Ancient Crossroads: Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia

Arrive into the Azerbaijan capital and transfer to your hotel situated beside the Caspian Sea. Your guide will invite you for a cocktail briefing on the adventure which lies ahead.

Four Seasons Hotel Baku

Your day in Baku reveals this vibrant and sophisticated city at its best. Head to Martyr's Lane for a stroll through the park, a memorial to those killed by the Soviet Army between 1988 and 1994 fighting for independence, and from this vantage point get excellent views of the city and the Bay of Baku. Head into the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site which dates to the 6^th century. Wander along its cobbled alleyways pausing at Shirvanshah's Palace, the last residence of the Shirvan rulers, before climbing to the top of the spectacular 12^th century Maiden Tower, the symbol of Baku, and gazing out across the Caspian Sea. This afternoon head to the distinctive Zaha Hadid-designed Heydar Aliyev Centre which has become a signature landmark in Baku.

Four Seasons Hotel Baku | Meals: BL

Travel west towards Shamakhi in the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains. Visit the 10^th century Juma Mosque, which is the oldest in the region, constructed on the site of an ancient Zoroastrian temple. Meet a local family for a hands-on yogurt making demonstration and head to the medieval village of Lahij for a home hosted lunch. Afterwards stroll through the cobbled streets of this handicraft centre, pausing in the workshops of carpet makers, potters, coppersmiths, wood carvers and leather craftsmen. Travel onwards through the Muganly mountain pass arriving in Sheki this evening.

Sheki Palace Hotel | Meals: BLD

Start your discovery of the picturesque Silk Road town of Sheki at the local farmer’s market and then explore the khan’s summer palace, adorned with exquisite Persian frescoes and only recently added to the UNESCO World Heritage list. Visit a stained-glass workshop to see craftsmen at work on this centuries old Azerbaijani tradition. Visit the upper caravanserai, an 18^th century roadside inn, and attend a traditional silk scarf decorating demonstration. After lunch visit the 12th century Caucasian Albanian church located in the village of Kish, approximately five kilometres to the north, before refuelling at a traditional tea house.

Sheki Palace Hotel | Meals: BLD

Today you travel northwest and cross the border into Georgia for the next part of the journey which takes you into the most picturesque part of Georgia - Kakheti, which borders the Great Caucasus range. This area is the birthplace of viticulture and winemaking and you’ll spend the afternoon driving through vineyards and past beautiful churches. Stop off at the 16th century citadel and church in Gremi before lunch and wine tasting at Shilda winery in Kvareli. Watch traditional Georgian bread being baked, learn how to prepare mtsvadi, Georgia’s famous barbecue pork dish, and join in a demonstration to make the traditional candle-shaped sweet, Churchkhela. Finish the day at the grand Tsinandali estate, an historic winery once home to the noble Chavchavadze family.

Radisson Collection Hotel Tsinandali Estate Georgia | Meals: BL

This morning travel west to the capital, Tbilisi, stopping on the way at the 9th century Bodbe Nunnery before arriving at the pretty fortified town of Sighnaghi, famous for its wine and carpet making. Meander through the narrow streets before lunch with a local family serving up traditional dishes from the region, and of course matching wines.

Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace | Meals: BL

Tbilisi is a surprising blend of cultures. Today’s adventure starts with a walk through the cobbled streets of the atmospheric old town. Visit the 12^th century Metekhi Church and a 19^th century Jewish synagogue. Admire the old Georgian houses with their distinctive wooden, curved balconies and the Sioni Cathedral. You’ll see the oldest surviving church in town before getting a bird’s-eye view of the city from the Narikala Fortress which can be accessed by cable car, or on foot. On the way back down, stop at the Sulphur Baths, with an optional treatment available, and the National Museum of Fine Arts or History.

Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace | Meals: B

The World Heritage site of Mtskheta is your first stop today. Georgia’s cultural and religious centre, it is also one of the country’s oldest towns. Visit the early medieval Jvari Church and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Heading along the Georgian Military Highway, take in the Ananuri Architectural complex, with churches and towers dating back to the 16^th and 17^th centuries. Arrive into the sleepy town of Kazbegi later this afternoon where views of Mt. Kazbek are breathtaking – especially from your hotel room.

Rooms Hotel Kazbegi | Meals: B

This morning head for the beautifully situated 14^th century Gergeti Holy Trinity Church which perches high on a hill overlooking the town and surrounding mountains. Get up close by 4WD or, for the more energetic, on foot. Visit a local studio to observe the traditional craft of felt making where local masters demonstrate how they convert fibres from sheep and goats into warm and sturdy felt, used for rugs, clothing and decoration. Converse with the artisans over Georgian herbal tea and homemade jams – a wonderful opportunity to share stories and learn more about their lives and love for felt making. More traditional Georgian hospitality today over lunch with a local family. This afternoon you will enjoy the stylish Nordic atmosphere of your hotel before sundowners on the terrace.

Rooms Hotel Kazbegi | Meals: BL

Today’s adventure is to the fertile Kartli province where you visit the ancient rock hewn town of Uplistsikhe, one of the oldest urban settlements in Georgia and an important centre of pagan worship. Breathe in thousands of years of history as you stroll past long abandoned halls, dwellings, cellars and public buildings. Your next stop, in total contrast, is Gori, the birthplace of Stalin, where a controversial museum traces his life. Lunch is in the atmospheric brick cellars of Château Mukhrani where a vineyard was first established in the late 19^th century.

Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace | Meals: BL

Continue your exploration of Tbilisi visiting the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the main cathedral of the Georgian Orthodox Church constructed between 1995 and 2004. Later, meander through Dry Bridge market where you’ll find all kinds of curiosities from antiques and shepherds’ hats to jewellery, musical instruments and Soviet memorabilia. A walking tour through the cobbled streets of the Sololaki district, a former enclave of wealthy merchants and artists, will reveal another side to the city. Admire the crumbling architecture and stop in at some of the bars and cafés which populate the neighbourhood.

Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace | Meals: B

Cross into Armenia this morning at the Sadakhlo border. Less than an hour south stop at the Haghpat monastery whose unique style is representative of Armenia’s finest religious architecture, blending Byzantine ecclesiastical elements with the traditional vernacular of the Caucasian region. Continue to the spa town of Dilijan with its beautiful mountain scenery. Stop for coffee in Sharambeyan Street which has been preserved as a centre for arts and crafts. Continue to Lake Sevan, the largest body of water in Armenia and the Caucasus region, and on to Yerevan, which stretches along the banks of the River Hrazdan, under the wistful gaze of biblical Mount Ararat and guarded by the tremendous statue of Mother Armenia at Victory Park.

Grand Hotel Yerevan | Meals: BL

Your introduction to the capital begins with a guided tour of the city, which was founded in 782 BC, making it one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited metropolises. See the beautiful government buildings, the Central Post Office and banks and visit the State History Museum as well as the Cafesjian Modern Art Museum which exhibits collections of Armenian and international contemporary artworks. There is also time this afternoon to pore over the myriad stalls at the Vernissage flea market, a short walk from the hotel. Best buys include wooden carvings, traditional carpets, old coins, books, jewellery and musical instruments.

Grand Hotel Yerevan | Meals: B

A biblical focus this morning on a visit to Etchmiadzin Cathedral and museum. This ancient place or worship is headquarters for the Armenian Orthodox church and is believed to be the oldest Christian establishment initiated by a state in the world. Relics in the church collection include one of the lances said to have pierced the side of Christ and wood from Noah’s Ark. Later take in the nearby ruins of the famous 7^th century Zvartnots Cathedral, a 49-metre-high three-tiered pyramidal church embellished with beautiful carvings. During excavations, a large architectural complex with the entrance halls of the patriarch’s palace, a bath-house and other buildings to the south and west were found. Lunch today is at the family owned Megeryan Carpet Factory & Museum. Get comfortable as you admire the exquisite handmade carpets before a traditional Armenian lunch in the rustic, but atmospheric, restaurant. End the day with a poignant visit to the Genocide museum and Memorial.

Grand Hotel Yerevan | Meals: BL

The morning begins with a special, and spiritual, vocal performance in the acoustic hall of the ancient Geghard Monastery. Partly carved from a cave, Geghard is another incredible architectural complex. Inscriptive and documentary references to the monastery, also known as Ayrivank, date from the 7th and 10th centuries, respectively. Afterwards, visit the pagan Temple of Garni, which dates to the Hellenistic era, built to honour the Sun God Mitra, and is a symbol of pre-Christian Armenia. Built around 77 A.D. as a summer residence for the then empress, it is said that Emperor Nero contributed to its construction. It is the only Greco-Roman colonnaded building in the country. Afterwards, take part in a centuries-old Armenian cultural tradition at a hands-on lavash making ceremony. The dough is kneaded, rolled and baked in the wood-fired oven before being served for lunch with barbecued meats, spicy peppers and curds in a local home. Drive back to Yerevan and discover why Armenian brandy is world famous at a special tour and tasting at the Ararat Brandy Factory.

Grand Hotel Yerevan | Meals: BL

Today you are driven to the Ararat Plain and Khor Virap, one of Armenia’s most beautiful monasteries with breathtaking views of Mount Ararat. After lunch in a local restaurant visit the 13^th century Noravank monastery complex spectacularly situated against a backdrop of sheer red cliffs. This is one of the most admired monasteries in the country. Return to Yerevan for a traditional Armenian dinner with folk music at Tavern Yerevan.

Grand Hotel Yerevan | Meals: BLD

Transfer to the airport for departure flight.

Meals: B