Upon arrival, you'll be greeted at the airport and transferred to the hotel.

Azerbaijan’s capital Baku (or Bakı in Azeri) is the architectural love child of Paris and Dubai, albeit with plenty of Soviet genes floating half-hidden in the background. Few cities in the world are changing as quickly and nowhere else in the Caucasus do the East and West blend as seamlessly.

Overnight: Sapphire Bayil or similar, Baku

Meals included: None

This morning, after breakfast, you will head out on a city tour of Baku.

First, you will visit Memory Alley (Martyr’s Lane) which is a cemetery and memorial dedicated to those killed by the Soviet Army during Black January and also for those killed in the Nagorno-Karabakh War. You'll then continue to Upland Park to enjoy a panoramic view of Baku Bay. Afterwards, enjoy a walking tour in the beautiful UNESCO-listed Old City area where you'll see historical and cultural sites such as the Maiden Tower, Shirvanshah’s Palace, Medieval Caravanserai, the hammams (bathhouses), Market Square, carpet shops, art studios and souvenir stalls. After lunch (not included), you'll visit the world-class cultural centre named after Heydar Aliyev, Azerbaijan’s third president. The Heydar Aliyev Centre consists of various exhibitions and is recognised as one of the world's most famous buildings, the masterpiece of Zaha Hadid has also become an architectural landmark of modern Azerbaijan. You'll then finish the day with a walk along the Seaside Boulevard, the longest promenade in Baku, before returning to the hotel for an evening at leisure.

Overnight: Sapphire Bayil or similar, Baku

Meals included: Breakfast

Today is yours to enjoy free at leisure or you may take part in an optional tour (not included).

Optional Activity: Gobustan Archaeological Reserve & Mud Volcanoes
This morning, after breakfast, you will travel to mud volcanoes that are approximately 70 kilometres from Baku. These mud volcanoes are a unique natural phenomenon with almost half of the mud volcanoes on our planet located in Azerbaijan. Afterwards, you'll continue to Gobustan Reserve, an open-air archaeological museum where you can observe the caves and petroglyphs of the Neolithic period (Stone Age). Gobustan has outstanding universal value as its rock art images depict hunting, fauna, flora and lifestyles in pre-historic times. In the afternoon you'll travel onwards to the Absheron Peninsula where you may explore the Fire Worshippers Temple of Ateshgah. Until the late 19th century, it was known as the Zoroastrian pilgrimage place. Here you can admire the nearby flaming mountain of Yanardag where natural gas comes to the surface and has been burning since ancient times, attracting fire worshippers throughout many centuries. You'll then return to Baku where you may enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Please note: This optional tour requires a minimum of 8 people to operate. Current pricing details can be found under Important Information.

Overnight: Sapphire Bayil or similar, Baku

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, after breakfast, you'll check out of your hotel and travel onwards approximately 330 kilometres to Sheki in the North-West of the country. Snoozing amid green pillows of beautifully forested mountains, Şəki (Sheki) is Azerbaijan’s loveliest town, dappled with old houses boasting tiled roofs and topped off with a glittering little Khan’s palace. Along the way, you will visit Diri Baba Mausoleum in Maraza Village and the ancient Juma Mosque in Shamakhi, the medieval capital city. You will also cross a river canyon through the beautiful Muganly mountainous pass. Upon arrival in Sheki this afternoon, you will enjoy a short city tour to see the city fortress, Sheki Khan Palace, Caravanserai and artisans’ stalls selling stained glass and silk.

Overnight: Sheki Palace Hotel or similar, Sheki

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning you'll check out of your accommodation and continue onwards to the neighbouring country of Georgia. Along the way, you'll visit the village of Kish and observe the ancient temple called “the mother of churches”. The history of this church goes back to 6th-7th centuries. Once you have completed border formalities and crossed the border you will meet your Georgian guide who will drive you onwards to Kvareli and visit the Khareba wine cellar, located in a tunnel dug out of the flank of the Caucasus Mountains, where you can taste amazing Qvevri wines. The temperature in the tunnel stays ideally at 12-14 degrees throughout the year and consists of two main tunnels which are linked by 13 galleries. The total length of the tunnels is 7.7 kilometres. Following the wine tasting and tour of the tunnels, you'll learn to make two traditional Georgian dishes - Georgian Shoti Bread and local sweet Churchkhela. You'll then finish the day in Telavi where you will check in for an evening at leisure after an approximately 200 kilometre travel day.

Please note: You will be required to walk approximately 700m (approx. 300m of this is up stairs) from the Azerbaijan side to the Georgian side of the border. There are no cars inside the neutral zone to transfer the luggage and no car can currently cross the border.

Overnight: Holiday Inn Telavi or similar, Telavi

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, you'll drive to Tsinandali village and visit the 19th-century residence of Kakheti nobleman, poet, public figure and founder of the first wine factory, Alexander Chavchavadze. Here you'll explore the house-museum and sample a glass of the finest Tsinandali cellar wine. You'll then head to Shumi Winery, located just a few minutes' drive from Tsinandali, where you’ll enjoy a tour of the winery which presents a collection of wine-related exhibits, a history and culture department and a wine-tasting area. Here you will also enjoy a taste of Shumi botted wines with light snacks. Afterwards, you'll drive to Gudauri village deep in the Caucasus mountains at 2,200 metres above sea level and enjoy breathtaking views before you check into your hotel after an approximately 170-kilometre travel day.

Overnight: Marco Polo Inn or similar, Gudauri

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

After breakfast, you'll drive to the Gudauri Viewpoint which is a cylinder monument with spectacular views overlooking Devil’s Valley and the Caucasus Mountains. Called "Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument", this was erected by the Soviets in 1983 in the mountains of northern Georgia. The famous Georgian architect, Giorgi Chakhava, designed it and placed it on a spot offering a spectacular view over the surrounding landscape. You'll then drive onwards to Gergeti Mountain by 4x4 vehicle to visit the iconic Gergeti Trinity church which is overlooked by Mt. Kazbegi. Gergeti Holy Trinity Church is an important altar of the 14th century, located on the slope of Mount Kazbegi. The church facade preserves stone decorations depicting ancient rituals and beliefs. If you are lucky with the weather, you'll see the magnificent Mount Kazbegi (5047 metres above sea level), according to legend, Amirani, a cult hero and a prototype of Greek Prometheus, was punished by Gods and chained on the mountain. Afterwards, you'll continue to Gveleti and enjoy a walk to the Gveleti waterfall. You must first drive through the stunning Dariali Gorge where you can take a short, leisurely hike up a narrow footpath that leads the way to the Gveleti Small waterfall. You'll then return to Gudauri for the evening after an approximately 100-kilometre travel day.

Overnight: Marco Polo Inn or similar, Gudauri

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

This morning you'll depart Gudauri and head south out of the mountains towards Georgia’s beautiful capital city of Tbilisi, enjoying a few stops along the way. First up you will visit Ananuri Fortress and take in views of the Zhinvali Reservoir. The Ananuri complex was built between the 14th and 17th centuries and consists of fortifications and residential buildings of Aragvi Dukes, the purpose of the monument was to control the trade route and to guard the country from the North.

Afterwards, you'll drive to the ancient capital of Mtskheta which functioned as the capital of Eastern Georgia (Iberia) from the 3rd century BC to the 5th century AD. Mtskheta was a site of early Christian activity and the location where Christianity was proclaimed the state religion of Kartli in 337 AD. It remains the headquarters of the Georgian Orthodox Church so here you will visit the Mtskheta historical monuments of the Jvari Monastery of the 6th century and the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral of the 11th century, both which are recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

You'll then finish the day in Tbilisi, the vibrant and colourful capital of Georgia with its dramatic valley setting, picturesque Old Town, eclectic architecture and superb eating and drinking opportunities. Tbilisi is the vibrant, beating heart of Georgia and home to more than one in three of its citizens, so enjoy an evening at leisure here after an approximately 160 kilometre travel day.

Overnight: Holiday Inn Express or similar, Tbilisi

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, you'll enjoy a full-day tour of this historic capital city. You’ll combine driving and walking through the city to visit key attractions including Mount Mtatsminda (“The Holy Mountain”) which stands at an altitude of 729 metres above sea level with a leading position over the city. Nearby, you’ll also visit the Mtatsminda Pantheon of Writers and Public Figures where you’ll find where some of the most prominent writers, artists, scholars, and national heroes of Georgia are buried. Afterwards, you’ll head to the Holy Trinity Sameba Cathedral which is the largest religious building not only in Georgia but in the region of South Caucasus. It’s even listed among the largest Orthodox churches in the world. The cathedral was constructed between 1995 and 2004 as a "symbol of the Georgian national and spiritual revival". The 13th-century Metekhi Church then awaits, presenting one of the most important architectural monuments of old Tbilisi. You’ll then see the 4th-century Narikala Fortress which dominates the Old Town as an impressive architectural landmark. With its inaccessible slopes, the fortress served as a main fortification and defended the city for centuries. Stop by the Old Sulfur Bathhouses with healing natural warm water have been praised by numerous travellers who visited the city, as well as the Meidan Square and Shardeni neighbourhood which are famous for their cosy cafes, souvenir shops and art galleries. Take a walk over The Bridge of Peace, a modern architectural glassy bridge in Old Town, before seeing the 6th-century Anchiskhati Basilica which is one of the oldest churches of Tbilisi and is associated with the adoption of Christianity in Georgia. You’ll then finish the day back at the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Holiday Inn Express or similar, Tbilisi

Meals included: Breakfast

Today is a free day to explore this beautiful city or you can choose to take part in an optional tour.

Optional Activity: Gori, Stalin’s Museum & Uplistsikhe Day Tour
On this tour, you'll visit J. Stalin’s memorial house museum, located in the nearby town of Gori, which was established in 1937 and retains its Soviet-era characteristics. The museum exhibits re-create scenes from the life of the leader and includes unique photos, gifts and furniture. The house where Stalin was born is preserved under a stone canopy nearby while the museum complex also consists of an exposition building with a tower and Stalin’s coach which he used to travel to Tehran, Yalta and Potsdam. Afterwards, you'll visit the Uplistiskhe cave town, located southeast of Gori on the left bank of the river Mtkvari. Uplistsikhe is the first settled area mentioned in manuscripts dating from the 2nd millennium BC and translates literally in English as “the fortress of God”. The town was an important point on the trade route linking Byzantium, India and China. Nowadays archaeological excavations uncovered several layers dating from the Early Iron Age to the late Middle Ages. Take a walk through the narrow streets carved into sandstone rock, explore the caves, visit several pagan temples and see the Agama lizards that have taken over the abandoned city. Please note: This tour requires a minimum of 8 people to operate. Current pricing details can be found under Important Information.

Overnight: Holiday Inn Express or similar, Tbilisi

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, you'll head towards the Sadakhlo border where you'll travel onwards to the beautiful resort town of Dilijan, also known as ‘Little Switzerland’ due to its beautiful setting. Here, you will visit the old centre of Dilijan and Sharambeyan Street which is full of handicraft stores, souvenir shops and historical buildings. You'll then drive to Lake Sevan which is often referred to as a "Pearl of Armenia" by locals and is one of the largest freshwater high-altitude lakes in Eurasia. It stands out with its sweet and astonishingly blue water so enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the beautiful lake and enjoy a cruise to admire the beauty of the blue pearl of the Armenian highland. Finally, you'll arrive in Yerevan, the capital city of Armenia, where you will check into your hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure after an approximately 300-kilometre travel day. Yerevan is the vibrant capital of Armenia where ancient history seamlessly blends with modern energy. Nestled against the backdrop of Mount Ararat, Yerevan is a city of captivating contrasts so enjoy strolling through the charming streets adorned with pink tuff buildings and discover a rich tapestry of culture, cuisine, and hospitality.

Overnight: Ani Central Inn or similar, Yerevan

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, you'll embark on a tour of Yerevan, known by locals as the ‘pink city’ due to the colour of stone commonly used on the buildings. In the city centre, you will visit Republic Square and Mashtoc Avenue where you will see some of the most prominent buildings and attractive structures. You'll then see the gorgeous Yerevan Cascade, a giant multi-level stairway built of limestone and adorned with modernist sculptures. The stairs direct visitors’ gaze to views of central Yerevan and Mount Ararat. At the base of the Cascade, you'll find a garden courtyard boasting statues of contemporary sculptures such as Botero. You'll then continue onwards to the Yerevan Theatre of Opera and Ballet which officially opened in 1933 with Alexander Spendiaryan's Almast opera performance. Afterwards, you'll visit a brandy factory to learn about the national spirit of Armenia and enjoy a tasting too. You'll then head to the nearby Garni Temple, a Pagan Temple built in the 1st century AD that was devoted to the god Mihr, who was the god of cleanness. In 1679 it was destroyed by an earthquake however was restored in 1975. You will then continue to Geghard Monastery, named after the legendary lance that was used to pierce the body of Christ. It has been kept here for centuries though the exact foundation of the monastery is unknown, it's thought that the present complex was built in the mid–13th century. You'll finish the day at a local house where you will have the chance to see and participate in the preparation of the Armenian national bread, lavash. This bread is very thin and usually cooked in a ground oven (tonir) so you'll enjoy this 'Armenian fast food' with lavash and cheese. Afterwards, you'll return to Yerevan for an evening at leisure.

Overnight: Ani Central Inn or similar, Yerevan

Meals included: Breakfast

Today is a free day to explore this fascinating city or take part in an optional activity.

Optional Activity: Aregi Factory & Armenian Cooking Class
After breakfast, you'll drive to the nearby Aragatsotn region and visit the "Aregi" Dry Fruit & Eco-Snack Factory where incredible combinations of traditional Armenian dried fruits and vegetables await you. "Aregi" products are exclusively made without sugar and additives, and the factory operates by receiving solar energy through special stations. Thanks to the latter, ecologically clean dry fruit and vegetable snack chips are produced so you'll enjoy the opportunity to taste them. Afterwards, you'll visit a local house for lunch where you can participate in the preparation of Armenian pasta “Arishta” before finishing the day back in Yerevan.

Please note: This optional activity requires a minimum of 4 people to operate. Current pricing details can be found under Important Information.

Overnight: Ani Central Inn or similar, Yerevan

Meals included: Breakfast

Today you'll depart Yerevan and travel onwards to the centuries-old UNESCO-listed monuments of The Cathedral of Ejmiatsin and the 7th-century Zvartnots Temple. Afterwards, you'll continue onwards to Gyumri, the second-largest city in Armenia. The city, which has changed its name several times, was initially called Kumayri and later Alexandrapol. After that, it was called Leninakan and finally Gyumri. Enjoy walking the streets here after an approximately 130 kilometre travel day.

Overnight: Tomus Hotel or similar, Gyumri

Meals included: Breakfast

Today you'll depart Gyumri and travel to the Georgia and Armenia border at Bavra. After the border crossing, you'll travel onwards and explore the medieval Vardzia cave city and monastery. Vardzia is carved on the slopes of the Erusheti Mountain, stretching along the 500 meter-wide cliff and consisting of 19 tiers. Georgian Queen Tamar is credited for establishing a monastery in Vardzia during her reign in the 12th century which housed 2000 monks. During its rise in the 12th century, the cave city contained 6000 apartments, a throne room and a large church with a bell tower. While you're here, take a walk to explore the caves, and medieval frescoes and narrow "secret" tunnels.

After Vardzia, you'll continue onwards to the town of Akhaltsikhe which has always been known as a melting pot for its multiculturalism, tolerance and diversity. Georgians, Jews, Armenians and Turks have lived here side by side for centuries, and this is clearly reflected in the historical monuments of the town. Here you will check in to your accommodation and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure after an approximately 190 kilometre travel day.

Overnight: Akhaltsikhe Inn or similar, Akhaltsikhe

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning you'll depart Akhaltiskhe and travel onwards to the resort town of Borjomi, famous for its mineral water and being within a picturesque valley near the Agura River gorge at an altitude of 800 metres. Enjoy time at leisure exploring this beautiful town before driving onwards to the Gelati Academy and UNESCO-listed Monastery complex of the 12th century. The complex includes an Academy where some of the most renowned Georgian theologians, scientists and philosophers have graduated from.

You'll then continue onwards to Kutaisi which is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and the third-most populous city in Georgia after Tbilisi and Batumi. On arrival, enjoy a guided walk near the drama theatre on Agmashenebeli Square and Kutaisi Opera House before heading in the direction of the Kutaisi Historic District. Afterwards, cross the white bridge and go to the farmer's market before finishing the tour at Kutaisi Central Garden "Boulevard" where you can see a white stone statue of the famous folk singer of Debi Ishkhnelebi.

You'll then complete the day at your hotel where you may enjoy an evening at leisure after an approximately 190 kilometre travel day.

Overnight: Kutaisi Inn or similar, Kutaisi

Meals included: Breakfast

Depart Kutaisi and drive to the small village of Martvili on an approximately 220 kilometre travel day. Here you will visit one of the most unique natural attractions of Georgia, the Martvili Canyon protected area. Over millions of years, the Abasha River has created a magnificent gorge in limestone rocks, reaching a depth of 40 metres with canyons, caves and waterfalls. There are stretches of quiet water for peddling and swimming but also steep rocks to climb, spectacular waterfalls to enjoy and caves to explore. In the upper part of the canyon, you’ll enjoy a boat trip to explore this beautiful canyon and marvel at a few of these waterfalls.

From Martvili, you will begin your ascent up into the mountains of the Svaneti region. Along the way, you'll visit Enguri Dam which is the world's second-largest arch dam at 270 metres in height.

You'll then finish the day in the beautiful mountain resort town of Mestia which also doubles as the capital of Svaneti Provence. Mestia sits at 1500 metres above sea level in the shadows of some of the biggest mountains in Europe, such as the iconic Mt Ushba (4710 metres). The population of Mestia is made up mostly of Svans, a cultural and linguistic subgroup of the Georgians with a unique cultural identity. Despite its small size, the townlet was an important centre of Georgian culture for centuries and contains several medieval monuments such as churches and forts which are included in a list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Overnight: Hotel Lahili or similar, Mestia

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

After breakfast, enjoy a tour to see one of the many Svan Towers, the symbol of Svaneti which were built during medieval times as protection from invaders and natural disasters. Afterwards, you'll visit the Svaneti Museum where you will find unique icons and manuscripts from the 4th to 6th centuries, as well as ethnic artifacts associated with Svaneti and its people. After you visit the museum, you will travel back to the hotel where you can enjoy the rest of the evening exploring at your leisure, with dinner included.

Optional Activity: Hatsvali Cable Car
$10 USD (paid on tour, pricing subject to change) Ride the Hatsvali Cable Car up Mount Zuruldi (2347 metres) to enjoy magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding area (weather dependent - subject to closures).
Please note activities on Days 19 and 20 may be swapped

Overnight: Hotel Lahili or similar, Mestia

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

Today you will explore the beautiful Svaneti Region which is surrounded by mountains, glaciers, high peaks and waterfalls. You'll be driven in 4x4 vehicles to Ushguli Village which is a community of four villages at the head of Enguri Gorge. It’s considered one of the highest continuously inhabited settlements in Europe at 2100 metres above sea level and, due to its particularly inaccessible location, has kept a timeless feel. The road to Ushguli passes by the villages of Ipari and Kala where the small churches in these villages contain beautiful frescos and murals dedicated to the history of the region. From here you will enjoy a walk where you may view the Shkhara Glacier, the surrounding villages contain old Svan Towers and buildings that make Ushguli part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites. In the evening you will return to the hotel where you will spend the rest of the evening at your own leisure with dinner included. Please note activities on Days 19 and 20 may be swapped

Overnight: Hotel Lahili or similar, Mestia

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

Today, after breakfast, you'll depart to the small village of Chkhoria near Zugdidi. Here you will find the ethnographic village of Sisa Tura where the history and traditions of the Samegrelo region are collected and revived with traditional facilities and unique household items located under the open sky. There is an artificial lake in the ethno-village too where you can fish, walk in nature, taste traditional dishes during lunch and enjoy the Kolkhic peace. Next, you'll drive to the Neo-Gothic Dadiani Palace in Zugdidi where the History and Architecture Museum is considered to be one of the most eminent palaces in the Caucasus. Afterwards, you'll continue onwards to Batumi after an approximately 250 kilometre travel day, this is the second largest city in Georgia and also happens to be positioned on the shores of the Black Sea.

Overnight: Salvador Batumi or similar, Batumi

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

Today you'll head out on a tour of Batumi, beginning at the Batumi Botanical Garden which is unique for the combinations of species from completely different climatic zones. Enjoy taking a walk in the garden and photographing the views of Black Sea shores.

You'll then visit the Petra fortress which is located on the shores of the Black Sea, between the resort Tsikhisdziri and the town Kobuleti in the Adjara province, West Georgia. The fortress is situated on a hill where beautiful views over the Black Sea and Kobuleti beach can be enjoyed. Petra held an important strategic position at the crossroads of the route linking Georgia with Asia. Nowadays, the complex integrates the ruins of the fortress and a 200-metre long and 100-metre wide citadel, located on two neighbouring rocky seaside hills, a large 6th-century three-nave basilica, as well as the remains of an urban settlement that includes a bathhouse, water cistern, more than 300 burials of Late Bronze, Hellenistic, Roman and medieval periods.

You'll then return to Batumi for a walking city tour, starting from Europe Square near the statue of Medea by Davit Khmaladze. After learning the story about the Golden Fleece (Greek legend) and the history of the Adjara region, you'll walk through the narrow old streets to the Piazza Square to look at the Poseidon statue in front of the Batumi Drama Theater. The Old Batumi streets bring you to the Batumi Port where you'll walk around the Georgian Alphabet Tower, visit the Ali & Nino moving sculpture by Tamara Kvesitadze, stroll the Batumi boulevard and enjoy the show of dancing fountains. Finish the day back at the hotel for an evening at leisure.

Overnight: Salvador Batumi or similar, Batumi

Meals included: Breakfast

Today depart Batumi and return to Tbilisi (approximately 360 kilometres) for one final evening before you depart home.

Overnight: Holiday Inn Express or similar, Tbilisi

Meals included: Breakfast

Today at the appropriate time transfer to the airport for your return flight home to Australia (or New Zealand)

Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight