Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia in 21 days

Meeting at the airport, transfer to the hotel.

Your second day in Azerbaijan will start with a saturated city tour around Baku. Baku is a capital of the country, one of the beautiful cities in the world, the cultural and political center. The city tour program will include the most interesting historical and architectural sights: the Flag Square, a new Carpet Museum ( built in the form of a folded carpet), the House of Government, the Philharmonic Theatre named after M. Magomayev, the Baku Mayor's office and will visit the "Governor's garden." After exploring these sights you will proceed to the Old City where many Soviet movies were shot. The program will inlude the Palace of the Shirvan Shahs (XV cent), the symbol of the city - Maiden Tower (IX cent), Karvansarays, mosques, Cultural Center named after Heydar Aliyev.

In the mornig you will head towards Mardakan urban village which is one of the oldest villages of the Absheron peninsula. It is known for its old fortresses, castles and towers. On the way you will stop to visit the tomb of Pir Hasan (XVI century), the shrine for many believers. In Mardakan you will explore the famous Mardakan fortress - one of the oldest quadrangular castles in this area. In the last part of the excursion you will visit the former summer residence of the oil millionaire of the end of XIX – the beginning of XX centuries - Murtuza Mukhtarov. The tour will end with a visit to Mir Movsum Agha Shuvalan Mosque. People believed that Mir Movsum Agha had the power to heal the sick and he was referred to as a holy man.

Tour to Gobustan historical-art reserve, perfectly preserved rock paintings (petroglyphs), a kind of artistic "archive" of human evolution on Earth. Gobustan Rocks are the brightest witnesses of the prehistoric period of human existence and reflect the history of this region for nearly 15,000 years – since the end of the Upper Paleolithic era till middle Ages. Visit the interactive museum, where with the help of special programs and multimedia touch screens you’ll get information about the nature and the flora of Gobustan. Then you will have the opportunity to explore the traces of active mud volcanoes. We will proceed to Absheron one of the few places on earth where one can observe elements of preserved fire cult of the ancient Zoroastrianism religion, places where oil oozes and gas breaks out from the earth like flaming torches. Next you will visit the small village Mehemmedli situated in the Mount Yanardagh in Azeri "Yanar" means "burning", "Dagh" means "mountain", the real burning mountain.

The tour will start with a trip to the north-west of Azerbaijan through the Caucasus Mountains. On route you will stop to visit one of the most beautiful oriental towns Shamakhi. Today, Shamakhi is also a recognized center of winemaking and carpet weaving of the country. The main sights are Gulistan Fortress (11 th – 12 th centuries), the largest mosque of the Caucasus and the tomb of the Shirvan Shahs, rulers of "Yeddi Gyumbyaz". The way will continue to Lahij – the small settlement mislaid deeply in mountains of Greater Caucasus, a pearl of the Ismailly area, an ethnographic corner of Azerbaijan. The road to the settlement of Lahij is so stunning and memorable due to the magnificent beauty of the landscapes. Here you will visit the Historical and Ethnographic Reserve «Lahij». The tour will proceed to Gabala to Visit Nij village - the world's only settlement of Udi ethnicity which is a very ancient Caucasian ethnos that has its own authentic culture and traditions. The tour will wnd with an exploration of Chuhur Gabala. Overnight in Gabala.

The day will start with a trip to Sheki located 380 km west of Baku, near the Georgian border. The city is located in a picturesque mountainous region with green valleys, mineral springs, clear rivers, waterfalls framed by dense forests and alpine meadows. Sheki is one of the most ancient places in Azerbaijan, which once was a silk center and an important stop on the Great Silk Road. The city has many historical and architectural sights, but the pride of ancient Sheki is the majestic Khan's summer Palace built in the XVIII century without a single nail. After the guided tour around the palace, you will visit such best local workshops as “Shebeke” handmade frescos’ workshop, “Pakhlava” famous local sweets’ workshop and “Tekulduz” popular weaving workshop. You will continue your tour by walking along old streets and then will visit Kish village for exploring an old church which according to the legend was built in the year 78 AD.

Meet at the Georgia-Azerbaijan border (Lagodekhi), change transport and guide, and head to Telavi overnight. Along the way, you won't miss the chance to stroll through the cozy streets of Sighnaghi, a picturesque town often referred to as the "City of Love." Despite its small size, Sighnaghi is rich in historical and cultural heritage, offering breathtaking views, charming architecture, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Note: You will cross the land border from Azerbaijan to Georgia on foot. There will be a walk of approximately 700 m from the Azerbaijan customs area to the Georgia customs area, which includes a few uphill sections. For your comfort, we recommend packing lighter luggage that can be easily wheeled or carried.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will have a tour in Kakheti – the picturesque region famous for producing excellent Georgian wines. You will also have an excursion around the famous winery Khareba. Here you will taste local wines and will have a master class on baking Georgian bread shoti and national sweet churchkhela.

On this day you will be able to stroll around Telavi – the center of the Kakheti region. Telavi is well-known for its delightful landscapes. Here you can see a 9-hundred-year-old tree. Your tour will continue to Tsinandali village – the patrimony of a famous Georgian family – Chavchavadze. The estate is known for its amazing labyrinth planted with exotic trees and cellars, where the unique collection of Georgian and European wine is preserved. You will also visit Batonis Tsikhe – the fortress museum of favorable Georgian King Erekle the II. In the evening you will drive to Tbilisi.

This day begins with a city tour around Tbilisi – the bright and hospitable capital of Georgia. The tour includes visits to Tsminda Sameba Orthodox Church, the historical district of Metekhi, the Bridge of Peace designed by a well-known Italian architect. Next you will reach Narikala Fortress by the cable car and enjoy the amazing view of the city from the top. Your tour will continue to the sulfuric baths – famous royal bath complex (XVII-XIX cc.), standing on the warm natural sulfur springs. This is one of the main attractions of the Old Town. You will stroll around cozy Shardeni Street named after the French traveler Jean Chardin. The street has an architecture resembling Paris and is full of cozy cafes, boutiques, and interesting galleries. You will also have a chance to visit Meydan Square one of the central squares of the Old Town. At the end of your tour you will head to Mtatsminda Mount by the funicular railway.

After breakfast you will drive to Ananuri Fortress – a well-preserved castle on the shore of the Zhinvali Reservoir, the former defensive fortress of the feudal era. Next place that you will visit is Gudauri – popular ski resort which is beautiful in any season. Here you will see the Balcony dedicated to the treaty of Georgievsk and enjoy the amazing views to the mountains that open from here. After 5 minute drive, you will reach Sour waters of Vedza. The place offers picturesque scenes. Then you will head to the Trinity Church (Gergeti) situated at an altitude of 2170 m at the foot of Mount Kazbek. The church was built in the XIV-th century and is the only cross-domed church in the historic Georgian province Khevi. From the top of the hill opens the incredibly beautiful scenery.. In the evening you will drive back to Tbilisi.

After a relaxed breakfast at the hotel you will drive to Mtskheta – one of the most ancient towns in Georgia, known as the religious center of the country. Here you will go up the hill to Jvari Monastery – the amazing symbol of the Georgian church architecture. According to the legend, at the site of the monastery St. Nino established one of her three crosses. You will also visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral – the first and the main church in Georgia. Your tour will continue to Gori town – the heart of eastern Georgia and Joseph Stalin’s homeland. In the evening you will drive to Kutaisi for rest and overnight.

This day you will have a city tour around Kutaisi, which will begin with a visit to the temple of Bagrat – one of the largest and most important Georgian churches and continue to the Prometheus Cave – one of the most unique in Europe. It is characterized by impressive reliefs of stalactites and stalagmites and a variety of underground rivers. This monastery is a living symbol of Georgia’s Golden Age and is protected by UNESCO. Your tour will continue to the monastery of Motsameta located on a hill where, according to the legend, the Muslim invaders executed Georgian princes David and Konstantin Mkheidze who refused to be converted to Islam. In the evening you will return to Tbilisi.

In the morning you will head to Georgia Armenia border, meet your Armenian representatives and start the tour in Armenia. Here the first stop we’ll have at the cozy resort town of Dilijan known for its arts and crafts as well as picturesque lush nature and healing air. After an excursion to the medieval monasteries of Haghartsin and Goshavank the tour will continue to Gegharkunik province best known for amazing Lake Sevan. It is one is highest freshwater lakes in the world located at an altitude of 1900 meters above the sea level. Overnight will be organized near Lake Sevan.

In the morning after a visit to Hayravank Monastery you will have a trip along the part of the Great Silk Road towards the Selim Pass. Here you will have a stop at 14th century Selim Caravansary – one of the most well-preserved hostels along the ancient Great Silk Road. En route you will be able to admire the azure waters of Lake Sevan located 1900 m above sea.

Trip to the pearl of Armenian Medieval architecture, the Monastery and the University of Tatev. The monastery can be reached by the longest cable car in the world which stretches over the 320 meter-deep Vorotan River Canyon. Stop at natural bridge named “Devil’s Bridge” at the bottom of the deep canyon. The tour will continue through a narrow canyon to the valley of red rocks where Noravank Monastery is located. En route you will visit wine factory to taste local wine made of the unique grape sort “Areni”. Trip to the south of Armenia to Khor Virap Monastery located at the foot of Biblical Mount Ararat. In the evening you will be in Yerevan for an overnight.

On your first day you will have a city tour around Yerevan, the ancient capital of Armenia, which was founded in 782 B.C. Armenians are proud that Yerevan is 29 years older than Rome. During the city tour, you will walk around the centre of the city and visit Cascade, Opera and Ballet Theater, Mashtots Avenue, and the Republic Square. The tour also includes a visit to History Museum.

This day you will have a 1-hour drive to the Canyon of Azat River. Our destination is Geghard Monastery. This unique monastery is carved into nearby rocks and the surrounding cliffs compose a great part of it. In 2000 it became a UNESCO heritage site. The trip leads us to Garni village, well known for its Garni temple – the only surviving example of Hellenistic architecture in the region.

A short morning drive will take you to Echmiadzin town – the religious center of all Armenians around the world. Here – after the adoption of Christianity in 301 AD – was built the first Christian temple in the world – Echmiadzin Cathedral. It is the seat of the Supreme Patriarch of the Catholicos of all Armenians. The cathedral keeps an important religious relic – the Holy Lance spear. In 2000 Echmiadzin Cathedral was listed as an UNESCO site. You’ll see the ruins of Zvartnots temple (7th century, UNESCO World Heritage Site), that was a miracle of its time. The trip will continue to the Genocide Memorial – a solemn reminder of the first genocide of the 20th century.

Free day in Yerevan.

Transfer to the airport, departure.