Day 1 Shanghai → Urumqi → Baku (Azerbaijan)
All day
Take a China Southern Airlines flight to Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, and begin your beautiful and exotic journey. Your tour guide will meet you at the airport and you'll check into your hotel for the night.
Special note: Whether the luggage can be checked through when traveling between Shanghai and Tbilisi needs to be consulted at the counter.
Day 2 Baku Day Trip
·morning
After breakfast, visit Baku's landmark building, the Zoroastrian Temple (enter). The central flame altar burns all year round. Because Baku produces oil and natural gas, the natural gas exposed to the surface meets the open flame, forming a perpetual flame.
We will then visit the Heliyeh Cultural Center (exterior tour). It has become a landmark in Baku. Its exterior design echoes Baku's natural landscape, with flowing lines stretching against the blue sky, like a vast desert reaching deep into the ocean waves, flowing eternally.
·afternoon
After a local lunch, we'll begin our city walk through Baku's Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000. We'll then head to Highland Park and stroll along the coastal promenade, enjoying views of the Caspian Sea. From here, we'll see the Flame Towers (exterior view) and the Martyrs' Path, before taking the 2-3 minute mountain train down the mountain.
Visit the Maiden Tower (exterior), and then visit the Shirvanshah Palace (interior), which was built by the Shirvanshah family in the 14th-15th centuries and consists of a mosque, palace, and mausoleum.
Special arrangement* Afternoon tea in Baku Old Town, experience the leisure time on the coast of the Caspian Sea.
·night
Dinner will be an Azerbaijani Muqam welcome meal, and then check in to the hotel to rest.
Day 3 Baku → Gobustan → Naftalan
·morning
After breakfast at the hotel, we'll travel by car to the Gobustan Landscape Complex, inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2007. The Gobustan Mountains are home to relics of ancient Azerbaijanis from the Stone Age and later periods, including rock paintings, village ruins, and tombstones. These primitive artifacts reflect the lives, culture, worldview, customs, and habits of the ancient Azerbaijanis. Nearly 6,000 exquisite carvings are found here, offering a glimpse into rock art dating back 4,000 years.
Afterwards, visit Bibi Haibat Mosque, which is one of the representative Islamic centers and Islamic architecture in Azerbaijan.
·afternoon
Then we will go to Naftalan, a small town in central Azerbaijan, which is a famous health resort.
·night
Upon arrival, enjoy dinner and then check into the hotel to rest.
Day 4 Naftalan → Ganja → Sheki
·morning
After breakfast, enjoy Naftalan's unique "Oil Bath." This specially treated medicinal oil bath was believed to be effective for ailments such as skin diseases and arthritis during the Soviet era, making Naftalan a renowned sanatorium for over half a century.
Afterwards, we drove to Ganja, the second largest city in Azerbaijan. Ganja is famous for its red buildings in Azerbaijan. Most of the historical sites in and around the city are made of red bricks, which is an interesting contrast to the blue-dominated buildings of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
Imazadeh Mosque: The exterior design of Imazadeh Mosque is a great example of the beauty of Persian art and patterns, which can be seen on many ancient Persian-era buildings around the world.
Heydar Aliyev Square and City Hall: Ganja City Hall is a prime example of the architectural style mastered during the Soviet era. The facade of the city hall is an example of stripped classicism, which stripped away all "wasteful" ornamentation, leaving tourists with a simple yet recognizable classical building.
·afternoon
After lunch in Ganja, we will depart for Sheki to experience the cultural landscape of Sheki and visit the Silk Road post station. Back then, the small post station could meet most of the needs of merchants, providing them with sufficient convenience and also providing safety protection for their personal safety.
Afterwards, we will visit the Sheki Khan Palace, which is inlaid with countless colored glass and has colorful and exquisite paintings inside.
·night
After local dinner, check in to the hotel and rest.
Day 5 Sheki → Sighnaghi (Georgia) → Telavi
·morning
After breakfast, we will drive to Georgia. Upon arrival in Sighnaghi, we will have free time for lunch.
·afternoon
After lunch, enjoy a stroll in Sighnaghi:
Bodbe Monastery: In the Middle Ages, many kings of the Kingdom of Kakheti chose to be crowned here. It is one of the important pilgrimage sites in Georgia.
Sighnaghi Viewing Point: There are many viewpoints in the whole town. This is the most classic panoramic angle of the town. It is at the fork in the road and is also the source of the representative picture of Sighnaghi.
Sighnaghi City Wall: In the 18th century, the last king of Georgia ordered the construction of this city with a circle of walls as a defensive fortification in order to protect the locals from looting and to attract Armenian merchants to do business.
Afterward, we'll head to Telavi for a leisurely tour of the Telavi Winery. Unearthed in Telavi are pottery jars dating back to 8000 BC, providing key evidence that Georgian wine is considered the world's birthplace of winemaking. Telavi is also a major wine-producing region in Georgia.
Tourists can taste traditional red wine, visit the wine cellar, and learn more about the traditional Georgian Qvevri and classic winemaking methods. At the same time, tourists can also experience making local traditional snacks and enjoy singing performances at the winery.
·night
After dinner, enjoy the winery's signature red wine bath to relieve travel fatigue. (Due to hotel resource constraints, the red wine bath is currently unavailable. We will refund tourists $15 per person after the trip.)
Day 6 Telavi → Ananuri Castle → Kazbek
·morning
After breakfast, we started today’s journey.
Travel to the renowned Kazbek region of the Caucasus, and along the way, admire Ananuri Castle, the riverside castle featured on the cover of "Lonely Planet: The Three Kingdoms of the Transcaucasus." Today, Ananuri Castle has become one of Georgia's most iconic landmarks, attracting countless visitors to this magical and beautiful land. Nestled on a mountainside, the castle's emerald-colored Lake Aragvi echoes the castle's green dome, complementing it beautifully. Beyond, the majestic Transcaucasian Mountains frame the surrounding landscape, a scene of classicism and beauty captured in exquisite detail.
·afternoon
After enjoying a Georgian meal, we will pass through the famous ski resort of Gudauri, and admire the majestic, snow-capped Mount Mokovoli along the way.
On the way to Kazbek, we will visit the Russian-Georgian Friendship Monument. The monument was built in 1983 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the friendship between Georgia and the Soviet Union. A monument corresponding to the building was erected in a square in Moscow.
We'll board a 6-7-seater minivan to Holy Trinity Church. The church offers a panoramic view of Kazbegi, with the entire village at our feet, allowing you to experience the magnificent Caucasian scenery. Legend has it that long ago, in Georgian legend, a god similar to Prometheus stole divine fire from heaven and brought it to Earth. As punishment, the gods imprisoned him in a cave atop Mount Kazbegi.
·night
After enjoying a local dinner, check in to the hotel and rest.
Day 7 Kazbek → Mtskheta
·morning
After breakfast, take a bus to Snow Village and Giant Tower Village for sightseeing.
Get a close-up look at the Stonehenge statues at Snowdon, a site known as the "Easter Island of Georgia." These six monolithic heads are carved from granite. These massive works of art are nestled in the rolling hills at the entrance to Snowdon Village.
Afterward, we'll transfer to an off-road van and head to Juta Village, a small village nestled in a mountain pass. Stroll through the village and enjoy a cup of coffee at the Secret Snow Mountain Lodge, where you can admire the snow-capped mountains. From inside the lodge, the view from the sun illuminates the vibrant greenery of the mountains, illuminated by the pink clothes and sheets drying on the drying line. The snow-capped mountains in the background create a tranquil scene of harmonious coexistence between man and nature.
Note*:
1. There is a relatively steep gravel road on the way to the tower, which is a bit difficult and is about 2 kilometers long.
2. The total length of the hike is about 3-4 kilometers, and the round trip takes 1.5 hours.
3. If you encounter road construction or road closures, you can hike into the village and then to the Giant Tower Canyon. The total duration is 4-6 hours, about 8 kilometers.
·afternoon
After a free lunch, we will proceed to Mtskheta, once the capital of the ancient Iberian Kingdom on Georgian soil. A large number of temples, cemeteries, ancient architectural ruins and fortifications from the ancient Greek and Roman periods have been discovered here.
Visit the Jvari Monastery, where you can overlook the beautiful scenery of the entire ancient city due to its terrain.
Visit the Pillar of Life Cathedral: The church is the second largest church in Georgia. It is said that St. Nino chose this site to build the first church in Georgia. The gate of the Pillar of Life Cathedral can be said to be a model of Georgian religious architecture.
Then check in to the hotel and rest.
Day 8 Mtsatakh → Gori → Kutaisi
·morning
After breakfast, depart for Gori.
Upon arrival in Gori, visit the Stalin Museum: Founded in 1957, it showcases Stalin's life and deeds, along with related artifacts, and his evolution from youth to old age. The museum is divided into three sections, each showcasing a historical progression, featuring items related to the Revolution, the Human Revolution, and World War II, as well as donations from various countries. Next to the former residence is the imperial green carriage of Stalin's special train.
·afternoon
After lunch, proceed to Kutaisi.
Visit the largest local farmers' market to immerse yourself in local customs and experience authentic market life. The market offers affordable and high-quality local sweet red wine, nuts, preserved fruits, and other fruits. You can also buy souvenirs and handicrafts.
Visit the "Tiffany Blue" Bagrati Cathedral, built at the beginning of Georgia's Golden Age. The cathedral is located on Ukmeriona Hill, offering panoramic views of the city of Kutaisi.
·night
After local dinner, check in to the hotel and rest.
Day 9 Kutaisi → Batumi
·morning
Drive to Batumi, a famous coastal city on the Black Sea (from here to the north is Sochi, Russia, and to the south it borders Türkiye).
Upon arrival in Batumi, visit the Batumi Botanical Garden. Founded in 1912 by Soviet botanist Andrei Krasnov, it features nearly 2,000 plant species, nine diverse areas, and a network of trails. It offers breathtaking views of the Black Sea and Batumi cityscape. A local favorite, it's a romantic destination for couples and a great place for family gatherings, combining natural wonders with a romantic experience.
·afternoon
After lunch, take a city walk in Batumi:
The tour begins at the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption in Batumi, a historic structure that bears witness to the city's vicissitudes, its every stone telling a story of antiquity. Next, we reach Batumi Square, the heart of Batumi, where the surrounding buildings seem to evoke memories of the city's past glory. Across the square, we reach St. Nicholas's Orthodox Church, its spire gleaming in the sun, inviting tourists into its world.
A special arrangement: a Black Sea cruise, approximately 30 minutes in duration. Let tourists experience a Black Sea holiday!
After the cruise, visit the famous seaside Miracle Park. Miracle Park is a pedestrian zone in Batumi that features many of the city's attractions and several scenic spots. This area is filled with art and is visited daily by a large number of locals and tourists. Miracle Park is interesting not only for its unusual architecture and monuments.
The Ali and Nino sculptures (exterior view) revolve to tell a poignant love story.
Visit Europe Square and the Medea statue. The architecture here is rich in classical European style while also offering a modern flair. Batumi's famous theater is also located here.
·night
After dinner, check in to the hotel and rest.
Day 10 Batumi → Akhaltsikhe
·morning
After breakfast, start today's itinerary.
Visit the Batumi Ethnographic Museum. The museum features miniature landscapes, walking trails, and a small waterfall. The museum displays models of typical residential and agricultural architecture from the region, folk crafts, agricultural practices, and daily life. Visitors can see figures engaged in various activities and learn about local customs, life, and culture through the mannequins and working environments.
·afternoon
Then go to Akhaltsikhe and visit the Akhaltsikhe Castle.
Over the centuries, various powers have taken turns to conquer this area, with Georgian Orthodox churches, Armenian Christian churches, Catholic churches, synagogues, and mosques all gathering here. This has resulted in the castle having many different buildings, a fusion of Islamic and Orthodox fortress architecture.
·night
After dinner, check in to the hotel and rest.
Day 11 Akhaltsikhe → Vardzia Ruins → Gyumri (Armenia)
·morning
After breakfast, depart for Vardzia.
Vardzia Ruins: A complex of man-made caves. King George III of Georgia built a castle here in the 12th century. Remains of cave churches, living quarters, and tunnels still exist, along with a number of exquisite frescoes. Notably, the images of King George III and his daughter, Queen Tamara, are preserved.
·afternoon
Then proceed to Gyumri, the second largest city in Armenia.
Stroll around Freedom Square: The monument on Freedom Square was built in 2008 to commemorate a group of historical figures who led the Armenian army against Persia. The equestrian statue of Vartan Mamikonian stands in the center of the monument.
The Church of Our Saviour next to the square was built in the 19th century. The design of the church is inspired by the architectural style of the Ani Cathedral.
Special Offer: Enjoy a puppet show at the Alihanian Puppet Theater! Many puppets are decades old and still in use today. Don't miss this opportunity to see a fantastic performance at the puppet theater.
·night
Dinner will be spent enjoying Gyumri’s famous local specialties.
Day 12 Gyumri → Yerevan
·morning
After breakfast, drive to Yerevan, the capital of Armenia.
En route, we'll visit the Church of Etchmiadzin (entrance) and the Zvartnots Archaeological Site (entrance). Etchmiadzin, meaning "the place where Jesus descended," is the first church in Armenia and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The church houses a treasury (accessible at your own expense) housing unique treasures and relics, from a splinter of Noah's Ark to the spearhead that pierced Jesus' chest, and a thousand-year-old illuminated Gospel book.
·afternoon
Visit the Republic Square in the heart of Yerevan. Then proceed to the Yerevan City Sightseeing Tour.
The Mother of Armenia statue is the female embodiment of Armenia. The first thing you'll notice is the massive statue in Victory Park, overlooking the Armenian capital, Yerevan. Afterwards, visit the Yerevan Cathedral, where you'll experience a romantic moment frozen in time.
Special arrangement to visit [Ararat Brandy Distillery] (entry), where you can taste 3-year and 10-year brandy.
·night
In the evening, tourists can arrange their meals freely and then return to the hotel to rest.
Day 13 Yerevan → Lake Sevan
·morning
After breakfast, we'll head to the Deep Pit Monastery. This is one of Armenia's most important pilgrimage sites, home to several churches. If the weather is clear, you can see Armenia's famous snow-capped Mount Ararat, making this a great spot for snow-capped mountain views.
Afterwards, we will drive to Garni and visit the Garni Temple, a Hellenistic temple building in Armenia.
Azat Gorge, located next to the Garni Temple, offers a unique experience of the Caucasian canyon landscape. Tourists often descend to the canyon floor to admire the "Symphony of Stone." This natural monument, located in the Garni Gorge in the Azat River basin of Armenia, features massive, symmetrical basalt columns that create a striking organ-like appearance. These columns, formed by the slow cooling and contraction of volcanic lava, demonstrate nature's ability to create astonishing structures.
·afternoon
We then drove to Lake Sevan, a famous summer resort and the largest alpine lake in the Caucasus. Tourists can stroll along the lakeside beach, where the lake and vegetation complement each other beautifully. Historical sites such as the Sevan Monastery add a touch of mystery to the area.
At the same time, tourists have the opportunity to see the beautiful sunset here.
·night
Enjoy Lake Sevan’s famous grilled fish meal for dinner, then check in to the hotel and rest.
Day 14 Lake Sevan → Tbilisi (Georgia)
·morning
After breakfast, drive to Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia.
·afternoon
Upon arrival in Tbilisi, explore the National Historical Museum. The museum has four floors: the first floor focuses on the history of human development. The second floor focuses on the Old and New Stone Ages and the Bronze and Iron Ages. The third floor covers the history of Russian aggression. The lower floor houses a treasure hall displaying gold, silver, and gemstone artifacts from various periods.
Visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the third largest Orthodox church in the world. Its striking golden dome is indeed made of gold, donated by Georgians. This cathedral is easily visible from either side of the Kura River in Tbilisi, and its interior is unpretentious. It's important to note that women should wear long pants or below-the-knee skirts for easy access.
·night
After a free dinner, you can explore Tbilisi's old town at night. Tbilisi is a true mountain city, with many cobblestone streets. However, the various mixed architectural styles and the occasional barking of dogs and human chatter are full of the atmosphere of fireworks. The walking tour route is centered on the Kura River, and you can admire the beautiful night view of Tbilisi along both sides of the river.
Recommended walking route (King Statue - Theater Park - Peace Bridge - Bar Street - Puppet Clock Tower).
Then check in to the hotel and rest.
Day 15 Tbilisi → Urumqi
·morning
After breakfast, we'll head to Narikala Fortress, which includes a cable car ticket. The fortress served as Tbilisi's last line of defense and is now considered a landmark not only for the Old City but also for Tbilisi itself. While Narikala remains only a section of the city wall, Tbilisi residents consider it the "heart and soul of the city." It's also a great spot for panoramic views of Tbilisi, especially the Old City. Not far away is the Mother of Georgia statue. Facing the Old City, this majestic figure holds a bowl in her left hand and a sword in her right, symbolizing Georgia's great victory in the war against fascism.
·afternoon
Then go to Freedom Square and Rustaveli Street in the center of Tbilisi to experience the urban atmosphere of Tbilisi.
The remaining time is free for tourists to spend at leisure in Tbilisi. After the free time, we will gather and go to the airport.
Day 16 Urumqi → Shanghai
All day
The group disbanded after arriving in Shanghai, ending their trip to the three Caucasus countries.
Note: The end time of this D16 trip is the time when the international flight lands in Shanghai.
