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

For full tour itineraries, please visit us online at www.mercuryholidays.co.uk/tours EUROPE AND THE MED 113 DAY 8: YEREVAN TO TBILISI B/L Before heading back to Georgia, make a stopover at the highlands north of Yerevan, where the ancient ruins of Amberd Fortress are located. At an altitude of 2300m above sea level, marvel at the incredible views of the surrounding mountains that further encapsulates the charm of this iconic landmark. Next, enjoy lunch at the quaint Perch Proshian House Museum before arriving back at your hotel in Tbilisi. DAY 9: TBILISI B/L Enjoy the famed hospitality of the Kakheti region, a natural haven renowned for its incredible wine- production, whose landscapes are decorated with lush vineyards; travel to the easternmost part of Kakheti for a trip to Sighnaghi, taking in the stunning views of Alazani Valley and Caucasus Mountains. Later, sit down to a lunch hosted by a local family and enjoy a master-class in the production of the delicious Churchkhela Georgian sweets - a traditional candle-shaped fruit candy, and a trip to Sighnaghi would not be complete without some wine-tasting to sample Georgia’s finest wines. Head to the Gremi complex, the once lively trading town on the Silk Road and conclude today by taking an enchanting stroll through the stunning gardens of the Duke Alexandre Chavchavadze Palace. DAY 10: TBILISI TO STEPANTSMINDA B/D Drive north of Tbilisi for an unmissable tour of Mtskheta - the ancient capital of Georgia, to see two of its most prominent UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Bask at the majestic splendour of Svetitskhoveli Cathedral - an 11th century construction where the Robe of Christ is buried, before ascending to the 6th century Jvari Monastery to absorb the breath-taking backdrop of the Mtkvari and Argavi rivers that curl around the base of the neighbouring mountains. From here, visit the Stalin Museum in the town of Gori and drive up the famous Georgian military highway that connects Georgia with Russia. Make a stop at the Ananuri architectural complex to view the ‘conjoined castles’, before a wonderful scenic drive leads to the high Caucasus mountains. DAY 11: STEPANTSMINDA B/D A morning trip to the secluded swathe of rolling verdant hills in Gergetis Sameba follows breakfast. The visual feast of exquisite natural beauty continues with a winding drive through spectacular snow valleys on the way to the village of Juta - one of the highest in the region. End the day in Stepantsminda. DAY 12: STEPANTSMINDA TO THE UK B After breakfast drive to Tibilis for your return flight home via Istanbul, or continue on to your chosen extension. B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner FOR YOU TO KNOW: No visa is required for your trip to Georgia and Armenia, however insurance must be obtained before travel. Tips: It is customary to tip your guides. This is at your discretion, but we recommend approximately €15pp for the duration of your tour. Optional excursions are at an additional cost. The Tatey Monastery with Mount Aragats Tbilisi Rezo Gabriadze Clock Tower, Tbilisi Sevanavank Monastery TBILISI 2 nights 4 ★ B&B from £249 ISTANBUL 3 nights 3 ★ B&B from £179 or 3 nights 4 ★ B&B from £249 BATUMI* 5 nights 3 ★ B&B from £499 , 5 nights 4 ★ B&B from £639 or 5 nights 5 ★ B&B from £769 *Please note the first night of this extension is spent in Tbilisi Visit our website to learn more about our extensions. ROOMS AVAILABLE WITH NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT EXTEND YOUR TOUR DEPARTURES & FROM PRICES 2022 DEPARTURES AT 2021 PRICES CONTACT US FOR DATES REGIONAL FLIGHTS AVAILABLE FROM: • Prices based on flights from London Heathrow to Tbilisi with Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul) • Rooms available with no single supplement. Once sold, single supplement starts from £489 • Private Tour supplement from £899 06 Apr 21 £1,699 20 Apr 21 £1,749 11 May 21 £1,799 25 May 21 £1,799 08 Jun 21 £1,849 22 Jun 21 £1,899 06 Jul 21 £1,999 24 Aug 21 £1,999 07 Sep 21 £1,899 28 Sep 21 £1,849 12 Oct 21 £1,829 26 Oct 21 £1,699 Gatwick £1,699 Birmingham £1,699 Manchester £1,699