|
|
Cultural Tours in Caucasus (15 days) Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan - the Caucasian land of hospitality. Visiting the capitals of these three countries is the perfect introduction to their great culture, rich spirit and diversity. We make the way from Baku, Azerbaijan to Tbilisi, Georgia and Yerevan, Armenia, through the rolling hills and lush valleys, beautiful and scenic Caucasus Mountains and lakes, ancient architectural monuments and fascinating villages.
Day 1: Arrival in Baku Meeting at the airport. Check-in at the hotel.Overnight. Day 2: Baku  Start exploring Azerbaijan with a city tour of Baku, which is one of the oldest and biggest cities in the East for antiquity, territory and population. We’ll visit the Walled City of Baku with the Shirvanshah's Palace and Maiden Tower, UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Inner City (Icheri Sheher) has preserved much of its 12th century defensive walls. The 12th century Maiden Tower (Giz Galasy), built over earlier structures dating from the 7th to 6th centuries BC, and the 15th century Shirvanshahs' Palace, one of the pearls of Azerbaijan's architecture. Juma Mosque and the Carpet Museum. We will have a walk in Naberezhny Park and along Baku Boulevard, the second largest one in Europe. On Boulevard we’ll get a boat and make trip on it along Baku Bay. We’ll be introduced with the interesting facts and legends of the largest lake in the world better known as Caspian Sea.Overnight in Baku.
Day 3: Baku / Absheron Peninsula  Leaving for a tour in Absheron Peninsula. Ateshgah, the Fire Worshippers' Temple is located in the village of Surakhany. It was built on the land where natural gas burned eternally and worshipped by Zoroastrian believers who travelled from the province of Multan in India to visit this sacred place. These ancient fires are believed to have given Azerbaijan its name, which is thought by some researchers to mean the “Land of Fires”. Visit also well preserved ancient castles of Absheron Peninsula dated 12th-13th c.c. There are several fine medieval castles - one each at Amirajan and Nardaran and two at Mardakyany - apparently built for defense by the Shirvan Shahs in the 14th century.Overnight at the hotel in Baku.Day 4: Baku / Sheki  Sheki is one of the most famous and ancient places of Azerbaijan. Situated 700 m (2297 ft.) above sea level like an amphitheatre surrounded by the mountains and forests of oak trees, this ancient city was long famed as a silk centre and an important stop on the Great Silk Route. There is an assumption that the name of the town goes back to the ethnonym of the Saks, who reached the territory of Azerbaijan in the 7th century BC. We’ll start our Sheki tour from visiting the 18th century Khan's summer palace with magnificent frescos and exquisite stained glass work. Sheki History museum is famous with artifacts from several periods. Also visit the Albanian church located in Kish village. Legend says that the church was built in 78 AD, but the researchers place it a few centuries later. Upon our checking-in at the hotel, we’ll enjoy the farewell dinner, tasting traditional Azeri cuisine dishes.Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5: Sheki / Telavi / Sighnaghi  Depart from Azerbaijan to Georgia. Leave for Telavi, the main city and administrative center of Kakheti, eastern province of Georgia. Arrive in Tsinandali and visit Palace of Al. Chavchavadze, famous Georgian poet. Tasting of the Georgian wine here. We’ll visit Telavi State Historical and Ethnographical Museum and Palace of the King Erekle; Shuamta (5th-17th c.c.) and Ikalto (5th c.) monastery complexes. Drive to Sighnaghi. Sighnaghi is situated in the very eastern part of Georgia. Even in the 12th-13th centuries these places had been populous. Sighnaghi faces the Alazani field from the rising ground (750 m elevation), it is combined with the surroundings and it’s impossible to forget after having seen it. Overnight in Sighnaghi.Day 6: Sighnaghi / Bodbe / David Gareji / Tbilisi
 On June 1, Orthodox Church of Georgia marks the day of St. Nino’s entrance from Cappadocia. Bodbe Monastery keeps her tomb. After visiting the Bodbe Monastery of the 9th century, we’ll take our way to David Gareji Monastery Complex, one of the most important landmarks of Georgia. This site is characterized by a unique combination of the historic architecture, prehistoric archaeological sites, rich paleontological fields and important bio-geographical features. Drive to Tbilisi.Overnight in Tbilisi.Day 7: Tbilisi / Mtskheta / Kutaisi  We leave the capital this morning and drive to Mtskheta, the spiritual heart of Georgia. Here we visit what is considered to be the most sacred place in Georgia, the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. The 9th century basilica contains the grave of Sidonia, who was said to have been buried holding Christ’s robe. We also visit the 6th century Jvari church before driving via Khosuri and Surami into the hills towards the Rikoti Pass, claimed to be a watershed between Asia and Europe. Here the road winds through narrow, forested valleys before dropping onto the fertile plains of the Rioni, Georgia’s most important river. Arriving in Kutaisi, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Colchis, we check into our guesthouse for a two night stay. It was here that Jason stole King Aeetes the Golden Fleece when he fell in love with the king’s daughter Medea. Kutaisi has always been an important town throughout the ages and for many years was the capital of Georgia, when Tbilisi was occupied by the Arabs. The period between the reigns of King Bagrat and Queen Tamar (roughly 900 – 1200) was the golden age for Kutaisi and most of the significant buildings date from this time. Now it is the main city of the Imereti region and here the people are renowned for their sense of humour and also a special kind of ‘khachapuri’ – the cheese bread unique to Georgia.Overnight. Day 8: Kutaisi / Gelati / Motsameta / Gelati / Bagrati  This morning we drive to the magnificent monastery complex at Gelati, which consists of a variety of churches and the Academy building. It was founded in 1106 by King David the Builder in gratitude to God for his victories over the Turks. The King wanted it to serve as a centre of Christendom, so as well as scholars many religious artists studied here. Many of the treasures which were made here have been lost over the centuries, however the buildings and frescos in them are extremely well preserved, and the setting of the monastery on a hillside with views over to the distant Caucasus peaks is attractive. Later we drive via the smaller monastery of Motsameta, spectacularly sited on a cliff-edge, back to our guesthouse in Kutaisi. During free time this afternoon, it is possible to walk from our guesthouse through the attractive back streets to Bagrati Cathedral, completed in 1003. As with many cathedrals, it has been added to throughout the ages and today maintains grandeur and nobility despite its ruined state.Overnight.Day 9: Kutaisi / Vardzia / Bakuriani  We appreciate the amazing diversity of landscape in this small country during today’s drive. Heading for the alpine meadows of Bakuriani we retrace our route before turning south to drop into the majestic deciduous forests of the Borjomi Gorge. Stopping briefly at Ubisi church, well known for its 14th century murals, this small complex dates back to the 9th century. We then continue on to the picturesque mountain resort of Bakuriani which will be our base for the next two nights. There is plenty of time this afternoon to explore the area independently. One stop on our excursion today is a visit to Khertvisi Fortress, dramatically situated on a cliff above the confluence of two major rivers.  Later we enjoy a leisurely visit to one of Georgia’s most significant sites: the cave town of Vardzia. Established by King Giorgi III in the 12th century as a stronghold against the Turkish Sultanate (the Turkish border is only 10km away), Vardzia was subsequently developed by his daughter, Tamar (later to become Queen Tamar), who created a cave monastery that became a centre of Georgian culture. This network of caves above the Mtkvari (Kura) river once numbered 3,000, with up to 19 tiers in some places. Much of it was destroyed after a huge earthquake in 1456 and only 550 caves have been discovered. There are numerous churches, meeting halls, refectories and wine cellars, all interconnected by tunnels and stairways. Drive to Bakuriani.Overnight.Day 10: Bakuriani/Tbilisi  The capital of Georgia is an ancient and cosmopolitan city; there is a synagogue, a mosque, a Georgian basilica, an Armenian church and a Zoroastrian Fire-Worshipper’s temple all within a 15 minutes walk. One of Europe’s most fascinating capitals, we include a half day orientation tour on foot which takes in the important Church of Metecki, Siohi Cathedral and the State Museum of Georgia, allowing plenty of time free to wander the boulevards and back streets of the city, absorbing its unique ambience.Overnight.Day 11: Tbilisi / Haghpat / Sanahin / Lake Sevan  Depart to the Georgian-Armenian border. We visit the Monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin (UNESCO World Heritage Sites). These two Armenian monasteries in the Tumanian region from the period of prosperity during the Kiurikian dynasty (10th -13th c.c.) were important centers of learning. Sanahin was renowned for its school of illuminators and calligraphers. The two monastic complexes represent the highest flowering of Armenian religious architecture, whose unique style developed from a blending of elements of Byzantine ecclesiastical and the traditional vernacular architectures of the Caucasian region. Continue our trip to Dilijan. Visit Haghartsin (10th-14th c.c.) and Goshavank Monasteries, magnificent and beautiful ecclesiastic monuments which are the highlight of the medieval Armenian architecture. They are situated in dense oak woods, in the gorges of small but turbulent mountain rivers. The local terrain and scenery determined the compositional peculiarities of these ensembles. Continue the way to Lake Sevan, a huge mountain lake that takes up 5% of Armenia’s surface area and is about 2000 meters (6562 ft.) above sea level.Overnight in Yerevan.Day 12: Yerevan City Tour  YEREVAN CITY TOUR Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, is a modern, colorful city, situated in the Northeastern part of the Ararat Valley. Yerevan is one of the oldest cities in the world. The fortress Erebuni was founded by King Argishty of Urartu in 782 BC. The Urartu Kingdom was a powerful & highly developed civilization. Yerevan skyline with biblical Mount Ararat on the background is very impressive. Drive through the central streets of Yerevan, Republic Square, Opera House, Cascade Monument and stairs, "Mother Armenia" Monument with a fantastic view of Yerevan, Victory Bridge, Hrazdan Stadium, Sports and Concerts Center, Presidential Palace, National Assembly Building, Academy of Sciences, Tsitsernakaberd-Armenian Genocide Memorial Complexbuilt in 1965, this monument commemorates the 1915 Genocide of Armenians. The monument and its eternal flame are viewed as pilgrimage sites for Armenians all around the world. Visit Matenadaran-Repository of ancient manuscripts.
 The Matenadaran after St. Mesrop Mashtots is a scientific research institute of old manuscripts at the Government of the Republic of Armenia. The Matenadaran is the largest center of study and safekeeping of Armenian manuscripts in the world. Visit Yerevan’s “Noy” Brandy-Wine-Vodka Factory.During the tour you’ll visit the distillation department, the cooperage department, the museum, the wine-cellar. Tasting three wine varieties from 1913, 1924 and 1944 and two cognac varieties of 10 and 20 years’ maturity. Overnight in Yerevan.Day 13: Yerevan / Garni -Geghard  We begin our day with a visit to Garni, the Pagan Temple of the 1st century. The Pagan Temple of Garni is the only non-Christian temple currently standing in Armenia. Gracing the hillside the pagan temple was dedicated to the God of Sun, Mithra. It was built in 77A.D. by the Armenian King Trdat I. The architectural complex of Garni was Armenia's foremost center of Hellenistic culture and the summer residence of Armenian kings. The fortress is situated in a picturesque locality and commands a broad panorama of orchards, fields and mountain slopes covered with motley carpets of varicolored grasses, of the jagged and precipitous canyon of the Azat river. The artistic merit and uniqueness of its monuments place Garni among outstanding creations of architecture of world importance. Driving for 9 more kilometers from Garni, you'll reach the Monastery of Geghard, which is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Geghard is an incredible ancient Armenian monastery, partly carved out of a mountain. Though the monastery has been around since before the 4th century, the main cathedral was built in 1215.It is said that the holy lance that pierced the body of Christ was kept here. The architectural forms and the decoration of Geghard's rock premises show that Armenian builders could not only create superb works of architecture out of stone, but also hew them in solid rock. Lunch in an Armenian peasant house in Garni village. Overnight in Yerevan.
Day 14: Yerevan / Khor Virap / Noravank / Areni Winery
 Exploring South of Yerevan. Visit Khor Virap Monastery. To this day you can visit the underground chamber where St. Gregory the Illuminator, the first Armenia’s Patriarch, was imprisoned for 13 years before curing King Trdat III of a disease. This caused the conversion of the king and Armenia into the first officially Christian nation in the world in the year 301. Its location, near the closest point to Mount Ararat within Armenian borders, offers a spectacular view of the mountain, the national symbol of Armenia. Drive to Noravank Monastery (13 -14th centuries), an architectural gemstone nestled among brick-red cliffs, just above a deep gorge. The breathtaking church of the monastery is St. Astvatsatsin, a two-storied building with an open-air church. Enjoy your lunch in a nice restaurant on Arpa River bank. Visit “Areni” Winery. Areni Winery specializes in the production of premium dry red Vayots Dzor wines from the Areni grape. Back to Yerevan. Overnight in Yerevan.
Day 15: Yerevan/ Etchmiadzin/ Departure  Visit the Etchmiadzin Cathedral , the center of the Armenian Apostolic Church (301-303 AD) and the Holy See of the Armenian Apostolic Church including the Treasury museum and the underground Pagan Altar. Farewell dinner at a typical Armenian restaurant with live Armenian music. Visit the ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral. It used to be a huge cathedral built in 7th c. and it was destroyed in the 10th c. Even in ruins it’s a majestic sight on the background of the biblical Mount Ararat. Transfer to the airport.*Itinerary is subject to change at any time upon your request. 
|
 | Home | | About Armenia | | Services | | hotels | | Apartment Rental | | Visa to Armenia | | Photo Gallery | | Contact Us | | Sitemap | | Links |