Premium Turkey & the Caucasus

Hoş geldin! Welcome to Turkey. Your adventure begins in Istanbul – the continent-straddling metropolis that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans have all once called home. If arriving today, you’ll have a complimentary transfer to your hotel from the airport. If you arrive early, maybe grab lunch at one of the city’s many eateries. Your adventure then begins with a welcome meeting at 1 pm. After, you’ll head out with your local leader and small group to explore the Old City of Istanbul. Your leader will introduce you to some of the city’s historic treasures, including the dazzling Blue Mosque, the ancient Hippodrome and the Million – a stone road marker in use since the fourth century. This evening, get to know your fellow travellers over dinner at a stylish restaurant where local delicacies are paired with panoramic views of the Bosphorus.

Rise and shine for an early breakfast, then begin the drive to Canakkale – a port city located on the shores of the Dardanelles. Arrive in time to buy yourself some lunch, then head to the Gallipoli Peninsula. Thousands from across the world journey here each year to pay respect to those who lost their lives in the battles of 1915. Tour the former battlefields and find remnants of trenches used by the Turkish soldiers. Head up to the memorials of Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair while your leader explains the significance of the events across the landscape. Look down upon the rough hills and gullies that became the graveyard for thousands of young men on both sides. After a day that will no doubt be full of sombre reflection, the evening is free for you to do as you wish in Canakkale.

Drive to Selcuk and stop along the way in Troy, where history and mythology sit side by side. Your leader will take you around the ancient city walls – there will be time for a photo op with a replica Trojan horse. Learn how the site has confounded historians and archaeologists, then continue to Selcuk. Join your leader for an orientation walk around this sprawling town at the base of the ancient Ayasoluk Hill fortress. Visit the last remaining column of the Temple of Artemis, the ancient aqueducts and the 14th-century Isabey Mosque.

Today, visit one of the best-preserved classical cities in the eastern Mediterranean and arguably the greatest Greco-Roman site in the world – Ephesus. Learn from your leader what life here was like as you tour the ancient theatre, stroll the marble streets once walked by Cleopatra and Mark Antony and marvel at the gymnasium, baths and restored Library of Celsus. Later, drive past apple and peach orchards to the quaint village of Sirince, where charming, red-roofed houses clamber up the hillside. Drop by a local wine house where you’ll taste locally produced fruit wines. Try a sip of kiwi, pear, peach, quince or all the above. Next, you’ll meet a local chef for a Turkish cooking class, using olive oil grown and made on-site and herbs and vegetables picked fresh from the garden. Learn how to make a range of small Turkish meze dishes using seasonal ingredients. Enjoy the fruits of your labour with an evening dinner of the mouth-watering meze plates you’ve made together.

After breakfast this morning, travel to the town of Pamukkale. Named after its incredible travertine terraces, Pamukkale means ‘cotton castle.’ This magical and spectacular natural phenomenon was created by deposits from thermal waters that cascaded down the mountainside over hundreds of years, forming a collection of pools and terraces. As the water overflows, dazzling cream-coloured stalactites are formed that, from afar, resemble cotton or snow. The pools are filled with waters that many believe have healing properties for circulation and the digestive system. Head up to the ruins of Hierapolis – an important Roman bath centre founded by the King of Pergamon in 190 BC, where your leader will bring history to life and guide you through an ancient temple, holy area, monumental fountain, bath, basilica, necropolis and an impressive theatre. You then have the evening free to spend how you wish.

Make the journey to the coast, stopping at the ghost village of Kayakoy. Abandoned after WWI and the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, this once-thriving village now lies as a sombre reminder of the human cost of war and politics. Spend some time on the eerie streets, then continue to Kas (meaning ‘eyebrow’) and begin exploring on a walking tour. Now primarily a holiday town, Kas is strewn with the remains of Lycian tombs, iconic, whitewashed walls covered with climbing bougainvillea and an ancient theatre where you can watch a spectacular sunset. The walk is sure to inspire your appetite, and your leader will be on hand to show you where to grab a great gozleme (stuffed Turkish flatbread). The rest of the afternoon is free to enjoy this easy-going town – maybe sit back with a pomegranate cocktail or check out the local markets.

Set off for a boat cruise around the islands today, with a local family who use their unique knowledge and love of the local waters to share a distinctly traditional way of cruising and eating with travellers. Cruise to their home village of Ucagiz, then to the village of Simena, where its friendly inhabitants sell ice cream in front of bougainvillea-covered houses. On board, you’ll enjoy a range of freshly prepared local greens, zucchini fritters and maybe even some Turkish raki. Sail from large bays to protected inlets where you can cool off with a swim in turquoise waters. Kick back with a cold beer or learn how to play Backgammon – Turkey’s most beloved game. Look out for the ruins of an ancient city submerged under the clear water. Return to Kas for an evening at your leisure.

Travel from Kas on a scenic route to Anatalya. Your accommodation is tucked away near the beach, but you may want to get out to explore Kaleici (the Old City) once you settle in. Head out on an early evening walk to see Hadrian's Gate, the Old Roman Harbour and all the photo-worthy views. Soak up the city’s Mediterranean atmosphere and attitude over a fresh seafood dinner – your leader can recommend some superb spots.

Wake up in beautiful Antalya and start your day with a guided visit through the Antalya Museum. The province of Antalya includes dozens of important ancient Hellenistic and Roman cities, and some of the best artefacts are on display in the museum’s 13 exhibition halls and open-air gallery. Travel to a lesser-known treasure – the archaeological site of Sagalassos. Set on the slopes of the Taurus mountains, the views from the site certainly deserve attention, but the ancient ruins are even more fascinating. Enjoy a guided visit through Agoras – a Roman bath complex with an intricately decorated fountain and a theatre. In the afternoon, return to Antalya. Maybe wander the narrow cobblestoned streets of Kaleici with an ice cream in hand, beat the heat with a dip in the sea or chill out poolside.

Say goodbye to Antalya and take a morning drive to Konya – an ancient city important in the Roman era and where the Sufi practice of 'whirling' was born. When you arrive, discover the mystic resting place of Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi, the 13th-century mystic, poet and theologian whose teachings continue to inspire and influence Muslims worldwide. Visit the small museum dedicated to his life and work. The rest of the day is free to get to know the city. Konya offers a wealth of museums, mosques and monuments worth visiting, so be sure to ask your leader for recommendations. For a leisurely afternoon, head to Alaeddin Hill, where locals sip coffee, eat pastries and let the hours slip by in peace.

Depart Konya and travel to Cappadocia, where your leader will take you on an orientation walk to get to know your new surroundings. Check in to your Feature Stay accommodation, where you’ll feel miles away from the modern world in a cave hotel that looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale. These unique rooms are carved into stone, featuring elegant décor and modern conveniences. Keep an eye out for hot air balloons passing overhead and head out for a drink to watch the sunset over one of the world’s more iconic places. The rest of the evening is free for you to take it all in, or you could opt for a performance of whirling by local Dervishes in a restored han (caravansary).

Early birds have the option of taking a hot air balloon over the ethereal Cappadocian landscape. The scene at sunrise is sure to take your breath away. After a relaxing breakfast overlooking the valley, step back in time with a visit to the Goreme Open Air Museum. See the incredible houses, churches and monasteries carved out of the soft cliff face as your leader shares stories of the civilisations who lived here. Next, you’ll visit a carpet weaving cooperative that empowers women by giving them the tools to produce one-of-a-kind traditional rugs. Hear local insight into the history of traditional carpet weaving and see how the intricate pieces are made. Later in the afternoon, go on a short walk through the cheekily named Love Valley, which is famous for its phallic rock formations. Then, head back to your hotel and perhaps take an optional Turkish bath to unwind at the end of the day.

Take a morning walk to see the fascinating rock formations of the Kizilcukur Valley. After lunch, head toward the red river of Avanos and descend to Ozkonak, where you’ll explore an underground city hollowed out of tufa rock that dates back to 400 BC. Return to the surface and visit the studio of a local ceramic master whose family have been in the pottery business for six generations. Speak with a local artist who will explain the history and techniques of traditional Turkish ceramics. Discover the rich clay from the red river and watch how it is moulded into exquisite pieces. This evening you’ll be warmly welcomed into the home of a local family who will prepare a special homecooked dinner for your group. Sit down to a feast made with passion, enjoy a friendly chat with your affable host and top off the night with some Turkish delight.

This morning, say goodbye to Cappadocia and return to where it all began – Istanbul. When you arrive, you may wish to join your leader for a trip across the Bosphorus to the Asian side of the city. Here you’ll find lively, close-knit communities and jumbles of cute cafes, markets and restaurants. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore more of the many charms of this enthralling city. This evening, consider rounding off your adventure by joining your group for an optional farewell dinner at one of Istanbul’s excellent waterfront restaurants.

Salam eleykim! Welcome to Azerbaijan. When you arrive at Baku Airport, you'll be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel. Baku is where ancient fortified buildings stand next to Russian imperial-style squares and ultra-modern architectural wonders. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive with time to spare, maybe walk down Nizami Street and observe its Baroque, Neo-Gothic and Neo-Renaissance architecture. After your meeting, head out for a local dinner with your newfound companions.

This morning, embark on a tour of the city with a local guide. Visit the fortified Old City, once the Medieval capital, where your guide will weave together the history of Baku, from the rule of the Shirvanshahs to the cosmopolitan city you see today. Stop by the Shemakha Gate, Maiden Tower (visit optional), Old Market Square and end with a guided tour of the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. Be sure to bring your camera as there will be some panoramic views of Baku's varied skyline. The rest of the day is free to explore at your own pace.

This morning, head out of the city on a half day trip to Qobustan, about 60 km south of Baku. Stop off along the way to view old oil rigs and learn how Azerbaijan was one of the birthplaces of the oil industry. Visit Qobustan National Park and one of the world's largest open-air archaeological museums, where a local guide will share the stories of ancient rock art dating back some 40,000 years. The prehistoric carvings depict scenes of hunting, fishing and gathering. Return to Baku in the afternoon for free time. Maybe visit one of Baku's most significant modern landmarks – the Heydar Aliyev Center designed by Zaha Hadid. This evening, you might like to take a walk along the waterfront to find a restaurant for dinner, keeping an eye out for the Baku Eye and Flame Towers that light up the city skyline at night.

Leave Baku and head for the Caucasus Mountains in the northwest of Azerbaijan. Watch arid landscapes slowly give way to densely forested mountains. Along the way, you’ll stop at the Yeddi Gumbaz Mausoleum and the Juma Mosque in Shamakhi. When you arrive in Sheki, visit a local craft workshop where the famous shebeke (stained-glass windows with intricately carved frames) are made by hand. You’ll also visit the acclaimed Palace of Shaki Khans to see its magnificent frescoes and stained glass. Enjoy a final evening of Azerbaijani cuisine during an included dinner at a local restaurant.

Have breakfast at the hotel before driving to Lagodekhi – a town at the Azerbaijan–Georgia border where you’ll change transportation. From here, travel to Georgia's Kakheti region, known for its winemaking. Have lunch with a local wine making family, which includes delicious homemade cuisine, wine and chacha (a local brandy). There will also be time to listen to unique Georgian polyphonic songs – a traditional style of music prevalent in the Kakheti region. After, travel to your beautiful accommodation near Telavi, tucked into the foothills of the Tsiv-Gombori mountains. Your hotel has a swimming pool, a marvellous on-site restaurant and unbeatable views of the Alazani Valley and Caucasus mountains.

Following breakfast, explore the famous Telavi Bazaar. Wander through stalls selling fresh produce and aromatic spices as your leader picks out some local specialties for you to try. After snacking your way through the market, drive to Tbilisi. You’re free to explore at your own pace when you arrive, so you might like to wander the old districts of Georgia’s capital to see the colourful houses, patterned balconies and revamped modern architecture. Your leader will always have some great restaurant recommendations ready for dinner.

This morning you’ll head out on a walking tour with a local guide, which includes the 13th-century Metekhi Church and amazing views over old Tbilisi. Take a cable car to the ancient Narikala Fortress – a former Persian citadel with a history stretching back to the 4th century. Here, your guide will share the layered history of the fortress while you take in sweeping views across Tbilisi. Then make your way to a historic part of the city where you’ll learn a little more about Tbilisi’s past. The name translates to ‘warm place,’ which is thought to be after the bubbling hot springs the city was built around. This afternoon, maybe visit one of the local bathhouses for a dip.

Today, you’ll visit Mtskheta – the ancient capital and religious centre of Georgia. Visit World Heritage-listed sites with your local guide as they share fascinating histories. After, visit the Tserovani Refugee Settlement – home to 8000 people displaced by the 2008 conflict between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Georgia over South Ossetia. While here you’ll visit an enamel jewellery workshop run by a social enterprise offering training and employment to displaced youth and women within the settlement. Meet the artists whose pieces tell the story of Georgia, and with their guidance, maybe even design a piece for yourself. Have a light lunch, then tour the settlement to learn about the issues surrounding long-term displacement faced by thousands of Georgia’s citizens. In the afternoon, drive to Borjomi Spa Town, famous for its naturally fizzy mineral water. Stay overnight at your Feature Stay hotel here, located in the former residence of the Iranian consul in a building with almost 130 years of history.

Today, drive to the once mighty cave city of Vardzia, with a stop along the way at the 10th-century Khertvisi Fortress. Vardzia stretches over half a kilometre along the river Mtkvari and has 19 tiers of winding cobbled streets. There is a church hewn out in rock with 12th-century frescos and the complex also includes dwelling quarters, small hall-type churches, refectories and wine cellars. Tour the site with a local guide who will provide historical context and explain the rise and fall of the city, which now serves as a working monastery. Head back to Borjomi for the evening, and maybe ask your leader to recommend the tastiest Georgian dishes for dinner, like khinkali (spicy dumplings) or tatarberaki (a local Meskhetian version of pasta).

In the morning you’ll visit Gori – the birthplace of Joseph Stalin. Your leader will take you on a city tour before you visit the Stalin Museum. See the sites of Gori, including The Memorial of Georgian War Heroes and Gori Fortress, and delve into its artistic side to see traditional ornamental mosaics. After, drive the renowned Georgian Military Highway, which eventually leads to the Georgia–Russia border. On the way, you'll visit the Ananuri architectural complex – two churches and a fortress that overlook the Zhinvali water reservoir. Your leader will explain how the carvings on the churches are some of the best surviving examples of Georgian art. Take a scenic drive through the Caucasus Mountains and arrive at your hotel in Gudauri, where you’ll have dinner with the group.

Enjoy a scenic drive from Gudauri along the Tergi River before arriving in Stepantsminda. From here, head into the heart of the Caucasus Mountains, hop in 4WDs and take the mountain road to Gergeti Trinity Church, 2170 m above sea level. Weather depending, you may catch a glimpse of Mt Kazbegi. On the way back to Gudauri, stop at the small village of Sno to explore the local version of Easter Island – a park with half a dozen massive stone heads representing famous figures of Georgian history. Return to Gudauri this afternoon for some free time – the perfect opportunity to enjoy the mountain air and views. Your hotel has many facilities, including a wellness centre.

Have breakfast in Gudauri before driving to Sadakhlo – a village at the Georgia–Armenia border. On the way to the border, stop in Tbilisi to break the journey and have lunch. Continue to Armenia and after completing all the formalities, begin the Armenian leg of your adventure with a visit to Haghpat Monastery, listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site. Haghpat stands as an example of one of the most outstanding works of medieval Armenian architecture and your leader will give you an introduction to the country’s history and design. Continue to Dzoraget, where you’ll spend the night surrounded by views of the Debed River.

After breakfast, you'll meet your Armenian driver and local guide and drive to the reflective waters of Lake Sevan, nicknamed ‘The Pearl of Armenia’. Sevan is one of the largest fresh-water high-altitude lakes in the world. Visit Sevanavank Monastery, which overlooks the water on the Peninsula. Move on to the village of Garni to visit the first century Garni Temple, where your guide will explain how it was built by the Armenian King Tiridates and dedicated to Mithra, the God of the Sun. Be treated to a special local performance in the temple and hear the magnificent sounds of the Duduk – a flute-like instrument originating in Armenia and currently listed on the UNESCO in-tangible Cultural Heritage List. Travel northeast of Garni, higher up the gorge of the Azat River, to the magnificent Geghard Monastery. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed site is partly carved out of a mountain and surrounded by cliffs. In the afternoon, drive to Armenia’s capital, Yerevan, where you’ll spend the next two evenings.

This morning your local guide will introduce you to the sights and sounds of Yerevan on a tour of the city. Established in 782 BC, Armenia’s capital is one of the oldest cities in the world. Nowadays, the city’s liveliness comes from its ancient culture mixed with a modern lifestyle. Visit the Armenian Genocide Museum to learn the tragic history of this region, then the afternoon is free for reflection or further exploration. Tonight, join your group for a final dinner at a local restaurant. Armenian cuisine is built on a foundation of fresh local produce and meat. Maybe try some khorovats (a barbecued kebab) or spas (a refreshing yoghurt soup).

Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you would like to spend some more time in Yerevan, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.