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Itinerary map
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Tour Armenia, Iran and Georgia
Day 1: Shiraz arrival - Transfer to hotel
Arrival in Shiraz International Airport, our representative will wait at the arrival hall for the transfer to the hotel. Transfer to the hotel, time for rest after the long journey. Lunch and evening tour of Zand Complex including the castle, garden, bath, and mosque; visit of Hafez Tomb, one of the most important Persian poets. Dinner and overnight in Shiraz.
Day 2: Shiraz - Persepolis - Naqsh-e-Rostam - Shah-e-Cheragh Shrine
After breakfast, departure from Shiraz to Persepolis, a magnificent place built by the Achaemenid dynasty in 530 BC, registered as a World Heritage Site. Lunch and visit of the Necropolis of Naqsh-e Rostam which hosts the Achaemenid tombs of Darius I, Xerxes, Artaxerxes and Darius II plus other Sassanian, Elamite and Qajar tombs, bass relieves and inscriptions. Return to Shiraz and visit of Shah-e-Cheragh Shrine, the third most sacred shrine for Shiites in Iran. Dinner and overnight in Shiraz.
Day 3: Shiraz - Esfahan
Departure towards Esfahan, one of the most important historical cities in Iran and the country's third largest city. Its construction dates back over 2700 years ago and the city’s nickname is Nasf-e-Jahan (half of the world) because of its beauty. Lunch and tour of Royal Square, Jameh Mosque, Harun-e-Velayat Shrine and Ali Minaret. Dinner and overnight in Esfahan.
Day 4: Esfahan City Tour
Entire day to discover the beautiful city of Esfahan. The tour starts with Naqsh-e Jahan Square, one of the widest squares in the world, then visit of the monuments around it: Ali-Qapu Palace, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Imam Mosque. Visit of the Qeisarieh Bazaar, Chehel-Sotun (Forty Columns) Palace, the Jolfa Armenian district to see Vank cathedral and its amazing paintings and the famous bridges of Sharestan, Khajou and Si-o-se pol (the bridge of 33 arches). Dinner and overnight in Esfahan.
Day 5: Esfahan - Qom - Teheran
Departure towards Teheran by bus, the capital city of Iran with a stop in the sacred city of Qom to visit the Shrine of Fatima Maumeh, the sister of Imam Reza, one of the holiest sites for Shia Muslims. Arrival in Teheran and visit of Golestan Palace, the oldest historic monument of Teheran and seat of the Qajar rulers. Visit of the Bazaar, the widest of whole Iran. Dinner and overnight in Teheran.
Day 6: Teheran
Entire day to discover Teheran. The tour starts with the National Museum of Iran, displaying more than 6000 years of history, then to the Carpet Museum. Head towards Borj-e-Azadi (the freedom tower), built in 1971 for the 2500th anniversary of the Persian empire, and to Saadabad Palace, built by Pahlavi Dinasty, which became a museum after the 1979 revolution. Dinner and overnight in Teheran.
Day 7: Teheran - Qazvin - Zanjan
Departure towards Tabriz with a stop in Qazvin to visit the Chehel Sotun (Forty Columns) Palace built during the reign of Shah Tahmasp I and a stop in Zanjan to visit the magnificent Mausoleum built by the mongol ruler Oljaitu. Arrival in Zanjan. Time to rest before dinner and overnight.
Day 8: Zanjan - Kandovan - Tabriz
After breakfast, drive to Kandovan village, famous for its troglodyte dwellings carved into mountain rocks. Back to Tabriz for an afternoon visit to the Tomb of Shariar, to the historic bazaar, then visit of Masjed-e-Jameh and Kabood (blue) Mosque. Dinner and overnight in Tabriz.
Day 9: Tabriz - Qareh Kilisa - Jolfa - Tabriz
After breakfast departure to Qareh Kilisa, meaning black church, a monastery set in a beautiful valley near the city of Maku. Drive towards Jolfa, at the border with Azerbaijan, where, in a deep gorge lies the Monastery of Saint Thaddeus. Drive back to Tabriz for dinner and overnight.
Day 10: Tabtiz - Meghri - Goris
Drive to the border of Meghri. Border formalities. Drive to Goris and along the road stop in Halidzor to take the longest cablecar in the world (named “the Wings of Tatev”) to visit Tatev monastery, a masterpiece of Armenian architecture once famous for its university. Dinner and overnight in Goris.
Day 11: Goris - Karahunj - Noravank - Khor Virap - Yerevan:
Departure to Yerevan with stops in Karahunj, an ancient megalithic site, known as the “Armenian Stonehenge" and older than its british counterpart by 3000 years. Visit Noravank Monastery perched on a cliff of reddish rocks, then stop at Areni winery for wine tasting. Proceed to Khor Virap Monastery where Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years by Armenian King Trdat III. Built in the IV-XVII cc in the Ararat Valley, Khor Virap monastery has Biblical Ararat in the background, the place where Noah’s Ark is believed to have rested on dry earth. Arrival in Yerevan for dinner and night.
Day 12: Yerevan - Echmiadzin - Zvartnots - Yerevan
Departure to Echmjadzin, the Vatican city of Armenia, seat of the Catholicos of the Armenian Aportolic Church, included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visit Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral built from 301 to 303 A.D., when Armenia became the first officially Christian state in the world. Visit St. Hripsime church (7th century), a true masterpiece of early medieval Armenian architecture. On the way back to Yerevan visit the Ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral which used to be one of the most powerful and beautiful examples of armenian architecture before its destruction by an eartquake. Sightseeing tour of Yerevan with Cascade Complex, Victory Park, commemorating Armenia's participation in the second World War. See Mayr Hayastan, statue being known as the female personification of Armenia. Visit of Matenadaran an ancient manuscript repository, it holds one of the world’s richest depositories of manuscripts and books in different languages, and the Market of Gum (Gumi shuka), where different traditional Armenian spices are sold. Dinner and overnight in Yerevan
Day 13: Yerevan - Garni - Geghard - Yerevan
After breakfast, departure to Kotayk region to visit the Temple of Garni, a first century Hellenistic Pagan temple and the only one to survive after the christianization of Armenia in the IV century AD. A short drive leads to the Unesco protected Geghard cave monastery probably the most beautiful of Armenia, which lies in a narrow gorge and is partially carved out of the adjacent towering cliff. Lunch in Garni where you will have the opportunity to see the lavash (the traditional armenian bread) baking process. Trip to Avan-Arinj village to visit grandfather Levon's cave, where many years ago Levon Arakelyan, a resident of the village, started to dig a potato cellar in its home basement. Having heard a voice from the mist of a white fog telling him to make a miracle, he continued and dug for the next 23 years until his death a series of caves, connected by narrow passages and stairs, which go 21 meters deep into the earth. His wife will tell the complete story. Return to Yerevan to visit Tsitsernakaberd, the Memorial of the Armenian Genocide, dinner and overnight.
Day 14: Yerevan - Lake Sevan - Tbilisi, Georgia
Departure to Gegharkunik region for Lake Sevan, the world’s 2nd highest freshwater lake and one of the most beautiful and breathtaking mountainous lakes in the world. Visit St. Arakelots and St. Astvatsatsin churches on the Sevan Peninsula. Drive to Lori region to visit Akhtala, one of the few churches in Armenia painted with frescoes inside. Proceed to the UNESCO protected monasteries of Sanahin and Haghpat: both places, built in the X century, are among the most outstanding works of Armenian medieval architecture. Transfer to the border with Georgia and arrive in the capital, Tbilisi.
Day 15: Tbilisi - Mtskheta - Tbilisi
Breakfast at the hotel then exploration of the vibrant capital of Georgia. Walk in lively medieval city center, small yards encircled by galleries , steep street stairs and houses with patterned balconies create picturesque images of Old Tbilisi . Walking tour includes most of colorful sites of our ancient city, Sulfur Baths dating back to the time of first centuries of Christianity , the Synagogue , Sioni Cathedral . Fine masonry with carved woodworks , arts and crafts workshops offer us an insight into the fascinating cultural diversity of Tbilisi . Continue to Sameba Holy Trinity Cathedral , the biggest church in Caucasus , the Metekhi church , Narikala Fortress and Rustaveli Avenue. Lunch in Tbilisi. Departure to Mtskheta, former capital of Georgia. Here you will find a great number of significant archeological and religious monuments in and around town. Visits to Svetitskhoveli cathedral (XI c); Jvari church (VI c) and Dedata (Mothers) monastery (XI c) which is dedicated to St. Nino, who brought Christianity into Georgia. It was first built in IV c, (the wooden church) and was rebuilt in X century. Back to Tbilisi for dinner and overnight.
Day 16: Tbilisi – Davit Gareja – Sighnaghi – Tbilisi
After breakfast, departure to David Gareja. a rock-hewn Georgian Orthodox monastery complex located in the Kakheti region of Eastern Georgia, on the half-desert slopes of Mount Gareja. This complex made by nineteen monasteries was founded by St. David Garejeli, who was one of the thirteen monks who arrived from Mesopotamia to Georgia to strengthen Christianity in the country in the 6th century. After the visit departure to Sighnaghi, a small beautiful town in Kiziqi (part of Kakheti region), known as “City of love”. Sighnaghi is a rare example of historic city which has mantained its architectural style all over the centuries: traditional open balconies, the fortress with churches built inside and the towers. The city overlooks the Alazani valley and opens to visitors the magnificent views of the Great Caucasus Range. A short drive will lead to the Monastery of Bodbe, the final resting place of Saint Nino, "Enlightener of Georgians", who preached Christianity in Georgia with a vine cross in her hand. In the evening return to Tbilisi. Overnight in Tbilisi.
Day 17: Tbilisi – Gori – Uplistsikhe – Mukhrani – Tbilisi
After breakfast departure to Gori, the birthplace of Joseph Stalin where he lived until the age of 15, visit of the house museum and departure to Uplistsikhe, one of the oldest urban settlements in Georgia dating back to the I millennium b.C., which is completely carved out of rocks. It’s an interesting complex with residential remains, bakeries, shops and a three naves basilica. After lunch departure to Mukhrani, a town set in an area famous for its wines, time for a wine degustation tour at a local wine factory. Dinner and overnight in Tbilisi.
Day 18: Tbilisi – Departure
Transfer to airport for the return flight.
End of services.
Arrival in Shiraz International Airport, our representative will wait at the arrival hall for the transfer to the hotel. Transfer to the hotel, time for rest after the long journey. Lunch and evening tour of Zand Complex including the castle, garden, bath, and mosque; visit of Hafez Tomb, one of the most important Persian poets. Dinner and overnight in Shiraz.
Day 2: Shiraz - Persepolis - Naqsh-e-Rostam - Shah-e-Cheragh Shrine
After breakfast, departure from Shiraz to Persepolis, a magnificent place built by the Achaemenid dynasty in 530 BC, registered as a World Heritage Site. Lunch and visit of the Necropolis of Naqsh-e Rostam which hosts the Achaemenid tombs of Darius I, Xerxes, Artaxerxes and Darius II plus other Sassanian, Elamite and Qajar tombs, bass relieves and inscriptions. Return to Shiraz and visit of Shah-e-Cheragh Shrine, the third most sacred shrine for Shiites in Iran. Dinner and overnight in Shiraz.
Day 3: Shiraz - Esfahan
Departure towards Esfahan, one of the most important historical cities in Iran and the country's third largest city. Its construction dates back over 2700 years ago and the city’s nickname is Nasf-e-Jahan (half of the world) because of its beauty. Lunch and tour of Royal Square, Jameh Mosque, Harun-e-Velayat Shrine and Ali Minaret. Dinner and overnight in Esfahan.
Day 4: Esfahan City Tour
Entire day to discover the beautiful city of Esfahan. The tour starts with Naqsh-e Jahan Square, one of the widest squares in the world, then visit of the monuments around it: Ali-Qapu Palace, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Imam Mosque. Visit of the Qeisarieh Bazaar, Chehel-Sotun (Forty Columns) Palace, the Jolfa Armenian district to see Vank cathedral and its amazing paintings and the famous bridges of Sharestan, Khajou and Si-o-se pol (the bridge of 33 arches). Dinner and overnight in Esfahan.
Day 5: Esfahan - Qom - Teheran
Departure towards Teheran by bus, the capital city of Iran with a stop in the sacred city of Qom to visit the Shrine of Fatima Maumeh, the sister of Imam Reza, one of the holiest sites for Shia Muslims. Arrival in Teheran and visit of Golestan Palace, the oldest historic monument of Teheran and seat of the Qajar rulers. Visit of the Bazaar, the widest of whole Iran. Dinner and overnight in Teheran.
Day 6: Teheran
Entire day to discover Teheran. The tour starts with the National Museum of Iran, displaying more than 6000 years of history, then to the Carpet Museum. Head towards Borj-e-Azadi (the freedom tower), built in 1971 for the 2500th anniversary of the Persian empire, and to Saadabad Palace, built by Pahlavi Dinasty, which became a museum after the 1979 revolution. Dinner and overnight in Teheran.
Day 7: Teheran - Qazvin - Zanjan
Departure towards Tabriz with a stop in Qazvin to visit the Chehel Sotun (Forty Columns) Palace built during the reign of Shah Tahmasp I and a stop in Zanjan to visit the magnificent Mausoleum built by the mongol ruler Oljaitu. Arrival in Zanjan. Time to rest before dinner and overnight.
Day 8: Zanjan - Kandovan - Tabriz
After breakfast, drive to Kandovan village, famous for its troglodyte dwellings carved into mountain rocks. Back to Tabriz for an afternoon visit to the Tomb of Shariar, to the historic bazaar, then visit of Masjed-e-Jameh and Kabood (blue) Mosque. Dinner and overnight in Tabriz.
Day 9: Tabriz - Qareh Kilisa - Jolfa - Tabriz
After breakfast departure to Qareh Kilisa, meaning black church, a monastery set in a beautiful valley near the city of Maku. Drive towards Jolfa, at the border with Azerbaijan, where, in a deep gorge lies the Monastery of Saint Thaddeus. Drive back to Tabriz for dinner and overnight.
Day 10: Tabtiz - Meghri - Goris
Drive to the border of Meghri. Border formalities. Drive to Goris and along the road stop in Halidzor to take the longest cablecar in the world (named “the Wings of Tatev”) to visit Tatev monastery, a masterpiece of Armenian architecture once famous for its university. Dinner and overnight in Goris.
Day 11: Goris - Karahunj - Noravank - Khor Virap - Yerevan:
Departure to Yerevan with stops in Karahunj, an ancient megalithic site, known as the “Armenian Stonehenge" and older than its british counterpart by 3000 years. Visit Noravank Monastery perched on a cliff of reddish rocks, then stop at Areni winery for wine tasting. Proceed to Khor Virap Monastery where Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years by Armenian King Trdat III. Built in the IV-XVII cc in the Ararat Valley, Khor Virap monastery has Biblical Ararat in the background, the place where Noah’s Ark is believed to have rested on dry earth. Arrival in Yerevan for dinner and night.
Day 12: Yerevan - Echmiadzin - Zvartnots - Yerevan
Departure to Echmjadzin, the Vatican city of Armenia, seat of the Catholicos of the Armenian Aportolic Church, included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visit Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral built from 301 to 303 A.D., when Armenia became the first officially Christian state in the world. Visit St. Hripsime church (7th century), a true masterpiece of early medieval Armenian architecture. On the way back to Yerevan visit the Ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral which used to be one of the most powerful and beautiful examples of armenian architecture before its destruction by an eartquake. Sightseeing tour of Yerevan with Cascade Complex, Victory Park, commemorating Armenia's participation in the second World War. See Mayr Hayastan, statue being known as the female personification of Armenia. Visit of Matenadaran an ancient manuscript repository, it holds one of the world’s richest depositories of manuscripts and books in different languages, and the Market of Gum (Gumi shuka), where different traditional Armenian spices are sold. Dinner and overnight in Yerevan
Day 13: Yerevan - Garni - Geghard - Yerevan
After breakfast, departure to Kotayk region to visit the Temple of Garni, a first century Hellenistic Pagan temple and the only one to survive after the christianization of Armenia in the IV century AD. A short drive leads to the Unesco protected Geghard cave monastery probably the most beautiful of Armenia, which lies in a narrow gorge and is partially carved out of the adjacent towering cliff. Lunch in Garni where you will have the opportunity to see the lavash (the traditional armenian bread) baking process. Trip to Avan-Arinj village to visit grandfather Levon's cave, where many years ago Levon Arakelyan, a resident of the village, started to dig a potato cellar in its home basement. Having heard a voice from the mist of a white fog telling him to make a miracle, he continued and dug for the next 23 years until his death a series of caves, connected by narrow passages and stairs, which go 21 meters deep into the earth. His wife will tell the complete story. Return to Yerevan to visit Tsitsernakaberd, the Memorial of the Armenian Genocide, dinner and overnight.
Day 14: Yerevan - Lake Sevan - Tbilisi, Georgia
Departure to Gegharkunik region for Lake Sevan, the world’s 2nd highest freshwater lake and one of the most beautiful and breathtaking mountainous lakes in the world. Visit St. Arakelots and St. Astvatsatsin churches on the Sevan Peninsula. Drive to Lori region to visit Akhtala, one of the few churches in Armenia painted with frescoes inside. Proceed to the UNESCO protected monasteries of Sanahin and Haghpat: both places, built in the X century, are among the most outstanding works of Armenian medieval architecture. Transfer to the border with Georgia and arrive in the capital, Tbilisi.
Day 15: Tbilisi - Mtskheta - Tbilisi
Breakfast at the hotel then exploration of the vibrant capital of Georgia. Walk in lively medieval city center, small yards encircled by galleries , steep street stairs and houses with patterned balconies create picturesque images of Old Tbilisi . Walking tour includes most of colorful sites of our ancient city, Sulfur Baths dating back to the time of first centuries of Christianity , the Synagogue , Sioni Cathedral . Fine masonry with carved woodworks , arts and crafts workshops offer us an insight into the fascinating cultural diversity of Tbilisi . Continue to Sameba Holy Trinity Cathedral , the biggest church in Caucasus , the Metekhi church , Narikala Fortress and Rustaveli Avenue. Lunch in Tbilisi. Departure to Mtskheta, former capital of Georgia. Here you will find a great number of significant archeological and religious monuments in and around town. Visits to Svetitskhoveli cathedral (XI c); Jvari church (VI c) and Dedata (Mothers) monastery (XI c) which is dedicated to St. Nino, who brought Christianity into Georgia. It was first built in IV c, (the wooden church) and was rebuilt in X century. Back to Tbilisi for dinner and overnight.
Day 16: Tbilisi – Davit Gareja – Sighnaghi – Tbilisi
After breakfast, departure to David Gareja. a rock-hewn Georgian Orthodox monastery complex located in the Kakheti region of Eastern Georgia, on the half-desert slopes of Mount Gareja. This complex made by nineteen monasteries was founded by St. David Garejeli, who was one of the thirteen monks who arrived from Mesopotamia to Georgia to strengthen Christianity in the country in the 6th century. After the visit departure to Sighnaghi, a small beautiful town in Kiziqi (part of Kakheti region), known as “City of love”. Sighnaghi is a rare example of historic city which has mantained its architectural style all over the centuries: traditional open balconies, the fortress with churches built inside and the towers. The city overlooks the Alazani valley and opens to visitors the magnificent views of the Great Caucasus Range. A short drive will lead to the Monastery of Bodbe, the final resting place of Saint Nino, "Enlightener of Georgians", who preached Christianity in Georgia with a vine cross in her hand. In the evening return to Tbilisi. Overnight in Tbilisi.
Day 17: Tbilisi – Gori – Uplistsikhe – Mukhrani – Tbilisi
After breakfast departure to Gori, the birthplace of Joseph Stalin where he lived until the age of 15, visit of the house museum and departure to Uplistsikhe, one of the oldest urban settlements in Georgia dating back to the I millennium b.C., which is completely carved out of rocks. It’s an interesting complex with residential remains, bakeries, shops and a three naves basilica. After lunch departure to Mukhrani, a town set in an area famous for its wines, time for a wine degustation tour at a local wine factory. Dinner and overnight in Tbilisi.
Day 18: Tbilisi – Departure
Transfer to airport for the return flight.
End of services.