Day 01: Arrive Baku (AZERBAIJAN)

Xosh gälmìsän! Welcome to Baku, capital of Azerbaijan. We are cordially welcomed and transferred to our hotel. Baku provides a unique mix of centuries old monuments and uber-modern architecture that is a joy to explore. Hotel check in time starts at 1500 hrs. With a population of over 2.5 million, every forth national of Azerbaijan is a resident of Baku. We have a 3-nights stay at one of the most beautiful cities in the Caucasus.

Please see border formalities under “Notes”.

Overnight: Courtyard/Promenade Hotel, Baku (3 nights) (D)

Day 02: Baku

Baku, the capital and commercial hub of Azerbaijan, is a low-lying city with coastline along the beautiful Caspian Sea. We start our exploration visiting the Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape*, which covers three areas of a plateau of rocky boulders rising out of the semi-desert of central Azerbaijan. It has an outstanding collection of more than 6,000 rock engravings bearing testimony to over 40,000 years of rock art. The site also features the remains of inhabited caves, settlements and burials, reflecting an intensive human use by the inhabitants of the area during the wet period that followed the last Ice Age. Next, we visit the Walled City of Baku*, built on a site inhabited since the Paleolithic period revealing evidences of Zoroastrian, Sasanian, Arabic, Persian, Shirvani, Ottoman and Russian presence in cultural continuity. We explore the Inner City (Icheri Sheher), which has preserved much of its defensive walls; the 12th Century Maiden Tower (Giz Galasy), Palace of the Shirvanshah – truly, a gem of Azerbaijan architecture. (B, D)

Day 03: Baku

We travel around the Absheron Peninsula, visiting the Ateshgyah Zoroastrian Temple of Fire, which for centuries has been an important center of worship.  Explore the “Gala” historical ethnographic reservation area.  One of the oldest settlements in Absheron, Qala village is home to 215 architectural and archaeological monuments preserving a unique environment dating back to the 3rd millennium BC. In 2008, the Open Air Archaeological Ethnographical Museum Complex was created here, gathering and restoring monuments found in the region. We also enjoy an excursion to the 14th Century temple in Mardakan and the Yanardag Flaming Mountain, burning with an eternal flame fed by the underground naphtha and gas. Afternoon is free ideal for a leisure walking through the central part of the city and exploring local shopping centers, a perfect opportunity to meet and mingle with the local people. (B, D)

Day 04: Baku/Sheki (Drive) (300 Kms)

After breakfast, we take a scenic and comfortable drive to Sheki. This town was once an important halt on the fabled Silk Road, the world’s oldest and longest trade route. Here we visit the Museum of Applied Arts and "Shebeke" manufacturing workshops of traditional stained-glass art. Next, we visit (outside view only) the magnificent Sheki Khan's palace, built in the 18th Century and the most striking example of Shebeke art. We enjoy a walking trip to the village Kish near Sheki town to visit the first church in the Caucasus built by Apostle Eliseus in the 1st Century AD.

Overnight: Marxal Resort & Spa, Sheki (1 night) (B, D)

Day 05: Sheki/Lagodekhi/Signagi/Tbilisi (GEORGIA) (Drive) (260 Kms.)

A 2-hours drive to the Lagodekhi border where we bid adieu to Azerbaijan. Border formalities done and we are welcomed by our Georgian guide and transferred to Sighnaghi which in the Turkic language, means shelter or trench.  In 1762, King Heraclius II of Georgia sponsored the construction of the town and erected a fortress to defend the area from marauding attacks by Dagestani tribesmen. Although it is one of Georgia's smallest towns, it is a popular tourist destination with picturesque landscapes, pastel houses with wooden fretwork balconies, and narrow, cobblestone streets. We drive to the Kakheti region via a land dotted with fine old churches and vineyard after vineyard.  Here we have an opportunity to sample some of Georgia’s famous wines. We will also explore Gremi architectural complex, which consists of the Church of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel (16th Century), a three-story castle, a bell tower and a wine cellar. Enjoy lunch with a local family in the form of a traditional home-cooked meal, complete with Georgian wines. Learn to make ‘churchkhela’, a traditional Georgian sweet made with grapes and various nuts. Enter the capital city of Tbilisi where we have 2-nights stay.  

Overnight: Mercure Tbilisi Old Town, Tbilisi (2 nights) (B, L)

Day 06: Tbilisi

We start our exploration visiting Sameba (Holy Trinity) Cathedral a recently built magnificently dominating Cathedral of the Georgian Orthodox Church. At the Old Town enjoy winding roads, alleys and wooden balconies; Metekhi Church standing proudly above the river on a clifftop; sulphur baths (Abanotubani); Narikala Fortress a landmark of the city and excellent for views of the swirling river Mtkvari (Kura) and the Old Town; Sioni Cathedral the beating-heart of Georgian Orthodoxy; Anchiskhati Church a yet more ancient style of Georgian church with a choir to match – if we are lucky we will witness a service at this church. We visit the State Museum of Georgia which houses an extraordinary collection of gold filigree work dating from the 6th Century BC among other items of repoussé work and jewelry.  Then we walk along Rustaveli Ave – The main 1500 meter-long artery of the city decked out with elegant Renaissance and neoclassical buildings. Here you find the city’s most important theatres and the Opera House. Funicular, Mtatsminda (Holy Mount or Father David’s Mount) Pantheon & Park – railway built in 1903 with two stations. The upper station takes us to the Panoramic Park with spectacular views of the city. A very interesting day, indeed. (B, D)

Day 07: Tbilisi/Mtskheta/Gori/Kutaisi (Drive) (225 Kms)

Our rural Georgian drive will take us to one of the oldest cities in Georgia, Mtskheta*, which lies in a lush valley at the confluence of two rivers, the Aragvi and the Mtkvari. It was founded in 2,000 BC and was the capital of the Georgian Kingdom of Iberia between 500 BC and 500 AD. Georgians adopted Christianity in the 4th Century and after that, Georgians, Byzantines, Persians, Arabs and Mongols traded control of the territory until the Russian annexation in the 19th Century. It is overlooked by the marvellously simple church of Jvari (6th Century), a perfect example of early Georgian Christian architecture. Walk through the Svetitsikhoveli Cathedral (11th Century), Georgia’s largest remaining cathedral and burial place of the Georgian kings, members of the Bagrationi family. It has an extraordinary interior combining paintings, frescoes and a domed chapel used for the Christmas service both of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites.  We also visit Stalin Museum named after Joseph Stalin, who ruled the USSR from 1924 till his death in 1953.  Later, we arrive at Kutaisi, which dates back to the Argonauts’ time (13th -12th Centuries B.C). Formerly capital of old Colchida, Kutaisi ruled all of Western Georgia. We end this wonderful day with a visit of the Bagrati Cathedral (11th Century).

Overnight: Newport Hotel/Best Western Kutaisi, Kutaisi (1 night) (B, L)

Day 08: Kutaisi/Mestia (Drive) (220 Kms)

After breakfast we visit the Gelati Monastery*, founded in the 12th Century by Georgia’s most famous king, David the Builder (1073 – 1125 AD). Its walls are covered in splendid floor-to-ceiling murals of Georgia’s saints and monarchs. This site is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Continuing our exploration of Mestia, we pass the lovely villages of Colkhida lowlands. Then, drive along Enguri river valley, stopping at the Enguri Reservoir. Continue on, then arrive in Mestia* (1400m), a small provincial settlement surrounded by huge Caucasian mountains, the most impressive of which are mountains Ushba (4710m) and Tetnuldi (4975m). End the day with a visit of the towers and the historical Svan House. We have a 2-nights stay at Mesia.

Overnight: Chalet Hotel, Mestia (2 nights) (B, L)

Day 09: Mestia/Ushguli/Mestia (Drive)

A scenic rural Caucasian scenery as we drive to Ushguli* (2400m), Europe’s highest permanently inhabited village. Visit the village, its medieval towers and Lamaria Church dating back from the 11th Century. Enjoy the views of Mt. Shkhara (5201m), the highest summit in Georgia. At the Mestia Museum which houses more than 4000 archaeological objects  and was discovered in the Svaneti region comprising of unique samples of engraved and painted icons, objects of religious significance, manuscripts from the 11th – 13th Centuries of the New Testaments from Adishi, Labskaldi, Lenashi, Mestia traditions. Balance of the day is free. (B, L)

Day 10: Mestia/Zugdidi/Borjomi (Drive) (225 Kms.)

A scenic drive to Zugdidi to visit the Dadiani Palace, one of the most eminent palaces in the Caucasus.  Zugdidi houses the Dadiani Palaces History and Architectural Museum. It is considered to be one of the most eminent palaces in the Caucasus. It is a Neo Gothic building. Afternoon, we arrive at Borjomi with the balance of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Crowne Plaza, Borjomi (1 night) (B, L)

Day 11: Borjomi/Akhaltsikhe/Vardzia (Drive) (140 Kms)

After breakfast, we drive to Akhaltsikhe where we enjoy an excursion to the recently restored 13th Century Rabati Castle.  Built in the medieval period, the double-walled complex originally served as a residence for the rulers of this region, with its own citadel, mint and treasury. When the Ottomans and later, the Russians, took Akhaltsikhe, they retrofitted various buildings and added new components to fit their own needs. We drive to Vardzia, a thirteen-story cave town built between 1186 and 1189 by Georgia’s famous Queen Tamar. It stands as a unique example of the Georgian renaissance in an area of many medieval sites. En route, we visit the stop at Khertvisi Fortress. Khertvisi fortress is one of the oldest fortresses in Georgia and was functional throughout the Georgian feudal period.  At Vardzia, we spend the night at the picturesque Vardzia Resort. Balance of the day is free to enjoy the resort and its many amenities.

Overnight: Vardzia Hotel, Vardzia (1 night) (B, L)

Day 12: Vardzia/Dzoraget (ARMENIA) (Drive) (220 Kms)

Our Georgian experience and hospitality is now coming to a close. We drive to the Georgian-Armenian border of Bavra.  Adieu to Georgia and we are welcomed by our Armenian guide. After immigration formalities, we visit Armenia’s 2nd largest city, Gyumri. Gyumri has a distinct look, style and dialect. We take a scenic drive to Dzoraget via Spitak and on to the Vanadzor enjoying beautiful scenery of forests and mountain. Vanadzor, dates back to the Bronze Age. Balance of the day is free and continue enjoy the scenery and walking trails around the Avan which is also known for its traditional Armenian cuisine.

Overnight: Avan Dzoraget Hotel, Dzoraget (1 night) (B, L)

Day 13: Dzoraget/Lake Sevan (Drive) (50 Kms)

A relaxed morning as we have a leisurely breakfast before we start exploring the Sanahin* Monastery and Haghpat. Standing on a high plateau, amidst low structures, they raise sharp against the background of steep, forested slopes. The ensembles are complemented by small churches built around them. Here we will see, besides churches and chapels, four annexes, sepulchers, bell-towers, building of the Academy, book depositories, refectories, galleries, bridges and other monumental structures.  After a typical lunch in Dilijan, we continue exploring the surrounding city and historical monuments.  Wander in the art street of Sharambeyan, chat with the local carpenter and pottery master, see them at work and look out for local souvenirs.  Some 90 Kms from Dzoraget is Lake Sevan, famous for its emerald water and delicious fish. This mountainous lake covers approximately 5 per cent of Armenia’s surface area and is 2000 meters above sea level. Lake Sevan is a freshwater lake and whilst open for swimming, it may be difficult for those who have only been used to salty ocean waters. Enjoy free time in the evening with an optional dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Bohemian Resort or Best Western Paradise Hotel, Lake Sevan (1 night) (B, L)

Day 14: Lake Sevan/Yerevan (Drive) (65 Kms.)

Our destination is Yerevan, Armenia’s capital city. Enroute we visit the Noraduz cemetery of cross stones (khachkars) - Armenian cross-stone with carved, memorial stele bearing a cross, and often with additional motifs such as rosettes. The oldest khachkar with a known date was carved in 879 (though earlier, cruder, examples do exist). We also visit Selim Caravanserai, situated in the Selim (Sulema) mountain pass 2410 meters above sea level. According to the two building inscriptions (one of which is in Arabic), the caravanserai was built in 1332 by Prince Orbelyan Chesar. Our tour culminates with a visit of the 12th Century Monastery of Noravank, set in a canyon rich with rare flora.  Visit Bird's Cavern, where the world's oldest shoe was found.  We also take an excursion to Khor Virap Monastery, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Armenia. Its location, near the closest point to Mount Ararat within Armenia, offers a spectacular view of the mountain, the national symbol of Armenia. It is also significant as being the place of Gregory the Illuminator's 13-year imprisonment, after which Gregory in 301 made Armenia the first country to adopt Christianity as its official religion. Arrive Yerevan for a 2-nights stay.

Overnight: Tufenkian Historic, Yerevan (2 nights) (B, L)

Day 15: Yerevan

Exploring Armenia’s capital, we start with a visit of the National Museum of Armenian History and the Matenadaran. An excursion to the Cathedral and churches of Echmiatsin and the Archaeological Site of Zvartnots* will illustrate to us the evolution and development of the Armenian central-domed cross-hall churches. These churches exerted a profound influence on architectural and artistic development in the region.  At the Monastery of Geghard and the Upper Azat Valley*, which contain a number of churches and tombs, we will see many rock structures reflecting the zenith of Armenian medieval architecture. The complex of medieval buildings is set into a landscape of great natural beauty, surrounded by towering cliffs at the entrance to the Azat Valley. (B, L)

Day 16: Depart Yerevan

Our journey experiencing the heritage of the three countries forming the Caucasus, comes to an end as we are transferred to the airport with unforgettable experiences. Hotel Check out time is 1100AM. (B)

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Departure Dates & Prices

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Notes

Inclusions

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 12 participants

Customised Itinerary

If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you.

Contact Info
Email us at bestway@bestway.com or call 1-604-264-7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1-800-663-0844.

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