Crossroads of the Caucasus

21 Days | New Zealand Roundtrip

Embark on a guided exploration of Istanbul, Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan to uncover the rich history and culture of the Caucasus.

Discover the birthplace of viticulture in Kakheti, delve into local farmers' markets, visit sacred monasteries and artisan workshops, and savor a cooking class and wine tasting. Marvel at the majestic Caucasus Mountains and catch sight of Mt Ararat from Artaxata. Above all, immerse yourself in the warmth and hospitality of the region's generous people—an unforgettable experience awaits.

Deal Details

Travel Dates

04 May 2025

Priced From

$21,510 per person
NZ WEB Map Crossroads of the Caucasus 1 scaled

Embark on a guided exploration of Istanbul, Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan to uncover the rich history and culture of the Caucasus.

Discover the birthplace of viticulture in Kakheti, delve into local farmers' markets, visit sacred monasteries and artisan workshops, and savor a cooking class and wine tasting. Marvel at the majestic Caucasus Mountains and catch sight of Mt Ararat from Artaxata. Above all, immerse yourself in the warmth and hospitality of the region's generous people—an unforgettable experience awaits.

Pricing

street 1997162 1280

From

$21,510*

per person, twin share


From

$25,430*

per person, single occupancy


 

tbilisi 1042511 1280

What's Included


Small group tour (18 max)

Return economy Class flights from New Zealand (ex Auckland or Christchurch)

Airline and airport taxes

Accommodation in 4-star hotels (or best available)

Transfers, sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary

Transport by air and roads as per itinerary

Meals as indicated (B-L-D)

Guaranteed departure

Gratuities

 

Not Included


Items of a personal nature

Visas

Travel insurance (mandatory)

 

 

Itinerary

Itinerary


Sunday 4 May: Auckland or Christchurch to Dubai
Fly to Dubai. Overnight on the flight.

Monday 5 May : Dubai to Istanbul 
Connect through to Istanbul and transfer to your hotel (D)

Tuesday 6 May: Istanbul 
Enjoy a morning walking tour including Topkapi Palace Museum, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and the famed Grand Bazaar. (B,D)

Wednesday 7 May: Istanbul 
Continue your exploration of Istanbul this morning with the Basilica Cistern and Spice Market. Then, embark on a cruise on the Bosphorus before an afternoon at leisure. (B,D)

Thursday 8 May: Istanbul to Baku (Azerbaijan)
Transfer to the airport and fly to Baku. On arrival transfer to your hotel and this evening is at leisure. (B)

Friday 9 May: Baku 
Explore fascinating Baku today starting at Martyrs Lane for a panoramic view of the city. Then head into the Old City to see the Shirvanshah Palace, Maiden Tower, Fountain Square and Green Bazaar. (B)

Saturday 10 May: Baku to Gobustan, back to Baku 
Spend your morning at the historical and cultural reserve of Gobustan followed by a visit to the Gobustan Petroglyphs Museum. Afternoon at leisure. (B)

Sunday 11 May: Baku to Shamakhi to Sheki 
Travel westward towards Sheki this morning, with a stop along the way to visit the Juma Mosque in Shamakhi. Upon reaching Sheki, explore the Sheki Khans Palace and the Upper Caravanserai, a historical 18th-century relic showcasing the city's merchant heritage. Participate in a Shebeke workshop, learning about the art of creating stained glass windows. (B)

Monday 12 May: Sheki to Lagodekhi to Telavi (Georgia) 
Proceed to the border to meet your Georgian guide. Discover Kakheti, the lush and fertile region of Georgia that stretches along the Great Caucasus range. Renowned as the birthplace of viticulture and wine-making, enjoy lunch with a local wine-making family to delve deeper into the region's rich traditions. (B,L)

Tuesday 13 May: Telavi to Sighnaghi to Tbilisi 
Explore the local farmers' market in Telavi before journeying to the fortified town of Sighnaghi, renowned for its wine and carpet-making traditions. Take in the stunning vistas of the Kizikhi area and experience the unique allure of Sighnaghi Royal Town. Wander through its narrow streets lined with buildings featuring intricately carved wooden balconies. Indulge in a culinary masterclass and wine tasting for lunch before continuing your journey to Tbilisi. (B,L,D)

Wednesday 14 May: Tbilisi 
Begin your exploration by visiting Metechi Church, Sioni Cathedral, and Anchiskhati Basilica—the oldest surviving church in Tbilisi. Afterwards, ascend to Narikhala Fortress for panoramic views of the city. Continue your journey with a visit to the National Museum of Georgia followed by a leisurely stroll along Rustaveli Avenue. (B,L)

Thursday 15 May: Tbilisi to Mtskheta to Tserovani to Borjomi 
Travel to Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Jvari Monastery, where St. Nino planted a cross at a former pagan temple site, and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, a fortified church where the Robe of Christ is believed to be interred. Engage with a member of the Internally Displaced People community from the Russian-occupied South Ossetia Region before participating in an enamel workshop. (B,L)

Friday 16 May: Borjomi to Vardzia to Borjomi 
Travel to the cave town of Vardzia, passing through Khertvisi Fortress along the way. Explore the recently renovated Rabat Castle, celebrated as a symbol of tolerance, and visit the Akhaltsikhe Synagogue, significant to the Georgian Jewish community. Return to Borjomi for an overnight stay. (B,L)

Saturday 17 May: Borjomi to Gori to Ananuri to Gudauri 
Following breakfast, proceed to Gori, renowned as the birthplace of Soviet leader Joseph Stalin. Explore the Stalin Museum in Gori, featuring Stalin's birth house and his personal railway carriage. Continue your journey to the 16th-17th century Ananuri fortress and church. Overnight in Gudauri. (B,L,D)

Sunday 18 May: Gudauri to Kazbegi to Gudauri 
Explore Georgia's northern borderlands, experiencing the majestic peaks, rushing rivers, and mountain lifestyle along the Georgian Military Highway, one of the oldest roads in the country named by Russian Tsar Alexander I. Weather permitting, visit 'Mkinvartsveri' or Mt Kazbek, a dormant volcano towering at 5047 meters. Join a jeep tour to Gergety Trinity Church, a significant 14th-century altar perched on the slopes of Mount Kazbek. Enjoy a home-hosted lunch and participate in a dumpling making class in the quaint, remote village of Tsdo. After lunch, engage with a wool felt master to discover the centuries-old tradition of this craft. (B,L)

Monday 19 May: Gudauri to Sadakhlo to Haghpat Monastery (Armenia) 
Travel to the Sadakhlo border crossing, with a stop in Tbilisi for lunch along the way. Cross into Armenia in the afternoon and explore Haghpat Monastery, renowned for its distinctive manuscript school. Visit the COAF Smart School, a contemporary facility providing free education to children in rural areas, and overnight at the Concept Hotel. (B,L,D)

Tuesday 20 May: Haghpat to Dilijan to Lake Sevan to Yerevan 
Explore artisan workshops in Dilijan before journeying to the Sevanavank Monastery located on Lake Sevan. Enjoy panoramic views as a reward for climbing 200 steps to reach the monastery. Participate in a culinary workshop and lunch before proceeding to Yerevan. After some rest, join a walking tour of downtown Yerevan. (B,L)

Wednesday 21 May: Geghard Cave Monastery to Garni Pagan Temple
Embark on a drive from Yerevan to the UNESCO World Heritage site, Geghard Cave Monastery, where you can experience a live performance of medieval Armenian spiritual chants in one of its chambers. Afterwards, continue to Garni to explore its 1st-century pagan temple dedicated to the deity of the sun and justice, Mithra, in a Greco-Roman style. Enjoy lunch and then visit the impressive natural wonder known as the "Symphony of Stones" in the Garni Gorge. Overnight in Yerevan. (B,L,D)

Thursday 22 May: Yerevan 
Travel to Khor Virap monastery to admire views of Mt Ararat. Return to Yerevan to visit the Armenian Genocide Museum & Memorial. Later, meet with a musician for a presentation featuring traditional Armenian woodwind musical instruments, followed by a live performance showcasing various instruments. Conclude the day with a farewell dinner in the evening. (B,L,D)

Friday 23 May: Yerevan to Dubai
Fly to Dubai arriving this afternoon. Transfer to your stopover hotel. (B)

Saturday 24 May: Dubai to Auckland or Christchurch
This morning depart for New Zealand, travelling overnight

Sunday 25 May: Arrive in Auckland or Christchurch
Arrive mid-morning.

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