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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
Azerbaijan
Georgia
Armenia
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