Trans Caucasus Adventure - Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Baku

East, west and great oil wealth combine in this cosmopolitan capital. Great Soviet buildings sit austerely over ancient laneways and around each corner is just a touch of modern capitalism. Head to the Old Town for a guided walk through winding streets with a distinctly Asiatic feel. Climb to Maiden's Tower for views out to the Caspian Sea and admire the imposing palace of the Shirvan Shahs.

Day 3 Abseron Peninsula

The landscape and ancient history of the Abseron Peninsula is almost hidden by huge industrial sprawl from the glory days of its oil industry. It's not all modern sights - gaze out at the Caspian Sea as you head to Atesgah, a sacred Zoroastrian fire temple built on the site of a flaming natural gas vent. This is a little slice of India in the heart of the Caucasus. Used by worshippers since the 6th century the temple is home to Hindi and Sanskrit inscriptions.

Day 4 Sheki

Join the locals on a public bus to journey along one of Azerbaijan's most scenic routes. Arid landscapes, volcanoes, cliffside mausoleums all pave the way. Spend the night in Sheki, a trade centre that once linked mountain traders with the Silk Road.

Day 5 Telavi

Cross the border into Georgia. The first night here is spent in the Telavi in a wine and grape growing region - a fitting way to be introduced to a country renowned for its food and hospitality!

Days 6-7 Tbilisi

For a city that's been destroyed and rebuilt on 30 different occasions through history, Tbilisi has managed to retain a dignified elegance, even in its crumbling Old Town. Explore the city's streets with a local guide, taking a peek inside some of the 12th century Armenian and Georgian Orthodox cathedrals, the Turkish style baths and the statue of St George that stands protectively over the city. There's free time to explore at your own pace as well. Be sure to see the Georgian Museum of Folk architecture or take in a performance of folk dancing.

Day 8 Kutaisi

Four thousand years of history has made Kutaisi and its surrounds a fascinating place to visit. Visit the 11th century Bagrati Cathedral for sweeping views of the city below and step back in time among the murals of saints that adorn the walls of the Gelati Monastery.

Days 9-11 Svaneti

Travel deep into the mountain region of Svaneti. Rugged and remote this land is breathtakingly beautiful and yet rarely visited. Experience traditional life that is still very much alive as a guest of a local family in Mestia, a small provinical settlement. Explore the neighbouring settlements on foot and take time out to try horseriding or hiking through the mountains. Spend the following night in Ushuguli, the highest, permanently inhabited place in Europe. Explore some of the 20 ancient towers dotted through the town. Finally bid the mountains goodbye down in the lowlands for a night at Zugdidi.

Day 12 Gori/Tbilisi

On the return journey to Tbilisi stop by Gori, the infamous birthplace of Joseph Stalin. Unlike much of the former USSR, Stalin is still revered here and the town is littered with mementos of his life: statues, street names and a massive museum. From modern history to ancient history, explore nearby Uplistsikhe, and ancient cave town dating as far back as 1,000 BC. Explore its rock-cut streets, houses, churches and markets before heading back to the capital for the night.

Day 13 Yerevan

Cross the Georgian border once more, this time into Armenia and the town of Yerevan. Yerevan is relatively modern having been almost completely redesigned in the early 19th century. Take the time to explore the city's parks, statues, wide squares and mosques.

Day 14 Garni & Khor Virap/Yerevan

Romans, Christians and royalty are all represented at the Garni Temple, not far from Yerevan. Once a Temple of the Sun built by the Romans, it was converted into a palace once Armenia adopted Christianity. Although the temple was destroyed in the 17th century, the reconstruction offers a fascinating step back in time - how can it not be with features like a Roman bathhouse and sacrificial fire pit?! Stop by the Khor-Virap Monastery for views across to Turkey's Mt Ararat before returning to Yerevan.

Day 15-16 Dilijan

Surrounded by forests, meadows, mountain views and the odd shepherd gazing their flock, you'd be forgiven for thinking you'd stepped into a surreal Switzerland. There is plenty here to occupy your time: hike along alpine trains, watch craftsmen make their wares, visit nearby villages and monasteries or take in performance at the local Palace of Culture.

Days 17-18 Yerevan

Stop by the beautiful Lake Sevan, where turquoise waters meet the dark green of pine forests. This si the perfect place for a picnic lunch before heading back to Yerevan where the journey comes to an end.

Trip Details

Duration	18 days
Tour Code	OSC
Accommodation	Basic hotels (6 nts), multishare guesthouse/bed and breakfast (7 nts), multishare homestay (3 nts), caravanserai hotel (1 nt)
Transportation	Mini bus, taxi, local bus, metro, walking
Group Size	Maximum of 12 travellers per group
Departure	Departure is guaranteed, subject to 4 people travelling
Budget	Allow USD $200 for meals not included.

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