"WELCOME TO 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, Kutaisi. After that continue tour to Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, Gyumri. 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:  13 Days/ 12 Nights

2 Nights in Baku, 1 Night in Sheki, 1 Night in Telavi, 3 Nights in Tbilisi, 1 Night in Gudauri, 1 Night in Bakuriani, 1 Night in Gyurmi, 2 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.
• Today is free at 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 – Signaghi - Telavi (approx. 320km)

• Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out and continue onward to the neighboring country of Georgia.
• Your Guide will help with border crossing procedures, change the vehicle & guide, continue to travel to Georgia. 
• First drive to visit a Farmer’s house to see a unique wine-cellar. We will taste several sort of Georgian homemade wine and chacha(vodka). Enjoy your lunch with homemade delicious food and wine . The housewife will cook for us delicious Georgian traditional cuisine and you also will have a chance to participate in cooking process_master classes on making Churchkhela and baking Georgian bread “Shoti”. Host will explain a wine making technology, which is the one of the oldest in the world.
• 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 Telavi. Check-in and have a free evening. (Overnight in Telavi).
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, wine tasting & cooking class at the winery in Kvareli

DAY 6. Telavi-Tbilisi (approx. 120km)

• Breakfast at the hotel. check out. The first stop of the day will be the Tsinandali Museum of Alexander Chavchavadze – a Georgian aristocrat of 18-th century, military figure and poet.  Nowadays Chavchavadze’s residence, garden, and wine cellar functions as a museum and attracts lots of visitors.
• 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 7. Mtskheta - Tbilisi city tour

• 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.
• Transfer to Tbilisi. Tbilisi city tour.
• 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. (Overnight in Tbilisi).
• Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 7. Tbilisi - Ananuri - Kazbegi - Gudauri (approx. 250km)

• After breakfast check out from the hotel.
• 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.
• We will prolong our way along the Georgian Military Road, pass through the Gudauri Ski resort (one of the most popular in Georgia).
• Transfer to the  small town of Stepantsminda. This place is known as the best observation point giving a fantastic view of the gorgeous Kazbegi mountain, Caucasus and emerald alpine meadows. The height of Kazbegi is 5033 meters. We will go up to the Gergeti Trinity church on the 4x4 cars. The church is situated on the right bank of the river Chkheri, at an elevation of 2170 meters (7120 feet), under Mount Kazbegi. The church, lonely staying of the top of the mountain, surrounded with a breathtaking landscape, is one of the most famous Georgian landmarks. 
• Transfer to Gudauri. Check-in. at the hotel and have a free evening.  (Overnight in Gudauri ).
• Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 8. Gudauri – Gori - Uplistsikhe - Borjomi (approx. 280 km)

• Breakfast at the hotel and Check out.
• Transfer to  the Gori city. This town is known as the place where Stalin was born and studied. 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 Borjomi. Departure to small city Borjomi,which is famous for its mineral water industry (which is the number one export of Georgia). Archaeological excavations have revealed the existence of stone baths in the area, proving that these mineral waters have been utilized by people for thousands of years. Borjomi is also home to the most extensive ecologically-themed amusement park in the Caucasus.
• The most remarkable virtues of Borjomi are its striking nature and unique mineral waters. One of the best places to experience this is the “Mineral Water Park” of Borjomi. (Overnight in Borjomi or Bakuriani).
• Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 9. Borjomi - Akhaltsike - Vardzia - Bavra (approx. 180 km)

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Transfer to the city of Akhaltsikhe. It is situated on both banks of a small river Potskhovi, which separates the city to the old city in the north and new in the south.
• We are going to the old part of the city, where one can see the great Rabati Castle, built by the Ottomans around a mosque, and St. Marine's Church The fortress was rebuilt and renovated not so long ago, and boast its picturesque city views. From the castle wall, one can enjoy the view of amazing mountain landscapes. The first military fortifications in Akhaltsikhe was erected by the Ottoman empire in XVI - XVII centuries. Once powerful walls protected the peace of the Pasha and preserved one of the richest libraries of the Muslim East. 
• Transfer to the  Vardzia Cave city. The fortress was built to protect the Borjomi gorge from enemies who tried to conquer these territories from the south. First, the rocks covered the inside part of the building from the enemy’s eyes. The monastery by itself was connected to the surface by several secret passages — tunnels. The whole settlement was hiding behind a huge rock. That time Vardzia consisted of about 600 rooms. There were temples, living cells, food warehouses, and a library. And once even the little Queen Tamar was lost (and successfully found) in that labyrinth. The fortress was designed in such a way that it was completely invisible from the outside. However, the earthquake that shook the area in the 13th century, exposed the fortress-monastery, dropping a large block of rock down to the gorge. From that moment Vardzia lost her defensive assignment. But its story did not end there. And the details of this amazing legend you will learn during the tour.
• Then drive to Georgian – Armenian border Bavra. Pass border formalities, then change transport and guide. Afterwards, drive to Gyumri, the second largest city of Armenia. ake a walk through Alexandropol, with lots of traditional XIX century houses and make a visit to museum located there. (Overnight in Gyurmi).
• Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 10. Gyurmi - Zvartnok - Yerevan (approx.120 km)

• Breakfast at the Hotel. 
• Check out.
• Departure from Gyumri. We’ll take a historical journey to the Echmiadzin church located in Vagharshapat. Ejmiatzin is the first church building ,according to Armenian History Christ descended himself from above, showing the sacred land where Ejmiatzin Holy cathedral should be built. Visit to Zvartnoc.(Overnight in Yerevan).
• Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 11. Yerevan - Garni - Geghard - Yerevan (approx. 70 km.)

• 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. Our next stop – the Opera and Ballet House and the Swan Lake – face the Northern Avenue. Walking around Cascade Monument. Later we will taste the legendary Armenian cognac in the Yerevan Brandy Factory to learn the history and techniques of cognac production in the homeland of cognac. We will then 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 12. Yerevan - Sevan - Haghartsin - Dilijan - Tbilisi (approx.290 km.)

• 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

13 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

PRICES INCLUDES:

• Professional Guide Service; 
• Transportation during whole tour & 4X4 private vehicles to Gergeti 
• Entrance fees to in Georgia : Tsinandali, Stalin’s Museum, Uplistsikhe 
• Narikala camble tickets 
• Entrance fees in Azerbaijan: Shaki Khan Palace    
• Entrance tickets to all museums and attractions in Armenia 
• Lunch, Wine degustation & master class in Wine Cellar (baking bread, making churchkhela/ degustation desk (cheese, churchkhela, Georgian sweets, walnut) 
• 1 Dinner at the hotel in Gudauri, 1 dinner at the hotel in Bakuriani 
• 1 Lunch at the restaurant in Azerbaijan 
• Accommodation at hotels 4/5 with Breakfast

PRICES NOT INCLUDE:

• Early check-inn 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