|
 Spanning the southern portion of the Caucasus Mountains and its lowlands, the region of Trans-Caucasia, comprising the countries of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia, has always been a land "in the middle." It is at the intersection of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, with the first country to establish Christianity as its national religion (Georgia) and the first democratic Muslim republic (Azerbaijan). It was one of the final regions crossed by traders making the long trek from China along the Silk Road before they arrived in Europe.
Its prime location between the Black Sea and Caspian Sea made it a coveted prize, occupied back and forth at various times by the Persian and Russian Empires over the centuries. The history, culture and identity of each country has been shaped by Persian, Russian, Turkish, and European influences. On top of its multi-cultural richness, the region has one of the most spectacular landscapes you'll ever see, with the Caucasus Mountains serving as constant backdrop. A perfect blend of East and West, ancient and modern, urban and natural, this amazing gay group journey through three rarely-visited countries is as intriguing as any offered by Toto Tours in the past 25 years!
• Baku, capital of Azerbaijan
• Baku Old City *
• Silk Road market town of Sheki
• Bronze Age city of Telavi
• Caucasus Mountains
• Gudauri ski resort
• Gori, birthplace of Stalin
• Uplistsikhe cave town
• Bakuriani mountain town
• Vardzia 19-tier cave town
• Khertvisi 10th century fortress
• 6th century Jvari Monastery *
• 11th century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral *
• Tbilisi, capital of Georgia
• Haghpat Monastic Complex *
• Lake Sevan
• Yerevan, capital of Armenia
• 17th century Khor Virap monastery
* UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Day 0 - Thursday, June 2, 2016
This is a travel day, with tour services beginning tomorrow in Baku, Azerbaijan. Book a flight from your home city to Baku's Heydar Aliyev International Airport. When searching for your flights, use the airport code GYD for Baku, returning from Yerevan, Armenia, whose airport code is EVN. Please time your arrival for as early as possible tomorrow in order to participate in our Welcome Dinner. If you are not able to arrive by 4:00 pm at the very latest, we suggest you plan to depart a day early, on Wednesday, June 1, and arrive on June 2. For those who wish to arrive a day early, please indicate this on your reservation form so that we can hold a room for you at our hotel.
Day 1 - Friday, June 3, 2016
 Arrange your flight to arrive as early as possible today. Collect your luggage, go through customs and exit the secure area, where you will be met by a representative and taken to our city central hotel. Rooms will be available for check-in any time after 2pm. You will have the afternoon to recover from jet lag or do a little exploring on your own in the area of our hotel. This evening Toto Tours hosts a Welcome Dinner to celebrate the start of our Caucasus adventure. Overnight in Baku.
Meals: Welcome Dinner
Hotel: Fairmont Baku, Flame Towers Hotel , Baku, 5*
Day 2 - Saturday, June 4, 2016
 Baku is located 92 feet below sea level, which makes it the lowest lying national capital and also the largest city in the world located below sea level. It is located on the southern shore of the Absheron Peninsula, which projects into the Caspian Sea. Enjoy a Baku city sightseeing tour today. We visit the Old City (UNESCO site), with sites including the Shirvanshahs Palace, Maiden Tower, and Taza Bazaar. Overnight in Baku.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Fairmont Baku, Flame Towers Hotel, Baku, 5*
Day 3 - Sunday, June 5, 2016
 We depart Baku this morning and begin our journey to Sheki, once part of the Silk Road. Along the way we visit Ateshgah Fire Temple in Surakhany to learn about Zoroastrianism and to witness ritual dances. Stop in Maraza and visit the Diri Baba Mausoleum. Visit Seven Tombs and Friday Mosque in Shemakha. After arriving in Sheki we enjoy a city sightseeing tour including the Sheky Khans` Palace, the local history museum, and Shebeke craft workshop. Overnight in Sheki.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,
Hotel: Sheki Saray Hotel , Sheki, 4*
Day 4 - Monday, June 6, 2016
 We start the day with a visit to the Sheki Bazaar and a local sweet bakery. We conclude our visit to Azerbaijan at the Lagodekhi checkpoint where we cross into Georgia. Travel to the home of a local family to enjoy homemade lunch and wine. We visit Nekresi Monastery (4th century) with its churches and the Palace of the Bishop and then continue to the Gremi Architectural Complex (16th century). In the evening we arrive in Telavi for an overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Chateau Mere, Telavi, 3+*
Day 5 - Tuesday, June 7, 2016
 We travel into the mountains today via Kakheti, the famous wine region of Georgia. Start by visiting a typical local farmers` market in Telavi and then continue to the 11th century Alavedri Cathedral. Afterwards we visit a local farm family and their unique 300-year-old wine cellar where we taste some of the typical wines of the region. After lunch we drive to the beautifully situated Gudauri Ski Resort. Dinner and overnight at a hotel in the Gudauri Ski Resort (7,200 feet elevation).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Gudauri Marco Polo Hotel, Gudauri, 4*
Day 6 - Wednesday, June 8, 2016
 A stunning drive from Gudauri along the Tergi River brings us to Kazbegi, the main town in the region. From Kazbegi, a leisurely 2-hour walk up through beautiful valleys and woodlands leads us to Gergeti Trinity Church (14th century) located at 7,120 feet elevation. Weather permitting, you may catch a glimpse of one of the highest glaciers in the Caucasus on Mt. Kazbegi (16,560 feet). We return to Guduari for another overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Gudauri Marco Polo Hotel, Gudauri, 4*
Day 7 - Thursday, June 9, 2016
 From the Gudauri Ski Resort we drive to another ski resort - Bakuriani (5,905 feet). En route we visit the town of Gori, the heart of the Kartli region and birthplace of Soviet leader Joseph Stalin. Continue to Uplistsikhe Cave Town (1st millennium BC), one of the main points along the Silk Road. From Gori we continue to the Meskheti region, passing through Borjomi spa town. The evening is free. Overnight in Bakuriani.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Crystal Hotel, Bakuriani, 3+*
Day 8 - Friday, June 10, 2016
 In the morning travel to the magnificent cave town of Vardzia (12th century) that is one of the highlights of the trip. It stretches over half a kilometer along the river Mtkvari and has 19 tiers. A church hewn out of rock has amazing 12th century frescos. The complex also includes dwelling quarters, small hall-type churches, wine cellars, etc. On the way back to Bakuriani we also visit Khertvisi Fortress (10th century) and Rabat Citadel in Akhaltsikhe. Overnight in Bakuriani.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Crystal Hotel, Bakuriani, 3+*
Day 9 - Saturday, June 11, 2016
 Our journey today takes us to visit the ancient capital and religious center of Georgia, Mtskheta (3000 years old), visiting two UNESCO World Heritage sites: Jvari Monastery (6th century) and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century). Continue on to Tbilisi, arriving in the afternoon. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Tbilisi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Courtyard Marriott Tbilisi Hotel, Tbilisi, 4+*
Day 10 - Sunday, June 12, 2016
 We devote a full day to sightseeing in Tbilisi. Highlights include the Metekhi Church, overlooking the river Mtkvari (13th century); Sulphur Baths; Narikala Fortress, one of the oldest fortifications in the city (4th century); the Synagogue; Sioni Cathedral (6-7th century); Anchiskhati Church (6th century). All these sights are located in the Old Town, and they are in close proximity and pleasant walking distance. Afterwards we visit the stunning treasury of the Georgian History Museum before taking a stroll along Rustaveli Avenue, the main street in Tbilisi. Dinner in a local restaurant, and overnight in Tbilisi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Courtyard Marriott Tbilisi Hotel, Tbilisi, 4+*
Day 11 - Monday, June 13, 2016
 We drive to the border this morning and after visa formalities continue our journey into Armenia with an Armenian guide and driver. Visit Haghpat monastic complex (10-13th cc), included in UNESCO World Heritage list. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. Continue on to the Gegharkunik region. Here we visit the Sevan Monastery (9th century) on the peninsula of Lake Sevan. Continue driving to Yerevan, arriving in late afternoon. We enjoy dinner and overnight in Yerevan.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Armenia Marriott Hotel Yerevan, Yerevan, 5*
Day 12 - Tuesday, June 14, 2016
 A highlight today will be our visit to the Khor Virap Monastery, about one-hour's journey out of town. It was built in the 17th century on the foundation of an old 4th century church, and is situated just 330 feet away from the Turkish-Armenian border. The site has stunning views of the north face of 16,854-foot Mount Ararat. Returning to Yerevan, we enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon take a panoramic city tour including the Sports and Concert Complex, Kievyan Bridge, Baghramyan Avenue, the Presidential Palace, Academy of Sciences, National Parliament, Writers Union, the Opera House, the statue David of Sasoun, and St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral. The tour also includes a visit to Erebuni Fortress (782 BC) and its museum. Visit Tsitsernakaberd, the Genocide Memorial Complex and Museum. Finally, visit State History museum of Armenia. Dinner and overnight in Yerevan.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Armenia Marriott Hotel Yerevan, Yerevan, 5*
Day 13 - Wednesday, June 15, 2016
 Today is entirely free to continue sightseeing on your own, do last-minute souvenir shopping or enjoy the amenities of our beautiful hotel. We gather this evening to celebrate the end of our journey in the South Caucasus region with a cocktail party and Farewell Dinner. Overnight in Yerevan.
Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Hotel: Armenia Marriott Hotel Yerevan, Yerevan, 5*
Day 14 - Thursday, June 16, 2016
The tour ends officially this morning. Breakfast is provided at the hotel this morning. You may book your flight to depart Yerevan at any convenient time today. Use the airport code EVN when searching for return flights.
Meals: Breakfast
|
|
• 13 nights hotel accommodations:
- 2 nights at Fairmont Baku, Flame Towers Hotel, Baku;
- 1 night at Sheki Saray Hotel , Sheki;
- 1 night at Chateau Mere, Telavi;
- 2 nights at Gudauri Marco Polo Hotel, Gudauri;
- 2 nights at Crystal Hotel, Bakuriani;
- 2 nights at Courtyard Marriott Tbilisi Hotel, Tbilisi;
- 3 nights at Armenia Marriott Hotel Yerevan, Yerevan;
• Airport transfers;
• Hotel breakfasts daily plus Welcome & Farewell Dinners and other meals as specified in the itinerary;
• Ground transportation in air conditioned motorcoach;
• Sightseeing activities and entrances as listed in the itinerary;
• Fully guided and escorted tour
• Round trip airfare to Baku, Azerbaijan (GYD) and returning from Yerevan, Armenia (EVN);
• Ground transportation for sightseeing on your own (taxis, local guides, etc.);
• Meals and optional activities not specifically listed in the itinerary; alcoholic beverages;
• Travel Insurance;
• Camera fees; laundry, telephone calls, faxes, or any other expenses of a personal nature
• Tips to drivers and guides and other conveyance attendants are not included; tipping guidelines for our group tips will be provided prior to departure.
Fairmont Baku, Flame Towers Hotel, Baku
Get the celebrity treatment with world-class service at Fairmont Baku at the Flame Towers. Located in the Flame Towers Complex, 5-star Fairmont Baku Hotel features picturesque views of Baku City or Caspian Sea. Guests are offered rooms with iPod dock station and a coffee machine.
Modern air-conditioned rooms at Fairmont include contemporary décor and a flat-screen TV. A spacious work desk, fully-stocked minibar and panoramic windows are also fitted in all rooms. The marble bathrooms come with a glass wall and bidet.
 A rich variety of dishes is served in Fairmont's Le Bistro Restaurant, which also offers French cuisine. Original and traditional cocktails can be enjoyed at Nur Lounge Bar.
Luxurious ESPA treatments are provided in ESPA Centre, including hammam, sauna and massages. Guests can also take a dip into the swimming pool or work out in the fitness centre.
Sheki Saray Hotel , Sheki
 Located in Sheki, this hotel is 200 metres from Sheki City Park and 3 km from Sheki Old Town. It includes the on-site restaurant, and garden.
Air-conditioned, soundproofed rooms come with a TV and minibar. Suites feature a balcony. Private bathrooms are fitted with a bath, hairdryer and bathrobes.
 Sheki Saray Hotel guests can enjoy Azerbaijani and European cuisine at the Shebeke Restaurant, or have a drink at the Buta Bar. BBQ facilities are also available.
Chateau Mere, Telavi
 Housed in a stone castle, this design hotel features free Wi-Fi, an outdoor swimming pool and a spacious garden. Located in Telavi, it is set in Georgia's wine-producing area amidst the Caucasus Mountains and Alazani Valley.
Chateau Mere has classically decorated rooms featuring antique-style furnishings. Each room includes a flat-screen TV and minibar, and some rooms offer a balcony.
 A breakfast buffet is provided at the hotel, which also features its own restaurant serving traditional Georgian cuisine made from organic local produce. In the evenings, guests can enjoy a drink at the bar.
On-site activities at Chateau Mere include wine tasting, billiards and karaoke. The accommodation can arrange horse riding excursions to the 8th-century Sios Marani Monastary or 6th-century Ikalto Monastary.
Gudauri Marco Polo Hotel, Gudauri
 Featuring a spa area with an indoor pool, this hotel is situated in the Gudauri ski resort. Each room has a flat-screen TV, and ski equipment hire is available.
The rooms at Hotel Gudauri are decorated in neutral colours, and come with a minibar and a work desk. Bathrobes and toiletries are provided in the private bathroom.
 A variety of European and Caucasian specialities are served in the classic-style restaurant, and the cosy bar features a fireplace. Evening entertainment is offered in the Gudauri Night Bar until 03:00.
After a busy day guests can relax in the sauna and hot tub, or treat themselves to massage. The games room has a billiards table, with Wi-Fi available for an extra fee.
Crystal Hotel, Bakuriani
 Featuring free Wi-Fi and ski hire, Hotel Crystal is 5 minutes' drive to Bakuriani Train Station. It offers modern-style rooms with a mini bar and a safety box.
All bright rooms have wooden floors, and a TV with a DVD player. Bathrooms are equipped with shower, slippers and bathrobes.
 Featuring wooden furnishing, Crystal's restaurant offers breakfast and a variety of European dishes. Drinks are served in the elegant bar, with open brick walls and atmospheric lighting.
Leisure activities at Hotel Crystal include a sauna, an indoor swimming pool and billiards. Ski storage is provided and horse riding is organised in summer.
Courtyard Marriott Tbilisi Hotel, Tbilisi
 Located on Freedom Square in the heart of Tbilisi, this grand hotel features an indoor pool, fitness centre with sauna and an elegant restaurant. Tbilisi Old Town is within a 5-minute walk.
Brasserie Freedom Restaurant and Bar serves international dishes and a range of Georgian wines. A breakfast buffet with varied hot and cold dishes is served here every morning.
 Spacious, classical-style rooms with soundproofed floor-to-ceiling windows and rich carpets are offered at Courtyard Marriott Tbilisi. Each includes satellite TV, air conditioning and a refrigerator.
Sights such as the Kashveti Church and the Georgian Art Museum are a 5-minute walk from the Tbilisi Courtyard.
Armenia Marriott Hotel Yerevan, Yerevan
 Centrally located on Republic Square, Marriott Armenia Hotel Yerevan offers elegant spa facilities, fine international cuisine, and soundproofed rooms with classic-style décor. It features 5 restaurants and bars. The Blue Mosque is 500 metres away.
Behind its grand façade, the Marriott Armenia Hotel Yerevan provides spacious rooms and suites with flat-screen TV, minibar, and seating area. Guests enjoy views of Mount Ararat or Republic Square.
 A solarium, and beauty salon can be found in the spacious spa area. A modern gym invites guests to keep fit.
Marriott Armenia Hotel Yerevan's Cucina restaurant serves varied Italian cuisine. Other facilities include the Armenia Brasserie, Meeting Point Café, and Scoop ice cream parlour.
Entry Requirements
Only one country of the three we are visiting requires arranging a visa in advance.
Azerbaijan – Tour participants will obtain an e-visa pursuant to the following provision: "In order to obtain an e-visa, foreigners can apply directly to a tourist agency accredited by an appropriate authority of the Republic of Azerbaijan or through partners of that agency in his/her country." We will assist you with this process at the appropriate time before departure.
Georgia - U.S. citizens visiting for 90 days or less in a 180 day period do not need a visa.
Armenia - American citizens are allowed visa-free entry to Armenia for up to 180 days per year.
Immunizations and Health
No immunizations are currently required for travel to the South Caucasus, but it suggested by the countries' own health divisions that Hepatitis A and B, typhoid and tetanus-diphtheria are necessary. It is wise to have your inoculations up-to-date. Is your tetanus booster current?
Exit Requirements
There is currently no separate departure tax required of visitors leaving Armenia other than that included with the cost of your airline ticket.
What to Bring
Situated between the Black Sea and Caspian Sea, and along the edge of the mountains, the Southern Caucasus region in June is fairly mild. Temperatures in the cities could range between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with the weather a good 10 degrees cooler in the mountains. Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they don't offend other cultures or religious beliefs. It is frowned upon for men to wear shorts in Azerbaijan, even in summer. This can attract unwelcome attention, especially outside Baku. In Georgia and Armenia, modest dress is required for religious sites. Pack light and try to limit yourself to one small suitcase plus carry-on. Pack medications and a change of clothes in a carry-on just in case your checked luggage doesn't arrive when you do. We suggest leaving expensive jewelry at home!
Money Matters
Three countries – three currencies. Only take out a small amount of cash in each country upon arrival. Most meals are included on this trip, so you won't need a lot of cash.
|
|
