About the Tour:
Nestled between the Black Sea and Caspian Sea lies the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Stroll through picturesque old towns, ancient cities, forests and monasteries and lush valleys. Enjoy lunch at a local family home, explore the largest lake in Armenia and sample Georgian wine of the Kakheti province. Discover the healing powers of the Sulphur Baths and visit the hidden Trinity church of Gergeti. On this tour experience the rich and captivating history, culture and lifestyle of these three amazingly different South Caucasus countries.
Itinerary:
1 Day: Yerevan
Arrive in Yerevan where you'll then transfer to the hotel. Meet the group 6.00pm in the downstairs lounge at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan.
2 Day: Yerevan, Garni, Geghard, Vernisage (B,L)
Breakfast at the hotel. Start sightseeing tour around the vibrant city of Yerevan. You'll start the tour from Republic Square, continue to the Opera House, a stunning architectural piece. Then visit the Cascade Complex, an open-air museum full of modern art and a stunning overlook to the entire downtown. Drive to The Garni Temple, dating back to the1stcentury the citadel and pagan temple of Garni is a monument of the Hellenistic period. Enjoy lunch in a local house, fit with a lavash baking presentation. Then travel to Geghard Monastery where you'll see the spectacular towering cliffs surrounding the monastery. Back to Yerevan. Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan.
3 Day: Khor Virap, Areni-, Noravank (B,L)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before the drive to Khor-Virap monastery 4-17th century. 45km from Yerevan the monastery of Khor-Virap has a very rich history, both religious and secular. Khor Virapwas built in Artashat during the reign of the Arshakids dynasty. Situated in the Ararat valley against the biblical Ararat Mountain, you'll visit the very place Noah`s arch came to rest. Visit Areni winery to taste some of the local wine before continuing to Noravank monastery; a religious and cultural centre of 12th century. You'll then head to a cave café to have lunch. Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan.
4 Day: Zvartnots, Echmiadzin, Gyumri (B,L)
Breakfast at the hotel. Proceed one of the World Cultural Heritage Sites by UNESCO; the ruins of Zvartnots Temple (7th century). You'll then drive to Echmiadzin, the spiritual centre of all Armenians and the seat of Armenian Catholics. Echmiadzin Cathedral is the oldest standing Christian church built in303AD over a pagan fire altar and is also a protected UNESCO World Heritage site. Lunch is in the local community. Proceed to Gyumri. Short sightseeing in the old city. Overnight at hotel in Gyumri.
5 Day: Bavra, Vardzia, Akhaltsikhe (B,D)
Upon waking you'll drive staright to the Armenian - Georgian border at Bavra and continue to the magnificent cave town of Vardzia (12th century). Covering over half a kilometre alongside the River Mtkvari, with 19 tiers, this is set to be a highlight of the tour. See the rock hewn church with amazing 12th century frescos. The complex includes dwellings, churches, refectories, wine cellars, pharmacy, etc. Overnight at our hotel in Akhaltsikhe.
6 Day: Akhaltsikhe, Gelati, Kutaisi (B,D)
This morning you'll drive to Imereti province (West Georgia), with its cool springs, green fields and beautiful gardens it's very different from very different from the Kartli province (East Georgia). Visit the pretty town of Kutaisi, the second largest in the country (antique town more than 3000 years old) and its historical places: Gelati Cathedral (12th century) – one of the earliest academies worldwide, and the splendid Bagrati Cathedral (11th century). Both Gelati and Bagrati Cathedral are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Dinner and overnight in Kutaisi.
7 Day: Old Silk Road, Uplistsikhe, Gudauri (B,D)
In the morning drive to Uplistsikhe Cave Town (1st millennium BC). Uplistsikhe is the place where the Great Silk Road used to pass through. With its dwellings, wine-cellars, bakeries, a three-nave basilica church hewn out of rock and even a theatre, its a thoroughly interesting town. Continue to drive along the Georgian military highway and on the way visit Ananuri architectural complex (17th century). The carvings on the churches are one of the best examples of Georgian art. The drive is very scenic through high Caucasus mountains. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Gudauri. B,D
8 Day: Stepantsminda, Mtskheta, Tbilisi (B,L)
A stunning drive from Gudauri along the Tergi River brings ypu to Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) – the main town in the region. From here, walk up through beautiful valleys and woodland leads us to Gergeti Trinity Church located at 2170 m. Weather permitting you may catch a glimpse of one of the highest glaciers in the Caucasus – Mt.Kazbegi (5047m). Drive to Mtskheta and see its major historical places: Jvari Monastery (6th century) and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century) where the Robe of Christ is buried. Both Jvari and Svetitskhoveli are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Continue to Tbilisi. Overnight at a hotel in Tbilisi.
9 Day: Tbilisi (B,D)
Today explore the capital of Georgia, Tbilisi. You'll start the tour at Metekhi Church (13th century) and magnificent views over old Tbilisi. A stroll along winding little streets takes you to the main highlights of the city. Afterwards, enjoy the panoramic views over the town and walk through the ancient Narikala Fortress (4th century). You'll then find yourself in the historical domed sulphur bath area connected with the name of the city. Finally visit the historical museum (subject to availability, closed Mondays) which illustrates the fact that Georgia is truly regarded as the land of the Golden Fleece.
10 Day: Sighnaghi, Velistsikhe, Tsinandali, Kvareli (B,D)
Today you'll travel in Kakheti region famous for winemaking and hospitality. Here you can see both snowy Caucasus mountains and fertile valleys. Firstly visit the beautiful 18thcentury small town of Sighnaghi – check out its old wall, small houses with tile roofs and decorated balconies. From here there are picturesque views over the Alazani valley and the Great Caucasus mountains. Later visit a 300-year-old Georgian wine cellar and taste wine still produced by traditional methods in Kvevri - this method of winemaking is inscribed in the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List. Afterwards visit Tsinandali and visit local duke’s estate from the 19th century. Walk in the beautiful garden and visit the house-museum. Continue to Kvareli. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Tbilisi.
11 Day: Alaverdi, Gremi, Nekresi, Lagodekhi, Sheki (B,L,D)
Today you'll visit Alaverdi cathedral (11th century) and Gremi Fortress (16th century). Then you'll continue to Nekresi cloister complex with views over the Alazani valley. Afterwards, head to a local village to have home-made lunch prepared by a local family and homemade wine. Continue to drive to Georgian-Azerbaijan border at Lagodekhi. Dinner and overnight in Sheki.
12 Day: Sheki-Shemakha (B,D)
In the morning drive to Baku. On your way, you'll visit Diri Baba shrine in Maraza and the seven tombs in Shamakha. Dinner and overnight in Baku – your base for the last 2 nights.
13 Day: Gobustan, Baku City (B,D)
Drive to Gobustan 65km. Visit Gobustan open-air rock paintings museum, another UNESCO Heritage site and archaeological museum. Baku city tour. Tonight enjoy the included farewell dinner.
14 Day: Baku (B)
Your tour finishes this morning after breakfast. Transfer to the airport (for scheduled group flights) for onward travel arrangements. Private transfers available from the hotel.
Inclusions:
Exclusions:
- Excludes visa
- Travel insurance
- International airfares
2019 Departure Dates:
- 20th May
- 24th June
- 2nd September
About the Travel Warehouse:
The Travel Warehouse utilises their personal knowledge and experience to plan tours with you in mind. They continue to explore new places for you, our clients, and they won't sell a destination unless they've checked it out themselves. There is a range of new tours with more being loaded regularly, plus a few of your old favourites. Each tour is designed with you in mind. With their many years of travel experience, they've sorted out the hassles for you, so you don’t have to. Their first-hand destination knowledge helps to build fabulous group tour experiences that are hassle-free, informative and relaxing for you and you're invited to join one of these fabulous experiences.
