Exquisite Caucasus - Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia

Meeting at the airport. Transfer to the hotel. On this day you will have a Baku sightseeing tour including all the important historical and architectural sights. You will visit Flag Square, the Carpet Museum, the House of Government, the Philharmonic Theatre named after M. Magomayev, and the Baku Mayor’s Office. The tour will then continue to the Old City, which has preserved its ancient architecture and narrow cobbled streets to this day. The Old City Tour will include the Palace of the ShirvanShahs (XV century), the symbol of the city - Maiden Tower (IX century), Karvansarays, mosques, etc. After exploring the Old City, you will have lunch. The tour will continue to the Cultural Center named after Heydar Aliyev. Heydar Aliyev Center is a cultural center, projected as a complex structure that includes the auditorium (convention center), a museum, exhibition halls, and administrative offices. The design of the building is also notable for the fact that neither the interior nor exterior of the building has any angles. The project of the center was designed by the winner of the Pritzker prize and internationally recognized architect Zaha Hadid. Dinner at the local restaurant – Shirvanshah Restaurant

The day will start with a trip out of Baku to Gobustan National Park. The area is known for its petroglyphs, mud volcanoes, and the unique Gaval Dash (musical stone). The ancient rock art is a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the Gobustan Museum, you will explore the different archaeological finds of this area. Later, you will feel like you are strolling around the surface of Mars while exploring the gray-beige cracked earth around the bubbling mud volcanoes. At the end of the Gobustan tour, you will return toward Baku and stop for lunch. After that, you will visit the Bibi-Heybat Mosque.

Your first stop on the fourth day will be in the city of Shamakhi, home to one of the largest mosques in the Caucasus and the tombs of the Shirvanshahs, rulers buried in Yeddi Gumbaz. After Shamakhi you will have to stop for lunch. Then, you will head 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, approximately 4000 live in this area and village in Azerbaijan. They have roots of 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. In Gabala you will see Tufandag Mountain and Nohur Lake. The town itself has an impressive and very old history. Finally, you will reach your last destination, Sheki town, where a guided tour will begin. The sightseeing program includes 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 dеsign and surrounding chinar trees. Shebeke Craft Workshop will be the last destination. The tour will end with a visit to Shebeke craft workshop, Pakhlava workshop, and “Tekulduz” - a popular weaving workshop.

In the morning you will have head to Azerbaijan-Georgia border. After passing the customs you will continue your trip to Kakheti – the picturesque region famous for the producing of excellent Georgian wines. Your first visit will be to Tsinandali village – the patrimony of a famous Georgian family – 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. You will stroll around Telavi – the center of Kakheti region. Telavi is well-known for its delightful landscapes. There you can see a 900-year-old tree. Tour around the famous winery Khareba. Here you will have a tasting of local wines, as well as a master class on baking traditional Georgian bread shoti and preparing a national sweet churchkhela.

The tour will start with a visit to the famous winery “Khareba.” where you will have a tour around the wine tunnel, tasting local wines. Next you will stroll through Sighnaghi known as “the city of love”. It is famous for its architecture inspired by the southern Italian classicism. The town has recently undergone significant restoration and infrastructural improvement, rendering Sighnaghi a must-see destination in Georgia. The tour will continue to Bodbe monastery. The cathedral was constructed in IV century AD, on the tomb of St. Nino who introduced Christianity in Georgia. One of the biggest shrines of the monastery is the miraculous icon of Mother Mary of Iveria. Free time in Sighnaghi. Drive to Tbilisi for rest and overnight.

In the morning meet your Georgian representatives and start the Tbilisi city tour. Visit to Tsminda Sameba – the main church of Georgian Orthodox Church and the highest temple in Georgia. Continue to the historical district of Metekhi, where you will see the Assumption Church located on the picturesque hill. Going up to the Narikala Fortress, situated on a hill. You will reach the fortress by the cable car, and at the top, a spectacular view of the city opens. Going down by foot. Excursion to the sulfuric baths – famous royal bath complex (XVII-XIX cc.), standing on the warm natural sulfur springs. The way will continue to Juma Mosque located on Botanical Street. Excursion to Sioni church - one of the greatest relics of Georgia is kept there - the cross of St. Patriarchate. In the evening you will head to a traditional restaurant and have dinner accompanied by a Georgian traditional show.

After breakfast at the hotel you will drive to Ananuri Fortress – a well-preserved castle on the shore of the Zhinvali Reservoir, the former defensive fortress of the feudal era. Have a stop in Gudauri – a popular ski resort which is beautiful in any season. Here you will see the Balcony dedicated to the treaty of Georgievsk and enjoy the amazing views to the mountains that open from here. After a 5-minute drive, you will visit the Sour waters of Vedza. The place offers picturesque scenes. Visit to the Trinity Church (Gergeti) situated at an altitude of 2170 m at the foot of Mount Kazbek. The church was built in the XIV-th century and is the only cross-domed church in the historic Georgian province Khevi. From the top of the hill opens the incredibly beautiful scenery.

Morning drive to Mtskheta – one of the most ancient towns in Georgia, known as the religious center of the country. Here you will go up the hill to the Jvari Monastery – the amazing symbol of Georgian church architecture. According to the legend, at the site of the monastery St.Nino established one of her three crosses. Excursion will continue to Svetitskhoveli Cathedral – the first and the main church in Georgia. Head to Château Mukhrani and have Wine Testing and master class of different Georgian dishes. Drive to Kutaisi and have accommodation at the hotel.

In the morning you will have a city tour around Kutaisi. The tour will continue to the Prometheus Cave – one of the most unique in Europe. It is characterized by impressive reliefs of stalactites and stalagmites and a variety of underground rivers. Excursion to the monastery of Gelati. This monastery is a living symbol of Georgia’s Golden Age and is protected by UNESCO. You will also have a Visit to Martvili Canyon - the hidden gem of Samegrelo Region in western Georgia. Drive to Akhatsikhe and accommodation at the hotel.

In the morning, after a delicious breakfast at the hotel you will start your tour with an excursion to Vardzia – a unique cave complex of the Golden Age (XII -XIII cent.), the first cave of which was created during the reign of Queen Tamar’s father, George III. In ancient times, the complex served as a refuge for civilians. On the territory of Vardzia there is a functioning monastery and temples. Continue to Rabati Castle – a medieval structure in Akhaltsikhe which is dated back to the XIII-th. The recently renovated Rabati Castle was reopened in Akhaltsikhe in August 2012 and now is the main attraction of the town.

Drive to the Georgian - Armenian border. Meet your Armenian representatives and continue your tour in Armenia. Proceed to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Haghpat Monastery, a masterpiece of medieval Armenian architecture nestled in the picturesque Debed Canyon. Next, visit the charming village of Fioletovo, a unique religious group with deep-rooted traditions. You will have a walk in the old part of Dilijan and enjoy the local atmosphere.

Start your day with a visit to the breathtaking Lake Sevan, one of the largest freshwater alpine lakes in the world. Visit the Hayravank Monastery, a peaceful 9th-century spiritual site perched on the lake’s shores. Continue your journey along the historic Selim Pass, an ancient trade route once part of the Silk Road. Stop at the Selim Caravanserai, a well-preserved medieval resting place for travelers. In the afternoon. After that you will have a tour into Goris and stay overnight there.

Start your day with a ride on the Wings of Tatev, the world’s longest reversible cable car. Glide above the breathtaking Vorotan Gorge on this engineering marvel and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes as you approach the magnificent Tatev Monastery. Explore the history and architectural beauty of this medieval masterpiece, once a vital center of education and spirituality. Continue your journey to the spectacular Noravank Monastery, located in a dramatic gorge surrounded by striking red cliffs. Admire the intricate carvings and unique two-story design of this 13th-century complex. Next, visit the Old Bridge Winery, where you can tour the vineyards and cellars before savoring a selection of fine local wines paired with traditional Armenian delicacies. Finally, arrive at Khor Virap, a monastery steeped in religious and historical significance. Situated against the backdrop of the majestic Mount Ararat, this site offers unforgettable views and insights into Armenia’s Christian heritage. After that you will visit Yerevan and stay overnight there.

The trip leads us to Garni village, well known for its Garni temple – the only surviving example of Hellenistic architecture in the region. Here you will have an opportunity to see how Armenian flatbread called Lavash is being made. Our next 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. Continue the History of Armenia.

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 center of the city and visit Cascade, Opera and Ballet theater, Mashtots Avenue, and the Republic Square. Then have a drive to the Etchmiadzin Cathedral, considered the oldest cathedral in the world. As the center of the Armenian Apostolic Church, it is a place of immense historical and religious significance. Upon returning to Yerevan you will visit the Genocide Memorial dedicated to the victims of the Armenian Genocide.

Transfer to the airport, departure.