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Armenia and Eastern Turkey

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Why Book With Us?

  • 100 % refund guarantee
  • Customer care available 24/7
  • Hand-picked Hotels & Activities
  • Local Tour Operator, first hand info

Got a question?

Don’t hesitate to contact us. Our experts are always happy to answer your questions.

+37493814102

info@thecascadetravel.com

  • 12 days / 11 nights
  • Small Group: max 13 p.
  • Physical rating - Easy

Visa information

USA, The UK, Australia, UAE, and EU member countries citizens are exempt from visas to Armenia and Georgia. For the visa information for other countries citizens please check Visa section.

Why you'll love this trip
  • The trip includes cultural highlights of Armenia. You’ll explore the jewels of Armenia’s spiritual architecture, starting from pagan times. Will visit the oldest church in the world and explore medieval monasteries. Admire ancient manuscripts in the third largest depository in the world. Seek in the rural life of Armenia, be a desired guest to local families, visit wineries, a cheese farm, enjoy Armenian traditional meals. Visit 12th century Caravanserai on the section of The Great Silk Road.
  • The second part of the tour offers incredible Eastern Turkey with ancient cities of the once mighty Armenian Kingdom. Visit the ruins of Ani, the city of thousand churches, once a capital of the Armenian Kingdom. Admire the views of Biblical Mount Ararat, boat in the Lake Van to another jewel of Armenian architecture Akhtamar Church of Holy Cross. Admire the Urartian kingdom artifacts in the Van Archaeological Museum. These elements combined create an unforgettable travel experience, making Armenia and Eastern Turkey a must-visit destination.
Is this trip right for you?
  • * Please note that we will cover short distances of up to 200 km daily. However, some of the unique attractions that add significant value to this tour require a drive of up to 300 kilometers, resulting in 5-6 hours of driving in just 2 days.
  • * Please know that we will not have any walking on this tour. Our car will take you to different attractions. You can relax and enjoy this trip.
  • * The tour ends inVan, providing flights to Istanbul and you can continue exploring this beautiful city.
Day by day itinerary

Day 1Arrival - Yerevan Old & New

Welcome to lively and ancient Yerevan. Our tour starts from Victory Park, from where we will enjoy the panoramic view of Yerevan and the magnificent Mount Ararat. Next, we will explore the Cascade complex. This dynamic area is popular with locals for its cafes, restaurants, and beautiful artwork. Our journey continues to Matenadaran, one of the largest repositories of manuscripts in the world. During the tour, we will pass famous landmarks such as the Opera House, Northern Avenue, and their surroundings, showcasing a mix of architectural styles. Our way will take us to the center of Yerevan, Republic Square, a lively center full of historical information about Armenia and Yerevan. We will also explore the remote part of the city, the Kond district, away from the center. We will have a leisurely walk through the narrow streets of Kond, which will take us back to the past era, opening a unique view of the capital.

Included Activities:

  • Yerevan Walking tour
  • Matenadaran visit
  • Republic Square

 Hotel in Yerevan
 Not included
8 hours

Day 2Armenian Religious Center - Ejmiatsin

Today we will go out of the city to explore the Armavir region. Our first stop will be the famous Etchmiadzin Cathedral, the world’s first Christian church. Next, we will visit the famous memorial and ethnographic museum of Sardarapat. The architecture of the museum faithfully replicates the medieval Armenian fortifications. On the way back to Yerevan, we will pass by the ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral. It is a 7th-century structure with a stunning backdrop of Mount Ararat. Here you can see excavated wine cellars, which proves that winemaking has been practiced in this region for a long time. In the evening, we will return to Yerevan, where you can enjoy a peaceful evening or immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant cultural scene. Options abound, including attending an opera or ballet performance or visiting a glamorous jazz club featuring world-class musicians, all at affordable prices.

Included Activities:   

  • Etchmiadzin Cathedral visit
  • Zvartnots Cathedral visit

 Hotel in Yerevan
  Breakfast
7 hours

Day 3Southwestern Armenian Treasures

We will start our third day with a visit to Khor Virap Monastery. It is the birthplace of Christianity as the state religion. Here you will immerse yourself in the history of Armenia and have a wonderful view of the Biblical Mount Ararat. Then our tour will take us to the Old Areni Winery where we taste local wines made from the endemic grape, Areni. We will have lunch at a local guest house, where we will taste traditional Armenian dishes. Our next stop is Areni 1 Cave, the world’s oldest winery, dating back an astonishing 6,100 years. The world’s oldest shoe was also found here. Then we will go to Noravank, among the red rocks built from the same stone. Then we will pass by the beautiful Spandaryan Reservoir. Evening we will reach Goris, and a nice dinner awaits at the hotel in Goris.

Included Activities:   

  • Khor Virap visit
  • Noravank Monastery visit
  • Wine tasting at Areni Winery

 Hotel in Goris
  Breakfast
8 hours

Day 4Cave Town & World's Longest Cable Car

On the fourth day, our adventure begins in the historic village of Khndzoresk, where we will discover a large number of caves where people lived up to the first half of 20th cnetury. The swinging bridge will connect us with the Old and New Khndzoresks. Later on we will have a delicious lunch in a restaurant with a wonderful view of Tatev Monastery. Tatev Monastery is one of the most significant and picturesque historical places in Armenia. Tatev Monastery was an important cultural, educational, and spiritual center in the Middle Ages. In the 14th and 15th centuries, it had a university where scientists studied and taught various subjects. We will also have experience in the Tatev cable car. This cable car is one of the longest in the world, spanning over 5.7 kilometers (about 3.5 miles) and offering stunning views of the Vorotan Gorge. On the way, we will have a stop at the magnificent Shaki waterfall. The next place will be Hermon village for rest and overnight. If the weather conditions are good, we will see a night sky and find ourselves searching for the Milky Way among the stars.

Included Activities: 

  • Visit Khndzoresk
  • Tatev Monastery
  • Shaki waterfall

 

 

 Hotel in Hermon village 
  Breakfast

Day 5Silk Road & Armenian Switzerland

Today we will travel in time. Let’s go along the historic Silk Road. We will have a stop at Selim’s caravanserai, where traders from China, India, and Europe used to stop. From the pass, we will have an indescribable view of endless cascading mountains on the horizon. Continuing our journey, we will visit Noratus Khachkars, located in the village of Noratus, which is famous for its collection of khachkars. Here we will have the opportunity to visit a family cheese farm and taste the unique flavors of local aged cheeses infused with wine and brandy. Driving along Lake Sevan, one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world, located at an altitude of about 2000 meters, we will enjoy a family lunch in a local house. Our next stop is Dilijan, often referred to as Armenia’s “little Switzerland”, known for its national parks and invigorating mountain air. Exploring the Old Dilijan complex, characterized by its charming wooden terraces and artisan shops, we will take a stroll through this picturesque town, immersing ourselves in its wonderful atmosphere.

Included Activities:   

  • Noratus Khachkars
  • Family lunch in a local house
  • Little Switzerland- Dilijan visit
  • Old Dilijan complex visit

 Hotel in Dilijan
  Breakfast
10 hours

Day 6UNESCO World Heritage Sites

In the framework of our program, Lori is included on the sixth day. Lori region allows you to admire centuries-old churches of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Here we will have a great opportunity to visit the two ancient monasteries of Aghtala and Hagpat. However, Dsegh village is definitely a must-see. It impresses its visitors with its wonderful nature, people, and interesting cultural places. We will have lunch together in a local restaurant. 

Included Activities:   

  • Akhtala monastery visit 
  • Hagpat monastery visit
  • Dsegh village visit

 Hotel in Dsegh
  Breakfast
8 hours

Day 7 A City of Arts and Crafts

During all those days, we tried our best to show our guests the Armenian culture and history, but the seventh day promised to be more interesting. We will visit the second-largest city of Armenia, Gyumri. It is the creative capital and historical center of the country with its black and orange architecture, pottery workshops, and beautiful cafes. The tour will continue to another ancient Marmashen Monastery with its incredible location on the Akhuryan River and the Armenian-Turkish borders.

Included Activities:   

  • Gyumri visit
  • Marmashen Monastery visit

 Hotel in Gyumri
  Breakfast
10 hours 

Day 8Gyumri- Akhalkalaki - Kars

After breakfast, we checked out from the hotel in Gyumri and continued our trip to Kars via Akhalkalaki. We will pass the Armenia-Georgia border and later after a 2.5-hour drive, we reach the Georgian–Turkish border. Here we change the vehicle and guide and pass the border. After passing the border we are going to Kars for rest and overnight.

 Hotel in Kars 
  Breakfast
9 hours

Day 9 Kars-Ani-Kars

After breakfast, we will continue to Ani․ No mention of a visit to Kars would be complete without a visit to the stunning ruins of Ani. At one time, Ani was the flourishing capital of the Armenian Bagratunyat kingdom. It is currently a dilapidated but impressive structure in a beautiful valley that you must see if you are in western Turkey.  The remains of the city include several churches also the shell of the Cathedral of Ani, a mosque along a well-preserved defensive wall. the citadel, The city of Ani is located on the border with Armenia. After that, we will drive back to Kars and visit Fethiye Mosque and 12 Apostles Church.

Included Activities:   

  •  Visit the ruins of Ani
  • Visit Fethiye Mosque
  • Visit 12 Apostles Church

 Hotel in Kars 
  Breakfast
9 hours

Day 10Dogubeyazit-Ararat-Van

After having breakfast, we will drive to Dogubeyazit, passing the Biblical mountain of Ararat, and visiting the Ishak Pasha Palace. Ishak Pasha Palace is an impressive historic site in Eastern Turkey, renowned for its unique blend of architectural styles and historical significance.  It is situated on a hill, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape and Biblical Mount Ararat.İshak Pasha Palace is a must-visit for its architectural beauty, historical importance, and picturesque setting. Then we will go to the city of Van. On the way, we will have a stop in Muradiye waterfall. You can admire not only the waterfall but also the impressive surroundings. The waterfall is unique in all seasons. 

Included Activities:   

  • Ishak Pasha Palace
  • Muradiye waterfall

 Hotel in Van
  Breakfast
9 hours

 

Day 11Van

After breakfast, we will visit the Van Archaeology  Museum. It is a notable institution showcasing the region’s rich cultural and historical heritage. Extensive collection of artifacts from the Urartian period, including inscriptions, weapons, jewelry, and pottery. Then we boat to Akdamar Island where we visit the beautifully restored 10th-century Armenian Church of the Holy Cross also known as Akdamar Church. We end the day and our tour with a visit to the 3000-year-old Castle of Van to watch the sunset over Lake Van. The sunsets here are known for their rich and varied hues, including orange, pink, red, purple, and gold. Colors often blend seamlessly into one another, creating a dynamic and ever-changing canvas. And Lake Vana acts like a mirror, reflecting the bright colors of the sunset. This creates a stunning visual effect where the sky and water seem to merge making the scene even more beautiful.

Included Activities:   

  • Visit the Van Archaeology  Museum
  • Visit Akdamar church
  • Visit the castle of Van
  • Visit Lake Vana

 Hotel in Van
  Breakfast
9 hours

Day 12Departure Day

In the morning after breakfast enjoy your free time and get ready for your flight. Check out from the hotel and your private airport transfer will move you to the airport. 

Map
Price Includes
  • Transportation
  • Private airport transfers
  • Air conditioned private transportation
  • Local Experience
  • Brandy tasting in Ararat Brandy factory
  • Wine tasting in Areny winery
  • Cheese tasting in family farm
  • Tatever Cable Car
  • Museums
  • Entrance fees to museums
  • Museum guide fees
  • Hotels
  • Overnight stays in double / twin rooms for 11 nights
  • Meals
  • 11 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 2 dinners
  • Staff & experts
  • English speaking local guides
  • 24 / 7 customer support service
Price Exludes
  • Airfare
  • Tips
  • Room service fees
  • Any private expenses
  • Single Supplement-€ 220 whole tour
  • 4* upgrade-€ 35 per night
  • Extra night price-€ 70
Hotels

Armenia cultural tour is calculated based on comfortable, centrally located 3-star hotels. Upgrade to 4* is available upon request. 

BOOKING & PAYMENT
CANCELLATION & REFUND

Select your convenient date below and click “Book now”. Pop up contact form opens to send your contact deatails. We receive email & respond you answering all your questionstions. When every detail is confirmed, we send a prepayment link.  Read more detailed on booking terms.

You may cancel your tour without penalty up to 10 days before the tour start date. Your prepayment is fully refundable up to 10 days prior to the tour start date. Although we guarantee a full refund of the prepayment, we will not cover any bank transaction fees which will be deducted from the refunded amount.

Dates & Prices 2025
DatesStatusPrice per person
17 Apr - 28 Apr Guaranteed from 2 p.€2,197
08 May - 19 May Guaranteed from 2 p.€2,197
29 May - 8 June Guaranteed from 2 p.€2,197
12 June - 23 June Guaranteed from 2 p.€2,197
26 June - 07 July Guaranteed from 2 p.€2,197
17 July - 28 July Guaranteed from 2 p.€2,197
21 Aug - 1 Sep Guaranteed from 2 p.€2,197
04 Sep - 15 Sep Guaranteed from 2 p.€2,197
25 Sep - 06 Oct Guaranteed from 2 p.€2,197
02 Oct - 13 Oct Guaranteed from 2 p.€2,197
06 Nov - 17 Nov Guaranteed from 2 p.€2,197
 
Tips

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Introduction 

Before embarking on your unforgettable journey through Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia, a little preparation can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re immersing yourself in the rich history of Armenia, experiencing the vibrant culture of Georgia, exploring the diverse landscapes of Azerbaijan, or combining these captivating destinations, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure. Each country offers a unique blend of ancient sites, stunning landscapes, and cultural treasures that will leave you with lasting memories.

Let’s dive into the essentials to consider before you pack your bags!

Health 

Your health and well-being are important during your travels in Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia. Here are a few health-related tips to help you prepare for your journey:

  • Altitude: Some areas, particularly in Armenia and Georgia, can be at higher altitudes (above 2,400 meters). If you have concerns about high altitudes, especially respiratory,  heart conditions, or high blood pressure consult your doctor beforehand. 
  • Medications: If you take any prescription medications, be sure to bring enough for the entire trip, as well as any necessary documentation. It’s also a good idea to carry a small first-aid kit with essentials like pain relievers, bandages, and hand sanitizer.
  • Water and Food: Tap water in Armenia is generally safe to drink, and you’ll also find many public drinking fountains throughout the country, especially in cities and towns, where you can refill your bottle for free. In Georgia and Azerbaijan, it’s advisable to drink bottled water. Local food is mostly local dishes are mostly pleasing to the European palate․ Bees, lamb, and pork are widely used in meals as well as beans, veggies, greens, and fruits. 
  • Climate: The weather can vary depending on the time of year and region. Summers can be hot (32-36°C), especially in lowland areas of Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan, while mountainous regions may be cooler. It’s important to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and dress in layers to adjust to changing temperatures.
Safety and Security

While general international travel advice always applies, we pride ourselves on having up-to-date knowledge of roads, borders, and local conditions. We never take risks with routes that could compromise safety. This commitment not only protects our reputation but also ensures we provide reliable, responsible travel experiences.

At Cascade Travel, we are dedicated to sustainably growing our business, creating meaningful economic impacts, and contributing positively to the region we love.

Despite the exceptionally low levels of crime and theft we recommend using a neck wallet or money belt to securely store your passport, tickets, cash, and other important items. Many hotels offer safety deposit boxes for your valuables, and we advise locking your luggage for extra security.

Taxis are generally safe and widely available in cities, often found on nearly every corner. For added convenience and safety, we recommend downloading the Yandex Taxi application, which is available in all three countries.  This app allows you to book rides without the need to bargain, ensuring transparent pricing and reliable service.

 Documents to Take
  • Passport (required) (With photocopies)
  • Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies if required)
  • Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
  • Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
  • Vouchers and pre-departure information (required
Visa and Entry Requirements
  • Armenia and Georgia: Citizens of the USA, the UK, Australia, UAE, and EU member countries are exempt from visas for stays of up to 90 days in Armenia and Georgia. However, confirming the latest requirements before your departure is always a good idea, you can always check with your tour manager. 
  • Azerbaijan: An e-visa is required for travelers visiting Azerbaijan. We provide full Azerbaijan visa support and will need documents to apply for your visa. The visa fee is included in the tour price. 
Travel Insurance

Although travel insurance is not required by law in these countries, it’s always better to be safe and prepared for any unexpected situations during your trip.

Currencies and Payments
  • Armenia – Armenian Dram (AMD).
  • Georgia – Georgian Lari (GEL).
  • Azerbaijan – Azerbaijani Manat (AZN).

Card payment is available in major cities, In all three countries, Visa, Mastercard & AMEX are acceptable. The bank may charge a fee for overseas withdrawals. ATMs are accessible in most of the regional towns, however, when traveling to regions and rural areas it is recommended to have cash in local currency. A balanced mix of cards and cash is the ideal approach. Exchange points with good rates are available in the capital cities.

Emergency Contact

For any emergency issue, feel free to call the numbers listed below: If you do not receive an immediate answer (due to nighttime), please try several times, we inquire you will receive an answer within 15 minutes. 

Ms. Nune Tatunts +18054105107 / +374 93814102 / +374 9558189

Tour organization:


Solo Travelers

We warmly welcome solo travelers on all our tours! Please note that if you are traveling solo, a single supplement (single room and shared double room per person price difference) is mandatory, and an additional fee will apply. However, if there is another solo traveler of the same gender in your group, we will ask if they are open to sharing a twin room. If both parties agree, we’ll book a twin room, thus you’ll avoid paying the single supplement.

Hotels

For accommodations in cities, we carefully select tried-and-tested hotels that are centrally located, ensuring you’re near the heart of the city and its main attractions.

In regional areas, we choose the best options within the price segment, providing a comfortable stay that blends relaxation with a unique local experience. Each property is chosen to ensure a balance of quality, convenience, and memorable hospitality.

Tour Transportation

We ensure comfortable and efficient transportation tailored to the size of your group:

  • For 2-3 participants, a professional guide-driver will accompany you throughout the journey.
  • For 4-5 participants, a spacious minivan will be provided.
  • For groups of 6-13 participants, a comfortable 20-seater minibus will be arranged.

All vehicles are well-maintained and air-conditioned to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.

Airport Transfers

In all our tours we include airport transfers: 

We will meet you with the Cascade Travel sign if nothing additional is communicated to you. Alternatively, find your name printed on A4 paper. If you cannot find the company of your name sign within 15 minutes after entering the airport arrival hall, call the emergency contact number listed above.

Your arrival transfer is arranged based on the flight information provided to us. If your flight schedule changes or is canceled within 48 hours of arrival, provide the info via email. If you don’t inform us, we will not be able to arrange the transfer, and you’ll need to make your way to the starting hotel at your own expense.

Meals

During your trip, meals are carefully selected to offer a taste of the local cuisine. You’ll enjoy a variety of traditional dishes that showcase the rich culinary heritage of Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan.

Some meals are included in your tour package, typically breakfast and a selection of local lunches or dinners. For meals not included in the tour price.

  • Lunch – 15 EUR
  • Dinner – 25 EUR(including a glass of wine)

These countries are also vegetarian-friendly, with many delicious plant-based options available throughout your journey. 

Please let us know in advance if you have any dietary restrictions or special requests, and we will do our best to accommodate them.

Feedback Handling

We value your feedback and want to thank you! 

After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback is incredibly important to us, as we use it to improve our services and add/remove specific services for future tours. 

We are happy to provide a 10% discount to your friends or family if they book with us with your referral. Thus we inspire you to give feedback, which is great first-hand information for us and a small pleasant present to your friends traveling with us.

Tipping

Tipping is appreciated for good service, though it is not mandatory. Here are some general guidelines to help you. Tipping is usually done at the end of the tour, in cash, directly to the guide and driver.

  • Guide: 4-5 USD per day for your guide is a fair amount, depending on the quality of service. If you feel the guide has gone above and beyond, you may tip more.
  • Driver:  2-3 USD per day is recommended, though this can be adjusted based on the level of service provided.
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