Caucasus Explorer - Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan

Itinerary:

Day 1. Arrival
Arrival at the Baku international airport - the main international airport of Azerbaijan. Overnight in Baku. -/-/-

Day 2. Baku city tour - Maiden’s Tower, Juma Mosque, the Old City, the Palace of Shirvanshah
After breakfast we will start our Baku city tour. Some of the sites we will visit include the Maiden’s Tower, Juma Mosque, which represents the longstanding presence of Islam in the region and contributes to the architectural diversity of the Old City, the Palace of Shirvanshah and others. Overnight in Baku. B/-/-

Day 3. Bibi - Heybat Mosque - Gobustan - Mud Volcanoes - Yanar Dag (Absheron) - Ateshgah temple - Baku
Our first stop for today is the historical Bibi-Heybat Mosque, known for its distinct blue dome and minarets. Afterwards, we will continue to Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape - a UNESCO World Heritage Site located approximately 60 km southwest of Baku. The area is known for its unique geological formations and ancient rock engravings that date back to between 5,000 and 40,000 years ago. We will then explore some of the mud volcanoes in the region. Azerbaijan is home to over half of the world's mud volcanoes, with estimates ranging from 350 to 400 individual mud volcanoes. This unique geological phenomenon is believed to be a result of the subterranean release of gases, primarily methane, mixed with water and mud. The pressure from these gases causes the mud to be forced to the surface, creating a mud eruption. Nowadays volcanic clay and mud are used in the treatment of diseases related to the nervous system, skin and rheumatism. After lunch, we will continue our tour with a visit to the ancient Zoroastrian Temple Ateshgah. Fire holds great significance in Zoroastrianism and is considered a symbol of purity and a manifestation of the divine light of Ahura Mazda. Although, there are almost no practising Zoroastrians in Azerbaijan today, the religion has left a deep mark on the county’s history, traditions and culture. Afterwards, we will to “The Burning Mountain” - Yanar Dag. The flame at Yanar Dag has been burning for centuries, making it an enduring and natural phenomenon. It is one of the few continuously burning fires on the planet. The naturally occurring fire here results from the ignition of natural gas seeping through the porous sandstone layers of the Absheron Peninsula.Overnight in Baku. B/-/-

Day 4. Baku - Shamakhi - Sheki
Depart towards the scenic Caucasus Mountains in northwestern Azerbaijan. As we leave the dry landscape of Baku behind, the road takes us into lush, forested hills. Our first stop is Shamakhi, home to the impressive Juma Mosque, the largest in the Caucasus, and the historic Shirvanshah Tombs, known as Yeddi Gumbez.After short break for lunch.our day ends in Sheki, one of Azerbaijan’s oldest and most picturesque towns. Surrounded by mountains and oak forests, Sheki once played a key role on the Great Silk Road. We’ll visit the 18th-century Khan’s Summer Palace, famous for its vibrant frescoes and intricate stained glass. Check in into the hotel. Overnight. B/-/-

 Day 7. Tbilisi - Ananuri - Gudauri - Gergeti - Stepantsminda - Tbilisi
Today we will have a long day exploring the Kazbegi region, located in the far northern part of the country. Our first stop will be Ananuri - a castle and church complex that dates back to the 17th century, but includes elements from earlier periods. We will then continue north to the town of Stepantsminda. From here, we will take the 4x4 vehicles that will take us to Gergeti Holy Trinity church - a stunning medieval Georgian Orthodox church, which has become one of the symbols of Georgia and a highlight of any visit to the country. The church’s picturesque location offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including the iconic Mount Kazbek. Another curious site in the region is the Panorama Gudauri, also known as the Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument. The monument is a large round structure with a central spire and a circular, mosaic-covered wall. The exterior features Soviet-style artwork and mosaics depicting scenes of Georgian and Russian history, culture, and friendship. In the evening, we will return to our hotel in Tbilisi. B/-/-

Day 9. Dilijan - Lake Sevan - Garni - Geghard - Yerevan
Our first stop of the will be the stunning Lake Sevan, one of the largest high-altitude freshwater lakes in the world, located about 1,900 meters above sea level. We'll take time to admire the picturesque landscapes and visit Sevanavank Monastery, which sits on a peninsula and offers panoramic views over the lake.
Following our time at Lake Sevan, we continue to the Garni Temple, the only surviving pagan temple in Armenia. Built in the 1st century and dedicated to the sun god Mihr, it miraculously survived the Christianization of Armenia in the early 4th century, which saw the destruction or conversion of most pagan structures. The temple’s Greco-Roman architecture and its location overlooking the Azat River Gorge make it a remarkable historical and scenic site.After lunch in the Garni area, we make our way to the nearby Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an extraordinary example of medieval Armenian religious architecture. Partly carved into the surrounding rock cliffs, the monastery features stunning stonework and intricate carvings that reflect the high level of artistry of the time.
The name “Geghard” means “spear” in Armenian and refers to the Holy Lance that, according to tradition, wounded Jesus during the Crucifixion. This sacred relic was brought to Armenia and kept in the monastery for centuries, making it a revered pilgrimage site. (Today, the spear is preserved in the museum at Etchmiadzin.). B/-/-

Day 10. Yerevan - Echmiadzin - Yerevan
In the morning, after meeting our guide, we will begin a city tour of Yerevan, the vibrant capital of Armenia. We’ll explore the city’s main sights and landmarks, gaining insight into its rich history, culture, and architecture.After discovering the highlights of Yerevan, we will head to our first destination — the town of Etchmiadzin, often referred to as the spiritual heart of Armenia and one of the most important centers of Christianity in the world. The original Etchmiadzin Cathedral, dating back to the 4th century, is considered the oldest cathedral in Armenia — and by some accounts, the oldest in the world.
Next, we will visit the Zvartnots Temple, a masterpiece of 7th-century Armenian architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, often called “the pearl of early medieval architecture.Our final stop will be the Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex, a solemn and moving tribute dedicated to the memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide.
Return to Yerevan in the afternoon. B/-/-

Day 11. Yerevan - Khor Virap Monastery - Noravank Monastery - Yerevan
We begin today’s tour with a visit to the Khor Virap Monastery, one of Armenia’s most sacred and historically significant sites. This monastery is closely linked to the Christianization of Armenia. According to legend, Saint Gregory the Illuminator, the patron saint of Armenia, was imprisoned here in a deep pit (“khor virap” in Armenian) for 13 years by King Tiridates III. After Gregory’s miraculous survival and healing of the king, Tiridates converted to Christianity, marking the beginning of the Christian era in Armenia.
From the monastery, we will enjoy a spectacular view of the biblical Mount Ararat, an iconic symbol of Armenia.
After lunch, we continue to the Noravank Monastery, a site of great religious and architectural importance. Nestled in a narrow gorge surrounded by stunning red cliffs, Noravank is renowned for its intricate stone carvings and harmonious medieval design.
Optionally, we may visit the nearby Areni Cave, an important archaeological site where artifacts dating from the Chalcolithic to the Bronze Age, including the world’s oldest known leather shoe, were discovered.
Before returning to Yerevan, we’ll stop at a local winery to taste some of the renowned Armenian wines that the region is famous for. Overnight stay in Yerevan. B/-/-

Day 12. Departure
Departure day - end of tour.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Airport Transfers
Arrival (transfer from the airport to the hotel)
After collecting your luggage and exiting into the Arrivals Hall at Heydar Aliyev International Airport, you will find a licensed taxi company, Mastercard taxi, located directly in front of and next to the main terminal exit.
Please present the hotel address to the driver upon boarding. The hotel list will be provided to you approximately 10–14 days prior to the start of your tour.
The average fare for a transfer to the hotel is approximately €25 to €30/mandatory to be in local currency/.

The other options for a taxi are: 
Bolt and Volt - In order to use them you should have the Apps before landing. The payment is done online trought the App. 

Departure (transfer from the hotel to the airport)
The departure transfers from the hotel to the airport, on Day 12 from the program, can be arranged directly at the reception desk of the hotel or with our local partners on spot. 
We kindly advise you to schedule your departure transfer at least 2 hours and 30 minutes before their flight time to ensure a smooth and timely arrival at the airport.
Please contact the reception team/guide/tour leader in advance to organize your transfer.

Penguin Tour Leader and Local Guides
During the trip you will be accompanied by a tour leader representing Penguin Travel, who is responsible for the logistics of the tour – updating you on the daily itinerary, arranging your passport checks at the border-crossings, handling the check-ins at each hotel, driving/communicating with the driver and arranging the local guides as scheduled in the program.