On the shores of the Caspian Sea lies the exotic and mysterious capital of Azerbaijan, Baku.
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Take an exciting journey across all three states of the southern Caucasus. Beginning in the oil-rich Muslim nation of Azerbaijan on the shores of the Caspian Sea, you will travel through Georgia, famous for its ancient monasteries and viticulture, and finish in the small, proud nation of Armenia, one of the oldest Christian countries in the world.
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Fly from London (regional connections available) to Baku, via Kiev, with Ukraine International Airlines. Transfer to the Sapphire Hotel (or similar) for 2 nights. (N)
Day 2: Baku • Gobustan • AbsheronExcursion to see ancient rock carvings at Gobustan, a Unesco world heritage site dating back 20,000 years. Continue to Absheron and the Ateshgyakh Fire Worshippers’ temple. Return to Baku for a tour of the Old City and some time at leisure. (B)
Day 3: Shemahka • Kish • ShekiTravel to Shemahka and visit the Yeddi Gumbez mausoleum. Continue to Sheki, stopping en route at the village of Kish to explore the sixth-century Albanian church. Overnight at the Sheki Saray Hotel (or similar). (B, L, D)
Day 4: Sheki • Kvareli • Telavi, GeorgiaMorning tour of Sheki, a pretty town surrounded by forested mountains, including the Palace of Sheki Khan. Cross the Georgian border and into the country’s main wine region. Visit a vineyard for a late lunch and wine tasting. Continue to Telavi, via the Gremi monastery. Overnight at Chateau Mere. (B, L)
Day 5: Telavi • Sighnaghi • TbilisiMorning visit to Telavi market and meet a qvevri master, who will demonstrate how these large earthenware wine-keeping jars are made. Sample some local wine before continuing to the Tsinandali wine estate for lunch. Afternoon tour of hilltop Sighnaghi. Drive to Tbilisi and stay at the Shota@Rustaveli Boutique Hotel (or similar) for 2 nights. (B, L)
Day 6: TbilisiTour of the Georgian capital including the old town, with its beautiful Orthodox churches, mosque, synagogue and sulphur baths. Afternoon at leisure. (B)
Day 7: Gori • Uplistsikhe • KazbegiMorning visit to the sixth-century Jvari monastery then continue to Gori, the birthplace of Joseph Stalin. Visit the museum, his private train and see the house where he was born. Travel to Kazbegi via the cave city of Uplistsikhe, set on the path of the Silk Road. Overnight at Hotel Porta Caucasia or similar. (B, D)
Day 8: Kazbegi • TbilisiJeep drive to the picturesque 14th-century Gergeti Trinity church. Return to Tbilisi for some time at leisure. (B)
Day 9: Yerevan, ArmeniaTravel over the border to Armenia and continue to Yerevan. En route, visit the Unesco-listed Haghpat monastery. Stay for 5 nights at the Tufenkian Historic Hotel, just off Republic Square. (B)
Day 10: Garni • GeghardVisit Garni, the only surviving Hellenistic temple in Armenia and enjoy a performance of Armenian spiritual music. Continue to Geghard monastery, dating from the fourth century and carved into the mountainside. Have lunch with a local family and have a go at making traditional lavash bread. Return to Yerevan. (B, L)
Day 11: Ejmiatsin • Zvartnots • ParakarVisit the Cathedral of Ejmiatsin, founded in 303AD and still the official residence of the Catholic Church in Armenia. Continue to the seventh-century Zvartnots temple. Have lunch in the village of Parakar and take part in a cooking lesson, learning how to make arishta (traditional Armenian pasta) and sweet sudzukh. (B, L)
Day 12: YerevanCity tour of the Armenian capital, a highlight being the Museum of Ancient Manuscripts. Also visit the Genocide Memorial and the Ararat Cognac Factory for a tour and tasting. Afternoon at leisure. (B)
Day 13: Khor Virap • Noravank • AreniDrive south to Khor Virap monastery, the site where Gregory the Illuminator, who introduced Christianity to Armenia, was imprisoned. The monastery has stunning views of Mount Ararat. Continue to Noravank monastery, before lunch and wine tasting in Areni. Farewell dinner at a traditional Armenian restaurant in Yerevan. (B, L, D)
Day 14: Fly to LondonEarly transfer to Yerevan airport and fly to London, via Kiev. (B)
Meal basis:As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.
Important information ExtensionsPre- and post-tour extensions are available in Baku or Yerevan. Please speak to a Cox & Kings travel consultant for details.
Superior tourThis tour is based in 4- and 5-star accommodation.
Private & tailor-made travelThis itinerary can be taken privately on a date that suits you, for which guideline prices are shown. Alternatively, it can be tailored to your exact requirements. Please call to speak with a Cox & Kings consultant or enquire online.
This 19th century property is located in the very centre of downtown Yerevan, minutes from the main square and opposite the outdoor craft market. Traditional Armenian textiles decorate the property, with rugs and blankets weaved by local craftsman. The Tufenkian Kharpert restaurant has a strong focus on forgotten Armenian cuisine, infusing traditional dishes with a modern twist. There is a small outdoor pool open in the summer months.
Shota @ Rustaveli Boutique Hotel is in the Mtatsminda district in Tbilisi, just a short walk from Rustaveli Avenue. Rooms are spacious and elegantly decorated with modern art by local Georgian artists. The restaurant offers up a selection of traditional Georgian dishes with a modern twist.
Located close to the central park, the Sheki Saray Hotel is 4-star property which offers comfortable accommodation in the heart of Sheki. Dine at the hotel's restaurant, which offers a range of national and international cuisine. Features: 72 rooms & suites, restaurant, bar, terrace, Wi-Fi. Room amenities: Air conditioning, coffee facilities, television, minibar, hairdryer.
The Saphire Hotel is located in the heart of Baku, the Azeri capital. It is just minutes from the Unesco listed old town and the seashore. Rooms are of a generous size and are warmly decorated, and many have views of the Baku skyline. The restaurant offers a mix of local and international cuisine, and there is also a bar and lounge area.
The hotel is located in the village of Stepantsminda in the Kazbegi National Park on the northern slopes of the dramatic Caucasus mountain range. Rooms are a good size with views over Mount Kazbek, whilst the restaurant has floor to ceiling windows that offer panoramic views across the valley. Local Georgian cuisine is served with a wide selection of Georgian wines.
Located just outside Telavi, Chateau Mere is housed in an old stone castle. The property overlooks the vineyards with the Caucasus mountains and Alazani valley below. Each of the 15 guestrooms have stripped wooden floors and are decorated with antique furniture and modern bathrooms. A breakfast buffet is provided at the hotel, which also features its own restaurant serving traditional Georgian cuisine made from organic local produce.
AZA2021
Flexible Prices & Itineraries
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Please call 020 7873 5000 for more information or to make a booking.
Prices above are per person in pounds sterling (£), based on two people sharing a twin-room. The prices which were valid at the time of publication, may be subject to change, particularly as a result of variable flight costs. You will be informed of any such changes prior to booking.
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