Azerbaijan - Georgia - Armenia , 11 Days
Day 1: Arrival
Arrive in Baku Airport. Meet with driver and transfer to the hotel.
Day 2: Baku – Gobustan – Baku
After breakfast, we depart Baku for Gobustan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here we will explore the rock carvings of Gobustan. After exploring
Gobustan, we will stop for lunch at a local restaurant. Afterwards, we will return to Baku for a city tour. A walking tour of its historic Old Town, a maze of narrow
streets, ancient buildings and charming squares. The tour includes Maiden Tower: an iconic structure and one of the main symbols of Baku. Built in the 12th century, the Maiden Tower offers panoramic views of the city. Palace of the Shirvanshahs: a stunning example of 15th-century Persian architecture, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs is a former royal residence with beautifully carved walls, intricate stonework and tranquil gardens. Enjoy a free evening.
Day 3: Baku – Shamakhi – Sheki
After breakfast, we drive to Sheki. The journey takes us through the beautiful landscapes of Azerbaijan, including rolling hills and dense forests. On the way to Sheki, we stop at Shemakhi to visit the Diri Baba Mausoleum, an ancient architectural masterpiece located on the side of a cliff. The mausoleum is famous for its historical significance and beautiful surroundings. We continue our exploration of Shemakha by visiting the Juma Mosque, one of the oldest and most impressive mosques in Azerbaijan. This mosque dates back to the 8th century and showcases intricate Islamic architecture. After a traditional Azerbaijani lunch, we continue to Sheki. Enjoy a city tour of Sheki that includes: The Palace of the Sheki Khans, famous for its stunning stained-glass windows and intricate designs. Albanian Church: Explore the Albanian Church, an ancient Christian church with a fascinating history and architecture. It is a symbol of the region’s diverse religious heritage. Enjoy a traditional dinner in Sheki.
Day 4: Sheki – Lagodekhi – Bodbe – Sighnaghi – Tbilisi
After breakfast, drive to the border of Azerbaijan and Georgia. After border formalities, change of guide and transport and continue the tour to Georgia. Today we will visit Kakheti, a region famous for its winemaking traditions. Georgia has a long history of viticulture and winemaking, with evidence dating back to the Neolithic period. Our journey takes us through vineyards, agricultural fields and orchards. Then we continue to Bodbe Nunnery and the town of Sighnaghi. Visit a local family for lunch at home. We will participate in baking Georgian bread and making churchkhela. After lunch, visit a winery. Our hosts will provide us with detailed information about the process of Georgian winemaking. Drive to Tbilisi.
Day 5: Tbilisi – Mtskheta – Tbilisi
Today we will be exploring Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. Due to its location at the crossroads between Europe and Asia and its proximity to the Silk Road, Tbilisi has been a point of contention for various global powers throughout history. The city’s history is reflected in its architecture, which is a mix of medieval, neoclassical, Beaux Arts, Art Nouveau, Soviet, and modern structures. We will be visiting the most iconic sights of the city and delve deeper
into its culture and history. Afterwards we drive to Mtskheta, the ancient capital and religious center of Georgia. Mtskheta holds a significant cultural and religious value for Georgia. We will first visit the Jvari Monastery (UNESCO), which offers panoramic views of the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers.
Afterwards, we will visit the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (UNESCO). Overnight in Tbilisi.
Day 6: Tbilisi – Stepantsminda – Tbilisi
We will embark on a drive to Stepantsminda, a town located in the northern part of Georgia. The journey will take place along the famous Georgian Military highway. The road offers picturesque views of the landscape. Our first stop will be at the Ananuri fortress, which overlooks the Jinvali water reservoir. Afterwards, we will continue on to the Gudauri ski resort. We will pass the resort and make a stop at a famous observation platform adorned with Soviet mosaics, where we can take in the stunning mountain views. We will then cross the Jvari pass and head towards the town of Stepantsminda. After lunch visit the Gergeti Trinity Church, known for its breathtaking views of the Caucasus mountains. Return to Tbilisi.
Day 7: Tbilisi – Gori – Uplistsikhe – Chronicles of Georgia – Tbilisi
Today’s itinerary will take us to Uplistsikhe, an ancient cave town that dates back to before the time of Christ. After exploring this historical site, we’ll have the opportunity to visit the Joseph Stalin Museum and his birthplace in Gori. Joseph Stalin (1878–1953) was the leader of the Soviet Union from the mid-1920s until his death, transforming it into a major global power through rapid industrialization and collectivization, albeit at the cost of widespread repression and millions of lives. Stalin played a crucial role in the defeat of Nazi Germany during World War II, but his legacy remains controversial due to the immense human suffering caused under his regime. On our return journey to Tbilisi, we’ll stop to admire the late Soviet-era masterpiece, the Chronicles of Georgia, renowned for its striking and symbolic artwork depicting Georgian history. Enjoy a free evening in Tbilisi to relax and prepare for your return flight, reflecting on the day’s cultural explorations and memorable experiences.
Day 8: Tbilisi – Sadakhlo – Haghpat – Dilijan – Sevanavank and Lake Sevan – Yerevan
After breakfast we drive to the Georgian-Armenian border. After border formalities we continue our way to Armenia. We will find ourselves in one of the greenest regions of Armenia – Lori. Our program also includes a visit to the unique monastery of Haghpat (UNESCO World Heritage site. Then we will visit a small resort town, lost among mountain valleys and forests – Dilijan. Here we will explore the old quarter with handicraft shops. Lake Sevan is an Armenian mountain “sea” at an altitude of 1900 meters. It is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. Sevanavank Monastery is located on a high hill of the Sevan Peninsula. The monastery offers stunning views of the transparent Sevan, surrounded by inaccessible mountain ranges. Overnight in Yerevan.
Day 9: Dilijan – Echmiadzin – Yerevan
After breakfast we will go to the Holy See of Echmiadzinthe spiritual capital of Armenia. Here we will see the Cathedral – one of the oldest Christian churches in the world (4th century). We will also see the churches of the holy martyrs – Gayane and Hripsime. After lunch we will return to Yerevan and visit the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex – dedicated to the memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide. After that we will have a walking tour of the center of the Armenian capital, including the Republic Square, the ensemble, which is the best example of traditional Armenian architecture. Then we will walk along the historic
Abovyan Street with its elegant 19th century mansions, finished with black tuff, and find ourselves on the modern Northern Avenue, leading to the Yerevan Opera and Swan Lake. We will see the Cascade with its sculpture park and climb the monumental stairs to see the panorama of the city center. Afterwards we will
walk along the Ring Boulevard with its cozy fountains and cafes.
Day 10: Yerevan – Khor Virap – Garni – Geghard – Yerevan
Breakfast at the hotel. Today we will visit three regions of Armenia – Ararat, Vayots Dzor and Gegharkunik. We will go to the Khor Virap Monastery, which is located in a close proximity to the biblical Mount Ararat, and visit the dungeon where St. Gregory the Illuminator lived, who later became the first Catholicos of the Armenian Church. After that, we will see the rock monastery of Geghard. The monastery was founded in 4th century by Gregory the Illuminator. Geghard Monastery is one of the largest pilgrimage centers in Armenia. We will also visit the ancient temple of Garni, built in the pre-Christian period under the influence of Greek culture. Lunch in an authentic restaurant with a master class of Armenian lavash baking. Return to Yerevan. We will have a unique opportunity to visit a traditional Armenian market, where you can buy delicious souvenirs. It is easy to get lost here at the sight of a huge selection of fresh and dried fruits filled with generous Armenian sun, fragrant mountain herbs and fresh juicy greens, tart authentic cheeses and exquisite meat delicacies. But hospitable sellers will be happy to help guests and will definitely offer to try everything they wish.
Day 11: Departure
Transfer to the airport for the return flight.
