Join us in April 2012 for a fascinating tour of the countries of Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia. We will experience their unique cultures, natural beauty, traditions, cuisine, and much more!

Apr 14: Welcome to Azerbaijan! Upon our arrival at Baku airport, we will be met and assisted, then transfer to our hotel for dinner and overnight. (D)

Apr 15: After breakfast we will depart for full day tour of Baku including lunch at the open-air restaurant Chanag Gala. Baku, Azerbaijan's capitol city has a cosmopolitan air about it with oil wealth used to create a unique blend of Soviet and Islamic architecture. Oil has been a part of Baku for many centuries but the city did not become an oil "boom town" until the late 1800's. Our tour includes a visit of the open-air museum Gobustan (rock paintings), Old City with Shirvan Shah Palace and Maiden Tower, the local Teza Bazaar and walking tour of pedestrian zone. Dinner at Bah Bah Restaurant, famous for its delightful cuisine prepared on the basis of old Azerbaijan culinary recipes. Overnight at our hotel in Baku. (B/L/D)

Apr 16: After breakfast we will check out and depart for a half-day tour of Sheki including a visit of magnificent Khan's Palace, Panorama point, shabaka shop, sweet shop, and the local bazaar. Depart Sheki for the Georgian / Azerbaijan border (Lagodekhi) via Zakatali where we will stop for lunch. Zakatali is located at the confluence of several rivers that come down from the Caucasus Mountains to the north. Meet at the border with our Georgian partner and exchange bus / guide. Welcome to Georgia! After we change busses we will drive to Telavi. Dinner and overnight in guesthouses. (B/D)

Apr 17: After breakfast we depart for Tbilisi with stops on the way. We will visit the town of Tsinandali and a noble family house/museum of the 19th century with a beautiful park. In Signaghi we will see the 16-17th century town, renovated, so called town of love, all surrounded by the wall. We will have a chance to wander around and to explore the city. There are nice cute restaurants there as well and we will have time for independent lunch there. Continue on to Tbilisi for dinner and overnight. (B/D)

Apr 18: After breakfast we will have a city tour of Tblisi which will include the State Museum of Georgia, which has a vast collection of icons and metalwork, and also include a walk along Sharden Street and the new Peace Bridge. Afterwards we will drive to Mtskheta, the ancient spiritual capital of Georgia. Visits will include Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century) and Jvari Church (7th century). Return to Tbilisi for dinner and overnight. (B/D)

Apr 19: After breakfast we will depart for David Gareji, one of Georgia's most important and remarkable ancient religious sites. The area contains several monasteries carved out of the limestone rock, and built in the 6th century by the Davit, one of the 13 Syrian fathers. The area had fallen into neglect and was even used by the Soviets for military exercises, but the 19 known monasteries in the area are now being restored. We will have a picnic lunch along the way. Return to Tbilisi for overnight. (B/L/D)

Apr 20: After breakfast we will depart for Armenia by bus. Upon our arrival at the border crossing of Bagratashen, proceed through usual immigration and customs formalities and change to the Armenian bus. Welcome to Armenia! Drive to the Haghpat Monastery, perched on the edge of the Debed Canyon. The monastery has UNESCO World Heritage status and the view alone is worth the visit. Built by Queen Khosrvanuch in 976, it is a splendid architectural monument in a spectacular natural setting. Also visit another UNESCO site - the Sanahin Monastery. Overnight in Alaverdi. (B/L)

Apr 21: Check out from the hotel and continue your Armenia trip from Alaverdi, Vanadzor to Dilijan. Visit Haghartsin and Goshavank Monasteries in Dilijan -magnificent and beautiful ecclesiastic monuments which are the highlight of the medieval Armenian architecture. Continue to Lake Sevan. Visit the peninsula and enjoy your lunch here - fresh fish from sweet waters of the lake! Spend some time exploring the wild nature and sunshine as well as visit the 9th century AD Sevan Monastery. Head to the hotel and check in for overnight in Sevan or the spa town Tsakhkadzor. (B/L/D)

Apr 22: Check out after breakfast at the hotel. We depart for and Noravank (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Khor Virap via the famous Selima Pass - one of the main junctions on the Great Silk Route. We will stop to visit the caravanserai, recorded as the best preserved of its kind, the gathering place for travelers along the Silk Road where the travelers could re-supply, exchange news and information, and rest from their long journey. We will have a picnic lunch by the monastery of Noravank, known for its architecture and dramatic setting. Continue on to Yerevan with an optional visit to a local winery en-route to the capital. Arrive in Yerevan; check in at the hotel. Free evening with optional dinner and overnight at the hotel. (B/L)

Apr 23: Today we will have a full day of sightseeing around Yerevan, Armenia's capital. Yerevan is a diverse city with a very intense cultural life. There are dozens of theaters, museums, concert halls, galleries, and live music clubs. People are relaxed and go at relaxed pace. The city itself has a history dating back to 782 BC, and its past is as diverse as the present. Visit Matenadaran, the repository of ancient Armenian manuscripts (UNESCO World Heritage Sight). Lunch will be at a local restaurant, then continue your tour to Echmiatsin, the Vatican of the Holy Armenian Apostolic Church, and Surb Hripsimeh. Free evening for independent activities, and overnight in Yerevan. (B/L)

Apr 24: After breakfast depart for a full day tour to Ashtarak to visit the Saghmosavank (1215) and Ohannavank (1216-1221) Monasteries as well as the Byurakan/Amberd Fortress (weather permitting). Both monasteries perch on the edge of the precipitous gorge of the Kasakh River. The book repository of Saghmosavank, built in 1255 under Prince Kurd Vachutyan is among Armenia's buildings rare in their purpose and original in their composition. Amberd Fortress is on the slopes of Mt. Aragats at 2300 meters above sea level. It was built during the 11th to 13th centuries. Return to Yerevan for overnight. (B/L)

Apr 25: This morning we will visit Garni Temple, the only surviving monument of the Hellenistic period in the history of the country. Dedicated to the goddess of Sun Mihr (Mythra) it dates back to the 1st century AD. We then continue our excursion and visit Geghard Monastery (UNESCO Heritage Sight), named after the lance that pierced Christ's side at the crucifixion. The spear was once housed there but now resides at Echmiatsin. Lunch will be hosted by a local family in Garni. Return to Yerevan and visit one of the most fascinating museums - the History Museum. Return to hotel for a brief rest before our farewell dinner. Overnight in Yerevan. (B/L/D)

Apr 26: After breakfast we check out and transfer to the airport for our final departure. (B)

End of services.

Included:

• Land transportation in minibus/coach
• Qualified English speaking guides throughout
• Entrance fees as per program
• Accommodation based on double occupancy, in best available hotels or guesthouses
• Meals as indicated on the itinerary

Not Included:

• Air fare
• Personal expenses, extras, snacks, optional tours
• Beverages
• Porters may not be available in all areas
• Tips for guides and drivers
• Visas
• Trip insurance

Single Supplement: $771