HIGHLIGHTS: TOUR INCLUDES: +44 (0)

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Angelina Austin
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+44 (0)20 8741 7390 One of the most linguistically and culturally diverse regions in the world, the Caucasus is a melting pot of traditions, conflicts and religions.

This in-depth journey will take you through a land rich in religious faith and historical pedigree, where you will have an opportunity to explore ancient hidden monasteries and medieval towns, visit

Beginning in Azerbaijan you will have a chance to visit ancient rock paintings and rural mountain villages, before crossing through the fertile Georgian vineyards of Kakheti.

1 +44 (0) One of the most linguistically and culturally diverse regions in the world, the Caucasus is a melting pot of traditions, conflicts and religions. Home to some of the oldest Christian churches on earth, it can also boast caravanserais and ancient rock art, spectacular landscapes and some of the richest biodiversity hotspots in the world. This in-depth journey will take you through a land rich in religious faith and historical pedigree, where you will have an opportunity to explore ancient hidden monasteries and medieval towns, visit rural markets and travel across some of the most spectacular mountain scenery on the continent. Beginning in Azerbaijan you will have a chance to visit ancient rock paintings and rural mountain villages, before crossing through the fertile Georgian vineyards of Kakheti. Georgia then offers up charming Tbilisi and the medieval complex of Gelati, as well as the mountains of Svaneti, where you will experience village life, spectacular caves and the Ottoman fortress of Rabat. Crossing the high plateau you then tour the captivating monasteries of Armenia, some of the oldest and most important on earth, before ending the journey in Yerevan, the Armenian capital. HIGHLIGHTS: Stay in a homestay in the mountain village of Lahij, Azerbaijan See Echmiadsin, the spiritual centre of Armenia Explore the capital cities of Tbilisi, Baku and Yerevan See the mediaeval Svaneti towers lit up at night in Mestia, Georgia Discover ancient monasteries hidden in valleys and gorges TOUR INCLUDES: 15 nights three to four star hotel and 4 nights guesthouse 19 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners Private guided sightseeing Private driver and vehicle Sightseeing programme including all entrance fees Private guided transfers to and from all airports *Please note the prices shown are per person and based on two persons sharing a twin or double room

3 ITINERARY DAY 1: BAKU Arrive in Baku and transfer to your hotel. DAY 2: BAKU This morning with your guide, drive along the coast to the desert area of Gobustan, where there are many ancient rock paintings dating back to 10,000BC. Return to Baku for an afternoon city tour including the funicular to Martyr's Alley, a memorial park, the Shirvanshah palace in the old city and the Maiden's Tower. There will also be time for a stroll along the sea front as well. (B) DAY 3: BAKU - LAHIJ Heading towards the mountains you will pass the ancient capital of Shamakhi on your way to the village of Lahij. Set in a valley at the far end of a small mountain road, this area which is rich in copper has some of the best coppersmiths in Azerbaijan. See the artisans at work as you wander the cobbled streets or take a walk in the surrounding mountains. (B) DAY 4: LAHIJ - SHEKI Returning to the main road you will move on to the town of Sheki, once home to the royal family. There is an impressively restored palace and a thriving bazaar to explore. (B) DAY 5: SHEKI - KISH - SHEKI The small village of Kish lies just a few kilometres away and here you will find the restored Caucasus Albanian church. Visit the church and spend the afternoon walking in the surrounding hills. (B)

4 DAY 6: SHEKI - TBILISI Leaving Azerbaijan this morning you will cross in to Georgia and the beautiful fertile region of Kakheti. A visit to a winery and a traditional Georgian lunch are the perfect introduction to the country. Take a stroll around the hill top walled town of Sighnaghi with fantastic views of the Caucasus Mountains before driving on to Tbilisi. (B,L,D) DAY 7: TBILISI Visit the charming city of Tbilisi today on foot. Begin the tour from the 13th century Metekhi church. Stroll through the little streets and take the cable car to the 4th century Narikala Fortress. Take in the stunning views of Tbilisi before walking down to the historical domed sulphur bath are - connected with the name of our city. Later, start visit the stunning treasury of the Georgian State Museum or historical museum, which prove that Georgia is really the country of the Golden Fleece. (B) DAY 8: TBILISI - MTSKHETA - GORI - UPLISTSIKHE - KUTAISI This morning you will visit the ancient capital and Georgian home of Christianity - Mtskheta. It was here that St Nino converted the royal family and the town is home to the restored cathedral of Svetitskhoveli. Continue to the town of Gori, the birthplace of Stalin, to visit the Stalin museum and the nearby 6th century BC cave town of Uplistsikhe. In the afternoon head into Western Georgia and overnight in Georgia's second city Kutaisi. (B) DAY 9: KUTAISI - GELATI - ZUGDIDI - BECHO The complex of Gelati, close to Kutaisi, was built by King David the Builder as the most important learning centre in Georgia in medieval times. Visit the complex before continuing on to the city of Zugdidi where you will have a chance to see the Dadiani Palace (closed Mondays) and wander the market before you driving in to the mountains of Svaneti. Stop tonight in the small village of Becho. (B,L,D) DAY 10: BECHO - SHIKHRA - MESTIA Today explore the neighbouring village of Shikhra and then walk through the woods to the foot of Mt. Ushba (4700m) and the Ushba glacier. You will see several waterfalls cascading down the mountain slope, an unforgettable sight. Choose to walk to the base of the large waterfall or head up to the top and gaze down from above at the picturesque Dolra River Valley. In the late afternoon drive on to Mestia, the centre of Upper Svaneti, where you will enjoy a Svanetian meal in your guesthouse. (B,L,D)

DAY 11: MESTIA The villages of Svaneti with their clusters of towers and the valleys and waterfalls await you today as you take a full day trek in the area.

Ushguli and Mestia is set within the Upper Svaneti UNESCO world Heritage Site.

with spectacular chambers and formations. In Kutaisi visit the Bagrati Cathedral.

view of the National Park before driving on to Akhaltsikhe. The town is crowned by a fully restored fortress, the Rabat, one of the only Ottoman complexes in the country.

5 DAY 11: MESTIA The villages of Svaneti with their clusters of towers and the valleys and waterfalls await you today as you take a full day trek in the area. Alternatively you may like to drive to the remote village of Ushguli, cut off completely throughout the winter, this village is like stepping back in time with its tiny alleys between the houses. Ushguli and Mestia is set within the Upper Svaneti UNESCO world Heritage Site. (B,L,D) DAY 12: MESTIA - TSKALTUBO - KUTAISI This morning you will wind your way back down through the valleys and leave Svaneti, arriving at Kutaisi there will be time to visit a large cave system with spectacular chambers and formations. In Kutaisi visit the Bagrati Cathedral. (B,L,D) DAY 13: KUTAISI - BORJOMI - AKHALTSIKHE The scenery changes to a more rocky landscape as you drive south, stop in the town of Borjomito try the mineral waters and take a cable car to see the view of the National Park before driving on to Akhaltsikhe. The town is crowned by a fully restored fortress, the Rabat, one of the only Ottoman complexes in the country. (B) DAY 14: AKHALTSIKHE - VARDZIA - DZORAGET Drive to Vardzia this morning to visit the 12th century cave town complex, built during the reign of the Queen of Tamara. Crossing the high plateau today you will leave Georgia and cross in to Armenia. Drive through the northern valleys of this mountainous country and stay tonight by a bubbling river. (B) DAY 15: DZORAGET - DILIJAN A scenic drive will take you to visit the monasteries of Sanahin and Haghpat in the Debed Valley before heading to the town of Dilijan and Haghartsin Monastery. (B) DAY 16: DILIJAN - GORIS Driving to the south of the country today will take you past Lake Sevan, visit a medieval field of Khochkors and the Sevan Monastery out on a peninsular in the lake. Drive over the 2400m Selim Pass, home to an old caravanserai, one of the few remaining reminders of Armenia's part in the Silk Road. Before reaching Goris you can visit Karahunj, an ancient star gazing circle of stones. (B)

6 DAY 17: GORIS - YEREVAN This morning take the cable car over the valleys to the monastery of Tatev, this partially restored monastery, surrounded by a fortified wall lies on a beautiful valley. Continue on to the wine growing region of Areni where there will be time to visit a winery and taste the wines, as you near Yerevan the magnificent peaks of Ararat will come in to view. (B) DAY 18: YEREVAN Echmiadsin is the spiritual centre of Armenia, visit this complex on the outskirts of Yerevan before returning to the city to visit the Blue Mosque, the fortress of Erebuni and one or two of Yerevan's museums. (B) DAY 19: YEREVAN The monastery of Geghard lies close to Yerevan in a narrow gorge, there are many small stone chapels hewn from the rock as well as the main cathedral. Continue on to Garni, a pagan temple overlooking a valley. Return to Yerevan and spend the rest of the day at leisure in the city. (B) DAY 20: YEREVAN Transfer to the airport. (B)

ACCOMMODATION AKHALTSIKHE LOMSIA HOTEL In the centre of Akhaltsikhe, the Lomsia is a modern three star hotel, recognizable by its clock feature overlooking the entrance.

At the end of a long day sightseeing, enjoy a glass of Georgian wine on the terrace with views of the illuminated fortress at night.

BAKU SAPPHIRE INN HOTEL Th Sapphire Inn Hotel is located in the city centre of Baku, making it ideal for exploring the city.

Before entering your room, enjoy the cosy lobby bar, perfect for an afternoon coffee or evening cocktail.

7 ACCOMMODATION AKHALTSIKHE LOMSIA HOTEL In the centre of Akhaltsikhe, the Lomsia is a modern three star hotel, recognizable by its clock feature overlooking the entrance. The restaurant and bar are have large windows, allowing in plenty of light, and a delightful pavement terrace leading out onto the pedestrianised street. At the end of a long day sightseeing, enjoy a glass of Georgian wine on the terrace with views of the illuminated fortress at night. The hotel is tastefully designed with careful use of marble, deep carpets and dark wood. Rooms are comfortable and well furnished with extras such as kettles, satellite television and bath tubs. BAKU SAPPHIRE INN HOTEL Th Sapphire Inn Hotel is located in the city centre of Baku, making it ideal for exploring the city. The hotel is designed in the Art Nouveau style yet has many modern amenities of a three-star hotel. Before entering your room, enjoy the cosy lobby bar, perfect for an afternoon coffee or evening cocktail. The Akhundoff restaurant s menu serves both national and international cuisine, suitable for any palette, as well as one of the city's most famous lunches. The rooms have a simple yet regal feel and each room comes complete with air-conditioning, cable television, en suite bathroom, a writing desk, a mini-bar and Wi-Fi. Relax after a long day touring in the Aromatherapy Spa, offering baths, inhalations and massage sessions with natural oils. BECHO JENA'S GUESTHOUSE This guesthouse offers some of the best available accommodation in Becho with simple rooms, shared bathroom facilities and homemade cooking. There are a limited number of rooms available with private facilities, otherwise toilets and showers can be found in a deparate outbuilding block. DILIJAN TUFENKIAN OLD DILIJAN Close to the centre of Dilijan, the Tufenkian is a renovated stone complex located directly on historical Sharambeyan Street. The eight rooms are simple and modern but with very traditional features, natural colours and extra comforts such as kettles and satellite television. Breakfast is served in the attached Haykanoush restaurant which also specialises in rich Western Armenian cuisine for lunches and dinner. The complex around the hotel has a number of small workshops which specialise in traditional Armenian crafts such as carpets, wood carvings, ceramics and furniture, as well as a bakery and delightful souvenir shops all promoting local handicrafts. The English speaking staff are helpful and welcoming. DZORAGET

AVAN DZORAGET HOTEL One of the first boutique style hotels to open in Armenia, the Avant Dzoraget Hotel is located in the Lori Province, in a secluded and quiet location on the main road to Tbilisi.

decorated blending traditional and modern styles.

The hotel also features an indoor swimming pool, a spa and gymnasium. Altogether a recommended choice when staying in northern Armenia.

Its nineteen rooms are simply but stylishly furnished with local carpets and furniture.

8 AVAN DZORAGET HOTEL One of the first boutique style hotels to open in Armenia, the Avant Dzoraget Hotel is located in the Lori Province, in a secluded and quiet location on the main road to Tbilisi. Surrounded by spectacular rock formations and mountains, this luxurious hotel offers fifty-five fully equipped double rooms with views of the Debed River and Dzoraget village, all tastefully decorated blending traditional and modern styles. There is a double height lounge, a cozy bar with a fireplace and a restaurant famous for its Armenian and Georgian cuisine, which uses fresh ingredients and local recipes. The hotel also features an indoor swimming pool, a spa and gymnasium. Altogether a recommended choice when staying in northern Armenia. GORIS MIRHAV HOTEL Mirhav hotel is a centrally located, newly built hotel designed according to Goris' traditional architectural style. Its nineteen rooms are simply but stylishly furnished with local carpets and furniture. All are a good size with an en-suite shower room and some have balconies overlooking the tree lined streets of Goris. The hotel has its own restaurant with a large pleasant garden overlooking the river and it is centrally located for nearby amenities. It comes recommended as one of the best hotels in the region. KUTAISI BOUTIQUE ARGO HOTEL Boutique Argo is a modern hotel located perfectly in the historic centre of Kutaisi, only a three minute walk from white bridge. The hotel is decorated with Lali Zambakhidze s paintings and the works of contemporary photographer Mamuka Kakauridze. The rooms are spacious and come with all modern conveniences, as well as views of the mountains, gardens or city. Superior rooms have the added luxury of a spa bath. The restaurant provides traditional Georgian cuisine and features music in the evenings from the piano or DJ booth. MESTIA LELA'S GUESTHOUSE Off the main road, this simple guesthouse has rooms looking out on to the courtyard, some with their own bathrooms. Doubles, twins and triples are available. What the guesthouse lacks in luxury, it makes up with in character and hospitality. Spend your evenings drinking Georgian brandy, trule, on the balcony overlooking the hills after enjoying a homely meal in the dining room, created from the vegetables grown in the large garden. SHEKI

SHEKI SARAY Completed in 2006, the four star Sheki Saray enjoys an excellent location in the centre of the town and offers good standards of comfort.

They all offer uninterrupted views of the Caucasus Mountains and the red roofs of Sheki, and feature modern amenities including satellite TV, telephone, mini fridge and a well-equipped bathroom.

TBILISI SHARDEN HOTEL The three star Sharden Hotel is a turn of the century European style building, ideally located in the centre of the Old Town, and within easy reach of most places of interest.

9 SHEKI SARAY Completed in 2006, the four star Sheki Saray enjoys an excellent location in the centre of the town and offers good standards of comfort. High ceiling rooms are tastefully decorated blending modern style with traditional local furnishings. They all offer uninterrupted views of the Caucasus Mountains and the red roofs of Sheki, and feature modern amenities including satellite TV, telephone, mini fridge and a well-equipped bathroom. The popular restaurant serves international cuisine and a selection of local specialities, and guests can also enjoy a cold or hot drink with Sheki halva in the garden grounds. TBILISI SHARDEN HOTEL The three star Sharden Hotel is a turn of the century European style building, ideally located in the centre of the Old Town, and within easy reach of most places of interest. All eighteen rooms are clean and spacious, the décor is contemporary and in-room amenities include cable TV, wireless internet, mini bar and air conditioning. Sharden's restaurant serves Georgian and continental cuisine while in the summer you can enjoy snacks from the pleasant roof terrace café and admire the view over the red roofs and turrets of Tbilisi. YEREVAN VILLA DELENDA Villa Delenda is an elegant traditional hotel in the heart of Yerevan. It was originally built in 1906 as a private residence and during its conversion to a hotel many of its original features were restored and retained. All eight rooms are simply furnished and en suite, some with baths. The hotel also features a relaxing sitting room with library and internet connection. Only breakfast is served but the hotel is a mere ten minute walk from Yerevans central restaurants. Income from the hotel is used to support the Art School in Spitak which was founded after the 1988 earthquake to help disadvantaged children develop creative skills their craft is displayed in a showroom at the hotel. Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd Tel +44 (0) info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com

HIGHLIGHTS: TOUR INCLUDES: +44 (0)

HIGHLIGHTS: TOUR INCLUDES: +44 (0) +44 (0)20 8741 7390 The once ancient kingdom of Colchis, Georgia has long been linked with the Greek legends attributed to Jason and his band of Argonauts. Sandwiched between the Caucasus Mountains and