Head southeast to visit Khor Virap Monastery, once a royal prison for the early Christians in Armeni

Journey through more than five millennia of history of the Armenian Plateau, the legendary landing place of Noah’s Ark, where you will learn about one of the earliest civilizations in the world, referred to by many as one of the cradles of civilization. Visit monasteries precariously perched on mountains; ruins of once imposing castles and fortresses; the largest collection of khachkars or stone crosses, and vishaps, ancient megaliths dating from 1500 BC unique to the Armenian Plateau. Traverse part of the ancient Silk Road and see the only surviving intact caravansary in Armenia. Explore archaeological excavation sites and watch as the past, undisturbed for thousands of years, emerges before your eyes. Georgia will mesmerize you with its magnificent history and unparalleled natural beauty, from the shores of the Black Sea to the soaring peaks of the Caucasus Mountains, from the rich vineyards to the arid deserts. The Georgians have built a modern country on the foundation of their rich and ancient culture, a perfect blend. Georgia’s world-famous wine, unique and tantalizing cuisine and legendary hospitality make this a favorite destination for the curious and sophisticated traveler. You will be accompanied on your voyage train travel in france of discovery by archaeologists and other scholars who were selected for their expertise and their eagerness to share their passion for learning. Azerbaijan is a magnificent country with rich natural resources, ancient culture and history. The lifestyle of the people represents train travel in france a harmonious blending of the traditions of many different train travel in france cultures and civilizations, with a very strong Persian influence. A visit to this fascinating country with its unique culture, history train travel in france and traditions will round out your journey to the land of the Trans-Caucasus.
Armenia Visa (can be obtained as an E-Visa in advance for $10.00 (at time of printing)), Azeri visa ($25 obtainable electronically train travel in france prior to arrival) train travel in france and Georgian visa (currently free on arrival) all costs are subject to change.
Depart your hometown arriving the next day at Baku’s International Airport. After passing through customs and collecting your luggage you will be met by the guide and taken to the hotel for your overnight.
After breakfast, meet your guide in the lobby and begin your sightseeing tour with a visit to Memory train travel in france Alley, “Shehidler Khiyabany”, for a panoramic view of Baku city from Martyrs Lane. Visit Ichari Shahar the medieval fortress of Old Baku (15-17th) and the Complex of Shirvan Shahs Palace. The low stonewalls of the palace built in the 15th and 16th centuries belie the grandeur of the masonry train travel in france and inscriptions on the royal chambers, mosques, and mausoleums within the compound. Continue to Baku’s Old Town to see the Synyk Kala Minaret, the city’s oldest building and the 12th century Lezgi Mosque that stands near the center train travel in france of Old Town. Head to the Medieval Caravan Saray and Market Square where you will see workshops that produce handmade carpets. Stop to see the legendary Maiden’s Tower that commands a sweeping view of the bay. Depart for Absheron Peninsula an extension of the Caucasus Mountains. Tour the Ateshgyakh Fire-Worshippers’ Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historical roots of the monument date back to the days when Azerbaijan statehood was just beginning to take shape and Zoroastrianism was the dominant religion in the country. People worshipped fire, seeking its protection against adversity and oppression and begging it for happiness train travel in france and wellbeing. Tour Yanar Dagh which translates to Fire Mountain, an ancient and visually stunning fire which blazes continuously on a hillside on the Absheron Peninsula. Overnight at the hotel. train travel in france (B,L,D)
Depart for Gobustan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its archeological monuments. Travel to the volcanic desert to see rocks covered with drawings left by artists of the Neolithic period. The more than 4,000 drawings depict the scenes from every day life, the customs of ancient tribes, hunting and dancing rituals. Keep an eye (and ear) open for the Gaval-Dashy, a resonant stone that rings like a gong when struck. Depart for the town of Sheki stopping en route in Maraza village to see the Diri Baba Mausoleum. In Shamakha visit the historical Juma (Friday) Mosque, the mausoleum of Yeddi Gumbez and the graveyard of the Shirvan Shahs. Continue towards Sheki via Muganly with photo stops for the most picturesque views of the mountains. Visit Basqal village to quench your thirst with the local medicinal mineral water. Pass through Ven Dam village in Gabala province, to tour the ruins of the capital of ancient Caucasian Albania. Check into the hotel in Sheki, freshen up, and head out on a tour of the town. Visit the local medieval fortress, Sheki Khans’ Palace, the Museum of History, a handicrafts’ workshop and a madrassah. Enjoy a panoramic view of the town then return to the hotel for your overnight. (B,L,D)
After breakfast, visit the Central Bazaar and then head to the Azerbaijan/Georgian border. Once you have crossed, continue train travel in france to the picturesque Kakheti wine region. Explore this most fertile part of Georgia bordering the Great Caucasus range all the way north to the Alazani Valley. Tour the citadel train travel in france and the royal residence in the Gremi Architectural Complex. Proceed to a small, family owned wine cellar in Gurjaani and centuries old Marani, a special house for wine storage. Feast at a traditional Georgian Table, laden with rich culinary treats. After lunch, take a walk in the narrow streets of the town before departing for Tbilisi. Have dinner at a traditional restaurant then overnight at the hotel. (B,L,D)
train travel in france Explore Kartli province, the heart of the country, known for its fertile lands, numerous architectural train travel in france monuments and archaeological sites. Begin in Gori, birthplace of Joseph Stalin to visit the museum that traces his life. Continue train travel in france to nearby Uplistsikhe, an ancient cave town dating from the first half of the 1st millennium BC. The entire town is a complex of rock-cut streets, residences, churches, secret tunnels, water passages, markets and the oldest theater in Georgia. Of the 700 existing caves, visitors have access to a mere 150. Have lunch at a local restaurant near Gori, before departing for Bakuriani arriving at the hotel in the evening. Have dinner and overnight at the hotel. (B,L,D)
Drive from Bakuriani via Akhalt Sikhe to explore the cave town of Vardzia. Stop to visit Khertvisi fortress located on the confluence of the Mt Kvari and Paravani Rivers. Built in the 2nd century BC, it was destroyed by Alexander the Great. The present complex dates back to the 10th to 14th centuries. train travel in france Visit Vardzia a complex carved out of rock during the reign of Queen Tamar in the 12th century, the golden age in Georgian history. Have lunch before heading to the border town of Bavra. After custom formalities at the Georgia/Armenia border you will change vehicle and continue touring. Travel to the hotel in Guymri and time permitting, set out on a walking tour of the town. Welcome dinner at the and overnight at the hotel. (B,L,D)
Begin your day with a visit to one of the 13th century train travel in france monastic train travel in france complexes precariously perched on the Kasakh River gorge offering dramatic views of the surrounding mountains. Tour Amberd Fortress before lunch at the home of a family in Ashtarak. Continue to the hotel in Yerevan for your overnight. (B,L)
Begin your full day tour of Yerevan in Republic Square, the heart of the city. A significant site for all major celebrations it is also the location of the History Museum, National train travel in france Art Gallery and the House of Government. Continue to the Panorama Ground affording train travel in france a dramatic view of Yerevan with Mount Ararat in the background train travel in france (weather permitting). Visit the Genocide Memorial and continue to the South-West train travel in france to visit the Echmiatsin Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Church of St Hripsimeh Martyria. Then return to your hotel for dinner and overnight. (B,L, D)
Head to the Fortress and Temple of Garni, representing the Greco-Roman/Hellenistic culture in Armenia. Next visit the medieval monastery of Gueghard, an architectural treasure carved into a cliff that is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Return to Yerevan and visit Matenadaran – a UNESCO World Heritage site and the home of over 16000 illuminated manuscripts. Free time before dinner. Overnight at your hotel in Yerevan. (B,L,D)
Head southeast to visit Khor Virap Monastery, once a royal prison for the early Christians train travel in france in Armenia and the site from where the light of Christianity spread throughout Armenia. Another opportunity to catch a glimpse of Mount Ararat. Next stop is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Noravank Monastery (10th-14th centuries). This splendid monastic complex hidden in the reddish mountains was once the home of the royal princes and a school for stonemasons. Spend some time exploring the area and enjoy a traditional Armenian open fire BBQ served in the grotto near the complex. train travel in france Proceed to the Selima Pass, once a major junction train travel in france on the Great Silk Route. train travel in france Take a brief photo stop at the Selim Caravanserai, train travel in france considered to be the finest and best-preserved hostel to have survived. Head to Lake Sevan, one of the largest high altitude lakes in the world and stop to visit Sevanavank, a monastery built on an island (now a peninsula) in 305 AD on the site of a former pagan temple. train travel in france Take time to explore the wild beauty of the lake, a popular summer resort and continue to the spa town of Dilijan. train travel in france Have dinner and overnight at the Dilijan Resort Hotel. (B,L,D)
Travel through the beautiful mountain scenery of the spa town of Dilijan, the Little Switzerland of Armenia. train travel in france Hidden into the forest, Dilijan has preserved its vivid style of architecture, which differs from what one sees in the rest of Armenia. Tour Haghartsin Monastery, one of the brilliant examples of medieval Armenian ecumenical architecture. It was a major religious and cultural center and housed an important school of church music that d