Georgia, Armenia & Azerbaijan

Day 1: Depart Australia

Day 2: Arrive Baku

Welcome to Azerbaijan, a country with rich cultural heritage, reflected in its traditional music, dance, art and architecture. We begin in Baku, the capital and largest city of Azerbaijan, home to seaside promenades and exceptional architecture! A former soviet capital, Baku is now a fast-changing city, blending East and West into one to create a unique destination unmatched by any other. We don’t want you to miss out on any aspect of your small group tour. To ensure that you don’t, we recommend you arrive at your hotel by 5.00pm. Meet your fellow travellers and Tour Director this evening for a welcome drink.

Day 3: Baku

Our sightseeing today begins with a tour of Baku, the commercial hub of Azerbaijan. We’ll visit Martyrs’ Lane, a memorial dedicated to the victims of the 1990 Black January massacre by the Soviet Army, and the enchanting medieval walled old town of Icheri Sheher. We will also explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed 15th century Palace of the Shirvanshahs and the 12th century medieval Maiden Tower. Special Experience Get a real taste of the local traditions and culture at an organic, home-made tea-cream party. Tea culture is an important custom in Azerbaijan. Tea here is usually bright in colour and served freshly brewed, hot, strong and in a traditional armudu glass. After some free time for lunch, we’ll walk through a buzzing local bazaar, with plenty of fresh seasonal produce on display. We then explore the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre, featuring a distinctive, flowing, curved style that was designed by renowned Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid. The museum gives an in-depth picture of Azerbaijan’s history and the life of the former president, Heydar Aliyev. Tonight, we enjoy a group welcome dinner with traditional music at the Shirvanshah Museum restaurant.

Day 4: Baku - Gobustan – Baku

Today we make our way to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Gobustan National Park, renowned for its captivating open-air museum. The park is famous for its centuries-old rock carvings, boasting over 6,000 inscriptions from more than 12,000 years ago and unique mud-volcanoes, containing mud thought to have medicinal properties. On our return to Baku, the rest of the day is free for you to explore this fascinating city at your own pace.

Day 5: Baku - Sheki

Today we continue north-west to Sheki. This charming city was once a bustling hub for silk production and is famous for its beautifully adorned Palace of Sheki Khans. Situated 701 metres above sea level, Sheki is laid out like an amphitheatre surrounded by forests of oak trees and lofty mountains. On our way, we stop at the old capital of Azerbaijan, Shamakhi. This ancient city has a rich heritage and is well known as the home of many renowned Azerbaijani scientists, philosophers and architects. Here we'll explore the Juma Mosque, built on the site of a temple of fire-worshippers, and Yeddi Gumbaz Seven Tombs, a complex of seven partially complete, octagonal tombs built to be used for the Shirvan royal family in the 18th century. Arriving in Sheki, we'll visit the Yukhari Caravanserai, a historic monument originally developed as an inn for caravaners to rest after a day of travelling. Not far from Sheki is the picturesque village of Kiş where we'll discover the oldest church in the Caucasus. We’ll take in the stunning scenery as we walk through the striking foothills, before making our way back to Sheki for a group dinner.

Day 6: Sheki - Lagodekhi - Telavi

We venture across the border into Lagodekhi, Georgia this morning. At our first stop, we'll unwind at a local winery, with a unique wine cellar that is carved into the Caucasus Mountains. Following our exploration of the interconnected tunnels that span almost 8 kilometres and provide a natural temperature for wine preservation, we will be treated to a delightful lunch accompanied by a wine tasting. Standing above the green valley of Alazin, the iconic Gremi church complex is next on our itinerary today. Founded by the King of Kakheti Levan of the Bagrationi Dynasty, who led the most prosperous and peaceful period in the history of Kakheti, this 16th-century architectural monument served as a royal citadel and a church. Late in the afternoon we arrive in Telavi.

Day 7: Telavi

Nestled in the foothills of the Gombori Mountains, Telavi is the largest town in the heart of Georgia’s wine country. This morning we'll stop at the Bodbe Monastery, a Georgian Orthodox monastic complex where Saint Nino, the 4th-century female evangelist is buried. We then continue to picturesque Sighnaghi, a town perched high on a hilltop with panoramic views of the Caucasus Mountains in the distance. Here we take a walk through this delightful, fortified town, exploring cobblestone streets, and admiring the detailed facades which gives the town its charming personality. Special Experience Visit a local family for a cooking class of dishes from the Kakheti region. Enjoy our creations for lunch with music performed by polyphonic singers. We then take a visit to Tsinandali Family Estate and wine cellar, where we will indulge in a wine tasting. Once belonged to the 19th-century aristocratic poet Alexander Chavchavadze, the residence consists of a landscape garden and a historical winery, featuring several vintages of white wine.

Day 8: Telavi - Tbilisi

Today we depart for Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, known for its varied culture and traditions. The city's Old Town, paved with cobblestones, is a testament to its long and complex history, including periods under both Russian and Persian rule. We will discover the sights of Tbilisi late this morning, seeing its diverse architecture and baroque and art nouveau buildings. Our sightseeing will include Metekhi Church, the Georgian Synagogue, Sulphur Baths and Rustaveli Avenue, which was named after the medieval Georgian poet, Shota Rustaveli. We’ll also ride a cable car from the Old Town up to the ancient Narikhala Fortress for breathtaking panoramic views of Tbilisi and its surrounding areas. The afternoon is at leisure for you to explore at your own pace. This evening we'll enjoy dinner at a traditional restaurant, complete with a folk show showcasing the rich history of each region in Georgia.

Day 9: Tbilisi

We'll discover Tbilisi's hidden corners with further sightseeing in this colourful town. Stroll through the Art Nouveau Sololaki district on a walking tour, an area home to rich merchants, artists and many hidden, vintage style cafes. As the oldest district in Tbilisi, the Sololaki district shows an authentic side to the town, with long balconies, faded paintings and echoes of its Soviet past. We’ll visit the Dry Bridge Market, where you can browse an eclectic collection of treasures ranging from jewellery and paintings to military medals, tractor parts, and crystal chandeliers. Special Experience Enjoy a private, classic trio reception concert at Ilia Chavchavadze Museum, complete with nibbles and an aperitif. The Ilia Chavchavadze Museum pays tribute to the life and influence of the esteemed Georgian writer and public figure, Ilia Chavchavadze. Within its walls, an array of artifacts awaits, ranging from his personal effects to archives, editions of his works and fine art inspired by his legacy. In addition, we will have the opportunity to gain deeper insights into Georgian life, both past and present, with a local guest speaker who will join us at the museum.

Day 10: Tbilisi - Kazbegi

Our journey continues today as we make our way towards Kazbegi, also known as Stepantsminda. Situated on the banks of the Terek River, this quaint valley town is surrounded by towering mountains, with the majestic peak of Mount Kazbek looming over it from the west. Before arriving in Kazbegi, we’ll stop in Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia. Here we explore Jvari, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed 6th-century medieval monastery. It was at this site that King Mirian erected a large wooden cross after being converted by Saint Nino in the 4th century. The setting here is stunning, with vast panoramic views over the flowing rivers below. Our next stop is the historic Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, another UNESCO site dating back to the 11th century. This revered cathedral is believed to be the final resting place of the Robe of Christ. As we make our way towards Kazbegi, we'll take a break to visit the Ananuri architectural complex, originally built as a castle which witnessed many battles and was ruled by the eristavis (dukes) of Aragvi feudal dynasty in the 13th century. The fortress remained in use until the 19th century and was listed on the tentative UNESCO World Heritage list in 2007.

Day 11: Kazbegi

This morning we explore the town centre on foot, before making our way by 4WD up to the Gergeti Trinity Church. Situated high on the Chkheri riverbank, its position makes it one of Georgia’s most iconic sights. We then drive towards the Russian border, enjoying the scenic views of Dariali Gorge and its surroundings. Special Experience Take part in a hands-on dumpling masterclass with a local family and enjoy lunch in their home. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Why not discover more of the Caucasus Mountains and hike in the dramatic Dariali Gorge, with your guide, leading to the Gveleti waterfall. Challenging Day Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.

Day 12: Kazbegi - Kutaisi

We venture to Kutaisi today, the former ancient capital of the Kingdom of Colchis. Georgia’s third largest city, it is also said to be Europe’s 16th oldest city with people thought to have occupied the area from as early as the 17th century BC. Along the way we’ll stop in Gori, the region’s capital of Shida Kartli, which is known as the birthplace of Soviet leader, Joseph Stalin. We also visit the Stalin Museum to see the house where Stalin was born, as well as his personal railway carriage. Next, we stop at the ancient rock-hewn ‘Fortress of God’ in the town of Uplistsikhe. This unique area is home to fascinating rock-cut architecture, and in some places, you can even see ancient wine barrels carved into the stone. Upon arrival in Kutaisi, enjoy the evening at leisure. Challenging Day Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.

Day 13: Kutaisi

Today we'll see the sights of Kutaisi. Highlights include the Bagrati Cathedral, which is considered as the emblem of a unified Georgia. We will visit the local farmers' market, where vendors sell an array of fresh produce, including fruits, vegetables, and cheese. We’ll also visit the town of Tskaltubo, to see the abandoned sanatoriums. Back in the height of the USSR, it was a well-known spa destination, popular for its therapeutic mineral waters and radon bath therapies. Next, we'll head down into the Prometheus Caves, a 1.2 kilometre long cave complex filled with breathtaking stalactites, stalagmites, petrified waterfalls and underground rivers. Here we will enjoy a boat ride (weather permitting) on the underground lake.

Day 14: Kutaisi - Borjomi - Vardzia

We travel towards the awe-inspiring cave complex of Vardzia today, known for the cave monastery carved into the slopes of the Erusheti Mountain. On our way to Vardzia, we will make a stop at Borjomi, which is renowned for its mineral water industry. The artesian springs in the valley here are fed by water that filters in from glaciers that sit at altitudes of up to 2,300 metres on top of the Bakuriani mountains. The water is then transported by pipes to the two bottling plants. These springs were discovered in the 1820s by the Imperial Russian military and were made famous by the Russian Empire, which in turn saw an increase in tourism to Borjomi. We’ll take a walk through the park and sample the renowned water. We continue to the Samtskhe-Javakheti region, named after two of the original Georgian tribes, Meskh and Javakhs, and considered to be the cradle of Georgian culture. On our way we’ll take in scenery consisting of arid and stone-terraced landscapes, green valleys and centuries-old fortresses - including views of the Rabati Castle. Lastly, we’ll stop at the 10th century Khertvisi Fortress, one of the oldest in Georgia, for a photo opportunity before arriving in Vardzia in the evening.

Day 15: Vardzia

This morning we visit the impressive Vardzia Cave Monastery, founded in the 12th century during the reign of Giorgi III and Queen Tamar. This fascinating complex was dug out of solid rock and became a well-fortified monastery with a significant role in Georgian history. Special Experience Explore a nunnery in upper Vardzia, where nuns will teach us how to handcraft wooden crosses and honey wax candles. The nuns will also demonstrate how they paint symbols and showcase their handmade embroidery. Tonight, we'll enjoy dinner at a local guesthouse. Challenging Day Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.

Day 16: Vardzia – Yerevan

We cross the border into Armenia this morning and travel to Yerevan. Sitting on the banks of the Hrazdan River, Yerevan is the capital and largest city of Armenia. Serving as the administrative, cultural and industrial centre of the country, Yerevan is also one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited cities. Along the way, we’ll stop in Gyumri and explore Saint Astvatsatsin Church, which is also known as the 'Seven Wounds' due to the seven sorrows of the Virgin Mary. Although the original church was built in the 7th century, it was reconstructed in 1975. We’ll arrive in Yerevan late this afternoon, with some free time before dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 17: Yerevan - Dilijan – Lake Sevan - Yerevan

We're in for an exciting day as we make our way to the stunning Tavush Province, beginning with a visit to the town of Dilijan. As we stroll along Sharambeyan Street, adorned with traditional houses crafted from wood and stone, we'll explore some of Dilijan's craft workshops and art studios. Here we will observe the process of wood carving and see stalls selling various khachkars, boxes, amulets and other wooden pieces. Next, we’ll explore the impressive Lake Sevan, one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world. Interestingly, weather influences the lake's colour, with its shades ranging from deep blue to bright azure, and every hue in-between. The lake's water is used for hydroelectricity and irrigation purposes, providing the country with low-cost electricity. We also view Sevanavank Monastery, with spectacular vistas over the picturesque lake on the southern shore peninsula, making it one of Armenia’s most visited sights. We then visit a private residence for a fish BBQ masterclass and enjoy the creations for lunch, before returning to Yerevan.

Day 18: Yerevan

We'll kick off the day with a walking tour of Yerevan, allowing us to explore this fascinating city on foot. We will discover the various layers of the town’s history, walking past medieval shrines, Republic Square, the Cascade Complex, Mother Armenia and the Opera House. Our sightseeing continues as we take a visit to the Matenadaran Museum, home to some of the oldest repositories of Greek, Persian and Arabic manuscripts. After some free time for lunch, we stop at a local Khachkar workshop. A Khachkar, also known as an Armenian cross-stone, is an outdoor memorial stele that is carved in stone by local craftspeople. Khachkars are characteristic of medieval Christian Armenian art and act as a focal point for worship. Their design includes an ornate cross in the centre, and they can reach up to 1.5 metres high. Since 2010, Khachkars have been included on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Our last stop for today is the Genocide Memorial. Built in 1967, the memorial features a 44 metre tall stele symbolising the rebirth and unity of the Armenian people. Twelve slabs are positioned in a circle, representing the twelve lost provinces in present-day Turkey. We’ll see powerful photographs, documents, reports and films dedicated to the 1.5 million people who were massacred during the first genocide of the 20th century. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore at your own pace.

Day 19: Yerevan –Khor Virap – Noravank – Areni – Yerevan

This morning we’ll discover Khor Virap, a fortified monastery and the site of the Royal Prison. It was here that Saint Gregory the Illuminator, a religious leader credited with converting Armenia from paganism to Christianity and the first bishop of the Armenian church was held for thirteen years. Guided by the remote majesty of biblical Mount Ararat, we explore the site’s underground chambers and chapels. We then continue to the Areni Cave Complex, located along the Arpa River in southern Armenia, near Areni village. This cluster of caves is where archaeologists famously unearthed the earliest ever known winery, leather shoe, straw skirt and human brain! Later we’ll indulge in a cheese masterclass, accompanied by a homemade wine, vodka and cognac tasting in the Vayots Dzor region. On our way back to Yerevan, we’ll stop to see the 13th-century Armenian monastery Noravank.

Day 20: Yerevan – Garni & Geghard – Yerevan

After breakfast this morning, we’ll travel to Garni and Geghard via the picturesque Avan Canyon. With dramatic cliffs, gorges and the vast Azat River below, this canyon showcases spectacular views over the surrounding landscape. Here, we see the pagan Temple of Garni which impressively was built in the 1st century and is the only sole surviving Greco-Roman structure in the country. As we travel through the gorge, we also see the 12th-century cave monastery of Geghard. Here we enjoy the harmonies of an acapella concert as five local women who form the quintet ‘Luys’ (Armenian for light), serenade us with their melodic voices. Special Experience Master the art of baking your very own lavash, a traditional Armenian thin bread. Sample your creation with a side of traditional Armenian cheese and greens, the must-have accompaniments to any Armenian meal! On return to Yerevan enjoy the rest of the day at leisure before our group farewell dinner tonight.

Day 21: Depart Yerevan

Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning, marking the completion of our Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan group tour. We hope you leave with fantastic memories!

Day 22: Arrive Australia