Viewing as a travel consultant
Today depart from Australia for Baku, Azerbaijan.
Please note: Some customers may require long layovers in connecting cities. Please be assured that lounge passes or overnight accommodations will be provided if required.
Meals included: In-Flight
Upon arrival be greeted at the airport and transferred to the hotel.
Azerbaijan’s capital Baku (or Bakı in Azeri) is the architectural love child of Paris and Dubai…albeit with plenty of Soviet genes floating half-hidden in the background. Few cities in the world are changing as quickly and nowhere else in the Caucasus do East and West blend as seamlessly or as chaotically.
Overnight: Sapphire Bayil or similar, Baku, Azerbaijan
Meals included: None
This morning after breakfast you will head out on a city tour of Baku. First, you will visit Memory Alley (Martyr’s Lane), which is a cemetery and memorial dedicated to those killed by the Soviet Army during Black January and also for those killed in the Nagorno-Karabakh War. Continue onwards to Upland Park where you may enjoy a panoramic view of Baku Bay. Afterwards, enjoy a walking tour in the beautiful Old City area (a UNESCO heritage site). See historical and cultural sites such as the Maiden Tower, Shirvanshah’s Palace, Medieval Caravanserai, the hammams (bathhouses), Market Square, carpet shops, art studios and souvenir stalls.
After lunch (not included) visit the world class cultural center named after Heydar Aliyev, Azerbaijan’s third president. The Heydar Aliyev Centre consists of various exhibitions and is recognised as one of the world's most famous buildings, the masterpiece of Zaha Hadid has become an architectural landmark of modern Azerbaijan.
Finish the day with a walk along the Seaside Boulevard, the longest promenade in Baku, before returning to the hotel for an evening at leisure or alternatively you can enjoy a traditional Azeri Dinner and Folk Show (not included- $40 USD per person paid on tour).
Overnight: Sapphire Bayil or similar, Baku, Azerbaijan
Meals included: Breakfast
Today is free at leisure, alternatively you may take part in an optional tour (not included).
Optional Activity: Gobustan Archaeological Reserve & Mud Volcanoes - $155 per person (minimum 4 people)
This morning after breakfast you will travel to some mud volcanoes (approx. 70 km from Baku). Mud volcanoes are a unique natural phenomenon with almost half of the mud volcanoes on our planet located in Azerbaijan.
Afterwards continue to Gobustan Reserve, an open-air archaeological museum where you can observe the caves and petroglyphs of the Neolithic period (Stone Age). Gobustan has outstanding universal value, its rock art images depict hunting, fauna, flora and lifestyles in pre-historic times.
In the afternoon travel onwards to the Absheron Peninsula where you may explore the Fire Worshippers Temple – Ateshgah. Until the late 19th century, it was the Zoroastrian pilgrimage place. Admire the flaming mountain nearby – Yanardag, where natural gas comes to the surface and has been burning since ancient times, attracting fire worshippers throughout many centuries. Return to Baku where you may enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Please note: This optional tour is a shared service with a max of 40 people per vehicle.
Overnight: Sapphire Bayil or similar, Baku, Azerbaijan
Meals included: Breakfast
This morning after breakfast check out and travel onwards to Sheki in the North-West of the country (approx. 330km from Baku). Snoozing amid green pillows of beautifully forested mountains, Şəki (Sheki) is Azerbaijan’s loveliest town, dappled with old houses with tiled-roofs and topped off with a glittering little Khan’s palace. Along the way you will visit Diri Baba Mausoleum in Maraza Village and the ancient Juma Mosque in Shamakhi, the medieval capital city. You will also cross a river canyon through the beautiful Muganly mountainous pass.
Upon arrival in Sheki this afternoon you will enjoy a short city tour. See the city fortress, Sheki Khan Palace, Caravanserai, artisans’ stalls including: stained glass – Shebeke, silk and embroidery shops, potters, confectioners, hatters and numerous souvenir shops. This evening check into the hotel for an evening at leisure.
Today's driving distance and time is approx 350km / 4.75hr.
Overnight: Sheki Palace Hotel or similar, Sheki, Azerbaijan
Meals included: Breakfast
This morning check out and continue onwards to the neighbouring country of Georgia. Along the way visit the village of Kish and observe the ancient temple called “the mother of churches”.
Once you have completed border formalities and crossed the border you will meet your Georgian guide who will drive you onwards to Kvareli and visit Khareba wine cellar located in a tunnel dug out of the flank of Caucasus Mountains and taste amazing Qvevri wines. The temperature in the Tunnel stays ideally at 12-14 degrees throughout the year. It consists of two main tunnels, which are linked by 13 galleries. The total length of the tunnels is 7.7 km. Check-in for an evening at leisure.
Today's driving distance and time is approx 200km / 3hr.
Overnight: Holiday Inn Telavi or similar, Telavi
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, visit Batonis Tsikhe Castle in Telavi. Batonis Tsikhe castle served as the residence of Kakhetian Kings between 17th and 18th century. The castle encloses two churches, the ruins of a royal bathhouse and the Persian style Palace of King Erekle II.
Afterwards, drive to Tsinandali village and visit the 19th century residence of Kakheti nobleman, poet and public figure, founder of the first wine factory Alexander Chavchavadze. Explore the house-museum and sample a glass of the finest Tsinandali cellar wine.
Next, head to Shumi winery located just a few minutes’ drive from Tsinandali. Here you’ll enjoy a tour of the winery which presents a collection of wine related exhibits, a history and culture department and a wine-tasting area. Here you will enjoy a taste of Shumi botted wines with light snacks.
Continue onwards to Tbilisi for the evening. On the way, stop in a Badiauri village famous for its Guda cheese (not to be mistaken for dutch Gouda), a hard mountain cheese with sheep’s or cow’s milk. There are also numerous Georgian bread bakeries along the road. Upon arrival in Tbilisi check into your hotel.
Today's driving distance and time is approx 120km / 2.5hr.
Overnight: Holiday Inn Express Tbilisi or similar, Tbilisi
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a full day tour of this historic capital city. First drive to Tbilisi Funicular Mtatsminda Park, which is located at the top of Mount Mtatsminda and overlooks the city. The park has carousels, water slides, a roller-coaster, funicular and a big Ferris Wheel at the edge of the mountain which offers splendid views. Continue onwards to see the Metekhi Church of Assumption which rests upon the top of the hill. The church was built by the Georgian King St Demetrius II between 1278-1284.
Continuing the tour, you will visit Shardeni Street and Meidan Square, which are known for their outdoor cafes, galleries and souvenir shops where you can enjoy a refreshing drink before continuing on to Rustaveli Avenue. The avenue starts at Freedom Square and extends for about 1.5 kms. Rustaveli is often considered the main thoroughfare of Tbilisi due to the large number of governmental, public, cultural, and business buildings located along and near the avenue.
Afterwards, travel up to Narikala Fortress by aerial cable car and take in magnificent panoramic views over Tbilisi and the Kura River. Comprised of two walled sections on a steep hill between the sulphur baths and the botanical gardens of Tbilisi, Narikala Fortress dates back to the 4th century. Enjoy a stroll to the Legvtakhevi Waterfall, located in the centre of Tbilisi, and also take a walk through the luscious botanical gardens.
Finish the day back at the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure or alternatively you can enjoy a traditional Azeri Georgian dinner and folk show (not included - $35 USD per person payable on tour).
Overnight: Holiday Inn Express Tbilisi or similar, Tbilisi
Meals included: Breakfast
Today is free at leisure to explore this amazing city. Alternatively, you may choose to join an optional activity (not included).
Optional Activity: Ethnographic Museum of Georgia & Turtle Lake - $100 per person (minimum 4 people)
The tour begins at the Ethnographic Museum of Georgia. The museum combines examples of folk architecture of houses from all the regions of Georgia. It consists of over 70 buildings and more than 8000 implements and artifacts from traditional Georgian life. The museum is divided into ten zones, each depicting a different aspect of Georgian ethnology. The buildings have been brought from all over Georgia and painstakingly re-erected.
There is an example of a guard tower from Northern Svanetia and a Kachetian winery as well as houses and other buildings from Abkhazia, Ajara and other regions. Each building has its own relevant display of costumes, ceramics, tools and items from daily life. At the Kartli house, arrive before 16:00 and when you step inside, look up as he museum also has great views over the city.
Next, take a nice walk around Turtle Lake, located on the top of the hill. Here you will find many cozy cafes and you can enjoy panoramic views of Tbilisi with some leisure time.
Overnight: Holiday Inn Express Tbilisi or similar, Tbilisi
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast depart to Mtskheta - the ancient capital of Mtskheta which functioned as the capital of Eastern Georgia – Iberia – from the 3rd century BC to the 5th century AD. Mtskheta was a site of early Christian activity and the location where Christianity was proclaimed the state religion of Kartli in 337 AD. It remains the headquarters of the Georgian Orthodox Church. The Mtskheta historical monuments, which includes the Jvari Monastery of the 6th century and the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral of the 11th century, are recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Continue onwards to Ananuri Fortress. The complex consists of fortifications and residential buildings of Aragvi Dukes. The purpose of the monument was to control the trade route and to guard the country from the North.
Next, drive to Gudauri village deep in the Caucasus mountains at 2,200 meters above sea level and enjoy a breathtaking view at the Gudauri Viewpoint overlooking Devils Valley and the Caucasus Mountains. From here you will continue to check into your hotel.
Today's driving distance and time is approx 120km / 2.5hr.
Overnight: Gudauri Inn or similar, Gudauri
Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner
After breakfast, drive to Gergeti mountain and iconic Gergeti Trinity church overlooked by Mt. Kazbegi. Gergeti Holy Trinity Church is an important altar of the 14th century, located on the slope of Mount Kazbegi. The church facade preserves stone decorations depicting ancient rituals and beliefs. If we are lucky with weather, we will see the magnificent Mount Kazbegi (5047 m. above sea level). According to legend Amirani, a cult hero and a prototype of Greek Prometheus, was punished by Gods and chained on the mountain.
Next, drive to Gveleti and enjoy a walk to the Gveleti waterfall. You must first drive through the stunning Dariali Gorge, from which a short, leisurely hike up a narrow footpath leads the way to the Gveleti Small waterfall.
Afterwards, return to Gudauri for the evening.
Today's driving distance and time is approx 100km / 2.25hr.
Overnight: Gudauri Inn or similar, Gudauri
Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner
After breakfast, drive to Gori where soviet dictator Joseph Stalin was born and spent his first four years. Nowadays his former home functions as a museum with items related to his life. The museum contains the dictator’s personal train carriage, as well as a museum building and the small house where he was born.
Continue onto Uplistsikhe, an ancient rock-hewn town in eastern Georgia where you will enjoy a walk through the narrow streets carved into sandstone rock.
Next, drive to Kutaisi - the legislative capital of Georgia and capital of the western region of Imereti - via the Rikoti Pass. Historically one of the major cities of Georgia, it served as the capital of the Kingdom of Georgia in the Middle Ages, and later as the capital of the Kingdom of Imereti. The Parliament of Georgia moved to Kutaisi in 2012 in an effort to both acknowledge the status of the city, and to decentralise the Georgian government. On the way to the hotel, enjoy a few stops along the way to visit pottery and farmers' markets. Arrive at the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Today's driving distance and time is approx 330km / 5.5hr.
Overnight: Kutaisi Inn or similar, Kutaisi
After breakfast, drive to Sataplia karst caves and take a walking tour of Sataplia national reserve. The place is famous for containing dinosaur footprints, which are conserved on the territory of the museum. Sataplia cave is 900m long in total and contains stalactites and stalagmites. Colourful visual effects and lights enrich the natural beauty of the caves.
Next, visit the Gelati Monastery, a UNESCO world heritage site. For a long time, Gelati Monastery was one of the main cultural and intellectual centres of Georgia. The complex included an Academy where some of the most renowned Georgian theologians, scientists and philosophers have graduated from.
Afterwards, return to Kutaisi and enjoy a stroll through the city from the drama theatre on Agmashenebeli Square and towards the Kutaisi Historic district. Afterwards, cross the white bridge and go to the farmer's market. Finish the tour at Kutaisi Central Garden "Boulevard". Here we can see the white stone statues of the famous folk quartet Debi Ishkhnelebi.
Overnight: Kutaisi Inn or similar, Kutaisi
Meals included: Breakfast
Today depart Kutaisi and travel onwards to Martvili - a small town in the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti province of Western Georgia. Martvili Monastery was Samegrelo's clerical centre in the Middle Ages. Visit one of the unique natural attractions of Georgia - Martvili Canyon. Over millions of years, the Abasha River has created a magnificent gorge in limestone rocks, reaching a depth of 40m, with canyons, caves and waterfalls. The total length of the canyon is one kilometre and there are stretches of quiet water for boating and swimming, and also steep rocks to climb, spectacular waterfalls to enjoy and caves to explore. In the upper part of the canyon, you will take a short boat trip up to a 7m high powerful waterfall.
Afterwards, drive to the beautiful mountain village of Mestia (1500m above sea level) deep in the Svaneti region of the Caucasus (approx. 3.45 hours) where you will check into the hotel for the night.
Today's driving distance and time is approx 210km / 2.15hr.
Overnight: Hotel Lahili or similar, Mestia
Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner
Today you will explore the beautiful Svaneti Region, which is surrounded by mountains, glaciers, high peaks and waterfalls. Be driven in 4x4 vehicles to Ushguli Village which is a community of four villages at the head of Enguri Gorge. It’s considered one of the highest continuously inhabited settlements in Europe at 2100m above sea level and due to its particularly inaccessible location, it has kept a timeless feel. The road to Ushguli passes by the villages of Ipari and Kala. The small churches in these villages contain beautiful frescos and murals dedicated to the history of the region.
From here you will enjoy a walk where you may view the Shkhara Glacier. The surrounding villages contain old Svan Towers and buildings that make Ushguli part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites in Upper Svaneti. In the evening you will return to the hotel (approx. two hours) where you will spend the rest of the evening at your own leisure, with dinner included.
Today's driving distance and time is approx 210km / 2.15hr.
Overnight: Hotel Lahili or similar, Mestia
Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner
After breakfast, enjoy a tour to see one of the many Svan Towers, the symbol of Svaneti and many of which date back to medieval times. These defensive structures were built as protection from invaders and natural disasters. Afterwards continue to the Svaneti Museum, where you will find unique icons and manuscripts from the 4th to 6th centuries, as well as ethnic artifacts associated with Svaneti and its people. After your visit to the museum, you will travel back to the hotel where you can enjoy the rest of the evening to explore at your own leisure, with dinner included.
Optional Activity: Hatsvali Cable Car - $10 USD (paid on tour)
Ride the Hatsvali Cable Car to enjoy magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding area (weather dependent - subject to closures).
Overnight: Hotel Lahili or similar, Mestia
Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner
After breakfast, depart to Zugdidi (approx 3 hours). Here you will visit the Enguri Dam, the second largest arch dam in the world. Next visit Sisa Tura where you will enjoy lunch and a cooking class. The ethnographic village Sisa Tura is located in Chkhoria, near Zugdidi. The history and traditions of the Samegrelo region are collected and revived here. There are traditional facilities and unique household items located under the open sky.
A small farm allows you to put yourself in the shoes of a farmer and prepare traditional dishes, grind maize, and get involved in other different activities. There is an artificial lake in the ethno-village too, where you can fish, walk in nature, taste traditional dishes, and enjoy the Kolkhic peace.
Next, drive to the Neo Gothic Dadiani Palace. The Dadiani Palaces History and Architecture Museum is considered to be one of the most eminent palaces in Caucasus. Later return to Kutaisi for the evening.
Today's driving distance and time is approx 250km / 5hr.
Overnight: Kutaisi Inn or similar, Kutaisi
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch
After breakfast, drive to Chateau Mukhrani, former estate of Ivane Mukhranbatoni Royal family (approx. 3 hours). Here you will have a guided tour of the estate, gardens, stable and old wine-cellars, learn the history of the Georgian royal family, visit the contemporary winery and factory and find out how Château wines are made. The excursion will be followed by a tasting of the finest Château Mukhrani wines with snacks.
Afterwards, drive to Tbilisi for the evening.
Today's driving distance and time is approx 240km / 3.5hr.
Overnight: Holiday Inn Express or similar, Tbilisi
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, depart towards the Sadakhlo border (approx. 1.45 hours). From here, drive to Haghpat where you will visit the Sanahin and Haghpat monasteries. The monasteries of Sanahin and Haghpat which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Literally the name ’’Sanahin’’ in Armenian means "this one is older than the other," which probably means that this monastery is older than Haghpat. These two monasteries are very close to each other and can be easily seen from one to the other. Both are located on an uneven plateau, separated by a deep crack formed by a small river that flows into the river Debed. Haghpat Monastery was one of the largest religious, cultural and educational centres of medieval Armenia.
Afterwards travel onwards to the beautiful resort town of Dilijan, also known as ‘Little Switzerland’ where you will visit the old centre of Dilijan and Sharambeyan street, full of handicraft stores, souvenir shops and historical buildings.
Today's driving distance and time is approx 230km / 5hr.
Overnight: Dilijan Resort, Dilijan
Meals included: Breakfast
Today depart Dilijan to Yerevan with stops along the way. On the way to Yerevean you'll have the opportunity to stop at Lake Sevan, often referred to as a "pearl of Armenia" by locals, and one of the largest freshwater high-altitude lakes in Eurasia. You will also visit Sevanavank, a monastery complex on the Sevan peninsula. Currently, a religious seminary functions here, which is not readily open to the public, the peninsula can be named the very point from where the whole beauty of Lake Sevan is seen.
Afterwards, take a trip to Garni. This Pagan temple was built in the 1st century AD. It is the only temple that has been preserved from the Pagan times in Armenia. It was devoted to the god Mihr, who was the god of cleanness. In 1679 it was destroyed by an earthquake but in 1975 the Temple was restored. Then we will continue our trip to Geghard Monastery. Its name came from the legendary lance that was used to pierce the body of Christ. It has been kept here for centuries. Though the exact foundation of the monastery is unknown, the present complex was built in the mid–13th century.
Afterwards visit a local house where you will have the chance to see and participate in the preparation of the Armenian national bread: lavash. This bread is very thin and sold in very large forms. It is usually cooked in a ground oven: “tonir''. In 2014, "Lavash, the preparation, meaning and appearance of traditional bread as an expression of culture in Armenia" was inscribed in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Here we will enjoy “Armenian fast food” with lavash and cheese.
Finally arrive in Yerevan, the capital city of Armenia where you will check into your hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure.
Today's driving distance and time is approx 165km / 3hr.
Overnight: Ani Central Inn or similar, Yerevan
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, embark on a tour of Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. The city is known by locals as the ‘pink city’, due to the colour of stone commonly used on the buildings. In the city centre, you will visit Republic Square and Mashtoc Avenue, where you will see some of the most prominent buildings and attractive structures. Next, you will see the gorgeous Yerevan Cascade, a giant multi-level stairway built of limestone and adorned with modernist sculptures. The stairs direct visitors’ gaze to views of central Yerevan and Mount Ararat. At the base of the Cascade is a garden courtyard with statues of contemporary sculptures such as Botero.
Continuing onwards you will visit the Yerevan Theatre of Opera and Ballet which officially opened in 1933, with Alexander Spendiaryan's Almast opera performance. The next stop is the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, a museum and repository of ancient manuscripts.
Afterwards, drive to the Manuscript Museum of Matenadaran. The official name of the museum is the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, and it houses more than 20,000 ancient manuscripts and scrolls, and over 500,000 various types of documents. The collection of Matenadaran includes manuscripts from different historical periods – from antiquity to modern times – that cover various subjects, such as religion, theology, history, mathematics, geography, medicine, alchemy, music etc.
Next, Visit a brandy factory in Yerevan and taste Armenian brandy, before enjoying an excursion to the Ejmiatsin Monument and Zvartnots Temple, two UNESCO heritage sites. Zvartnots Temple was built in the 7th century by Nerses Builder Catholicos. The Cathedral of Ejmiatsin, founded in 303, is the official residence of the Catholicos of Armenia.
Afterwards, return to Yerevan for an evening at leisure or alternatively, you can enjoy a traditional Armenian Dinner (not included- $25 USD per person paid on tour).
Overnight: Ani Central Inn or similar, Yerevan
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, you will take a trip to Khor Virap Monastery - which translates as “deep dungeon”. Located in the Ararat Plain, near the closed border with Turkey, the monastery was host to a theological seminary and was the residence of Armenian Catholicos, Gregory the Illuminator. Here enjoy the spectacular view of the sacred Ararat Mountain - an immortal symbol of Armenia with the monastery being surrounded by green pasture lands and vineyards.
You will then continue to Noravank, an Armenian monastery built in the 13th century and nestled in a gorge by the Amaghu, amongst amazing sheer rocks on the twisted bends of the river. The monastery is best known for its two-storey Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) church, which grants access to the second floor by way of a narrow stone-made staircase jutting out from the face of the building.
Afterwards, visit the village Areni which is considered to be an important center of wine production industry and which has a history of more than 6000 years. Here you will also visit Areni cave. As a result of studies, metal knives, fruit seeds, grain residues, rope, dishes, clothing, dried grapes and plums, dated to 4200-3500 BC, were found in the cave. The oldest leather shoe of the world was found right here. It is more than 5500 years old. Also, in the same area, there were found world’s oldest women’s skirt (3900 BC), as well as the first winery in the whole world. Nowadays the mentioned winery is considered to be the ancient one and it is referred to 4th millennium BC.
Afterwards travel back to the hotel where you will have the rest of the day to spend at your own leisure.
Today's driving distance and time is approx 240km / 4hr.
Overnight: Ani Central Inn or similar, Yerevan
Meals included: Breakfast
Today is free to explore Yerevan at leisure. Alternatively, you may join an optional tour of the Aregi Factory with lunch (not included).
Optional Activity: Aregi Factory Lunch with Master Class - $155 per person
Drive to Aragatsotn region where you will visit the "Aregi" Dry Fruit and Eco-Snack Factory where incredible combinations of fruits and vegetables await you. "Aregi" products are exclusively without sugar and additives, and the factory operates by receiving solar energy through special stations. Thanks to the latter, ecologically clean dry fruit and vegetable snacks-chips are produced, and there will be an opportunity for you to taste the produce. Afterwards, visit a local house for lunch where you can participate in the preparation of Armenian pasta “Arishta”. Upon conclusion of the tour return to Yerevan and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Ani Central Inn or similar, Yerevan
Meals included: Breakfast
Today at the appropriate time you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Australia.
Please note: Luggage storage will be available at reception for travellers with evening departures.
Meals included: Breakfast
Please note: Some flights may arrive + 1 day.
Tour Inclusions
Itinerary
Download
Important Info
