Caucasus Tour 3 countries 9 days
Programm:
DAY 1 Baku
DAY 2 Gobustan
DAY 3 Absheron Peninsula
DAY 4 Tbilisi
DAY 5 Kakheti
DAY 6 Gudauri
DAY 7 Yerevan
DAY 8 Areni
DAY 9 Departure
Day 1: Arrival in Baku
Greeting at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Check-in after 15:00. Free day in Baku.
Overnight in Baku
Day 2: Magical Journey through the Heart of Baku: From Icheri Sheher to Gobustan.
Breakfast at the hotel.
The program begins at 10:00 A.M. (8-9 hours in total)
Starting our journey from the walls of the majestic Old City, or Icheri Sheher, we will dive into a world of amazing discoveries and secrets that every corner of this historical place holds.
We will learn the secrets of ancient Baku, visiting many exciting places.
On our way we will come across the Palace of the Shirvanshahs – a magnificent former residence of the rulers of Shirvan, spread out on the top of a Baku hill. Surrounded by the walls of the Old City, the palace seemed to transport us to the era of the great Shirvanshahs. Looking from outside. In the studio of artist Ali Shamsi we will dive into the world of art and creativity. His work, starting from the facade, decorated with piercing blue eyes on the tree, will make us stop and look into the secrets of the artistic world. The Museum of Miniature Books will open to us the world of books in miniature, where each copy is a whole story that fits in the palm of your hand. The hospitable hostess of the museum cordially shared the stories of her unique collection.
The Maiden Tower, rising in the southeastern part of the Old City, will impress us with its mystery and grandeur. This symbol of Baku holds many secrets that have not yet been fully unraveled. Walking along the streets of the Old City, we will see many historical and architectural monuments, from caravanserais to mosques, each of which tells us its own unique story. We will feel the atmosphere of the famous Soviet films shot here, and this will add a special flavor to our journey. It was here that episodes of such famous Soviet films as "The Diamond Arm", "Amphibian Man", "Aibolit - 66", "Tehran 43" were filmed.
After lunch, our journey will take us to Gobustan, where we will stop at the monument to the first oil well in the world and visit the famous Bibi Heybat Mosque. Gobustan will amaze us with its ancient rock paintings, each of which is a unique page in the history of mankind. A day full of impressions will end, leaving vivid pictures and emotions in our memory. A night in Baku will be a well-deserved rest after a day full of discoveries and new knowledge.
Day 3: Absheron Peninsula. Fire of Mount Yanardag. Ateshgah Temple.
Breakfast at the hotel.
The program begins at 09:00 A.M. (7-8 hours in total)
Today after breakfast you will visit a unique open-air museum - the Temple of Fire Worshippers "Ateshgah", which is a real house of fire. Situated on the Absheron Peninsula, not far from Baku, Ateshgah attracts with its mysterious and at the same time fascinating phenomena of burning natural gas escaping from the ground. These eternal flames, which locals call "eternal flame", are living evidence of ancient history, dating back to the 2nd-3rd centuries AD, during the time of the Zoroastrians - fire worshipers.
Next, you will go to Yanardag - the Burning Mountain, where an amazing flame has not subsided for thousands of years. This place, resistant to rain, snow, wind and even earthquakes, is a kind of gateway to the past, allowing you to imagine what the territory of Absheron looked like many centuries ago. There you will learn the fascinating legends and myths surrounding this place.
This trip will not only be educational, but also filled with mysterious beauty and ancient traditions, allowing each visitor to feel part of the amazing history of Azerbaijan.
Night in Baku
Day 4: Transfer to Baku airport+transfer to Tbilisi hotel
We have breakfast, check out of the rooms (before 12) and head to Baku airport. The flight time between Baku and Tbilisi is a little over an hour (air tickets are not included in the price and are purchased separately).
We meet you in Tbilisi! We take you to the hotel (check-in after 15) and you will have free time to explore Tbilisi!
For example, a walk through the Old Town of Tbilisi: Explore the narrow streets and colorful balconies, feel the atmosphere of antiquity and visit the famous sulfur baths.
Or take a stroll through Tbilisi Old Town: Explore narrow streets and colorful balconies, feel the old atmosphere and visit the famous sulfur baths. Tbilisi Old Town, also known as Kala, is a unique area where every corner preserves history and culture. Here are some of the main attractions worth visiting:
1. Metekhi Church and Bridge: Situated on the high bank of the Kura River, this church is one of the symbols of Tbilisi. Its territory offers a magnificent view of the city.
2. Abanotubani Sulphur Baths: This area is famous for its traditional sulphur baths. Not only are they part of the cultural heritage, but they also offer a unique way of relaxation.
3. Narikala Fortress: An ancient fortress that dominates the cityscape. It can be reached on foot or by cable car, offering stunning views of the city.
4. Tbilisi Botanical Garden: Situated next to the Narikala Fortress, this garden offers a beautiful walk among a variety of plants and waterfalls.
5. Shardeni Street: One of the most picturesque streets in the Old Town, full of cafes, restaurants and galleries, it is great for strolling and enjoying the local atmosphere. Find yourself a restaurant for the evening!
6. Anchiskhati: The oldest surviving temple in Tbilisi, dating back to the 6th century, preserves the spirit of antiquity and tranquility.
7. Bridge of Peace: A modern pedestrian bridge connecting the Old Town with the new areas of Tbilisi, it is one of the architectural symbols of the city.
8. Rezo Gabriadze House: The famous puppet theater and an unusual cafe, decorated in a unique style, attract the attention of tourists with its originality. The photo here is a must have!
9. Mother of Georgia (Kartilis Deda) Monument: The statue, symbolizing the hospitality and courage of the Georgian people, is located on a hill near the Narikala Fortress. You can get there by cable car.
10. King Irakli II Street: This street is famous for its old houses with balconies in the traditional Georgian style, as well as many interesting shops and workshops.
Walking around the Old Town of Tbilisi means immersing yourself in the atmosphere of a unique mixture of cultures, histories and architectural styles.
Overnight in Tbilisi
Day 5: Tbilisi-Kakheti -Wine region: winery-master-class of making Georgian bread- The Monastery of St. Nino in Bodbe-Sighnaghi-Tbilisi
Discover the traditions of the Kakheti region, process of bread baking, wine testing, explore city of Love-Sighnaghi. Our Kakheti tour offers a day in one of the most beautiful regions in Georgia. The very best wines come from Kakheti. Almost three-quarters of the county's wine grapes are grown here. Archaological findings have suggested that wine has been produced here for several thousand years.
Almost every village in Kaketi is well known for its own sort of wine, such as Kindzmarauli, Akhasheni, Teliani, Mukuzani. Wines are named after the places where they are produced.
We will visit:
Excursion to the wine cellar with a free wine tasting - Family Georgian traditional wine cellar on the way to the city of Love Signagi is an ideal place for those who prefer homemade Georgian wine and chacha prepared according to all traditional standards and recipes of Georgia you will be greeted by a hospitable host who will surely show the superb ChachaGon and tell a real colloric Georgian toast. Wine tasting - for guests of our company for Free!
Masster classes - baking Georgian bread for guests of our company for Free!
The Monastery of St. Nino in Bodbe - Originally was built in the 9th Century. It is one of the major pilgrimage sites in Georgia. Monastery holds the tomb of ST. Nino, the Cappadocian maiden who converted Georgian people to Chtistianity as early as 337 AD. It has a breathtaking view of the Alazani valley and snowcapped Caucasus mountains.
Sighnaghi (City of Love) -It is the prettiest town in Kaheti. Sighnagi orginally was developed in the 18th century by King Erekle II. The defensive walles and 28 towers were built by him against Lezgian invasion. The city has wonderful views over the Alazani valley to the Caucasus beyond. After walk we will have a traditional dinner with workshop, where you will learn how to cook traditional meals. You can also taste traditional candies,with grape juice – Churchkhela and Pelamushi. Overnight in Tbilisi.
Day 6: Tbilisi-Ananuri-Gudauri-Kazbegi-Tbilisi
Tour start from hotel at 8:00-8:30.
On our tour to Ananuri-Kazbegi mountains you will have an exciting drive, heading north along the Georgian Military Highway into the high Caucasus Mountains. This is the main road running for 220 km from Tbilisi to Vladikavkaz in Russia, a spectacular highway that winds its way through sheer mountains. This route actually dates back to 1st century BC and is still important as the only link connecting to Russia through Caucasus Mountains.
We will visit:
Zhinvali Dam - is a hydroelectric dam on the Aragvi River in Zhinvali, Georgia in the Caucasus Mountains. Despite its obviously artificial origins, reservoir blends in with the surrounding environment perfectly and delights visitors with its Turquoise waters.
Ananuri - is a fortress situated on the foreland by the Aragvi River, not far from Zhinvali water reservoir and about 70 km from Tbilisi, Georgia. It was built by the Dukes of Aragvi and its earliest parts date from the 13th century. The fortress is on the UNESCO Tentative list.
Gudauri - The ski resort is located on the south-facing plateau of The Greater Caucasus Mountain Range in Georgia. The resort is situated in the Stepantsminda District, along the Georgian Military Highway near the Cross Pass, at an elevation of 2,200 meters, above sea level with skiable area enjoying maximum exposure to the sun. The ski season lasts from December to April.
Monument or Treaty ( of Georgievsk Monument ) is a monument build in 1983 to celebrate the bicentennial of the Treaty of Georgievsk and ongoing friendship between Georgia and Soviet Russia. Located on the Georgian Military Highway between the ski resort town of Gudauri and the Jvari pass, the monument is a large round stone and concrete structure overlooking the Devil's Valley in the Caucasus mountains. Inside the monument is a large tile mural that spans the whole circumference of the structure and depicts scenes of Georgian history.
Gergeti Trinity Church - The old Georgian Church is located under the Mount Kazbek, 2170m above the town of Stepantsminda (former Kazbegi) and village of Gergeti whose name she had adopted. The church is widely known as Gergeti trinity Church thought Georgians call it Gergeti Tsminda Sameba.It was built in the 14th century, but not much is known to us of its history, though it was mentioned in one of the guide books from 1906, that the church was built on the place that used to be pagan idols worshiping. And in 18th century, the church turned into storage for main Georgian relics that were transported here in the time of Persian invasion to Tbilisi. In the beginning of the 20th century, Soviet government had closed the church, and it was returned back to the Georgian Orthodox Church only in the 1990’s. Stay in Tbilisi hotel
Day 7: Transfer to Tbilisi airport /Yerevan city tour.
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the Tbilisi airport
Arrive to Yerevan.
Yerevan sightseeing’s: Yerevan or the so-called “City of the Sun and Light” is the capital city of Armenia, one of the most ancient and lively cities in the world. The capital city is a major tourist destination thanks to its numerous landmarks, extensive nightlife, great museums and lovely parks. One of the truly magnificent sights is Republic Square with musical fountains: from early May till mid-autumn there is a fantastic singing-dancing fountains show, accompanied by some great music of various genres. Another sight not to be missed is Cascade Complex, a massive staircase that connects the upper and lower parts of the city and features an array of statues crafted by renowned artists. Lots of sidewalk cafes, restaurants, and beautiful artwork make this place a favorite spot for locals.
Overnight in Yerevan.
Day 8: Yerevan. Khor Virap . Noravank Monastery. Areni Winery .Yerevan.
Breakfast. Visiting Khor Virap (Khor means deep, Virap – pit, dungeon) - one of the Armenian shrines, which in ancient times was a famous place of pilgrimage. However, Khor Virap is important for Armenians not only for its connection with Christianity: the monastery is closely associated with the symbol of Armenia. It is from here that the unimaginable view of Mount Ararat opens. Due to circumstances, the symbol of Armenia Ararat today is not in its historic homeland, but in Turkey, and the monastery of Khor Virap is 40 km away from the mountain and from the Turkish border. If you look closely, you can see the border posts of Turkey. The beautiful Noravank Monastery (“Nor” – new, “vank” – monastery) was built in the 13th century and stands majestically in the gorge of the river Arpa, and in the gorge, makes the view even more impressive. The spare lines of the church contrast beautifully with the sharp red rock cliffs, and the dramatic scenery is one of the best reasons to visit Noravank. And our last activity is wine degustation in Areni winery.
Drive back to Yerevan for overnight.
Day 9: Departure
Check-out from the hotel. Transfer to Yerevan International Airport. End of the tour.
Price Information
Price per person in different number of pax
Pax 2 pax 4 pax 6 pax 8 pax
Price 988 $ 938 $ 875$ 810$
Single Supplement 180 USD per person
Price includes:
1. Accomodation 3-4*for 8 nights, DBL/Twin room with breakfast
2. Bottled drinking water
3. All transfers and transportations
4. Sightseeing tour programs and excursions
5. English-speaking Guide-driver
6. Master-class of making Georgian bread “puri”
7. Wine tastings Kakheti and in Areni
Price does not include:
1. Lunches and dinners. Lunch time is from 13:00 to 15:00
2. Air tickets
3. Jeep to Kazbegi Trinity Church - payment on the spot
4. Entrance tickets – payment on the spot
5. Personal travel insurance
6. Personal expenses
7. Tips are not included but would be appreciated
8. All other charges and services not mentioned under "inclusion"
9. The order of excursions may be changed
Hotel Options
(One of the hotels offered or similar is confirmed - without choice)
TBIISI: Baku: Yerevan:
Old Wall Hotel 4*
Reikartz King Tamar 4*
Royal Inn 4* or similar
Parkway Inn Hotel & Spa 4*
Old Street Boutique Hotel 4*
Sunday Hotel Baku 4* or similar Sphera Yerevan 4*
Dynasty 4* hotel Yerevan
Revive 4* or similar