DISCOVER SOUTH CAUCASUS
DISCOVER SOUTH CAUCASUS
September Azerbaijan-Georgia for 2023
Baku – Absheron peninsula – Tbilisi-Mtskheta – Dzalisi – Tbilisi – Georgia
10 days, 9 nights
Day 1: Arrival in Baku
Day 2: Baku – Absheron Peninsula
Day 3: Baku
Day 4: Baku – Tbilisi
Day 5: Tbilisi – City tour
Day 6: Tbilisi – Mtskheta – Dzalisi – Tbilisi
Day 7: Tbilisi – Telavi Georgia
Day 8: Telavi Georgia
Day 9: Tbilisi Typ
Day 10: Tbilisi Georgia
Package price based on double room:
For 4 people price per person = 2190 USD per person
For 6 people price per person = 2060 USD per person
For 8-10 people price per person = 1955 USD per person
Single room supplement = 800 USD per person
PRICE INCLUDES:
3 nights at Baku Shah Palace Luxury Museum Hotel or similar
5 nights at King Gorgasali Hotel 4* (or similar) in Tbilisi
1 night at Holiday Inn 4* hotel or similar in Telavi
Meals: according to the program (B – breakfast, lunch – lunch, dinner D)
All breakfast in hotels.
All transfers and transportation in a comfortable car except for DAY 9.
Russian-speaking guide in accordance with the program, except for DAY 9.
Entry tickets
1 bottle of water per person per day
PRICE EXCLUDES:
Entry visas.
Meals other than those mentioned above
Alcoholic drinks
Flights
Travel insurance
Porter
Early check-in / late check-out
Services other than those described
Baku 3 nights
Shah Palace Luxury Museum Hotel 09/13-09/18 2023
Standard Room, Twin Beds (2,0,0)
2 adults
Bed & Breakfast
Tbilisi 09/18/2023-09/24/2023
Mercure Tbilisi Old Town
Room, Double or Twin Beds (2,0,0)
Bed & Breakfast
Amante Narikala by Tbilisi Luxury Boutique Hotels
Boutique Room, King Bed (2,0,0)
2 Adults Room Only Ro
PRICE EXCLUDES:
Flight 1
Thu, Sep 14, 2023
United JFK 9:50 PM 14h 45m 1 stop FRA 8:35 PM +1 GYD Sep 15, 2023
Operated by Lufthansa
Flight 2
Sun, Sep 24, 2023
United 5:10 AM TBS 17h 50m 1 stop MUC 3:00 PM JFK
Mon, Sep 18, 2023
Flight 3
Buta Airways 6:00 PM GYD 1h 10m Direct 7:10 PM TBS
Sep 15, 2023
Day 1: Baku – arrival
Arrival in Baku at 8:35 PM by flight from New York.
You will be met by our driver and taken to the hotel. Check-in at the hotel upon arrival. Rest.
Airport – center of Baku: 22 km (30 minutes)
Sep 16, 2023
Day 2: Baku – Absheron Peninsula – Gobustan – Baku
On this day, a tour of Greater Baku and the Absheron Peninsula is planned. At the beginning of the tour, visit the ancient temple of fire worshipers Ateshgah, located 30 km from Baku, on the outskirts of the village of Surakhany. Zoroastrians from India traveled thousands of kilometers to Surakhani to worship the fire that was burning from the ground. Next, visit Mount Yanardag, on the slope of which natural gas has been burning since ancient times, as if justifying the unofficial name of Azerbaijan “Land of Fire”. In the afternoon you will drive out of town along the coast of the Caspian Sea to the Gobustan volcanic desert (Gobu territory, 60 km from Baku). There are more than 4,000 rock paintings left by Neolithic artists, as well as half of the world’s mud volcanoes.
Visiting the museum “Gobustan”, viewing petroglyphs and mud volcanoes.
Return to Baku.
Overnight at the hotel.
Tour starts at 09:30
Tour finishes at about 18:00 Duration: 8-9 hours.
Sep 17, 2023
Day 3: Baku: Old City (fortress), Fountain Square
You will have a tour of Baku. The excursion program begins with a visit to the Memorial Alley – Shehidlyar Khiyabany, from here, from the park, a panoramic view of the city opens. Inspection of the streets of new Baku, the architectural feature of which combines the eclectic styles of the 19th-20th centuries: Nizami Street, Pl. Fountains, monument to Nizami Ganjavi, Rasul-Zade street. In continuation of the tour, you will visit the historical part of Old Baku Icheri Sheher (XV-XVII centuries), walking through the Old City, you will see the Maiden Tower (IX century), the Palace of the Shirvanshahs (XV century, a UNESCO World Heritage Site), visit 15th century caravanserai, on the square of the medieval markets, in the workshop-studio of handmade carpets, and also stop on the street where the famous film “The Diamond Arm” was filmed. Overnight at the hotel.
Choice tour (optional): Heydar Aliyev Center (a cultural center built on Heydar Aliyev Avenue in the capital of Azerbaijan, in the city of Baku. It is a complex building that includes an auditorium (congress center), a museum, exhibition halls, administrative offices Named after the 3rd President of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev, the center was designed in 2007 by architect Zaha Hadid.
09:30 start of the tour – visiting the Memorial Alley
10:30 Start of the tour of the Old Town and Fountain Square (approximately 3 hours)
Sep 18, 2023
Day 4: Baku to Tbilisi
Check out from the hotel before noon. (Late check out) 3.00 pm
Transfer to Baku International Airport
FLIGHTS FROM Baku to Tbilisi 6.00 pm arrival 7.10 pm
Arrival in Tbilisi at 7.10 Pm by direct flight from: Baku.
You will be met by our driver and taken to the hotel.
Check-in at the hotel upon arrival.
Rest.
Sep 19, 2023
Day 5: Tbilisi
A tour of Tbilisi awaits you. On this day, it is planned to visit the Orthodox Cathedral of Tsminda Sameba, which is today one of the largest Orthodox cathedrals in the world. During the tour you will visit the Metekhi Church and the monument to the legendary founder of Tbilisi, King Vakhtang Gorgasali, climb the cable car to the Narikala fortress, from where you will see a breathtaking panorama of the city. Going down to the area of sulfur baths, where Pushkin and Dumas liked to visit, and passing by the only mosque in Tbilisi, you will find yourself among the cozy cafes and souvenir shops of the Chardin corner, a favorite place for citizens and guests of the capital.
Narrow streets, wine cellars and art galleries keep the spirit of Old Tbilisi and lead to the Sioni Temple, named after Mount Zion, the 6th century Anchiskhati Basilica and the unique clock tower of the Rezo Gabriadze Puppet Theatre. After passing along the pedestrian Peace Bridge to the left bank of the Kura, you will visit the park of bizarre sculptures of Rike.
Attractions:
Visit to the archaeological site of Dzalisi, located in the Mukhrani valley. Which consists of several layers from the Bronze Age (3rd – 2nd Millennium BC).
– Metekhi Assumption Church (13th century), built by King Demeter II. Leaning on top of a hill, the church is a good example of cruciferous Georgian Orthodox churches.
– The Georgian synagogue is a Jewish prayer house built from 1895 to 1903.
– Sioni Cathedral (6th-19th centuries). The cathedral was the seat of the ruling catholicoses-patriarchs and is commonly referred to as “Tbilisi Sioni”, following the old Georgian custom of naming churches after places in the Holy Land.
– Anchiskhati Basilica (VI c.) – the oldest surviving church in Tbilisi.
– Narikhala Fortress – the main citadel of the city, where you can enjoy a beautiful view of Tbilisi.
– Sulfur baths – high in sulfur and other minerals, with a constant temperature of 38 to 40 ° C, the waters have long been used as a therapeutic agent for a number of diseases.
– Rustaveli Avenue – the central avenue in Tbilisi, named after the medieval Georgian poet Shota Rustaveli.
Overnight at the hotel.
Tour starts at 09:00
Tour finishes at about: 15:00 Duration: 5-6 hrs
Sep 20, 2023
Day 6: Tbilisi – Mtskheta – Dzalisi – Tbilisi (B/-/-)
Breakfast in the hotel.
In the morning we drive to Mtskheta – the ancient capital of Georgia, located at the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers.
Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Jvari, a 6th-century cruciform monastery built on top of a cliff overlooking the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers. In this place, St. Nino, the female evangelist, erected a large wooden cross on the site of a pagan temple; Svetitskhoveli, a fortified cathedral dating from the 11th century. Svetitskhoveli – a sacred place where the robe of Christ is buried
Visit to the archaeological site of Dzalisi, located in the Mukhrani valley. Which consists of several layers from the Bronze Age (3rd – 2nd Millennium BC).
Trip to Tbilisi.
Lunch and dinner are independent.
Overnight at the hotel in Tbilisi.
Sep 21, 2023
Day 7. Tbilisi – Bodbe – Sighnaghi – Tsinandali/Telavi (B/L/-) 180 km
Breakfast in the hotel. Lunch in the itinerary.
A trip to the wine-growing region of Kakheti, which is located in the eastern part of Georgia and is rightfully considered the cradle of Georgian winemaking. Unique grape varieties are cultivated here, such as Kindzmarauli, Manavi, Saperavi.
Visiting the monastery in Bodbe: the monastery and episcopal complex of St. George, located in Kakheti, the town of Bodbe, was built in the 9th century. The remains of St. Nino, the enlightener of Georgia, are buried here. In the XVI-XVI centuries, Bodbe was an important educational center. In 1837 the monastery was abolished. And in 1889, the convent of St. Equal-to-the-Apostles Nino was opened here, which is still operating.
More Sighnaghi: this small town, located next to Bodbe, is one of the most popular tourist routes.
Located on a mountain, Sighnaghi attracts visitors with views of the Alazani Valley and the Caucasus Range. The city is also famous for its fortress built in the 18th century. under King Erekle II, included in the list of the most famous and largest fortresses in Georgia. The walls of the Signagi fortress miraculously survived and today surround the old part of the city and go far beyond the city boundaries. The fortress consists of 28 towers, each of which was built by residents of nearby villages and has similar names.
Wine tasting in Sighnaghi.
Wine tasting at Pheasant Tears or similar. Lunch, wine tasting.
Overnight in Signagi/Tsinandali/Telavi.
Sep 22, 2023
Day 8 Sighnaghi – Tbilisi (B/L/-) 180 km
Breakfast in the hotel. Dinner
Next Trip to Tsinandali – the residence of the Georgian princes of the 19th century. Alexander Chavchavdze was the first to establish European style wine production in Georgia. Inspection of the residence and the park.
A trip to the wine region of Kakheti
Visit to Mosmieri winery near Telavi. Lunch, wine tasting.
Return to Tbilisi.
Sep 23, 2023
Day 9: Tbilisi (B / – / -)
Free day for rest.
1 Excursion option Borjomi
Lunch and dinner are independent. No guide and transport service.
Overnight at the hotel in Tbilisi.
Sep 24, 2023
Day 10 Tbilisi – Departure
Check out from the hotel before noon. Transfer to Tbilisi International Airport.
DISCOVER SOUTH CAUCASUS
DISCOVER SOUTH CAUCASUS
Day 1: Arrival in Baku
Day 2: Baku Old City & Absheron Peninsula tour
Day 3: Baku-Gobustan-Shamakhi-Sheki
Day 4: : Sheki- Lagodekhi Border-Tbilisi
Day 5: Half Day Tbilisi City Tour
Day 6: Round trip to Wine Region – Kakheti
Day 7: From Tbilisi to Khevi Province
Day 8: Explore the Greater Caucasus Mountains
Day 9: Trip to the oldest urban settlement in Georgia
Day 10: Akhaltsikhe – Vardzia – Yerevan
Day 11: Yerevan – Echmiadzin – Yerevan
Day 12: Yerevan – Garni – Geghard – Khor Virap – Yerevan
Day 13: Yerevan – Sevan – Sadakhlo – Tbilisi
Day 14: Departure from Tbilisi.
DISCOVER SOUTH CAUCASUS
Azerbaijan – Georgia – Armenia
14 days / 13 nights
*Total touring distance ±2670km
The south Caucasus comprises three unique, yet interconnected Countries: Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan.
The history of Orthodox Christian Georgia, Gregorian Christian Armenia and Muslim Azerbaijan is blend in centuries of friendship and battle for survival.
Still each country is unique with its own distinct customs, traditions and religion.
The Caucasus boasts the evidence of flourishing culture with impressive architectural monuments, archaeological and pagan sites, monastic jewels and centuries old mosques, nature sites, National parks as well as cities
DISCOVER SOUTH CAUCASUS
PRICES OF GUARANTEED DEPARTURE TOURS PER PERSON FOR 2023
(*MINIMUM 4 PERSONS)
Standard Tour Package
Hoteles: Diplomat 3*, Karavansaray 3*, Sharden 3*, Truso 3*, Rabath 3*, Regineh 3* or similar hotels
Price per person in double room accommodation 3355 USD
Single room supplement 1380 USD
Superior Tour Package
Hoteles: Central Park 4*, Sheki Saray 4*, Courtyard by Marriott 4*, Marco Polo 4*, Lomsia 3*, Ani Plaza 4* or similar hotels
Price per person in double room accommodation 3775 USD
Single room supplement 1580 USD
RATES INCLUDE:
Transportation as per program
English speaking tour guide (if more than 4 persons – request Spanish/Italian/German/French/Japanese/Russian speaking guide service, there will be additional guide on board)
Catering:
13 breakfasts;
8 lunches;
4 dinners;
1 wine tasting
Accommodation:
2 nights Baku;
1 night Sheki;
4 nights Tbilisi;
2 nights Gudauri;
1 night Akhaltsikhe;
3 nights Yerevan
Entrance fees as per program
1 bottle of mineral water per person/per day
PRICE EXCLUDES:
International flights
Services marked with (*)
Alcohol beverages
Travel insurance
Porters
Early check in or Late Check out
Services except described
Visa fees
SERVICES ON SUPPLEMENTARY BASIS:
One-way airport transfer by sedan (per vehicle) – 65 USD
5 seater 4WD vehicle to Gergeti Trinity Church (per vehicle) – 145 USD
Lunch at a local restaurant – 45 USD
Dinner at a local restaurant – 60 USD
Entrance fees in the Museums of Tbilisi – 10 USD
Day 1: Arrival to Baku
Transfer to the hotel*
Overnight in Baku
Day 2: Baku Old City & Absheron Peninsula tour (touring distance ±50km)
9:00 – Baku City Tour. Shirvanshah’s Palace, Maidan Tower, Ateshgah, Carpet Museum
13:00 – Lunch. Drive to Absheron Peninsual. Visit the Burning mountain Yanar Dag, Mardakan Castle, Ramana Castle
20:00 – Dinner*
Overnight in Baku
Day 3: Baku-Gobustan-Shamakhi-Sheki (touring distance ±350km)
9:00 – Drive to Gobustan. Visit Gobustan National Park. Drive to Shamakhi. Visiting Diribaba Mausoleum
13:00 – Lunch
Visit Juma-Mosque (Friday Mosque) of Shamakhi city
Visit Seven Domes – the complex of tombs built for Shirvan’s royal family in 18th c. Drive to Sheki
20:00 – Dinner*
Overnight in Sheki
Day 4: Sheki- Lagodekhi Border-Tbilisi (touring distance ±320km)
9:00 – visit Sheki Khan’s Palace
12:00 – Lunch. Drive to Lagodegkhi Border
Visit Gremi Architectural Complex (16th – 17th cc)
Drive to Tbilisi
20:00 – Dinner*
Overnight in Tbilisi
Day 5: Half Day Tbilisi City Tour (touring distance ±50km)
10:00 – Tbilisi Sightseeing tour. Sights to visit: Old City, Metekhi Church, Narikala Fortress, Abanotubani, – Sulphur bath district, Sioni Cathedral, Anchiskhati Basilica, Rustaveli Avenue
13:00 – Lunch*
Free time. Suggested places to visit: National Museum of Georgia*, Open Air Ethnographic Museum*
20:00 – Dinner
Overnight in Tbilisi
Day 6: Round trip to Wine Region – Kakheti (touring distance ±380km)
9:00 – Drive to Kakheti region
Visit: Bodbe Nunnery, Sighnaghi – City of Love
13:00 – Lunch and wine tasting at local winery
Visit Tsinandali Family Estate
20:00 – Dinner*. Drive to Tbilisi
Overnight in Tbilisi
Day 7: From Tbilisi to Khevi Province (touring distance ±205km)
9:00 – Drive to Mtskheta. Sights to visit: Jvari Monastery, Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
13:00 – Lunch*
Drive along Georgian Military Highway and visit Ananuri Architectural complez
20:00 – Dinner at the hotel
Overnight in Gudauri
Day 8: Explore the Greater Caucasus Mountains (touring distance ±65km)
9:00 – Drive to Stepantsminda
Hike up to Gergeti Trinity church – apps. 3hrs. hiking (or by 4WD vehicle*)
13:00 – Lunch*
Drive back to Gudauri
20:00 – Dinner at the hotel
Overnight in Gudauri
Day 9: Trip to the oldest urban settlement in Georgia (touring distance ±450km)
9:00 – Drive to Uplistsikhe. Explore Uplistsikhe rock-hewn town
13:00 – Lunch
Visit Stalin’s Museum and the house, where Stalin, the leader of Soviet Union, was born
Drive to Akhaltsikhe via Borjomi. Visit Borjomi Park to taste Brojomi mineral water
20:00 – Dinner*
Overnight in Akhaltsikhe
Day 10: Akhaltsikhe – Vardzia – Yerevan (touring distance ±320km)
9:00 – Drive to Vardzia, explore Vardzia Cave Complex
13:00 – Lunch*
Photo stop at Khertvisi Fortress. Drive to Yerevan
20:00 – Dinner
Overnight in Yerevan
Day 11: Yerevan – Echmiadzin – Yerevan (touring distance ±50km)
9:00 – Drive to Echmiadzin
Visit Echmiadzin Cathedral. – The UNESCO World Heritage Sight
13:00 – Lunch
14:00 – Yerevan city tour. Visit of Matenadaran Museum and Tsitsernakaberd – the memorial complex dedicated to the victims of the Great Armenian Genocide
20:00 – Dinner*
Overnight in Yerevan
Day 12: Yerevan – Garni – Geghard – Khor Virap – Yerevan (touring distance ±150km)
10:00 – Visit Garni Hellenistic temple and Geghard Monastery – the UNESCO World Heritage Sights
13:00 – Lunch
Visit Khor-Virap – “Deep Dungeon”, one of the holiest sites in Armenia
20:00 – Dinner*
Overnight in Yerevan
Day 13: Yerevan – Sevan – Sadakhlo – Tbilisi (touring distance ±280km)
9:00 – Drive to Lake Sevan, one of the largest high-altitude lakes in the world. Visit Sevan Monastery
13:00 – Lunch
Drive to Alaverdi
Visit Haghpat Monastery. Drive to Tbilisi
20:00 – Dinner*
Overnight in Tbilisi
Day 14: Departure from Tbilisi.
Transfer to airport*
*Not Included Services – All services mentioned in the Itineraries, but marked with (*) are provided on supplementary basis – can be purchased on spot or booked in advance upon request
ANCIENT CHRISTIAN COUNTRIES
ANCIENT CHRISTIAN COUNTRIES
Georgia – Armenia
11 Days / 10 Nights
Day 1: Arrival in Tbilisi
Day 2: Half Day Tbilisi City Tour
Day 3: Round trip to Wine Region – Kakheti
Day 4: From Tbilisi to Khevi Province
Day 5: Explore the Greater Caucasus Mountains
Day 6: Trip to the oldest urban settlement in Georgia
Day 7: Akhaltsikhe – Vardzia – Yerevan
Day 8: Yerevan – Echmiadzin – Yerevan
Day 9: Yerevan – Garni – Geghard – Khor Virap – Yerevan
Day 10: Yerevan – Sevan – Sadakhlo – Tbilisi
Day 11: Departure from Tbilisi.
*Total touring distance ±1950km
In order to discover ancient Christian Civilizations, we invite you to explore two neighboring countries, Georgia and Armenia. Christianity become state religion since 4th century and played major part in the history and culture of both countries.
THE ANCIENT CRISTIAN COUNTRIES
PRICES OF GUARANTEED DEPARTURE TOURS PER
PERSON FOR (*MINIMUM 4 PERSONS)
Standard Tour Package
Hotels:
Sharden 3*, Truso 3*, Rabath 3*, Regineh 3* or similar hotels
Price per person in double room accommodation 2895 USD
Single room supplement 1265 USD
Superior Tour Package
Hoteles:
Courtyard by Marriott 4*, Marco Polo 4*, Lomsia 3*, Ani Plaza 4* or similar hotels
Price per person in double room accommodation 3570 USD
Single room supplement 1500 USD
RATES INCLUDE:
Transportation as per program
English speaking tour guide (if more than 4 persons – request
Spanish/Italian/German/French/Japanese/Russian speaking guide service, there
will be additional guide on board)
Catering:10 breakfasts;5 lunches;4 dinners;1 wine tasting
Accommodation:
4 nights Tbilisi;
2 nights Gudauri;
1 night Akhaltsikhe;
3 nights Yerevan
Entrance fees as per program
1 bottle of
mineral water per person/per day
PRICE EXCLUDES:
International flights
Services marked with (*)
Alcohol beverages
Travel insurance
Porters
Early check
in or Late Check out
Services except described
Visa fees
SERVICES ON
SUPPLEMENTARY BASIS:
One-way airport transfer by sedan (per vehicle) – 65 USD
5 seater 4WD
vehicle to Gergeti Trinity Church (per vehicle) – 145 USD
Lunch at a
local restaurant – 45 USD
Dinner at a
local restaurant – 60 USD
Entrance fees
in the Museums of Tbilisi – 15 US
Day 1: Arrival to Tbilisi
Transfer to the hotel*
Overnight in Tbilisi
Day 2: Half Day Tbilisi City Tour (touring distance ±50km)
10:00 – Tbilisi Sightseeing tour. Sights to visit: Old City, Metekhi Church, Narikala Fortress, Abanotubani, – Sulphur bath district, Sioni Cathedral, Anchiskhati Basilica, Rustaveli Avenue
13:00 – Lunch*
Free time. Suggested places to visit: National Museum of Georgia*, Open Air Ethnographic Museum*
20:00 – Dinner
Overnight in Tbilisi
Day 3: Round trip to Wine Region – Kakheti (touring distance ±380km)
9:00 – Drive to Kakheti region
Visit: Bodbe Nunnery, Sighnaghi – City of Love
13:00 – Lunch and wine tasting at local winery
Visit Tsinandali Family Estate
20:00 – Dinner*. Drive to Tbilisi
Overnight in Tbilisi
Day 4: From Tbilisi to Khevi Province (touring distance ±205km)
9:00 – Drive to Mtskheta. Sights to visit: Jvari Monastery, Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
13:00 – Lunch*
Drive along Georgian Military Highway and visit Ananuri Architectural complez
20:00 – Dinner at the hotel
Overnight in Gudauri
Day 5: Explore the Greater Caucasus Mountains (touring distance ±65km)
9:00 – Drive to Stepantsminda
Hike up to Gergeti Trinity church – apps. 3hrs. hiking (or by 4WD vehicle*)
13:00 – Lunch*
Drive back to Gudauri
20:00 – Dinner at the hotel
Overnight in Gudauri
Day 6: Trip to the oldest urban settlement in Georgia (touring distance ±450km)
9:00 – Drive to Uplistsikhe. Explore Uplistsikhe rock-hewn town
13:00 – Lunch
Visit Stalin’s Museum and the house, where Stalin, the leader of Soviet Union, was born
Drive to Akhaltsikhe via Borjomi. Visit Borjomi Park to taste Brojomi mineral water
20:00 – Dinner*
Overnight in Akhaltsikhe
Day 7: Akhaltsikhe – Vardzia – Yerevan (touring distance ±320km)
9:00 – Drive to Vardzia, explore Vardzia Cave Complex
13:00 – Lunch*
Photo stop at Khertvisi Fortress. Drive to Yerevan
20:00 – Dinner
Overnight in Yerevan
Day 8: Yerevan – Echmiadzin – Yerevan (touring distance ±50km)
9:00 – Drive to Echmiadzin
Visit Echmiadzin Cathedral. – The UNESCO World Heritage Sight
13:00 – Lunch
14:00 – Yerevan city tour. Visit of Matenadaran Museum and Tsitsernakaberd – the memorial complex dedicated to the victims of the Great Armenian Genocide
20:00 – Dinner*
Overnight in Yerevan
Day 9: Yerevan – Garni – Geghard – Khor Virap – Yerevan (touring distance ±150km)
10:00 – Visit Garni Hellenistic temple and Geghard Monastery – the UNESCO World Heritage Sights
13:00 – Lunch
Visit Khor-Virap – “Deep Dungeon”, one of the holiest sites in Armenia
20:00 – Dinner*
Overnight in Yerevan
Day 10: Day 13: Yerevan – Sevan – Sadakhlo – Tbilisi (touring distance ±280km)
9:00 – Drive to Lake Sevan, one of the largest high-altitude lakes in the world. Visit Sevan Monastery
13:00 – Lunch
Drive to Alaverdi
Visit Haghpat Monastery. Drive to Tbilisi
20:00 – Dinner*
Overnight in Tbilisi
Day 11: Departure from Tbilisi. Transfer to airport*
*Not Included Services – All services mentioned in the Itineraries, but marked with (*) are provided on supplementary basis – can be purchased on spot or booked in advance upon request
FROM THE CASPIAN SEA TO THE BLACK SEA COAST
FROM THE CASPIAN SEA TO THE BLACK SEA COAST
Azerbaijan – Georgia
11 Days / 10 Nights
Day 1: Arrival in Baku
Day 2: Baku Old City & Absheron Peninsula tour
Day 3: Baku-Gobustan-Shamakhi-Sheki
Day 4: : Sheki- Lagodekhi Border-Tbilisi
Day 5: Half Day Tbilisi City Tour
Day 6: Round trip to Wine Region – Kakheti
Day 7: From Tbilisi to Khevi Province
Day 8: Explore the Greater Caucasus Mountains
Day 9: Trip to Black Sea Coast
Day 10: Free Day in Batumi
Day 11: Departure from Batumi.
*total touring distance ±1790km
The Great Silk Road was stretched from the Caspian Sea to the Balck Sea coast. Once upon a time ancient caravans passed here, carrying delicate jewels, precious stones and spices. Today the Great Sild Road sites can be visited while travelling in the South Caucasus Countries.
FROM THE CASPIAN SEA TO THE BLACK SEA COST
PRICES OF GUARANTEED DEPARTURE TOURS PER PERSON FOR 2023-2024
(*MINIMUM 4 PERSONS)
Standard Tour Package
Hoteles: Diplomat 3*, Karavansaray 3*, Sharden 3*, Truso 3*, Aeetes Palace 3*, Era Palace 3* or similar hotels
Price per person in double room accommodation 3795 USD
Single room supplement 870 USD
Superior Tour Package
Hoteles: Central Park 4*, Sheki Saray 4*, Courtyard by Marriott 4*, Marco Polo 4*, Bagrati 4*, World Palace 4* or similar hotels
Price per person in double room accommodation 4135 USD
Single room supplement 2375 USD
RATES INCLUDE:
Transportation as per program
English speaking tour guide (if more than 4 persons – request Spanish/Italian/German/French/Japanese/Russian speaking guide service, there will be additional guide on board)
Catering:
10 breakfasts;
6 lunches;
2 Dinners;
1 wine tasting
Accommodations:
2 nights Baku;
1 night Sheki;
3 nights Tbilisi;
1 night Gudauri;
1 night Kutaisi;
2 nights Batumi
Entrance fees as per program
1 bottle of mineral water per person/per day
PRICE EXCLUDES:
International flights
Services marked with (*)
Alcohol beverages
Travel insurance
Porters
Early check in or Late Check out
Services except described
Visa fees
SERVICES ON SUPPLEMENTARY BASIS:
One-way airport transfer by sedan (per vehicle) Baku and Tbilisi – 65 USD
One-way airport transfer by sedan (per vehicle) Batumi – 40 USD
5 seater 4WD vehicle to Gergeti Trinity Church (per vehicle) – 145 USD
Lunch at a local restaurant – 45 USD
Dinner at a local restaurant – 60 USD
Entrance fees in the Museums of Tbilisi – 10 USD
Excursion in Batumi botanical Garden: (mínimum 4 persons; Price includes transportation, guide service and entrance fee) – 50 USD
Excursion in Mountains of Ajara, including Makhuntseti waterfall, Queen Tamara Bridge, Adjarian Wine House and Gonio Fotress (mínimum 4 persons; Price includes transportation, guide service, entrance fee and wine tasting) – 70 USD6
Day 1: Arrival to Baku
Transfer to the hotel*
Overnight in Baku
Day 2: Baku Old City & Absheron Peninsula tour (touring distance ±50km)
9:00 – Baku City Tour. Shirvanshah’s Palace, Maidan Tower, Ateshgah, Carpet Museum
13:00 – Lunch. Drive to Absheron Peninsual. Visit the Burning mountain Yanar Dag, Mardakan Castle, Ramana Castle
20:00 – Dinner*
Overnight in Baku
Day 3: Baku-Gobustan-Shamakhi-Sheki (touring distance ±350km)
9:00 – Drive to Gobustan. Visit Gobustan National Park. Drive to Shamakhi. Visiting Diribaba Mausoleum
13:00 – Lunch
Visit Juma-Mosque (Friday Mosque) of Shamakhi city
Visit Seven Domes – the complex of tombs built for Shirvan’s royal family in 18th c. Drive to Sheki
20:00 – Dinner*
Overnight in Sheki
Day 4: Sheki- Lagodekhi Border-Tbilisi (touring distance ±320km)
9:00 – Visit Sheki Khan’s Palace
12:00 – Lunch. Drive to Lagodegkhi Border
Visit Gremi Architectural Complex (16th – 17th cc)
Drive to Tbilisi
20:00 – Dinner*
Overnight in Tbilisi
Day 5: Half Day Tbilisi City Tour (touring distance ±50km)
10:00 – Tbilisi Sightseeing tour. Sights to visit: Old City, Metekhi Church, Narikala Fortress, Abanotubani, – Sulphur bath district, Sioni Cathedral, Anchiskhati Basilica, Rustaveli Avenue
13:00 – Lunch*
Free time. Suggested places to visit: National Museum of Georgia*, Open Air Ethnographic Museum*
20:00 – Dinner
Overnight in Tbilisi
Day 6: Round trip to Wine Region – Kakheti (touring distance ±380km)
9:00 – Drive to Kakheti region
Visit: Bodbe Nunnery, Sighnaghi – City of Love
13:00 – Lunch and wine tasting at local winery
Visit Tsinandali Family Estate
20:00 – Dinner*. Drive to Tbilisi
Overnight in Tbilisi
Day 7: From Tbilisi to Khevi Province (touring distance ±205km)
9:00 – Drive to Mtskheta. Sights to visit: Jvari Monastery, Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
Drive along Georgian Military Highway and visit Ananuri Architectural Complex
13:00 – Lunch* Hike up to Gergeti Trinity Church – app.3hr hiking (or by 4WD vehicle*)
20:00 – Dinner at the hotel
Overnight in Gudauri
Day 8: Trip to the oldest urban settlement in Georgia (touring distance ±335km)
9:00 – Drive to Uplistsikhe. Explore Uplistsikhe rock-hewn town
13:00 – Lunch; Visit Stalin’s Museum and the house, where Stalin, the leader of Soviet Union, was born
Drive to Kutaisi, the ancient Kingdom of Colchis
20:00 – Dinner*
Overnight in Kutaisi
Day 9: Trip to Black Sea Coast (touring distance .±145km)
9:00 – Visit Gelati Monastery – the UNESCO Heritage Site. Drive to Batumi
13:00 – Lunch; Explore Batumi, one of the most beautiful cities of the Black Sea Soast
20:00 – Dinner*
Overnight in Batumi
Day 10: Free Day in Batumi
9:00 – Botanical Garden*
13:00 – Lunch*. Explore Mountains of Adjara*
20:00 – Farewell dinner*
Overnight in Batumi
Day 11: Departure from Batumi.
Transfer to the airport*
*Not Included Services – All services mentioned in the Itineraries, but marked with (*) are provided on supplementary basis – can be purchased on spot or booked in advance upon request
Frequently Asked Questions
Travel Tips
Azerbaijan
Welcome to Azerbaijan! The country of fire, stunning nature, ancient and modern cities, hospitable people and great cuisine. Azerbaijan is the biggest country is the South Caucasus, situated between the Caucasus Mountains and Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan is Pearl of the Caucasus. The country of colors, contrasts and flavors will blow your mind, you will love it at the first sight!
Let’s begin with the capital city – Baku. Baku is the biggest city in the Caucasus, this city is so unique and so interesting: modern high technology architecture alongside with the oldest buildings and soviet visuals. There are lots of malls, restaurants and entertainment places in the city, the most interesting part is the old city Baku is called Icheri Sheher, this area is among the World Heritage Sites by Unesco, here you can see the most beautiful Shirvanshah’s Palace, Maidan Tower and Juma Mosque. Baku is full of surprises near the old town and narrow streets you can suddenly find “Little Venice”, dancing fountains, parks and squares.
Azebaijan is a very old area, it was populated from the ancient times, and Archaeologists have found caves and tools dating back 1.5 million years. In Azerbaijan you can explore the most unique sights in the world, for example Gobustan National Park, which perceives 40 000 years of rock drawing and reflects the lifestyle, imagination, traditions and rituals of the ancient people. This place is full of mud volcanoes, mud is thought to have medicinal qualities, so tourists enjoy this place very much. So in Azerbaijan you can travel I time and space and immerse yourself in ancient times.
Azerbaijan has literary everything: amazing mountainous nature, sea and of course oil. The Petroleum industry is the most important for the whole country economically and of course historically, even tourist the main attractions are connected with oil and natural gas phenomena.
Because of natural burning gas, Azerbaijan was the best place for Zoroastrian worshippers, as fire is the light of God and the most important symbol of Zoroastrians, they come to Azerbaijan because of it and these natural flames where signs of God for them. Zoroastrian worshippers left some very important landmarks in the country, for example Ateshgah Temple of fire or Yanar Dag – burning mountain which seemed to be worshipping place too. Now these places are the most visitable places near Baku, just imagine mountain burning already 4 000 years despite snow, wild or rain, very impressive!
What else? Ancient city Gabala, Shamakhi, Sheki, Lankaran all these cities are so interesting and beautiful. There are lots of Word Heritage sites by UNESCO in Azerbaijan, imagine how amazing this destination is, it’s only one and unique, enjoy!
Tourist visas can be obtained from Azerbaijani embassies around the world or through electronic visa online without going to any embassy. Starting from March 15, 2013 new procedure of tourist e-visa system has been implementing in Azerbaijan to provide the execution of the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated November 20, 2012 ”On the facilitation of visa procedures for foreigners and stateless persons, traveling to the Republic of Azerbaijan”. With an aim to attract more tourists from all over the world, this new system is designed to transfer all visa applications to the electronic context which is very cheap, fast and easy. The visitors need to upload all necessary documents to www.evisa.com.az. After the relevant documents are prepared the www.evisa.com.az apply to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for e-visa. When confirmed by MFA, e-visa is forwarded to visitors in electronic format. Henceforth, visitors just need to print out the e-visa and are free to visit the country via any modes of entry (by air, on land, by sea, etc.)
Georgia
Any season is the right season to visit Georgia. This part of the world is indeed a special place that offers something for everyone. Situated at the important crossroads where Europe meets Asia, Georgia has a unique and ancient cultural heritage, and is famed for its traditions of hospitality and cuisine. From fantastically beautiful towns of Svaneti and Kazbegi in the Caucasus Mountains to Batumi, a semitropical town on the Black Sea coastline, Georgia has a wealth of spectacular landscapes.
Why Visit Georgia?
Georgia is a home of versatile landscapes from snow-capped mountains and volcanoes to pristine deserts, from lush countryside to stunning seaside.
Georgia is a land of the first human beings in Europe (Homo Georgicus): 1.75-million-year-old skulls found in Dmanisi are the oldest evidence of human habitation in Europe.
Georgia is a cradle of wine: Grape pips found on Georgian soil are believed to be from the V-IV millennium BC. Georgia has over 500 native grape varieties and 8,000 years of winemaking history.
Georgia has an ancient winemaking method: The traditional “qvevri” winemaking method was added to UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Georgia has a unique alphabet: Described as a “living culture of three writing systems”, it was added to UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Georgia is homeland of Europe’s highest permanently inhabited settlements: The village Bochorna in Tusheti and the village of Ushguli in Svaneti.
Georgia is home to UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites: Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati Monastery, Mtskheta Historical Monuments, and Upper Svaneti Caucasus mountains, villages, and tower houses.
Georgia is a true paradise for food lovers: Exquisite and original, Georgian food was influenced by the Mediterranean world, Arab and Mongol flavors, Persian and Ottoman kitchens, the link stretching as far as Northern India.
Georgia is a heaven for free-riders and heli-skiers.
Georgia has a trendy nightlife with distinguished clubs and art cafes.
There is something here for everyone.
Georgia Today:
Georgia is 16th among 190 economies in World Bank’s Doing Business 2017
Georgia is ranked among 6 top safest countries in the Crime Index Rate 2017
Georgia is expected to be granted a visa-free travel regime with the EU for Georgian citizens travelling to the EU and or EU citizens when travelling to the territory of Georgia in 2017.
More than eight million international, non-resident travellers visited Georgia in 2018 according to the Georgian National Statistics Office.
Fast Facts about Georgia
Area: 69,700 km2
Population: 3,713,804
Language: Georgian (official) followed by Russian and English.
Time Zone: GET (UTC +4)
Currency: Georgian Lari (GEL)
Internet Domain: .ge
Phone Dial Code: +995
Climate: Continental in the east part, Alpine in the north, and subtropical in the west along the Black Sea coast
Largest Cities: Tbilisi (capital) Batumi, Kutaisi
Highest Peaks: Shkhara (5068 m), Janga (5059 m), Kazbegi (5047 m)
Largest Lakes: Paravani (37,5 m2), Kartsakhi (26, 3 m2), Paliatomi (18,2 m2)
Longest Rivers: Alazani (391 km in Georgia), Mtkvari (351 km in Georgia), Rioni (333 km in Georgia)
Coastline: Black Sea (310 km)
Armenia
Armenia prides itself on being the first nation to formally adopt Christianity (early 4th century). Despite periods of autonomy, over the centuries Armenia came under the sway of various empires including the Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Persian, and Ottoman. During World War I in the western portion of Armenia, the Ottoman Empire instituted a policy of forced resettlement coupled with other harsh practices that resulted in at least 1 million Armenian deaths. The eastern area of Armenia was ceded by the Ottomans to Russia in 1828; this portion declared its independence in 1918, but was conquered by the Soviet Red Army in 1920.
Armenian leaders remain preoccupied by the long conflict with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh, a primarily Armenian-populated region, assigned to Soviet Azerbaijan in the 1920s by Moscow. Armenia and Azerbaijan began fighting over the area in 1988; the struggle escalated after both countries attained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. By May 1994, when a cease-fire took hold, ethnic Armenian forces held not only Nagorno-Karabakh but also seven surrounding regions, approximately 14 percent of Azerbaijan’s territory. The economies of both sides have been hurt by their inability to make substantial progress toward a peaceful resolution.
Turkey closed the common border with Armenia in 1993 in support of Azerbaijan in its conflict with Armenia over control of Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding areas, further hampering Armenian economic growth. In 2009, senior Armenian leaders began pursuing rapprochement with Turkey, aiming to secure an opening of the border, but Turkey has not yet ratified the Protocols normalizing relations between the two countries. In January 2015, Armenia joined Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan as a member of the Eurasian Economic Union.
At our website you have an opportunity to find more details on destinations of Armenia:
Lake Sevan is deservedly regarded as the natural wonder of Armenia. The high-altitude lake possesses a rich history and fresh water sources. Adjoining to the sky, Sevan provides all the visitors once-in-a-lifetime chance to have a picture taken in front of the monastery, the lake and snowy mountain in a row. Just one thing to add, Lake Sevan is the largest lake in the Caucasus region.
Echmiadzin (or Vagharshapat) is the heart of the Armenian religious life. Being on the World Heritage List, the city will strike its visitors by undreamt-of beauty. How can it be otherwise if the main cathedral is situated on the site pointed by Christ?
Zvartnots Cathedral remained buried for a long time. However, today you can enjoy its splendor and ancient spirit with your own eyes.
Dilijan – a spa town in the North-East of Armenia. The location is renowned for its mineral water-rich resources and masterpieces of architecture. Moreover, Dilijan is one of the most popular resorts in Armenia undergoing high-speed urbanization.
Erevan – both the capital and the cultural soul of Armenia. If you want to clear your mind while immersing in the handsomeness of Ararat, it’s the best possible solution. Tours in Erevan (Armenia) allow you to feast eyes on the unique mixture of the modern pace of life and antiquity of the old world.