museum, discover The Leaning Clock Tower’s fairy- tale-like façade, and walk along the Bridge of Peace. DAY 4: TBILISI TO DILIJAN, ARMENIA B/L/D Journey to Sadakhlo and upon arrival into Armenia, a scenic drive leads to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Haghpat monastery; dating back to the 10th century. Before arriving at Dilijan, stopover at the potter’s house and get acquainted with his stylish works. Next, learn about the customs and traditions of the Molokan people - the ‘milk drinkers’ of the Spiritual Christianity faith that emerged from the Russian Empire, and savour delicious pancakes, whilst sipping a refreshing cup of tea, traditionally brewed in a Russian samovar teapot. DAY 5: DILIJAN TO YEREVAN B/L/D This morning, drive along the winding roads of the mountainous paradise that is Dilijan. Step back in time with a trip to the old town, admiring traditional Armenian architecture that decorates the renowned Sharambayen street. Next, be at one with nature at the enchanting Lake Sevan, affectionately known as the ‘blue eyed beauty’, making sure to climb the stairs of Monastery Sevanavank for breath-taking views of the lake and surrounding alpine mountains. From here, continue onto Kotayk to explore the astonishing Geghard Monastery, a 12th century solid stone construction, partially carved out of a mountain, before travelling to the Garni Pagan Temple, a rare example of Greco-Roman architecture. Later, try your hand at a Lavash bread-making master class, not missing the chance to take lunch in a local house, revelling in a tasting of this traditional dish. DAY 6: YEREVAN B/L Set off on a tour of Armenia’s incredible capital city, Yerevan, firstly experiencing a lively ambience from the cultural hub of the city at the remarkable Republic Square. Next, stroll down Abovyan Street to feel a part of local life, before visiting the Armenian Genocide Museum which pays homage to the victims of the 1915 genocide. Make your way to the Cafesjian Centre of Art complex and witness a fantastic collection of contemporary art from across the world within the Yerevan Cascade, and later, head to the striking Matenadaran Museum and Scientific Institute, the home of a staggering 20,000 manuscripts and numerous scientific Armenian treasures. Observe a wonderful array of traditional carpet designs as you replenish with lunch at the tremendous Megerian carpet factory, before your final excursion of today leads to the exceptional History Museum of Armenia. DAY 7: YEREVAN B/L Travel to the southern part of the capital to revel in the unparalleled beauty of the Khor Virap monastery. Located near the stunning snow-peaked Mount Ararat, Khor Virap is Armenia’s most sacred monastery and the perennial place of pilgrimage for Armenians. Return to Yerevan to discover another emphatic cultural landmark, the alluring Etchmiadzin Cathedral - the ‘mother church’ of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Considered the oldest cathedral in the world. Go on to visit the Yerevan Brandy Factory to sample Winston Churchill’s favourite tipple and learn about the history of this enticing beverage. Explore the spectacular highland countries of Georgia and Armenia on a trip to the crossroads of Europe and Asia. This region of the Caucasus hosts the world’s oldest Christian nations, snow-capped mountains and picturesque vineyards. Town of Dilijan TREASURES OF GEORGIA & ARMENIA 12 days from £1,699pp TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ✔ Enjoy city tours of Tbilisi, Yerevan and Mtskheta ✔ Marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Haghpat Monastery ✔ Explore the traditional old town of Dilijan, the little Switzerland of Armenia ✔ Breath-taking vistas at the enchanting Lake Sevan ✔ Visit the Yerevan Brandy Factory and enjoy a tasting ✔ Admire views of Mount Aragats at the ancient ruins of Amberd Fortress ✔ See the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral where the Robe of Christ is buried PACE: To book or for further information visit your local travel agent or call us FREE on 0800 408 0556