2023 Itinerary
The Caucasus 

TOUR PROGRAMME 

Day 1 

Friday 8 September, 2023

Arrive at Heydar Aliyev International Airport, Baku & transfer to the hotel.

Your first day will start with a city tour of Baku. Baku is the capital of Azerbaijan - its scientific, cultural and industrial centre.

After the second oil boom in 2006, the city turned into the modern one with unique extraordinary jaw-dropping masterpieces. Your city tour will start from the old part of Baku from the Double Gates - double-arched entrance to the inner city of old Baku. The tour will include visits to the oldest Caravanserai, medieval Hamams and Mosques, Shirvanshakhs' Palace, and a climb to the rooftop of Maiden Tower.

The tour guide will show you the place where apostle Bartholomew was crucified.

You will also visit Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center distinguished with its unique design.

Overnight: Hotel in Baku

Duration: 5-6 hours

Length: 60 km

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Day 2 

Saturday 9 September, 2023

Gala - Yanardag - Gobustan NP - Baku

Today starts with a trip to Gala village known for the museum complex Gala. The complex includes the Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography, Castle Museum (partly open-air), and the Museum of Antiques.

After the tour you will have a master-class on the preparation of gutab – the traditional pie with filling.

The tour will proceed to Yanar Dag or "burning mountain". The place is distinguished by the eternal fire blazing on the hill. The flame appears due to the subsurface natural gas. Due to such amazing natural phenomena, Azerbaijan is often called "the land of fire".

The tour will proceed to the temple of Ateshgah, also called the "Fire Temple of Baku". 

The next place to explore is the world's unique Gobustan National Park. The area is known for its petroglyphs, mud volcanoes and gas stones (naturally occuring musical stones). The mud here is supposed to have medical properties.

We will return to Baku at the end of the day.

Overnight: Hotel in Baku

Duration: 6-7 hours

Meals: Breakfast

Length: 140 km

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Day 3 

Sunday 10 September, 2023

Nij - Sheki

In the morning we will depart for Sheki (Saki).  On the way there will be some stops for exploring curious places and sights. One of these is Nij village where you will forget about modern life and feel in a special world. Here is located a unique small church of Udi people. There are only a few thousand Udi people in the world today and the majority (approx. 4,000) live in this area in Azerbaijan. They have roots in Caucasian Albania.

When we reach your day destination, Sheki town, we will start a guided tour. The sightseeing tour will include the magnificent Palace of Sheki Khans and the Craft Museum. The palace once serving as a summer residence of khans nowadays impresses with its lavish dеsign and surrounding chinar trees. Shebeke craft workshop will be your last destination.

Overnight: Hotel in Sheki

Duration: 7-8 hours

Meals: Breakfast

Length: 320 km

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Day 4

Monday 11 September 2023

Kish - Azerbaijan/Georgian border - Kakheti

The day will start with a tour around the local sweet bakery. We will then head to Kish village. The place is well known for its Church of Saint Elishe which is one of the oldest Orthodox churches in the world.

We will then proceed to the Azerbaijan/Georgian border where you will be met by our Georgian representatives.

Our destination will be Kakheti region - the hospitable picturesque region with sun-filled vineyards as well as many great places of interest.

Overnight: Hotel in Kakheti

Duration: 6-7 hours

Meals: Breakfast

Length: 200 km

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Day 5

Tuesday 12 September, 2023

Telavi - Tsindandali - Sighnaghi - Tbilisi

This morning we will explore Telavi – the centre of Kakheti region.

The tour will continue to Tsinandali estate which is the patrimony of the famous Georgian dynasty – Chavchavadze. The estate is known for its amazing labyrinth planted with exotic trees in it and cellars, where the unique collection of Georgian and European wine is preserved.

Later we will admire the architecture and pleasant atmosphere of Sighnaghi town. The day will end with a tour around the well-known winery Khareba and have a chance to taste local wines, as well as have a master-class on baking shoti bread.

Overnight: Hotel in Tbilisi

Duration: 7-8 hours

Meals: Breakfast

Length: 250 km

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Day 6

Wedneday 13 September 2023

Tbilisi City Tour

Tbilisi is probably one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the South Caucasus. Its vibrant, lively atmosphere and the interweaving of modernity with antiquity will not leave anyone indifferent. The day will be devoted to sightseeing in the city. First you will explore an open-air Ethnographic Museum where are exhibited traditional buildings from all Georgian regions. Then you will explore the centre and the old town. Meidani Square, the Assumption Church, Narikala Fortress, the sulfur baths, Mtatsminda Mount and other attractions will be included in the program.

Overnight: Hotel in Tbilisi

Duration: 5-6 hours

Meals: Breakfast

Length: 60 km

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Day 7

Thursday 14 September 2023

Ananuri - Gudauri - Gergeti - Tbilisi

After breakfast,we will head to Ananuri Fortress located in an amazing place on the shore of the Zhinvali reservoir and surrounded by green velvet hills. The fortress was founded in 1720 with a defensive purpose.

The tour will proceed to Gudauri resort. The town is considered one of the most popular ski destinations in Georgia. Although its tourist season starts in winter, Gudauri is no less attractive in summer and autumn: green mountains, sunlit meadows strewn with fragrant flowers, fields with peacefully grazing cows, silence and absolute idyll!

In Stepantsminda settlement we will visit Gergeti Church. From the top of the hill opens an amazing view which cannot be expressed in words.

The day's final destination will be to the Dariali Gorge and the church of Transfiguration. Return to Tbilisi.

Overnight: Hotel in Tbilisi

Duration: 7-8 hours

Meals: Breakfast

Length: 250 km

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Day 8

Friday 15 September 2023

Vardzia - Paravani - Akhaltsikhe

The cave city of Vardzia is, without a doubt, on the list of the most interesting sights of Georgia. It used to be a real city carved in a monolithic rock high in the mountains. Here you will have a chance to go through narrow tunnels, visit the rock church and see unique frescoes whilst learning of an interesting legend connected to the sight. 

Our tour will then proceed to the largest lake of Georgia - Paravani. After admiring the natural beauties you will visit the monastery of St. Nino which is famous for its small dairy managed by local nuns. Here you will find various unique kinds of cheeses that cannot be found anywhere else in Georgia.

The last destination will be Khertvisi Fortress (X-century). Your overnight will be arranged in Akhaltsikhe.

Overnight: Hotel in Akhaltsikhe

Duration: 8-9 hours

Meals: Breakfast

Length: 320 km

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Day 9

Saturday 16 September 2023

Rabati - Borjomi - Kutaisi

Today we will see the most famous sight of Akhaltsikhe town - Rabat Fortress. This recently renovated fortress can be seen from almost any corner of this small and cozy town. Over its centuries-old history, the citadel had undergone many troubles including devastation, desolation, the rebuilding of churches. After the renovation project, the fortress turned into an impressive and very popular tourist attraction. The territory of the fortress occupies no less than about 7 hectares.

Our tour will proceed to Borjomi resort where you can taste its world-famous mineral waters just from the spring in the Mineral Water Park. 

Overnight: Hotel in Kutaisi

Duration: 7-8 hours

Meals: Breakfast

Length: 200 km

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Day 10

Sunday 17 September 2023

Kutaisi region Tour

Our tour will start with an exploration of Kutaisi. It is considered the historic capital of Georgia. The city is beautifully divided into two parts by the Rioni River, the parts are connected by several bridges, among which the White Bridge stands out. The main attraction of Kutaisi, we would call the Bagrat Temple or Cathedral, which is one of the largest churches in all of Georgia and UNESCO-listed.

In Sataplia National Reserve we will explore the cave known for its dinosaurs traces. You will also visit another UNESCO-listed site - Gelati Monastery. The last excursion will be at Motsameta Monastery located on the hill under the River Tskhaltsitela - Red River. 

Overnight: Hotel in Tbilisi

Duration: 7-8 hours

Meals: Breakfast

Length: 280 km

 

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Day 11

Monday 18 September 2023

Georgian/Armenian border - Haghpat - Sanahin - Stepanavan - Dilijan

In the morning we will cross the Georgian/Armenia border, meet your Armenian representatives and start our tour in Armenia.

Travel to Haghpat and Sanahin Monasteries, which are listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. Continue to the ruins of the ancient fortress of Lori which was once the centre of the Lori Kingdom. 

We will also visit Stepanavan Dendropark – Armenia’s first botanical garden. 15 hectares of its territory are planted with exotic trees and the other 20 hectares are covered by natural forest. It is not by chance that this amazing place is considered one of the most beautiful corners of Armenia – once here, you will feel like in a fairy tale.

We continue our trip further to Tavush Province. Here we have a stop at the cozy resort town of Dilijan known for its arts and crafts as well as picturesque lush nature and healing air.

Overnight: Hotel in Dilijan

Duration: 7-8 hours

Meals: Breakfast

Length: 250 km

 

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Day 12

Tuesday 19 September 2023

Sevan - Selim Pass - Jermuk

Gegharkunik Province is best known for the amazing Lake Sevan - it is one is highest freshwater lakes in the world located at an altitude of 1900 metres above sea level. After visiting Sevanvank monastery, we will travel along a part of the Great Silk Road towards the Selim Pass. Stop at the 14th century Selim Caravansary – one of the well-preserved hostels along the ancient Great Silk Road.

Next stop is the resort town of Jermuk, famous for its hot mineral springs and scenic landscape.

Walkthrough the Arpa River Canyon to admire the Jermuk Waterfall.

Overnight: Hotel in Jermuk

Duration: 7-8 hours

Meals: Breakfast

Length: 250 km

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Day 13

Wedneday 20 September 2023

Karahunj - Tatev - Goris

Today we will head to Syunik province and our first stop is Karahunj, a 6,000-year-old observatory, known as the “Armenian Stonehenge”. Travel to the "pearl" of Armenian Medieval architecture, the Monastery and the University of Tatev. The monastery can be reached by the longest cable car in the world which stretches over the 320 metre-deep Vorotan River Canyon. Stop at the natural bridge named “Devil’s Bridge” at the bottom of the deep canyon.

Head to Goris for a free evening and overnight.

Overnight: Hotel in Goris

Duration: 7-8 hours

Meals: Breakfast

Length: 270 km

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Day 14

Thursday 21 September 2023

Areni - Noravank - Khor Virap - Yerevan

This morning we will travel to Yerevan - the capital of Armenia. En route, we will visit a winery to taste local wine made of the unique grape variety “Areni”. The tour will continue through a narrow canyon to the valley of red rocks where Noravank Monastery is located. Travel to the south of Armenia to Khor Virap Monastery located at the foot of Biblical Mount Ararat.

This evening we will be in Yerevan and explore the vibrant capital of Armenia for their Independence Day celebrations.

Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan

Duration: 7-8 hours

Meals: Breakfast

Length: 250 km

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Day 15

Friday 22 September 2023

Yerevan City Tour - Echmiadzin - Zvartnots

This morning's city tour of Yerevan includes the Matenadaran Institute Museum, which houses over 17,000 ancients and medieval manuscripts.  We will stop at the Food Market of Yerevan where you will have an opportunity to wander through the aisles of locally grown fresh fruit and vegetables.

Later, we will travel to Echmiadzin town, the religious centre of all Armenians around the world. Visit Echmiadzin Cathedral.

On our return, we will stop at the ruins of Zvartnots temple (7th century, UNESCO World Heritage Site), that was a miracle of its time.

Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan

Duration: 7-8 hours

Meals: Breakfast

Length: 90 km

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Day 16

Saturday 23 September 2023

Garni - Geghard - Yerevan

Travel to the scenic canyon of the Azat River to Geghard Cave Monastery listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Later, visit the Hellenistic Garni temple built in 77 AD, dedicated to the Armenian God of the Sun Mitra and the Museum of Armenian History where you will have a fascinating journey through the rich history of Armenia.

Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan

Duration: 7-8 hours

Meals: Breakfast

Length: 90 km

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Day 17

Sunday 24 September 2023

Yerevan

Transfer to the airport for your departure.

Meals: Breakfast

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Inclusions:

• 16 night hotel accommodation including breakfast

• A/C vehicle during transfers & tours

• English speaking guide during tours

• Entrance fees of museums specified in the tour itinerary

• Tatev cable car ticket

• Drink bottle and daily refills

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• Exclusions:

* Personal expenses

* Soft drinks, tea and coffee during tours & meals

* Airport porterage

* Hotel porterage

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