Grand Tour: Caucasus Pearls

Day 1: Baku City Tour

Baku City Tour
The tour starts at 10:00 AM.
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.

Overnight at Baku Central Park 4*
Located in Baku, 1.1 km from Baku Railway Station, Central Park Baku provides accommodation with a fitness centre, free private parking, a restaurant and a bar. This 4-star hotel offers a concierge service. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free WiFi throughout the property.
Central Park
Baku, AZ

Day 2: Baku – Gobustan -Shamakhi- Sheki

Breakfast at hotel
Baku – Diri Baba Mausoleum
Approx.driving: 92 km , 1 hour 15 min
Visit Diri Baba architectural monument
The Diri Baba Mausoleum – is a mausoleum of Sheikh Diri Baba, located in Qobustan of Gobustan Rayon of Azerbaijan.
Diri Baba Mausoleum – Shamakhi
Approx. Driving distance: 33 Km / 30 min
Visit Jummah Mosque
Shamakhi – the capital of Shamakhi rayon that served as a capital of Shirvan under the Safavid Empire from 16th till 18th century. After visiting historical sites of Shamakhi, such as the 8th century Juma Mosque
Overnight at Sheki Palace Hotel 4*
Sheki Palace is located in Sheki. The property features a sun terrace. Free Wi-Fi access is available. All rooms are decorated in classic style and offer a flat-screen TV, air conditioning and a minibar. Featuring a bath, private bathrooms also come with a hairdryer and free toiletries.

Day 3: Sheki – Kish – Sighnaghi

Breakfast at hotel
Sheki – Kish
Approx.driving: 8 km, 14 min
Visit Alban Church in Kish village
Have excursion in the Kish village, famous for its Christian architectural monument – the Albanian church. The history of this church goes back to 6th-7th centuries.
Kish – Lagodekhi Border
Driving distance: 1 hr. 53 min (112 km)
Lagodekhi Border
Pass the Azerbaijan-Georgia Border in Lagodekhi
Lagodekhi – Sighnaghi
Approx. Driving distance: 47 Km / 1 hr

Sighnaghi Museum

Visit the Museum of Sighnaghi in the middle of the town. Its various Archeological collection combines goldsmith, copper and wooden artifacts, agricultural and viniculture items, rich numismatics, etc. The second floor of the museum is notable by permanent exhibition paintings of Niko Pirosmanishvili, well known, self-taught artist. Some temporary exhibitions are also presented in this hall for a year.

lagodekhi

Explore Sighnaghi & city fortifications
Visit Sighnaghi – ancient town also called “City of Love”, encircled by beautiful 18th c. defensive wall. Due to its special and unique architecture and natural location Sighnaghi is one of the most beautiful small towns in Georgia. Built 790 meters above the sea level, it overlooks the picturesque landscape of Alazani Valley and Caucasus Mountains.
Although for Signagi itself half day of sightseeing will be more than enough, this town can be a good base for exploring the region on daily trips.

Check in at Brigitte Sighnaghi 3*
3* hotel Located in Sighnaghi, a 5-minute walk from the 18th-century Sighnaghi Fortress. Hotel Brigitte offers comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi.
Brigitte Hotel has a restaurant serving local cuisine and a wine cellar. It has a small ethnographic museum on site. The hotel also offers a sun terrace and small outdoor swimming pool.

Day 4: Sighnaghi – Tsinandali – Shumi – Telavi – Tbilisi

Breakfast at hotel
Sighnaghi-Tsinandali
Driving distance: 1 hr 3 min (53.3 km)
Explore Tsinandali museum & taste glass of Tsinandali wine
Drive to Tsinandali village and visit 19th c residence of Kakheti nobleman, poet and public figure, founder of the first wine factory Alexander Chavchavadze. Take an excursion in house-museum and smack a glass of finest Tsinandali cellar wine.
Tsinandali Estate – Shumi Winery
Approx. Driving distance: 750 M / 2 min
Wine-tasting at Shumi winery
Head to Shumi winery located just a few minutes’ drive from Tsinandali. Here you’ll have a tour in the winery which presents a collection of wine related exhibits, a history and culture department and a wine-tasting area. Taste Shumi bottled wines with light snacks.

Shumi Winery – Telavi
Driving Distance: 9 Km / 15 min
Visit Batonis Tsikhe Castle in Telavi
Batonis Tsikhe castle served as the residence of Kakhetian Kings between 17th and 18th century. The castle encloses two churches, the ruins of a royal bathhouse and the Persian style Palace of King Erekle II.
Telavi – Tbilisi
Driving distance: 95 km, 1 h 54 min
Overnight in hotel Zeg 3*
Well set in the Sololaki district of Tbilisi City, Hotel Zeg is located 400 m from Freedom Square, 1.4 km from Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre and 1.4 km from Rustaveli Theatre.
Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The hotel features family rooms.

Day 5: Tbilisi City Tour

Breakfast at hotel
Tbilisi City Tour
After breakfast start a full day city tour in Tbilisi. You’ll combine driving and walking through the city and visit:
Holy Trinity Sameba Cathedral – the main Georgian Christian Orthodox cathedral, it is the largest religious building not only in Georgia but in the region of South Caucasus, and is listed among the largest Orthodox churches in the world. The cathedral was constructed between 1995 and 2004, as a “symbol of the Georgian national and spiritual revival”.
Metekhi church 13th c presents one of the most important architectural monuments of old Tbilisi.
Narikala Fortress 4th c dominates the Old Town as a most impressive architectural landmark. With its inaccessible slopes, the fortress served as a main fortification and defended the city for centuries.
Legvtakhevi(“Fig Ravine”) and a little bridge across the river.
Old Sulfur Bathhouses with healing natural warm water have been praised by numerous travelers who visited the city.
Meidan square & Shardeni street neighborhood -famous for cozy cafes, bars, restaurants, souvenirs‘ shops, picture galleries.
The Bridge of Peace is the modern architectural glassy bridge in Old Town.
National Museum of Georgia was created in 2004 and represents the largest museum complex which perpetuates an enduring museum tradition in Georgia.
Overnight in hotel Zeg 3*
Well set in the Sololaki district of Tbilisi City, Hotel Zeg is located 400 m from Freedom Square, 1.4 km from Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre and 1.4 km from Rustaveli Theatre.
Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The hotel features family rooms.

Day 6: Tbilisi – Mtskheta – Ananuri – Gudauri

Breakfast at hotel
Tbilisi- Mtskheta
Driving distance: 26.2km 39min
Sightseeing in Mtskheta & UNESCO sites
Drive to Mtskheta – the ancient capital of East Georgia. Visit 2 monuments included in UNESCO world heritage list:
Jvari monastery of 6th c – the culmination of artistic and architectural aspirations in early Georgian Christian architecture.
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral of 11th c – one of the most sacred places in whole Georgia, with the Christ’s robe preserved in the Cathedral.
Svetitskhoveli cathedral- Ananuri fortress
Driving distance: 46 min (43.8 km)
Explore Ananuri fortress & enjoy views of Zhinvali reservoir
Drive to Ananuri fortress 14-17th cc. The complex consists of fortifications and residential buildings of Aragvi Dukes. The purpose of the monument was to control the trade rout and to guard the country from North.

Ananuri – Gudauri
Approx. Driving distance: 53 Km / 1 hr
Dinner at Hotel
Overnight in Gudauri Inn 4*
Gudauri Inn is 700 m from Gudauri Lift 1. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. Offering a terrace.

Day 7: Gudauri – Kazbegi – Tbilisi

Breakfast at hotel
Take a break at Gudauri viewpoint
A cylinder monument with a spectacular views, overlooking Devil’s Valley and the Caucasus Mountains.
Called “Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument” was erected by the Soviets in 1983 in the mountains of northern
Georgia. The famous Georgian architect Giorgi Chakhava designed it and placed it on a spot offering a spectacular view over the surrounding landscape.
Gudauri – Stepantsminda
Approx. driving: 40 min (34.4 km)
Drive up to Gergeti Trinity Church by 4×4
Drive to Gergeti mountain and iconic Gergeti Trinity church overlooked by Mt. Kazbegi. Gergeti Holy Trinity Church is an important altar of 14th century, located on the slope of Mount Kazbegi. The church facade preserves stone decorations depicting ancient rituals and beliefs.
If we are lucky with weather, we will see Mount Kazbegi (5047 m. above sea level). According to the legend Amirani – a cult hero and a prototype of Greek Prometheus, punished by Gods was chained on the mountain.

Stepantsminda – Dariali
Approx. Driving distance: 10 Km / 15 min
Visit Dariali Monastery
Dariali Monastic Complex is beautifully nested in Dariali Gorge, between the high mountains of the Greater Caucasus, in just 10 km from the administrative center of Khevi region – townlet Stepantsminda.
The complex is situated in picturesque Dariali – the canyon of river Tergi (Terek), at an elevation of 1300 meters above sea level.
Dariali – Gveleti Big Waterfall
Approx. Driving distance: 5 Km / 8 min
Hike to Gveleti waterfall
The waterfall is located in the village of Gveleti, 7 km from the town of Stepantsminda. You must first drive through the stunning Dariali Gorge, from which a short, leisurely hike up a narrow footpath leads the way to the Gveleti waterfalls.
Hiking distance: 2.8 kms, Ascent: 216 m/ m Descent: 216 m, easy

Gveleti – Tbilisi
Driving distance: 3 hr 23 min (160 km)
Overnight in hotel Zeg 3*
Well set in the Sololaki district of Tbilisi City, Hotel Zeg is located 400 m from Freedom Square, 1.4 km from Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre and 1.4 km from Rustaveli Theatre.
Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The hotel features family rooms.

Day 8: Tbilisi – Gori – Uplistsikhe – Borjomi – Akhaltsikhe

Breakfast at hotel
Tbilisi- Gori
Driving distance: 89.7km 1hr 28min
Explore Stalin’s house-museum
Visit J. Stalin’s house-museum located in the town of Gori. Established in 1937 the Stalin memorial museum retains its Soviet-era characteristics until recent days.
The museum exhibits re-create scenes from the life of the leader and include unique photos, gifts and furniture. The house where Stalin was born is preserved under a stone canopy nearby.
Museum complex consists of memorial house, where Stalin was born, exposition building with tower and Stalin’s personal coach with interior, by which he had travelled to Tehran, Yalta and Potsdam. Museum houses Stalin’s personal things, study room of Kremlin, manuscripts, gifts from over the world, etc.
Gori – Uplitsikhe
Approx. driving: 14 km , 23 min
Wine tasting in Uplistsikhe
Uplistsike is an ancient cave settlement in Georgia. The unique wine cellar is cut in a send rock, on the territory of Uplistsikhe Museum-Reserve. The wine cellar is roofed in a mixed style of Meskhetian “wooden crown” and the flat
Bany roof and includes two areas: Qvevri cellar (clay pitchers) wine storage and a tasting area. The yard is decorated with vine terraces. Tasting includes natural wines produced from local vine varieties (Khidistauri, Atenuri, Chinebli and Tavkveri).

Uplistsikhe – Borjomi
Approx. driving: 1 hr 33 min (98.0 km)
Click here for: Google Maps Directions.
Walk in Borjomi Central Park & taste mineral waters
Take a walk in Borjomi Central Park and taste bubbling mineral waters from the springs. Borjomi Mineral waters have been famous since the 19th c. and are exported out to many countries.
If you wish you can take a longer (7 km round-trip) walk to open air Suplhur baths (there is additional charge of 5 GEL per person to enter and bath in the pools), or ride up on Cable cars to reach the plateau on top of the park ( 4 GEL single direction, per person).
Borjomi – Akhaltsikhe
Driving distance: 50 min (48.4 km)
Click her for Google Maps Route.
Overnight at Akhaltsikhe Inn
Located in Akhaltsikhe, Akhaltsikhe Inn offers 5-star accommodation with a spa and wellness centre. Providing a restaurant, the property also has a bar, as well as an indoor pool and a sauna.

Day 9: Akhaltsikhe – Rabati Castle – Vardzia

Breakfast at hotel
Explore Rabati Fortress in Akhaltsikhe
Drive to Akhaltsikhe town for guided excursion in medieval Rabati fortress.
The city was first mentioned in the chronicles in the 12th century, when it was a seat of the House of Akhaltsikhe, dukes of Samtskhe. In the sixteenth century it became a regional administrative center for the Ottomans, and remained as such up to the Russo-Turkish War. It’s a rather sleepy town, but its Old City is definitely worth a visit.
Akhaltsikhe – Vardzia
Driving distance : 71 Km / 2 h
Visit Vardzia Cave city
Explore medieval Vardzia cave city and monastery. Vardzia is carved in the slopes of the Erusheti Mountain, stretches along the 500 meters wide cliff and consists of 19 tiers.
Georgian Queen Tamar is credited for establishing a monastery in Vardzia during her reign in the 12th c. which housed 2000 monks. During its rise in the 12th c. the cave city contained 6000 apartments, throne room and a large church with bell tower. Take a walk, explore the caves, medieval frescoes and walk through a narrow “secret” tunnel on your way out.

Overnight in Vardzia Resort 4*
Vardzia Resort has a restaurant, seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a bar and shared lounge in Vardzia. With free WiFi, this 4-star hotel has a garden and a terrace. The accommodation offers karaoke and a 24-hour front desk.

Day 10: Vardzia – Bavra – Gyumri

Breakfast at hotel
Vardzia- Bavra Border
Approx. driving distance: 58 min (45.3 km)
Bavra border
Pass the Georgian – Armenian Border in Bavra
Bavra border – Gyumri
Driving distance: 50 min (47.8 km)
Gyumri City Walk
Gyumri is Armenia’s second biggest city, located on the northwestern part in the Shirak Province. This is a place where the traditions, legends, tales and simple human stories come together.
Take a walk around Gorki Street Area. Gorki street is one of the longest streets in Gyumri, connecting the Railway station to the downtown. In this area you can find out the soviet period architectural heritage, the French school, jewelry and antique shops, typical neighborhoods, modern houses, the Bagratunyats partk, etc.
Head towards the central park and walk up to the Black Fortress. The big, round, black fort on the top of the hill overlooking Gyumri is a good spot to take in the view. It once protected the Russian Empire from the Ottoman Empire. This building made of black tuff is the southern castle of ancient Alexandrapol fortress.

Overnight at Hotel Alexandrapol
Located in the centre of Gyumri, Alexandrapol Palace Hotel features free WiFi and free parking. The rooms offer air conditioning, a minibar, hairdryer, working area and flat-screen TV with cable channels.

Day 11: Gyumri – Zvartnots – Yerevan

Breakfast at hotel
Gyumri – Vagharshapat
Driving distance: 1 hr 52 min (112 km)
Zvartnots St. Gayane and St. Hripsime churches
The Church of Saint Gayane is another architectural masterpiece of Echmiadzin town along with the temples of Saint Hripsime and Saint Shoghakat.The Church of Saint Gayane is located to the south of the Etchmiadzin Cathedral. Simple dome basilica has the characteristic style of the architecture of the VII-th century. The dome is located on four columns, which gives the church the shape of a cross.
St. Hripsime church is located at the entrance to the ancient Etchmiadzin city. The church was erected in honor of the holy virgin-martyr Hripsime, whose grave is located right under the main altar. Initially, a small chapel was erected on the site of Hripsime’s execution. A chapel was demolished by the order of the Catholicos Komitas, in the 7th century, and a
new majestic church was erected in its place, which is one of the most outstanding works of early medieval Armenian architecture. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with other nearby churches.
Zvartnots St. Gayane and St. Hripsime churches. Both of these monuments are listed on UNESCO World Heritage Sites List.

Vagharshapat – Yerevan
Driving distance: 35 min (20.8 km)
Manuscript museum of Matenadaran
Drive to the Manuscript museum of Matenadaran. The official name of the museum is the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, and it houses more than 20,000 ancient manuscripts and scrolls, and overall over 500,000 various types of documents. Collection of Matenadaran includes manuscripts from different historical periods – from antiquity till
modern times – that cover various subjects, such as religion, theology, history, mathematics, geography, medicine, alchemy, music etc.
Overnight in Ani Central Inn 4*
Ani Central Inn is located in Yerevan, a 3-minute walk from Zoravar Andranik Metro Station and a 10-minute walk from Republic Square and National Art Gallery. The hotel offers indoor swimming pool and a sauna. Free WiFi is provided throughout the hotel.

Day 12: Yerevan – Garni – Geghard – Yerevan

Breakfast at hotel
Yerevan History Museum
The museum of Yerevan history was founded in 1931. Being attached to the communal division of Yerevan City Council it
was called Communal Museum and in 1936 it was renamed Yerevan History Museum.
Yerevan – Garni
Driving Distance: 27 Km / 40 min
Explore Garni Temple
Take trip to Garni. This Pagan Temple built in the 1st century AD. It is the only temple that has been preserves from the Pagan times in Armenia. It was devoted to the god Mihr, who was the god of cleanness. In 1679 it was destroyed by earthquake. In the 1975 the Temple was restored.

Garni – Geghard Monastery
Driving Distance: 11 Km / 15 min
Visit Geghard Monastery
Then we will continue our trip to Geghard Monastery. Its name came from the legendary lance that was used to pierce the body of Christ. It has been kept here for centuries. Though the exact foundation of the monastery is unknown, the present
complex was built in the mid – 13th century. Get back to Yerevan and overnight at hotel.
Geghard Monastery – Yerevan
Driving Distance: 38 Km / 1 h
Overnight in Ani Central Inn 4*
Ani Central Inn is located in Yerevan, a 3-minute walk from Zoravar Andranik Metro Station and a 10-minute walk from Republic Square and National Art Gallery. The hotel offers indoor swimming pool and a sauna. Free WiFi is provided throughout the hotel.

Day 13: Yerevan – Khor Virap – Areni – Noravank – Yerevan

Breakfast at hotel
Yerevan – Khor Virap
Approx.driving: 46 km , 50min
Explore Monastery of Khor Virap
Depart for southern regions of Armenia. We start our exploration in the Ararat province and visit Khor Virap monastery
located on the Ararat plain. Monastery was initially built in the 7th century. From Khor Virap visitors can enjoy panoramic
views on Mount Ararat – national symbol of Armenia.
Khor Virap – Areni
Approx. Driving distance: 76 Km / 1.5 hr
Drive to Areni Village
Visit village Areni which is considered to be an important center of wine production industry and which has a history of more than 6000 years. And this is the place where the oldest example of a leather shoe was discovered by archaeologists.
You are welcome to taste its wine.

Areni Wine Tasting
Visit village Areni which is considered to be an important center of wine production industry and which has a history of more than 6000 years. And this is the place where the oldest example of a leather shoe was discovered by archaeologists.
You are welcome to taste its wine.
Areni – Noravank
Approx. Driving distance: 10 Km / 15 min
Visit Noravank Monastery
Drive to Noravank – a monastery of 12th century situated among amazing sheer rocks on the twisty gorge.
If desired, one can have talk to local priest who will tell you about traditions and religious life of Armenia.

Noravank – Yerevan
Driving distance: 2 hr 2 min (118 km)
Overnight in Ani Central Inn 4*
Ani Central Inn is located in Yerevan, a 3-minute walk from Zoravar Andranik Metro Station and a 10-minute walk from Republic Square and National Art Gallery. The hotel offers indoor swimming pool and a sauna. Free WiFi is provided throughout the hotel.

Day 14: Yerevan – Sevan – Sanahin – Haghpat – Sadakhlo – Tbilisi

Breakfast at hotel
Yerevan – Sevan
Driving Distance:64 Km / 1 h
Sevan Lake & Sevanavank
On the way to Yerevean you’ll have opportunity to stop at Lake Sevan, often referred to as a “pearl of Armenia” by locals,
and one of the largest freshwater high-altitude lakes in Eurasia. You will also visit Sevanavank, a monastery complex on Sevan peninsula. Currently a religious seminary functions here, which is not readily open to the public, the peninsula can be named the very point from where the whole beauty of the Lake Sevan is seen.
Sevan – Dilijan
Driving Distance: 42 Km / 50 min
Dilijan City Walk
Visit old center of Dilijan and Sharambeyan street, full of handicraft stores, souvenir shops and historical buildings.

Dilijan town – Sanahin Monastery
Driving distance: 1 hr 35 min (86.8 km)
Visit Sanahin & Haghpat monasteries
Drive to Alaverdi, Lori region, and visit two major historical monuments of the province: monasteries of Sanahin and Haghpat. Both of these monasteries were founded in the 10th century and are placed on the UNESCO World Heritage
Sites list. Sanahin and Haghpat are located on a plateau, separated by a deep gorge formed by a river.
Sanahin – Sadakhlo Border
Driving Distance: 46 Km / 1 h
Sadakhlo Border
Pass the Georgian – Armenian Border in Sadakhlo

Sadakhlo – Tbilisi
Driving Distance: 76 Km / 2 h
Overnight in hotel Zeg 3*
Well set in the Sololaki district of Tbilisi City, Hotel Zeg is located 400 m from Freedom Square, 1.4 km from Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre and 1.4 km from Rustaveli Theatre.
Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The hotel features family rooms.

Day 15: Transfer to Tbilisi Airport

Breakfast at hotel
Transfer to Tbilisi Airport
Pickup by driver approximately 3 hours before departure
Approx. driving: 25 km, 30 min. Airport