2027 Departure Through the Caucasus Countries

Arrival at Baku International Airport and meeting with your driver. Transfer to the planned hotel and overnight stay.

The room will be available from 2:00pm on this day.

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.