Mercury Holidays 2021-2023 Brochure

Explore the 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 scenic vineyards. Day 1: UK to Tbilisi, Georgia Depart the UK on your overnight flight via Istanbul. Day 2: Tbilisi D Upon arrival, the afternoon is at leisure, followed by a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Day 3: Tbilisi B Begin today’s tour in the old district. Continue to the splendid Metekhi Church, before taking a cable car ride to the Narikala Fortress. Next, visit the National Museum, discover The Leaning Clock Tower, and walk along the Bridge of Peace. Day 4: Tbilisi to Dilijan, Armenia B/L/D Travel to Sadakhlo and visit the Haghpat monastery. Before arriving at Dilijan, learn about the traditions of the Molokan people and enjoy pancakes with a traditionally brewed cup of tea. Day 5: Dilijan to Yerevan B/L/D Today, visit Dilijan’s old town before marvelling at Lake Sevan, and Monastery Sevanavank. From here, continue onto Kotayk, to the Geghard Monastery, then the Garni Pagan Temple. Later, try your hand at a Lavash bread-making master class. Day 6: Yerevan B/L Start today’s tour at the Republic Square. Next, stroll down Abovyan Street, before a visit to the Armenian Genocide Museum. Continue to the Cafesjian Centre of Art complex, then the Matenadaran Museum and Scientific Institute. Enjoy lunch at the Megerian carpet factory, before visiting the History Museum of Armenia. Day 7: Yerevan B/L Enjoy a visit to the Khor Virap monastery, located near the snow-peaked Mount Ararat. Return to Yerevan to discover the Etchmiadzin Cathedral, before visiting the Yerevan Brandy Factory. Day 8: Yerevan to Tbilisi B/L En route to Tbilisi, stop at the highlands north of Yerevan, and see the ruins of Amberd Fortress before enjoying lunch at the Perch Proshian House Museum. Day 9: Tbilisi B/L Today, travel to Sighnaghi, taking in the views of Alazani Valley and Caucasus Mountains. Later, enjoy lunch hosted by a local family and take a master-class in the production of Churchkhela Georgian sweets, before a wine-tasting. Head to the Gremi complex, and finish exploring the gardens of Duke Alexandre Chavchavadze Palace. Day 10: Tbilisi to Stepantsminda B/D Embark on a tour of Mtskheta, visiting the majestic Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, and Jvari Monastery. Continue to the Stalin Museum in Gori and drive up Georgian military highway. Make a stop at the Ananuri architectural complex before a scenic drive leads to the high Caucasus mountains. Day 11: Stepantsminda B/D After breakfast, travel to the rolling verdant hills in Gergetis Sameba. Enjoy a visual feast of natural beauty as you travel to the village of Juta, before ending 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. Treasures of Georgia and Armenia Gergeti Trinity Church, Stepantsminda Tour highlights ✔ Enjoy city tours of Tbilisi, Yerevan and Mtskheta ✔ Marvel at Haghpat Monastery ✔ Explore the traditional Old Town of Dilijan ✔ Take in breath-taking vistas at the enchanting Lake Sevan ✔ Enjoy a tasting and visit at Yerevan Brandy Factory Visit our website or call for full prices and departure dates  Stepantsminda Tbilisi Dilijan Yerevan < < Armenia Georgia     Coach Air No Single Supplement Rooms available with no single supplement. Once sold, single supplement starts from £489 Private Tour Upgrade From £649 . Includes a private guide, transport and choice of departure date. 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 Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul). Regional departures available from Manchester, Gatwick, and Birmingham Tour pace: Intermediate Extend your tour Tbilisi city stay, 2 nights, 4 H B&B from £249 Istanbul city stay, 3 nights, B&B 3 H from £179 or 4 H from £269 *Batumi city stay, 5 nights, B&B 3 H from £499 or 4 H from £639 *Please note the first night ofthis extension is spent in Tbilisi. Ready to find out more? For further details, check prices and availability, and explore all of our holidays visit our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk or call our experienced team free on 0800 298 9865 132 Europe 12 days from £1,789 P R I V A T E T O U R U P G R A D E S F R O M £649