Georgia + Azerbaijan from Kutaisi

 

 

 

 

Breakfast. Panoramic tour in Tbilisi. The capital of Georgia is unique. It is located on the several mountain hills, on which "creep" the old blocks. Tbilisi – is a beautiful river Kura with its picturesque rocky shores, that flows across the whole city. "Old Town" – is the historic center of Tbilisi, that is located at the root of Mtatsminda (Holy Mount) mountain. Almost all of the buildings of the Old Town are historical and cultural sites, this part of the city is round – the – clock full of life, here walk alone or in groups tourists, meet lovers near the Clock Tower. This amuzing Tower appeared here recently, built by the Puppet Theatre director Rezo Gabriadze. Here artists exhibit their paintings, artisans offer numerous souvenirs. There are mainly 2-3-storey houses built of stone and brick, and they have a special Tbilisi architecture, which is characterized by narrow streets, galleries and carved wooden balconies. Tbilisi is one of the rare places in the world, where can peacefully exist in the Old Town orthodox church, catholic cathedra, synagogue and mosque.

During the excursion visit of: Mechetian Church (V c.), Anchiskhati Basilica of St Mary – the oldest surviving church, Synaxis of Saint Truinity, temple complex of Tsminda Sameba – the main Cathedral of Georgian Orthodox Church. The rise by the cable car (tickets for extra charge) to the Narikala fortress (IV c.).

Next, excursion to the ancient capital of Georgia Mtskheta. Visit of Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (1010-1029), at the bottom of which is buried one of the major Christian relics Lords chiton, as well as the burial place of many of the Georgian kings. Here is also the part of life-giving pillar. Visit of temple-monastery Jvari (VI c.). At the top of the mountain where the temple is located, opens a fantastic view on the place of confluence of two rivers –; Kura and Aragvi. There also opens a beautiful view on the ancient capital of Georgia –; Mtskheta.

Return to Tbilisi. Overnight in the hotel.

 

 

Breakfast. Departure to "town of everlasting love"Sighnaghi. On the way visit in the Bodbe village of the monastery complex of St. George and the grave of St. Nino, that brought Christianity to Georgia.

Walk along the ancient town Sighnaghi, that is placed at the top of the ridge, overlooking Alazani valley. It was currently restored to its original from. Then, passing through, acquaintance with the history of the Manavi Fortress (XI century) and the Manavi Temple (XVIII century). The church was built in 1794 by the abbot of the monastery of John the Baptist from the monastery David Gareji - Ephraim. In the 17th century here was located the royal vineyards and the estate of Heraclius II. Stop in the pearl of Kakheti - a private estate "Chateau Fort de Manavi". In the program of the visit: tasting of wines and chacha, produced according to traditional old Georgian technology directly in the marani "Chateau Fort de Manavi" from grapes grown in the estate's own vineyards. The highlight of the tasting will be "Manavi Green" - a wine made from a special grape variety that grows only in the area of the village of Manavi in Georgia. Return to Tbilisi. Transfer to the railway station and departure to Baku by a night train.

 

 

Arrival to Baku. Breakfast. Excursion in Baku: Ateshhiach – the temple of the fire worshipers, the block of the old Baku "Ichery – Shekher", historical and architectural reserve in the city center, in December 2000, it was included to the UNESCO list of World Cultural Heritage; Maiden Tower (XIIv.), mosque Bibi Heybat (XIIv.) built by Shirvanshahs Abu al-Fath Farruhzadom; Maiden Tower of the Shirvanshahs Palace (XVI c.), where were well preserved mosque, bath and entrance gates.

Arrival to the reserve "Gobustan". In 2007, the cultural landscape of the art of Gobustan rock was included in the UNESCO list of World Cultural Heritage. There are about 6000 images that were created since the Mesolithic period and the Middle Ages. Figures are found mainly in caves and at the ruins of the rocks. Among the pictures, you can find hunting scenes, ritual dances, farming, depict of various animals, boats and various symbolic signs (tickets for extra charge).

Return to Baku. Overnight in the hotel.

 

 

Breakfast. Excursion in Shemakha – one of the oldest and most interesting cities. Founded approximately in V c. BC, in the IX. BC was the capital of an extensive kingdom of Shirvan, in the XVIII c. – Shemakhan Khanate. The main attraction of the city is Giz-Galasi fortress (Gulistan, XI-XII centuries.) – the last refuge of Shirvanshahs, mausoleum of Eddie Gumbez "Seven Domes" with numerous tombs of rulers of Shemakha, Juma Cathedral Mosque (X c., rebuilt in the XIX century.) , numerous ruins of buildings of X-XVII centuries. It is a recognized center of carpet weaving (tickets for extra charge). Souvenirs buying.

Return to Baku. Transfer to the railway station and departure to Tbilisi by a night train 20:30-09:45.

 

 

Breakfast. Day free. Overnight.

 

Breakfast. In the morning departure in the direction of Ananuri. Overlook the picturesque Ananuri fortress (XVI c.), located above Aragvi river, and also the amazing beauty of Zhinvali reservoir. 

 

 

Breakfast. Depending on the departure time, free time. Souvenirs buying. Transfer to the airport for your flight to back home.