The Caucasus

Airport Transfers

Welcome to Baku! Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide and transferred to the hotel. The remainder of the day is yours at leisure.

Baku is the perfect combination of Dubai’s megalopolis and Paris’ chicness with a splash of Soviet history poking its head out. Here, both East and West blend seamlessly. Home to the UNESCO-listed Old City surrounded by an ancient fortress wall. Tree-lined streets, stone mansions, and elegant boutiques are taking over the depressing Soviet apartment blocks, bringing a romantic air to the city.

Meals

Not included

Accommodation

3 nights in The Merchant Baku or similar

Services

Airport transfer

Ancient Rock Paintings of Gobustan

Following breakfast, you will visit the Ancient Rock Paintings of Gobustan (65km from Baku) which date back between 5,000 and 40,000 years. This UNESCO Heritage Site is one of the major and most ancient museums of rock engravings in the world. The site covers three areas of a plateau of rocky boulders rising out of the semi-desert and boasts an outstanding collection of more than 6,000 rock engravings. The site also features the remains of inhabited caves, settlements, and burials, all reflecting an intensive human use by the inhabitants of the area during the wet period that followed the last Ice Age, from the Upper Palaeolithic to the Middle Ages.

Baku’s Old City

In the afternoon, enjoy a tour through Baku’s Old City which will include the funicular to Martyrs Alley where you can take in the panoramic city view. You will also visit

Shirvanshahs Palace which dates back to the 15th century and is described as ‘one of the pearls’ of Azerbaijan’s architecture. You will also see the Maiden Tower (12th century) and Mohammed’s Mosque (11th century). Later you will walk along the interesting and picturesque seafront promenade.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

The Merchant Baku or similar

Services

Private vehicle and English-speaking guide

Walking Information:

• Walking Distance: Approximately 5km

• Walking Time: Approximately 3-4 hours

• Difficulty: Moderate, with no shade and a steady incline

Distance and Journey Time: 3hr drive 135kms

Fire Temple and Yanar Dagh

Today, you will visit the Fire Temple, a castle-like religious temple dating back to the 17th century which was once a place of sacrifice founded above a natural gas vent. From there, you will travel to Yanar Dagh, also known as ‘Burning Mountain’. Yanar Dagh is a volcanic hill located on top of a pocket of natural gas that constantly erupts into flames and has been burning for as long as anyone can remember.

Carpet Museum & Museum of History

Following lunch, it is time to visit the must-see Carpet Museum which has the largest collection of Azerbaijani carpets in the world. From there, you will then go to the Museum of History which houses more than 350,000 pieces displayed in its rooms recounting the history and culture of Azerbaijan from ancient times until 1920.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

The Merchant Baku or similar

Services

Private Vehicle and English-speaking guide

Walking Information:

• Walking Distance: Approximately 2km

• Walking Time: Approximately 2 hours

• Difficulty: Easy, with shade and inside the museums

Distance and Journey Time: 1.5hr drive 65kms

Juma Mosque and Shirvan Domes

After breakfast, you will depart towards Gabala (approx. 220km). Along the way, you will stop at Juma Mosque followed by Shirvan Domes, a mausoleum and graveyard from the 15th-century Shirvan Dynasty. Your last stop is at Diri-Baba, a unique two-storied mausoleum mosque also from the 15th century.

Lahidj & Local Workshop

You will then travel to the quaint village of Lahidj (also known as Lahij or Lahich) which has preserved its medieval image, with its stone houses and cobbled streets. Lahidj is a famous centre of the craft trade, and you will visit the local workshops and meet and see the local skilled copper craftsmen ply their trade. You will have time to purchase some handicrafts, as well as walk the cobbled streets before continuing onto Gabala.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Overnight in Karvansaray hotel or similar

Walking Information:

• Walking Distance: Approximately 3km

• Walking Time: Approximately 3 hours

• Difficulty: Moderate, with no shade and a steady incline

Distance and Journey Time: 7hr drive 260kms

Gabala

This morning you will explore Gabala (also known as Qabala) which is a beautiful part of Azerbaijan with a rich and ancient history. Besides visiting the Historical Museum of Gabala which houses many historic artefacts from the area, you also see the renowned ruins of the ancient walled city, Chukhur Gabala, which dates back to the 4th century BC.

Nij Village

From here, continue to Nij village and meet the native Udin people, direct descendants of ancient Caucasian Albanians.

Sheki & Kish

Later you will arrive in Sheki and visit Sheki Khans Palace, a magnificent work of Islamic architecture, known for its stunning frescoes and stained glass, as well as the House of Sheki Khans, famed for its beautiful internal decorations. You will also travel to the nearby picturesque mountain village of Kish (Kis) with its beautiful Albanian church.

Local Bazaar

At the end of the day, you will return to Sheki with a visit to the local bazaar where there is an amazing display of goods on offer and is a great place to mingle with locals and see how they shop, barter and banter as well as gain insight into their rural lifestyles.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Overnight Macara Sheki Hotel or similar

Services

Private vehicle

English-speaking guide

Walking Information:

• Walking Distance: Approximately 3km

• Walking Time: Approximately 2 hours

• Difficulty: Moderate, with no shade and a steady incline

Distance and Journey Time: 2hr drive 132kms

Border Crossing

Following breakfast, it is time to continue to the border. Here you will change guides and vehicles and then it’s time to continue on and explore Georgia.

Lunch with a Local Family

For lunch, you will visit a local family, where you will learn about local peasant life. You will see the locals’ gardens and vineyards, and then have lunch with delicious homemade food, wine, and Georgian

Chacha – a strong brandy-like spirit.

Exploring Sighnaghi

It is the time to visit the 18th-century beautiful, small town of Sighnaghi with its old fences and small houses with tiled roofs and decorated balconies. From here, you will see the picturesque views of Alazani Valley and the Great Caucasus Mountains. Afterwards, drive to Tbilisi.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation

2 nights in Stamba Hotel Tbilisi or similar

Services

Border crossing assistance

Private vehicle and English-speaking guide

Distance and Journey Time:

Drive to the border (150km): 2.5 hours

Lagodekhi (Border)-Sighnaghi-Tbilisi (160km): Approximately 3 hours

Tbilisi City Tour

Today you will explore the capital of Georgia, Tbilisi. Wander in the old districts of the city which are structured like terraces. Take a walk in the narrow streets to view the colourful houses, patterned balconies and wonderful samples of modern architecture. You will start from Metekhi Church (13th century) with magnificent views over old Tbilisi. A stroll along winding little streets takes you to the main sights of the city. Afterwards, take a cable car up to the ancient Narikala fortress (4th century) to enjoy the panoramic views of the whole town and then walk down to the historical domed sulphur bath area.

Georgia State Museum

Finally, the Golden Fund of the historical museum (closed on Mondays) will prove the fact that Georgia is truly the land of the Golden Fleece.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Stamba Hotel Tbilisi or similar

Services

Private vehicle

English speaking guide

Cable car to Narikala Fortress

Walking Information:

• Walking Distance: Approximately 3.5km

• Walking Time: Approximately 3-4 hours

• Difficulty: Easy city walking

Distance and Journey Time: (4-5km) Approx 20-30 minutes

Mtskheta

This morning you will be driven to visit the ancient capital and religious centre of Georgia – Mtskheta (3,000 years old). Spend time visiting the city’s historical sites including Jvari church (6th century) and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century) where the Robe of Christ is buried. Both Jvari and Svetitskhoveli are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Borjomi Spa resort

Then drive to Borjomi Spa resort, famous for its mineral water ‘Borjomi’. Visit the small park and taste the fresh mineral water.

Rabath

Continue to Akhaltsikhe, where you will visit the multi-cultural complex of ‘Rabath’ (closed on Mondays).

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Overnight Hotel Lomsia or similar

Services

Private vehicle

English speaking guide

Distance and Journey Time: Tbilisi-Mtskheta-Borjomi-Akhaltsikhe (235km) Approx 4-5hours

Vardzia and Khertvisi Fortress

Today you travel to Vardzia and along the way visit Khertvisi Fortress (10th century). Vardzia is a magnificent cave town from the 12th century and is one of the highlights of the trip. It stretches over half a kilometre along the river Mtkvari has 19 tiers and is used to house around 3000 caves. The complex also includes dwellings quarters, small hall-type churches, refectories, wine cellars, pharmacies, etc. There is also a church hewn out of rock with amazing 12th-century frescoes. You will enjoy lunch with a local family and then continue to Kutaisi.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation

Overnight Hotel Solomon or similar

Services

Private vehicle

English speaking guide

Farmers Market & Okatse Canyon

In the morning you will visit a local farmers market and then continue to Okatse Canyon (closed on Mondays), which involves a 2–3-hour pedestrian route passing through Dadiani Historical Forest, 780m length hanging trail and finishes with a panoramic view. Here, you can explore 3 cascades Okatse waterfall, the Dadiani forest and the river Satsiskvilo valley.

Svaneti

Afterwards, get ready for the most exciting part of your trip – a journey to Svaneti – the region of the highest mountains and glaciers and the most abiding ancient traditions. Arrive in Becho Village.

Meals

Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation

Overnight in a Family hotel or similar

Services

Private vehicle

English speaking guide

Walking Information:

• Walking Distance: Approximately 8kms

• Walking Time: Approximately 3.5-4hours

Distance and Journey Time: (250km) Approx 6-7hours

Morning Hike towards Mt Ushba

Today is all about getting back to nature. You start your walking from the guesthouse with the aim of getting closer to Mt. Ushba (4,700m) which proudly overlooks Svaneti. After crossing the deep forest, you continue to the waterfalls. Both the beauty of the waterfalls and twin-peak Mt. Ushba will make you feel like a character out of a fairy tale.

Mestia

You will then walk back to Becho and drive to Mestia – the centre of the Upper Svaneti region. Arrive in Mestia, where before dinner you will have the opportunity to take part in a traditional ‘Kubdari’ and ‘Chvishtari’ making process. Kubdari is a national dish of the Svans which is leavened bread containing chunks of meat, which can be lamb, kidney or pork, Georgian spices and onions. Chvishtari which is

also local to the Svaneti region, is a cornbread with cheese.

Walking time today is approx. 5-6 hours.

Meals

Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Overnight Family Hotel Kala or similar

Services

Private vehicle

English speaking guide

Cultural Experience

Walking information:

• Military Base: Stage 1 (easy)/ walking time: 2-3 hrs total, Walking distance: 8 km, ↑↓ 250m

• 1st Waterfall: Stage 2 (medium)/ walking time: 4-5 hrs total, Walking distance: 10 km, ↑↓ 550 m

• 2nd Waterfall: Stage 3 (hard)/ walking time: 6-7 hrs total, Walking distance: 12 km, ↑↓ 1100 m

Distance and Journey Time: (20km) Approx 30-40minutes

Mulakhi

In the morning, set off for Mulakhi by car, where even today centuries-old towers stand, whose history of construction is shrouded in mystery. From afar, the village is reminiscent of a drawing. Svans selected an ideal place to build a village. Here, one can behold amazing landscapes any time throughout the year.

Ushguli

Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Ushguli (Basic). which is declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The village is located at 2200m and is the highest continuously inhabited village in Europe. The village is most famous for its abundance of watchtowers, and this is where you get the view of the highest mountain in Georgia – Mt. Shkhara (5068m).

Meals

Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Overnight in a Family hotel or similar

Services

Private vehicle

English speaking guide

Walking information:

• Walking Distance: Walk from Mestia to Mulakhi, approximately 13kms

• Walking Time: Approximately 4-5hours

• Difficulty: Moderate Trek altitude ↑500 ↓350 m

Distance and Journey Time: Drive from Mulakhi to Ushguli (36km) Approx 1.5-2hours

Hike to Shkhara Base and Glacier

Depart from your guesthouse this morning bound for the base of Georgia’s highest mountain, Shkhara (5068m) and the glacier which is the main water source of the Enguri river. After reaching the glacier (2,500m) you will return to Ushguli. Today’s trek will take you through beautiful meadows filled with rich alpine flowers and will finish in Mestia.

Meals

Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Overnight Gistola Hotel Kala or similar

Services

English-speaking guide

Walking information:

• Walking Distance: Approximately 19kms

• Walking Time: Approximately 5-6hours

• Difficulty: Moderate Trek altitude ↑ ↓550m

Distance and Journey Time: (42km) Approx 2 hours

Dadiani`s Palace

Today you will leave the beautiful Svaneti region and drive back to Zugdidi. Here you will visit Dadiani`s Palace (closed Mondays) where the culture of the Dadiani Dynasty is on display and 41,000 museum objects are held. Most of them are unique and invaluable examples of Georgian and foreign art.

Gelati Cathedral

Afterwards, visit Gelati Cathedral (12th century) – one of the earliest academies in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site and then drive to Kutaisi.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Overnight Hotel Solomon or similar

Services

Private vehicle

English-speaking guide

Distance and Journey Time: (280km) Approx 7 hours

Uplistsikhe Cave Town

In the morning drive to Gori and visit the historical place of Uplistsikhe Cave Town (1st millennium BC). Uplistsikhe is the place where the Great Silk Road used to pass. This is an old and interesting complex with dwelling quarters, wine-cellars, bakeries, a three-nave basilica church hewn out in rock and even an antique theatre. There is a photo stop at Stalin`s house and museum.

Kaspi’s Winery

Afterwards, drive towards Tbilisi. On the way you will stop to visit a wine cellar in the village of Kaspi, where you will taste unique BIO wines produced by the traditional Georgian method in Kvevri (This method is inscribed in the UNESCO intangible heritage list). It’s noteworthy that this wine can be found on the list of unique wines of the Ritz Hotel in London. Arrive in Tbilisi.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Overnight Stamba hotel or similar

Services

Private vehicle

English-speaking guide

Wine-tasting

Distance and Journey Time: (280km) Approx 5.5hours

Bagratashen Border Crossing

This morning you will transfer to the Georgian-Armenian border.

Kick off your adventure as you meet with fellow travellers on the Bagratashen Border.

Haghpat Monastery

Our journey begins with a scenic drive to the historic Haghpat Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its architectural brilliance and serene surroundings.

Goshavank Monastery

Continue to Goshavank Monastery (12-13th century) located in picturesque surroundings.

From here, make your way to Dilijan, one of the most important resorts in Armenia, often referred to as the ‘Little Switzerland’ of Armenia, with magnificent views of the forested surroundings.

Dilijan

Arrive in Dilijan, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Armenia,” by early evening. This picturesque town, surrounded by verdant forests and rolling hills, will be our base for the night. Dinner will be served at the restaurant of the Old Dilijan Hotel, known for its warm ambience and delicious local dishes.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Old Dilijan Hotel or similar

Services

Private vehicle

English-speaking guide

Distance and Journey Time: Tbilisi-Sadakhlo (border) (72km) Approx 1.5 hours, Border – Makaravank (180kms) 3.5hrs, Makaravank – Goshavank (50km) approx. 1hr, Goshavank – Dilijan (23kms) 30min

Sharambeyan Street and Haghartsin Monastery

Following breakfast at your hotel, explore Sharambeyan Street before you drive to Haghartsin Monastery (13th century) a stunning example of medieval Armenian architecture nestled in lush woods. You will then enjoy lunch with a local Armenian family tasting homemade local food, before. You can also take a photo stop at Old Dilijan, complete with craftsman`s workshops, a gallery and a museum.

Gata Lesson and BBQ Masterclass

Lunch today is at Amalya’s house– a local home where you will enjoy learning how to make Gata. Gata is a beloved Armenian pastry or sweet bread, akin to a coffee cake. With countless variations, each town or region often boasts its own version, found in various shapes and sizes, either decorated or left unadorned. Traditionally baked in a tonir, Gata is now typically prepared in ovens. While it is often made for the feast of Candlemas (known as Tiarn’ndaraj in Armenian), it is enjoyed year-round.

After crossing the border, you will continue to Makaravank. At 1330hrs, relish lunch at Berkiri Gastro Yard in Ijevan, where you’ll participate in a pork BBQ masterclass, learning how to prepare pork the Armenian way! Pork BBQ, a cherished tradition in Armenian culture, involves wrapping the meat in lavash (bread), known as Khorovats – a dish that remains popular today. Whether served with tomatoes, eggplant, and bell peppers baked on skewers over hot coals in the summertime, or enjoyed in any season, Khorovats embodies the flavours of Armenia.

One popular variety of Gata includes a filling called koritz (khoriz), made from flour, butter, and sugar. Other versions may incorporate nuts, most commonly walnuts. Some traditions involve placing a coin inside the dough before baking the Gata, with the belief that whoever finds the coin in their piece will be blessed with good fortune.

End your day with a delightful dinner by 1900hrs at your hotel or a local restaurant, where you can unwind and reflect on your experiences.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Tufenkian Old Dilijan Complex or similar

Services

Private vehicle

English-speaking guide

Cooking Class

Distance and Journey Time: total of 1hr drive today

Lake Sevan

After breakfast, drive to Lake Sevan, the second largest alpine lake in the world and known as the ‘Emerald of Armenia’. You will visit Sevanavank, a beautiful monastery on the peninsula, once a strategic shelter for Armenian Kings and then continue to Noratus Village to visit Noratus Cemetery, known as the ‘Forest of Khachkars’. ‘Khachkar’ (cross-stone) is a typical monument of Armenian sculpture representing an ornamented stone with a cross in the centre.

Goris via Selim Caravanserai

Continue to the southern town of Goris via Selim Caravanserai, an important trading post on the Great Silk Road that has welcomed travellers along the highway through the mountains of Selim (Sulema). You will then travel to Karahunj (Armenia’s Stonehenge – also known as Carahunge), an ancient observatory from 6,000 B.C. The site is rich with stone settings, burial cists and standing stones, consisting of around 223 stone basalt slabs.

Zorats Karer

Journey to Zorats Karer, also known as the Armenian Stonehenge, located 110 kilometres away, which will take approximately 2 hours to reach. Explore this intriguing archaeological site, believed to be an ancient astronomical observatory, and marvel at the arrangement of the massive stones. You will then drive to Goris

Arrival in Goris

Arrive in the picturesque town of Goris, 36 kilometres from Zorats Karer, a drive of about 40 minutes. Goris is known for its unique rock formations, charming old houses, and stunning natural beauty.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Overnight Mirhav Hotel or similar

Services

Private vehicle

English-speaking guide

Distance and Journey Time: (220km) approx. 4hrs

Tatev Monastery and Aerial Tramway

You will start your day exploring the complex of Tatev Monastery which is an architectural masterpiece dating from the 10th century and is often referred to as a ‘monastery built on the edge of nothing’. You will reach the Monastery via the world’s longest aerial tramway called ‘Wings of Tatev’.

Vayots Dzor and Areni Winery

Afterwards, you will be driven to the Vayots Dzor region, the agricultural heart of the country, inhabited since the Bronze Age. The region also prides its old wine-making traditions with a history starting from the times of Noah. You will visit Areni Winery for a wine degustation with Armenia’s best wines coming from this region.

Noravank monastery

Finally, you will visit Noravank monastery – a great religious and cultural centre of the 12th century which is located in a seemingly inaccessible location amidst impressive red cliffs and stunning mountains. You will then continue to the capital city of Yerevan.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Historic Yerevan Hotel or similar

Services

Private vehicle

English-speaking guide

Aerial Tramway and Winery Visit

Distance and Journey Time: (265km) approx. 4.5hrs

Yerevan City Tour

Your day will begin exploring the vibrant city of Yerevan with your guide. Originally established in 782 BC, Yerevan is a thriving city with the excitement, hustle and bustle of a modern capital.

You will start your exploration from Republic Square, the masterpiece of the architect Alexander Tamanian, and then continue to the Opera House, a stunning architectural piece and the hub of Yerevan. You will then visit Cascade Complex, an open-air museum of modern art with a massive stairway. The complex links the historic residential and cultural centres of the city with a vast area of waterfalls and outdoor gardens.

Zvartnots

As you return to Yerevan, you will stop at the ruins of Zvartnots – the pearl of 7th-century architecture, inscribed in UNESCO’s World Heritage list. You will then return to Yerevan and visit the History Museum of Armenia.

Echmiadzin

Depart for Echmiadzin, the spiritual centre of all Armenians and the seat of the Armenian Catholicos. Echmiadzin Cathedral is the oldest standing church in Christendom built in 303 AD over a pagan fire altar. This landmark is protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. You will then enjoy lunch at the Tasty Gastro Yard, where you can sample the national food and the traditional Armenian dish ‘Tolma’.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation

Historic Yerevan Hotel

Services

Private vehicle

English-speaking guide

Distance and Journey Time: (25km) approx. 40min

Garni Temple

After your hotel breakfast, you will depart for Garni Village to visit Garni Temple dating back to the 1st century. The citadel and pagan temple of Garni is a picturesque monument of the Hellenistic period and an impressive piece of ancient Armenian architecture. Here you will have an opportunity to enjoy the charming melodies of Armenian ‘duduk’ by a local performer. Duduk and its music are inscribed in the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The architectural peculiarities of the temple were designed in a way to produce an authentically holy and mysterious reverberation of sound, almost a divine echo.

Geghard Monastery

After a good meal, you will visit Geghard Monastery. The spectacular towering cliffs surrounding the monastery are part of the Azat River Gorge and are included together with the monastery in the UNESCO World Heritage Site listing. Some of the chambers within the monastery complex are entirely dug out of the cliff rocks, others are little more than caves, while others are elaborate structures, with both architecturally complex walled sections and rooms deep inside the cliff.

Lunch and flatbread presentation

Lunch will be at a local house with the presentation of the Armenian flatbread ‘lavish’ baking process in an underground stove called ‘tonir’.

Yerevan at leisure

You will then return to Yerevan where the afternoon is at leisure.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation

Overnight Ani Central Inn

Services

Private vehicle

English-speaking guide

Distance and Journey Time: (40km) approx. 1hrs

Today is yours at leisure until it is time to transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Meals

Breakfast

Services

Airport transfers (private vehicle)