Day 1: Baku

Salam eleykim! Welcome to Azerbaijan. When you arrive at Baku Airport, you'll be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel. Baku is where ancient fortified buildings stand next to Russian imperial-style squares and ultra-modern architectural wonders. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive with time to spare, maybe walk down Nizami Street and observe its Baroque, Neo-Gothic and Neo-Renaissance architecture. After your meeting, head out for a local dinner with your newfound companions.

Accommodation

• City Park Hotel or similar (1 night)

Meals

• Dinner

Included activities

• Baku - Welcome Dinner at Local Restaurant

• Complimentary Arrival Transfer

Special information

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Day 2: Baku

This morning, embark on a tour of the city with a local guide. Visit the fortified Old City, once the Medieval capital, where your guide will weave together the history of Baku, from the rule of the Shirvanshahs to the cosmopolitan city you see today. Stop by the Shemakha Gate, Maiden Tower (visit optional), Old Market Square and end with a guided tour of the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. Be sure to bring your camera as there will be some panoramic views of Baku's varied skyline. The rest of the day is free to explore at your own pace.

Accommodation

• City Park Hotel or similar (1 night)

Meals

• Breakfast

Included activities

• Baku - Palace of the Shirvanshahs

• Baku - Walking Tour with Local Guide

Add on activities

• Baku - National Museum of History of Azerbaijan - AZN10

• Baku - National Carpet Museum - AZN10

Day 3: Qobustan / Baku

This morning, head out of the city on a half day trip to Qobustan, about 60 km south of Baku. Stop off along the way to view old oil rigs and learn how Azerbaijan was one of the birthplaces of the oil industry. Visit Qobustan National Park and one of the world's largest open-air archaeological museums, where a local guide will share the stories of ancient rock art dating back some 40,000 years. The prehistoric carvings depict scenes of hunting, fishing and gathering. Return to Baku in the afternoon for free time. Maybe visit one of Baku's most significant modern landmarks – the Heydar Aliyev Center designed by Zaha Hadid. This evening, you might like to take a walk along the waterfront to find a restaurant for dinner, keeping an eye out for the Baku Eye and Flame Towers that light up the city skyline at night.

Accommodation

• City Park Hotel or similar (1 night)

Meals

• Breakfast

Included activities

• Qobustan - Petroglyphs

• Qobustan - Half Day Trip

Add on activities

• Baku - The Heydar Aliyev Centre - AZN15

Special information

Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

Day 4: Shamaki / Sheki

Leave Baku and head for the Caucasus Mountains in the northwest of Azerbaijan. Watch arid landscapes slowly give way to densely forested mountains. Along the way, you’ll stop at the Yeddi Gumbaz Mausoleum and the Juma Mosque in Shamakhi. When you arrive in Sheki, visit a local craft workshop where the famous shebeke (stained-glass windows with intricately carved frames) are made by hand. You’ll also visit the acclaimed Palace of Shaki Khans to see its magnificent frescoes and stained glass. Enjoy a final evening of Azerbaijani cuisine during an included dinner at a local restaurant.

Accommodation

• Sheki Palace Hotel or similar (1 night)

Meals

• Breakfast

• Dinner

Included activities

• Sheki - Khan's Palace

• Sheki - Stained Glass Workshop Visit

• Shamakhi - Yeddi Gumbaz Mausoleum & Juma Mosque

Special information

Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.

It can sometimes be difficult to confirm the preferred hotel in Sheki. If you would like to confirm which hotel you’ll be staying at, please contact your booking agent.

The stained glass workshop is interactive and you may get to create something. If you would like to take your creation home with you, you can pay 30 AZN to do so.

Day 5: Sheki / Kakheti Region / Telavi

Have breakfast at the hotel before driving to Lagodekhi – a town at the Azerbaijan–Georgia border where you’ll change transportation. From here, travel to Georgia's Kakheti region, known for its winemaking. Have lunch with a local wine making family, which includes delicious homemade cuisine, wine and chacha (a local brandy). There will also be time to listen to unique Georgian polyphonic songs – a traditional style of music prevalent in the Kakheti region. After, travel to your beautiful accommodation near Telavi, tucked into the foothills of the Tsiv-Gombori mountains. Your hotel has a swimming pool, a marvellous on-site restaurant and unbeatable views of the Alazani Valley and Caucasus mountains.

Accommodation

• Savaneti Hotel or similar (1 night)

Meals

• Breakfast

• Lunch

Included activities

• Kakheti - Lunch and Wine Tasting with a Local Family

• Kakheti - Georgian Polyphonic Singing

Special information

Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.

You’ll cross the border from Azerbaijan to Georgia today. You’re required to have your passport with you, and you’ll need your Azerbaijan visa to exit the country. It will be necessary to carry or wheel your luggage a short distance (700 m) to the Georgia customs area.

Day 6: Telavi/Tbilisi

Following breakfast, explore the famous Telavi Bazaar. Wander through stalls selling fresh produce and aromatic spices as your leader picks out some local specialties for you to try. After snacking your way through the market, drive to Tbilisi. You’re free to explore at your own pace when you arrive, so you might like to wander the old districts of Georgia’s capital to see the colourful houses, patterned balconies and revamped modern architecture. Your leader will always have some great restaurant recommendations ready for dinner.

Accommodation

• Museum Hotel or similar (1 night)

Meals

• Breakfast

Included activities

• Telavi - Market Tour with Tastings

Special information

Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

Day 7: Tbilisi

This morning you’ll head out on a walking tour with a local guide, which includes the 13th-century Metekhi Church and amazing views over old Tbilisi. Take a cable car to the ancient Narikala Fortress – a former Persian citadel with a history stretching back to the 4th century. Here, your guide will share the layered history of the fortress while you take in sweeping views across Tbilisi. Then make your way to a historic part of the city where you’ll learn a little more about Tbilisi’s past. The name translates to ‘warm place,’ which is thought to be after the bubbling hot springs the city was built around. This afternoon, maybe visit one of the local bathhouses for a dip.

Accommodation

• Museum Hotel or similar (1 night)

Meals

• Breakfast

Included activities

• Tbilisi - Narikala Fortress & Cable Car

• Tbilisi - Old Town Walking Tour with Local Guide

• Tbilisi - Anchiskhati Church

• Tbilisi - Sioni Cathedral

Add on activities

• Tbilisi - Thermal Bath House Visit - from - GEL70

• Tbilisi - Georgian National Museum - GEL30

• Tbilisi - The National Gallery - GEL25

• Tbilisi - Open Air Museum of Ethnography - GEL20

Day 8: Mtskheta / Tserovani / Borjomi

Today, you’ll visit Mtskheta – the ancient capital and religious centre of Georgia. Visit World Heritage-listed sites with your local guide as they share fascinating histories. After, visit the Tserovani Refugee Settlement – home to 8000 people displaced by the 2008 conflict between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Georgia over South Ossetia. While here you’ll visit an enamel jewellery workshop run by a social enterprise offering training and employment to displaced youth and women within the settlement. Meet the artists whose pieces tell the story of Georgia, and with their guidance, maybe even design a piece for yourself. Have a light lunch, then tour the settlement to learn about the issues surrounding long-term displacement faced by thousands of Georgia’s citizens. In the afternoon, drive to Borjomi Spa Town, famous for its naturally fizzy mineral water. Stay overnight at your Feature Stay hotel here, located in the former residence of the Iranian consul in a building with almost 130 years of history.

Accommodation

• Golden Tulip Hotel (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)

Meals

• Breakfast

• Lunch

Included activities

• Tserovani - Refugee Settlement & Enamel Workshop Visit

• Mtskheta - Jvari Monastery

• Mtskheta - Svetitskhoveli Cathedral

Add on activities

• Borjomi - Sulfur Pools - GEL10

• Borjomi - Central Park - GEL5

Special information

Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.

Day 9: Vardzia / Borjomi

Today, drive to the once mighty cave city of Vardzia, with a stop along the way at the 10th-century Khertvisi Fortress. Vardzia stretches over half a kilometre along the river Mtkvari and has 19 tiers of winding cobbled streets. There is a church hewn out in rock with 12th-century frescos and the complex also includes dwelling quarters, small hall-type churches, refectories and wine cellars. Tour the site with a local guide who will provide historical context and explain the rise and fall of the city, which now serves as a working monastery. Head back to Borjomi for the evening, and maybe ask your leader to recommend the tastiest Georgian dishes for dinner, like khinkali (spicy dumplings) or tatarberaki (a local Meskhetian version of pasta).

Accommodation

• Golden Tulip Hotel (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)

Meals

• Breakfast

Included activities

• Meskheti - Khertvisi Fortress

• Vardzia - Cave Town Visit with Local Guide

Add on activities

• Borjomi - Cable Car One Way - GEL25

Special information

Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

We recommend wearing sturdy shoes for today’s activity. Steep weathered stairs, sandy platforms and narrow tunnels at this site mean you need to watch your footing.

Day 10: Gori/ Gudauri

In the morning you’ll visit Gori – the birthplace of Joseph Stalin. Your leader will take you on a city tour before you visit the Stalin Museum. See the sites of Gori, including The Memorial of Georgian War Heroes and Gori Fortress, and delve into its artistic side to see traditional ornamental mosaics. After, drive the renowned Georgian Military Highway, which eventually leads to the Georgia–Russia border. On the way, you'll visit the Ananuri architectural complex – two churches and a fortress that overlook the Zhinvali water reservoir. Your leader will explain how the carvings on the churches are some of the best surviving examples of Georgian art. Take a scenic drive through the Caucasus Mountains and arrive at your hotel in Gudauri, where you’ll have dinner with the group.

Accommodation

• Marco Polo Hotel or similar (1 night)

Meals

• Breakfast

• Dinner

Included activities

• Ananuri - Architectural Complex

• Gori - Stalin Museum

• Gori - City Tour

Special information

Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

Day 11: Caucasus Mountains / Stepantsminda / Gudauri

Enjoy a scenic drive from Gudauri along the Tergi River before arriving in Stepantsminda. From here, head into the heart of the Caucasus Mountains, hop in 4WDs and take the mountain road to Gergeti Trinity Church, 2170 m above sea level. Weather depending, you may catch a glimpse of Mt Kazbegi. On the way back to Gudauri, stop at the small village of Sno to explore the local version of Easter Island – a park with half a dozen massive stone heads representing famous figures of Georgian history. Return to Gudauri this afternoon for some free time – the perfect opportunity to enjoy the mountain air and views. Your hotel has many facilities, including a wellness centre.

Accommodation

• Marco Polo Hotel or similar (1 night)

Meals

• Breakfast

• Dinner

Included activities

• Stepantsminda - Gergeti Trinity Church

• Stepantsminda - Caucasus Mountains Day Trip

Day 12: Haghpat/ Dzoraget

Have breakfast in Gudauri before driving to Sadakhlo – a village at the Georgia–Armenia border. On the way to the border, stop in Tbilisi to break the journey and have lunch. Continue to Armenia and after completing all the formalities, begin the Armenian leg of your adventure with a visit to Haghpat Monastery, listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site. Haghpat stands as an example of one of the most outstanding works of medieval Armenian architecture and your leader will give you an introduction to the country’s history and design. Continue to Dzoraget, where you’ll spend the night surrounded by views of the Debed River.

Accommodation

• Avan Dzoraget Hotel or similar (1 night)

Meals

• Breakfast

• Lunch

Included activities

• Haghpat - Haghpat Monastery

Special information

Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.

Today is a long travel day, but the scenery is spectacular and there are plenty of stops to break the day. Depending on the size of the group, your luggage may be transported in a separate vehicle in Armenia, to allow for a comfortable trip.

Day 13: Lake Sevan / Garni / Geghard / Yerevan

After breakfast, you'll meet your Armenian driver and local guide and drive to the reflective waters of Lake Sevan, nicknamed ‘The Pearl of Armenia’. Sevan is one of the largest fresh-water high-altitude lakes in the world. Visit Sevanavank Monastery, which overlooks the water on the Peninsula. Move on to the village of Garni to visit the first century Garni Temple, where your guide will explain how it was built by the Armenian King Tiridates and dedicated to Mithra, the God of the Sun. Be treated to a special local performance in the temple and hear the magnificent sounds of the Duduk – a flute-like instrument originating in Armenia and currently listed on the UNESCO in-tangible Cultural Heritage List. Travel northeast of Garni, higher up the gorge of the Azat River, to the magnificent Geghard Monastery. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed site is partly carved out of a mountain and surrounded by cliffs. In the afternoon, drive to Armenia’s capital, Yerevan, where you’ll spend the next two evenings.

Accommodation

• Tufenkian Historic Yerevan Hotel or similar (1 night)

Meals

• Breakfast

Included activities

• Geghard - Geghard Monastery

• Lake Sevan - Sevanavank Monastery

• Garni - Temple Visit & Duduk Performance

Special information

Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.

Day 14: Yerevan

This morning your local guide will introduce you to the sights and sounds of Yerevan on a tour of the city. Established in 782 BC, Armenia’s capital is one of the oldest cities in the world. Nowadays, the city’s liveliness comes from its ancient culture mixed with a modern lifestyle. Visit the Armenian Genocide Museum to learn the tragic history of this region, then the afternoon is free for reflection or further exploration. Tonight, join your group for a final dinner at a local restaurant. Armenian cuisine is built on a foundation of fresh local produce and meat. Maybe try some khorovats (a barbecued kebab) or spas (a refreshing yoghurt soup).

Accommodation

• Tufenkian Historic Yerevan Hotel or similar (1 night)

Meals

• Breakfast

• Dinner

Included activities

• Yerevan - City Tour with Local Guide

• Yerevan - Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex

Day 15: Yerevan

Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you would like to spend some more time in Yerevan, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

Meals

• Breakfast

Inclusions

14 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners

Private Vehicle

Comfortable Hotel (12 nights), Feature Stay (2 night)

• Arrival airport transfer

• Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport

• Luggage transfer

• Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences

• 24/7 on-ground support

• Baku - Welcome Dinner at Local Restaurant

• Complimentary Arrival Transfer

• Baku - Palace of the Shirvanshahs

• Baku - Walking Tour with Local Guide

• Qobustan - Petroglyphs

• Qobustan - Half Day Trip

• Sheki - Khan's Palace

• Sheki - Stained Glass Workshop Visit

• Shamakhi - Yeddi Gumbaz Mausoleum & Juma Mosque

• Kakheti - Lunch and Wine Tasting with a Local Family

• Kakheti - Georgian Polyphonic Singing

• Telavi - Market Tour with Tastings

• Tbilisi - Narikala Fortress & Cable Car

• Tbilisi - Old Town Walking Tour with Local Guide

• Tbilisi - Anchiskhati Church

• Tbilisi - Sioni Cathedral

• Tserovani - Refugee Settlement & Enamel Workshop Visit

• Mtskheta - Jvari Monastery

• Mtskheta - Svetitskhoveli Cathedral

• Meskheti - Khertvisi Fortress

• Vardzia - Cave Town Visit with Local Guide

• Ananuri - Architectural Complex

• Gori - Stalin Museum

• Gori - City Tour

• Stepantsminda - Gergeti Trinity Church

• Stepantsminda - Caucasus Mountains Day Trip

• Haghpat - Haghpat Monastery

• Geghard - Geghard Monastery

• Lake Sevan - Sevanavank Monastery

• Garni - Temple Visit & Duduk Performance

• Yerevan - City Tour with Local Guide

• Yerevan - Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex

Booking and Payments

• Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of 30% of the total tour cost is required to confirm your booking.

• Final Payment: The balance must be paid in full 90 days before the departure date. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of your booking.

Cancellations and Refunds

• Cancellation by Client:

• More than 90 days before departure: Loss of deposit.

• 30-90 days before departure: 65% of the total tour cost.

• Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total tour cost.

• Cancellation by Company: We reserve the right to cancel the tour due to unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, a full refund will be provided.

• Changes to Itinerary

• Flexibility Required: Weather and road conditions may necessitate changes to the planned route and itinerary. Flexibility is essential.

• Substitutions: We reserve the right to substitute accommodations and services of similar standard when necessary.

Travel Insurance

• Mandatory: Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses, personal injury, and emergency evacuation is mandatory for all participants.

• Proof Required: Proof of insurance must be provided before the tour begins.

Health and Safety

• Fitness Level: A reasonable level of fitness is required for participation in the activities outlined in the tour itinerary.

• Medical Conditions: Participants must disclose any pre-existing medical conditions at the time of booking.

Liability

• Responsibility: The company will not be held liable for any injury, loss, or damage to personal property that occurs during the tour.

• Third-Party Services: The company is not responsible for the actions or omissions of third-party providers, such as airlines or accommodation services.

Visas and Documentation

• Passport Validity: Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date.

• Visas: Obtaining necessary visas and travel documents is the responsibility of the participant.

Conduct

• Respect for Culture: Participants are expected to respect local customs and cultures.

• Behavior: Disruptive or harmful behavior may result in the participant being asked to leave the tour, with no refund provided.

Complaints

• Immediate Reporting: Any complaints should be reported immediately to the tour leader to allow for a timely resolution.

• Post-Tour Complaints: Complaints must be submitted in writing within 30 days of the tour's conclusion.

By booking this tour, you agree to adhere to these terms and conditions.