Mountains and Monasteries
Mountains and Monasteries
Mountains and Monasteries
21 Days Starting in Baku and ending in Tbilisi
Visiting: Baku, Sheki , Telavi, Kazbegi , Kutaisi , Mestia (Svaneti) , Borjomi , Gyumri , Yerevan , Goris , Dilijan , Tbilisi
Tour operator:
Tour code:
MOBT
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 15
Age range:
12-90
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Private Available:
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Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Caucasus with the "Mountains and Monasteries" tour, exploring the rich cultural tapestry of Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia. Begin in Baku, Azerbaijan's capital, with its medieval walled city and ancient fire temples. Traverse the stunning landscapes to Sheki and Kish, then cross into Georgia's Kakheti wine region, savoring local flavors and breathtaking mountain views. Discover Tbilisi's historic charm, the UNESCO sites of Mtskheta, and the dramatic peaks of Gudauri and Kazbegi. Continue to Armenia, visiting Yerevan, ancient monasteries, and the awe-inspiring Caucasus Mountains. This small group adventure blends history, culture, and natural beauty, offering a unique rail tour experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Baku
Location: Baku
Spared destruction by the Mongols, Azerbaijan’s capital of Baku has a walled city where narrow streets lead to Shirvanshah’s Palace and the Maiden Tower, while the Caravanserai is a reminder that Silk Road caravans once stopped here.
In the evening of Day 1 join your Tour Leader and fellow travellers at 5:00pm for your Welcome Meeting as detailed on your Joining Instructions.
Day 2: Baku
Location: Baku
We begin the day exploring Baku, including the medieval walled city 'Icheri Sheher'. We also make time to visit the Gobustan preserve and mud volcanoes, created from oil and hot gas reserves. An unusual natural phenomena, watching the lava bubble up is quite captivating.Â
Day 3: Baku To Sheki
Location: Sheki
Today we make our way to Sheki travelling through beautiful landscapes stopping first to visit Shemakha. Weather permitting we will also stop by the 'village of masters' Lahij which is famous for its' authentic handicrafts, particularly copper on our way to Sheki.Â
Note: In case of bad weather we will visit the Ateshgah Zoroastrian Fire Temple, formerly used by traders from Persia and India.
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Day 4: Sheki And Kish
Location: Sheki
Sheki is one of the most ancient cities of Azerbaijan and is rightly called the architectural reserve of the country. The Palace of Sheki Khans is a rare and stunning example of combining the national and palace architecture traditions. We also visit the workshop of a shabaka maker, a style of window making that has been used inAzerbaijan since the 11th-12th centuries. Tiny glass pieces are assembled by the master with wood elements that fix each other without glue or nails.Â
Day 5: To Kakheti
Location: Telavi
Welcome to Georgia! Today we travel across the border and into the Kakheti wine region, and the towns of Gremi and Telavi, enjoying the excellent food, wine and stunning mountain views. We also visit the village of Varisubanui and a traditional qvevri maker.
Day 6: Kakheti To Stepantsminda
Location: Kazbegi
A stunning drive will bring us to Stepantsminda from where we can explore the Kazbegi region. Mountains and stunning scenery awaits at every turn.Â
Day 7: Kazbegi And Stepantsminda
Location: Kazbegi
We set out on a challenging and rewarding 1.5 hour walk to Gergeti Trinity Church (2170m) high in the Caucasus Mountains. Alternatively, transport will be arranged locally. Weather permitting you will have a chance to see Mt Kazbegi.
Day 8: Kutaisi Via Gori
Location: Kutaisi
We continue through Gori, Stalin’s birthplace, to see where it all began visiting the dictators house and museum – though you will not find any reference to his purges which cost millions their lives. Then on to Kutaisi.
Day 9: Mestia (Svaneti)
Location: Mestia (Svaneti)
Today we visit Prometheus grotto, one of Georgia’s natural wonders rich in petrified waterfalls, stalactites, stalagmites, underground rivers and lakes.  Climbing deep into the Caucasus Mountains to Svaneti we see unique ‘watchtower’ constructions which provided protection from would-be conquerors so successfully that the Svan tribes became isolated in their mountain fortresses.Â
Day 10: Mestia
Location: Mestia (Svaneti)
Travel deep into the Svan heartland to Ushguli which at 2200 metres is the highest permanent village in Europe. Today upper Svaneti is a UNESCO Heritage Site, where the locals retain their old unwritten language and are known to practice blood-feuds from time to time. Svan offers some of the best views in Europe across the surrounding peaks and glaciers of the High Caucasus, and if the weather conditions are right, we’ll have the opportunity to see them.
Day 11: Return To Kutaisi
Location: Kutaisi
We visit Zugdidi where we join a tour of the Dadiani Palace, a testimony to the regions rich royal past, before continuing to Kutaisi. It is Kutaisi where Georgia’s most revered King, David the Builder, is buried within the UNESCO listed Gelati Monastery. Here we marvel at the wonderful mosaics and wall paintings of this well-preserved complex.Â
Day 12: Kutaisi To Akhaltsikhe Via Borjomi
Location: Borjomi
We leave Kutaisi for Akhaltsikhe where we wander the Rabat Fortress (Old Town) with its rare examples of darbazebi (traditional Georgian houses), castle, mosque and synagogue.Â
Day 13: Into Armenia And Gyumri
Location: Gyumri
This morning we visit the remarkable remains of Vardzia, a monastery complex carved into the rocks and cliffs dating back to the 12th - 13th centuries.
Continuing to the Armenian Border at Bavra we farewell our Georgian guide and after completing border formalities we set foot in Armenia bound for the capital of the Shirak Province, Gyumri.
Day 14: To Yerevan
Location: Yerevan
Armenia was the world’s first state to adopt Christianity as its official religion. Winding our way to Armenia’s capital we make a stop at the archaeological remains of Zvartnots.
Day 15: Yerevan
Location: Yerevan
Whilst in Yerevan we explore the delightful city with beautiful tree-line streets, cafes and museums on our city tour including a visit to the State History Museum.Â
Day 16: Yerevan
Location: Yerevan
Beyond the city we visit the last surviving Pagan Temple in Garni of indeterminate origin, and farther on the UNSECO World Heritage Listed monastery of Geghard, which is carved, literally, out of the surrounding mountain.
Day 17: Yerevan To Goris
Location: Goris
Leaving Yerevan we stop to admire some of the region’s surrounding treasures including Noravank Monastery.
Travelling northwards from Goris to Tsaghkadzor we visit the breathtaking Khndzoresk Village. Situated on the steep slopes of Khir Dzor is the thousand-year-old Khndzoresk cave village, today around four hundred natural and man-made dwellings remain etched in the hillsides. Sixty-three metres above the ground Khndoresk Swinging Bridge runs over a deep canyon connecting the old and new villages.
Continuing our journey, we take some time to uncover the mysterious Karahunge Observatory, known as the Armenian Stonehenge (predating its English counterpart by 3,000 years)
Day 18: Goris To Dilijan
Location: Dilijan
Today will take in the forested surrounds of Dilijan. You will feel a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of Yerevan.Â
Day 19: Dilijan To Tbilisi
Location: Tbilisi
Today we wind our way through valleys and gorges to seek out the hidden monasteries amongst untouched nature, serenity and impressive architecture before returning to Tbilisi. En route we pause at the serene Lake Sevan, the world’s second largest, high altitude lake at 1900 metres above sea level. From here we can climb up to Sevanavank Monastery to marvel at the stunning panoramic views across the azure waters.
Day 20: Tbilisi
Location: Tbilisi
Tbilisi, the charming capital is situated on the Mtkvari River and is a delightful city to explore on foot. With 5th century origins in the Old Town we visit Metekhi Church and Sioni Cathedral then stroll along Rustaveli Avenue to Freedom Square.
Day 21: Tbilisi
Location: Tbilisi
Our adventure has drawn to a close. Say farewell to your travelling companions and tour leader before departing your hotel this morning.Â
What's Included
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Accommodation
20 Hotel/Guesthouse (twin share)
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Additional Services
Comprehensive schedule of sightseeing with certified Local Guides. You’ll have a generous sprinkling of free time to relax or explore on your own.
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Airport Transfers at Destination
All transfers including to and from the airport.
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Fully Guided
An experienced Tour Leader accompanies the whole journey to keep your adventure on track. Local Guides are native to each destination and as certified professionals will share their immense knowledge with you. 24/7 support is available in the office and on the ground.
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Meals
20 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 12 dinners
What's Not Included
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Insurance
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International Travel
Check out our Q&As
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes, all arrival and departure transfers are included to and from the airport.
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
Depending on your passport you may require visas for this journey. You will be provided with a comprehensive set of visa guidelines to assist you.
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Can I travel independently on this journey?
Yes, Sundowners Overland can created a customised Tailor Made journey to meet your needs should you wish to travel independently through these regions.
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes, all entrance fees for scheduled sightseeing are included.
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What is the maximum group size?
Small group tours ensure an intimate experience and all of our tours have a maxumum group size of 15.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
There are no single supplements on group tours if you are happy to share wtih fellow travellers. If you craft a custom journey or would prefer private hotel accommodation a single supplement may apply.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Like-minded, well travelled clients who you are sure to forge lasting friendships with as you unlock the wonders of the world together.
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Can I create a customised journey with Sundowners Overland
Yes. All of our group tours can be used as a starting point to create your own adventure. Whether travelling alone or in a private group the options are endless. We are happy to work with you to craft a journey that meets your interests and requirements.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1964
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
There are no single supplements on group tours if you are happy to share with fellow travelers. If you craft a custom journey or would prefer private hotel accommodation, a single supplement may apply.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Comprehensive tour documentation and visa guidelines
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please see full booking conditions for details.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Contact us to see if an alternative start point applies to your chosen journey.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes, we ensure that all accommodation is of a suitable standard for our journeys.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Please see full booking conditions for details
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Low Deposit
Sundowners Overland requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of sundowners overland charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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