Day01: Depart USA to Baku
Day 02: Arrival to Baku. Baku city tour
Meeting at the Baku International Airport. Transfer to Baku.
Tour starts with the visit to the charming example of modern architecture – The Heydar Aliyev Center ( no entrance) – a 57,500 m2 building complex in Baku, Azerbaijan designed by Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid and noted for its distinctive architecture and flowing, curved style that eschews sharp angles. The center is named after Heydar Aliyev, the first secretary of Soviet Azerbaijan from 1969 to 1982, and president of Azerbaijan Republic from October 1993 to October 2003. (Photoshoot outside)
Start Baku City tour
Visit to Highland Park-Alley of Martyrs, The National Assembly- also transliterated as Milli Majlis, Flame Towers- the tallest skyscraper in Baku. Walking through Baku Boulevard, which stretches along a south-facing bay on the Caspian Sea. It traditionally starts at Freedom Square continuing west to the Old City and beyond. Since 2012, the Yeni Bulvar (New Boulevard) has virtually doubled the length to 3.75 km.
Our tour program continues with Old City or Inner City is the historical core of Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. Old City or Inner City is the historical core of Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. The Old City is the most ancient part of Baku, which is surrounded by walls that are well protected. In 2007, the Old City had a population of about 3000 people. In December 2000, the Old City of Baku, including the Palace of the Shirvanshahs’ and Maiden Tower, became the first location in Azerbaijan to be classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Besides them there are a lot of other unique monuments of Icheri Sheher: The Synyk Kala Minaret, located in Baku’s Old Town, is the city’s oldest building dated 1093 and nearby is The Lezgi Mosque – constructed in the 12th century. Other mosques, minarets, the remnants of Caravanserais; Ancient baths and other places of interest. We will also visit Miniature Book Museum.
Later group will experience the happening street of Nizami Street known for shopping. The street’s history could be traced back to Baku’s town-planning project of 1864. The street runs through the city’s downtown from west to east.
Overnight in Baku
Day 03: Baku – Guba – Khinalig – Baku
Included: Buffet Breakfast & Dinner
We will pass through Kirmizi Kasaba – a small town, regarded as the only settlement outside of Israel, which was inhabited only by Jews. We continue our way to more and more picturesque way, coming up to the altitude of over 2000 m above sea level to the village of Khinalig. There are wonderful views of the mountain ranges, which are covered with snow caps for most months of the year. The village inhabited for at least 5,000 years, thanks to its location far from important routes, has preserved its unique architecture and character. Even the local population exhibits physical characteristics and traditions that are not seen in the majority of Azerbaijani residents.
Khinalig is known for its typical stones built from local mountain homes, several historic mosques and numerous caves in the area.
Day 04: Gobustan Mud Volcanoes & AteshgahYanardag Tour
Included: Buffet Breakfast & Dinner
Gobustan – the place with prehistoric rock carvings documenting the life of the former inhabitants of this area. The Gobustan reserve is about 60 km southwest of Baku and is located in a rocky area with a semi-desert climate. The reserve known for its many petroglyphs from the Stone Age and after. The rocks covered with drawings stand amidst the chaos of stones and mountains. There are more than 4000 rock drawings left by artists of the Neolithic period.
Near the reserve, there are a large number of Volcanoes of Mud, and estimated that out of 700 existing in the world, 300 are located in eastern Azerbaijan. These are trenches located about 10 km south of the Petroglyphs area, which emit bubbling mud and gas. In 2007 UNESCO declared the area of 5,370 dunams in the reserve as a World Heritage Site.
Tour continues with “Fire Mountain “-“Yanardag” –a mountain on Absheron peninsula , 25 km from north of Baku.Literally, word “Yanardag” means “Blazing mountain”. Blazing bodies of flame dance on stones and floor. Yanar dag is a natural gas fire, which blazes continuously on a hillside of the Absheron Peninsula on the Caspian Sea near Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, which itself is known as the “land of fire.”
Trip to Ateshgah (Fire Worshippers Temple) Based on Persian and Indian inscriptions, the temple was used as a Hindu and Zoroastrian place of worship. “Atash» is the Persian word for fire. The pentagonal complex , which has a courtyard surrounded by cells for monks and a tetra pillar-altar in the middle, was built during the 17th and 18th
centuries.
Day 05: Baku – Shamakhi – Sheki
Included: Buffet Breakfast & Dinner
Today we will set off deeper into the country. Our first stop will be harmoniously integrated into the vertical wall of the rock mausoleum of Sheikh Diri Baba in the village of Maraza. The architecture of the object uses the symbolism of geometric figures in an interesting way, and the place itself emanating spirituality has become a legend. Then we will get to Shemakha city with a rich heritage, which over two thousand years of its existence has often become an arena for major events. We will see there a magnificent, historic Juma Mosque, a nostalgic cemetery of YeddiGumbez, as well as the family tombs of Shirvanskakh’s.
Sightseeing tour around Sheki. It is one of the more charming cities of Azerbaijan; located 700 m above sea level, surrounded by mountains and oak forest, reminiscent of an ancient amphitheater. It was known as an important point of the Silk Road. Visit Sheki Medieval fortress, Sheki Khans Palace, built in 1762 by Hussein Khan the interior of the two-storey building is decorated with magnificent frescoes and lit by exquisite stained glass.
Former rulers, the Khan, placed here in the 18th century in their Khan’s Palace in oriental style, one of the most valuable and the most magnificent in this part of the world with unique frescoes and stained glass windows. We will also see a Caravanserai – a former inn for caravan merchants.
Transfer to the pretty Caucasian village of Kish, the original capital of the local Khanate with stone buildings and cobbled streets. We will see here a well-preserved Albanian church from the twelfth century. Overnight in Sheki.
Day 06: Azerbaijan – Sighnaghi – Bodbe – Tbilisi
Included: Buffet Breakfast & Dinner.
Transfer to Azerbaijan – Georgia border Lagodekhi.
you will explore the Kakheti region, known as the birthplace of Georgian winemaking. Depart from Tbilisi and head towards Sighnaghi, a charming town famous for its wellpreserved fortress walls traditional crafts and handmade souvenirs. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this quaint town,
known for its romantic ambiance. Transfer to Tbilisi. Overnight in Tbilisi.
Day 07: Tbilisi City tour + Chateau Mukhrani
Included: Buffet Breakfast & Dinner.
Start the city tour. Georgia’s ancient and vibrant capital city spreads out on both banks of the Mtkvari River and is surrounded on three sides by mountains. The name “Tbilisi” derives from the Georgian word “tbili”, meaning warm.
First, we’ll visit Metekhi Church and take the cable car up to the Narikala Fortress, where we’ll also see Kartlisdeda- a monument and a symbol of Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia. Kartlis Deda, which means “Mother of Georgia” in English.
From above you can enjoy a wonderful view of the old town with its many imposing buildings. From Narikala Fortress, continue to walk in the direction of the sulfur baths, Sioni Cathedral, Peace Bridge and the city’s oldest church: Antchiskhati Basilica. The city mesmerizes with its diversity. Enjoy the day strolling through the town of Tbilisi, mixture of the old and something new!
Next, drive to Chateau Mukhrani . The valleys of the Caucasus Mountains are home to the first known traces of winemaking – in 6,000 BC – making Georgia a mecca for oenophiles, and the royal palace of Château Mukhrani in particular, seat of the modern faction of the Bagrationi dynasty. A nineteenth century castle with French-style grounds designed by a gardener specially brought over from the Palace of Versailles, its restored warren of cellars houses some 60,000 bottles of wine; here you will have wine degustation (4 types). Transfer to Tbilisi. Overnight in Tbilisi.
Day 08: Tbilisi – Ananuri – Kazbegi – Tbilisi
Included: Buffet Breakfast & Dinner
Drive along the Georgian Military Road to the town of Stepantsminda. Photo stop at Zhinvali Reservoir and Ananuri Fortress Complex. Continue driving on the Highway passing through the highest point at 2379 m above sea level. Photo stop at Russia-Georgia Friendship Monument. Reach Stepantsminda, a small town with views of Mount Kazbegi (or Mkinvartsweri) – at 5054m, the seventh highest peak in the Caucasus Mountains. Take SUVs to Gergeti Holy Trinity Church located at an altitude of 2170 m to enjoy breath taking views to Mount Kazbegi. Stepantsminda offers a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty and rich history of Georgia, with the stunning mountain landscapes of the Caucasus. Drive to Tbilisi. Overnight in Tbilisi.
Day 09: Tbilisi – Mtkheta – Uflistsikhe – Batumi
Included: Buffet Breakfast & Dinner
On this day, you will visit Mtskheta, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Mtskheta was the capital of the early Georgian Kingdom of Iberia and is home to many historic landmarks, including the Jvari Monastery and the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.
Next drive to Visit Uplistsikhe cave town, located 7 km south-east of Gori on the left bank of the Mtkvari River. The site still amazes visitors with its size, extraordinary position, refined forms and the beauty of the surrounding landscape. The history of Uplistsikhe goes back to the 2nd to 1st millennium B.C. back. In ancient times the city was one of the most important centers of Georgia and in the Middle Ages it stood on an important trade route that linked Byzantium with India and China. Drive to Batumi. Overnight in Batumi.
Day 10: Batumi city tour + Botanical Garden
Included: Buffet Breakfast & Dinner
Batumi city tour. Visit Batumi Piazza Square. Batumi Piazza Square is designed in the style of an Italian piazza and features beautiful architecture, fountains, and restaurants. Europe Square, also located in Batumi, is another popular public square that is characterized by its beautiful architecture and European-style design. Afterwards, photo stop at Ali and Nino moving sculptures, Alphabetic tower, and Batumi seaside park.
Next drive to Batumi botanical garden. Boasting one of the widest varieties of flora in the world, it was established in 1912 by the prominent botanist and geographer Andrey Krasnov. The garden is 111 hectares and contains flora from nine phyto-geographic areas.
Drive back to Batumi. Overnight in Batumi.
Day 11: Batumi – Martvili Canyon – Batumi
Included: Buffet Breakfast & Dinner
Today you will visit Samegrelo Region, where is located one of the most beautiful Canyon named Martvili. Where you will enjoy the boat trip, explore the surrounding, after Martvili Canyon you will Georgian nobleman’s Palace in the village of Salkhino. Drive back to Batumi. Overnight in Batumi.
Day 12: Departure
Included: Buffet
Today we transfer to the airport for your flight home arriving in the USA.
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