SOUTH CAUCASUS TOUR
SOUTH CAUCASUS – 16 DAYS
Departing Baku on 15th May 2020
*** TOUR CLOSED ***
The Caucasus Mountains form the physical divide between Europe and Asia and the region of the South Caucasus, are home to the small nations of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia. Join our Byroads South Caucasus tour and contrast this fascinating area of the world.
We start in Azerbaijan – the ‘land of fire’. In Baku we explore the ancient citadel containing the palace, Maidens Tower, historic mosques and ancient caravanserais. We then discover ‘New’ Baku with its impressive modern towers and the stunning architecture. At the Gobustan Park we view stone age petroglyphs and walk amongst bubbling mud volcanoes. In the Ateshgah temple we admire the ancient Zoroastrian flame that burns continuously. In the old capital of Sheki we stay in a restored caravanserai and visit the Sheki Khan Palace.
Christian Georgia is home to soaring alpine mountains and lush valleys dotted with historic churches, fortresses and wineries. We explore homes of ancient Georgian royalty in Tsinandali and in Tbilisi we wander the old centre enjoying great views from the Narikala Fortress. Climbing into the Caucasus there are stunning views across to the Russian border whilst at Gori we wander the Stalin museum and visit the old capital at Mtskheta where Kings were crowned.
Armenia is a region of old legends, Biblical stories, centuries old monasteries and cathedrals. Historic Yerevan dates from the 8th Century BC and is watched over by imposing Mount Ararat. We explore the city, learn of the Armenian Genocide and visit stunning monasteries and forts at nearby Garni, Geghard and Noravank. We also join a cooking class and have hands-on experience at the pottery wheel.
Tour Highlights
| • 12th Century Maiden’s Tower | • Gremi Royal Residence | • Haghpat Monastery Armenia |
| • Palace of the Shirvan Shahs | • Tsinandali Historical Home | • Khachkar Artist Visit |
| • Baku History Museum | • Bodbe Convent & Sighnaghi | • Sevanavank Monastery |
| • Heydar Aliev Centre | • Walking Tour of Old Tbilisi | • Walking Tour of Yerevan |
| • Gobustan NP & Petroglyphs | • Narikala Fortress | • Armenia Genocide Memorial |
| • Bobustan Mud Volcanoes | • Ethnography Museum | • Armenian Cooking Class |
| • Ateshgah Fire Temple | • Jvari Church & Mtskheta | • Garni Fort & Geghard |
| • Ancient Village of Lahich | • Mount Kazbegi | • Etchmiadzin Apostolic Ctr |
| • Shekhi Khans Palace | • Ananuri & Stalin Museum | • Khor Virap & Mt Ararat |
| • Caravanserai Hotel Stay | • Uplistsikhe Stone Town | • Noravank Monastery |
| • Khareba Georgian Winery | • Local Family Dinner | • Areni Wine Tasting |
DAYS 1 – 3 – Baku, DAY 4 – Gobustan, Ateshgah & Baku, DAY 5 – Shamakha, Lahich & Sheki, DAY 6 – Georgian Border & Telavi, DAY 7 – Sighnaghi & Tbilisi, DAYS 8 & 9 – Tbilisi, DAY 10 – Jvari, Mtskheta & Gudauri, DAY 11 – Ananuri, Gori Uplishtsikhe & Mtskheta, DAY 12 – Armenian border, Vanadzor & Dilijan, DAY 13 – Lake Sevan & Yerevan, DAY 14 – Garni, Geghard, & Yerevan, DAY 15 – Khor Virap, Noravank, Areni & Yerevan, DAY 16 – End Yerevan
Cost: USD 4350*
Single Supplement: USD $1175*
* Paid in Australian dollars calculated on the due date using the bank buying rate for US Dollars cash.