Escorted Tours 2022-23 2nd Edition

Europe 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. Go on to visit the Yerevan Brandy Factory to sample Winston Churchill’s favourite tipple and learn about the history of this enticing beverage. 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. 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. 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. End the day in Stepantsminda. Day 12: Stepantsminda to the UK B After breakfast transfer for your return flight via Istanbul, or continue on to your chosen extension. Tour includes • 10 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 5 dinners • 4 H accommodation: Tbilisi-Tiflis Palace, Dilijan-Best Western Paradise, Yerevan-Hilton by Double Tree, Stepantsminda-Rooms Kazbegi • Flights from London Heathrow with Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul). Regional departures available from Gatwick and Birmingham Tour pace: Intermediate Trinity Gergeti Church, Kazbegi Tamanyan Street, Yerevan Lavash bread-making Mtskheta Departures & from prices 25 Apr 23 £1,899 22 Aug 23 £2,099 9 May 23 £1,949 5 Sep 23 £1,999 23 May 23 £1,999 26 Sep 23 £1,999 6 Jun 23 £1,999 10 Oct 23 £1,899 20 Jun 23 £1,999 17 Oct 23 £1,799 4 Jul 23 £2,099 2024 DATES AVAILABLE • Upgrade to a Private Tour from £749 Extend your tour Tbilisi city stay, 2 nights, 4 H B&B from £279 Istanbul city stay, 3 nights, B&B, 3 H from £199 or 4 H from £279 Batumi city stay*, 5 nights, B&B, 3 H from £539 or 4 H from £679 or 5 H from £799 *Please note the first night of this extension is spent in Tbilisi. No Single Supplement Rooms available with no single supplement. Once sold, single supplement starts from £529 145 Hundreds more escorted tours are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk