Armenia – Georgia – Azerbaijan

Arrival in Yerevan

Armenia’s capital Yerevan offers a nice contrast of old and new. You’ll visit the Cascade Complex, Republic Square, Freedom Square, Mother Armenia Monument, Armenian Genocide Museum, and Blue Mosque to name a few.

On this day, you’ll take a day trip to some of the most beautiful landmarks of Armenia - Khor Virap. This monastery complex is known for its breathtaking views of Mount Ararat. Next, you’ll visit another gorgeous religious building near the town of Areni - Noravank. Due to is surrounding nature, many think it’s one of the most stunning religious buildings of the country. Located in between the red cliffs, the complex used to be a residence of princes and bishops.

The following day, you’ll continue your tour with another important historical and religious sites of Armenia. Echmiadzin is the mother church of the Armenian Apostolic Church and according to the experts, it’s the very first cathedral of ancient Armenia. Therefore, it’s believed to be the oldest cathedral in the world.

From Gyumri, you’ll drive to Georgian border and continue the tour there. After crossing the border you’ll visit one of the important sights of Akhaltsikhe, including Rabati Fortress. This newly renovated castle complex played an important part in Georgian history. Originally built in the 9th century with a different name, the area was completely rebuilt by Ottomans and most of the buildings you’ll see today, date back to the 17th-18th centuries. From here, you’ll drive to one of the most magnificent cave towns of Georgia - Vardzia. This man-made town dates back to the 13 century and was built by the order of Queen Tamar to serve as a fully functioning town during the various invasions Georgia was facing back then. Afterward, you’ll continue your way to one of the resort towns of Georgia to overnight.

The day will start with visiting Borjomi Park to try the mineral water in its original form before it gets bottled. From here, you’ll continue your way to Zhinvali Dam, one of the most picturesque reservoirs in Georgia with its emerald green waters. You’ll stop by Ananuri Castle, which was a seat for Dukes of Aragvi, a feudal family ruling the area in the 13th century, as well as see the confluence spot of white and black Aragvi rivers. Finally, you’ll arrive at one of the ski resorts of the country - Gudauri to overnight.

From Gudauri the road continues to Stepantsminda town through the Georgia Military Road. On the way to Stepantsminda, you’ll stop at Friendship Monument dedicated to Russian-Georgian friendship and overlook the picturesque valley from here. You’ll also visit Jvari point before arriving in Stepantsminda. From here, you’ll take a Delica car to visit Gergeti Trinity Church, one of the most beautiful landscapes in the area. The church sits at the root of Mount Kazbegi offering stunning views of the surrounding Caucasus Range. Afterward, you’ll continue the way back to Tbilisi, but before arriving in the capital, you’ll stop in the former capital of Georgia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site - Mtskheta. Here, you’ll visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, one of the most important religious buildings in the country. In addition, it’s the architectural masterpiece of Early Middle Ages.

You’ll start your day with learning more about the Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi. You’ll be able to visit some of its iconic landmarks, such as a 4th century Narikala Fortress, famous sulfur bath neighborhood Abanotubani, the Freedom Square, the oldest Basilica - Anchiskhati, Metekhi Church, walk on pedestrian bridge called the Peace Bridge, and visit Rike Park. You’ll listen to the history of the city, how it came to be and why it’s called Tbilisi.

On your last day to Georgia, you’ll start the day with a tour of Tbilisi and then drive to Kakheti region to visit its famous town Sighnaghi and Bodbe Monastery. Sighnaghi town, known as the city of love, is a beautiful town with its red rooftops, colorful houses, and narrow cobblestone streets overlooking the picturesque Alazani Valley. Bodbe Monastery is quite close to Sighnaghi, which is the final resting place of St. Nino. Tsinandali is a palace residence of Alexander Chavchavadze, a 19th-century aristocratic poet, who even had his enormous wine cellar and started producing his own wine according to more European methods.

On this day, you’ll drive to Gremi, a 16th-century complex which used to be a royal citadel and visit the Church of the Archangels. Nekresi is a historic town which was founded by King Pharnajom around 2nd-1st centuries BC. Later on, King Thrdat built a church in the 4th century here, which became a refuge site of one of the Assyrian Fathers Abibus in the 6th century.

The day starts with exploring the Shaki town. You’ll visit the Royal Palace, or the Palace of Shaki Khans, a summer residence of former Shaki Khans built in 1797. Then you’ll isit Shaki Museum with more than 5000 exhibits showcasing the culture, history, ethnography, and cuisine of Shaki. Afterward, the tour will take you to the Shaki Fortress and Kish Village to visit Caucasian Albanian church of 12th or 13th centuries.

From Shaki, you’ll drive towards Baku, but stop in Shamakha to visit the fire temple - Ateshgah of Baku. This castle-like religious temple was built as a Sikh, Hindu, and Zoroastrian place of worship according to Indian and Persian inscriptions on it.

On this day, you’ll have the possibility to explore the city and visit its iconic landmarks such as Maidan Tower, Shirvanshah Palace, Flame Towers, and have a walk in Boulevard. Then you’ll take a day trip to Gobustan State Reserve, a national historic landmark of Azerbaijan and explore more than 600,000 rock paintings of primitive men lifestyle of the ancient period, visit mud volcanoes and gas-stones.

Departure