2027 Departures Through Uzbekistan and the Caucasus Countries

Arrival in Tashkent and meeting with our driver outside the airport. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay.

Check-in will be from 2:00pm on this day.

Breakfast at the hotel. We'll begin our tour of the capital: the Khast-Imam Complex, home to the famous Quran of Caliph Uthman. At the Khast-Imam complex you'll visit the Barak-Khan and Muyi Mubarak madrasahs, the Friday Mosque and the mausoleum of Kaffal Shashi. Chorsu Bazaar - an oriental market over a hundred years old, always located on the main square of Eski-Juva. Amir Temur Square - the history of the square in the centre of Tashkent, named after Amir Timur, the commander and founder of a great medieval empire. Independence Square - located in the centre of Tashkent. This is where the main state events and parades are held on national holidays. We'll end the tour at the Tashkent Metro, the only one in Uzbekistan and the first in Central Asia. Overnight stay.

Early in the morning we'll transfer to the local airport in Tashkent to catch the flight to Urgench. Arrival in Urgench and transfer to Khiva (30 km). After dropping off our luggage at the hotel, we'll begin our tour. Today we'll discover the city of the legends of "A Thousand and One Nights". We'll take in the entrance of the Ota Darvoza gate of the citadel (Ichan Qala - inner citadel), whose architectural monuments were built between the 10th and 18th centuries and remain well preserved to this day. We'll see the truncated Kalta Minor minaret, the madrasah (a school of Quranic studies and social sciences) of Khan Mohammed Amin Khan and the old Kuhna Ark Palace. Continuing our journey, we'll explore in depth the Mohammed Rahim Khan Madrasah, the Friday (Djuma) Mosque, the madrasah with its minaret of Islam Khodja, Tosh Khovli Palace and the Khan's harem. We'll also visit the Museum of German Mennonites from the 19th-20th centuries, which very few people know about, the Shergazi Khan Madrasah, the Mausoleum of Pahlavan Mahmud. We'll finish the visit with Khiva's famous wood-carving workshop. Overnight stay.

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for the city of Bukhara across the Kyzylkum Desert. Long ago, this area was used by caravans heading west, following the Silk Road that linked the western cities with Bukhara. In the afternoon we'll arrive in Bukhara and transfer to the hotel, checking in there. We'll do our afternoon sightseeing. We'll begin our tour on foot through the city, full of historic monuments (9th-19th centuries): the Lyab-i Hauz Complex – a pool with the Nodir Devonbegi and Kukaldash madrasahs; the old domed oriental markets. Then we'll visit Ulugbek Madrasah (16th century) – one of the oldest madrasahs in Bukhara, Abdulaziz Khan Madrasah (17th century) – lavishly decorated; Trading domes - Toki Sarrafon (once a currency exchange centre of Central Asia), Toki Telpak Furushon (which sold books, and later hats), Tim Abdullakhan (which sold carpets and textiles), Toki Zargaron (which sold jewellery). Overnight stay.

Breakfast at the hotel. A walking tour through the ancient, sacred and noble city of Bukhara, homeland of Avicenna (Ibn Sina), known as one of the world's most famous physicians. We'll begin our tour with the Poi Kalon Complex made up of: the Kalon Minaret (12th century) - a symbol of the city of Bukhara, built to call Muslims to prayer five times a day, the Kalon Mosque (15th century) - the layout of the Friday mosque (known as the Kalyan mosque) is traditional: a rectangular courtyard with a tall, grand maksura hall, Miri-Arab Madrasah (16th century) - one of the finest monuments of the Bukhara school of architecture. We'll then visit the legendary Ark Fortress (4th century BC) - a symbol of state power. It was once the residence of the emirs of Bukhara. We'll also visit the Mausoleum of Ismail Samani (9th century) - built as a family crypt immediately after the death of Ismail Samani's father; the Bolo-Hauz Mosque (1712) *(from the outside) - the only monument preserved on Registan Square. The complex consists of a cistern, the Friday mosque and the minaret. The oldest part of the complex is the pool (Hauz), from which Bolo-Hauz takes its name; Chor-Minor Madrasah (1807) - «Four Minarets» - it's believed that the decorative elements on the towers reflect the religious-philosophical understanding of the world's four major religions. We'll finish our visits with Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa - the summer residence of the last Emir of Bukhara, a unique place that combines oriental and Russian architecture. In the afternoon we'll transfer to the train station in Bukhara to catch the fast train to Samarkand. Arrival in Samarkand and transfer to the hotel. Free time. Overnight stay.

Breakfast at the hotel. At 09:00, meeting with your guide and driver. Today we'll visit the Mausoleum of Amir Temur (Tamerlane) and the Timurids - one of the most significant architectural complexes of the medieval East is the Gur-e Amir (Gur-Emir) building.

It stands in the south-western part of Samarkand and dates from the early 15th century; Registan Square in Samarkand, a symbol of Uzbekistan and the "eighth wonder of the world". It's a complex made up of three madrasahs: Ulugbek (15th century), Sher-Dor and Tilya-Kori (17th century). Then we'll visit the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, built in the 14th-15th centuries on the orders of Amir Temur and his favourite queen, Bibi-Khanym. We'll walk through the traditional Siab Bazaar in Samarkand and the Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, where Tamerlane's relatives are buried. We'll then transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay.

Breakfast at the hotel. At 09:00, meeting with your guide and driver. We begin today's tour with a visit to the famous Ulugbek Astronomical Observatory (15th century) and then the ruins of Afrasiyab - ancient Samarkand, an archaeological complex founded in the 8th-6th centuries BC - and the Afrasiyab History Museum; the traditional paper and carpet workshops that were, and still are, famous around the world. Today we'll also make a slightly different visit to the Orthodox Church, built in the 19th century during the era of the Russian tsars. In the afternoon we'll transfer to the train station in Samarkand to catch the fast train to Tashkent. Arrival in Tashkent and transfer to the hotel. Free time. Overnight stay.

In the evening, transfer to Tashkent International Airport to catch the flight to Baku. Arrival in Baku in the early hours and transfer to the planned hotel. Rest and breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, we'll head to Gobustan, where we'll explore the famous petroglyphs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to ancient rock carvings dating back thousands of years. We'll then return to Baku and begin our sightseeing tour of the city, exploring the historic centre with a visit to the medieval fortress of Baku's old town (Icherisheher). Next, we'll discover the iconic Maiden Tower (photo stop from the outside) and the Shirvanshahs' Palace complex, marvelling at its intricate architecture. Afterwards, we'll continue on to the medieval caravanserai and the historic market square, followed by a visit to a hand-made carpet workshop and an art studio to see traditional Azerbaijani craftsmanship first-hand. We'll finish our tour with a stroll through the charming streets of the old town, soaking up its rich history and unique atmosphere. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure from the hotel. Today we begin our journey with a scenic drive to the historic city of Shamakhi. We then head to Sheki, a picturesque town nestled in the foothills of the Greater Caucasus. Here we'll enjoy a sightseeing tour that includes the Sheki Khans' Palace, a stunning example of 18th-century architecture adorned with intricate stained glass and frescoes. Check in at the hotel. Overnight stay.

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure from the hotel. Transfer to the border crossing between Georgia and Azerbaijan, at Lagodekhi. Once border formalities are complete, we'll change vehicles, meet our Georgian guide and begin the Georgian leg of our journey. Our first stop is the fortified town of Sighnaghi, often called «the balcony of Kakheti». Although it's the smallest town in the region, it's undoubtedly one of the most beautiful. With its cobbled streets, pastel-coloured houses and panoramic views over the Alazani Valley, Sighnaghi feels like a slice of Tuscany in Georgia. We'll explore this charming town and visit Bodbe Monastery, a peaceful, spiritual place surrounded by nature. The monastery is an important place of worship and offers stunning views over the valley. We'll then visit KTW Winery for a wine tasting. Afterwards, we'll head to Tbilisi, where we'll check in at our hotel and spend the night.

After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our tour of Tbilisi, Georgia's vibrant capital. Our day starts with a visit to the impressive Holy Trinity Cathedral of Sameba, a marvel of modern architecture and one of the largest religious buildings in the Caucasus. Next, we explore the historic Abanotubani district, famous for its traditional sulphur baths, and visit Metekhi Church, set above the Mtkvari River. We'll finish with a cable car ride up to Narikala Fortress, where we'll enjoy panoramic views of the city, followed by a visit to the Mother of Georgia monument. We'll then head to Mtskheta, one of Georgia's oldest and most culturally significant cities. Here we'll visit Jvari Monastery, an architectural gem overlooking the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers, and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), famous for its magnificent frescoes and religious significance through the centuries. Return to Tbilisi. Overnight stay.

After breakfast, we'll leave Tbilisi and head towards the Bagratashen border, where we'll change car and guide, complete border formalities and begin the Armenian leg of the journey. We'll continue on to Alaverdi, the largest town in the Debed Canyon, an area rich in historic monuments and natural beauty. Visit Haghpat Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a superb example of medieval Armenian architecture. Founded in the 10th century, this monastery, perched on a hillside overlooking the Debed Gorge, was once an important centre of learning. It's notable for the beautiful church of Surb Nshan, its ornate khachkars (carved stone crosses) and stunning mountain views. Pass by Lake Sevan, the largest lake in Armenia and one of the highest-altitude lakes in the world. Known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain scenery, Sevan is often called Armenia's «Blue Pearl». Visit Sevanavank Monastery, beautifully set on a peninsula overlooking the lake, offering stunning panoramic views and a serene atmosphere. Continue on to Yerevan. Overnight stay in a hotel in Yerevan.

After breakfast, we'll drive to Khor Virap Monastery, from where Mount Ararat reveals its impressive scale and splendour. This historic monastery is one of Armenia's most important places of pilgrimage, known for its deep spiritual significance and its dramatic location near the border with Turkey. Khor Virap is famous as the place where Saint Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years in a deep underground pit before emerging to convert Armenia to Christianity in AD 301. The monastery's hilltop location offers one of the most iconic and unobstructed views of biblical Mount Ararat, making it a favourite spot for photography and reflection. We'll continue on to one of Armenia's oldest buildings, the pagan temple of Garni, dating from the 1st century. This Hellenistic-style temple, dedicated to the sun god Mihr, was once part of a royal summer residence. It's the only temple to have survived the Christianisation of Armenia in the 4th century. Although it collapsed in an earthquake in 1679, it was magnificently rebuilt in the early 1970s. Our next stop will be a visit to the cave monastery of Geghard, dating from the 13th century (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). The monastery takes its name from the spear that wounded Jesus during the crucifixion. The spear is currently kept, along with many other relics, in the Museum of Echmiadzin Cathedral. Return to Yerevan. Overnight stay.

After breakfast, we'll begin our guided tour of Yerevan, the capital of Armenia and one of the oldest cities in the world. We'll visit the Cascade Complex, home to the Sculpture Park and the Cafesjian Center for the Arts. The programme then continues with a walking tour of the city centre, taking in the Opera and Ballet Theatre building (from the outside), the Swan Lake, Abovyan Street, Northern Avenue and Republic Square. Be sure to return to Republic Square at nightfall to see the «Dancing Fountains», a choreographed water show synchronised with lights and music (the fountains run from May to the end of October). We'll then continue to Echmiadzin, the administrative and spiritual centre of the Armenian Apostolic Church. We'll visit the Mother Cathedral, built by Saint Gregory the Illuminator between 301 and 303. This cathedral, which was rebuilt in the 5th century and has been considerably expanded since, is believed to be the oldest state-founded Christian institution in the world. We'll also visit the museum inside the church, home to the most important relics of the Armenian Apostolic Church: the fragment of Noah's Ark and the Holy Lance that pierced Jesus on the cross. On the way back to Yerevan, we'll stop at the ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral, dating from the 7th century. Once a magnificent circular church, it was notable for its innovative design and ornate decoration. Although destroyed by an earthquake in the 10th century, its remains still convey the elegance and ambition of early medieval Armenian architecture. Overnight stay.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport and return to your country of origin. End of our services.