OverviewAn adventure through the Caucasus at the point where East meets West, this tour highlights a real contrast of cultures. See beautiful mountain scenery, enjoy delicious food and wine, and wonder at ancient fortresses, cathedrals, mosques and temples.
– Fully InclusiveTouring with Guides and entrance fees
– Included MealsBreakfasts: 21 , Lunches: 20 , Dinners: 21
– FlightsInternational flights and current taxes
– Accommodation21 nights in 3/4 star accommodation
– Group TourMax Group Size: 24
– Physical Rating 3Longer walking and gentle paced physical activities.
ItineraryDAYS 1-2Fly To AzerbaijanFly overnight to to Baku, Azerbaijan’s laidback capital. On arrival, transfer to your hotel. Stroll down Martyrs’ Lane to the seafront before heading into Icheri Sheher, the atmospheric old city for a delicious local dinner.
DAY 3Baku City TourExplore the city, visiting the treasures of Icheri Sheher – Shirvanshah’s Palace, a caravanserai and the Maiden Tower. Later, visit the Carpet Museum and the main market square, with its numerous art studios and souvenir stalls.
DAY 4Visit Yanar DagVisit Yanar Dag, meaning ‘Burning Mountain’, a fire fed by natural gas seeping through the sandstone and Ateshgah, the UNESCO-listed Fire Temple of Baku. Explore the medieval fortress of Mardakan and, after lunch, drive to Gobustan National Park to visit the Petroglyph Museum and view rock carvings dating back to 10,000 BC.
DAY 5Caucasus MountainsHead north through the spectacular landscapes of the Caucasus Mountains. Stop in the ancient city of Shamakhi, visiting the 8th-century Juma Mosque and pop into a local home to try your hand at traditional yoghurt making. Continue to the city of Gabala.
DAY 6Explore ShekiDiscover the ruins of the ancient walled city Chukhur Gabala and visit the Gabala Historical Ethnography Museum. Visit Nidj village to meet the native Udin people before arriving in Sheki. Browse the wares of the colourful bazaar, visit Sheki Palace and the village of Kis.
DAY7Georgia Wine TourCross over the border into Georgia. Explore a traditional market and visit a local family. Lunch on homemade food, wine and Georgian ‘chacha’ before travelling through picturesque landscapes of vineyards and wine villages, to the magnificent wine cave at Kvareli and the Chavchavadze Estate. Continue to Akhasheni Wine Resort which, as well as being your overnight accommodation, will host you for a wine tour and tasting.
DAY 8Discover SighnaghiTravel to the beautiful 18th-century town of Sighnaghi. Continue to Bodbe Convent, the burial place so legend tells of St Nino, who converted Georgia to Christianity in the 4th century. Arrive in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia and have dinner in the atmospheric old town.
DAY 9Explore TbilisiExplore the sights of Tbilisi. Visit the 13th-century Metekhi church, the monument to Vakhtang Gorgasali and Narikala Fortress. Stroll through the Sharden area, where narrow streets are lined with cosy cafs, wine bars and souvenir shops.
DAY 10Discover Ancient MtskhetaThis morning visit the 3,000-year-old ancient capital Mtskheta. Spend time visiting the citys historical sights including the UNESCO-listed Svetitskhoveli Cathedral where, preserved in the crypt, it is said the robe of Christ resides. Later, travel to Gudauri to visit a local painter to learn about Georgian icon painting and teka (felt) making.
DAY 11Uplistsikhe Cave TownTravel back along the scenic Tergi River to Gori, the hometown of Joseph Stalin. Visit the Stalin Museum and the tiny house where he was born. Continue to the abandoned cave town of Uplistsikhe, a fascinating complex of ancient dwelling quarters and a three-nave basilica church, all hewn from rock. Continue to Kutaisi.
DAY 12Visit Okatse CanyonVisit the local Kutaisi farmers’ market and then travel to Okatse Canyon, for panoramic views. Travel on to Svaneti a region that is home to high mountains, glaciers and ancient traditions. Arrive in Mestia and explore the famous watchtowers that look out over the distant mountains.
DAY 13Lakhiri Village HikeThis morning you will visit Lakhiri village and take a short hike through a valley to view the Chalati Glacier. Back in Lakhiri enjoy a baking class where youll make khachapuri, a famous cheese-filled bread.
DAY 14Explore UshguliDrive to Mulakhi, one of many villages dotted with twenty-metre-high stone watchtowers, built during the Middle Ages to defend against invaders. Continue to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Ushguli to visit the 12th Century Lamaria Church, Queen Tamar’s Tower and the Ushguli Museum.
DAY 15Around KutaisiPay a visit to the beautiful hillside Gelati Monastery before exploring the Prometheus Grotto, one of Georgia’s natural wonders. Return to Kutaisi to explore the cobbled streets of the town as you make your way up to the ruins of Bagrati Palace and citadel.
DAY 16Visit Borjomi SpaDrive to Borjomi Spa, famous for its mineral springs, and taste the waters for yourself. Continue to Akhaltsikhe, where you will visit the multi-cultural complex of Rabath. Wander the Rabat Fortress (Old Town) with its rare examples of darbazebi (traditional houses), castles, mosques and synagogues.
DAY 17Into ArmeniaVisit Vardzia, a magnificent 12th Century cave town, before crossing the border into Armenia. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Haghpat Monastery and continue to the medieval kingdom of Dzoraget. Travel to Dilijan, a town that boasts an old district filled with craftsmans workshops, galleries and a museum.
DAY 18Dilijian MonasteriesDiscover Haghartsin Monastery, a beautiful example of medieval Armenian architecture nestled in lush woodland. Enjoy lunch with a local family before driving on to Lake Sevan, known as the Emerald of Armenia. Visit Sevanavank, a beautiful monastery on its shores. Enjoy stunning sunset views over Lake Sevan, where you will overnight.
DAY 19Journey to GorisStart the day at the ‘Forest of Khachkars’, a fascinating medieval cemetery before travelling by road to the southern town of Goris via Selim Caravanserai. Visit the mysterious Karahunge Observatory, where the scenery and mountain setting provide a spectacular backdrop.
DAY 20Wine and Cheese MakingTravel to the 10th Century Tatev Monastery, before a wine tasting at Areni Winery. Lunch today is in a local home, where you will have the opportunity to see how to distil vodka, enjoy homemade wine, and learn how to make Armenian cheese. Finally, visit Noravank Monastery a great religious and cultural centre located in the midst of impressive red cliffs. Continue to the capital city of Yerevan.
DAY 21Explore YerevanEstablished in 782 BC, Yerevan is a thriving city with all the hustle and bustle of a modern capital. Start your explorations in Republic Square, continuing to the Opera House and the Cafesjian Centre for the Arts. Travel to Echmiadzin, a spiritual centre and the seat of the Armenian Catholicos and stop at the ruins of 7th Century Zvartnots. DAY 22Garni VillageVisit Garni Village to see its 1st Century temple and have lunch at a local family home where you will learn flatbread making techniques. After lunch, visit Geghard Monastery and the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex. Sit down to a farewell dinner tonight.
DAY 23Fly Yerevan to the UKTransfer to the airport for your flight to the UK, arriving later the same day.
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