Explore the natural, cultural, and religious heritage of the Caucasus region.
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Caucasus Silk Road
Join us on this touring style journey as we attempt to untangle the tempestuous history of Georgia and Armenia. Scenically stunning, culturally diverse, historically interesting and just a tad perverse in relationships with bigger, noisier neighbours the Caucuses occupy a key position at the boundary between Asia and Europe.In June we are off to follow the back roads across Georgia and Armenia, poke about in the high Caucasus and around Lake Sevan.
Commencing at Tibilisi and concluding in Yerevan our itinerary will trace the trade routes and explore the natural, cultural and religious heritage of this little known region.
2020 group departure dates and price to be confirmed.
Tailor make this experience – contact us for options
Price is all inclusive and based on twin share and minimum of 2 travellers.
Single Room Supplement available (US$430)
Escorted by SRA local professional tour leader
Trip duration
18 days
18 days
TEMPERATURE
15℃ - 25℃
15℃ - 25℃
ACCOMMODATION STYLE
Hotels, guesthouses
Hotels, guesthouses
MEALS INCLUDED
TRAVEL STYLE
Tourist mini bus, 4X4 cars in Svaneti region
Tourist mini bus, 4X4 cars in Svaneti region
SIGHTSEEING
Included
Included
DATES
Commences Tbilisi
06 June 2019
Concludes Yerevan
23 June 2018
Commences Tbilisi
06 June 2019
Concludes Yerevan
23 June 2018
GROUP SIZE
max 8
max 8
Itinerary at a glance
Day 1 - Arrive Tbilisi
Our representative will meet you on arrival at Tbilisi and transfer you to the hotel. There are no activities planned for the rest of the day. Dinner included
Day 2 - Tbilisi
Today we explore the city and its key monuments. There are a number of important sites to visit including the Anchiskhati basilica and bell tower (6th -18th cc), Metechi church (12th -13th cc) and the Sulphur bath houses and to finish up at the Old Town.
Day 3 - to Telavi via Gombari Pass
This morning depart to Kakheti region - the land of Wine. Visit Alaverdi Cathedral, Ikalto Accademi, New Shuamta nunnery and a walking tour in Telavi. Also visit Old Shuamta complex.
Day 4 - Excursion to Gremi and Nekresi
After breakfast drive to picturesque Nekresi monastery beautifully located on top of hill and Gremi architectural complex, museum and archaeological site. After lunch visit Khareba winery and the tunnel cut into the rocky hill. Time for wine tasting.
Day 5 - to Signagi
After breakfast explore the city market and late AM visit Tsinandaly Family Estate before departing for Gurjaani to visit a traditional Georgian cellar to see how the traditional "Quevri wine" is fermented in huge wine pitchers buried under the ground. At Gurjaani visit a family house to see how traditional breads and sweet Churchkhela are made. Expect to arrive in Sighnaghi late afternoon.
Day 6 - to David Goreja and Tibilisi
Today head off to Tibilisi by way of the David Gareja Complex perched onthe semi arid slopes of Mount Gareja, some 60-70 km southeast of Georgia's capital Tbilisi. The complex includes hundreds of cells, churches, chapels, refectories and living quarters hollowed out of the rock face.
Day 7 - to Kutasi
After breakfast we head off by road into the Kartli region, known for its agriculture and architectural monuments. First stop today is Mtskheta, the ancient capital of eastern Georgia.
Day 8 - to Mestia
AM visit local UNESCO sites: Gelati academy complex and Bagrati Cathedral then onto the Svaneti region of the legendary Colchis Gold. The Svan ethnic group evolved here, cut off from the outside world by the high and inaccessible mountains the Svan culture remains almost undisturbed in the high valleys.
Day 9 - to Ushguli
Today we take a 4X4 vehicle for the drive to Ushguli, one of the highest villages in Europe and an architecturally unique Middle Age fortification.
.
Day 10 - Mestia
Walk to visit Swan Dwelling tower and Laghami church, also visit the Ethnographical MJuseum. Conditions permitting take the Gondola up Zuruldi mountain
Day 11 - Mestia to Akhaltsikhe
Today back track out of the Caucasus Mountains towards Kashguri and the Karakaja Mountains. Break the journey with a stop at Ubisi Basilia. Bakuriana our overnight destination is a popular winter resort. Dinner and overnight in Akhaltsikhe.
Day 12 - Akhaltsikhe to Varzia
Explore Akhaltsikhe and its surroundings. Visit Rabati, Historical centre and museum of Akhaltsikhe town. Proceed to Sapara. The day end with dinner and overnight at Varzia guesthouse. The road to Varzia ducks and dives between exposed stone-terraced landscapes and green valleys littered with centuries old fortresses.
Day 13 - To Giumri Armenia
Today explore Vardzia - the rock-cut town, built in the 12-13th cc by Queen Tamar. Proceed to Bavra. Complete border formalities and overnight in Giumri.
Day 14 - To Yerevan
Today head for Yerevan. Along the way stop off Marmashen monastery, Mastarah church and the Hovhannavank monastery complex
Day 15 - To Sevan
This morning get away early to visit Khor-Virap on the Armenia/Turkey border then continue to the Noravank Monastery and ancient Gladzor university. We take the historic Selim Pass caravan route to Lake Sevan, Noroduz Cemetery and Sevan Monastery.
Day 16 - to Sevan - Garni - Geghard - Yerevan
to Yerevan via Garni and Gekhard Today head back to Yerevan. Lunch will be Garni followed by a visit the Gekhard monastery complex. Late PM return to Yerevan.
Day 17 - Echmiadzin, Matenadaran
In the morning visit Echmiadzine cathedral. We will be out and about around the city today to visit some key public buildings, museums and monuments. In particular the UNESCO listed Matenadaran Museum, one of the richest book-depositories in the world with a collection of about 17000 manuscripts.
Day 18 - Conclude
This morning transfer to the airport for your departure flight and conclude our services.
Our representative will meet you on arrival at Tbilisi and transfer you to the hotel. There are no activities planned for the rest of the day. Dinner included
Day 2 - Tbilisi
Today we explore the city and its key monuments. There are a number of important sites to visit including the Anchiskhati basilica and bell tower (6th -18th cc), Metechi church (12th -13th cc) and the Sulphur bath houses and to finish up at the Old Town.
Day 3 - to Telavi via Gombari Pass
This morning depart to Kakheti region - the land of Wine. Visit Alaverdi Cathedral, Ikalto Accademi, New Shuamta nunnery and a walking tour in Telavi. Also visit Old Shuamta complex.
Day 4 - Excursion to Gremi and Nekresi
After breakfast drive to picturesque Nekresi monastery beautifully located on top of hill and Gremi architectural complex, museum and archaeological site. After lunch visit Khareba winery and the tunnel cut into the rocky hill. Time for wine tasting.
Day 5 - to Signagi
After breakfast explore the city market and late AM visit Tsinandaly Family Estate before departing for Gurjaani to visit a traditional Georgian cellar to see how the traditional "Quevri wine" is fermented in huge wine pitchers buried under the ground. At Gurjaani visit a family house to see how traditional breads and sweet Churchkhela are made. Expect to arrive in Sighnaghi late afternoon.
Day 6 - to David Goreja and Tibilisi
Today head off to Tibilisi by way of the David Gareja Complex perched onthe semi arid slopes of Mount Gareja, some 60-70 km southeast of Georgia's capital Tbilisi. The complex includes hundreds of cells, churches, chapels, refectories and living quarters hollowed out of the rock face.
Day 7 - to Kutasi
After breakfast we head off by road into the Kartli region, known for its agriculture and architectural monuments. First stop today is Mtskheta, the ancient capital of eastern Georgia.
Day 8 - to Mestia
AM visit local UNESCO sites: Gelati academy complex and Bagrati Cathedral then onto the Svaneti region of the legendary Colchis Gold. The Svan ethnic group evolved here, cut off from the outside world by the high and inaccessible mountains the Svan culture remains almost undisturbed in the high valleys.
Day 9 - to Ushguli
Today we take a 4X4 vehicle for the drive to Ushguli, one of the highest villages in Europe and an architecturally unique Middle Age fortification.
.
Day 10 - Mestia
Walk to visit Swan Dwelling tower and Laghami church, also visit the Ethnographical MJuseum. Conditions permitting take the Gondola up Zuruldi mountain
Day 11 - Mestia to Akhaltsikhe
Today back track out of the Caucasus Mountains towards Kashguri and the Karakaja Mountains. Break the journey with a stop at Ubisi Basilia. Bakuriana our overnight destination is a popular winter resort. Dinner and overnight in Akhaltsikhe.
Day 12 - Akhaltsikhe to Varzia
Explore Akhaltsikhe and its surroundings. Visit Rabati, Historical centre and museum of Akhaltsikhe town. Proceed to Sapara. The day end with dinner and overnight at Varzia guesthouse. The road to Varzia ducks and dives between exposed stone-terraced landscapes and green valleys littered with centuries old fortresses.
Day 13 - To Giumri Armenia
Today explore Vardzia - the rock-cut town, built in the 12-13th cc by Queen Tamar. Proceed to Bavra. Complete border formalities and overnight in Giumri.
Day 14 - To Yerevan
Today head for Yerevan. Along the way stop off Marmashen monastery, Mastarah church and the Hovhannavank monastery complex
Day 15 - To Sevan
This morning get away early to visit Khor-Virap on the Armenia/Turkey border then continue to the Noravank Monastery and ancient Gladzor university. We take the historic Selim Pass caravan route to Lake Sevan, Noroduz Cemetery and Sevan Monastery.
Day 16 - to Sevan - Garni - Geghard - Yerevan
to Yerevan via Garni and Gekhard Today head back to Yerevan. Lunch will be Garni followed by a visit the Gekhard monastery complex. Late PM return to Yerevan.
Day 17 - Echmiadzin, Matenadaran
In the morning visit Echmiadzine cathedral. We will be out and about around the city today to visit some key public buildings, museums and monuments. In particular the UNESCO listed Matenadaran Museum, one of the richest book-depositories in the world with a collection of about 17000 manuscripts.
Day 18 - Conclude
This morning transfer to the airport for your departure flight and conclude our services.
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