Tour starts |
Tour ends |
01.04 |
20.04 |
01.05 |
20.05 |
01.06 |
20.06 |
01.07 |
20.07 |
01.08 |
20.08 |
01.09 |
20.09 |
01.10 |
20.10 |
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival day. Meeting at the airport. Transfer to Tbilisi hotel.
Day 2: Tbilisi – Mtskheta tour
Day 3: Tbilisi - Gori - Uplistsikhe - Kutaisi
Day 4: Kutaisi – Enguri Dam – Mestia
Day 5: Mestia – Ushguli – Mestia
Day 6: Mestia – Zugdidi – Batumi tour
Day 7: Batumi – Borjomi – Akhaltsikhe
Day 8: Akhaltsikhe – Vardzia – Bavra
Day 9: Gyumri – Ejmiatsin – Zvartnoc – Yerevan
Day 10: Yerevan – Garni – Geghard – Yerevan
Day 11: Yerevan - Sevan - Dilidschan – Haghartsin – Goshavank
Day 12: Sevan - Dilidschan – Haghartsin – Goshavank - Sadakhlo (18:00) – Tbilisi
Day 13: Free time – Tbilisi – Baku (flight/train)
Day 14: Baku: Old City tour
Day 15: Baku - Gobustan - Absheron Peninsula
Day 16: Baku – Shamakhy – Lahij – Sheki
Day 17: Sheki – Lagodekhi border (Meeting time 16:00 Georgian time) Kvareli – Gremi – Telavi
Day 18: Telavi - Tsinandali - Signagi - Gareji – Tbilisi
Day 19: Free Day (Optional: Tbilisi – Kazbegi – Tbilisi)
Day 20: Transfer to Tbilisi airport. Departure
Day 1: Meeting at the airport. Transfer to Tbilisi hotel. Overnight at Tbilisi hotel.
Day 2: Tbilisi – tour in Mtskheta
Today, our tour starts from Mtskheta, the city, which was the capital of Georgia from III century BC to IV century AD. It is listed in UNESCO’s heritage and includes following sights: Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Jvari Church. Svetitskhoveli (“live-giving pillar”), the Cathedral of XI century, is an essential part of Christian history and Georgian people, as it’s a place, where Jesus Christ's robe was buried. Next sightseeing is Holy Cross Church – Jvari Monastery of VI century. The church stands on the hill, overlooking the conjunction of Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers. The monument is interesting for it’s history of foundation as in the IV century St Nino erected there sacred wooden cross, before she converted Mtskheta to Christianity. After Mtskheta trip, returning to Tbilisi.
Tbilisi city tour includes following sightseeings: Tbilisi Sameba Cathedral (Trinity Cathedral), the greatest Cathedral in the Caucasus region; Metekhi Church, built on a cliff and overlooking Mtkvari River. The famous Georgian Sulfur Baths, located in Old Tbilisi district, on the other embankment of the river, opposite the Darejani Palace; Then we lift by the cableway on the Narikala Fortress, where we’ll visit Narikala St. Nikolas Church of IV century, furnished with the scenes from the holy book - the bible and murals of the martyrs. Then, we get around the Leselidze street, where we come upon Armenian Church and Jewish Synagogue. Walking, also, across the Shardeni street, with it’s comfy cafes, restaurants and art galleries. In the same district, we’ll visit Sioni church and near of it Anchiskhati church, which keeps the miraculous ikon of Jesus Christ. After all sights, the tour leads you to the central street of Tbilisi Rustaveli Avenue, where you'll observe: the former Parliament building, Rustaveli Theatre, Opera and Ballet Theatre, various art galleries. Also, visit Tbilisi National Museum to see golden treasury of Georgia. Overnight in Tbilisi.
Day 3: Tbilisi – Gori – Uplistsikhe town – Kutaisi
In the morning, travel to visit Gori, founded by David the Builder, the greatest king of Georgia (1089-1125). Here we will make a visit to Museum of Joseph Stalin. Then we go to Shida Kartli region and visit Uplistsikhe (“Lord’s fortress”), an ancient town built in a rock. The stone complex contains various constructions dating from II ML BC to the Middle Ages. Then continue way to Kutaisi, the capital of antique kingdom of the Colchis in the II millennium BC, as the archaeological facts indicates. It is considered by historians, that Kutaisi was the residency of King Aeëtes and the last destination of Argonauts, during their fabled journey to Colchis. Overnight in Kutaisi city.
Day 4: Kutaisi city – Enguri Dam – Mestia
After breakfast, Kutaisi city tour. The tour contains following: visiting Bagrati Temple; Gelati Church, which is also in UNESCO’s heritage; the parliament building, as Kutaisi became parliament town of Georgia in 2012 and finally Sataplia cave.
Afterwards, begins the most thrilling part of the tour – journey to Svaneti, the place of the glaciers and the highest mountains, where local people abide ancient traditions. Before departure, we can take some snack for the long trip to Mestia. En route, visit Enguri Dam, highest reservoir in the world, with stunning view of Samegrelo region and Svaneti mountains. Arrival in Svaneti, Mestia and dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Mestia village.
Day 5: Mestia – Ushguli tour – Mestia village
In the morning drive by jeeps to Ushguli (UNESCO’s heritage), Upper Svaneti, where the highest apex Shkhara is located. Visiting: Lagami St. George’s temple; the oldest towers; St. George chapel in Nakipari and Ethnographic Museum. Ushguli area is considered as the highest inhabited place in Europe on the elevation of 2200 ASL. Returning to Mestia village and overnight there.
Day 6: Mestia – Zugdidi – Batumi tour
After breakfast, visit single-nave basilicas: Latali and Lenjeri of the 8th-14th c.c., decorated with frescoes and built without ornamentation by stone. Then travel to the Black seacoast. En route, visit beautiful Dadiani Palace in Zugdidi and former residence of Dadiani Dynasty. The Dadianis were deeply involved in public life and the museum keeps 41000 unique and invaluable exhibits of Georgian and foreign art. Continue the way to Batumi, the most beautiful city of Georgia. In Batumi visit: Ali and Nino Statue, which alters it's position after ten minutes until merge into one, then it separate again and the return process begins; Statue of Medea, reminds visitors myth about Colchis and the Golden Fleece; Apollo Statue makes the city more interesting. Here, from every alley pours life energy. Walk across the shore in Batumi Boulevard. Overnight in Batumi.
Day 7: Batumi – Borjomi – tour in Akhaltsikhe
After breakfast, drive to Batumi Botanical Garden near Mtsvane Kontskhi. Afterwards drive to Borjomi town. Stop to taste natural mineral water and walk in Borjomi Park. Drive to Akhaltsikhe (“New fortress”), the city in southwestern part of Georgia, Samtskhe-Javakheti region. Visit the Rabat. the castle was built in XII century. The complex consists: synagogue, Armenian temple and catholic temple. Overnight in Akhaltsikhe town.
Day 8: Akhaltsikhe – Vardzia – Bavra – Gyumri tour
After breakfast, drive to Vardzia, hewn in the stone town. (XII-XIII c.c). The complex has a substantial role in political, educational, cultural and moral life of Georgia. Also, temple of Assumption, furnished with murals, is placed in the centre of the complex. Then drive to Georgian – Armenian border Bavra. Pass border formalities, then change transport and guide. Afterwards, drive to Gyumri, the second largest city of Armenia. Gyumri was an important centre of Armenia in XIX – XX c.c. Take a walk through Alexandropol, with lots of traditional XIX century houses and make a visit to museum located there. Overnight in Gyumri.
Day 9 : Gyumri-Zvartnoc-Yerevan
After breakfast, departure from Gyumri. We’ll take a historical journey to the Echmiadzin church located in Vagharshapat. Ejmiatzin is the first church building ,according to Armenian History Christ descended himself from above, showing the sacred land where Ejmiatzin Holy cathedral should be built. Visit to Zvartnoc. Overnight in Yerevan.
Day10: Yerevan-Garni-Geghard-Yerevan
After morning breakfast, highlights in Yerevan city. Visit Manuscript museum, Matenadaran. Explore the History museum. History museum is stands at exquised Republic Square, central square in Yerevan.The Museum will guide you close to Armenian culture and history. Visit Geghard which was found in 4th century ,the spear which was used during crucifix of Christ's body. It's treasured here for centuries. Exact foundation of Geghard monastery is unfamilier, the church was constructed in the 13th century period,we will take a astonishing walk to magnificent 9th century stone bridge walking to Azat river entering the gates of Garni, temple of Pagans, was constructed 1st century AD. In 1679, it was extremly affected and destroyed by climate catastrophe. In 1975 the temple was reconstructed. Overnight in Yerevan
Day10: Yerevan-Garni-Geghard-Yerevan
After morning breakfast, highlights in Yerevan city. Visit Manuscript museum, Matenadaran. Explore the History museum. History museum is stands at exquised Republic Square, central square in Yerevan.The Museum will guide you close to Armenian culture and history. Visit Geghard which was found in 4th century ,the spear which was used during crucifix of Christ's body. It's treasured here for centuries. Exact foundation of Geghard monastery is unfamilier, the church was constructed in the 13th century period,we will take a astonishing walk to magnificent 9th century stone bridge walking to Azat river entering the gates of Garni, temple of Pagans, was constructed 1st century AD. In 1679, it was extremly affected and destroyed by climate catastrophe. In 1975 the temple was reconstructed. Overnight in Yerevan
Day11: Yerevan-Sevan-Dilidschan-Haghartsin-Goshvank
Visit Sevan Lake, Sevan Lake is a admired vacation for Armenians ,Visit Monastery of Goshavank (XII-XIIIcc). The Monastery is breathtaking with its cultural architecture. established by a scientist and author Mkhitar Gosh . Holy Virgin Church was built 1st in the monastery complex , built in 1196. Head to the Haghartsin monastery, the fascinating location with its spectacular nature is a lifetime experience and attractive destination. Overnight in Dilijan.
Day12: Sevan-Dilidschan-Haghartsin-Sadakhlo (18.00)-Tbilisi
After breakfast, we will be visiting Sanahin Monastery (10-13cc), which consists of churches and chapels. Visit Haghpat Monastery (10-13cc). Bagratuni Royal Familiy glory is associated with its construction,Holy Cross Church is the oldest in the monastery complex was built in 977-911. Enjoy delicious Armenian Cuisine at a local tradional restraunt in Aleverdi. Drive to Georgian border where a Georgian guide and driver will meet you.Transfer to Tbilisi and in the evening experience and taste fascinating Georgian cuisine with traditional folk program. Overnight in Tbilisi.
Day 13: Free Time-Tbilisi-Baku (Flight/Train)
Checkout at 12pm,feel free and leave your belongings at your hotel reception,you'll be picked up from the hotel 2 hours prior your departure.Transfer from Baku Airport to hotel,passangers travelling by aeroplane will need to reserve extra night in Baku, passangers travelling via train will arrive in Baku at 10:05 the next morning.
*Price for DBL room 80 EUR and SNGL room 65 EUR
DAY 14: Baku Old city tour
Your adventorous tour will commence at midday,transfer to hotel, adventourous excursion to the "OLD CITY", Icherisheher means inner city in Azerbaijani. Named after the oilboom period in the 19th century,also visit Shirvanshakhs Palace, the Maiden Tower with its 2 magnificent museums, in the evening relaxing walk along the city and if shopping is your hobby indulge yourself in Bakus prestigious shops. Overnight in Baku Hotel.
Day 15: Baku-Gobustan-Absheron Peninsula
Visit the art and historical reserve Gobustan destination, which is dated from 10 -8th centuries B.C. The history of Stone Age and drawings, close by you will visit Gavanchalan Dash , The visit to Gobustan offers travellers. Shortly we will visit temple Atashgah and mountain *Yanar dag* Atashgah means the House of Fire in Azerbaijani, The temple is admired for its unparalled nature, In the museum Atashgah you will be introduced to the Zaraustra traditions. Visit to Yanar Dag. You can experience here amazing magnificence, the burning natural gas on a rock. Accomodation in Baku hotel.
Day 16: Baku – Shamakhy – Lahij – Sheki
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxing vehicle drive to the town of Shamakhy,then explore Diri Babas Tomb and fascinating Yeddi Gumbez. Visit the astonishing Lahij village in Ismayilly wonderful district. Arranged tour at a copper workshop for a lesson in ancient crafts. just like their ancestor's have been doing for centuries. Accomodation in Sheki hotel.
Day 17: Sheki tour – Georgian-Azerbaijan border (meeting time 16:00 GT) – Kvareli – Gremi – Telavi
The tour in Sheki, famous and antique city of Azerbaijan, surrounded by the forest of oak trees and the mountains. The place where the Great Silk Road was passing. The tour includes visiting: Khan’s summer palace (XVIII c) and history museum of Sheki. Afterwards drive to Ilisu village, with splendid panoramic view. Afterwards drive to Georgian – Azerbaijan border Lagodekhi. Pass border formalities. Drive to Kvareli in Kakheti region. Visit “Gvirabi” – tunnel wine cellar, which is cut off in Caucasian mountain range. The tunnel’s natural temperature is 10-12ºC, (7,7 km in the length). The next stop is Gremi monastery (XVIc), the royal citadel and monastery of Archangels. Then drive to Telavi city and overnight there.
Day 18: Telavi – Tsinandali – Sighnaghi city tour – David Gareji – Tbilisi
Today we will visit house museum of Alexandre Chavchavadze, where we can degustate five sorts of wine at wine cellar and walk in the beautiful garden. Prince Alexander built this decorative garden in 1835 and made it, the place of amusement of foreign guests. He also built largest and oldest winery, mixing European and Georgian winemaking traditions. Afterwards, drive to Sighnaghi, city of love. Have lunch there. Near the city visit St. Nino monastery in Bodbe, who converted Georgian people to Christian faith. Then drive to David Gareji, one of the main landmarks of Georgia and characterized by the remarkable combination of prehistoric archeological sites, historic architecture and rich paleontological fields. The stone complex includes dozens of cave monasteries with unique murals, which are regarded the masterworks of Georgian Medieval Art. In the evening, returning to Tbilisi and overnight there.
Day 19: Free day
Overnight in Tbilisi hotel.
Day 20: Transfer to Tbilisi airport. Departure
PAX (quantity of persons) |
Price per person in Euro |
1 |
5998 |
2 |
3445 |
3 |
2696 |
4 |
2360 |
From 5 pax |
1998 |
Single supplement |
423 |
4* DBL supplement |
238 |
4* Single supplement |
760 |
5* DBL supplement |
519 |
5* Single supplement |
1096 |
HB (half board) |
228 |
FB (Full board) |
421 |
Price included:
- Transportation (Car (1-2 pax) /Minivan (3-5 pax)/ Minibus (6-14 pax) /Bus (14+ pax)) (transport is changing on the border of each country)
- Accommodation according to the program in approx... 3 star hotels (5 in Tbilisi, 1 in Telavi, 1 in Akhaltsikhe, 1 in Kutaisi, 2 in Mestia, 1 in Batumi, 1 in Sheki, 2 in Baku, 2 in Yerevan, 1 in Dilijan, 1 in Gyumry)
- All Breakfasts
- 2 dinners in Mestia hotel
- 2 dinners in Tbilisi at Georgian national restaurant with folk program
- All entrance fees as per program
- 2 wine tastings in Kvareli and in Tsinandali
- English/Russian speaking guide (guide is changing on the border of each country)
- Some local guides in some museums and wine cellars
- 1 bottle of water per person per day
Package excludes:
- Flights
- Train tickets
- Travel insurance
- Accommodation on day 13
- Breakfast on day 14
- Lunches and dinners
- Jeeps in Ushguli (in case of a group of 5 pax and more. One Jeep costs approx...90 Euro and has 6 seats)
- Alcohol beverage during included meals
- Visa fees
- Optional tour
Optional: Kazbegi tour
Journey to Kazbegi. Driving up the River Tergi will leads us to Kazbegi town. Passing on the way Ananuri Castle, also Jinvali water reservoir of amazing beauty and stop to see various local hand made things (embroidery, thick felt, iconographic painting). In Kazbegi walking up through splendid valleys, we can visit Gergeti Trinity Church (2170m ASL). If the weather allows, we can see Kazbegi mount, one of the highest glaciers in the Caucasus (5047m ASL). Before drivin back to Tbilisi, visit Dariali Gorge. Drive to Tbilisi city and overnight there.
pax |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
From 5 |
Price per person in Euro |
257 |
137 |
98 |
78 |
64 |
Price included: Transportation service, guide service, one bottle water per person per day
Price excluded: meals, insurance
Tour map:
Visa Requirements Armenia:
Visas can be obtained on arrival at Yerevan airport for AMD3000 (approx. EURO 8) for UK, USA, CAN, AUS, NZ citizens. You may also obtain a visa via the internet – see www.armeniaforeignministry.am Please note: If you have a diplomatic passport or an official passport of any nature then you will need to apply for your visa before travel.
GEORGIA:
Please check here http://www.mfa.gov.ge/index.php?lang_id=ENG&sec_id=96 or contact us.
AZERBAIJAN
Starting from March 2013 new procedure of electronic visa obtaining is applied. Procedure of obtaining of electronic visas is simple and has advantages like - lower cost, no need to visit embassies because all process goes online only, you keep your passport with yourself all the time, you get a visa to your e-mail as PDF attachment that you need just to print. With this type of electronic visa you can enter Azerbaijan at any border entry point (air, land, sea). Duration of e-visa is till 16 days.
The documents which we need:
- Filed application form
- 3x4 color photo
- Air ticket
- Hotel confirmation
- Passport copy (color)
All documents must be in JPG format and separately.
The procedure of obtaining this visa takes 15 days.
The price is 60 USD per person.
Practical Information
Foreign Exchange
Up-to-date information on exchange rates can be obtained here: http://currency.boom.ge/?lng=en
Local Currency:
Armenia: Dram.
Azerbaijan: Manat.
Georgia: Lari.
Recommended Currency for Exchange: USD or EURO.
Where to Exchange: Most major towns - your guide will advise you on arrival.
ATM Availability: Only in major towns.
Credit Card Acceptance: Only in major towns.
Travellers Cheques: Travellers cheques are difficult to change.
Climate
|
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
|
Avg. Temperature |
6 |
5 |
8 |
15 |
18 |
21 |
24 |
24 |
20 |
17 |
12 |
8 |
|
Avg. Max Temperature |
10 |
8 |
12 |
19 |
22 |
26 |
28 |
29 |
25 |
21 |
16 |
12 |
|
Avg. Min Temperature |
3 |
2 |
4 |
10 |
13 |
16 |
20 |
20 |
16 |
13 |
8 |
6 |
|
Avg. Rain Days |
4 |
5 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
3 |
5 |
4 |
3 |
4 |
2 |
5 |
|
Avg. Snow Days |
0 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Vaccinations & Protection
Nothing compulsory
Electric Supply & Plugs
For comprehensive information, regarding voltages and plug types for the countries, see the link http://www.kropla.com/electric2.htm
Travel Insurance
Isurance is required for all our customers. You should guarantee that your policy covers you for medical expenses and restitution.
Packing for the trip
Unfortunately, it happens, that the luggage doesn't always reach it's destination on the same flight, or perhabs, it is damaged in transit. If this fact happens, it's important before leaving the airport building that you file a Property Irregularity Report. This is necessary when you make a claim either against the airline or your travel insurance company.
Luggage
Remember you are should carry your own luggage, so do not overload yourself.
Total allowance: 20kgs.
Clothing
Pack basically for ‘Hot Conditions’. The weather is variable in the mountains; Bring a warmer jacket, as it can be cool at night,. the raincoat is essential at all times. In some parts of Caucasus you should avoid vest tops and shorts; long pants or skirts are perfect. A headscarf is essential for visiting temples and mosques.
Footwear
Comfortable shoes for the trips to mountains; sandals
Equipment
Swimsuit, Sunhat, Sunglasses, Sun Cream
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