"EXPLORE CAUCASUS" - (Aze+Geo+Arm)

Combined group tour to three South Caucasus countries – Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia. You start the journey from Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, Sheki and continue the way to Georgia, visiting Sighnaghi, Tbilisi, Mtskheta, Kazbegi, Gudauri, Borjomi, Telavi, Akhaltsikhe, Mestia, Kutaisi. After that continue tour to Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. Three highly-qualified and friendly guides will work for you. They will take you to the most remarkable historical and architectural monuments, UNESCO World Heritage Sights, special highlights, they will help you to choose delicious food and finest wines. Get acquainted with two different cultures, see diversity of the traditions and visit the most unique and spectacular sights of these countries. The group is “Guaranteed to Run” after two people book the tour.

ACCOMMODATION:  22 nights

3 Nights in Baku, 1 Night in Sheki, 1 Night in Kvareli, 1 Night in Telavi, 5 Nights in Tbilisi, 2 Nights in Gudauri, 3 Nights in Mestia, 2 Nights in Kutaisi, 4 Nights in Yerevan

TOUR PROGRAM:

DAY 1. Welcome to Baku

• Arrival to Baku. Transfer to hotel and check in.   (Overnight in Baku).
• Meals included: None

DAY 2. Baku city tour

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Baku city tour:
• Icheri Sheher (Old City), known as a “fortress” – is a unique historical and architectural conservation area in the center of Baku. This is one of the ancient and densely populated places of the country and even of the Middle East. Archaeological excavations revealed burial vaults of the Bronze Age. The Maiden Tower (the 12th century) and the Shirvanshah palace (the 13th-16th century) are well-known historical monuments also locate in Old City. Besides them there are a lot of other unique monuments of Icheri Sheher: mosques, minarets, the remnants of caravanserais "Multani" and "Bukhara", ancient baths. There are a lot of souvenir shops where you can purchase national clothes, kerchiefs, scarves and caps, dishes and handmade carpets.
• Walking down to Nizami Street (old trading zone with lots of shops and boutiques), Fountain Square, shopping center “Park Boulevard”, etc. Baku Boulevard is the second largest one in Europe where tourists can get a boat to make a trip along Baku Bay and to be introduced to the interesting facts and legends of the largest lake in the world better known as Caspian Sea.
• Baku panorama viewing from the Upland Park, and have the opportunity to have a look at Baku hotel complex «Flame Towers Baku» – a new business card of the city (Overnight in Baku).
• Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

DAY 3.  Baku free day

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Free day for leisure. Alternatively, you may take part in an optional tour (not included).

 Optional: Gobustan, Ateshgah, Yanardag - (approx. 90km)

• Gobustan is a historical and art reserve where the ancient places of primitive people were found, which left behind more than 6,000 petroglyphic paintings
• Mud Volcanoes
• Excursion in Ateshgah - Temple of the Eternal Flame (XVII - XVIII centuries)
• Ateshgah is a fire temple in Azerbaijan, on the Absheron peninsula, 30 km from the center of Baku, on the outskirts of the village of Surakhani, at various times revered by Zoroastrians, Hindus and Sikhs. It arose in the XVII - XVIII centuries in place of the “eternal” unquenchable fires - burning outlets of natural gas, which is why the temple is called “Ateshgah”, which means “House of Fire”, “Place of Fire”
• Yanardag is one of the most amazing natural attractions of the Absheron Peninsula. It is a mountain slope engulfed in flames that cannot be extinguished by rain or sand, burning for several millennia
• Transfer  to Baku. (Overnight in Baku).
• Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 4. Baku - Maraza Village - Shamakhi - Sheki (approx. 330km)

• Breakfast at the hotel.  Check-out and travel onwards to Sheki.
• On the way to Sheki: visiting the Diri Baba mausoleum in Maraza, in Shemakha - visiting the Juma Mosque and complex of mausoleums “Yeddi Gumbez” – Seven Domes, the ruins of Gulistan fortress (XI – XII c.), mausoleum of Shahihandan (XV век), Gulustan Fortress (XI-XII c.).
• Sheki is one of the most famous and ancient places of Azerbaijan. Situated 700 m (2297 ft.) above sea level like an amphitheatre surrounded by the mountains and forests of oak trees, this ancient city was long famed as a silk centre and an important stop on the Great Silk Route. Visiting Khan's summer Palace (dated back to 18th century) with magnificent frescos and exquisite stained glass work. (Overnight in Sheki).
• Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 5. Sheki - Kvareli (approx. 300km)

• Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out and continue onward to the neighboring country of Georgia. Along the way visit the village of Kish and observe the ancient temple called “the mother of churches”.
• Once you have completed border formalities and crossed the border you will meet your Georgian guide who will drive you onwards to the town of Kvareli.
• Upon arrival visit a wine cellar located in a tunnel dug out of the flank of the Caucasus Mountains and taste some amazing Georgian wines. The temperature in the tunnel stays at an idilic 12-14 degrees throughout the year. It consists of two main tunnels, which are linked by 13 galleries. The total length of the tunnel is 7.7 km.  After the wine cellar visit continue onwards to the hotel and check-in for an evening at leisure. (Overnight in Kvareli).
• Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch & wine degustation at the wine caller

DAY 6. Kvareli - Signaghi - Telavi (approx. 200km)

• Breakfast at the hotel.  Visit  the Corporation Kindzmarauli Winery in Kvareli. The history of the winery dates back to 1533, and is connected with the construction of the Kvareli Fortress. Here you’ll taste 4 types of Georgian wines.
• Visit Town Sighnaghi- “the city of Love” one of the most beautiful and oldest town in Georgia, which is located on the east part of Georgia. Walls of Sighnaghi fortress miraculously survived and now  surround the old part of the city. The wall has 28watchtowers, with a magnificent view over Alazani Valley and Caucasian mountains.
• Visit Monastery Bodbe – The monastery now  functions as a nunnery and is on of the major  piligrimage sites in Georgia, due to its association  with St. Nino, the 4th century female evangelist who preached Christianity in Georgia.
• Transfer to the town  Telavi. Check in  the hotel & have a free evening (overnight in Telavi)
• Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 7. Telavi - Tsinandali - Shumi - Gremi - Tbilisi

• After breakfast check out from the hotel.
• Tsinandali -  Museum of Alexander Chavchavadze - a Kakhetian nobleman and poet. Next you will visit the Shumi Winery which is located close to the museum. Here you will enjoy tasting fine wines and nibbles.
• Gremi Citadel and royal residence, a 16th century architectural monument which once functioned as the capital of the Kakheti Kingdom. Also known as the Church of the Archangels, it was commissioned by King Levan of Kakheti in 1565 and frescoed by 1577. Built chiefly of stone, it’s a cruciform domed church which marries traditional Georgian masonry with a local interpretation of contemporary Iranian architecture.
• Finish the day in Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia where you will check-in and enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure. (Overnight in Tbilisi).
• Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 8. Tbilisi city tour

• After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a full-day tour of this historic capital city.
• Holy Trinity Cathedral ‘Sameba’, which is the main Christian Orthodox cathedral in Georgia. Continue onwards to see the Metekhi Church of Assumption which rests upon the top of the hill. The church was built by the Georgian king St Demetrius II between 1278-1284.
• Narikala Fortress by aerial cable car and take in magnificent panoramic views over Tbilisi and the Kura River. Comprised of two walled sections on a steep hill between the sulfur baths and the botanical gardens of Tbilisi, Narikala Fortress dates back to the 4th century. Enjoy a stroll to the Legvtakhevi Waterfall, located in the center of Tbilisi, and also take a walk through the luscious botanical gardens.
• Shardeni Street and Meidan Square, which are known for their outdoor cafes, galleries and souvenir shops where you can enjoy a refreshing drink before continuing on to Rustaveli Avenue. The avenue starts at Freedom Square and extends for about 1.5 km. Rustaveli is often considered the main thoroughfare of Tbilisi due to a large number of governmental, public, cultural, and business buildings located along and near the avenue.
• Tbilisi Funicular to Mtatsminda Park, which is located at the top of Mount Mtatsminda and overlooks the city. The park has carousels, water slides, a roller-coaster, funicular and a big Ferris Wheel at the edge of the mountain which offers splendid views. (Overnight in Tbilisi).
• Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 9. Tbilisi

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Free day in Tbilisi.(Overnight in Tbilisi).
• Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 10. Tbilisi - Mtskheta - Ananuri - Gudauri

• Breakfast at the Hotel.
• Excursion in the former capital city of  Mtkheta that is the religious center of Georgia.
• Visit its Monuments, which are in the UNESCO Heritage list.
• Mtskheta is one of oldest cities of Georgia (in Kartli province of Eastern Georgia), near Tbilisi.
• Mtskheta was a capital of the Georgian Kingdom of Iberia during the 3rd century BC - 5thcentury AD. Here Georgians accepted Christianity in 317 and Mtskheta still remains the headquarters of the Georgian Orthodox and Apostolic Church.
• Jvari Monastery is a Georgian Orthodox monastery of the 6th century near Mtskheta (World Heritage site), Mtskheta-Mtianeti region, eastern Georgia. The name is translated as the Monastery of the Cross. For another, Jerusalem-located Georgian monastery with the same name.
• Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, built in the 11 th century. Though the site itself is even older dating back to the early 4th century and is surrounded by a number of legends associated primarily with the early Christian traditions. Svetitskhoveli, known as the burial site of Christ's mantle, has long been the principal Georgian church and remains one of the most venerated places of worship to this day. The church is in UNESCO world heritage sites.
• Departure to Aragvi Valley via military road. On the way, we will visit Fortress Ananuri. It is not only a historical place, but from here, you can also see the Zhinvali reservoir with an amazing panoramic view.
• Departure to the famous ski resort Gudauri . Free time to for rest.  Dinner at the hotel (Overnight in  Gudauri ).
• Meals included: Breakfast , Dinner

DAY 11. Gudauri - Kazbegi - Gveleti - Gudauri

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Visit village Stephantsminda and view remarkable mountain of Kazbegi. Jeep tour to Gergety trinity church.
• Between the villages of Lars and Kazbegi is the state border of Russia and Georgia. In Kazbek district, granites exposed in several places. The largest of them is the Darial granite massif – “Iron Gate” of the Georgian Military road. The Darial gorge in the Terek valley known since ancient times as a mountain pass. While there, enjoy an easy short stroll to the beautiful Gveleti Waterfalls.
• All this attractions together will leave a long-lasting impression on everyone that visits this magic place, one of the most beautiful in the world
• Transfer  back to the hotel. Free time to rest. Dinner at the hotel (Overnight in  Gudauri ).
• Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 12. Gudauri - Gori - Uplistsikhe - Kutaisi

• Breakfast at the hotel. Check out.
• Transfer to town Gori.
• Today we will visit the following remarkable places during a day:
• Joseph Stalin's Museum in Gori, established in 1951 as a local history museum, but clearly intended to become a memorial to Stalin, who died in 1953.
• Uplistsikhe (literally “Lord’s Fortress“) is an abandoned rock-carved town which once played an important role in Georgian history. The place was founded in the late Bronze Age, around 1000 BC. an impressive caved town accommodating around 50000 people during its golden time town during its golden time it accommodated around 50.000 people. The infrastructure included living quarters, wine cellars, religious places like churches or monasteries, and even a library. There was even a sewerage system in the town!
• Transfer to Kutaisi -  the second biggest city in Georgia, will take you over Rikoti pass and through the longest tunnel in Georgia (1,722 m). The tunnel is also considered as a border between Western and Eastern parts of Georgia. Check in at the hotel and have a free time to rest. (Overnight in Kutaisi)
• Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 13. Kutaisi - Zugdidi - Mestia

• Breakfast at the hotel. Check out.
• Visit the Sataplia Karst Caves and Natural Reserve. Sataplia Managed Reserve is located in Tskaltubo municipality, Imereti region, where the footprints of Herbivorous and Raptor dinosaurs of different epochs are found. Sataplia dinosaurs are called “Satapliazaurus” and are different from European dinosaurs.
• Transfer to Zugdidi. (approx. 1.5 hrs). Main Architectural sight of this city is the Dadiani Palace museum, built in 19th century. There are also an old Botanical Garden (Queen’s garden/alley) near the Palace. Napoleon’s death mask is on display in the Dadiani Palace Museum in Zugdidi, but the main treasure of this museum is a Shroud of Mary, the mother of Jesus.
• Drive to the Svaneti Region. Along the way stop near Enguri Dam, the world's second highest concrete arch dam. Continue onwards back up into the beautiful Caucasus Mountains. Enjoy 3 hours drive through spectacular mountain scenery before arriving at the picturesque mountain town of Mestia, capital of the Svaneti Region, where you will be transported to the hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure and an included dinner this evening. (Overnights in Mestia)
• Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 14. Mestia - Ushguli - Mestia

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Drive by jeeps to Ushguli (UNESCO’s heritage), Upper Svaneti, where the highest apex Shkhara is located. Visiting: Lagami St. George’s temple; the oldest towers; St. George chapel in Nakipari and Ethnographic Museum. Ushguli area is considered as the highest inhabited place in Europe on the elevation of 2200 ASL.
• Transfer back to Mestia Village. Free time to rest. Dinner at the hotel. (Overnights in Mestia)
• Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 15. Mestia

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Enjoy a tour to see the Svan Towers, the symbol of Svaneti and many of which date back to medieval times. These defensive structures were built as protection from invaders and natural disasters. Afterwards continue to the Svaneti Museum, where you will find unique icons and manuscripts from the 4th – 6th centuries, as well as ethnic artifacts associated with Svaneti and its people.
• Transfer back to the hotel. Free evening. Dinner at the hotel. (Overnights in Mestia)

Optional: Hatsvali Cable Car - $2-3 USD (approx. $4 AUD)

• Ride the Hatsvali Cable Car to enjoy magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding area (depended on weather).
• Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 16. Mestia - Martvili canyon - Kutaisi

• Breakfast at the hotel. Check out.
• Transfer to Martvili. Visit Martvili Monastery and Martvili canyon- which were used to be a bath place for Dadiani family. Now people visit it to enjoy the scenery, its waterfalls and take a boat trip in the river with deep green color.
• Martvili Monastery- It sits upon the highest hill in the vicinity and was of strategic importance. It used in ancient times as a pagan cultural center and was a sacred site.
• Transfer to Kutaisi. Check in at the hotel. Free time to rest. (Overnight in Kutaisi)
• Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 17. Kutaisi -Tbilisi

• Breakfast at the hotel. Check out.
• Visit Gelati Academy and Monastery, a medieval monastic complex near Kutaisi. A masterpiece of the Georgian golden age, Gelati was founded in 1106 by King David IV of Georgia in the 12th century. It was one of the first monasteries in Georgia and adds great value to the Georgian culture and beauty.
• The next stop is the Bagrati Cathedral, built in the early years of the 11th century. Conservation and restoration works, as well as archaeological studies at the Cathedral began in the 1950s under the leadership of a Georgian architect Vakhtang Tsintsadze, and concluded in 2012. After the tour you will continue back to Tbilisi and be transferred to the hotel with an evening at leisure. (Overnight in Tbilisi)
• Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 18. Tbilisi - Yerevan

• After breakfast at the hotel, say good bye to the fairy tale city of Tbilisi and drive Georgia – Armenia border Sadakhlo, fulfill border crossing formalities and start an unforgettable tour in Armenia.
• Visit Monastery of Goshavank (XII-XIIIcc). The Monastery is breathtaking with its cultural architecture. established by a scientist and author Mkhitar Gosh . Holy Virgin Church was built 1st in the monastery complex , built in 1196. Head to the Haghartsin monastery, the fascinating location with its spectacular nature is a lifetime experience and attractive destination.
• Visit to Haghartsin Monastery
• Transfer to Yerevan. (Overnight in Yerevan)
• Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 19. Yerevan City Tour

• After breakfast at the hotel, we will have a city tour in the pink city of Yerevan.
• We will start walking in the most pleasant Republic Square with Government buildings, History Museum and Marriott Hotel surrounding it. We will appear in the richest avenue in Yerevan – the Northern Avenue with many brand shops, luxurious cafes and restaurants. (Overnight in Yerevan)
• Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 20. Yerevan - Garni - Geghard - Yerevan

• Breakfast at the hotel.  explore the top tourist attractions of Armenia: Garni Temple (a pagan temple built in 1st century, the only survival of the Hellenic epoch in the whole territory of the Caucasus). We can also watch the process of “Lavash” baking in the traditional underground oven “Tonir”. Then we visit to the Monastery of Geghard (UNESCO). The monastery was first recorded in a document of 1250. Geghard is famous due to the relics.
• Among which the most important one is the spear which had wounded Christ on the Cross presumably brought there by the Apostle Thaddeus. Transfer to Yerevan.  (Overnight in Yerevan)
• Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 21. Yerevan Free Day

• Breakfast at the hotel. Free day in Yerevan.

Optional Tour - Khor Virap Monastery, Noravank Monastery & Areni Village Tour - $35 per person

• Drive to Khor Virap Monastery (“deep pit”). According to the legend, St. Gregory the Illuminator, the patron saint of Armenia, was kept here in the basement for 13 years for the disseminating of Christianity until King Tiridates decided to adopt new religion. The monastery's location allows you to enjoy the best views of the Mt. Ararat. Continue to Areni, a city known for producing famous Armenian wine from Pomegranate and apricot. Have a wine degustation in a local winery. Then visit to Noravank Monastery. (Overnight in Yerevan)
• Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 22. Yerevan - Lake Sevan - Dilijan - Tbilisi

• Breakfast at the hotel. 
• Check out.
• On the way to Tbilisi, we will have a short walk along the azure Lake Sevan. Lake Sevan has a unique combination of great size, high mountain location, and comparatively “soft water”. Lake Sevan is one of the greatest freshwater high-mountain lakes of Eurasia. It is located at about 2000 meters above the sea level. We will then explore the summer residence of the Favorite Armenian King Ashot the Iron (Ashot Erkat) – Sevanavank Monastery (9th century).
• A pleasant drive accompanied with luxurious nature will take us to Dilijan to enjoy the 19th century appearance of the town. This wonderfully forested region is rich in mineral waters. Some of them are compared with Wichi in France and Davos in Switzerland. Dilijan is “the Switzerland of Armenia.”
• Transfer to Tbilisi. (Overnight in Tbilisi)
• Meals included: Breakfast

23 DAY. Tbilisi – Transfer to the Airport

• After breakfast, enjoy your last morning in Tbilisi at leisure before to be transferred to the airport for your trip back home.

THE PRICE FOR ONE PERSON IN DBL/TWIN ROOM.

Room type	Double	Single
2 Pax
4 Pax
6 Pax

PRICES INCLUDE:

• Professional Guide Service; 
• Transportation during whole tour & 4X4 private vehicles to Gergeti and Ushguli 
• Entrance fees to in Georgia : Tsinandali, Stalin’s Museum, Uplistsikhe 
• Narikala cable car tickets
• Entrance fees in Azerbaijan & Armenia according the program.
• Lunch, Wine degustation & master class in Wine Cellar (baking bread, making churchkhela/ degustation desk (cheese, churchkhela, Georgian sweets, walnut) 
• 2 Dinners at the hotel in Gudauri, 3 Dinners at the hotel in Mestia 
• 1 Lunch at the restaurant in Azerbaijan  
• 1 Farewell dinner at the restaurant in Tbilisi with Georgian dishes and show program; 
• Accommodation at hotels 4/5* with Breakfast

PRICES NOT INCLUDE:

• Early check-in or late check-out 
• Flight tickets 
• Visa fee 
• Travel & Medical insurance 
• Entrance tickets:  Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre - 9 USD pp; Shirvanshah Palace - 9 USD pp; Maiden Tower - 9 USD pp 
• Entrance tickets to – Martvili canyon - 15 USD pp; Sataplia 9 USD pp; Dadiani palace – 5 USD pp

* Prices can by change according to dollar exchange at the time of booking.

* The hotels can be replaced with similar ones.

* Company has the rights to change excursion days and sequence of tourist sites, according to the weather and/or other force-majeure situations.