22 Days Caucasus and Anatolia

About the destination: The city of Yerevan is the capital of Armenia, which is the largest city in the country at the same time. The city was founded in 782 BC to the West of what is known today as Armenia, in the eastern part of the plain of Mount Ararat. The city is at the same time the headquarters of the most important cultural, artistic and industrial associations in the country, also of policies. The city has great activity during all times of the year. We find a wide variety of tourist attractions in the city: museums, parks, landmarks in the history of the country... Without a doubt a place that is worth much by its long history and the great diversity of places that are worth visiting such as: cascade, the square of the Republic...

About the destination: Dilijan, the hidden gem of Armenia, is a must-visit destination for those seeking a peaceful and serene getaway. Nestled in the heart of the Tavush region, Dilijan offers stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and a relaxing atmosphere. The town is surrounded by lush forests, crystal-clear rivers, and majestic mountains, making it an ideal destination for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. Visitors can explore the Dilijan National Park, which covers an area of 240 square kilometers and is home to over 900 species of plants and animals. Dilijan is also known for its distinctive architecture, which blends traditional Armenian design with European influences. The town's historic center is home to numerous cultural and religious landmarks, including the Dilijan Monastery, the Haghartsin Monastery, and the Goshavank Monastery. For those looking to unwind and relax, Dilijan offers a range of spa and wellness facilities, as well as a variety of local cuisine and wines to indulge in. The town's quaint streets are dotted with cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the local culture. With its picturesque landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and peaceful atmosphere, Dilijan is a destination that should not be missed by any traveler visiting Armenia.

About the destination: Tbilisi is the capital of Georgia, but beyond that, is the country's largest city. Georgia is technically located in Eurasia, but its inhabitants prefer to say they are the "Balcony of Europe". Tbilisi is a very welcoming city where there is a very hospitable environment. In the city there are many tourist areas and a variety of activities to do. Some of the most famous tourist attractions of this city can be monuments like the Cathedral of Sameba which was built in 2004 and is an orthodox mainly cathedral and the beautiful Square of Liberty, which is located in the city center. For culture lovers, Tbilisi is a great city because it has several museums including the National Museum of Georgia which brings several important museums in various parts of the country or the Historical Museum where you can learn all about the history of this city. For mountain lovers, Tbilisi is as well an ideal place as it is quite hilly. One of the best known is the Mtatsminda Mountain. You can make outdoor activities like taking a balloon ride, hiking, bike tours. Do not forget to visit the botanical Georgia National Park, which is ideal for relaxing walks. Is also perfect for children, theywill enjoy the aerial tramway or the Mtatsminda amusement park, both theme parks where children will have a great time. Tbilisi is also quite active at night, some recommended sites are the pub Nali, where there is a great atmosphere or other like Bottle shock. Overall it is a very friendly town, with a very nice atmosphere and ideal for visiting with the family and have a pleasant holiday which you not forget.

About the destination: Batumi is the second-largest city of Georgia, located on the coast of the Black Sea in the country's southwest Situated in a subtropical zone near the foot of the Lesser Caucasus Mountains, Batumi is a popular tourist destination known for its varying weather–it is a bustling seaside resort during warm seasons, but can get entirely covered in snow during winter. Much of Batumi's economy revolves around tourism and gambling, but the city is also an important sea port and includes industries like shipbuilding, food processing and light manufacturing. Since 2010, Batumi has been transformed by the construction of modern high-rise buildings, as well as the restoration of classical 19th-century edifices lining its historic Old Town.

About the destination: Baku is the capital and largest city of Azerbaijan, as well as the largest city on the Caspian Sea and of the Caucasus region. It is located on the southern shore of the Absheron Peninsula, which projects into the Caspian Sea. Baku's main tourist area is the old town, called Icheri Sheher and a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its sights from medieval times. There are a number of interesting sites within Baku's walled fortress. The medieval palace of the Shirvan Shahs is the highlight of the Old City and a must see for any tourist in Baku. A striking contrast to the old town, are the ultra-modern buildings of the downtown area, such as the Heydar Aliyev Centre, the Flame Towers and the Crystal Hall. There are a lot of beautiful buildings in the city center and there is a huge promenade on the seafront. You will find a lot of shopping opportunities and also great food in the azeri restaurants.

About the destination: Istanbul owes its historic importance and its amazing cultural and architectural heritage to its perfect strategic location, straddling the Bosphorus straits which separate Europe and Asia Minor. Through most of its 2,500-year-long history, the city (first known as Byzantium, then as Constantinople and since 1930 as Istanbul) was a cultural melting pot. Today, its population of more than 13 million is almost exclusively Turkish, and many of its people are recent migrants from provincial Turkey, lured by the promise of jobs and careers in this vibrant, fast-growing city. Istanbul is no longer the nation's capital, but is Turkey's economic and cultural powerhouse - a status underlined by its role as a European City of Culture in 2010 and the award of UNESCO World Heritage listing to many of its most important landmarks, which range from stunning Ottoman mosques and Byzantine churches and catacombs to the columns of Hellenistic temples and the remains of massive medieval city walls. But there's more to Istanbul than Byzantine and Ottoman heritage. A fast-growing economy contributed to a flourishing arts and music scene, with a plethora of new bars, clubs, private art galleries, restaurants and designer fashion outlets.

About the destination: Cappadocia is a historical region in Central Anatolia, largely in the Nevşehir, Kayseri, Kırşehir, Aksaray, and Niğde Provinces in Turkey. According to Herodotus,[1] in the time of the Ionian Revolt (499 BCE) the Cappadocians were reported as occupying a region from Mount Taurus to the vicinity of the Euxine (Black Sea). Cappadocia, in this sense, was bounded in the south by the chain of the Taurus Mountains that separate it from Cilicia, to the east by the upper Euphrates, to the north by Pontus, and to the west by Lycaonia and eastern Galatia.[2] The name, traditionally used in Christian sources throughout history,[citation needed] continues in use as an international tourism concept to define a region of exceptional natural wonders, in particular characterized by fairy chimneys and a unique historical and cultural heritage.