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Georgia, Armenia & Azerbaijan

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Flights Included Fully Guided Small Group
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 Trip Length
22 Days
 Trip Starts
Baku
 Trip Finishes
Yerevan
22 Day Georgia, Armenia & Azerbaijan Itinerary (Bunnik Tours)
Countries Explored: Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia
Accommodation
3.5 - 4 Star
Max. Group Size
20
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
BUN191

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Bunnik Tours 22 Day Georgia, Armenia & Azerbaijan. Give your adventurous spirit free reign in some of Europe’s best kept secrets. Discover breathtaking scenery in Gobustan National Park and connect with locals as you sample their cuisines and handicrafts. Explore quaint villages, be enchanted by the cave city of Vardzia and stand in awe at Burning Mountain. Return international flights are included between Australia and the start & end point of your trip. Surcharges may apply.

Itinerary

Welcome to Azerbaijan and its capital, Baku, home to seaside promenades and exceptional architecture! A former soviet capital, Baku is now a fast-changing city, blending East and West into one to create a unique destination unmatched by any other. Meet your fellow travellers and Tour Director this evening for a welcome drink.

Our sightseeing today begins with a tour of Baku. As the capital, Baku is the commercial hub of Azerbaijan. We'll visit Martyrs' Lane, dedicated to those killed by the Soviet Army during Black January in 1990, and its iconic medieval walled old town Icheri Sheher. We'll also ride the funicular railway, the perfect place to take in views over the city! Special Experience: Get a real taste of the local traditions and culture at an organic, home-made tea-cream party. Tea culture is an important custom in Azerbaijan. Tea here is usually bright in colour and served freshly brewed, hot, strong and in a traditional armudu glass.

Next, we visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed 15th century Palace of the Shirvanshahs and the 12th century medieval Maiden Tower.

This afternoon we continue to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Gobustan National Park. This fascinating open-air museum is famous for its centuries-old rock carvings, boasting over 6,000 inscriptions from more than 12,000 years ago and amazing mud-volcanoes, containing mud thought to have medicinal properties.

Tonight, we enjoy a group welcome dinner with traditional music at the Shirvanshah Museum restaurant. (B/D)

We start with a stroll through a buzzing local bazaar, with plenty of fresh seasonal produce on display. We'll stop to admire Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre, featuring a distinctive, flowing, curved style that was designed by renowned Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid. The museum gives an in-depth picture of Azerbaijan's history and the life of the former president, Heydar Aliyev. We'll also visit the Ateshgah of Baku or Baku Fire Temple as it is also known. This castle-like religious temple was built to be used as a Hindu, Sikh, and Zoroastrian place of worship, according to Persian inscriptions.

Next is one of the oldest and most unique sights in Absheron, the captivating Burning Mountain. Also known as Yanardagh, this fascinating site is a steady and continuously burning natural gas fire on the side of a mountain! On our return to Baku, the rest of the day is free for you to explore this fascinating city at your own pace. (B)

Today we continue north-west to Sheki, which once served as an international centre for silk production and is famous for its intricately decorated Palace of Sheki Khans. Situated 701 metres above sea level, Sheki is laid out like an amphitheatre surrounded by forests of oak trees and lofty mountains. On our way, we stop at the old capital of Azerbaijan, Shamakhi. This ancient city has a rich heritage and became famous as the home of many renowned Azerbaijani scientists, philosophers and architects. Here we'll visit the Juma Mosque, built on the site of a temple of fire-worshippers, and Yeddi Gumbaz Seven Tombs, a complex of seven partially complete, octagonal tombs built to be used for the Shirvan royal family in the 18th century.

Arriving in Sheki, we'll visit the Yukhari Caravanserai, a historic monument originally developed as an inn for caravaners to rest after a day of travelling. Not far from Sheki is the picturesque village of Kiş where we'll visit the oldest church in Caucasus. We'll take in the stunning scenery as we walk through the striking foothills, before making our way back to Sheki for a group dinner. (B/D)

We venture across the border into Lagodekhi, Georgia, this morning. At our first stop, we'll unwind at a local winery, with a unique wine cellar that is carved into the Caucasus Mountains. We'll enjoy a delicious lunch here accompanied by a wine tasting, after exploring the interconnecting tunnels that stretches nearly 8-kilometres-long and provides a natural temperature for wine preservation.

Standing above the green valley of Alazin, the iconic Gremi church complex is next on our itinerary today. Founded by the King of Kakheti Levan of the Bagrationi Dynasty, who led the most prosperous and peaceful period in the history of Kakheti, this 16th century architectural monument served as a royal citadel and a church.

Overnight in Telavi. (B/L)

This morning we'll stop at the Bodbe Monastery, a Georgian Orthodox monastic complex where Saint Nino, the 4th century female evangelist is buried. We then continue to Sighnaghi, a town perched high on a hilltop with panoramic views of the Caucasus Mountains in the distance. Here we take a walk through this delightful, fortified town, exploring cobblestone streets, and admiring the detailed facades which gives the town its charming personality. Special Experience: Visit a local family for a cooking class of dishes from the Kakheti region. We'll savour our creations for lunch with music performed by polyphonic singers. Overnight in Telavi. (B/L)

Today we depart for the capital of Georgia, Tbilisi, known for its varied culture and traditions. Its cobblestoned Old Town echoes a long, complicated history with periods under both Russian and Persian rule. We will discover the sights here, seeing its diverse architecture and baroque art nouveau buildings. Other highlights include Metekhi Church, the Georgian Synagogue, Sulphur Baths and Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi's central avenue, which was named after the medieval Georgian poet, Shota Rustaveli.

As part of our sightseeing, we'll also ride a cable car from the Old Town up to the ancient Narikhala Fortress for incredible views over Tbilisi. The afternoon is at leisure for you to explore at your own pace. This evening we'll enjoy dinner at a traditional restaurant, complete with a folk show that demonstrates the history from each region in Georgia. (B/D)

We'll discover Tbilisi's hidden corners with further sightseeing in this colourful town. Stroll through the art nouveau Sololaki district on a walking tour, an area home to rich merchants, artists and many hidden, vintage style cafes. As the oldest district in Tbilisi, the Sololaki district shows an authentic side to the town, with long balconies, faded paintings and echoes of its Soviet past. We'll visit the dry bridge market, where you can find anything from jewellery and paintings to military medals, tractor parts and crystal chandeliers!

Special Experience: Enjoy a private, classic trio reception concert at E. Akhvlediani House-Museum, complete with nibbles and an aperitif. Dedicated to renowned 20th century painter, graphic artist, costume designer and theatre decorator Elene Akhvlediani, this museum is located in her former residence and features over three thousand items relating to her life and art. We'll also have a chance to learn more about Georgian life, past and present, with a local guest speaker who will join us at the museum. (B)

We're on the move again today with Kazbegi in our sights. Otherwise known as Stepantsminda, Kazbegi is a small valley town set along the banks of the Terek River, with the towering peak of Mt Kazbek looking down from the west. Before arriving in Kazbegi, we'll stop in Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia. Here we'll visit Jvari, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed 6th century medieval monastery. It was at this site that King Mirian erected a large wooden cross after being converted by Saint Nino in the 4th century. The setting here is stunning, with vast panoramic views over the flowing rivers below.

Next, we visit the site of the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, which dates back to the 11th century and is known as the place where the Robe of Christ is buried. We then continue to Kazbegi. Along the way we'll stop to visit the Ananuri architectural complex, which served as a castle that saw various battles and the reign of the eristavis (dukes) of Aragvi feudal dynasty in the 13th century. The fortress remained in use until the start of the 19th century and in 2007 was placed on the tentative UNESCO World Heritage-list. (B)

This morning we explore the town centre on foot, before making our way by 4WD up to the Gergeti Trinity Church. Situated high on the Chkheri riverbank its position makes it one of Georgia's most iconic sights. Special Experience: Visit a local family where we'll participate in a hands-on dumpling masterclass and enjoy lunch in their home. Why not discover more of the Caucasus Mountains and hike in the dramatic Dariali Gorge, to the Gveleti waterfall? (B/L)

We venture to Kutaisi today, the former ancient capital of the Kingdom of Colchis. Georgia's third largest city, it is also said to be Europe's 16th oldest city with people thought to have occupied the area from as early as the 17th century BC. On our way we visit Iago's winery, known for its traditional qvevri method (using buried clay barrels) of producing organic red and white Georgian wines. The winery is run by a small local family who are passionate about continuing this long-standing traditional wine-making process.

We then travel to Gori, in the region's capital of Shida Kartli, which is known as the birthplace of Soviet leader, Joseph Stalin. We also visit the Stalin Museum to see the house where Stalin was born, as well as his personal railway carriage. Finally continuing to Kutaisi, we'll stop at the ancient rock-hewn ‘Fortress of God' in the town of Uplistsikhe. This unique area is home to fascinating rock-cut architecture, and in some places you can even see ancient wine barrels carved into the stone. (B/L)

Today we'll see the sights of Kutaisi. Highlights include the Bagrati Cathedral, described as the ‘symbol of united Georgia', the local farmers market where stall holders sell a large variety of fruits, vegetables, cheese and other fresh produce, and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Gelati Monastery, with its intricately decorated interior. Next, we'll head down into the Prometheus Caves, a 1.2-kilometre-long cave complex filled with breathtaking stalactites, stalagmites, petrified waterfalls and underground rivers. Here we'll enjoy a boat ride through the underground lake. (B)

We travel towards the incredible cave city of Vardzia today, famous for the cave monastery carved into the slopes of the Erusheti Mountain. Our first stop on the way is at Borjomi, known for its mineral water industry. The artesian springs in the valley here are fed by water that filters in from glaciers that sit at altitudes of up to 2,300 metres on top of the Bakuriani mountains. The water is then transported by pipes to the two bottling plants. These springs were discovered in the 1820s by the Imperial Russian military and were made famous by the Russian Empire, which in turn saw an increase in tourism to Borjomi. We'll take a walk through the park and sample the renowned water.

We continue to the Samtskhe-Javakheti region, named after two of the original Georgian tribes, Meskh and Javakhs, and considered to be the cradle of Georgian culture. On our way we'll take in scenery consisting of arid and stone-terraced landscapes, green valleys and centuries-old fortresses - including views of the Rabati Castle. Lastly, we'll stop at the 10th century Khertvisi Fortress, one of the oldest in Georgia, for a photo opportunity before arriving in Vardzia in the evening. (B/D)

This morning we visit the impressive Vardzia cave monastery, founded in the 12th century during the reign of Giorgi III and Queen Tamar. This fascinating complex was dug out of solid rock and became a well-fortified monastery with a significant role in Georgian history. Special Experience: Visit a nunnery in upper Vardzia, where nuns will teach us how to handcraft wooden crosses and honey wax candles. The nuns will also demonstrate how they paint symbols and showcase their handmade embroidery.

Tonight, we'll enjoy dinner at a local guesthouse. (B/D)

We cross the border into Armenia this morning and travel to Dilijan, known for its traditional craft workshops and art studios. Referred to by some as the ‘Switzerland of Armenia', you'll find yourself surrounded by stunning natural beauty. We stop on our way in Gyumri, where we visit St Astvatsatsin church. Also known as ‘Seven Wounds' after Virgin Mary's seven sorrows, this church was originally built in the 7th century but was rebuilt in 1975. (B/D)

Sitting on the banks of the Hrazdan River, Yerevan is the capital and largest city of Armenia. Serving as the administrative, cultural and industrial centre of the country, Yerevan is also one of the world's oldest continually inhabited cities. There is much to see before continuing to Yerevan today. First we'll explore some of Dilijan's craft workshops and art studios as we walk along Sharambeyan street, lined with traditional houses made of stone and wood. Here we will observe the process of wood carving and see stalls selling various Khachkars, boxes, amulets and other wooden pieces.

Next, we'll explore the impressive Lake Sevan, one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world. Interestingly, weather influences the lakes' colour, with its shades ranging from deep blue to bright azure, and every hue in-between. The lakes' water is used for hydroelectricity and irrigation purposes, providing the country with low-cost electricity. We also view Sevanavank Monastery, with spectacular vistas over the picturesque lake on the southern shore peninsula, making it one of Armenia's most visited sights. We then visit a private residence for a fish BBQ masterclass and enjoy the creations for lunch, before continuing on to Yerevan. (B/L)

Today we visit the Matenadaran Museum, home to some of the oldest repositories of Greek, Persian and Arabic manuscripts. We then explore this wonderful city, discovering the various layers of the town's history, walking past medieval shrines, Republic Square and the Opera House. We continue to a local Khachkar workshop. A Khachkar, also known as an Armenian cross-stone, is an outdoor memorial stele that is carved in stone by local craftspeople. Khachkars are characteristic of medieval Christian Armenian art and act as a focal point for worship. Their design includes an ornate cross in the centre, and they can reach up to 1.5-metres-high. Since 2010, Khachkars have been included on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. (B)

After breakfast this morning, we'll travel to Garni and Geghard via the picturesque Avan Canyon. With dramatic cliffs, gorges and the vast Azat River below, this canyon showcases spectacular views over the surrounding landscape. Here, we see the pagan Temple of Garni which impressively was built in the 1st century and is the only sole surviving Greco-Roman structure in the country. As we travel through the gorge, we also see the 12th century cave monastery of Geghard. Here we enjoy the harmonies of an acapella concert as five local women who form the quintet ‘Luys' (Armenian for light), serenade us with their melodic voices. Special Experience: Master the art of baking your very own Lavash, a traditional Armenian thin bread. Sample your creation with a side of traditional Armenian cheese and greens, the must-have accompaniments to any Armenian meal!

Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to relax or continue exploring at your own pace. (B/L)

Discover Khor Virap, a fortified monastery and the site of the Royal Prison where Saint Gregory the Illuminator, a religious leader credited with converting Armenia from paganism to Christianity and the first bishop of the Armenian church, was held for thirteen years. Guided by the remote majesty of biblical Mount Ararat, we explore the site's underground chambers and chapels. We then continue to the Areni Cave Complex, located along the Arpa river in southern Armenia, near Areni village. This cluster of caves is where archaeologists famously unearthed the earliest ever known winery, leather shoe, straw skirt and human brain! Later we'll indulge in a cheese masterclass, accompanied by a homemade wine, vodka and cognac tasting in the Vayots Dzor Region. Tonight, we'll enjoy a group farewell dinner. (B/D)

Today marks the completion of our Georgia, Armenia & Azerbaijan group tour. We hope you leave with fantastic memories! (B)

Trip Inclusions

Azerbaijan

  • Tour Azerbaijan's capital, Baku
  • Experience a traditional tea-cream party
  • Visit the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and the medieval Maiden Tower
  • Explore Gobustan National Park
  • Visit a local bazaar
  • Admire Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre
  • Discover the Baku Fire Temple and the fascinating Burning Mountain
  • Explore the Juma Mosque
  • Visit the Yeddi Gumbaz Seven Tombs
  • Explore Yukhari Caravanserai
  • Discover the quaint village of Kiş

Georgia

  • Visit a local winery
  • Discover Gremi church complex
  • Visit the Bodbe Nunnery
  • Explore the fortified town of Sighnaghi
  • Experience a cooking class in the Kakheti region
  • Enjoy a city tour of Tbilisi
  • Eat dinner at a traditional Georgian restaurant
  • Discover the Sololaki district on a walking tour
  • Enjoy a classic trio reception concert at E. Akhvlediani House-Museum
  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed site of Jvari
  • Travel along the Georgian Military Highway
  • Visit the Ananuri architectural complex
  • Discover the town of Kazbegi
  • Travel by 4WD to Gergeti
  • Take part in a dumpling masterclass with a local family
  • Hike in the spectacular Dariali Gorge to the Gveleti waterfall on an optional walking discovery
  • Visit Iago's winery
  • Visit the Stalin Museum
  • Explore the ancient town of Uplistsikhe
  • Discover the Bagrati Cathedral
  • Visit a farmers market in Kutaisi
  • See the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Gelati Monastery
  • Visit the Prometheus Caves
  • Enjoy a tour through Borjomi
  • Admire the Rabati Castle
  • Enjoy a photo stop at the Khertvisi Fortress
  • Discover the impressive Vardzia Cave Complex
  • Explore a nunnery in upper Vardzia

Armenia

  • Uncover the St Astvatsatsin church
  • Enjoy a city tour of Dilijan and visit Sharambeyan street
  • Visit Lake Sevan and view the Sevanavank Monastery.
  • Take part in a fish BBQ masterclass.
  • Visit Matenadaran
  • Explore Yerevan on a walking tour
  • Marvel at Avan Canyon
  • Visit the Garni Pagan architectural complex
  • Discover the Cave monastery of Geghard
  • Learn to make traditional Lavash
  • Visit Khor Virap, a fortified monastery
  • Explore the Areni Cave Complex
  • Indulge in a cheese masterclass in the Vayots Dzor Region.

  • Return economy-class flights from Australia to Europe. Taxes included
  • Airport transfers on the first and last day of tour
  • All touring in air-conditioned vehicles
  • Tipping Made Easy, $200pp pre-paid

  • 19 nights in 3-4 star hotels
  • The Merchant Hotel, Baku
  • Macara Sheki City Hotel, Sheki
  • Holiday Inn Telavi, Telavi
  • Rooms Hotel Tbilisi, Tbilisi
  • Rooms Hotel Kazbegi, Kazbegi
  • Best Western Kutaisi, Kutaisi
  • Vardzia Resort, Vardzia
  • Best Western Plus Paradise Hotel Dilijan, Dilijan
  • Tufenkian Historic Yerevan Hotel, Yerevan

  • 19 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners, including group welcome and farewell dinners

  • English-speaking locally based tour directors
  • English-speaking locally based guides

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Disruptions to itinerary may occur.
  • The single supplement you pay on our tours will provide you with sole use of a double room. We book the use of a double room on our European small group tours as typically the single rooms in this region are a lot smaller and in less favourable positions within the hotel themselves.
  • Ramadan is observed from 2 April to 1 May 2022, in Azerbaijan.
  • On day 6 we will cross the border into Georgia. Your Azerbaijani Tour Director will only accompany you through to the checkpoint. After completing formalities, you are required to walk across the neutral zone via a bridge, unaccompanied by a guide. The walk will take approximately 10 minutes and you will need to carry your own luggage. You will be greeted by your Georgian Tour Director once you arrive at the border and complete formalities at the Georgian checkpoint. Your luggage may be checked and scanned by authorities at checkpoints.
  • On day 16 we will cross the border into Armenia. Once we arrive at the border, you will need to exit the bus with your passport and walk through the checkpoint. We then board the same bus and cross the bridge through the neutral zone. Once we arrive at the Armenian checkpoint, we leave the bus and say goodbye to our Georgian Tour Director. You will need to carry your luggage through the indoor checkpoint. Our Armenian guide and bus will be ready to greet us at the exit. Your luggage may be checked and scanned by authorities at checkpoints.
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Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Bunnik Tours. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Bunnik Tours. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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