The way to meet Armenia- CAUCASUS

Day 1. Arrival at Baku
Meeting at the airport. Check in at the hotel. Overnight in Baku.
Day 2: Gobustan – Baku
Breakfast at the hotel. Trip to Gobustan where there is an amazing site with many Neolithic rock carvings where you can admire more than 4,000 entries that are more than 12. After Gobustan, we will do tour in Baku and we may see Baku Bay and Upland Park. Visit the cosmopolitan capital from the heart of the old city (town), a set of alleys, dead ends and caravanserais where we find the Maiden’s
Tower, dating from the twelfth century and the Palace of Shirvan Shah (XV century): domes and arches, mosaics and sculptures are presented in excellent condition and between buildings also mauseleo palace, Turkish bath and divan-khana that housed the court. Lunch. In the afternoon, following visits to the city with the museum Carpet and Applied Arts, which exhibits Azerbaijani carpets, jewelry, embroidery products in metal and carved wood. After a walk through Boulevard. Overnight in Baku . (B/-/-)
Day 3: Baku – Shamaha – Sheki
Breakfast at the hotel. Check out. Today we will travel west to town of Sheki. En route we visit the Diri Baba Mausoleum in Maraza and the Yeddi Gumbaz Mausoleum at Shamakha. We continue across the Muganly Pass, with great views of the mountains along the way. An important centre on the Trans- Caucasian trade routes, it was an independent khanate up until the 1820s and evidence of its former grandeur is not hard to spot. The splendid Khan’s Palace was built in 1762 without the use of any nails and is elaborately decorated with ornate patterns on its exterior. There are also a number of old caravanserais and mosques to explore. Sheki is a delight to wander around, with winding streets and traditional houses giving the feeling of yesteryear. Overnight in Sheki. (B/-/-)
Day 4: Sheki – Gurjaani – Sighnaghi – Bodbe – Tbilisi
Breakfast. Travel to the city of Sheki. Visit the summer palace of Khan eighteenth century with magnificent frescoes and the Historical Museum of artifacts from different eras and join to Shebeke masterclass. Drive to the border of Azerbaijan and Georgia (Lagodekhi), transport and guide change. We will travel to the eastern part of Georgia – Kakheti region, exclusively known for its vineyards and
wineries. Visit a local house. Lunch will be accompanied by Georgian songs. Visit Sighnaghi – one of the beautiful cities in the region of Kakheti. Sighnaghi is home to several historical and cultural monuments.
The city is surrounded by walls with the remains of the fortifications of the 18 th century height of about 790 meters above sea level, in view of the city from above Alazani valley and is the face of the larger Caucasus mountains. We will drive to Bodbe – the Georgian Orthodox monastery complex (IX century). Overnight in Tbilisi.

Day 5: Tbilisi /city tour/ /50 km – 15 min. drive/ mainly walking
After breakfast have Tbilisi city tour. We will visit the Old Tbilisi Sulfur Baths, Georgian Orthodox and Armenian Gregorian churches, Jewish synagogue, also, Turkish mosque side by side, reflecting city’s acceptance and tolerance of different religions. We can also see a recent monument – Tbilisi Sameba Cathedral, the largest cathedral in the Caucasus; Metekhi Church, which is erected on the cliff, overlooking the Mtkvari River; Narikala fortress, established in the fourth century. Walk downtown and discover Shardeni Street with its fashionable cozy cafes and art galleries. Walking we will come across the Anchiskhati church, the oldest church in Tbilisi keeping the miraculous icon of Jesus Christ. Finally, the tour takes you to Rustaveli Avenue, where attractions, such as the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre, the Parliament, Rustaveli Theatre, different art galleries and cafes, will draw your attention and provide
a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Overnight in Tbilisi hotel.
Day 6: Tbilisi – Uplistsikhe – Gori – Mtskheta -Tbilisi
After breakfast, drive to visit Cave City Uplistsikhe (I millennium. C.), inhabited until the fourteenth century. Since then, the caves have been converted into apartments, shops and public buildings (of which the oldest is the theater of Georgia) and large wineries. The city has an old and interesting complex with residences, markets, wineries, bakeries, theater and basilica church of three ships built on
the rock. Some remains of the caravans are still preserved along the hills overlooking the rocky complex. Visit Stalin museum in Gori, near Uplistsikhe. Then visit Mtsketa, the ancient religious capital, near Tbilisi, where in the 4th century Saint Nino converted to Christianity in the kingdom of Ivory Coast. This city, where some of the oldest and most important churches in the country, is the spiritual heart of Georgia. Visit the Church of Jvari and Svetitskhoveli cathedral, large building dating from the 11th century, which has elongated plant cross, decorated with splendid stone sculptures, both outside and inside. According to tradition the cathedral would be buried under the robe of Christ. Both Jvari and Svetitskhoveli are the patrimony of humanity. Overnight in Tbilisi. (B/-/-)
Day 7: Tbilisi – Ananuri – Kazbegi- Tbilisi
After breakfast drive to Kazbegi. A stunning drive from Gudauri along the Tergi River will bring us to Kazbegi – the main town in the region. On the way, we visit Ananuri Castle and Jinvali water reservoir of amazing beauty. En route stop and see different local hand made things (thick felt, embroidery, iconographic painting). From Kazbegi we drive by 4X4 cars to Gergeti Trinity Church located at
2170m. Weather permitting you may catch a glimpse of one of the highest glaciers in the Caucasus – Mt
Kazbegi (5047m). Finally return back to Tbilisi. Overnight in Tbilisi hotel.
Day 8: Sadakhlo Border – Haghpat – Sanahin -Yerevan
Meeting on Sadakhlo border. Change og guide and vehicle. Drive to Armenia. Today we will visit two unique masterpieces of Armenian architecture of X-XIV centuries: the monasteries of Sanahin and Haghpat which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Literally the name ”Sanahin’’ in Armenian means “this one is older than the other” which probably means that this monastery is older of than Haghpat.These two monasteries are very close to each other and can be easily seen from one to the other. Both are located on an uneven plateau, separated by a deep crack formed by a small river that flows into the river Debed. Haghpat Monastery was one of the largest religious, cultural and educational centers of medieval Armenia. Back to Yerevan.

Day 9: Yerevan /city tour/

We will start the tour in the capital of Armenia: Yerevan. For ages this city has been known as a “pink city” because of the color of the stone it has been built with. So, we will visit Republic square, Mashtoc Avenue, the House of Opera and Ballet after Aram Khachatryan, the park “Cascad”. Then we will visit the Manuscript Museum of Armenia, which is called Matenadaran; here all ancient Armenian Manuscripts are kept. Then we should visit Genocide Museum and Memorial known as Tsitsernakaberd. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 10: Yerevan – Khor Virap – Areni – Noravank – Yerevan

Breakfast. Take trip to Khor Virap Monastery (4-18th cc.). This monastery is very prominent because of its history; Gregory the Illuminator, who introduced Christianity to Armenia, has been imprisoned there about 13 years as at that time there was a prison in the place of the monastery. Here we can enjoy the spectacular view of the sacred Ararat Mountain – an immortal symbol of Armenia. After here we will continue our tour to Armenian Wine Village Areni. This village is very famous with its red wine. Visit the wine factory of the village where we will have wine degustation. Noravank – a monastery of XII century situated among amazing sheer rocks on the bench of a twisty gorge. This is the only monastery where we may find a unique sculpture of Father God. Get back to Yerevan. Overnight at hotel.

Day 11: Yerevan – Zvartnoc – Ejmiatsin – Yerevan 

Breakfast. We will start the excursion to centuries-old monuments Ejmiatsin and Zvartnots. These sites are listed on UNESCO World Heritage list. Zvartnots Temple was built in 7th century by Nerses Builder Catholicos. Our next step is the spiritual center of Armenia: Ejmiatsin. The Cathedral of Ejmiatsin, founded in 303, is the official residence of the Catholicos of Armenia. We will also visit the museum of Ejmiatsin where a small part of Noah’s ark is kept. After all get back to Yerevan. Overnight in Yerevan.

Day 12: Yerevan – Garni – Geghard – Sevan – Yerevan 

Breakfast. Take trip to Garni. This Pagan Temple built in the 1st century AD. It is the only temple that has been preserves from the Pagan times in Armenia. It was devoted to the god Mihr, who was the god of cleanness. In 1679 it was destroyed by earthquake. In the 1975 the Temple was restored. Then we will continue our trip to Geghard Monastery. Its name came from the legendary lance that was used to pierce the body of Christ. It has been kept here for centuries. Though the exact foundation of the monastery is unknown, the present complex was built in the mid – 13th century. Afterwards we will a local house where you will have the chance to see and participate in the preparation of Armenian national bread: lavash. It is a very thin, usually sold in very large forms. It is usually cooked in a ground oven: “tonir”. In 2015 it has been inscribed in UNESCO intangible heritage list. Here we will enjoy the “Armenian fast food” with lavash and cheese. We will drive to Lake Sevan which is one of the largest lakes in the world. It stands out with its sweet and astonishingly blue water. Here we can enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the beautiful lake. Then we will visit Sevanavank Monastery which is situated on Sevan Peninsula. There are 2 monasteries actually; one of them is destroyed but the other stands still. They have been built in the Middle Ages, around 10th century. Drive back to Yerevan. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 13: Departure
Breakfast. Transfer to the airport.

Note:

• Vernissage / Armenian handicraft market / is open only on Saturdays and Sundays
• On Monday all museums are closed/ Matenadaran is also closed on Sundays /
• Tatev ropeway is closed on Mondays
• Zvartnots monument is closed on Mondays
• Ejmiatsin Cathedral is under restoration and the visit to Ejmiatsin will be comprised of the other churches and monasteries

Azerbaijan segment:

The price includes            

• Transportation as per program ( 2/4 pax – 6 seat mini van, 5/13 pax – 18 seats Mercedes Sprinter, 14 and more big bus )
• English speaking guide
• Accommodation in double sharing (2 nights Baku, 1 night Sheki)
• Museum Entrance fees
• Shebeke masterclass in Sheki
• 1 bottle water per person per day in the car/bus
• Tour leader free of charge from 10pax in Single room ( depends on package)

The price excludes

• Accommodation in a single room
• Travel insurance
• Alcohol beverages
• Air tickets
• Visits outside the program
• Meals

Georgian segment :

Tour price includes :

• Accomodation in hotels in DBL rooms (4 nights in Tbilisi with BB)
• Professional English speaking guide;
• Transportation / 2-4 pax- Minivan, 5-13 pax- Mercedes Sprinter, 14-20 pax, Temsa /Isuzu or similar, 25-30pax -Mecedes)
• All entrance fees to monuments mentioned in the program;
• A bottle of water per day per person in the car/bus
• Lunch with wine tasting in Gurjaani
• 4×4 cars in Kazbegi to get to Gergeti hill
• Breakfasts at the hotel
• 1 TL free of charge from 10pax in single room

Tour price does not include:

• Travel insurance;
• Alcoholic beverages except described
• Air Tickets;
• Visits outside the program;
• Meals except described
• Other expenses not mentioned in the program

Armenian segment :

Tour price includes :

• Accommodation in hotels in DBL rooms;
• Professional English speaking gide;
• Transportation / 2-4 pax- Minivan, 5-13 pax- Mercedes Sprinter, 14-20 pax, Mercedes Atego /
• All entrance fees to monuments mentioned in the program;
• A bottle of water per day per person;
• Wine factory visit and degustation
• Brandy Factory visit
• Master class of “lavash”
• 1 Lunch in Garni
• Startng from 10 pax, 1 FOC

Tour price does not include:

• Travel insurance;
• Alcoholic beverages;
• Air Tickets;
• Visits outside the program;
• Other meals not mentioned in the program

Conditions :

• Prices can be change due to money devaulation
• Prices available as per season
• Prices not available in black out dates
• Black-outs still not confirmed.