Georgia – Armenia – Iran Tour (19 Days)

Arrival at Tbilisi International Airport. Depending on the time of arrival some activities will be arranged.

You will spend the whole day exploring the capital of Tbilisi. This bustling city will definitely win your heart as it is a mixture of old and new. Together with the professional guide you will visit the main sites of Tbilisi such as Old Town, Narikala Fortress, Sulphur Baths, Peace Bridge etc. One of the most authentic visits will be Flea Market from where you can purchase local handicrafts as well as artefacts from soviet times. To recover from hours of walking you will enjoy your evening by eating delicious local Khinkalis (Georgian dumplings).

This day will be special as you will visit Mtskheta which is one of the most popular sites in Georgia! On the top of the hill, you will find Jvari Monastery from where you can enjoy the amazing views! We will continue the trip to Kazbegi by making an on-route stop at Ananuri castle. The main highlight of the day will be visiting the Gergeti Trinity Church located at an elevation of 2170 meters, under Mountain Kazbegi. The Church is one of the most important religious sites of Georgia. On the way back to Tbilisi we will also visit the Russian-Georgian Friendship Monument.

On this day we will first visit Gori which is foremost famous for Stalin’s museum where you can find up to 60.000 artefacts of the former Soviet leader. Also, we’ll pay a visit to the Fortress located in the same area. Later we will move to a resort town Borjomi popular for its mineral water. There you will admire the beauty of nature and of course try the mineral water. Overnight in Borjomi.

After breakfast we will move to Akhaltsikhe where we will visit the 9th-century Rabati castle as well as spectacular Vardzia caves. We will then drive to Armenia where if the time allows, we will have an evening tour in Yerevan.

On this day we will visit UNESCO World Heritage sites Cathedral and Churches of Etchmiadzin and the Archaeological Site of Zvartnots. Etchmiadzin is the religious center of Armenia which at the same time represents rich cultural heritage as beside the main churches of the religious complex you will also be able to visit the museum of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. There you will find one of the biggest relics of Christian world, the Holy Lance which was used to pierce the side of Christ at the Crucifixion. We will spend about 30-40 minutes at the ruins of Zvartnots temple which was built in the 7th century, however, collapsed after 300 hundred years. The place gives a beautiful view over mountain Ararat. After coming back we will have a city tour in Yerevan. We will start our tour with a stroll in the city center. We will go to the most emblematic spots of Yerevan such as Cafesjian Center of4 Arts (Cascade), Republic Square as well as we will visit Megerian Carpet famous for its unique collection of rugs and carpets. After learning more about this ancient yet modern city we will take you to the most authentic local market (GUM) where you will see and even taste the fresh products brought directly from the farms. A visit to a Brandy Museum is also possible with extra fee.

On this day we will visit 2 mostly visited sites of Armenia: Geghard Monastery and Pegan Temple of Garni. People usually visit both sites together but the only connection they share is the proximity. Geghard and Upper Azat Valley is represented on UNESCO World Heritage list and is an important religious center for locals. The place got its name due to the Holy Lance (Geghard means Lance in Armenian) which was originally kept in the monastery and later was moved to Etchmiadzin. Meanwhile, Garni Temple is the best-known symbol of pre-Christian Armenia and is the only standing Greco-Roman colonnaded building not only in Armenia but also on the territory of whole the former Soviet Union. To make your trip even more memorable we will organize a special experience of baking Armenian bread (Lavash). After lunch we will continue the trip to the biggest lake of Armenia – Sevan, as well as the medieval monastery located in the same area. We will then go to Dilijan where you can enjoy the beauty of nature. Overnight in Yerevan.

On this day we will visit Khor Virap, the place where the first Head of the Armenian Apostolic Church St. Gregory Illuminator was kept for 13 years before the adoption of Christianity as the official religion of the country. The place is also special as it gives an amazing view at the Biblical mountain Ararat. Later we will go to Areni where the world’s oldest wine cave was found. We will also have a visit to the wine factory after which we will go to a famous medieval5 church of Noravank. Before ending the tour, we will go to resort town of Jermuk where there is even a gallery dedicated to the mineral water. Overnight in Goris.

This day will be special as we will visit the pearl of Armenia – Tatev. The monastery of Tatev dating back to the 9th century is located on a rocky cliff and the best way to get there is by cable car which gives amazing views over the surrounding area. We will move to the Armenian-Iranian border (Norduz) after lunch (the ride will take around 4 hours).

On this day we will have a drive toward Iran border, after doing formalities we will drive toward Tabriz.

Sightseeing: bazaar, Blue Mosque, Azerbaijan Museum, Iron Age Museum, El Goli, Kandovan village Upon your pre-dawn arrival at Tabriz airport, our representative, carrying our logo show card (transfer information), will meet and transfer you to your hotel. You will have time to rest and relax before our morning tour of Tabriz begins. Iranian Azerbaijanis are one of the most cultured and bravest races in Iran, the Azeris. And Tabriz is the most populated city in Azerbaijan,one of the historical capitals of Iran and the present capital of East Azerbaijan. The city is famous for its handicrafts, including hand-woven rugs and jewelry. Local confectionery, chocolate, dried nuts and traditional Tabrizi food are recognized throughout Iran as some of the best. Tabriz contains many historical monuments, representing Iran's architectural transition throughout its deep history. Most of Tabriz's preserved historic sites, which we will visit, belong to Ilkhanid, Safavid and Qajar. We leave the hotel at 9 for a visit to the exotic bazaar which is one of the oldest bazaars in the Middle East and the largest covered traditional bazaar in the world. It was inscribed as World Heritage Site by UNESCO in July 2010. Then we pay a visit to the Blue Mosque, a famous historic mosque built in 1465 upon the order of Jahan Shah, the ruler of Kara Koyunludynasty which made Tabriz the capital of his Kingdom. In close proximity of the mosque, we will visit the Azerbaijan Museum; the major archaeological and historical museum in Tabriz. The museum consists of three major halls, a side yard, office rooms and a library. It mostly contains objects discovered from excavations in Iranian Azerbaijan, also some artworks and sculptures of artists. Then we walk to the Iron Age Museum; an archaeological site in the north, northeast and northwest of the Blue Mosque including cemeteries and traces of Iron Age pottery. Afterwards we will stop by El Goli; a large park in Tabriz that has a square artificial lake surrounded by sidewalks in four sides. There is also a building in the middle of the lake, with traditional architecture of Iranian Azerbaijan. In the South of the lake there is a hill covered by trees. Two beautiful stairways connect the sidewalks to the top of the hill. At the top of the hill there is a building with modern architecture (Pars hotel building). In the evening, we will visit the beautiful village of Kandovan village in Sahand Rural District, in East Azerbaijan Province. This village exemplifies manmade cliff dwellings which are still inhabited. The homes, excavated inside volcanic rocks, are locally called "Karaan". Karaans were cut into the Lahars (volcanic mudflow or debris flow) of Mount Sahand. Overnight in Tabriz. Attention: The priority in sightseeing may be changed due to the time of your arrival, preference of your guide and also official and unofficial holidays of some museums.

Today you will be transferred toward train station for a trip toward capital of Iran, Tehran.

Sightseeing: The National Museum of Iran, Golestan Palace, Bazaar, National Jewelry Museum We get up early morning and begin the day with a trip to the National Museum of Iran; an institution formed of two complexes; the Museum of Ancient Iran which was opened in 1937, and the Museum of the Islamic Era which was opened in 1972.It hosts historical monuments dating back through preserved ancient and medieval Iranian antiquities, including pottery vessels, metal objects, textile remains, and some rare books and coins. We will see the “evolution of mankind” through the marvelous display of historic relics. Next on the list is visiting the Golestan Palace, the former royal Qajar complex in Iran's capital city, Tehran. It is one of the oldest historic monuments of world heritage status belonging to a group of royal buildings that were once enclosed within the mud-thatched walls of Tehran Arg (Citadel of Tehran). It consists of gardens, royal buildings, and collections of Iranian crafts and European presents from the 18th and 19th centuries. Then we go for a walk through bazaar. Bazaar, in Iran, is the economic life of the country. Moreover, social relations are formed here and a fairly wide range of people get the chance to socialize more. It is also a logical place for political parties to rule their own policies. Soon after we go to have lunch. Our Tehran excursion will end at the priceless National Jewelry Museum where we will visit a world of jewels, one of which includes one of the two greatest diamonds; Darya-e-Noor (sea of light). Stay overnight in Tehran.

Sightseeing: historic houses of Borujerdiha and Tabatabaeiha, Abyaneh Today we leave Tehran for Isfahan early morning. On the way, first we will stop in Kashan and pay a visit to the historic houses of Borujerdiha and Tabatabaeiha and get acquainted with the previous century’s architecture, the Qajar era. The second place we will stop at on the way is the UNESCO recognized village of Abyaneh in Barzrud Rural District, located at the foot of Mount Karkas and in the vicinity of desert. On top of the village sits the ruins of a Sasanid era fort. The dialect of the people of Abyaneh has preserved some characteristics of the Middle Persian language, the language of the Sassanian Persia. We appreciate the serenity of this quaint village with its splendid archaeology and meet the dwellers who speak, live and dress in the original Persian style. Afterwards we will continue all the way to Isfahan and check into the hotel. We stay overnight in Isfahan.

Sightseeing: Jame' Mosque, Menar Jonban, Vank Cathedral, Si-o-seh pol Isfahan, the legendary city which never fails to enchant its visitors, is the pearl of traditional Islamic archaeology. This city is revived by the works of contemporary artists. Isfahan prides itself in having fascinating historical garden palaces. Legend has it that the city was founded at the time of Tahmoures and because of its glories has been entitled “Half the World”. Our full-day tour of Isfahan begins with a visit to Isfahan’s Jame' Mosque displaying several centuries of historical Islamic evolution. This mosque is a gallery of Islamic architecture in which the progress of architecture from the outset of Islam till recent times is evident. Then we will visit the MenarJonban, the tomb of a Sufi with its shaking minarets and some historical bridges. Afterwards, we will visit Vank Cathedral which is one of the most beautiful Armenian churches in the world and will undoubtedly capture the attention of every Christian. Our day will conclude with a visit to Allahverdi Khan Bridge popularly known as Si-o-seh pol; the bridge of thirty-three spans. It is one of the most famous examples of Safavid bridge design and the longest bridge on the Zayandeh River with the total length of 297.76 meters.stay overnight in Isfahan

Sightseeing: Chehel Sotoun, Imam Square, Ali Qapu, Imam Mosque, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque Our tour today includes a visit to Chehel Sotoun Palace; a pavilion in the middle of a park at the far end of a long pool built by Shah Abbas II to be used for his entertainment and receptions. the name meaning “forty columns” in Persian, was inspired by the twenty slender wooden columns supporting the entrance pavilion appeared to be forty reflected in the water of the fountain, the famed Imam Square (Naqsh-e-Jahan); a huge square second in the world to Beijing's Tiananmen Square, and Ali Qapu Palace; The name coming from Persian "Ālī" (meaning "imperial" or "great"), and Azerbaijani "Qāpū" (meaning "gate"), was given to this place as it was right at the entrance to the Safavid palaces which stretched from the Naqsh e Jahan Square to the Chahar Baq Boulevard. Finally we tour the Imam Mosque and Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque in Isfahan and enjoy their architectural marvels. In the afternoon, you have time to walk around this nice city. Stay overnight in Isfahan.

Sightseeing : Pasargadae, Persepolis, Necropolis Today we leave toward Shiraz. On the way, we will stop by Pasargadae which was the capital of the Achaemenid Empire in ancient Persia under Cyrus the Great who had issued its construction (559–530 BC). We will visit the most majestic monuments there of which the tomb of Cyrus the Great, the great founder of the Achaemanid Empire, is the oldest. The wonderful architecture of the tomb and the huge fertile land over there inspire the visitors. It was the worshiping place for the followers of several religions and is today an archaeological site and one of Iran’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Afterwards we continue all the way to pay a visit to Persepolis. Founded by Darius I in 518 B.C., Persepolis was the capital of the Achaemenid Empire. It was built on an immense half-artificial, half-natural terrace, where the king of kings created an impressive palace complex inspired by Mesopotamian models. The importance and quality of the monumental ruins make it a unique archaeological site. It seems that Darius planned this impressive complex of palaces not only as the seat of government but also, and primarily, as a showplace and a spectacular center for the receptions and festivals of the Achaemenid kings and their empire such as Nowruz. The third place we stop by is Necropolis. Opposite Mount Rahmat, ten minutes to the north, proudly stands the Necropolis, the magnificent burial place of Achaemenid kings. The site also provides seven bas-reliefs dating back to Elamite and Sassanid periods. Stay overnight in Shiraz.

Sightseeing : Karim Khan Palace, Vakil Mosque, Vakil Bazaar, Saraye Moshir, Nasir Almolk Mosque, the tombs of Hafez and Saadi, Ali-Ebn-e-Hamzeh, Jahan Nama Garden, and the tomb of Khajoy-e-Kermani Shiraz has a reputation for being an enlightened city that has been at the cultural heartland of Iran for more than 2,000 years. It had once been the country's capital. Shiraz is crowned as the heartland of Persian culture, and this city of sophistication will never fail to conjure up images of roses and nightingales, gardens and poetry. Early in the morning, relish in the highlights of Shiraz when it was the capital of Iran during the Zand Dynasty. Be inspired by the glorious Karim Khan Palace, the splendid Vakil Mosque, Vakil Bazaar and Saraye Moshir with its splendid architecture and interesting ethnic souvenir shops, and the Nasir Almolk Mosque. Next, we will stop for a mouth-watering Iranian lunch at one of the traditional restaurants in Shiraz. This gorgeous city is home to famous poets such as Hafez and Sa'adi, and historical sites from different eras dating back to 6,000 years ago can be found. Hafez is one of the great poets who impressed everyone with his mastery. His poems give us a special feeling and the peace in his tomb is really outstanding. Saadi is a poet, philosopher and mystic who is known as the father of tourism. He travelled to different countries and cities about seven centuries ago. Then he collected all his experiences in verse and rhyme prose in two books named Boustan and Golestan. These two books give you lots of inspiration and information. We will get a chance to pay homage to the tombs of these great poets. In the evening,we will visit the Eram Garden, a complete sample of Persian garden registered by UNESCO as a world heritage.Then we will visit Ali-Ebn-e-Hamzeh and be prepared to marvel at its beauties. Next, We will take a stroll through the Jahan Nama Garden and witness its tall and proud cedars. Finally we will visit the tomb of Khajoy-e-Kermani from where the perspective of the mysterious city of Shiraz will remain in our mind. Stay overnight in Shiraz.

What comes last is our transfer to airport for your flight back home with fond memories forever.