World Heritage Tours - World Heritage Tours - Tours in the Middle East, Tours in South America, Tours in Indochina, Tours in Africa,  African Safaris
World Heritage Tours - World Heritage Tours - Tours in the Middle East, Tours in South America, Tours in Indochina, Tours in Africa,  African Safaris
THE CAUCASUS
A World Heritage Sites Tour of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia
This extraordinary tour takes us to an extremely complex and interesting part of the world. Persians, Khazars, Arabs, Huns, Turko-Mongols, and Russians have invaded and migrated into the Caucasus and have provided the region with its rich ethnic and linguistic complexity as well as its astounding architecture. As if this diversity were not enough, the Caucasus also offers a variety of pristine landscapes and stunning vistas just waiting to be discovered.


Tour Summary
Map
Day
Place
01
Baku (AZERBAIJAN)
02
Baku
03 Baku
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
Yerevan
13
Yerevan
14 Yerevan
15 Yerevan

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.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Baku (AZERBAIJAN)
Xosh galmisan! 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
This morning we tour the Gobustan and the mud volcanoes. Our 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. Here is a perfect opportunity to meet and mingle with the locals. (B, D)

Day 4: Baku / Sheki
We begin this day with 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, 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 area and one can often see 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 Mtskheta where we visit Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. We then continue for Gori where we visit Uplistsikhe cave town. Time permitting, we may 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, Tbilisi (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. (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: Depart Yerevan
Today we depart the Caucasus filled with memories and unforgettable experiences of a land that has been traveled often in the past but little explored. (B)


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 5375 1165
Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include:
• Hotel accommodation as mentioned or similar
• Meal plan as mentioned (B= Breakfast,
L
= Lunch, D= Dinner)
• All transfers and sightseeing with services of local English speaking driver/guide.
• Entrance Fees to Museums and Sites
• Visa Support as required
• International Airfare / Departure Taxes
• Travel Insurances
• Visa Fees
• Drinks / Beverages with meals
• Tips / Gratuities to Drivers & Guides

Please Note: The visa fees are approximately $60.00 per visa (to be issued locally with 2 photos required per country.

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
Bestway Tours & Safaris
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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photographs © Peter Langer
Site updated April 04, 2008
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