In the morning Georgian Holidays will organize a pick up from the hotel to join the group.

The tour starts at 10:00 AM. Baku full day sightseeing.

Visit Memorial Park located high above the coastal area with a wonderful view of the Baku Bay, Primorsky Boulevard, the old town Icheri Sheher, the Maiden Tower and the Shirvanshakh Palace. Baku Bay is a natural harbor of the port, on the southern shore of the Absheron Peninsula of the Caspian Sea. Take a walk in the alley and old city to visit historical sites: Palace of the Shirvanshahs (15th c.), medieval caravanserai and bathhouse, old mosques, art shops, and finally – Maiden tower, 12th century monument that is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Leisure evening.

Overnight in Baku.

Driving distance: 330 km

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and leave for Sheki.

Drive to the north-west. On the way of the town Sheki, make a two stops to visit historical monuments: 15th century mausoleum of Sheikh Diri-Baba in Gobustan town, and 8th century Juma Mosque in Shamakhi town. In the evening arrive to Sheki. The evening city tour includes sightseeing of Sheki fortress, Palace of Shaki Khans, old caravanserai and mosque.

Relaxing evening.

Overnight in Sheki.

Driving distance: 169 km

After breakfast check out and depart for Kish village, 7 km away from Sheki. The main highlight of the village is a unique Church of Kish with an extraordinary history. Built in the 12th century on an older pagan cult site, it belonged to Caucasian Albanian, Georgian and Armenian churches through history.

Drive to the border of Georgia at Balakan crossing near the village Lagodekhi. Guide will assist with border formality procedures. Change the transport and meet Georgian guide, who will lead the tour during next six days.

Drive to Sighnaghi – a town, located in a traditional wine-making region of the east Georgia, Kakheti region. Surrounded by medieval curtain walls and 28 watchtowers, Sighnaghi developed on Gombori mountain range, overlooking Alazani river valley. Don’t miss Sighnaghi Museum exhibition of the artworks of prominent naive artist of early 20th c. Niko Pirosmani, its ethnographical and archaeological collections and fantastic view from the balcony, which overlooks Alazani river valley and it’s permanent background of Great Caucasus mountains.

Overnight in Sighnaghi.

Driving distance: 157 km

After breakfast leave Sighnaghi for the village Tsinandali to visit Aleksander Chavchavadze’s estate and House Museum. Al. Chavchavadze was a famous Georgian aristocrat, military figure and romanticism poet, whose residence, garden and wine-cellar functions as a museum and attracts lots of visitors nowadays. His wine cellar and enoteca are prominent. Taste a glass of white wine produced in this estate, visit the first wine library and enjoy the wonderful environment of 19th century on the oriental style wooden balcony.

Shumi Winery and small wine museum “Vazioni” are located next to the Chavchavadze’s estate. Here, taste red and white dry and semi-day wines and smack the aroma of Kakheti region.

The next stop is Telavi – the capital town of the former kingdom of Kakheti. Visit Batonistsikhe, the medieval fortress that served as a residence of the King Erekle II in 18th c. After a short Telavi sightseeing depart for Tbilisi. Suggested rout goes through the Gombori pass (1620 m).

Leisure evening and overnight in Tbilisi.

Tbilisi city tour starts at 10:00.

Visit Sameba (Holy Trinity) Cathedral, one of the tallest Orthodox Christian churches in the world. The gorgeous golden cupola cathedral, grandeus entrance, three churches, beautiful garden, and three stored free standing belltower makes the site visible almost from all Tbilisi districts and remarkable city landmark. Walk around, go inside, enjoy the city view and return back to the parking. The tour will take about 40 minutes.

Next stop is at Metekhi Plateau. Metekhi Church of 13th c is located on the edge of the cliff overlooking river Mtkvari and opening the picturesque panorama of old Tbilisi. Walk to the Europe square and ride up Rike Park aerial cable car to reach the Narikala Fortress. The ancient fortification is overlooking Tbilisi from another river bank; walking around Jumah Mosque, LegvtaKhevi canyon and waterfall, Abanotubani – historical sulfur bathhouse district of Tbilisi, stroll along the streets of Botanical Garden, Shardeni, Iron Row, Cotton Row and the king Erekle II square with lots of outdoor caffes, restaurants, art galleries, souvenir stores and handicraft shopping spots. Continue the way until the pedestrian glass Bridge of Peace, cross it and get back to the Rike Park. This pleasant walking tour will take about 55 minutes.

One hour free time for lunch.

Visit the National Museum of Georgia.

Second half of the day continue the city sightseeing by car and drive around the main streets, Freedom square, Rustaveli avenue, Hero’s square and Agmashenebeli avenue.

Overnight in Tbilisi.

Driving distance: 130 km

Breakfast. Check out and drive to Mtskheta – historical capital of ancient Georgian kingdom Iberia. Located at the confluence of the two rivers of Mtkvari and Aragvi, Mtskheta became listed among UNESCO World Heritage Sites for outstanding architecture of Jvari Monastery (6th century) and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century). Visit both sites, see the handicrafts, souvenir shops and wine cellars located in the center of the town. Mtskheta sightseeing tour will take about one hour.

Continue the way to the North, follow so called Georgian Military Road, former Silk Road, which connects Georgia and Russia through the Great Caucasus mountains. On the way to the ski-resort Gudauri make a photo stop at Zhinvali Reservoir and visit Ananuri fort. Ananuri once served as a fortress and residence of local lords – Eristavi of Aragvi.

In the evening arrive to alpine settlement Gudauri (2196 m) in Kazbegi Municipality.

Dinner and overnight in Gudauri.

Driving distance: 186 km

After breakfast leave for Stepantsminda , the former name of town is Kazbegi . Make some stops on the Jvari Pass : the colorful observation platform - the Friendship Monument, reviles the picturesque panoramic views of Aragvi gorge; 19th c Jvari Pass obelisk is a landmark of the highest point on this road - 2395 m above the sea level; the red travertine hill with bobbling mineral water spring. The total length of the pass is 15 km, it starts after Gudauri and represents one of the impressive roads in Georgia.

After arrival in Stepantsminda, set off for Mount Gergeti trek. The Mount Gergeti (2000m) on the top is crowned by 14th c Gergeti Trinity Church. The church platform reveals a breathtaking view overlooking the town, while standing under the giant Kazbegi peak (5054 m).

Continue to the Dariali canyon up to the Georgia-Russian border Larsi. Visit Dariali Monastery of archangels of St. Gabriel and St. Michael. Walk to the Gveleti waterfalls.

Evening leave for Tbilisi.

Overnight in Tbilisi.

Driving distance: 250 km

Breakfast. Check out and depart for Samtskhe-Javakheti area. First, drive through Kartli region, where stop at the main town Gori. Visit Gori Fortress and the museum of Joseph Stalin, which consists of three parts: Stalin’s memorial house of the end of 19th c, mid-soviet monumental exhibition building, and a private train with his personal study-room.
After visiting Gori, drive 12 km to the south-east to the Uplistsikhe Caves, which represents one of the oldest urban settlements in Georgia, dating since 1st millennium BC up to 10th c AD. Visit a small museum attached to site and watch an 7-minute movie about Uplistsikhe cave town.

The next stop is a spa-resort town Borjomi, located in the Mtkvari ravine. The thermal-mineral waters of volcanic origin distinguish Borjomi. Development began at the end of 19th c., when the curative effect of its springs was discovered. After easy walk around the town and Borjomi Central Park, depart for Akhaltsihke for overnight.

Overnight in Akhalstsikhe.

Driving distance: 126 km

After breakfast start a tour to the historical Samtskhe region and its administrative centere – Akhaltsikhe (translated as “new castle”). Visit the most remarkable site - Akhaltsikhe Castle in Rabati, a huge medieval fortification complex. Visit Rabati district, the fortress, the inner yard with amphitheater and Akhaltsikhe history museum located on the territory of Jakeli Castle (14th c).

Today follow the Mtkvari river gorge, discover countless fortresses in the valley; Atskuri, Khertvisi, Tmogvi and Vani's Kvabebi are the most impressive strongholds on the way to Vardzia. Make short stops for pictures and finally reach rock-hewn cave monastery of the Georgian Golden Age (12th-13th cc.).

Vardzia caves are spread over thirteen levels on the Erusheti mountains slopes. Only one third has survived after the several earthquakes in the middle ages. Crafted by humans and carved deep into the volcanic layers, the caves were home to the troops who defended the border and the monastery in 12th-16th cc. The tour will continue about an hour and half.

Relaxing evening and overnight in Vardzia.

Driving distance: 161 km

Today start the trip to Armenia . After breakfast check out and drive towards Bavra Border.

Make some short stops to see pelicans on the way to Gorelovka village . This village keeps exceptional community of Doukhobors , evicted by Tsarist Russia in 1841 in Ninotsminda district . One-store white houses with earth and green grass cover, carved blue windows and stork-nests on electricity-poles & chimneys are only here to discover.

After arrival at Bavra Border, go through the border crossing formalities, change vehicle and meet a new guide to continue the tour in Armenia.

Head to Gyumri – the second largest city of Armenia. City tour. Leisure evening.

Overnight in Gyumri .

Driving distance: 159 km

After breakfast, take a walk in the historical center of Gyumri. In 19th century, under the rule of Russian Empire the city was named as Alexandropol.

Leave Gyumri and continue the journey to Vagharshapat town. There are two important Armenian monuments to visit: St. Gayane and St. Hripsime churche and Zvartnots Cathedral 7th century. Echmiadzin, the Armenian-Apostolic Cathedral is closed for restoration works till 2023.

From Vagharshapat head to the capital of Armenia – Yerevan (17 km).

Visit to Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, known as Matenadaran museum, and take a look at its brilliant collection of medieval manuscripts and books. In the evening leisure walk in Yerevan.

Overnight in Yerevan.

Driving distance: 80 km

After breakfast start excursion of the Yerevan city and its surroundings. First, morning visit Yerevan History Museum. Museum has a unique collection of local culture and history artifacts from ancient to present times.

Set off from Yerevan on the second half of the day to see the Temple of Garni and Geghard monastery (founded in the 4th c.). The Garni is an ancient pagan colonnaded temple with Greco -Roman architectural style. Destroyed by the earthquake in the 17th century, this pre-Christian stone building was rebuilt in the 20th century during the Soviet times.

Take a five minutes' walk along the canyon of Azat river and get to Geghard monastery , which is listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

In the evening drive back to Yerevan.

Overnight in Yerevan.

Driving distance: 243 km

On day 13, after breakfast at the hotel take a trip to Khor Virap Monastery in Ararat Province . Khor Virap is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in Armenia. According to the local beliefs, St. Gregory the Illuminator , who is credited with converting Armenia to Christianity, was imprisoned in this place for 13 years by the Armenian King. Visitors can also observe fantastic view on the Mount Ararat .

Continue the way to southeast direction and get to the village of Areni , Vayots Dzor Province. The village is famous for its red wine. Visit the wine factory and taste local wine.

After Areni village drive to Noravank monastery, established in the 13th c. Noravank is situated in a narrow gorge of Amaghu river , near the town of Yeghegnadzor .

Overnight in Yerevan.

Driving distance: 321 km

After breakfast drive to one of the largest alpine lakes – Sevan ( altitude1900 m above sea level). Make some pictures and continue to the north - the administrative center of Tavush Province – Dilijan town. Dilijan city tour includes visiting Sharambeyan street workshops, handicraft shops, souvenir stores and traditional buildings.

After visiting Tavush Province, move to Lori region and visit medieval Sanahin monastery built in 10th c.(UNESCO World Heritage site). Sanahin monastery was founded by the Bagratid royal family in the 10th century and consists of several churches and chapels. Nearby there is Haghpat monastery.

Drive to the crossing point of Georgia-Armenia border Sadakhlo. After the Border formalities meeting with Georgian guide and drive to Tbilisi .

Meeting time at the border 18:00.

Overnight in Tbilisi.

Farewell dinner in Georgian Traditional restaurant with folk show* (Optional).
Note: Those taking extension trips to Georgia will start their tour next morning after breakfast.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Check out time until 12:00 pm. End of service.