TOUR IN ARMENIA, GEORGIA & AZERBAIJAN – 15 Days (14 Nights)

Arrival

• Transfer from Airport Yerevan
• Arrive in Yerevan, meet in airport and transfer to a hotel
• Overnight in Yerevan

Yerevan – Khor Virap – Noravank – Areni – Yerevan

• Khor Virap (17th century) is the most famous pilgrimage site in Armenia, as it is directly connected with the adoption of Christianity. From the monastery one can admire the stunning view of the Biblical Mount Ararat.

• Noravank monastery Passing a narrow road surrounded by rocks of hundred caves one discovers a scene of harmony of architecture with nature. The monastery enshrined with fine architectural solutions and luxurious embellishments is one of the brightest examples of Armenian architecture of the 13th century.

• Areni winery and “Birds Cave” The sunny village Areni is famous for its best wine assortments. Due to its specific flavor and delicate taste “Areni” wine has its respectful place among the best Armenian wines. The visit to the wine factory and wine tasting.

• Return to Yerevan

• Excursion to “Ararat” brandy factory, tour and degustation of three types of brandy

• Evening Observing tour around Yerevan: The tour around the city begins from one of the oldest streets of the city – Khachatur Abovyan street where you can see the contrast between numerous new and old buildings. We enter the Republic Square – the heart of Yerevan, which was designed by architect Alexander Tamanian. The oval shaped square has a stone pattern in the centre, meant to look like a traditional Armenian rug from above. The dancing water fountains are located in front of the National Gallery. The buildings around the square are made of rose and white Armenian tufa stones. Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan

Yerevan – Echmiadzin – Zvartnots – Garni – Geghard – Yerevan

• The center of Armenian Apostolic church – St. Echmiadzin Cathedral and Museum “Treasures of Echmiadzin” The Holy See Mother Cathedral is considered to be one of the most ancient monuments of Christianity. It was built in the 4th century after the proclamation of Christianity as the state religion. Echmiatzin also accommodates two UNESCO heritage sights: St. Hripsime and St. Gayane churches (7th century).

• This marvelous temple of Zvartnotsis a result of skillfulness and brave creativity of Armenian architects of the 7 th century.

• The pagan temple of Hellenistic type, Garni (77 AD), tour of “Temple of the Sun” and the ancient royal bath, the only Hellenistic temple preserved up to now in the region. The temple is located on the edge of the scenic gorge. Nowadays the ruins of the royal palace and the bathroom with a stunning mosaic work can be found near the temple.

• Armenian Lavash-baking master-class

• Geghard monastery consists of a large overhead temple and three churches hewn in solid rock. There are hundreds of natural and artificial caves in the vicinity. The Holy Spear that had pierced Christ’s body on the cross has been kept in the church. Now the Holy Spear (Geghard – Spear) is being kept in Echmiadzin Museum. Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan

Yerevan – Sevan - Dilijan

• Mikaelyan’s Family Cheese Farm

• Noratus cemetery The art of khachkar (cross-stone) is the most original manifestation of Armenian medieval culture. Noratus which is truly considered to be a forest of khachkars and open-air museum, displays hundreds of khachkars, the most stunning of which are the so called “embroidered” ones typical to the 13th -14th centuries. This is a unique place, where one can reveal the development of khachkars art in its historical process.

• Hayravank monastery is built on a high rock on the shore of Lake Sevan. This cozy church is built of roughly hewn stone and looks rather modest.

• Sevanavank monastery A marvelous scene opens in the north-western part of Sevan Lake, where the peninsula towers over the transparent surface of the lake. Sevanavank monastery was built on the peninsula in 874 by the order of king Ashot Bagratuni’s daughter princess Mariam. The silhouette of the churches against the background of the turquoise lake and blue sky casts unexplainable impression on the visitors.

• Lake Sevan (boat trip) The fascination and the pearl of mountainous Armenia is Sevan Lake, which is one of the world’s greatest high altitude freshwater lakes. It is about 1900 m above sea level. The lake is of volcanic origin and is surrounded with mountains of 3000 m and higher. The beautiful landscape and the crystal water serve nice preconditions for excellent rest.

Overnight at the hotel in Dilijan

Dilijan – Sadakhlo – Tbilisi

• Dilijan entices people with its unforgettable beauty and mild climate. The city stretches on the banks of Aghstev river, surrounded with mountains and forests. Dilijan has the fame of a health resort. The warm sun, fresh air and natural spas have great healing influence on people. Dilijan is also rich in interesting architectural monuments.

• Goshavank was founded by the famous medieval scientist, fabulist Mkhitar Gosh. The complex consists of several religious and secular buildings. The unrivalled khachkar put in front of the one-naved basilica was created by the skillful master Poghos in 1291.Goshavank used to be one of the most famous religious and cultural centers in medieval Armenia.

• Haghartsin monastery situated in the woodlands of Tavush region represents an indescribable example of blend of nature with architecture. It was founded in the 10-11th centuries, though new buildings were added in the 12-13th centuries. Now it consists of St. Grigor, St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God), St. Stepanos churches and some other buildings. The refectory due to its skillful architectural composition is of great interest. The huge oak tree, which is almost at the age of the monastery, completes the whole scene.

• Transfer to the border of Georgia (Sadakhlo) Change of guide, driver and vehicle

Overnight at the hotel in Tbilisi

Tbilisi

• Walking tour in Old Town of Tbilisi You will take a glance to the history of the city from early centuries to nowadays by walking in narrow streets of the city and will explore the religious and secular architecture

• Historic part of Tbilisi is located at the foot of Narikala Fortress (reach by cableway). It charms visitors with its romantic, narrow streets, beautiful facades and picturesque sites next to each other, Abanotubani with famous sulphur bathhouses and waterfall of the river Legvtakhevi through the canyon including Metekhi Church, Mosque, Synagogue, Sioni Cathedral, Bridge of Peace, Anchiskhati Church and unique clock tower

• Visit to Mtatsminda (holy mountain) Reach by cableway, walk in renewed funicular and get pleasure during see the view over Tbilisi

Overnight at the hotel in Tbilisi

Tbilisi – Mtskheta – Mukhrani – Tbilisi

• Old capital of Georgia – Mtskheta (UNESCO World Heritage),

• Jvari Monastery (6th century) at the top of a high cliff with splendid panoramic view of how two rivers, Aragvi and Mtkvari join each other

• Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century) in the base of which is preserved one of the main Christian shrines – Chiton of the Lord

• VIP service in „Sarajishvili House“ where visitors will have degustation of 30-years aged brandy Wine production in Georgia was introduced thousands of years ago, but the first Georgian wine brandy connected to David Sarajishvili’s name appears only in the XIX century. The first Georgian wine brand was created thanks to tireless efforts and tremendous desire of David Sarajishvili. He was the one to establish the first classical brandy making technology in Georgia and to produce the cognac. A history of production of Georgian wine brandy has started in Sarajishvili factory, which at present functions as a historic museum as well. While strolling in old parks and ancient reserves and exploring the sweet aroma of brandy, you can completely forget the present time and dive into an atmosphere, where Georgian wine brandy production was taking its first steps.

• Excursion, wine tour in „Chateau Mukhrani“ premium wines and Chacha The Princes of Mukhrani (Mukhranbatoni) stem from one of the oldest royal dynasties in the World – the Bagrationi. Start of 16th century King David of Kartli donated the Mukhrani Estate, dominating the Ksani and Aragvi gorges, to his brother Prince Bagrat. Since then his descendants have left their mark in all sectors of modern contemporary life – political, economic, as well as cultural in the great history of the proud Georgian Nation. Throughout the centuries this fertile land was attractive to many invaders and the Princes of Mukhrani protected it with courage against the various enemies. Sensible and brave warriors – they defended the land brilliantly and courageously. Their knightly nature, diligence and self-sacrifice allowed them to occupy the Royal Throne of the Country as early as the 17th century. In 19th century, designed by French architects.

Overnight at the hotel in Tbilisi

Tbilisi – Stepantsminda – Tbilisi

• The Georgian Military Road (ca. 212 kilometers long) runs between Tbilisi (Georgia) and Vladikavkaz (Russia) and follows the traditional route used by invaders and traders throughout the ages. From Vladikavkaz, the road stretches southwards up the valley of the Terek before passing through the Darial Gorge (which marks the border between Russia and Georgia). It then passes Mount Kazbek (5054m) and Gergeti Trinity Church before heading south-west through the Georgian region of Khevi to the Jvari Pass, where it reaches its maximum altitude of 2,379 meters. Not long after the pass the road passes the Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument, a large concrete monument built in 1983 to commemorate relations between the two countries and the bicentennial of the Treaty of Georgievsk. The road then turns south-eastwards, following the Tetri Aragvi River through Mtiuleti down to the town of Pasanauri, before heading due south. It then passes below the walls of the medieval fortress of Ananuri before cutting across the wide floodplain of the Tetri Aragvi down to a point just north of Georgia’s historic capital, Mtskheta, where it merges into Georgia’s main East-West highway. In this guise, the Georgian Military Road technically continues along the right bank of the Kura (Mtkvari) River before reaching nearby Tbilisi.

Overnight at the hotel in Tbilisi

Tbilisi – Tsinandali – Telavi

• Visiting eastern region of Kakheti, noted for its hospitality and winemaking.

• Batonis Tsikhe „The castle of batoni“, that is, „the lord“, is a 17th –18 th century architectural monument in Telavi, the principal city of Georgia’s eastern region of Kakheti. The Batonis Tsikhe complex contains surviving sections of the Persianate palace of the kings of Kakheti and a museum with archaeological and ethnographic exhibits, manuscripts, rare publications, and military equipment as well as a fine arts gallery.

• Excursion in Tsinandali Estate – a meeting place of Georgian and foreign celebrities in 19th century. Tsinandali Estate is recognized as a historical site of wine’s origin, with the first recorded bottling of wine taking place there in the 1800s. Prince Alexander Chavchavadze, the founder of the Georgian romanticism turned the estate in the village of Tsinandali, which he inherited from his father into cultural and intellectual center of the country, the status it preserves to this day. The complex in Tsinandali embraces the memorial house, a landscape garden, a historical winery, wine cellar and the hotel Radisson Collection Hotel Tsinandali Estate.

• Prince Alexander Chavchavadze’s wine collection consisting of 15,000 wines dating back to 1814. Wine tastes at Radisson Collection Hotel Tsinandali Estate’s Wine Bar „Gaumarjos“

Overnight at the hotel in Telavi

Telavi – Kvareli – Telavi

• Nekresi is an ancient monastic complex located on the top of a mountain in the Alazani Valley in Kakheti. The monastery complex of Nekresi unites several monuments of Georgian architecture, among which there are three churches. The small basilica of the second half of IV century is one of the first churches in Georgia. The chapel was built in Nekresi during the reign of King Mirian, the first Christian king. The monastery of Nekresi is located in a picturesque place, right on top of the mountain, offering magnificent views of the Alazani Valley.

• Excursion and wine degustation at „ Shilda Winery“. Shilda Winery was founded in 2015, but the story began yet many years ago. The Great love and respect for wine – this divine drink, encouraged the company founders to expand their family winery and to bring winemaking tradition to a new level passing this living heritage from generation to generation.

• Surrounded by breath-taking nature and mesmerizing landscapes of the Caucasus Mountains, Lopota Lake Resort & Spa is a resort hotel located in the heart of Kakheti, a true wine region of Georgia. Excursion in the „Chateau Buera“ and getting familiar with the process and local technology of traditional Georgian wine-making. After excursion wine tasting

Overnight at the hotel in Telavi

Tsinandali – Lagodekhi – Sheki

• Transfer to the border of Azerbaijan (Lagodekhi)

Change of guide, driver and vehicle We will visit one of particular interest to the tourists from all over the world – the Palace of Sheki Khans (1762) – a rare example of combining the national and palace architecture traditions. After we have a visit of the caravanserai in Sheki, which was famous for its trade. Two of them are still here today; the Upper and the Lower Caravanserais, both built in the 18th century.

Overnight at the hotel in Sheki

Sheki – Shemakha – Baku

We will drive to Kish village located near Sheki. Kish, one of the oldest villages in the territory of the present Azerbaijan is well-known with its unique architectural monument, a temple from the period of the Caucasian Albania.

Leaving Lahij behind us, our journey takes us through beautiful landscapes on the way to Shemakha. Upon arrival in Shemakha we will have a sightseeing of historical Djuma Mosque.

Overnight at the hotel in Baku

Baku – Gobustan – Baku

We will leave Baku for Gobustan

Historical Reserve (65 km far). The reserve is well known with its perfectly preserved rock paintings – petroglyphs – a kind of artistic “archive” of human evolution on the Earth. In 2007 Gobustan was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then our way lay through the Mud Volcanoes (upon the weather conditions). After, your guided walking tour of Baku includes the medieval walled city “Icheri Sheher” with it is narrow alleyways, historic caravanserais, mosques and we have a visit of the Palace of the Shirvan Shahs, UNESCO Heritage site. Visit the Maiden’s Tower, UNESCO Heritage site the imposing mansions of the oil barons, built in the oil boom of 1870-1914 and Martyr’s with its superb views over the Bay of Baku.

Overnight at the hotel in Baku

Baku – Absheron – Baku

Our tour will be dedicated to Absheron Peninsula tour, exploring Zoroastrian Fire Temple Ateshgah in Surakhani settlement.

Then we will visit Yanar Dag that is located in Mehemmedli village. Meter-long tongues of fire are licking the stratified earth approximately for 10 m in width, searing those who approached too close.

Also we have a visit of Mardakan Castle in Mardakan. The main point of interest is of one of the castles of Mardakan with watchtowers, technically being keeps. These towers are parts of the general chain of towers and other fortresses over the Absheron peninsula.

Finally we will visit the Heydar Aliyev Center. It is a 57,500 m2 building complex designed by Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid and noted for its distinctive architecture and flowing, curved style that eschews sharp angles. The building was nominated for awards in 2013 at both the World Architecture Festival and the biennial Inside Festival.

Overnight at the hotel in Baku

Transfer

Transfer to Airport Baku
Departure