9H8M Kaukasus: Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia

Upon arrival, embark on a tour of Baku's Old City (Icherisheher) and New City to see the stark contrast between the city's ancient architecture and modernity. You will visit Shirvanshah Palace, a 15th-century palace complex recognized by UNESCO as a local architectural pearl, and Maiden's Tower, an ancient iconic structure steeped in history and legend. Next, see the amazing curved futuristic design of the Heydar Aliyev Center and see the Hazi Aslanov Monument erected to commemorate the local hero. Then, visit Taman Gunung (Mountain Park); the highest point in Baku allows you to enjoy a wide panoramic view of the Caspian Sea and the Flame Tower, three modern skyscrapers designed to resemble flames. Afterward, enjoy a stroll along Nizami Street, a pedestrian shopping paradise adorned with elegant architecture, stroll down the peaceful Baku Boulevard along the seafront, and stop for a photo at Daran Pancutan Air (Fountain Square) which is lively with its waterscape.

This morning, leave for the Absheron Peninsula to see the natural phenomenon of Yanardag, which is a hillside area that burns non-stop due to natural gas seeping from underground, and visit the Atesgah Temple, an ancient fire temple that was once the center of spirituality and worship for Magians (Zoroastrians) and ancient Hindus. Next, visit the Gobustan National Park Open Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site that houses thousands of stone carvings (petroglyphs) from prehistoric times, and see the geological uniqueness of the Mud Volcanoes erupting from the bowels of the earth near the area.

The journey continues to Shamakhi by visiting the Maraza Village and the Diri Baba Museum, a holy tomb with a unique architecture built as if hanging on a rock slope. Next, explore the Yeddi Gumbaz (Seven Domes) Complex which is an ancient royal cemetery, the Djuma Cathedral Mosque which is one of the oldest and largest mosques in the Caucasus region, and the Shirvanshah Family Tomb. Continue the drive to Sheki and visit the Sheki Khan Palace, a highly detailed 18th century summer palace with colorful glass windows (shebeke) and unusually, built without any nails. You will also stop for a photo at the Caravanserai, a large historic lodge that once sheltered traders on the ancient Silk Road.

Today, you will go through border crossing procedures from Balakan, Azerbaijan to Lagodekhi, Georgia (passengers are required to carry their own luggage across the border). Continue the drive to Signaghi, often called the "City of Love", a beautiful town surrounded by 18th-century defensive walls with a watchtower offering a breathtaking view of the Alazani Valley, for a brief orientation around the town. Afterwards, depart for the capital of Georgia, Tbilisi.

Start your day with a Tbilisi city tour. See the historic Old Town of Metekhi, the Monument of King Vakhtang Gorgasali (the founder of the city of Tbilisi), and the Metekhi Temple which sits majestically on a cliff above the Mtkvari River. Visit the traditional sulfur bathing area of ​​Abanotubani, before taking a cable car (subject to maintenance closures) to Narikala Fort, an ancient fortress that offers incredible views of the entire city. Visit Sion Cathedral (Sioni Cathedral) which houses Saint Nino's cross, walk across the modern glass structure Bridge of Peace and Rike Park, and see the unique clock at the puppet theater Rezo Gabriadze Theater. Continue to the Sameba Cathedral (Holy Trinity Cathedral), a major landmark and the main Orthodox church in Georgia, and the prestigious main street of Rustaveli Highway. After lunch, depart for the ancient town of Mtskheta to visit Jvari Monastery, an ancient hilltop monastery crossing a river, as well as Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, an important church believed to house Christ's robes (both are UNESCO sites).

Visit the Ananuri Fortress, a beautiful medieval palace complex on the banks of the Aragvi river, and stop for photos enjoying the view of the blue lake at the Zhinvali Dam. The journey continues to Kazbegi through the Caucasus mountains. Visit the Darial Gorge, a historic narrow gorge that cuts through the mountains and is the site of the proposed location of the Gog & Magog (Gog & Magog) Walls, while hearing its significant story. Afterwards, board a 4-wheel drive vehicle (subject to weather conditions) to visit Gergeti Trinity Church, an iconic church from the 14th century that sits peacefully on a hilltop against the backdrop of snow-capped Mount Kazbek.

Today, you will go through the border crossing procedure from Sadakhlo, Georgia to Bagratashen, Armenia. Next, visit the Haghpat Monastery, a masterpiece of Armenian medieval religious architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site surrounded by greenery. Continue the journey to visit Lake Sevan, one of the largest alpine freshwater lakes in the world. Here, visit Sevanavank Monastery, a historic monastic complex built of dark rock, located on a rocky peninsula with a charming view of the lake, before continuing to Armenia's capital, Yerevan.

Start your day with a visit to the Garni Gorge to see the amazing geological phenomenon called the Symphony of Stones, which is a symmetrical basalt rock cliff arranged like a giant organ pipe. You will also visit the Pagan Garni Temple, the only surviving Greco-Roman temple structure in the entire Caucasus region. Next, visit the Geghard Monastery, a stunning medieval monastery whose structure is partially carved directly into the rock wall of the mountain (UNESCO site). After lunch, join a city tour of Yerevan to see the cultural center at Opera, the prestigious administrative center at Republic Square, and the luxury shopping area at Lebuh Utara (Northern Avenue). Take a photo stop at the Cascade Monument, a giant staircase structure decorated with tiered gardens, artificial waterfalls, and contemporary sculptures, and visit the Mother Armenia Monument which symbolizes peace through strength, while enjoying a breathtaking view of the entire city of Yerevan.

Free events at your leisure to explore on your own or relax until it's time for your transfer to the airport.