Caucasus Jewel - Myths and Mysteries

Welcome to Georgia! Your transfer from TBS awaits for a smooth ride to your hotel in Tbilisi. Enjoy some free time before 5 pm, then meet in the hotel lobby with our leader and ask any questions you may have. Afterward, a short evening walk through the atmosphere of Old Tbilisi’s illuminated landmarks, lively narrow streets, and stories of the capital. Join a delicious welcome group dinner “supra” together. It’s a great chance to get to know each other and fellow travelers a little, this is going to be special.

After breakfast, join your tour leader for an excursion to see Tbilisi from a completely different perspective! The city route provides a good chance to stretch our legs. Exploring the old town starts by visiting enormous landmarks like Narikala, Metekhi, enjoy breath-taking views from Mtatsminda and hear stories of 6th-century cathedral Sioni, the most important religious landmark. explore hidden gems, an impressive  botanical garden and Hear the story of the city’s 5th-century founding, connected to its legendary hot springs. We began to explore the magical old town of Tbilisi. At the break enjoy a lunch at a local authentic restaurant with a view of the old town and much more!  In the afternoon you can take an optional cooking class and experience a food coma full of Shkmeruli and Khachapuri. The afternoon is spent relaxing in a sulfur bath like a local.

Leave Tbilisi behind and travel to experience the magic of a desert sunrise!  Journey to Georgia’s stunning Udabno region, known for its volcanic landscapes painted in vibrant colors and early middle age David Gareja Monastery Complex. Hike to a spectacular viewpoint overlooking the Georgia-Azerbaijan border as the sun paints the sky.  

The adventure continues as we cross into Armenia! Journey through the rugged beauty of lori towards the UNESCO-listed Haghpat Monastery.  After exploring this historic treasure, we’ll arrive at the Sevan Lake. Enjoy free time for lunch and capture breathtaking views of surrounding landscapes.

The day culminates with a visit to the remarkable Tatev Monastery. Prepare for stunning scenery as we journey to this clifftop wonder overlooking the Vorotan River Gorge. Dinner all together at a small family owned guesthouse.

Today, we journey from Tatev to Yerevan. Relax and soak in Armenia’s picturesque landscapes as we travel through the Vayots Dzor Province. Watch idyllic scenes dotted with small villages unfold before us. We’ll make a special stop in the Areni wine region, where you can savor the flavors of locally produced wine. Prepare for a final experience to cement our Armenia love affair: the chance to explore the iconic Garni Temple, a symbol of pre-Christian Armenia. Our journey then concludes in Yerevan.

The morning starts with a comprehensive tour through the center of Yerevan. Stroll through the historical heart of the town; your guide will show you the Cascade Complex, Matenadaran, Mother Armenia monument, and more. Walk around the Armenian National Opera and Ballet Theatre, pass the Cafesjian Center for the Arts, and explore the Blue Mosque. You can always explore the city on your own. For example, visit the Ararat Brandy Museum and take a tasting of aged brandies. In the evening, go to Republic Square and enjoy watching the fountain show. Afterward, a delicious Armenian cooking class with fellow travellers and dinner in a cozy atmosphere await.

Today we will leave Yerevan in the early morning, heading north. This route has beautiful landscapes. We’ll enjoy a city tour of Gyumri. Afterward, we’ll drive to the 10th-century Marmashen Monastery in Shirak Province. It’s been sweet, but we’re swapping Armenia back for Georgia again this afternoon. We head towards Javakheti, known as the historic southern region of the Georgian Medieval Kingdom. Here, castles and monasteries still hold an enormous cultural and historical legacy. At Vardzia complex you can explore caves with your guide.

Look forward to more Georgia adventures today and travel towards the majestic and mysterious mountains. The first stop will be at the small town Borjomi, famous with national parks and mineral springs. After driving to the west part of Georgia though Rikoti, we will stop at 9th century church Ubisa, enjoy lunch in a nearby area and continue our journey to the north where beautiful landscapes with high mountains and rivers awaits. For late lunch we will stop at small family owned winery to taste Megruli dishes and sampling local natural wines. With magical views unfolding outside our windows we’ll find ourselves in the Svaneti region. Tonight we’ll have a chance to soak up the idyllic scenery at Mazeri village. 

Open the window of your room and drink in the incredible view. Today we enjoy stunning mountain landscapes while crossing the Caucasus Mountains. You’re free to join an exhilarating full-day adventure to Ushguli, the highest permanently inhabited village in Europe. Feeling extra adventurous? Today is your chance to ascend to the glacier of Shkhara mountain, aka ‘the 3rd Top of Europe’.  With plenty of time to lust over mountain views, walk alone in narrow streets, climb Queen Tamar Castle, visit medieval churches in Ushguli, or delve into the Ethnographic Museum, which keeps ancient customs and traditions of Svaneti, before returning to Mazeri.

Today ́s stage has beautiful high mountain scenery. Don´t forget your winter clothes, we climb to one of the most spectacular spots in Svaneti. Alright fellow travellers it’s time to hit the trail. We’re gonna hike (moderate) from Mazeri village to the glorious and powerful Shdugra waterfall,  and see the majestic beauty of Mount Ushba. After that, complete your journey. Bounce to your seat, we are going to Enguri Dam Viewpoint point, But first, there’s just time for one last breath of fresh mountain air in Svaneti. After arriving in coastal city Batumi you will have a short evening city walking tour, and a nice dinner at the local restaurant. 

Today the first half of the day is free to spend as you like, Batumi. Alternatively, wander around the city at your own pace, go shopping or relax on the beach. You could even visit the Batumi Botanical Garden with a lot of species of plants from different climates and landscapes. After transfer to the Airport to have a flight from Georgia to Azerbaijan. Bye-bye Batumi! And hello Baku. after comfortable place in the Capital of Azerbaijan, In the evening we take a tour with a local expert, walking through the historic center, taking in places such as the Baku Panoramic View place by Funicular Baku, from there you can observe almost all part of city and look on famous Flame Towers. 

Get to know Baku on a locally guided tour featuring style, cul­ture and history. Today’s the day to stroll the beautiful streets of Baku. Of course we can’t leave the capital without visiting and exploring Azerbaijan Carpet Museum, with deep cultural meanings with symbolism & storytelling. After time to visit  Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape Get your camera ready for stunning views of this place and nearby mud volcanoes. Our adventure continues through the countryside with a stop at a local winery to sample their rose and red wines.  Finally, we’ll arrive in the picturesque town of Sheki.

At around 09:00, we’ll arrive at the Palace of Shaki Khans, a masterpiece of Azerbaijani and Caucasus architecture with its design. This palace tells a rich story of the region’s history.  After exploring its treasures, we bid farewell to Azerbaijan and journey back to Georgia. Our first Georgian stop is Sighnaghi, a cozy historical town perched atop a hill, offering stunning views of the Alazani Valley and the Greater Caucasus Mountains. Later, we’ll drive through the heart of Kakheti wine country. Discover the ancient craft of Qvevri, where wine is fermented in large clay vessels buried underground. After a workshop and tasting of homemade spirits, we’ll visit another local winery.  Your day culminates with a delicious supper amidst the vineyards. Tonight, foodies will savor an abundance of homemade Georgian dishes paired with unique natural wines.

Today, we are going to travel from Telavi to Stepantsminda via Georgian Military road. on the way stop at small fortress Ananuri famous with views, towers and two churches of unique monumental paintings and facade decorations, also on the way enjoy cooking master class of mountain food, enjoying breathtaking sceneries, and at the evening hike to Gergeti Trinity Church from Stepantsminda.

Wake up, sleepyheads! Today, we’ll saddle up for a half-day horseback adventure in the Truso Valley, surrounded by mountains. Continue your journey to the Gudauri Panorama viewpoint, offering 360-degree views of the mountains and the dramatic Devil’s Valley. Take one last deep breath of crisp mountain air before descending to the 6th-century Jvari Monastery.  This UNESCO-listed masterpiece boasts stunning hilltop views overlooking Georgia’s ancient capital, Mtskheta, at the confluence of two rivers. Our next stop is the Ateni Gorge, known for its lush fruit orchards, rich history, and cliffside vineyards.  Your day culminates at a family-owned winery guest house nestled amidst the vineyards and the 7th-century Ateni Church.  Tonight, foodies will feast on delicious homemade dishes paired with local natural wines.

Look forward to more Georgian adventures!  We’ll begin with a visit to the Ateni Monastery medieval frescos, before an optional stop in Gori. Here, you can choose to visit the Museum of Joseph Stalin (visit is an optional, due to its controversial nature), an infamous figure in Georgian history.  Our journey continues to the Uplistsikhe Cave complex, an ancient city carved into the sandstone cliffs. After a guided tour, we’ll  travel along a scenic countryside road to Mtskheta, Georgia’s ancient capital. Explore this beautiful town with your expert guide, admire the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, browse souvenir shops, and relax with a coffee. Capture memorable photos before returning to Tbilisi, where your journey concludes.

Breakfast in a hotel. Pick up in the hotel by your Driver and transfer to Tbilisi airport according to your flight departure time. Usually 3 hours before the flight.