Crossroads of the Caucasus By World Journeys
Departs May 2025
21 Days from $21,510 twin share per person*
Sales from January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
Tour Description
Discover the exotic history and culture of the Caucasus on this World Journeys Hosted Journey through Istanbul, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Explore the ancient birthplace of viticulture and wine-making in Kakheti, visit farmers markets, sacred monasteries, artisan workshops and enjoy a cooking class and wine tasting. See the mighty Caucasus Mountains and view Mt Ararat from the city of Artaxata. Above all, experience the warmth and hospitality of the generous peoples of the region – an experience not to be missed.
Detailed Itinerary: May 2025
Sun 4: Auckland/Christchurch > Dubai
Fly New Zealand to Dubai. Overnight on the flight.
Connect through to Istanbul. Transfer to your hotel. Tue 6: Istanbul (B,D)
Your walking tour this morning includes Topkapi Palace Museum, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and the famous Grand Bazaar. Wed 7: Istanbul (B,D)
Continue exploring Istanbul this morning with the Basilica Cistern and Spice Market. Join a cruise on the Bosphorus before relaxing this afternoon. Thu 8: Istanbul > Baku (Azerbaijan) (B)
Transfer to the airport and fly to Baku. On arrival transfer to your hotel and this evening is at leisure. Fri 9: Baku (B)
Explore fascinating Baku today starting at Martyrs Lane for a panoramic view of the city. Then head into the Old City to see the Shirvanshah Palace, Maiden Tower, Fountain Square and Green Bazaar. Sat 10: Baku > Gobustan > Baku (B)
Head into the historical and cultural reserve of Gobustan this morning and visit the Gobustan Petroglyphs Museum. Afternoon at leisure. Sun 11: Baku > Shamakhi > Sheki (B)
Head west for Sheki this morning, stopping en route to see the Juma Mosque in Shamakhi. On arrival in Sheki, visit the Sheki Khans Palace and Upper Caravanserai, an 18th century remnant of the city’s merchant history. Join a Shebeke workshop in stained glass windows. Mon 12: Sheki > Lagodekhi > Telavi (Georgia) (B,L)
Transfer to the border to meet your Georgian guide. Explore the most fertile part of Georgia – Kakheti, which borders the Great Caucasus range. This region is known as a birthplace of viticulture and wine-making. Have lunch with a wine-making family. Tue 13: Telavi > Sighnaghi > Tbilisi (B,L,D)
Visit the local farmers market in Telavi before heading to the fortified town of Sighnaghi, famous for its wine and carpet-making culture. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Kizikhi area and the unusual charm of Sighnaghi Royal Town. Walk the narrow streets with buildings characterised by their intricately carved wooden balconies. Lunch is a culinary masterclass and wine tasting before continuing to Tbilisi. Wed 14: Tbilisi (B,L)
Visit Metechi Church, Sioni Cathedral and Anchiskhati Basilica, the oldest surviving church in Tbilisi, before heading to Narikhala Fortress for wonderful views across the city. Visit the National Museum of Georgia before a stroll along Rustaveli Avenue. Thu 15: Tbilisi > Mtskheta > Tserovani > Borjomi (B,L)
Drive to Mtskheta – the ancient capital of Georgia. Visit the UNESCO sites of Jvari, where St. Nino, a female evangelist, erected a cross on the site of a pagan temple and Svetitskhoveli, the fortified cathedral where the Robe of Christ is said to be buried. Meet a member of the community of IDP (Internally Displaced People) from the Russian occupied South Ossetia Region before joining an enamel workshop. Fri 16: Borjomi > Vardzia > Borjomi (B,L)
Drive to the cave town of Vardzia, via the Khertvisi Fortress. Visit newly renovated Rabat Castle which is often called a symbol of tolerance and the Akhaltsikhe Synagogue of the Georgian Jews before returning to Borjomi for overnight. Sat 17: Borjomi > Gori > Ananuri > Gudauri (B,L,D)
After breakfast drive to Gori, known as the birthplace of the Soviet leader Joseph Stalin. Visit Stalin’s Museum in Gori where you can see the house where Stalin was born, and his personal railway carriage. Continue to the 16th – 17th century fortress and church of Ananuri. Overnight in Gudauri. Sun 18: Gudauri > Kazbegi > Gudauri (B,L)
See the high peaks, roaring rivers and mountain lifestyle of Georgia’s northern borderlands by travelling via one of the oldest roads in Georgia, which the Russian Tsar Alexander I named the Georgian Military Highway. Weather permitting the tour will visit ‘Mkinvartsveri’ or Mt Kazbek, a dormant volcano soaring to 5047 m. Join a jeep tour to Gergety Trinity Church – the most important altar of 14th century, located on the slope of Mount Kazbek. Enjoy a home-hosted lunch and dumpling making class in the tiny, remote village of Tsdo. After lunch meet a wool felt master and learn about this centuries-old craft tradition. Mon 19: Gudauri > Sadakhlo > Haghpat Monastery (Armenia) (B,L,D)
Drive to the Sadakhlo border crossing, stopping en route in Tblisi for lunch. Cross into Armenia this afternoon and visit Haghpat monastery, famous for its unique school of manuscripts. Visit the COAF Smart School, a modern centre offering free education to rural children, and enjoy a stay at the Concept Hotel here. Tue 20: Haghpat > Dilijan > Lake Sevan > Yerevan (B,L)
Visit artisan workshops in Dilijan then head for the monastery of Sevanavank at Lake Sevan. The panoramic views are a just reward for the steep climb of 200 steps. Culinary workshop and lunch before continuing to Yerevan. After a rest join a walking tour of downtown Yerevan. Wed 21: Geghard Cave Monastery > Garni Pagan Temple (B,L,D)
Drive from Yerevan to the UNESCO World Heritage site cave monastery of Geghard with a live performance of medieval Armenian spiritual chants in one of the cave chambers of the monastery. Then drive to Garni to visit its pagan temple dating from the 1st century. This Greco-Roman temple was dedicated to the deity of the sun and justice, Mithra. After lunch witness one of the most impressive natural monuments of Armenia, “Symphony of Stones”, located in the Garni Gorge. Overnight in Yerevan. Thu 22: Yerevan (B,L,D)
Drive to Khor Virap monastery for views of Mt Ararat. Back in Yerevan visit the Armenian Genocide Museum & Memorial before meeting a musician for a presentation of traditional Armenian woodwind musical instruments followed by a live performance on various instruments. Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening. Fri 23: Yerevan > Dubai (B)
Fly to Dubai arriving this afternoon. Transfer to your stopover hotel. Sat 24: Dubai > Auckland / Christchurch
This morning depart for New Zealand, travelling overnight. Sun 25: Arrive Auckland / Christchurch
Arrive mid-morning.
Inclusions
• 21 day World Journeys Crossroads of the Caucasus Hosted Journey
• Small group tour (18 max)
• Economy Class flights from New Zealand (from Auckland or Christchurch)
• Airline and airport taxes
• A World Journeys host
• Accommodation in 4-star hotels (or best available)
• Transfers, sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
• Transport by air and road as per itinerary
• Meals as indicated B - breakfast, L - lunch or D - dinner
• Gratuities
Terms and Conditions
Tour: A non-refundable deposit of $3000 per person is required, with the balance due 4 Feb 25. As cancellation fees apply, travel insurance is mandatory. Please inquire about health & medical requirements. Travel by road can involve long journeys on uneven roads with only limited opportunities for comfort breaks. Porters are unavailable at some hotels & during border crossings. A base level of fitness is required for this tour, you should be able to comfortably walk up to 4 kms unaided. The order of sightseeing may vary in accordance with local conditions. Not Included: Items of a personal nature, travel insurance (mandatory), visas. Gratuity: In the countries you are visiting, tipping is customary. For a hassle-free journey, tipping is included & will be handled by the World Journeys host for all group activities. General Terms & Conditions: Deposits & final payments will be required to secure bookings. Strict amendment & cancellation conditions apply. Travel agent professional service fees will apply. We welcome all major credit cards however a credit card processing fee will apply. Whilst every care is taken to accurately present the information & pricing we reserve the right to correct any errors or omissions. Further terms & conditions apply. For full terms & conditions visit your local Travel Advisor today.