a The , Armenia & Azerbaijan Departs September 2022

Itinerary correct as at 15 June 2021, but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au

$10,990 pp Ex Syd/Mel, twin-share, economy class flights. S ingle supp $980

THE CAUCASUS — AZERBAIJAN, ARMENIA & GEORGIA

At the crossroads of Asia and Eastern Europe, between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, the Caucasus is a unique travel destination. Few tourists visit this fascinating region, which includes Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia, but those who do are struck by its beauty, culture and history. On this trip, you’ll pass snow-capped mountains, glaciers and gorges; dine with local families; and explore rock-hewn villages, mosques and UNESCO World Heritage-listed monasteries and churches.

Azerbaijan is a country boasting a history that dates back to prehistoric times and evidence of stone-age settlements. From the dynamic capital city of Baku to charming villages filled with stone buildings and cobblestone streets, to the ancient city Sheki, it is a country of contrasts. Azerbaijan was an important part of the Great Silk Route, and nowadays its economy is based on the abundance of oil and gas reserves. It is home to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed rock art site Gobustan and is the birthplace of the ancient Zoroastrian religion.

The Republic of Armenia is a small, landlocked country which was part of the Soviet Union until it reclaimed independence in 1991. Discover the country’s fascinating history during visits to cathedrals, churches, museums and monasteries - notably, Armenia is home to the oldest Christian cathedral in the world! Learn about the country’s unique indigenous culture at artistic workshops and bake the national bread, lavash, and other Armenian dishes. Armenia's countryside is beautiful with the jewel being the alpine Lake Sevan at almost 2,000 metres above sea level – one of the largest freshwater alpine lakes in the world.

Georgia has an ancient culture and a unique alphabet found nowhere else in the world. Over the centuries all her neighbours have coveted over her land. Turks, Persians, Mongols, Arabia and the Russians have invaded and periodical civil war has also left its mark. But nowadays, it is a peaceful country becoming known for its quality wines and spectacular scenery. The capital, , has a modern European vibe, with cosy cafes, art galleries and theatres. Yet, leave the city and it may feel like travelling in medieval times, amongst palaces, castles, fortresses and rock-hewn villages. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed ancient capital sits at the confluence of the River, and its 11th-century is where Christ’s robe was buried. Admire the views of snow-capped mountains, gorges and glaciers as we travel through the country and the higher Caucasus Mountain range, reaching heights of over 5,000 metres.

This fascinating region has been overlooked by travellers for too long - now is the time to visit, as it emerges as a destination for adventurous travellers.

Itinerary correct at 15 June 2021, but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au Day 1 Caucasus, on IN TRANSIT the banks of Depart Australia for Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan. the river Gudial. Flights most likely via Doha (to be confirmed). Guba district is a favourite Day 2 destinations ARRIVAL with locals and AND CITY despite being a WALKING small town, in TOUR the Middle We’ll meet our Ages it was the guide at the capital of Guba Khanate. We’ll visit the Juma Mosque and a airport and carpet factory where locals weave carpets with transfer to the characteristic patterns common in this region. We’ll hotel for check- continue on to the small, magical village of Khinalig, located in. Depending high in the Caucasus Mountains at an altitude of 2350 m. on arrival time, The village is inhabited by 2,000 light-skinned, blue-eyed we’ll take a walking city tour of the old town and surrounds people who consider themselves to be descendants of the including the Palace of the Shirvan Shahs Maiden Tower, Prophet Noah. Drive back to Baku, via the Jewish mosques, Nizami Street and Fountain square. We’ll then settlement of Krasnaya Sloboda. Dinner at the hotel. B/D continue along the waterfront promenade. The narrow cobbled streets amongst the Old Town walls are a Day 4 wonderful place for walking and reflect the history and GOBUSTAN AND ABSHERON PENINSULA culture of Baku and its people. There’s a welcome dinner This morning we’ll drive to Gobustan, well known for its planned at a local restaurant. D perfectly preserved rock paintings (petroglyphs). The Gobustan rocks reflect the 15,000 years history of the Day 3 region, a UNESCO World heritage site. Of particular BAKU – GUBA – KHYNALIQ – KRASNAYA SLOBODA interest, images of the multi-oar boats. Recently scientists After breakfast, we depart for Guba, located in the found, described and studied more than 4,000 petroglyphs NorthEastern slopes of Mount Shahdag in Greater and this important work continues. We’ll visit the interactive museum, then drive to the “mini mud volcanos” to witness

Itinerary correct as at 15 June 2021, but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au this strange phenomenon. After, we’ll head back to Baku Dinner is at a local restaurant followed by a short walking and on to “Ateshgah” - worshipped by Zoroastrian tour across the Freedom bridge to enjoy the beautiful city believers. Zoroastrianism (sometimes called 'fire skyline by night. B/D worshipping'), is one of the world's oldest religions and first began in Azerbaijan. In the ancient language of the land, Day 8 'Azer' means 'fire', and no other name seems quite as TO KAZBEGI VIA MTSKHETA AND appropriate for Azerbaijan. Today, fire remains a part of the After breakfast we’ll take a short drive to Mtskheta, a national symbolism. Dinner back in Baku. B/D UNESCO-listed site and an ancient capital of the Georgian Kingdom from the 3rd century BC. We will visit the Day 5 magnificent Svetitskhoveli Cathedral where BAKU- Christ’s robe was buried and the 6th century Jvari LAHIJ - monastery sitting high on a rocky mountaintop. The SHEKI stunning drive along the Tergi River leads to Kazbegi, After passing Ananuri Castle and Jinvali water reservoir. Dinner breakfast, at the hotel in Kazbegi. B/D we’ll drive north west Day 9 into regional KAZBEGI Azerbaijan to After breakfast we’ll transfer to 4WD vehicles for the drive Lahij village in to Gergeti the Ismayilly Trinity district. Most of the 2,000 people living in Lahij are engaged located at an in ancient crafts such as copper work, silver smiths and altitude of carpet weaving. Traders discovered Lahij crafts many 2170m. This is centuries ago and brought them to the bazaars in Baghdad, one of the Shiraz and other Middle Eastern cities. We’ll have lunch at great sights of a local house in Lahij before driving to Sheki for a city tour. Georgia. Sheki is one of the most famous and ancient places in Weather Azerbaijan surrounded by mountains and forests of oak permitting, trees. This ancient city was long famed as a silk centre and catch a an important stop on the Great Silk Route. We’ll visit the glimpse of Mt 18th century Khan's summer palace with its magnificent Kazbegi, one frescos and exquisite stained glass work, the “Shebeke” of the highest workshop where we’ll see the local craftsman and enjoy mountains of Eurasia at 5047m. Afterwards drive to the some of the Sheki baklava that is popular all over Dariali Gorge for a short trekking tour to the Gveleti water Azerbaijan. Then we’ll head to the Albanian church in Kish fall. Return back to the hotel for a free afternoon. Dinner is village. Legend says that this church is the first Christian at the hotel. B/D church built in the Trans-caucasia region, dating back to the 7th century. Drive back to the hotel for dinner at your Day 10 leisure. B/L TO VIA GORI AND UPLISTSIKHE If you don’t mind rising early, grab your camera and, Day 6 weather permitting, take a photo of the sun rising on Mt SHEKI – SIGHNAGHI – TBILISI Kazbegi. After breakfast, we’ll drive to the 11th-century city This morning we’ll drive to the Lagodekhi border where we of Gori and visit the Joseph Stalin Museum plus his cross into Georgia. personal train. We’ll also see the home where he was raised. We’ll drive to nearby Uplistsikhe, an ancient rock- WELCOME TO GEORGIA hewn town known as “the Lord's fortress". Built high on the After border crossing formalities, we’ll drive to Sighnaghi. rocky left bank of Mtkvari River, some structures date from The city was established in the 17th century and was 2000 BC through to the late middle ages and it is also fortified with a 5 km long wall that is still evident today. notable for its unique combination of different styles of rock- Modern Sighnaghi reflects both Georgian and Italian cut cultures. Some of the walking here is a little steep and designs in its beautiful architecture. It’s a wonderful city to there is also a tunnel to walk through (if open) so for those wander, passing parks and cobbled streets, local handicraft who don’t like enclosed spaces, you may want to wait at the studios and markets. We’ll visit a local wine cellar, to café below. Later we arrive in Kutaisi – the country’s second sample the different wines of the region, before continuing largest city and former capital. Check in to the hotel for a to Tbilisi. Dinner is at a local restaurant. B/D two-night stay and dinner. B/D

Day 7 Day 11 TBILISI KUTAISI This morning we’ll enjoy a tour of Tbilisi, including the We’ll tour Kutaisi this morning, visiting the National Museum and the Sameba Cathedral, the largest in and impressive Byzantine , a 12th-century the Caucasus. Discover the fashionably cozy cafes and art masterpiece of the that is now a galleries of Shardeni Street before we visit the UNESCO world heritage site. Archaeological evidence cosmopolitan and arty scene of Rustaveli Avenue. In the indicates Kutaisi functioned as the capital of the ancient afternoon, we’ll visit Old Tbilisi. (Note, you will have the Colchis kingdom and at the end of 2012, it resumed its role opportunity to explore Tbilisi at leisure later in the trip. when re-established as Georgia’s governing city with the

Itinerary correct as at 15 June 2021, but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au new parliament building designed by Spanish architect, 5 minutes from the centre of town, overlooking the river. Alberto Domingo Kabo. B/D Your guide will provide details. B/D

Day 12 Day 16 TO MESTIA VIA ENGURI DAM TO BATUMI After breakfast we’ll drive to the Samegrelo Region and visit Today we’ll drive to Batumi, located on the Black Sea and the stunning Martvili Canyon. We’ll begin with an easy, but arguably Georgia’s most beautiful city. We’ll stop for a bite photogenic, walk (700m on paved surfaces) over bridges of lunch along the way at Zugdidi (or nearby). Of the that criss-cross the canyon and provide the ideal view of several sculptural artworks on display of particular interest the limestone boulders and teal water below. We’ll finish is the “Ali and Nino” statue by Georgian sculptor Tamara with a boat tour Kvesitadze. The figures draw closer and kiss, before through the continuing their path and passing through one another, canyon before eventually parting and facing in opposite directions, heading to representing a Muslim boy and Christian girl separated by region, the invasion of . Check in to the hotel for a two-night one of the stay with dinner at a local restaurant. If you’re up for it, go highlights of for a stroll around the hotel to get a feel for the city at the tour. The night. B/D scenic drive to Mestia in the Day 17 Svaneti region BATUMI is stunning, This morning we’ll stroll Batumi’s busy boulevard, a park passing high strip fronting the main beach – with its trees, paths, mountains and glaciers (Consider some snacks for the road fountains, cafes and beach bars, it’s the life and soul of trip as there aren’t many places to stop for lunch). Before Batumi. We’ll also walk through the lovely botanical arriving to Mestia we’ll visit the Enguri Dam which at 271 gardens which will take about 2 hours (up and down hills) metres, is the second highest concrete arch dam in the and take in the lovely views over the Black Sea. Later, world and creates a reservoir in the picturesque gorges of enjoy a short boat trip on the Black Sea to view the city the Samegrelo and Svaneti mountains. Check in to the from the water. B/D hotel for dinner and a four-night stay. B/D Day 18, Wednesday 4th May Day 13 BORJOMI IN AND AROUND MESTIA Today is full day of travel. After breakfast, we’ll begin our After breakfast we'll drive to the Chalaadi glacier (20 drive to Borjomi (approx 6 hours). On arrival at the hotel, minutes from the hotel) for a challenging walk to see nature check-in and enjoy a stroll around the small township at her best (about 3.5 hours return, with some sections including the gardens and waterfall. Make sure you sample rated hard). This walk is only for the active travellers. Lunch the mineral spring water, local to the area. B/D is arranged at a local restaurant in Mestia with the afternoon free before dinner. For those not up to the walk, Day 19 you can stay at the lodge and meet the group for lunch or GYUMRI VIA AND BAVRA BORDER visit the small township. B/L/D Today we’ll travel to Vardzia, a rock-hewn complex on the bank of the river Mtkvari, founded in the 12-13th centuries. Day 14 Initially planned as a town-fortress, the complex became a DAY TRIP TO well-fortified monastery which played a significant role in Camera’s ready! Today is another major highlight of the trip. political, Our scenic drive by 4WD Jeep takes us to the UNESCO- cultural, listed Ushguli, a community of four villages lat 2200m, and educational considered to be the highest populated place in Europe. and spiritual Enjoy lunch at a local guesthouse and learn how to make life of the the local specialty cheese and kubdari, a Georgian meat country. In the stuffed pastry. Visit the local ethnographic museum before middle of the driving to Nakipari to visit the 12th-century St George’s complex is church. If you have the chance, take a walk through a few the Church of of the villages and meet some of the locals. Return to Assumption, Mestia for dinner. B/L/D richly decorated Day 15 with mural painting. There is some uphill walking today and MESTIA some cave walking, both of which could be considered hard This morning we’ll visit Mestia’s Ethnographic and Machubi and not for everyone. Alternatively, take the local mini bus Museums. In the afternoon, we’ll take the cable car up, keeping in mind there is still about 500 metres to walk, (weather permitting) to the top of Hatsvali Mountain ski mostly uphill. Afterwards we’ll drive to the Bavra border resort and enjoy the panoramic mountain views. This is a between Georgia and Armenia on what may be the worst great place for a lunch stop (at own expense). There may road you have ever encountered - all part of the be an hour or two free time in Mestia and a great tip is to experience! After border formalities, there will be a change watch a local Georgian movie in the small café/cinema just of transport and guide. (Note, there is a 500 metre walk into “no-man’s” land between borders and you will need to carry

Itinerary correct as at 15 June 2021, but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au your own luggage along a bumpy road as there is no Republic transport option). Square to gain an WELCOME TO ARMENIA understanding of the history In the afternoon we’ll arrive in Gyumri, the second largest and culture of city in Armenia and an important cultural centre in the late Armenia and its 19th and early 20th century. We will explore the historical people. We’ll centre of Alexandropol with its many traditional 19th century finish our day houses and visit a museum. Check into the hotel (which is with a visit to ultra-kitsch) for a lovely dinner and an overnight stay. B/D the Genocide museum. The Day 20 museum is an TO YEREVAN VIA EJMIATSIN emotional, yet powerful dedication to the victims of the Breakfast starts around 8.30 am at this particular hotel so Armenian Genocide, an important part of the country’s we suggest you take a walk through the local markets near recent history. We recommend taking a walk down to the the hotel if you are an early riser. If you need currency, ask square past the opera house where there are lots of great the hotel manager for the local bank manager to come to local options. B the hotel – a Day 23 great service TO DILIJAN VIA SEVAN AND GOSHAVANK offered by them. After Depart Yerevan for Lake Sevan, one of the world’s largest breakfast we’ll high-altitude lakes at 2000 metres above sea level and a drive to popular vacation spot. Discover the beautiful church on the Ejmiatsin and hilltop (about 250 steps up). Then stop at a local bakery to visit the main buy lunch. Visit the local museum in Dilijan to learn about cathedral and the history of the region before departing for the impressive Hripsime 12th-13th century Goshavank monastery. Dinner tonight is church. at the hotel. B/D Ejmiatzin means “the Day 24 coming of the only begotten” because it is said TO TBILISI VIA HAGHPAT AND ALAVERDI descended here from heaven to show where he wanted a Our first stop this morning is the UNESCO-listed medieval church to be built. Continue to beautiful Yerevan and check Haghpat Monastery, set against a picturesque mountain into the hotel for a three-night stay. Time permitting, take a backdrop. The monastery’s oldest structure, the Holy Cross stroll around the hotel where there are many shops, café’s Church, was built before 1000AD. We’ll grab a local lunch and parks. Dinner is at a traditional restaurant to enjoy before driving to the Sadakhlo border with Georgia. some Armenian cuisine and local music. B/D WELCOME BACK TO GEORGIA Day 21 YEREVAN AND EXCURSION TO GEGHARD After border formalities, we’ll meet our Georgian guide and AND GARNI TEMPLE driver and continue Tbilisi for an overnight stay. Our dinner Today we’ll explore Yerevan city and visit the manuscript tonight includes a cultural show (which can be very loud) museum, home to one of the world’s richest depositories of and then a trip to the lookout point at the top of the city medieval documents and books spanning many subjects where we can spot all of the major landmarks that we’ve and in many languages. We’ll make the short drive to the visited. B/D Geghard Monastery whose name derives from the legendary lance that was used to pierce the body of Christ, Day 25 and which was housed here for centuries. Though the exact TBILISI foundation of the monastery is unknown, the present Today is a free day to enjoy Tbilisi. There are many things complex was built in the mid-13th century. Enjoy a choir to see and do and your tour leader will provide options for performance before walking along the canyon, past the you. Today is at your own leisure and not guided or hosted. beautiful 9th-century basalt bridge over the Azat River. Visit There’s a farewell dinner planned at a local restaurant. B/D Garni, a pagan Temple built in the 1st century. Then we’ll stop for a late lunch at a local family’s home (Abelyan’s Day 26 House) to see how they make their delicious bread. Return DEPARTURE to Yerevan for dinner at a local restaurant. B/L/D For those concluding the core Caucasus tour, you’ll transfer to the airport for your flight home (arriving Australia the Day 22 following day). For those joining our 4-day Ukraine YEREVAN AND SURROUNDS Extension, you’ll transfer to the airport for an early morning This morning we’ll take a short drive to Khor Virap flight to Lvov. B Monastery where Gregory the Illuminator, who introduced Christianity to Armenia, was imprisoned for about 13 years. Enjoy the spectacular view of the sacred Ararat Mountain, an immortal symbol of Armenia (which now sits on Turkish soil). Back in town, we’ll visit the history museum in

Itinerary correct as at 15 June 2021, but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au

4 DAY UKRAINE EXTENSION $1,800pp twin share We’ll walk through the Pechersk district, with its aristocratic Single supplement $350 mansions, the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery, and the Excludes flights Tbilisi – Lvov (approx. $300) Temples of Podil. Then we’ll drive to Starokyivskaya mountain (prepare to make a wish!) and walk the Andriyivskyy descent, often Day 1 called the TBILISI TO LVOV "Montmartre of Transfer to the airport for your early morning flight from Kiev". In the Tbilisi to Lvov (flight operates via Kiev). Transfer and check afternoon we’ll in to the hotel to freshen up. You can explore the local area enjoy a in the afternoon. It is a two-night stay at the hotel. Dinner traditional tonight will be at the hotel. B/D Ukrainian dance Day 2 performance LVOV AND SURROUNDS and be amazed Lvov (or Lviv as it is known locally) is an open-air city by the dancer’s museum with the central pedestrian area of the city listed athletic and artistic abilities. Dinner is at a local restaurant as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This morning we’ll take along the river, also a great place for a stroll or to people a guided tour of the city visiting the Opera House, the watch. B/D Museum of Ethnography with its "Statue of Liberty", the birthplace of Leopold von Sacher-Masoch, the world’s Day 5 original ‘masochist’ and the city’s many temples. We’ll walk Departure the streets that Austrian emperors, Kings of Poland and After breakfast, we’ll transfer to the airport for the flight Russian Tsars all walked. Our tour will be complete around home to Australia, arriving Hom the following day. lunchtime, and this afternoon is free for you to stroll this wonderful city at leisure. Dinner will be at a local restaurant. B/D

Day 3 LVOV TO KIEV Today we will travel like the locals by taking the train to Kiev, Ukraine’s capital city. The trip will take about six hours – plenty of time to enjoy the scenery on the journey from the west to the other side of the country. On arrival, late in the afternoon, we’ll be collected from the station and transferred to our hotel on the fringe of the city. Dinner is at a local restaurant within walking distance of the hotel. B/D

Day 4 KIEV Travel back more than 1,500 years and discover the landmarks that represent Kiev (Kyiv) through the ages. We’ll begin at Old Kyiv Hill, the site where Kyiv city was founded, and home to a 500-year-old oak tree - it’s a considerable walk, but worth the views. We’ll visit St Volodymyr Cathedral, a masterpiece of neo-Byzantine style and the main temple of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Itinerary correct as at 15 June 2021, but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au