THE CAUCASUS

The tour starts at 6.30pm on Thursday 12 June, at the Radisson Hotel Baku - Azerbaijan.

The tour ends after breakfast on Monday 30 June, followed by a transfer to Zvartnots Airport, Yerevan.

Airport transfers to our hotel in Baku will be arranged by Academy Travel. In the early evening, we meet in the lobby of our hotel for introductions, followed by a welcome dinner. Overnight Baku (D)

Situated between the southern slopes of the Caucasus mountains, the Caspian Sea and the Armenian Highlands, Azerbaijan’s history spans the centuries, its capital of Baku full of elements of Zoroastrian, Christian and Islamic influences, as well as traces of the Sassanian, Arabic, Persian, Shirvani, Ottoman and Russian empires. We begin the day with a lecture in our hotel, followed by a tour of Baku’s Old Town, full of winding streets, alleyways, mosques, madrassahs, and carpet merchants which are testament to its rich cultural heritage. We then pay a visit the 14th-century Shirvan Shah’s Palace, one of the pearls of Azerbaijan’s architecture, followed by Baku’s oldest and most mysterious structure, the 30m-high medieval Maiden Tower. After lunch in a local restaurant, we explore Baku’s Seaside Boulevard to discover Azerbaijan’s national art of carpet-weaving, with a visit to the National Museum of Azerbaijani Carpets. We then finish the day in style, with a Sturgeon Caviar tasting at the Museum Inn Terrace, sampling the delicacy from the Caspian Sea. Overnight Baku (B, L, T)

Today we delve into Azerbaijan’s prehistoric past, with a trip to Gobustan, an archaeological site of mud volcanoes, mesmerizing landscapes, and petroglyphs which depict scenes of people, warriors, animals, boats, dances, hunting, and camel caravans, dating back between 5,000 and 20,000 years. We then return to Baku for an afternoon on the modern side of the city, exploring the “high-octane” skyscraper district, White City. We first visit the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre, with its iconic flowing white curves, designed by acclaimed Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid. After exploring the variety of artistic exhibits on show, there will be free time for lunch with the afternoon free to explore Baku. This evening, we reconvene for dinner at the renowned Mugham Club, located in Baku’s Old City Fortress. Overnight Baku (B, D)

The Silk Road conjures scenes of ancient trading routes that once connected Europe with China, teeming with traders and merchants dealing in spices, silk, ceramics, glass, and other precious commodities. This morning we travel by coach along a stretch of the Silk Road, connecting the Caspian Sea to the Black Sea. Crossing the plains west of Baku, we ascend the foothills of the Greater Caucasus Mountains to the town of Shamakhi, to visit the Djuma or “Friday” mosque. While the current mosque was reconstructed in 2013, its foundations date back to 743 AD, making this the second oldest in Azerbaijan, and one of the largest and most extravagant places of worship. After our group lunch, we proceed further up the mountains to the atmospheric old town of Sheki, once a vital hub of trade along the Silk Road, its architecture influenced by Safavid, Qajar and Russian empires. We spend the afternoon exploring some of the town’s iconic landmarks, such as the charming local markets, the Sheki Khan’s palace, and the evocative caravanserai, where Silk Road merchants once rested with their camels and horses. We return to Baku for dinner in the hotel restaurant. Overnight Sheki (B, L, D)

We depart Azerbaijan in the morning and cross the border into Georgia, with its almost mythical landscapes and captivating historical landmarks earning it the title: “jewel of the Caucasus”. Making our way to the village of Tsinandali – our base for the next two nights – we wind through the breathtaking Kakheti wine region. Wine is almost sacred in Georgia, and the grapevine cross is a major symbol of the Georgian Orthodox Church and of Saint Nino, Georgia’s first saint, who is said to have received the cross from the Virgin Mary and tied it in her hair. Wine, then, is an important part of today’s agenda, and our first stop is the renowned Pheasant’s Tears Winery, where we will sample some of its organic qvevri wines and enjoy a lavish “Georgian-table” style lunch prepared in the cellar restaurant run by one of the country’s leading chefs. We will also enjoy a performance by a local ensemble, showcasing Georgia’s distinctive polyphonic vocal tradition. En route to Tsinandali, we stop to visit the Bodbe Convent, the resting place of Saint Nino and one of the country’s most important pilgrimage destinations. We finally reach Tsinandali, where we check-in to our exclusive five-star resort in the heart of wine country, its rooftop infinity pool overlooking the Caucasus Mountains the perfect place to end the day. Overnight Tsinandali (B, L)

We dedicate today to this verdant region, beginning with a lecture in our hotel before making our way to the nearby town Telavi, perched by the foothills of the Tsiv-Gombori Mountain range. Once an important town on the Silk Road, it grew in stature to become the capital of Kakheti after the previous capital of Gremi was destroyed by the Persians in the 17th century. We begin with the “Batonis Tsikhe”– Tsikhe meaning “fortress” and Batonis meaning “of the master”. Built between 1667 and 1675, the castle was the residence
of the Kakhetian kings until the reign of Erekle II of Georgia in the latter half of the 18th century, who built a Safavid Persian- style palace within its walls. After a break for lunch in town we return to Tsinandali, where we explore the estate of Alexander Chavchavadze, one of the founding fathers of modern Georgian literature. We first enjoy the splendid ornamental garden before visiting the estate itself, a charming combination of Georgian, European and orientalist architecture, its grand rooms housing important collections pertaining to the family. Chavchavadze is as famous for his wine as his literature, founding the first and foremost winery in the country with his father. It still produces the dry white Tsinandali wine which we will also sample. In the evening we are at leisure to enjoy the tranquillity of our hotel. Overnight Tsinandali (B, T)

Our journey takes us further into Georgia today, with our first stop the 6th century Jvari Monastery, perched on a rocky mountaintop above the UNESCO World Heritage city of Mtskheta, one of the oldest cities in the world, which sits at the confluence of the Kura and Aragvi rivers. We then continue down into the town to discover some of the most significant monuments of Georgian Christian architecture, including the medieval monastic complex of Samtavro, as well as Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, which dates back to the 11th century – the golden age of Georgian church architecture. Following a break for lunch, we then embark on one of Georgia’s most scenic drives: the Georgian Military Highway, a stunningly scenic ribbon of road carved out by merchants and empires alike since the 1st century, which wraps around pristine lake shores and the soaring peaks of the Greater Caucasus. We pause our journey at the 12th-century fortress of Ananuri to admire its impressive stonework and picturesque location overlooking the Zhinvali river, before climbing 1700m through alpine meadows, plunging mountain valleys and snow-capped peaks to arrive at Kazbegi. Here the mighty Mount Kazbek rises above the distant silhouette of the church of Tsminda Sameba (Gergeti Trinity Church), the very symbol of Georgia, and is an iconic visual representation of the Caucasus. After checking into our hotel, there is time to freshen up before dinner in our hotel restaurant. Overnight Kazbegi (B, D)

Standing at an elevation of 2,170 metres, the beautiful 14th century weathered stone church and bell tower of Gergeti Trinity Church is our first destination for the day. Built during King Giorgi V’s reign to symbolise the religious revival and reunification of Georgia after its liberation from the Mongol Empire, it remains one of the most well-preserved churches in Georgia. We then continue on to Tsdo, a tiny village which still honours old Georgian rituals and traditions. Here the group will stop for a very special lunch in the home of a local family, who will teach us how to make the traditional dish “Khinkali”– savory Georgian dumplings with spices unique to the region. In the afternoon we return to our hotel in Kazbegi, where the evening is at leisure. Overnight Kazbegi (B, L)

Winding our way back down the mountains, we head today for Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi, learning more about the Soviet influence in the region with a visit to the town of Gori, the birthplace of Soviet dictator Joseph Dzhugashvili, “Stalin”. Upon arrival, we visit the most famous landmark of the town, the Stalin Museum which is a particularly popular landmark centred on the small house in which Stalin grew up. A tour of its spacious halls reveals countless historic objects from the infamous Soviet leader’s lifetime, and includes Stalin’s armoured railway, carriages which he used for travel throughout the Soviet Union and beyond. After enjoying lunch together, we continue to the charming capital of Tbilisi – our base for the next four nights. Our dinner tonight will be in a local restaurant. Overnight Tbilisi (B, L, D)

Straight from the pages of a gothic fairytale, Tbilisi was founded in the 5th century by King Vakhtang I Gorgasali and became the grand city of the ancient Silk Road, coveted by the Roman Empire, Parthia, Sassanid Persia, Muslim Arabs, the Byzantine Empire, and the Seljuk Turks. We begin our full day in the city with a walking tour of the charming old town, boasting colourful turreted rooftops and cobblestone streets along the banks of the Mtkveri River, set against the backdrop of deep valleys. Wandering through the old town’s café-lined main thoroughfare, we will see iconic locations including Tbilisi’s famous leaning Clock Tower, the historic Basilica, the 13th-century cross-domed Sioni Cathedral and the historic sulphur bath houses of the Abanotubani district. We also take the cable car up to the Nariqala Fortress, whose 18th-century walls offer sweeping views over the Old Town. Taking the scenic route back to our hotel, we pass the landmark Metekhi Church, perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop above the Mtkvari River. The evening is at leisure. Overnight Tbilisi (B)

We continue our exploration of Tbilisi, starting with a visit to the Dimitri Shevardnadze National Gallery, which showcases some of Georgia’s famous modernists of the early 20th century, including the acclaimed Niko Pirosmani, Lado Gudiashvili and Davit Kakabadze, artists who were persecuted during Soviet era. After free time for lunch, we then visit the Georgian National Museum complex, housed in a 17th- century mansion in the city centre, which displays some of the country’s most significant archaeological finds, including 5th century BC golden jewellery discovered in a tomb in Akhalgori. We return to our hotel in the afternoon, reconvening for a special event this evening – a Tbilisi-style dinner of traditional Georgian dishes. Overnight Tbilisi (B, D)

On our final day in Tbilisi, we begin with a lecture in our hotel, followed by a visit to the majestic Chronicles of Georgia Monument – an unfinished bronze, copper and stone sculpture raised on Mount Kenisi in the northern part of Tbilisi, towering directly above the Tbilisi Sea. Referred to as ‘Tbilisi’s Stonehenge’, the monument consists of 16 tall pillars wrapped in metal sculptural reliefs, erected to commemorate both 3,000 years of Georgian statehood and 2,000 years of Christianity in the country. From here we make our way back into the centre of town, where we will enjoy a cooking class led by a local chef who will teach us how to prepare a handful of iconic Georgian dishes. After lunch, there is an option in the afternoon to take the funicular to the top of wooded Mount Mtatsminda, also known as the “Holy Mountain”, the highest point in Tbilisi with breathtaking views of the entire city. The remainder of the evening is at leisure. Overnight Tbilisi (B, L)

Departing Tbilisi this morning, we cross the Lesser Caucasus Mountains and enter the ancient land of Armenia, once a key part of the ancient Silk Road. Few countries have histories as ancient, complex and turbulent as Armenia, the centuries forging its rich and resilient culture. Our first destination is the 10th-century Akhtala Monastery perched on a high cliff overlooking the town, with its portico and small chapel- sepulchre housing the most significant frieze of Byzantine frescoes outside Greece or Turkey. We then travel to the UNESCO-listed Byzantine monastic complex of Haghpat, where we will enjoy lunch, followed by the complex of Sanahin, built during the Kiurikian dynasty which ruled the region between the 10th and 13th centuries. Important centres of learning, both complexes exemplify the flowering of Armenian religious architecture, a unique blend of Byzantine ecclesiastical architecture and traditional architecture of the region. In the late afternoon we arrive in the charming spa town of Dilijan, with dinner in our hotel. Overnight Dilijan (B, L, D)

Our journey continues today into the heart of Armenia, first visiting the Hayravank Monastery on the banks of Lake Sevan in Gegharkunik Province, which dates back to the 9th century. Built from black limestone, the Monastery’s story book architecture completes the overall tranquil setting. We continue on to the medieval Noratus cemetery, which displays the largest collection of carved memorial stones, or “Khachkars”, some dating back to the 5th century. Before lunch we visit the Orbelian Caravanserai, nestled in the Vardenis Mountains of Vayots Dzor Province. Built in the 14th century, the Caravanserai is one of Armenia’s most preserved medieval inns where one can get a sense of the early Silk Road merchants who would have stopped here to trade and barter. Our lunch today is at a local restaurant, sampling the regional cuisine and a wine tasting, after which we depart for the town of Goris, where after checking in, we enjoy dinner in the hotel. Overnight Goris (B, L, D)

Today is devoted to the region surrounding Goris, and we begin with a visit to the Khndzoresk, a charming village with a long and rich history. Here we will experience a marvel of engineering, the Khndzoresk Swinging Bridge. This suspension bridge was built by local villagers to span the gorge that divides Old and New Khndzoresk, and offers a perfect vantage point to view the cave dwellings that punctuate the valley below. We then proceed on to the “Wings of Tatev” cable car that soars above valleys, villages and waterfalls up 320 metres to Tatev Monastery. The monastery complex includes the three churches of Saints Paul and Peter, as well as Saint Gregory the Illuminator’s Church, and the Holy Mother of God Church. In the afternoon we return by coach to our hotel, where the rest of the evening is at leisure. Overnight Goris (B)

The final leg of our journey takes us through breathtakingly wild landscape as we travel to the city of Yerevan. En route, we will be treated to a special Duduk performance. For centuries, this double reed instrument unique to Armenia has accompanied important events in the lives of the Armenian people: from weddings and funerals to national songs, and folk dances, and we will enjoy hearing the Duduk’s soft and lyrical notes and learn about its history from a Duduk master. In the afternoon we arrive at our hotel, situated on the oldest street in Yerevan. Tonight we enjoy dinner in a charming local restaurant. Overnight Yerevan (B, D)

Pablo Neruda once declared: “Yerevan, which is built from volcanic tuff and is harmonic like a rose, is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.” We devote our day to the country’s capital, beginning with a morning visit to the Matenadaran Institute of Ancient Manuscripts just outside the old city. Set in a magnificent building designed by architect Mark Grigorian, the Matenadaran is a rich and unique repository that houses 17,000 manuscripts. We then continue exploring Yerevan on foot, beginning at Republic Square, where we will uncover the story of Armenia at the National History Museum. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to soak up the charm and historic ambience of the city. We reconvene this evening for a special visit to the Cascade Complex in Victory Park, a cultural landmark which resembles a giant staircase. Here we will tour its landmark Mother Armenia Statue, the visual female personification of Armenia, as well as the Cafesjian Modern Art Museum, which houses contemporary art and sculpture. Overnight Yerevan (B)

Today is devoted to some of Armenia’s most spiritual places as we journey south across the Ararat Plain to Khor Virap, a small monastery with one of Armenia’s most stunning vistas across a vineyard-covered valley towards snow-capped Mt Ararat. The monastery has a fascinating history, said to be where ‘Gregory the Illuminator’ was imprisoned for 13 years by King Trdat I before converting him to Christianity. We then continue to the sacred city of Echmiadzin, founded as Vargarsapat in AD 117, and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Considered to be Armenia’s ancient spiritual capital, Echmiadzin is a pilgrimage for Christian Armenians as it is said to be where ‘Gregory the Illuminator’ had a vision of Christ descending to earth, commemorated by the Cathedral built on that same spot in the 4th century. After lunch in the refectory, we return to Yerevan and a visit the Genocide Memorial and Museum, a grim yet compelling monument to the million or so Armenians who perished in massacres perpetrated by Ottoman authorities between 1915 and 1922. In the late afternoon we return to our hotel to freshen up, before reconvening this evening for our farewell dinner. Overnight Yerevan (B, L, D)

The tour concludes after breakfast this morning, with a transfer to Zvartnots Airport for outbound flights. (B)

BAKU, Park Inn By Radisson (3 nights)

SHEKI, Macara Sheki City Hotel (1 night)

TSINANDALI, Radisson Collection Tsinandali Estate Resort (2 nights)

KAZBEGI, Rooms Hotel Kazbegi (2 nights)

TBILISI, Tbilisi Marriott Hotel (4 nights)

DILIJAN, Paradise Hotel (1 night)

GORIS, Hotel Mina (2 nights)

YEREVAN, Grand Hotel Yerevan (3 nights)