A Bespoke travel to the unexplored beauty of the Caucasus Region

Upon arrival at Baku Heydar Aliyev International Airport we meet you to take you to your hotel where you can relax after your flight.

After breakfast at the hotel, we embark on a city tour of Baku. We take you along the central streets and green parks of the city, pointing out the main attractions along the way. In the afternoon, enjoy an excursion in Old Town, Icheri Sheher. This UNESCO-recognized area of Baku hosts fascinating structures dating back as far as the seventh century. Visit the Palace of the Shirvans’ Shahs, the most striking example of the medieval palace structures in Azerbaijan, dating to the middle of the 15th century.

Next, leave for a tour of the Absheron Peninsula. The Caspian Sea is well within reach

in Baku, and a drive around the Absheron Peninsula offers an unforgettable view of this hidden Eurasian treasure. Visit the well-preserved ancient castles of the Absheron Peninsula, dated from the 12th century and situated farther from Baku.

There are several fine medieval castles, in the surrounding towns, all having been built for defense by the Shirvan’s Shahs.Return to the hotel to for an evening at your leisure.

To truly experience the historical beauty of Azerbaijan, today we set off on a trip to Gobustan National Park. Found south of Baku, Gobustan is an open-air museum with some 4,000 Neolithic rock drawings dated from as many as 12,000 years ago. Find drawings made in the Stone Age, all reflecting activities like hunting and dancing. Their dances are thought to have been accompanied by the Gaval-Dashy or Tambourine Stone, a rock that has a deep, resonating tone when struck.

Next, take an excursion to the natural phenomenon of Yanar Dag, an incessant natural fire which blazes continuously on a hillside. Many historians claim that this place gave Azerbaijan its name of “fire country.” Return to Baku this evening and prepare to head to Georgia in the morning.

This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia and the country’s largest city. Check in to your hotel, enjoy dinner at a traditional Georgian restaurant with folklore show, followed by a one hour massage and body scrub in one of the region’s famous sulphur baths.

Tbilisi is a vibrant example of the mix of nationalities, cultures, religions, and ethnic groups found in Georgia. Tbilisi was founded in the 5th century AD by Vakhtang Gorgasali, the Georgian King of Kartli (Iberia) and made into a capital in the 6th century.

Today, get acquainted with the city on a walking tour, passing through the old quarters and the center, with its famous sulphur springs along the Mtkvari River. Visit the Metekhi Church, pass across the Metekhi bridge, the first bridge built to connect the Mtkvari River’s left and right banks, stand in Sioni church, where St. Nino’s cross from 337 AD is kept, and stop at Anchiskhati church, the most ancient church in Tbilisi. Traditional houses with balconies and grape vines accompany your stroll towards Narikhala, the 4th century fort overlooking the city. The fort provides an exquisite view of the city and region.

After lunch at a local restaurant, you will visit the Georgian State Museum, known for its collection of gold and silver artifacts and jewelry from the pre-Christian period from various regions of the country. If time permits, take a stroll along Rustaveli Avenue, where notorious architectural and historical buildings such as the Palace of Youth, Parliament of Georgia, Kashveti Church, Rustaveli Theater, National Picture Gallery, and the Academy of Sciences reside. The evening is free for dinner and relaxation at your leisure.

In the morning after breakfast proceed to Mskheta - the ancient capital of Georgia and UNESCO world cultural heritage attraction which is situated at the confluence of two rivers Mtkvari and Aragvi. There we visit:

Jvari Monastery: is a 6^th century monastery beautifully situated on a cliff, that shoots up into a very blue of sky.

Svetitkhoveli cathedaral: A masterpiece of the Early Middle Ages, Svetitskhoveli is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Enjoy the drive with the breathtaking views of the high Caucasus Mountains with passes littered by watchtowers and alpine fields.

Continue your drive along the stunning Caucasus Mountains to Kazbegi. The drive to Kazbegi is as exciting as Kazbegi itself. Check into your hotel, the Rooms Hotel Kazbegi. There is much to see and do in and around the Rooms Hotel Kazbegi. You can take a short, exciting hike to the historic Gergeti Trinity Church or even climb Mount Kazbek. Dine in style and sample a variety of Georgian cuisine from the informal buffet and a la carte menu, and pair it with a notable bottle of wine.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before visiting the Gergeti Tsminda Sameba Trinity Church, built in the 14th century and situated nearly 7,000 feet up on the hill. From this spot you have an unforgettable view of Mount Kazbek, rising over 16,500 feet and covered with glaciers and permafrost. According to the legend, the titan Prometheus who brought fire to men was chained on Mount Kazbek.

After a delicious lunch drive to Sno gorge, an area rich in natural mineral water springs and dotted with old towers, and the beautiful Gveleti waterfall, one of the highest waterfalls in Georgia. Have dinner and enjoy a relaxing evening at your hotel.

After a leisurely breakfast, transfer to your helicopter for a breathtaking flight above the Great Caucasus Mountains to Sighnaghi in the Kakheti region, Georgia’s famous wine region. Check in to your hotel, located in the heart of Sighnaghi.

After breakfast, take a guided city tour of Sighnaghi. Meaning “shelter,” Sighnaghi is one of the smallest towns in the country with one of the richest histories. The city is sits on a hill surrounded by a fortified wall, considered to be the second longest wall after the Great Wall of China. A large variety of languages and nationalities mingle with the unique mountain landscape to make Sighnaghi one of the most breathtaking places on the planet.

Explore multiple architectural monuments and learn about the traditions of local people, all while enjoying the splendid views that open up on the gorgeous Alazani Valley, known as the cradle of Georgian wines.

After enjoying picturesque Signagi, it`s time to indulge in a special lunch at Chateau near Sighnaghi.

Culinary Masterclass: For lunch, receive hands-on experience in the preparation of traditional Georgian cuisine, including Churchkela (a delicacy consisting of a mixture of walnuts and grapes), Khinkall (dumplings), Mtsvadi (barbeque), Khachapuri (cheese pie), and Chacha (grappa). These preparations will be accompanied by a traditional Georgian feast with Georgian folklore and homemade house wine. Spend the evening at your leisure in Sighnaghi.

In the evening, have free time before enjoying dinner at Kabadoni restaurant.

After breakfast at the hotel depart Sighnaghi. Meet and greet at Armenia – Georgia border Bagratashen, border formalities, change of guide and drver. Start a tour in Armenia with Dilijan.

Dilijan: We will enjoy the 19th century appearance of the town. This wonderfully forested region is rich in mineral waters. Some of them are compared with Wichi in France and Davos in Switzerland. Dilijan is “the Switzerland of Armenia.”

Here, in the harmony of untouched nature, hidden among dense oak woods, rests one of the gems of Armenian architecture:

Haghartsin Monastery: (X-XIII), built mostly under the patronage of the Bagratuni Dynasty. According to the legend, an eagle was soaring over the Monastery on its dedication day; consequently the complex was named the Monastery of the Playful Eagle.

After this we will have a short walk along the azure Lake Sevan.

Lake Sevan: has a unique combination of great size, high mountain location, and comparatively “soft water”. Lake Sevan is one of the greatest freshwater high-mountain lakes of Eurasia. It is located at about 2000 meters above the sea level. Lunch tasting barbeque from Sevan trout. We will then explore the summer residence of the Favourite Armenian King Ashot the Iron (Ashot Erkat) – Sevanavank Monastery (9th century).

Then drive to the whole year-round resort town of Tsaghkadzor. Here we can enjoy riding Quadracycles, then use the ropeway to get to the mountain and enjoy the magnificent panorama all around.

Tsaghkadzor – Yerevan: Garni and Geghard, Medieval vocal concert and Lavash baking show

After breakfast at the hotel, we will have a morning walk in the pink city of Yerevan. This ancient city is 29 years older than Rome. We will start walking in the most pleasant Republic Square with Government buildings, History Museum and Marriott Hotel surrounding it.

In case of desire we can visit a jewelry gallery, where we can buy exclusive jewelry. The jewels presented are executed in a single copy and are unique.

Walking up one of the oldest streets in Yerevan – Abovyan Street – we will appear in the richest avenue in Yerevan – the Northern Avenue with many brand shops, luxurious cafes and restaurants.

Our next stop – the Opera and Ballet House and the Swan Lake – face the Northern Avenue.

Visit Matenadaran Depository – a unique institution around the world protecting thousands of valuable manuscripts.

After this we will enjoy our time in the fascinating weather of the sunny Yerevan while walking around Cascade Monument. If we walk up the “huge staircase” of 500 meters’ height and 50 meters’ width, we can enjoy the wonderful panorama of the city with the spectacular Opera House, Mount Ararat as well as the view to the whole city. We will then walk up the huge stairs to the Victory Park. Here the whole city seems to be at our hand. When we learnt a lot about the modern city, it is time to know the history of its foundation at Erebuni Museum Fortress.

In the evening we can enjoy the colorful singing and dancing fountains.

After some rest at the hotel, we will have a UNESCO tour in the region of Armavir with the Holy See of the Armenian Catholicos being the first in the list.

Echmiadzin: Armenia's patron saint Gregory the Illuminator had a vision of Jesus Christ descending from heaven and striking the earth with a golden hammer to show where the cathedral should be built. Hence, the patriarch named the church Echmiadzin ("the Descent of the Only-Begotten).

Church of St. Gayane (UNESCO): 7th century. Its design has remained unchanged despite partial renovations of the dome and some ceilings in 1652.

Vsit St. Hripsime (UNESCO) - one of the oldest surviving churches in Armenia. It is known for its fine Armenian-style architecture of the classical period, which has influenced many other Armenian churches since.

After this we will start a most panoramic tour of the Northern part of Armenia - changing views that cannot be admired anywhere else in the world. Drive to Ararat valley and pay a visit to the Monastery of Khor Virap.

Khor Virap: This is the very place where Armenia adopted Christianity as a state religion in 301, thus becoming the first in the world. The monastery offers the closest and the best view to Biblical Mount Ararat.

Return to Yerevan. In Yerevan we will visit Yerevan Brandy Factory to learn the techniques of cognac production in the homeland of cognac.

Short After a delicious breakfast transfer will take you to the Zvartnots International Airport. Farewell.