IRAN - ARMENIA - GEORGIA

Three ancient countries, once fighting against each other, have now become friendly neighbours. While travelling in Iran, Armenia and Georgia you will get to know their cultures and traditions, see historical monuments and learn how they have influenced each other throughout the millennia.

• Day 1: Departure for Tehran

Arrive in Tehran; Transfer to Hotel and overnight.

• Day 2: Tehran – Shiraz

Transfer to Mehr-Abad Airport and fly to Shiraz: 6:00. Arrive to Shiraz and excursion to Persepolis, Naghsh-e-Rostam, Naghsh-e-Rajiab, Passargade. In the afternoon back to Schiraz.

• Day 3: Shiraz

City tour of Shiraz. Visit Eram Garden, Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque, Narenjstan Palace, Tomb of famous poets Hafez and Saadi and Shah-e-Cheragh Shine, fly to Isfahan by IR.

• Day 4: Shiraz - Isfahan

F/D sightseeing of Isfahan, visiting Khajou and Sio-se-Pol bridges, Vank Church, Chehel-Sotun Palace, Friday Mosque of Isfahan, Hasht-Behesht Palace. Overnight.

• Day 5: Isfahan

F/D CSS of Isfahan, visiting Imam Mosque, Ali-Qapu Palace, Sheikh-Lotfollah Mosque, the old town Bazaar. Overnight.

• Day 6: Isfahan – Tehran – Tabriz

Transfer to Airport: At 6:00 fly to Tehran. Arrive at 8:25.

At 11:00 fly to Tabriz. Arrive at 12:10.
After lunch visit the city: Blue Mosque, Azerbaijan Museum, Shah-Goli Pavilion, and Bazar, overnight to Tabriz.

• Day 7: Tabriz – Meghri - Kapan/Goris

Drive to Meghri, Iran- Armenia border.

Meeting on Iranian-Armenian border. Visit the medieval fortress and church (16-18 cc.). Lunch at the restaurant in Meghri. Drive to Kapan. Stop and overlook the Baghaberd fortress (12 ^th c.) which is situated on the hill near road. Dinner and overnight in the hotel in Kapan or Goris.

• Day 8: Kapan/Goris - Yerevan

Kapan or Goris Breakfast at the hotel. Drive towards Yerevan. Visit Karahunj ancient observatory (4 -5 mil. BC). Lunch. Drive through Yeghegnadzor town, visit Noravank monastery  (10-13 c.). Visit Khor Virap monastery (4 -17 cc.). Drive to Yerevan. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Yerevan.

• Day 9: Yerevan – Echmiadzin - Yerevan

Breakfast at the hotel. City tour. State History Museum of Armenia. Lunch at the restaurant. Drive to Etchmiadzin, the religious centre of Armenians. Visit St. Hripsime church (618), the Cathedral (301-303). On the way back - visit ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral (7^th c.).

• Day 10: Yerevan – Garni – Geghard- Yerevan

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Erebuny fortress founded in 782 BC and its archaeological museum. Visit Matenadaran – State Depository of Ancient Manuscripts. Visit the State Lunch at the restaurant. Visit Garni pagan temple (1^st c. AD), then continue to Geghard monastery carved in rock (4 - 13 cc). Return to Yerevan. Parting dinner at the traditional restaurant with folkloric program. Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan.

• Day 11: Yerevan –Tumanyan- Tbilisi

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Gegharkunik region. Visit Sevan Monastery on the peninsula (9 ^th -10 ^th cc.). Lunch at the restaurant on peninsula. Drive to the North. Alaverdi town. Visit Haghpat monastic complex (10-13^th cc.) included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Drive towards Armenian - Georgian border. Meeting with the Georgian partners at Sadakhlo, changing guide and transport and transfer to Tbilisi.

• Day 12: Tbilisi

Tbilisi sightseeing program

• Day 13: Tbilisi – Mtskheta – Gudauri

Visit Mtskheta and Ananuri.

• Day 14: Gudauri – Kazbegi – Gudauri

Travel in the Great Caucesus

• Day 15: Gudauri – Gori – Kutaisi

Visit Uplistsikhe cave town and Stalin museum.

• Day 16: Kutaisi – Tbilisi

Visit Gelati monastery and Bagrati Cathedral.

• Day 17: Departure