Day 1: Departure for Yerevan
After arrival in Yerevan, meet in the airport and transfer to a hotel.
Day 2: Yerevan
Today we explore the capital of Armenia, Yerevan. Visit Republic Square and Cascade, an open-air museum of modern art with massive stairways leading up to the Victory Park providing a fantastic overlook to the entire downtown from above. Take a chance to visit Opera House which enchants the visitors by its beauty. Freedom Square is behind it, surrounded by parks which have been taken over by outdoor cafes, and finally Swan Lake. In the afternoon visit Brandy Factory and taste famous Armenian brandy.
Day 3: Yerevan/Garni/Geghard/Sevan Lake/Yerevan
Drive to Kotayk province to explore Garni Temple and Geghard Monastery.
The “Symphony of Stones” – this is Garni, dating back to the 1st century AD and it’s the only pagan temple that remained after the adoption of Christianity. Continue to the strategically located Geghard Monastery – UNESCO World Heritage Site and beautiful stone artwork. In the afternoon we visit the second largest fresh water lake in the world p Sevan. Return to Yerevan.
Day 4: Yerevan/Khor Virap/Noravank/Echmiadzin/Yerevan
After breakfast we will visit Khor Virap Monastery which gives an excellent view to Ararat Mount. This monastery has always been a place of pilgrimage for Armenians. We will then drive to Areni Village for some wine tasting and explore the Noravank monastery with its surrounding rocky mountains. The monastery is surrounded with fascinating landscapes and in one of the surrounding caves a 5000-year-old shoe was found! We will drive back to Yerevan and discover Echmiadzin home of the mother cathedral.
Day 5: Yerevan/Hagpat/Sanahin/Armenia-Georgia border/Tbilisi
The day starts by visiting UNESCO World Heritage site of Armenia – Hagpat monastery. The monastery was founded probably in 976.
The location of Haghpat Monastery was chosen so that it overlooks the Debed River in northern Armenia. It was built, not on a peak, but halfway up a hillside on a site chosen to afford protection and concealment from prying eyes and also in response to a kind of monastic humility. Afterwards continue the way to another beautiful complex – Sanahin monastery. Later on proceed to Georgian-Armenian border and after border procedures, transfer to Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia.
Day 6: Tbilisi
Tbilisi – the capital of Georgia is an elegant mixture of eastern and western cultures. Venture out in the old winding streets to explore this exotic city and later indulge yourself to sit in the small cozy café and enjoy the picturesque views over the old town. The tour will take you from the century old churches to the amazing panoramic views and famous bath district which attracted lots of people during the centuries.
Day 7: Tbilisi/Mtskheta/Kazbegi
Start the tour from driving to the ancient capital of Georgia- Mtskheta and visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th c) and Jvari Monastery, located on a hilltop (6th-7th cc).
Afterwards we continue driving up to Georgian Military Highway and en route enjoy the fascinating views. On the way to Gudauri we stop at Ananuri architectural complex overlooking Jinvali reservoir. Arrive in Gudauri over the serpentine pass and continue to Kazbegi.
Day 8: Kazbegi/Dariali Gorge/Kazbegi
In the morning we take a picturesque walk up to Gergeti Trinity church (14th c). Hiking up to the mountain is of moderate difficulty but it is all worthwhile. The beauty all along the way and up to the church will make you forget about tiredness. If the weather permits, you may even see one of the highest peaks in the Caucasus –Mt. Kazbegi (5047 m). Return to Kazbegi and take a ride in depth of Dariali Gorge leading to the only active border of Georgia and Russia – Larsi. Drive back to Kazbegi and relax in this wonderful mountainous area.
Day 9: Kazbegi/Sighnaghi
Today we drive to the city of love -Sighnaghi. This charming town is nestled inside the protective wall and overlooks the valley of Alazani River backed up by the Great Caucasus Mountains. Upon arrival we take a walk along the cobbled streets of this tiny town and enjoy the magnificent views.
Day 10: Sighnaghi/Velistsikhe/Kvareli/Sighnaghi
Today travel in Kakheti, region of wine making, centuries old elaborate feasting traditions and local Kakhetian hospitality. Visit the local wineries which keep the ancient traditions of wine producing. The method of wine making in Georgia is inscribed in UNESCO World Heritage Intangible list. The locals will be truly the best guides here in explaining everything to you. Visit farmers’ and bigger wineries compare manufactured wines made according to European methods to home-made wines according to Georgian tradition.
We can also enjoy Churchkhela making. this is traditional Georgian sweets that is essential part of New Year table.
Enjoy a traditional lunch with fine examples of the country’s rich culinary and winemaking legacy. We’ll try freshly baked bread from local clay bakery – Tone.
Return to Sighnaghi.
Day 11: Sighnaghi/Georgia-Azerbaijan border/Sheki
Start the day by driving to Georgain Azerbaijan border Lagodekhi and after border procedures depart for Sheki, 14th century architectural preserve and one of the oldest towns in Azerbaijan. Upon arrival we take a walking tour of this tiny town and visit fascinating palace of Sheki Khan with exquisite glass-work.
Day 12: Sheki/Baku
Transfer to Shamakha and have a sightseeing in historical Juma Mosque and Yeddi Gumbez Mausoleum. Continue to Baku – busy capital of Azerbaijan and referred as Dubai of the Caucasus.
Day 13: Baku/Gobustan/Baku
Today we have Baku sightseeing tour.
Visit Memory Alley – “Shehidler Khiyabany”, from where you can have a great panoramic view of Baku city. Continue touring new Baku and exploring architecture of XIX- XX centuries: Nizami Street, Fountain Square, Nizami Ganjavi monument, Rasul-Zade Street. In the old town we Maiden Tower, Shirvan Shah’s Palace, Caravanserai and market square with numerous art studios and souvenir stalls. An excellent round-up to the city tour will be visit to the richest bank of Azeri carpets – National Carpets Museum.
In the afternoon take a short tour to cave museum of Gobustan with ancient petroglyphs, UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In the evening enjoy the Caspian Sea cruise.
Day 14: Baku/Absheron Peninsula/Departure
We take a morning tour to Absheron Peninsula to see Yanardagh fire breathing mountains and Ateshga Fire Temple. After the tour transfer to the airport and depart.
