Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia Tour in 26 days

Arrival at the airport in Baku, transfer to the hotel

Your first day will start with a city tour around Baku. Baku is the capital of Azerbaijan, its scientific, cultural, and industrial center. After the second oil boom in 2006, the city turned into the modern one with unique extraordinary jaw-dropping masterpieces. You will see the Flag Square, the Carpet Museum, the House of Government, the Philharmonic Theatre named after M. Magomayev, the Baku Mayor's office. Then the tour will continue to the old city that had preserved its ancient architecture, narrow cobbled streets till our days. The Old City Tour will include the Palace of the Shirvan Shahs (XV cent), the symbol of the city - Maiden Tower (IX cent), Karvansarays, mosques etc. During the excursion, you will also visit the Cultural Center named after Heydar Aliyev.

In the morning you will have a trip to Mardakan settlement located at the distance of 34 km from Baku. First you will see the Pir Hasan sanctuary which is a renovated mausoleum decorated with national ornaments. The mausoleum was founded in the XVI century and it consists of the tombs of Pir Hasan and other highly esteemed historic figures of the country. The tour will proceed to Mardakan Fortress lying in a hidden place of the old village. It is a quadrangular construction built in honor of the brilliant victory of Akhsitan over the enemy. The excursion will proceed to the former summer residence of the oil millionaire of the end of XIX - Murtuza Mukhtarov. This famous man had an interesting story starting from the poor family and turning into great businessman, enterprising millionaire and philanthropy. The last tour destination will be Mir Movsum Agha Shuvalan Mosque devoted to a holy man who was believed to have no bones. Return to Baku.

The day will start with a trip out of Baku to Gobustan National Park. The area is known for its petroglyphs, mud volcanoes and gas stones. This entire heritage is protected by UNESCO. In Gobustan Museum you will explore the different archaeological finds of this area. Later you will feel like strolling around the Mars surface while exploring the gray-beige cracked earth with the mud volcanoes. The tour will proceed to the Absheron peninsula washed by the Caspian Sea. It is one of the few places on earth where one can observe elements of preserved fire cult of the ancient Zoroastrianism religion. It is also famous for its sandy beaches and numerous holiday villages, as well as modern hotels, a water park, cafes and restaurants. The famous sight is the monument temple Ateshgah (Fire House) survived from XVII-XVIII cc. Next you will visit Yanar Dagh burning mountain with natural gas fire blazing continuously. Due to such amazing natural phenomena, Azerbaijan is often called «the land of fire». Return to Baku.

This day you will have an amazing trip to the north-west of Azerbaijan through the Caucasus Mountains. First you will stop to see Shemakha city which is the capital of the Shamakhi Rayon. The city is known for its largest mosque of the Caucasus and the traditional rug weaving. This day you will also see Lagich small settlement hidden in the mountains. The tour will proceed to 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 and village in Azerbaijan. They have roots in Caucasian Albania. They managed to preserve their traditions, language and culture. Today they practice Orthodox Christianity and you will be welcomed with their kindness to see their church. You will also explore the ruins of ancient Caucasian Albania’s capital Kabala.

This day you will reach Sheki town considered one of the oldest places in the country. Once it was and important silk center and played an important role on the Great Silk Road. The sightseeing tour will include the Upper Town and the magnificent Palace of Sheki Khans. The palace once served as a summer residence of khans and nowadays impresses with its lavish design and surrounding chinar trees. The tour will proceed to “Shebeke” handmade frescos’ workshop, “Pakhlava” famous local sweets’ workshop and “Tekulduz” popular weaving workshop. You won't also miss Kish village with its legendary church built in 78 AD.

On the seventh day you will have a transfer to Azerbaijan-Georgia border and after passing the customs head to Kakheti winemaking region. To get acquainted with local wines prepared by unique technologies you will visit the famous winery Khareba located in Kvareli Tunnel. Here you will have a tour around the factory, degustation of local wines, as well as a master class on baking Georgian national bread shoti and national sweet churchkhela.

The day will start with an exploration of Telavi – the center of Kakheti region. You won't also miss a chance to stroll along the cozy streets of Signaghi town. This small amazing "city of love" is endowed with significant historic and cultural heritage sites. 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. Transfer back to Tbilisi.

After breakfast you'll have a short trip to Mtskheta which was the first capital of Georgia from the 3rd century BC to the 5th century AD. The town is considered the religious center of Georgia. Our excursion will start with the visit to the Cathedral of the 11th century – Svetitskhoveli. The next sight to visit is Jvari Temple located at the top of the hill which offers a fascinating view of the confluence of two rivers Kura and Aragvi. After your return to Tbilisi, we’ll continue with a city tour including an in-depth exploration of the old town. Tbilisi is a city of charming atmosphere, winding narrow streets, carved balconies, chic restaurants and wineries. The program will include visits to Metekhi, the Bridge of Peace, Narikala Fortress, the sulfuric baths royal bath complex, Shardeni Street, Juma Mosque, Meydan Square.

In the morning you 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! Here you will see the Balcony dedicated to the treaty of Georgievsk and enjoy the amazing view to the mountains that opens from the observation area. In Stepantsminda settlement you will go up the hill to visit Gergeti Church situated at an altitude of 2170 m at the foot of Mount Kazbek. From the top of the hill opens a fascinating view to surrounding natural scenery. In the evening you will drive back to Tbilisi.

Your day trip will start with a visit to a small Gori town known as the homeland of Soviet politician Stalin. You will visit The Museum of Stalin - the unique place with the remained atmosphere of the Soviet Union era. The tour will proceed to Kutaisi - the historical 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, which is one of the largest churches in all of Georgia. Bagrati Cathedral is a UNESCO object. In Sataplia National Reserve you will explore the cave known for its dinosaurs Traces. The last excursion will be at Motsameta Monastery located on the hill under the River Tskhaltsitela - Red River.

This day you will travel to the highland fairy region of Georgia – Svaneti known for its less discovered isolated landscapes, unique architectural monuments and specific customs. The views of 4000 m high peaks covered with snow, alpine meadows and small cozy houses and towers are absolutely fascinating. Here you will forget about anything. Your tour program will include a visit to Mestia – the center of the region a picturesque town located at an elevation of 1500 meters (4921 feet) in the Caucasus Mountains.

Your Svaneti adventures will continue to Ushguli settlement located at an altitude of 2200 m above the sea level at the foot of Shkhara, one of the highest summits of the Greater Caucasus mountains. The high location makes the village the highest one in the whole of Europe. This small isolated settlement is inhabited by 50 families, approx. 200 people. What makes it very popular are the unique traditional Svan houses-towers. Due to the important historical and architectural heritage of Ushguli, all the Upper Svaneti is under UNESCO protection. Before reaching the settlement you will make some stops to see the church of the Virgin Lamaria of the IX century and Zhibiani village. Get prepared to drive along the extreme and narrow road. Return back to Mestia.

After breakfast, you will have a visit to Martvili canyons, that attracts a large number of visitors with its adorable wild nature, practically untouched places by humans. Martvili canyons used to be a bathing 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 colour. Then you will visit Prometheus Cave one of the richest caves in Europe. They are characterized by a variety of underground rivers and breathtaking landscapes. After visiting these beautiful sights, you will be transferred back to Kutaisi for an overnight.

After breakfast, you will leave Kutaisi and take your route to Uplistsikhe cave town. This ancient town, carved in the rock, is one of the first towns in Georgia and it dates back to the end of II the beginning of I millennium BC. You will find huge echoing halls, long meandering corridor-streets, chambers for pagan worship and even the remains of Georgia's oldest theatre there. There are various kinds of halls, rooms, and buildings made in different epochs still survive. Then you will be transferred to Tbilisi.

In the morning you will head to Georgia Armenia border, meet your Armenian representatives and start the tour in Armenia. Here the first stop we’ll have at the cozy resort town of Dilijan known for its arts and crafts as well as picturesque lush nature and healing air. After an excursion to the medieval monasteries of Haghartsin and Goshavank you will have rest in Dilijan.

The tour will continue to Gegharkunik province best known for amazing Lake Sevan. It is one is highest freshwater lakes in the world located at an altitude of 1900 meters above the sea level. After a visit to Hayravank monastery, you will have a Trip along the part of the Great Silk Road towards the Selim Pass. Stop at 14th century Selim Caravansary – one of the most well-preserved hostels along the ancient Great Silk Road. A trip along the part of the Great Silk Road towards the Selim Pass. Stop at 14th century Selim Caravansary – one of the most well-preserved hostels along the ancient Great Silk Road. You will have an overnight in a resort town Jermuk.

Trip 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 meter-deep Vorotan River Canyon. After we will visit Khndzoresk which is known for the unique cave town located on the slope. The caves of Khndzoresk stretch almost 3 km along the gorge. Before the construction of the bridge, the cave town was isolated. Now there is a suspension bridge leading to the cave town.

The tour will continue through a narrow canyon to the valley of red rocks where Noravank Monastery is located. En route, you will visit wine factory to taste local wine made of the unique grape sort “Areni”. Trip to the south of Armenia to Khor Virap Monastery located at the foot of Biblical Mount Ararat. In the evening you will be in Yerevan for overnight.

On this day, you will have a city tour around Yerevan, the ancient capital of Armenia, which was founded in 782 B.C. Armenians are proud that Yerevan is 29 years older than Rome. During the city tour, you will walk around the centre of the city and visit Cascade, Opera and Ballet Theater, Mashtots Avenue, and the Republic Square. The tour also includes a visit to History Museum.

This day you will have a 1-hour drive to the Canyon of Azat River. Our destination is Geghard Monastery. This unique monastery is carved into nearby rocks and the surrounding cliffs compose a great part of it. In 2000 it became a UNESCO heritage site. The trip leads us to Garni village, well known for its Garni temple – the only surviving example of Hellenistic architecture in the region.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will head to Gyumri – a cultural centre and the second-largest city in Armenia. The city has a museum of local lore, a historical and cultural reserve, as well as five churches, a monastery, and an Orthodox chapel. The most beautiful and historically valuable of them is the church Amenaprkich (the Church of the Savior). The city was once the centre of education and culture in Armenia and the first Armenian opera was established in Gyumri in 1912. Today also you will visit Marmashen Monastery complex which was built 10th-11th cc.

Your next stop will be at the monument of Armenian Alphabet founded in 2005 to celebrate the 1600th anniversary of the alphabet foundation. Then you will head to Saghmosavank Monastery located at the yawning gorge carved by the Kasakh River. Amazing view of the Canyon will open in front of you once you reach the monastery. After we will visit the Amberd fortress which was built from the 7th to the 10th centuries. The castle itself and part of the fortress walls were built in the 7th century, under the reign of the princely family Kamsarakan. In the evening you will be back to your hotel in Yerevan.

A short morning drive will take you to Echmiadzin town – the religious centre of all Armenians around the world. Hereafter the adoption of Christianity in 301 AD – was built the first Christian temple in the world – Echmiadzin Cathedral. It is the seat of the Supreme Patriarch of the Catholicos of all Armenians. The cathedral keeps an important religious relic – the Holy Lance spear. In 2000 Echmiadzin Cathedral was listed as a UNESCO site. You’ll see the ruins of Zvartnots temple (7th century, UNESCO World Heritage Site), that was a miracle of its time. The trip will continue to the Genocide Memorial – a solemn reminder of the first genocide of the 20th century.

You will have a free day in Yerevan.

Transfer to the airport, departure.