|
THE
CASPIAN FROM BAKU TO TEHRAN
A World Heritage Sites Tour of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia and Iran) |
 |
This
extraordinary tour takes us to an extremely complex and
interesting part of the world. This is the world of the
Persians, Khazars, Arabs, Huns, Turko-Mongols, Russians,
Azerbaijanians, Georgians and Armenians. All of these
cultures have combined in this region resulting in rich
ethnic and linguistic complexity as well as astounding
architecture. The Caucasus and Iran tour studies this
four-country region in one spectacular journey.
|
Tour
Summary
|
Map |
Day
|
Place
|
|
01,
02, & 03
|
Baku
(AZERBAIJAN) |
|
04
|
Baku/Sheki
|
|
05
|
Sheki/Lagodekhi/Telavi (GEORGIA) |
|
06
|
Telavi/Tbilisi
|
|
07
|
Tbilisi |
|
08
|
Tbilisi/Bakuriani
|
|
09
|
Bakuriani |
|
10
|
Bakuriani/Tbilisi
|
|
11
|
Tbilisi/Yerevan
(ARMENIA)
|
|
12,
13 & 14
|
Yerevan
|
| 15 |
Yerevan
/ Tabriz (IRAN) |
| 16 |
Tabriz
/ Anzali |
| 17 |
Anzali
/ Rasht |
| 18 |
Rasht
/ Tehran |
| 19 |
Tehran |
| 20 |
Tehran
/ Shiraz |
| 21 |
Shiraz
|
| 22 |
Shiraz
/ Esfahan |
| 23,
24 |
Esfahan
|
| 25 |
Esfahan
/ Tehran |
| 26 |
Tehran
|
|
|
 |
UNESCO
World Heritage Sites Visited
This tour has been tailored to include the following World
Heritage Sites |
|
World Heritage Sites in Azerbaijan covered on this
tour |
|
Walled City of Baku with the Shirvanshah's Palace and
Maiden Tower (2000) |
Built
on a site inhabited since the Palaeolithic period, the
Walled City of Baku reveals evidence of Zoroastrian, Sassanian,
Arabic, Persian, Shirvani, Ottoman, and Russian presence
in cultural continuity. |
| World
Heritage Sites in Armenia covered on this tour |
|
Monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin (1996, 2000) |
These
two Byzantine monasteries in the Tumanian region dating
from the period of prosperity during the Kiurikian dynasty
(10th to 13th century) were important centres of learning.
Sanahin was renown for its school of illuminators and
calligraphers. |
| Cathedral
and Churches of Echmiatsin and the Archaeological Site
of Zvartnots (2000) |
The
cathedral and churches of Echmiatsin and the archaeological
remains at Zvartnots graphically illustrate the evolution
and development of the Armenian central-domed cross-hall
type of church, which exerted a profound influence on
architectural and artistic development in the region. |
| World
Heritage Sites in Georgia covered on this tour |
| City-Museum
Reserve of Mtskheta (1994) |
The
historic churches of Mtskheta, former capital of Georgia,
are outstanding examples of medieval religious architecture
in the Caucasus. They show the high artistic and cultural
level attained by this ancient kingdom. |
|
World Heritage Sites in Iran covered on this tour |
| Persepolis
(1979) |
Founded
by Darius I in 518 B.C., Persepolis was the capital of
the Achaemenid Empire. It was built on an immense half-
artificial, half-natural terrace, where the king of kings
created an impressive palace complex inspired by Mesopotamian
models. The importance and quality of the monumental ruins
make it a unique archaeological site. |
| Meidan
Emam, Esfahan (1979) |
Built
by Shah Abbas I the Great at the beginning of the 17th
century, and bordered on all sides by monumental buildings
linked by a series of two-storeyed arcades, the site is
known for the Royal Mosque, the Mosque of Sheykh Lotfollah,
the magnificent Portico of Qaysariyyeh and the 15th-century
Timurid palace. They are an impressive testimony to the
level of social and cultural life in Persia during the
Safavid era. |
| Detailed
Itinerary |
Day 1: Arrive
Baku (AZERBAIJAN)
Xosh gälmìsän! Welcome to Baku, the capital
city of Azerbaijan. Baku is located on the west shore of the
Caspian Sea. We are driven through the city to our hotel.
Overnight: Grand Europe Hotel, Baku (3 nights)
Day 2: Baku
Morning tour of the Gobustan and the mud volcanoes. Afternoon
sightseeing tour of Baku highlights some striking architectural
monuments of the Islamic Medieval period including the medieval
walls of the Old Town, Shirvan Shakh’s Palace, the Maiden
Tower, the Carpet and Applied Arts Museum. (B, D)
Day 3: Baku
Today’s day excursion to Absheron Peninsula includes
the Zoroastrian Temple of Fire Ateshgyah – fire worshippers
temple, which for centuries has been a center of worship, the
14th century temple in Mardakan and Yanardag Flaming Mountain,
burning with an eternal flame fed by the underground naphtha
and gas. Afternoon we enjoy some leisure time walking throughout
the central part of the city and exploring local shopping centers.
It will also be our opportunity to meet and mingle with the
locals. (B, D)
Day 4: Baku / Sheki
A scenic and relaxed drive for Sheki. We will take advantage
of the early arrival with a tour of Sheki, which will include
the Museum of Applied Arts, "Shebeke" manufacturing
workshops, and the magnificent Sheki Khan's palace (view from
the outside only). Evening is free to enjoy and stroll around
Sheki town.
Overnight: Caravan Saray, Sheki (1 night) (B, D)
Day 5: Sheki / Lagodekhi / Telavi (GEORGIA)
Morning we prepare for our departure from Azerbaijan as we
are driven to the border where we will meet with our Georgian
guide and transport for our transfer to Telavi. As we drive
to Telavi, we visit the Tsinandali Winery and Park, Alavedri
Cathedral and Shuamta Monastery in the Kakheti province.
Overnight: Private homes, Telavi (1 night) (B, D)
Day 6: Telavi / Tbilisi
Another interesting day ahead as we drive from Telavi to the
David Gareji Monastery in the Gareji semi-desert. We also visit
Lavra and walk up to Udabno cave Monastery. Afternoon is a
leisurely drive to the capital city of Tbilisi.
Overnight: Sheraton Metechi Palace Hotel, Tbilisi (2 nights)
(B, L, D)
Day 7: Tbilisi
Our full day sightseeing tour starts with the State Museum
of Georgia with its magnificent exhibition of gold work dating
back to the 3rd century BC, the Old Caravansary Merchants oriental
style building, the Metechi cross cupola church (12th-13th
century), areas of the Royal residential complex, the Sulfur
Bathhouses, the Carpet Collection, Siony, the Main Cathedral
of Tbilisi (7th-19th century), and finally Rustaveli Avenue,
the most beautiful street of Tbilisi. Rustaveli is a popular
street where both local and foreigners gather to meet and spend
time together. This is also a popular shopping place and one
can often find roadside musicians displaying their talent.
(B, D)
Day 8: Tbilisi / Bakuriani
A scenic drive with some interesting sites being covered today.
We start off with a visit to Mtskhetia where we visit Jvari
Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. We then continue for
Gori where we visit Uplistsikhe cave town. We may possibly
also visit the Joseph Stalin Museum. Later we embark on our
journey to Bakuriani ski resort via Borjomi.
Overnight: Vera Palace Hotel, Bakuriani (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 9: Bakuriani
An exciting day ahead as we drive to Samtskhe-Javakheti Province
where we will visit some exceptional sites. The Khertvisi Fortress
(11th century) that, according to legend, was seen along with
other Georgian fortresses by Alexander of Macedonian in the
4th Century BC during his campaign in the east. The Cave-town
of Vardzia (12th -13th Century frescos), is a striking complex
hewn in rock, regarded as the cultural and educational center
of the time. (B, L, D)
Day 10: Bakuriani / Tbilisi
On our return journey from Bakuriani to Tbilisi we take a diversion
and turn north along Georgian Military Highway up to Zhinvali
Lake. Here we visit the Ananauri architectural complex. We
arrive in time at Tbilisi to allow us with some independent
time to wander through the town and local bazaars.
Overnight: Sheraton Metechi Palace Hotel, Tbilisi (1 night)
(B, D)
Day 11: Tbilisi / Yerevan (ARMENIA)
After breakfast we head for Sadakhlo on the Georgian-Armenian
border. Bidding farewell to our Georgian friends we are met
by our Aremenian friends and warmly welcomed and transferred
to Yerevan. En-route our journey to the Armenian capital, we
visit the Monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin, touted as the
best architectural examples of Armenian religious art between
the 10th and 13th Centuries.
Overnight: Marriott Hotel, Yerevan (4 nights) (B, D)
Day 12: Yerevan
We start the day with a sightseeing tour of the city of Yerevan
with visits to the National Museum of Armenian History and
the Matenadaran, followed by an excursion to the Echmiadzin
Church and Museum, and the Hripsime and Zvartnots Cathedrals.
Evening is free to stroll on your own. Yerevan offers an interesting
place to walk on your own and meet local folks as well as do
some shopping. (B, D)
Day 13: Yerevan
Today is our excursion to Garni and Geghard, followed by an
afternoon visit to the empty beaches and white sands of Lake
Sevan. This mountainous lake covers approximately 5% of Armenia’s
surface area and is 2000 meters/2187 yards above sea level.
Maxim Gorky said about the waters, that they were like a piece
of the sky that had descended to earth among the mountains.
It will be an interesting countryside day. (B, D)
Day 14: Yerevan
Full day excursion south to Khor Virap, one of the romantically
sited monasteries in Armenia with views across vast planes
of Turkey and the twin peaks of Mount Ararat. Here, in the
atmosphere of historical environment and vivid imagination
one notices Noah’s Ark in the snows of Ararat. Humankind
was reborn here, and Noah is considered to be the first tourist
in the world. The theatrical ceremonies and festivals performing
on a Noah’s-Ark-shaped stage in the immediate vicinity
of the monastery and against the majestic Mount Ararat will
take you back to the Noah’s ages. Free time for people
to enjoy Yerevan including visiting the hole where Gregory
the Illuminator was jailed for disseminating Christianity in
Armenia. The tour culminates with a visit to the 12th century
monastery of Noravank set in a canyon rich with rare flora. (B, D)
Day 15: Yerevan / Tabriz (IRAN- Drive)
Today we depart the Caucasus for Tabriz in Iran. Tabriz is
famous for its exquisite carpets and its long history. It has
been the capital city of Iran on numerous times throughout
the old history of this country. Tabriz is the birthplace of
Shams Tabriz, the mentor of Jalaluddin Rumi the founder of
Suffism and the city, even today, is reputed to exude an aura
of serenity. This evening, one can experience this calm while
walking and meeting people in the old part of the city.
Overnight: Gostaresh Hotel, Tabriz (1 night) (B, D)
Day 16: Tabriz / Anzali (Drive)
This morning we tour the city of Tabriz enjoying the ancient
architecture and splendid bazaars of this major agricultural
center. Armenians, Turkomans, Kurds work side by side in stalls
pilled ceiling-high with leather boots, woolen headgear, and
many-coloured fabrics. Here again you find the friendly bustle
of the Oriental market with its mysterious discussions and
its aroma of leather and spices. We then continue on to Anzali.
Overnight: Kadousan Hotel, Anzali (1 night) (B, D)
Day 17: Anzali / Rasht (Drive)
This morning we take in a boat ride on the marshland then a
visit to the caviar-processing factory. Next stop is a visit
to the stunningly beautiful village of Masuleh then onto Rasht.
Overnight: Kadous Hotel, Rasht (1 night) (B, D)
Day 18: Rasht / Tehran (Drive)
A beautiful drive takes us to Tehran.
Overnight: Laleh Hotel, Tehran (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 19: Tehran
Full day tour starts off with a visit to the Carpet Museum
which has an excellent collection of Iranian hand woven carpets,
followed by the Museum of Reza Abbasi. This museum named after
the most famous miniaturist in the Safavid era, was opened
in 1977. It exhibits artifacts dating back to prehistoric,
ancient and Islamic periods and is particularly rich in Islamic
calligraphy. Lastly, we visit the Archaeological Museums with
its fine collection including a stone capital of a winged lion
from Susa and a 6th century B.C. audience hall relief of Darius
the Great from the Treasury at Persepolis. The museum has items
dating back from the Sumerian Period (4500 B.C.) to contemporary
times.
(B, D)
Day 20: Tehran/Shiraz (Flight)
Morning visit the Glass and Ceramic Museum and Sa'dabad Palace.
Late afternoon transfer to the airport for our flight to Shiraz,
traditionally known as the city of Roses and Nightingales.
Overnight: Homa Hotel, Shiraz (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 21: Shiraz
Shiraz is the capital of the Province of Fars. Our visit today
will include the Eram Garden, the tombs of Saadi and Hafiz
- two of the most well known Persian poets, Nasirol-Molk Mosque,
Afif-Abad Garden, the Church of Saint Simmon the Zealot. (B, D)
Day 22: Shiraz/Esfahan (Flight)
Morning excursion to Persepolis, which in Greek literally means
the capital of Persia, lies 60 kms/37 miles north of Shiraz.
Persepolis is the last and final ultimate expression of the
ancient Middle East. Construction began by Darius the Great
(521 - 468 B.C.) as the focus of the mighty Achemenian Empire
nearly 2500 years ago. Our next stop is Naqsh-e-Rustam - tomb
of the famous Rustam. Late evening transfer to the airport
for our flight to Esfahan, another highlight city. Legend has
it that Esfahan was founded at the time of Tahmourass or Keykavous.
During the Safavid Era (16th and 17th Century A.D.), Esfahan
was a city of Gardens and Palaces, a trade centre recognised
by the saying, "Esfahan is half of the world".
Overnight: Abbasi Hotel, Esfahan (3 nights) (B, D)
Day 23: Esfahan
Full day tour of this magnificent includes Hasht Behesht Palace
(built in 1680 A.D. during the rule of Suleiman II, the Armenian
Vank Church, Friday Mosque and the famous bridges. (B, D)
Day 24: Esfahan
Today visit includes Imam Square (Naqsh-e- Jahan) with its
Sheikh Lotfollah and Imam Mosques, Aliqapu Palace, Chehel Sutoon
Palace (40 pillars) built by Shah Abbas as a hall of audience
and visit what definitely a most famous bazaar in Iran. (B,
D)
Day 25: Esfahan/Tehran (Drive)
On our scenic drive to Tehran we stop at Kashan, an attractive
oasis town, and take in its attractive sights. We visit Tabatabaie
Houses and Khan-e Borujerdi, built as a private residence,
now a charming museum with a lovely courtyard. We then take
in the famous Fin Garden and witness its breathtaking pools,
orchards and natural springs. Next we visit Agha Bozorg Mosque
famous for its lovely portals and minarets. Next is a visit
to the exquisite Shrine of Fatima in Qum and later we view
the Tomb of Ayatollah Khomeini.
Overnight: Laleh Hotel, Tehran (1 night) (B, D)
Day 26: Depart Tehran
Morning transfer to the airport for the departure flight. |
|
B
= Breakfast
|
L
= Lunch
|
D
= Dinner
|
|
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|
Departure Dates |
|
2008
May 13, Jul 01 & Sep 16
|
| Prices |
| Season |
Tour
Price US$ / CA$ |
Single
Sup US$ / CA$ |
| 2008 |
7865 |
1710 |
| Tour
Price Includes |
Tour
Price Does Not Include: |
•
Accommodation as mentioned or similar category
• Meals as indicated (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch,
D = Dinner)
• All transfers and sightseeing with services of local English
speaking driver/guide.
• Entrance Fees to Museums and Sites
• Local English speaking guides
• Visa Support as required |
•
International Airfare / Departure Taxes
• Travel Insurances
• Visa Fees
• Drinks / Beverages with meals
• Tips / Gratuities to Drivers & Guides |
| Domestic
/ Regional Airfare INCLUDED in Tour Price |
| Tehran/Shiraz
& Shiraz/Esfahan |
| Estimated
International Airfare(not
included in tour price) |
| East
Coast |
US $ / CA $
1400 |
| West
Coast |
US $ / CA $
1600 |
| Please
note:
This tour operates with a minimum of 02
and a maximum of 15
participants. |
| Other
Dates / Customized Itinerary / Languages |
In addition to our set programs we are also pleased
to offer customized tours.
Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your
individual needs.
Customized tours can be conducted in English, French,
German, Spanish or Italian. Each departure is conducted
in the designated language only. |
| Contact
Information |
|
|
Fax:
+1-604-264-7774
|
| 206–8678
Greenall Ave |
Phone:
+1-604-264-7378 |
| Burnaby
B.C., Canada |
Toll
Free (US & Canada): 1-800-663-0844 |
| V5J
3M6 |
Email:
bestway@bestway.com |
|
30
years in small group journeys
|
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Site
updated April 04, 2008
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