From Black Sea to Caspian Sea

From Black Sea to Caspian Sea

Day 1		Arrival in the capital city. Meeting with guide. Hotel transfer and overnight.

Day 2		Tbilisi / Mtskheta, ancient capital / Uplistsikhe, cave town / Kutaisi Today morning we will go to former capital of Georgia - Mtskheta (UNESCO Heritage), Excursion in the city includes next sights: “Svetitskhoveli Cathedral”. The signification of the name of Cathedral is “a life-giving pillar”. It was built in XI century and became a principal place of Christianity in Georgia. The fact that holy robe of Jesus was buried here, makes the Cathedral the most important place. “Jvari Church” or Holy Cross Church - is also very notable monument of the country according to its history. Built in the VI century, the monastery is placed on the hill overlooking the conflux of the two rivers. Our excursion continues to the direction of Uplistsikhe, (name translates as "lord's fortress"). The ancient cave town is located in the eastern part of Georgia and is constructed on the rocky hill. The town is significant for the unique conjunction of various styles of rock-hewn cultures. Finally, drive to Kutaisi and stop there for night.

Day 3		Kutaisi, kingdom of Colchis / Batumi (sea resort) Excursion in Kutaisi contains: Visiting of Bagrati and Gelati Monasteries (UNESCO heritage). The city was considered as the capital town of ancient reign of Colchis. In accordance with archeological data the town functioned as the capital of Colchis in II millennium BC. Then through the tea plantations and beautiful villages arrive in Batumi, sea resort of the country. Have leisure time in the city. Night at the hotel.

Day 4		Batumi city tour Early morning, we will travel to Botanical Garden of Batumi located on Cape Green. Discover various rare plants and enjoy stunning views of the Black Sea. Then returning to the city to explore its sightseeings: walk in the old and new part of famous Batumi Boulevard; Visit Ali and Nino statue of love, the Medea statue, reminding the myth of Colchis and the Golden Fleece; also statue of Apollo (from the Greek mythology). Afterwards, have free time to walk along the beach or swim. Stop for a night in Batumi.

Day 5		Batumi / Tskaltubo / Gori / Tbilisi Today we’re going to Tskaltubo to visit famous Prometheus cave and discover its beauty. Then going to Gori to visit the greatest Joseph Stalin’s Museum. Finally returning to the capital city and overnight.

Day 6		Tbilisi - Capital tour Have breakfast at the hotel. The excursion of the city contains following sights: - Sulfur Baths, which are placed in old district of Tbilisi. - Georgian and Armenian churches, Turkish mosque and Jewish synagogue close to each other and showing the city’s tolerance of many religions. - Visiting the largest Cathedral of Caucasus "Sameba" - Narikala fortress (IVc) - Shardeni and Leselidze Streets with their fashionable and cozy cafes or art galleries. - Then the tour leads us to Rustaveli Avenue, the main street of the capital. Here are located: Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre, the country Parliament, Rustaveli Theatre, art galleries, cafes, etc. they all provide a cosmopolitan ambience. - Dining at the restaurant with Georgian folk program.

Day 7		Tbilisi / Kazbegi (mountain region) / Tbilisi Today we will drive to Kazbegi, mountain region of the country. The way through beautiful nature up the River Tergi, Jinvali water reservoir and high mountains brings us to the village where Mt. Kazbeg is situated. En route stop to see various hand made things of thick felt, embroidery and etc. From Kazbegi we drive by 4X4 cars to Gergeti to visit Trinity Church (2170m) If the weather permits us, we can observe the highest glaciers of the Caucasus range – Mt Kazbegi (5047m ASL). Then return to the village Kazbegi and before going back to Tbilisi, visit a local mini factory.

Day 8		Tbilisi / Alaverdi /Gremi / Tsinandali / Telavi Today we travel to wine land called Kakheti. On the way, visiting of Alaverdi and Gremi monastery complexes. Gremi was the royal fortress many years ago, through, which was passing the great Silk Road. Shah Abbas attacked Kakheti many times. Prosperous country, he turned almost in a desert. Next spot is the village called Tsinandali and visit house-museum of Aleksandre Chavchavadze, with nice garden and one of the oldest wine cellars. Here you will taste famous Georgian wine “Tsinandali”. Prince Chavchavadze built country’s oldest and largest wineries, where he mixed European and Georgian wine making methods. Highly regarded wine - Tsinandali (White Dry), is still produced there. Finally, drive to the local restaurant in Telavi and taste the most tasty local dishes. The guests will have chance to participate in preparing famous Georgian dishes: “Churchkhela”, “Khinkali”, “Shoti” and “Mtsvadi”. Dinner at the same restaurant. Stop in Telavi for night.

Day 9		Telavi / Sighnaghi / Lagodekhi / Sheki (Azerbaijan) In the morning, driving to Sighnaghi, also called “city of love”. But first visit St. Nino Monastry in Bodbe near Sighnaghi. In accordance to the history of the country, St. Nino converted Georgian nation to Christian faith. Excursion in Signagi city and then have lunch. Then drive to the Azerbaijan border - Lagodekhi. After passing border formalities, travel to Sheki with new guide and car. Sheki is an ancient city, which is encircled by the mountains and woods. It was considered as a silk center and an important part of the Great Silk Route. The signification of the city name goes back to the ethnonym of Saks, who got to the country in the VII century BC. Our tour begins from visiting Khan's Palace, summer residence (XVIIIc) with amazing frescos and glass works. The History Museum of Sheki is famous for its artifacts of different periods of time. Then we will attend of “Pahlava” making workshop, where you can degust famous Pahlava. Stop For a night in the city.

Day 10		Sheki / Kish / İsmayıllı / Baku, capital Today our excursion starts with visiting of Kish village and its sightseeings. One of them is Albanian church. Afterwards, we travel to Lahij village in İsmayıllı district. Population of the city is actively involved in craft works, especially in engraving copper and carpet weaving. In the XIX century, More than two hundred workshops were in the city. Then we will stop to take part in a workshop of ancient craftsmanship. You will be watching the oldest methods, which the ancestors of coppersmiths had been using for the centuries. Then drive to Baku for promenade on the Caspian Sea by boat.

Day 11		Baku, tour of the capital The city tour includes next sights: the main, central part of the capital, which covers the historical and the architectural sites; “Old Town”, with its famous monuments: Shirvanshah Palace, famous Caravanserai, Maidan Tower, Juma Mosque and many more… The excursion continuous with visiting of ethnographic open-air museum named “Qala”. Located in the preserve of the state, the museum was planned according to the history of the country and nowadays, it is one of the world's most visiting attractions. During the excursion, we will take part in three workshops: bread baking, pottery and forge workshops. Night in the capital.

Day 12		Airport transfer. Returning home.