Tour 18 Day - Luxury 5 Star Tour Of The Caucasus (georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan)

All breakfasts

Air-conditioned vehicle

Airport Transfers

Wine Tasting

Dinner and Show

Bottled water

Lunches & dinners marked by...

Lunches & dinners marked by * in itinerary

Raft ride in Martvili Canyon

Folk Dance Class

All entrance fees in accordance...

All entrance fees in accordance with program

Food making master classes

5 STAR ACCOMMODATION

First Class train ticket

Not included:

flights; extras; personal expenses; visas;...

flights; extras; personal expenses; visas; travel insurance

Start planning your experience

ITINERARY
Day 1 – Arrival in Yerevan (Armenia)
Welcome to Yerevan, Armenia. Be met at the airport for your transfer to the hotel.
There are no planned activities for today. Enjoy your day/evening luxuriating in the hotel amenities or taking a stroll around the area.
Overnight- Hotel National Yerevan

Day 2 – Yerevan
Today, we are off to an early start. After a 9am breakfast in the hotel, we will depart at 10am to our first destination Geghard. Geghard is a beautiful monastery complex, part of which is carved out of rock.
After discovering Geghard, we will head to Garni village. Garni village holds the only monument in Armenia still preserved from the Paganism and Hellenism era. Walk through the beautiful gorge to the geological marvel of nature – “The Symphony of Stones”.
For lunch* today you will get to participate in baking Armenian traditional bread Lavash. Lavash making is listed on the Intangible Cultural Heritage List, a very fun experience. After lunch we will return to Yerevan for a city tour. Tonight enjoy a welcome dinner* with traditional folk music.
Overnight - Hotel National Yerevan

Day 3 - Khor Virap – Noravank – Areni
Today we depart Yerevan early in the morning and drive to Khor Virap Monastery. This magnificent monastery is located at the very foot of Mount Ararat, close to the Turkish border. The monastery and pilgrimage site was host to a theological seminary, was the residence of Armenian Catholicos and was the place where the Gregory the Illuminator, spent many years in prison.
Next we visit one of the most beautiful monasteries in Armenia – Noravank; which is surrounded by steep red rocks. Later; the village of Areni. Areni is renowned as the wine-growing center of Armenia. Here we will rest and have a delicious lunch with the locals.
After lunch* discover the 6000 year old Areni cave, where we will also find a winery where you can indulge in tastings. After Areni we will make the journey back to Yerevan in time for dinner with local music.
Overnight - Hotel National Yerevan

Day 4 - Sevan - Haghartsin – Dilijan
After breakfast we set of to discover Lake Sevan; one of the largest high-mountain lakes in the world, where you will capture stunning views of Sevan and visit the Sevanavank Monastery.
Next we will head to the famous resort of Dilijan. Walking tour around Dilijan and visit the monastic complex Haghartsin. This is one of the most magical places in Armenia, surrounded by the most lush forest. Lunch* today is in a very colorful guest house where you will enjoy local cuisine before adventuring to Dilijan national park. Dinner
Overnight - Dilijan Resort (4* as there is no 5* in the region)

Day 5 - Sanahin – Haghpat - Armenia – Georgia border
After the breakfast we head to the north of Armenia to the fairy region of Lori.
Visit the Sanahin Monastery, which is incredible from an architectural point of view. Next we will see the medieval Haghpat Monastery. We can insure this place will take your breath away. It is incredibly picturesque; inside and out. Enjoy the last lunch* in Armenia before crossing over the Armenian border into Georgia. Your first designation in Georgia will be the capital, Tbilisi.
Check-in and rest in the hotel before your first welcome dinner in Georgia and welcome dinner* in Georgia.
Overnight- Hotel Ambassador

Day 6 - Tbilisi, Capital of Georgia
Today, after breakfast, discover Tbilisi starting with a walking tour of the old city. After all the walking you will be ready to enjoy lunch* at a Georgian restaurant before continuing discovering the rest of the city. This evening, dinner will be at a local Georgian restaurant featuring a folk concert. Here you will also get to discover a plethora of famous Georgian dishes.
Overnight- Hotel Ambassador

Day 7 - Borjomi Gorge and Famous Borjomi Spa Resort
On the way from Tbilisi to Borjomi, stop at the ancient capital of Georgia, Mtskheta. Here you will see the Jvari Monastery (VIc) and Svetitshkhoveli Cathedral (XIc).
Next, we will head to Chateau Mukhrani. The castle and wine caller of the Prince of Mukhrani; Ivane Mukhranbatoni. Here you will feast on a beautiful local lunch* and taste various Kartlian wines.
After lunch, visit Uplistsikhe. An ancient town, carved out of rock, dating back to 2nd millennium B.C. Our last stop of the day is the world renowned Borjomi. A resort town famous for Borjomi natural mineral waters and The Borjomi National Park. Here you will also see the Romanovs' summer palace in Likani. Dinner
Overnight - Crown plaza Borjomi

Day 8 - Samtskhe Javakheti
Today, after breakfast, visit Vardzia (XIIc) - a rock-carved fortress stretching over 500 meters. The underground fortress eventually had 13 levels constructed with natural caves and contained over 600 rooms.
Next we will head to the breathtaking Rabati Castle (XIIIc). Here you will be able to capture some incredible photos. Rabati is in the 18th century Akhaltsikhe Fortress, which is often called the symbol of tolerance. Here you will find a church, mosque, minaret and synagogue all within the same walls. You cannot find such thing anywhere else other than Israel in the world. The fortress also contains Jaqelebi Palace, a historic museum, old (hamam) baths and a citadel.
Lunch* in a local restaurant before visiting Sapara Monastery (Xc); an amazing place hidden in the mountains. Head back to Borjomi.
Overnight - Crown plaza Borjomi

Day 9 – Western Georgia – Imereti region
After breakfast, we travel to the Imereti region of Georgia where we will stay in Kutaisi. Kutaisi was the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Colchis as early as the second millennium BC.
Today's main sites/activities include:
* City tour of old Kutaisi
* Bagrati Cathedral (XXI c) UNESCO World Heritage Site
* Gelati Complex - UNESCO World Heritage Site
Lunch* in an Imeretian Restaurant
Dinner in a local restaurant with folk concert from the region.
Overnight - Best Western Kutaisi [deluxe room] (4* as there is no 5* in the region)

Day 10 - Caves & Canyons of Western Georgia
Today, after breakfast visit The Prometheus Caves. This is one of Georgia’s natural wonders and one of the largest in the world containing many underground rivers. Journey through the cave by foot or boat. Various types of stalactites, stalagmites, petrified waterfalls, cave pearls, underground rivers, and lakes are to be found in the 15km cave; 1km of which is open to tourists.
Next, we will visit Martvili Canyon. Only recently discovered by tourists, the canyon has long been the pride of the local peoples. One of my personal favorite places; enjoy the scenery and waterfalls with a raft trip along the spectacular emerald river.
For lunch*, we will visit the Summer residence of Noble Dadiani in Salkhino. Here you will enjoy lunch along with local wine tasting. There will be a short folk show followed by a fun class in Georgian dancing; before journeying to Batumi for hotel check-in.
Overnight - Sheraton Batumi Hotel

Day 11 – Adjara Region
After breakfast, our first stop on today's day trip is to visit Makhuntseti waterfall and the arched bridge.
Later, in the midst of the Adjaran mountains, we will visit the stunning Adjarian Wine House. Here you will learn to cook the famous Adjarian Khachapuri; before feasting on a lunch* of Adjarian dishes and of course local wine. Enjoy a fun night out on the town in Batumi. The boulevard is wonderful to stroll along and see the famous kissing statue of Ali & Nino. Or enjoy the nightlife and many of the bars and clubs.
Overnight - Sheraton Batumi Hotel

Day 12 – Batumi to Tbilisi (by train) - Business Class
Today you have a 7:50am train ride from Batumi to Tbilisi. Your train will arrive in Tbilisi at 12:50pm. You will be met and transferred to your hotel for a rest, before heading out to discover Tbilisi of the 19th century.
Tonight, enjoy dinner* at the rustic restaurant Tsodoreti, a culinary museum and restaurant.
Overnight - Hotel Ambassador

Day 13 – Kakheti
Kakheti is the main wine-making region of Georgia. Vineyards that give some of the country’s best wines are located here. Georgia has an 8000 year old wine making history; some of the ancient wine making methods are still preserved and continued today. Georgia also boasts the largest range of 500 varietals of grape, some of which are only to be found in small pockets of Georgia in the world. These rare and ancient varietals, because of their specific growing conditions, only produce approximately 3 tonnes of grape each year and are a true marvel to taste.
Today's main sites along route include:
* Bodbe Monastery - The Monastery of St. Nino, holds the remains of St. Nino. The Apostles who brought Christianity to Georgia
* Sighnaghi city tour - Defensive wall surrounding Sighnaghi
* Tsinandali - The historical winery of Royal Aleksander Chavchavadze
* Telavi - capital of Kakhetian Kingdom
* Batonistsikhe Citadel and the 900 years old giant plane tree
* Schuchmann Chateau Winery – A Chateau and wine spa
At Schuchmann's you will enjoy a master class in cooking Georgian dishes before feasting on dinner* in the chateau. Taste the infamous Georgian ChaCha.
Overnight - Schuchmann Chateau

Day 14 - Eastern Georgia - Sheki (Azerbaijan) ***e-Visa required for Australian Passport holders***
After breakfast, before reaching the Georgia/Azerbaijan border we will visit the Alaverdi Cathedral. This is one of the most important medieval monuments in all of Georgia from the 11th century. We will also see Gremi, a 16th century royal citadel and Church of the Archangels. For lunch* we will stop at the beautiful Kvareli Eden. Enjoy lunch and the stunning surroundings. Feel free to indulge in an optional wine spa! There will be a 6pm pickup from the Georgian/Azerbaijan border in Lagodekhi and you will be transferred to your hotel in Sheki (Azerbaijan).
Overnight - Hotel Sheki

Day 15 - Sheki- Baku
After an 8am breakfast, head out for a tour of Sheki; visiting the 18th century Khan's Summer Palace containing magnificent frescoes and exquisite stained glass work. Also discover Caravanserai, an impressive construction which was built in the 19th century to accommodate travelers along the Silk Road. Today's lunch* will be spent with the locals. Next discover the beautiful cobble-stoned village of Kiş, where you will tour and see many of the local attractions. Tonight's dinner is in the national restaurant with a delightful folk program.
Overnight - Hotel Baku.

Day 16 - Baku
After breakfast, we venture out for a city tour of Baku. Discover Icheri Sheher, also called the Old Town. Icheri Sheher is a unique historical ensemble right at the heart of the city. Ancient Baku was founded where Icheri Sheher is today, which used to be on the shore of the Caspian Sea. The buildings are built out of limestone, cut locally, so most of the buildings share the same colors; the roads are narrow and winding, making Icheri Sheher feel a bit like a maze. Icheri Sheher is the oldest inhabited part of Baku. It was declared a historical and cultural reserve in 1977, and included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000. Here you will see Caravanserai, The Palace of Shirvanshahs and Maiden Tower.
Lunch* today in the more modern Sumakh Restaurant, tasting the famous Azerbaijani dolma.
After the lunch visit Ateshgah Temple (House of Fire) at the old place of the eternal fires. These fires had beenesteemed from the ancient shrine of fire-worshipers Zoroastrians.
Dinner in Shirvanshah Museum Restaurant.
Overnight - Hotel Baku

Day 17 - Qobustan tour
After breakfast, we will head out to see the UNESCO Heritage Listed, Qobustan. Situated just 70 kilometers south of Baku (or an hour’s drive) along the Caspian coast, Qobustan is a must see when visiting Azerbaijan.
Qobustan is best known for being the home to the famous rock petroglyphs and mud volcanoes. The area has been settled since the 8th millennium BC and despite initial appearances, Qobustan is not actually dead but living. It’s not molten rock, oil or tar bubbling up from the earth as you might imagine, but mud – thick, cold mud. More than half the world’s mud volcanoes – about 300 in total – are found in Azerbaijan, and some of them are here in Qobustan.
Lunch* today will be spent with the locals.
After lunch, visit Yanar Dag. Yanar Dag, is a natural gas fire which blazes continuously on a hillside on the Absheron Peninsula on the Caspian Sea near Baku. Flames jet into the air 3 metres from a thin, porous sandstone layer. Administratively, Yanar Dag belongs to Absheron District of Azerbaijan. The 10m-long wall of fire was accidentally ignited by a shepherd’s cigarette back in the 1950s and has been blazing ever since.
We will then return to Baku before dinner at Art club where you will try Shah Pilav one of Azerbaijan's main dishes and taste local wines.
Overnight - Hotel Baku

Day 18 – Baku departure
After checkout, be transferred to the airport for your ongoing flight.

INCLUSIONS:
English speaking tour guide (separate guide in each country)
Water (1 x bottle per person daily)
All entrance fees in accordance with the program
All transfers
Train ticket - Business class
Accommodation for the length of the program (5 star. Twin Occupancy 4 star where 5 is not available)
Transportation by private A/C vehicles
Food making master classes in accordance with the program
Wine tasting in accordance with the program
Dance class in accordance with the program
Breakfasts- Every Day
Lunches marked with * in itinerary
Dinners marked with * in itinerary (meals not included we will take you to or advise best restaurants to dine at)
All local taxes

EXCLUSIONS:
Visas (please see next page for important visa information)
Flights
Personal expenses
Travel insurance (Mandatory)
Wine Spa's
Hotel extras

FITNESS LEVEL REQUIRED/MOBILITY:
Our vehicles are not equipped with wheelchair access, so unfortunately our tours are currently not suitable for wheelchair users and those less mobile.
Please note: a moderate level of fitness will be required for any city
walking tours. If you have any concerns please consult your healthcare provider prior to purchase/travel and let us know how we can best accommodate you.

18 Day - Luxury 5 Star Tour Of The Caucasus (georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan)

This tour includes:

Not included:

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