Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1: 2nd August
Depart Malta
Arrive in Azerbaijan at 2055 hours. Transfer to your hotel for check in. Overnight in Baku.
DAY 2: 3rd August
Baku
Tour in Baku where we may see Baku Bay and Upland Park. Explore the cosmopolitan capital from the heart of the old city, a maze of alleys, dead ends, and caravanserais. Discover the Maiden's Tower, dating back to the twelfth century, and the Palace of Shirvan Shah (XV century). The domes, arches, mosaics, and sculptures are remarkably well-preserved. Amidst the buildings, explore the mausoleum palace, Turkish bath, and divan-khana that once housed the court. Enjoy lunch.
In the afternoon, continue exploring the city with visits to the Carpet and Applied Arts Museum, showcasing Azerbaijani carpets, jewelry, and products in metal and carved wood. Conclude the day with a leisurely walk through the Boulevard. Overnight stay in Baku.
DAY 3: 4th August
Baku - Guba - Baku
Start the day with breakfast at the hotel, followed by a trip to Guba. Begin with a visit to Besh Barmag Mountain, a sacred site and popular destination for locals. Explore the Juma Guba mosque located in old bathhouses, and wander through the Jewish Quarter known as Krasnaya Sloboda, or the 'Red Settlement.' Continue the journey with a visit to the Guba Genocide Memorial Complex.
Next, venture to Khinalig village, perched at an altitude of 21002200 meters above sea level. Legend has it that this area is associated with Noah, who, upon seeing the tall and flat terrain, dropped anchor and instructed everyone to disembark from the Ark. The village boasts around 380 houses, each aged between 200-300 years. Due to the steep slopes, houses are closely built, with the roof of one serving as the courtyard for the one above. The locals belong to one of the Albanian tribes, speaking a unique language. Khinalig village is renowned not only for its ancient traditions but also for reported sightings of Bigfoot in the area. Overnight stay in Baku.
DAY 4: 5th August
Baku - Shamaba - Sheki
Breakfast at the hotel. Check out. Today we will travel west to town of Sheki. En route we visit the Diri Baba Mausoleum in Maraza and the Yeddi Gumbaz Mausoleum at Shamakha. We continue across the Muganly Pass, with great views of the mountains along the way.
An important centre on the Trans-Caucasian trade routes, it was an independent khanate up until the 1820s and evidence of its former grandeur is not hard to spot. The splendid Khan’s Palace was built in 1762 without the use of any nails and is elaborately decorated with ornate patterns on its exterior.
There are also a number of old caravanserais and mosques to explore. Sheki is a delight to wander around, with winding streets and traditional houses giving the feeling of yesteryear. Lunch during the visits. Overnight in Sheki.
DAY 5: 6th August
Sheki - Azerbaijan Border LagodekhiSinghnaghi - Bodbe - Tbilisi
Breakfast. Travel to the city of Sheki. Visit the summer palace of Khan eighteenth century with magnificent frescoes and the Historical Museum of artifacts from different eras. Drive to the border of Azerbaijan and Georgia (Lagodekhi), transport and guide change. We will travel to the eastern part of GeorgiaKakheti region, exclusively known for its vineyards and wineries. Visit a local house. Lunch will be accompanied composition by singers in national costumes.
Visit Sighnaghi - one of the beautiful cities in the region of Kakheti. Sighnaghi is home to several historical and cultural monuments. The city is surrounded by walls with the remains of the fortifications of the 18th century height of about 790 meters above sea level, in view of the city from above Alazani valley and is the face of the larger Caucasus mountains. We will drive to Bodbe - the Georgian Orthodox monastery complex (IX century). Overnight in Tbilisi.
DAY 6: 7th August
Tbilisi
After breakfast we will visit Tbilisi city. We will visit the Old Tbilisi Sulfur Baths, Georgian Orthodox and Armenian Gregorian churches, Jewish synagogue, also, Turkish mosques side by side, reflecting the city’s acceptance and tolerance of different religions.
We can also see a recent monument - Tbilisi Sameba Cathedral, the largest cathedral in the Caucasus; Metekhi Church, which is erected on the cliff, overlooking the Mtkvari River; Mtkvari (Kura) river boat trip of about 30 minutes, Narikala fortress by cable car (1 way), established in the fourth century.
Walk downtown and discover Shardeni Street with its fashionable cozy cafes and art galleries. While walking we will come across the Anchiskhati church, the oldest church in Tbilisi keeping the miraculous icon of Jesus Christ. Finally, the tour takes you to Rustaveli Avenue. Attractions such as the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre, the Parliament, Rustaveli Theatre, and different art galleries and cafes, will draw your attention and provide a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Overnight in Tbilisi hotel.
DAY 7: 8th August
Tbilisi - Gori - Uplistsikhe - Kazbegi
After breakfast, we will drive to Gori, renowned as the birthplace of Joseph Stalin, the Communist Party leader. The excursion includes a visit to several significant sites in the museum, such as Stalin's birthplace house, the main museum building showcasing his personal collections, and the train he traveled in during World War II. Explore the Joseph Stalin Museum, delving into the Soviet history of Georgia.
Transitioning from Soviet history to ancient times, we will then visit the Cave City Uplistsikhe, inhabited until the fourteenth century. Over the years, the caves have been transformed into apartments, shops, and public buildings, including the oldest theater in Georgia, along with large wineries. The city presents an intriguing complex featuring residences, markets, wineries, bakeries, a theater, and a basilica church with three ships built into the rock. Some remnants of caravans are still visible along the hills overlooking the rocky complex.
Later, we will drive over the Cross Pass and along the Tergi River, we will reach Kazbegi, the principal town in the Kevi province. Along the way, we will make stops to visit Ananuri Castle and the breathtakingly beautiful Jinvali water reservoir. Additionally, there will be opportunities to explore and appreciate various local handmade crafts, including thick felt, embroidery, and iconographic painting. The day concludes with an overnight stay in Kazbegi.
DAY 8: 9th August
Kazbegi - Juta - Mt Chaukhebi - Kazbegi
After breakfast, we proceed on a walk to Gergeti Trinity Church, situated at an elevation of 2170m (a 3-hour roundtrip). Weather permitting, you might catch a glimpse of one of the highest glaciers in the Caucasus – Mt. Kazbegi (5047m).
Upon our return to Kazbegi, we have the option to enjoy a free afternoon for individual exploration of the town, perhaps taking a short additional walk to Mt. Elias on our own. Alternatively, there is an optional tour to Sno Valley, Juta village, and horse-riding to the picturesque Mt. Chaukhebi (available at an extra cost). The day concludes with an overnight stay in Kazbegi.
DAY 9: 10th August
Kazbegi - rafting - Tbilisi
Today, we return to Tbilisi, but not without another marvelous adventure – rafting on the Aragvi River. We will meet our instructor at the riverside and attentively listen to safety instructions before boarding the boats. Afterwards, relish a thrilling 1-1.5-hour rafting experience. Upon completing the adventure, we will rendezvous with our vehicle and drive back to Tbilisi. As a fitting end to our journey, we have the option to enjoy our final evening by riding the Funicular to Mtatsminda Park, where we can take in the beautiful views of evening Tbilisi. Th i ht l d ith i ht t t Tbili i h t l
DAY 10: 11th August
Tbilisi - Sadakhlo - Haghpat -
Akhtala - Yerevan
After breakfast, we will drive to the Armenian border at Sadakhlo. Following border formalities, there will be a change in transport and guide. We will then continue the tour in Armenia.
Our focus for the day will be on two unique masterpieces of Armenian architecture dating from the 10th to 14th centuries: the monasteries of Akhtala and Haghpat, with the latter being recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Haghpat Monastery stood as one of the largest religious, cultural, and educational centres in medieval Armenia. Following this exploration, we will drive to Yerevan. The Akhtala monastic complex, situated in a fantastically beautiful natural setting, is particularly authentic. Here, you'll have the opportunity to see the statue of marriage rings. Our journey concludes with a drive to Yerevan, where we will spend the night at a hotel.
DAY 11: 12th August
Yerevan - Garni - GeghardAzat Reservoir Kayaking - Yerevan
Breakfast. Take trip to Garni. This Pagan Temple was built in the 1st century AD. It is the only temple that has been preserved from the Pagan times in Armenia. It was devoted to the god Mihr, who was the god of cleanliness. In 1679 it was destroyed by an earthquake. In 1975 the Temple was restored. Then we will continue our trip to Geghard Monastery. Its name came from the legendary lance that was used to pierce the body of Christ. It has been kept here for centuries. Though the exact foundation of the monastery is unknown, the present complex was built in the mid – 13th century.
Afterwards we will visit a local house where you will have the chance to see and participate in the preparation of the Armenian national bread: lavash. It is very thin, and usually sold in very large forms. It is usually cooked in a ground oven: tonir. In 2015 it has been inscribed in UNESCO intangible heritage list. Here we will enjoy the “Armenian fast food” with lavash and cheese. Lunch here. We will drive to Azat reservoir where we will go kayaking. It will last about 2.5-3 hours including the training. Drive back to Yerevan. Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 12: 13th August
Yerevan - Zvartnoc - Ejmiatsin -
Yerevan (city tour)
After breakfast, we will commence the excursion to the centuries-old monuments of Ejmiatsin and Zvartnots, both of which are listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The Zvartnots Temple, constructed in the 7th century by Nerses Builder Catholicos, will be our first visit. Our next destination is the spiritual center of Armenia: Ejmiatsin. Founded in 303, the Cathedral of Ejmiatsin serves as the official residence of the Catholicos of Armenia.
Following the excursion, we will have lunch at a local restaurant. Subsequently, we will drive to Parakar village, where, at a local house, we will enjoy a cooking master class featuring the Armenian dessert "Gata" and homemade pasta "Arishta." The demonstration will be conducted by a renowned Armenian TV star. Active participants will receive gifts from the host and be treated to homemade liquor. Finally, we will return to Yerevan.
Our tour of the capital, Yerevan, will begin, exploring its historic sites. Often referred to as the "pink city" due to the color of its stone, we will visit Republic Square, Mashtoc Avenue, the House of Opera and Ballet named after Aram Khachatryan, and the park "Cascad." Next on the itinerary is the Manuscript Museum of Armenia, known as Matenadaran, where ancient Armenian manuscripts are preserved. The day concludes with a visit to the l k b d h d ll b
DAY 13: 14th August
Yerevan - Khor Virap - Areni -
Norayank - Goris
After breakfast, embark on a trip to Khor Virap Monastery (4-18th century). This monastery holds great historical significance; Gregory the Illuminator, the individual credited with introducing Christianity to Armenia, was imprisoned here for about 13 years when the location still functioned as a prison. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the sacred Ararat Mountain, an enduring symbol of Armenia.
Following our visit to Khor Virap, the journey continues to the Armenian Wine Village, Areni. Renowned for its red wine, the village boasts a wine factory where we will partake in a wine tasting session.
Our next destination is Noravank, a XII-century monastery nestled among awe-inspiring sheer rocks on the edge of a winding gorge. Notably, Noravank is home to a unique sculpture of Father God. During our visit, we will have an opportunity to meet with a priest who will provide insights into the religious life and traditions of Armenia.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant, after which we will drive to Goris for an overnight stay at the hotel.
DAY 14: 15th August
Goris - Tatev - Selim - Sevan - Dilijan
Breakfast. Visit Tatev monastic complex with the longest ropeway of the world which covers 5700m distance. We will drive to Lake Sevan which is one of the largest lakes in the world. It stands out with its sweet and astonishingly blue water. Here we can enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the beautiful lake.
Then we will visit Sevanavank Monastery which is situated on Sevan Peninsula. There are 2 monasteries actually; one of them is destroyed but the other stands still. Lunch at a local restaurant. They were built in the Middle Ages, around the 10th century.
Then we will drive to Dilijan. Walking along the Sharambeyan Street we will come across many museums, souvenir markets, small shops, and so on. We will also observe two traditional houses built of wood, with tiled roofs and balconies meticulously carved being typical examples of Dilijan. Return to Yerevan. Overnight here.
DAY 15: 16th August
Dilijan - Parz Lake (hiking)Goshayank - Sadakhlo - Tbilisi
Breakfast. We will start the tour visiting Parz lake in Dilijan National Park. It is a very beautiful lake in nature. Here you can experience a boat trip if you want. From Parz lake we will hike through dense forests to Goshavank monastery. The hiking duration will be about 3 hours.
Visit Goshavank monastery in Dilijan which has been the residence of a famous Armenian writer, Mkhitar Gosh, who wrote the first Armenian book of Laws. Lunch at a local restaurant. Drive to Sadakhlo Border. Border Cross to Georgia and continue the last days of the trip there.
DAY 16: 17th August
Mtskheta - Mukhrani - Tbilisi
After breakfast, visit Mtskheta, the ancient religious capital, near Tbilisi, where in the 4th century Saint Nino converted to Christianity in the kingdom of Ivory Coast. This city, with some of the oldest and most important churches in the country, is the spiritual heart of Georgia. Visit the Church of Jvari and Svetitskhoveli cathedral, a large building dating from the 11th century, which has elongated plant cross, decorated with splendid stone sculptures, both outside and inside.
According to tradition the cathedral would be buried under the robe of Christ. Both Jvari and Svetitskhoveli are the patrimony of humanity. Then drive to Chateau Mukhrani. Here you will discover the history of the Georgian royal family. We will visit the castle of Prince Ivane Mukhranbatoni, a beautiful garden and old cellars, discover the art of castle winemaking, walk in a vineyard and visit the wine factory. Taste delicious Georgian wine, participate in master classes preparing: “khinkali”, shoti” and “khachapuri”. Afterwards drive back to Tbilisi.
DAY 17: 18th August
Departure
Breakfast. Transfer to the airport. Flight via Istanbul.
Arrival in Malta at 1820hrs.
Hotel list (or similar)
Baku:
Sheki:
Tbilisi:
Kazbegi:
Midtown Macara
Strofi/Clocks or similar Intourist or similar
Deposit €1000 per person
