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Day 1. Yerevan, the capital of Armenia
Arrival in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. You will be met by our representatives at the airport and will be transferred to the hotel. Accommodation. Today we shall start our Armenia Tour with discovering Yerevan which was founded in 782 BC. Its ancient and modern sights attract travelers from all over the world. We shall visit the State History Museum of Armenia which has 400000 exhibits and over 5000 of them are on a permanent display to present Armenia’s historical past. We shall also visit the Matenadaran - the depositary of 17000 pieces of ancient manuscripts including many hand-written bibles and evangels. At the Yerevan Brandy Company you can learn about Armenia’s rich traditions of brandy-making. We finish our sightseeing tour at the Carpet factory where you can see the process of weaving carpets from wool. Welcome dinner.
Day 2. Etchmiadzin - Azat River Valley
Sightseeing drive to Etchmiadzin – the spiritual center of Armenia and the seat of the All Armenian Patriarch. Sightseeing tour at the UNESCO heritage sites, Church St. Hripsime (7th century AD), Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin ( 303 AD), Zvartnots Cathedral (7th century AD) and Monastery of Geghard. This afternoon we will visit the ancient Fortress of Garni from the 3rd century BC. This evening you will enjoy watching and participating in the process of making Armenian bread. Dinner.
Day 3. Khor Virap Monastery, Magnificent Noravank and Lake Sevan
Today we visit two important and picturesque monasteries of Armenia, Khor Viap Monastery, one of the cradles of Armenian Christianity, and Noravank Monastery (4-14th centuries) standing in full harmony with the mysterious and steep gorge carved by the Heavenly Hand. Armenia was one of the important centers of Great Silk Road. Many ancient sites and caravansaries have been preserved up to present days. Discover Caravansary of Selim, located high on the picturesque mountain pass Selim. Continue the way to see numerous khachkars (cross-stones) at a medieval cemetery of Noratus. Khachkars, one of the most characteristic symbols of Armenian identity, are uniquely Armenian form of Christian art and worship. With their marvelous carvings and savior symbolism of the Holy Cross, Khachkars were beloved by pilgrims from the very beginning of the tradition to craft them. Overnight at the lakeshore hotel.
Day 4. Tsakhkadzor - Dilijan
Scenic drive to Tsakhkadzor. It is located on the foot of Mount Teghenis. Today we visit the Monastery of Kecharis (11th century) which has been an important Christian Center in Armenia till nowadays. Next we drive to the 9th century Monastery of Sevanavank located on the hill of the Sevan Peninsula. A fish lunch right at the restaurant beneath the hill and looking to the lake Sevan will be served. We continue our sightseeing tour by visiting to another resort town – Dilijan. Here we shall see Ethnographical museum of Old Dilijan. You meet with local handicraftmen and visit their workshops. Our next stop will be at the newly renovated Monastery of Haghartsin. It is an architectural jewel of the 10-14th centuries located deep in the forest of Dilijan. Overnight in Dzoraget.
Day 5. Haghpat Monastery, Armenia - Tbilisi, Georgia
On the way to Georgian border we visit the Monastery of Haghpat (10-13th centuries) nestled on a promontory in the Lori region. It is an internationally recognized gem of medieval architecture (World Heritage Site). It was a thriving intellectual, cultural, and scholarly center in the 11-13th centuries. After crossing Georgian-Armenian border, drive to Tbilisi and accommodate at the hotel. Tbilisi Sightseeing tour. Explore the beauty and history of the city from early centuries to nowadays by walking in narrow streets of the city and visiting churches, synagogues, mosques, as well as famous 19th century houses with wooden multi-colored balconies. You will also visit the sulfur bath which made an unforgettable impression on Pushkin, Lermontov, Duma. Enjoy panoramic view of the Old city and visit the stunning treasures of the Georgian National Art Museum. Dinner in a local restaurant.
Day 6. Tbilisi – Mtskheta – Gori – Tbilisi, Georgia
Breakfast. Sightseeing drive to the ancient capital and religious center of Georgia – Mtskheta (3000 years old) and see its historical places: Jvari church (6th century) and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century) where the Robe of Christ is buried. Both Jvari and Svetitskhoveli are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visit Gori town – the heart of Kartli region and one of the spectacular towns. Photo opportunities. This afternoon you will drive to Uplistsikhe Cave Town (1st millennium BC), The Great Silk Road town. This is an old and interesting place with dwelling quarters, wine-cellars, bakeries and The Basilica Church. The town had Stalin’s museum and his biggest statue in the city center. Return to Tbilisi. Dinner at the traditional Georgian Restaurant.
Day 7. Tbilisi – Sighnaghi – Telavi, Georgia
Sightseeing drive to Kakheti region, well known for its wine producing. Enjoy the beauty of Great Caucasus Mountains and valleys of Kakheti. Learn more about traditions and cultures of the country and region, taste wines and delicious food. In this exotic region you will have an opportunity to see fortified town Sighnaghi (18th century), its ethnographic museum, visit the villages and meet farmers and enjoy their warm hospitality. You will have an opportunity to see the process of making wine and original 300 year-old wine-cellar. Drive to Telavi – administrative centre of Kakheti region. Accommodation. Dinner with local family and have traditional wine.
Day 8. Kakheti region, Georgia
Today we shall visit Kakhetian Duke’s beautiful garden and his house museum. Kakkheti is one of the most magnificent regions of Georgia. This region is the dream location for hikers. You have an opportunity to have 2 hour hiking and then you will have sightseeing drive to Nekresi Monastery (4th century). This afternoon you experience exotic Telavi Farmers’ market and King Erekle’s palace museum. Dinner.
Day 9. Telavi – Lagodekhi – Sheki, Azerbaijan
Early morning breakfast . Transfer to Georgian and Azerbaijan border (Lagodekhi). Border formalities. Scenic and relaxed drive to Sheki.. Sheki is set in a picturesque mountain area rich in narrow gorges and green valleys, springs, crystal clear rivers, water falls and mineral water springs framed by dense woods and alpine meadows. Arrival. Accommodation at the Caravanserai. Visit Khan‘s palace, Museum of History of Sheki and Shebeke. Dinner.
Day 10, 2011. Sheki – Maraza – Shamakha – Baku, Azerbaijan
Breakfast. This morning you will be transferred to Baku stopping by at Diri Baba mausoleum in Maraza, Yeddi Gumbez, Cuma Mosque in Shamakha. Arrival in Baku. Accommodation at the 4 star hotel.
Day 11. Baku, Azerbaijan
Sightseeing tour: Shirvan Shahs Palace (15th century), Maiden Tower architectural monument (12th century), Caravanserai, the hotel for merchants during the Silk Road. Afternoon visit Absheron peninsula, Fire Worshippers Temple and Merdakan Fortresses. You also learn about Oil Industry of Azerbaijan and visit ‘Yanar Dag’ (Firing Mountain). Dinner.
Day 12. Baku – Gobustan – Baku, Azerbaijan
Today after breakfast we shall visit UNESCO World Heritage Centre ‘Gobustan’. Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape covers three areas of a plateau of rocky boulders rising out of the semi-desert of central Azerbaijan, with an outstanding collection of more than 6,000 rock engravings bearing testimony to 40,000 years of rock art. The site also features the remains of inhabited caves, settlements and burials, all reflecting an intensive human use by the inhabitants of the area during the wet period that followed the last Ice Age, from the Upper Paleolithic to the Middle Ages. The site, which covers an area of 537 ha, is part of the larger protected Gobustan. Dinner at the hotel.
Day 13. Baku, Azerbaijan
Enjoy the last day of your Caucasus Tour by visiting to the most interesting bazaars, handicraft centers and parks. Do shopping and enjoy traditional food. There are many captivating sights to see in this fascinating center of Silk Road.
Day 14. Baku.
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport and departure.
The Tour Program includes:
- Visa support
- Ground Transportation
- Experienced English-speaking guide/escort in all countries
- Hotel accommodation (4 star hotels)
- Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
- Entrance fees for the sights, museums, mountains and parks
- Folklore Shows in Yerevan and Baku
- Wine Tasting
- Pre Departure Travel Package along with Silk Road Gifts
The tour program doesn’t include:
- International Flights
- Charges in hotels for additional services
- Consular fees for the embassies
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Tours 
