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THE GRAND

Mr. & Mrs. Sampleton GEORGI A

The Grand Caucasus

Featuring: , , Kazbegi, , and

Your tour at a glance: Day Itinerary Accommodation Meals Day 1 Arrive Baku Four Seasons Baku D Day 2 Baku Four Seasons Baku B,L,D Day 3 Baku Four Seasons Baku B,L,D Day 4 Baku Four Seasons Baku B,L,D Day 5 Tbilisi Marriott Tbilisi Hotel B,L,D Day 6 Kazbegi Rooms Hotel Kazbegi B,L,D Day 7 Kazbegi Rooms Hotel Kazbegi B,L,D Day 8 Tbilisi Marriott Tbilisi Hotel B,L,D Day 9 Signagi Kabadoni Hotel B,L,D Day 10 Tbilisi Marriott Tbilisi Hotel B,L,D Day 11 Yerevan Marriot Yerevan Hotel B,L,D Day 12 Yerevan Marriot Yerevan Hotel B,L,D Day 13 Yerevan Marriot Yerevan Hotel B,L,D Day 14 Departure B

DAY 1 Baku Four Seasons Baku Dinner

Welcome to ! Azerbaijan is a country of optimism, working to define itself as a nation after regaining its independence from the in 1991. The largest country in the Caucasus region, it sits at the junction of Western and Eastern . The , in the north, and the flatlands of central Azerbaijan make up the landscape of the country. Baku, the nation’s capital and largest city in the Caucasus, is cosmopolitan, while slower paced rural villages dominate the surrounding area.

Upon arrival you are met at the airport and assisted through customs before being transferred to your hotel, Four Seasons Baku. Just steps from the in the center of Baku, Four Seasons Baku is a luxurious destination in Azerbaijan that will accommodate all travelers. Boasting a classic yet modern design, this grand escape is the perfect place to explore the city and the majesty of the great Caspian Sea.

Well-appointed rooms and suites at Four Seasons Baku are designed in formal Beaux-Arts style with soothing colors and elegant furnishings. A spacious marble bathroom features double vanities, deep soaking tub, and inviting rain shower. Guests can relax on the balcony and take in spectacular views of the Caspian Sea, the Old City’s UNESCO World site and architectural preserve, Icheri Sheher, and the gorgeous park surrounding the National Philharmonic Theater.

Sample fine cuisine at one of Four Seasons Baku’s four elegant restaurants and see why they are destined to be some of the city’s hottest destinations. Dine at Zafferano, Four Seasons Baku’s signature all day restaurant that features an Italian themed menu with spectacular dishes from Central . Enjoy mixed grill and seafood at Kaspia, serving dinner daily from the hotel’s rooftop with sweeping views of the Caspian Sea. For casual drinks before or after dinner, Four Seasons Baku has two lounges with relaxing atmospheres that boast a large selection of whisky and fine cigars.

After checking in take time to rest before dinner this evening. Your driver will transfer you to a local restaurant for a traditional meal and folklore show.

DAY 2 Baku Four Seasons Baku Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast embark on a city tour of Baku. Your guide leads you along the central streets and green parks of the city, pointing out the main attractions along the way. Baku is a modern blend of inspirations from the region’s varied past and this morning you will see many Soviet-built structures.

After lunch enjoy an excursion in Old Town, Icheri Sheher. This UNESCO-recognized area of Baku hosts fascinating structures dating back as far as the seventh century, sheltered from the contemporary and Soviet sections of the city by massive walled fortresses. Visit the of the Shirvans’ Shahs, the most striking example of the medieval palace structures in Azerbaijan, dating to the middle of the 15th century. You will also see Maiden's Tower, an eight-story ancient fortress originally built as a fire beacon, and visit the . Take time to browse and shop at the antique shops and carpet vendors.

Take dinner in a local restaurant.

DAY 3 Baku Four Seasons Baku Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast leave for a tour of the Absheron Peninsula. The Caspian Sea is well within reach in Baku, and a drive around the Absheron Peninsula offers an unforgettable view of this hidden Eurasian treasure.

Traces of the ancient Zoroastrian culture of fire-worship can be found throughout the entire region. In the Surakhany village near Baku visit Ateshgah, commonly called the Temple of Eternal Fire. Zoroastrian pilgrims came from as far as to worship at this temple. These ancient fires are believed to have given Azerbaijan its name, which is thought by some researchers to mean “the land of fires.”

After lunch visit the well-preserved ancient castles of the Absheron Peninsula, dated from the 12th century and situated farther from Baku. There are several fine medieval castles, in the surrounding towns, all having been built for defense by the Shirvan’s Shahs.

Return to the hotel to refresh before dinner this evening.

DAY 4 Baku Four Seasons Baku Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

This day is devoted to visiting National Park. Found south of Baku, Gobustan is an open-air museum with some 4,000 Neolithic rock drawings dated from as many as 12,000 years ago. Find drawings made in the Stone Age, all reflecting activities like hunting and dancing. Their dances are thought to have been accompanied by the Gaval-Dashy or Tambourine Stone, a rock that has a deep, resonating tone when struck.

The famed Norwegian anthropologist returned many times to Azerbaijan between 1961 and his death in 2002 to study the site, which he argued to be evidence that modern-day Scandinavians migrated north through the Caucasus in prehistoric times. He found similarities in the drawings to those found in Scandinavia, particularly some in Alta, Norway.

Return to Baku this evening for dinner and prepare to head to in the morning.

DAY 5 Tbilisi Marriott Tbilisi Hotel Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia and the country’s largest city. Georgia is a country of ancient and original culture and its national music, architecture, art, and literature are a genuinely unique cultural achievement in the history of the world. The well-loved and sincere hospitality will make your stay in Georgia a time to remember. Tbilisi is a vibrant example of the mix of nationalities, cultures, religions, and ethnic groups found in Georgia. Tbilisi was founded in the 5th century AD by Vakhtang Gorgasali, the Georgian King of (Iberia) and made into a capital in the 6th century. Today Tbilisi is a significant industrial, social, and cultural center.

After checking in to your hotel, the Marriott Tbilisi, get acquainted with the city on a walking tour, passing through the old quarters and the center, with its famous sulphur springs along the Mtkvari River. Traditional houses with balconies and grape vines accompany your stroll towards Narikhala, the 4th century fort overlooking the city. The fort provides an exquisite view of the city and region. Dinner at a Georgian Traditional restaurant with folklore show.

DAY 6 Kazbegi Rooms Hotel Kazbegi Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast check out of your hotel and meet your guide for a drive via Mtscketa to Tbilisi. is the ancient capital of eastern Georgia. The country's conversion to occurred in Mtskheta in 337 AD and it is considered one of Georgia's most important religious centers.

Continue your drive to Kazbegi, the only town in the province. Situated only a few miles from the Russian border, its scenic location in the Greater Caucuses Mountains is a hiker’s dream. Discover the traditions of the local villagers in the area, explore the fortresses in the surrounding countryside, and enjoy the beautiful landscapes of this hidden paradise.

Before arriving at your hotel, stop to see Fortress. This 13th-century castle was the seat of the Dukes of Aragvi and holds over 600 years of history. Two churches comprise part of the complex, with the larger Church of Assumption boasting elaborate facades, a large carved grapevine , and the remnants of stunning frescoes.

Continue to the Rooms Hotel Kazbegi for the evening. Nestled in the remote Georgian landscape, Rooms Hotel Kazbegi is a modern, cozy resort with breathtaking mountainous views and consistently friendly service. The first of its kind in Georgia, this luxurious escape boasts a simple, open design that allows guests to feel right at home.

Situated amidst the inspiring beauty of the Caucasus landscape, Rooms Hotel Kazbegi is a unique, private escape. Each of Kazbegi’s 156 rooms and suites are elegant yet simply designed with plush beds, modern decor, and spectacular views of peaks and wild flowers. Accommodations feature all the comforts of home including wireless Internet and .

There is much to see and do in and around the Rooms Hotel Kazbegi. Guests can take a short, exciting hike to the historic , visit the nearby Alexander Kazbegi Museum, or even climb Mount Kazbek. Guests can choose to spend their day exploring the city by quad bike, bicycle touring, or paragliding over the landscape. The hotel itself has many enjoyable facilities including an extensive library, relaxing spa and wellness center, indoor pool, and an exciting . Dine in style and sample a variety of Georgian cuisine from the informal buffet and a la carte menu, and pair it with a notable bottle of wine.

DAY 7 Kazbegi Rooms Hotel Kazbegi Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Enjoy breakfast this morning before meeting your guide for a drive to the Gergeti Tsminda Sameba Trinity Church, built in the 14th century and situated nearly 7,000 feet up on the hill. From this spot you have an unforgettable view of Mount Kazbek, rising over 16,500 feet and covered with glaciers and permafrost. According to the legend, the titan who brought fire to men was chained on Mount Kazbek. Afterwards drive to Sno Gorge, an area rich in natural mineral water springs and dotted with old towers.

Return to the hotel this evening for dinner.

DAY 8 Tbilisi Marriott Tbilisi Hotel Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and meet your guide for a drive to the cave city Uplistsikhe. This city was carved out of sandstone in the second century B.C. and populated until well into the 19th century. Houses, temples, streets, and Roman theatres were carved out of the cliffs, and an intact basilica from the year 600 still exists on the site.

Enjoy a scenic drive as you return to Tbilisi. Arrive once more to the Marriott Tbilisi and take time to rest before dinner this evening.

DAY 9 Signagi Kabadoni Hotel Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast drive to the region, Georgia’s famous wine region. Begin with a city tour in , one of the oldest towns of the Kakheti region. Numerous monuments of historic and archaeological significance are found in the outskirts of the city. After a city tour in this magnificent place, enjoy lunch and wine tasting in in a local family home. Alongside your hosts you can bake bread, taste homemade wine and Georgian Chacha (vodka), and can try famous Georgian barbecue called mtsvadi.

Continue to Signagi for the evening. Located in the eastern foothills of the Gombori Range of the , Signagi is one of the smallest towns in the country. Rich in ancient culture, the Caucasus is mentioned in mythology and in the Bible. A large variety of languages and nationalities mingle with the unique mountain landscape to make the Caucasus one of the most breathtaking places on the planet.

Located in the heart of Signagi, Kabadoni is an exclusive boutique hotel bursting with Georgian culture, hospitality, and beauty. The interiors of Kabadoni Hotel feature a mixture of Art Nouveau and ancient Georgian motifs. Rooms are outfitted with modern furniture and accents and boast magnificent views of the Caucasus and Valley. After checking in to the Kabadoni Hotel, take time to rest before dinner this evening.

DAY 10 Tbilisi Marriott Tbilisi Hotel Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Wake this morning for breakfast and meet your guide for a drive to the Monastery of at Bodbe. Originally built in the 9th century, this Georgian Orthodox monastic complex has since been significantly remodeled, especially in the 17th century. The monastery now functions as a nunnery and is one of the major pilgrimage sites in Georgia, as it is the final resting place of Saint Nino, the 4th-century female evangelist of . Saint Nino has become one of the most venerated saints of the and her attribute, a Grapevine cross, is a symbol of Georgian Christianity.

Highlights of this tour include visits to the church, bell towers, and the Saint Nino spring, which is said to have healing capabilities for faithful Christians. The is nestled among tall Cypress trees on a steep hillside overlooking the Alazani Valley, where it commands views of the Greater Caucasus Mountains.

After lunch enjoy a wine tasting at Tsinandali, a historic winery in an estate which once belonged to the 19th-century aristocratic poet . The Tsinandali garden was renovated in 1887 and organized into a museum in 1947. Discover the great wine-making tradition of eastern Georgia and learn the history behind the powerful family who left a lasting mark on Georgian culture.

Return to Tbilisi for your final night in Georgia. Arrive once more to the Marriott Tbilisi and take time to rest and prepare for your onward journey. During this evening’s dinner you will be treated to special performance from the Georgian National men’s choir ensemble.

DAY 11 Yerevan Marriott Yerevan Hotel Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Enjoy breakfast this morning before checking out of your hotel and meeting your guide for the drive to the Georgia- border. Arrive at the town of Sadakhlo and cross into the town of Bagratashen. Armenia is a country rich with culture, located in the highlands surrounding the mountains of Ararat in the South Caucasus. With strong ties to the Christian religion, ancient churches and monasteries dot the landscape in Northern and Southern Armenia, while many of the country’s museums are found in Central Armenia, a flat and dry region in the Ararat valley. Like many countries in this region, the Republic of Armenia is renowned for its incredibly hospitable citizens and cultural significance.

Stop at the monasteries of Sanahin and Haghpat, both dating from the tenth century and inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. For 300 years Sanahin was an important center of learning, where humanitarian sciences and medicine were taught. Visit the village of and the house of renowned Armenian writer . The house is a typical example of an old Armenian village and has been converted to a museum.

Continue on a scenic drive to Yerevan, Armenia’s capital. Home to the majority of the country’s population, Central Armenia is truly the heart of the country. Arrive at your hotel, the Marriott Yerevan, and take time to rest before dinner this evening. Built in the 1950s, Marriott Yerevan is a historic accommodation in Armenia's capital that boasts culture, luxury, and hospitality. Recently refurbished to its original glory, this luxury hotel is the place to be in Yerevan. The only internationally-managed hotel located on Republic Square, Marriott Yerevan boasts 226 spacious guest rooms, including 11 suites, a lively fitness center and spa, and three outstanding restaurants.

Rooms and suites at Marriott Yerevan are vibrant and welcoming. Elegantly furnished and designed, each accommodation boasts astonishing views of or Republic Square and features plush beds with down comforters and designer duvets. All of the modern conveniences are provided including high speed Internet access and satellite television. Relax, unwind, and feel right at home in Yerevan.

Stop by Armenia Brasserie, serving full buffet breakfast in a casual setting with fantastic views of the main Yeravan Square. For lunch or dinner, head over to Cucina: Italian for wide selection of fine Italian cuisine, homemade pizzas, and signature antipasti. Enjoy the relaxing open air restaurant, Meeting Point Cafe, located near Republic Square for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

DAY 12 Yerevan Marriott Yerevan Hotel Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast meet your guide and embark for Etchmiadzin, the holy city of Armenia. This is the site of the See of Holy Etchmiadzin complex which is comprised of cathedrals dating from the fourth, seventh, and 17th centuries, all of them included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the cathedrals, museums, libraries, residences, and other buildings in this fascinating place with your guide.

In the afternoon we drive to the 17th century monastery, which is famous for its deep dungeon where Saint was imprisoned for 13 years. Saint Gregory was the first head of the Armenian Apostolic Church, and is credited with converting Armenia to Christianity in the year 301, making it the first nation to name Christianity as its official religion. In this historic atmosphere you will enjoy the best view of Mount Ararat over the border with , where it is said that ’s Ark rested after the famous flood.

Make your way back to Yerevan, passing through a picturesque landscape of high rocks. On the way make two stops: the 13th-century Monastery and the ruins of , a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the seventh century.

DAY 13 Yerevan Marriott Yerevan Hotel Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Take breakfast at the hotel and meet your guide for a drive out of suburbs of Yerevan to start the tour to the miraculous subterranean cave nearly 70 feet deep. It took more than two decades for the Master to build this cave-shrine. This cave is often compared with the Noah’s Ark and considered to be the second ark which is to save the humanity not from flood but from fire.

Continue to Garni Temple, a wonderful piece of Hellenistic architecture and the only surviving pagan temple in Armenia. Afterwards proceed to the magnificent monastic complex of , which is inscribed in UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Return to Yerevan with a stop at the open air market art and craft market called Vernissage. In Vernissage you can buy different souvenirs to take a piece of Armenia with you. Dinner and overnight in Yerevan.

DAY 14 Departure Breakfast

This morning, you will be transferred to the airport in time to check in for your international departing flight.

End of Ker & Downey Services