|
THE
CASPIAN FROM BAKU TO TEHRAN
A World Heritage Sites Tour of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia and Iran) |
 |
This
extraordinary tour takes us to an extremely complex and
interesting part of the world. This is the world of the
Persians, Khazars, Arabs, Huns, Turko-Mongols, Russians,
Azerbaijanians, Georgians and Armenians. All of these
cultures have combined in this region resulting in rich
ethnic and linguistic complexity as well as astounding
architecture. The Caucasus and Iran tour studies this
four-country region in one spectacular journey.
|
Tour
Summary
|
Map |
Day
|
Place
|
|
01,
02, & 03
|
Baku
(AZERBAIJAN) |
|
04
|
Baku/Sheki
|
|
05
|
Sheki/Lagodekhi/Telavi (GEORGIA) |
|
06
|
Telavi/Tbilisi
|
|
07
|
Tbilisi |
|
08
|
Tbilisi/Bakuriani
|
|
09
|
Bakuriani |
|
10
|
Bakuriani/Tbilisi
|
|
11
|
Tbilisi/Yerevan
(ARMENIA)
|
|
12,
13 & 14
|
Yerevan
|
| 15 |
Yerevan
/ Tabriz (IRAN) |
| 16 |
Tabriz
/ Anzali |
| 17 |
Anzali
/ Rasht |
| 18 |
Rasht
/ Tehran |
| 19 |
Tehran |
| 20 |
Tehran
/ Shiraz |
| 21 |
Shiraz
|
| 22 |
Shiraz
/ Esfahan |
| 23,
24 |
Esfahan
|
| 25 |
Esfahan
/ Tehran |
| 26 |
Tehran
|
|
|
 |
UNESCO
World Heritage Sites Visited
This tour has been tailored to include the following World
Heritage Sites |
|
World Heritage Sites in Azerbaijan covered on this
tour |
|
Walled City of Baku with the Shirvanshah's Palace and
Maiden Tower (2000) |
Built
on a site inhabited since the Palaeolithic period, the
Walled City of Baku reveals evidence of Zoroastrian, Sassanian,
Arabic, Persian, Shirvani, Ottoman, and Russian presence
in cultural continuity. |
| World
Heritage Sites in Armenia covered on this tour |
|
Monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin (1996, 2000) |
These
two Byzantine monasteries in the Tumanian region dating
from the period of prosperity during the Kiurikian dynasty
(10th to 13th century) were important centres of learning.
Sanahin was renown for its school of illuminators and
calligraphers. |
| Cathedral
and Churches of Echmiatsin and the Archaeological Site
of Zvartnots (2000) |
The
cathedral and churches of Echmiatsin and the archaeological
remains at Zvartnots graphically illustrate the evolution
and development of the Armenian central-domed cross-hall
type of church, which exerted a profound influence on
architectural and artistic development in the region. |
| World
Heritage Sites in Georgia covered on this tour |
| City-Museum
Reserve of Mtskheta (1994) |
The
historic churches of Mtskheta, former capital of Georgia,
are outstanding examples of medieval religious architecture
in the Caucasus. They show the high artistic and cultural
level attained by this ancient kingdom. |
|
World Heritage Sites in Iran covered on this tour |
| Persepolis
(1979) |
Founded
by Darius I in 518 B.C., Persepolis was the capital of
the Achaemenid Empire. It was built on an immense half-
artificial, half-natural terrace, where the king of kings
created an impressive palace complex inspired by Mesopotamian
models. The importance and quality of the monumental ruins
make it a unique archaeological site. |
| Meidan
Emam, Esfahan (1979) |
Built
by Shah Abbas I the Great at the beginning of the 17th
century, and bordered on all sides by monumental buildings
linked by a series of two-storeyed arcades, the site is
known for the Royal Mosque, the Mosque of Sheykh Lotfollah,
the magnificent Portico of Qaysariyyeh and the 15th-century
Timurid palace. They are an impressive testimony to the
level of social and cultural life in Persia during the
Safavid era. |
| Detailed
Itinerary |
Day
1: Arrive Baku (AZERBAIJAN)
Xosh gälmìsän! Welcome to Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan.
Baku is located on the west shore of the Caspian Sea. We are driven through the
city to our hotel.
Overnight: Grand Europe Hotel, Baku (3 nights)
Day 2: Baku
Morning tour of the Gobustan and the mud volcanoes. Afternoon sightseeing tour
of Baku highlights some striking architectural monuments of the Islamic Medieval
period including the medieval walls of the Old Town, Shirvan Shakh’s Palace,
the Maiden Tower, the Carpet and Applied Arts Museum. (B, D)
Day 3: Baku
Today’s day excursion to Absheron Peninsula includes the Zoroastrian Temple
of Fire Ateshgyah – fire worshippers temple, which for centuries has been
a center of worship, the 14th century temple in Mardakan and Yanardag Flaming
Mountain, burning with an eternal flame fed by the underground naphtha and gas.
Afternoon we enjoy some leisure time walking throughout the central part of the
city and exploring local shopping centers. It will also be our opportunity to
meet and mingle with the locals. (B, D)
Day
4: Baku / Sheki
A scenic and relaxed drive for Sheki. We will take advantage of the early arrival
with a tour of Sheki, which will include the Museum of Applied Arts, "Shebeke" manufacturing
workshops, and the magnificent Sheki Khan's palace (view from the outside only).
Evening is free to enjoy and stroll around Sheki town.
Overnight: Caravan Saray, Sheki (1 night) (B, D)
Day 5: Sheki / Lagodekhi / Telavi
(GEORGIA)
Morning we prepare for our departure from Azerbaijan as we are driven to the
border where we will meet with our Georgian guide and transport for our transfer
to Telavi. As we drive to Telavi, we visit the Tsinandali Winery and Park, Alavedri
Cathedral and Shuamta Monastery in the Kakheti province.
Overnight: Private homes, Telavi (1 night) (B, D)
Day 6: Telavi / Tbilisi
Another interesting day ahead as we drive from Telavi to the David Gareji Monastery
in the Gareji semi-desert. We also visit Lavra and walk up to Udabno cave Monastery.
Afternoon is a leisurely drive to the capital city of Tbilisi.
Overnight: Sheraton Metechi Palace Hotel, Tbilisi (2 nights) (B, L, D)
Day 7: Tbilisi
Our full day sightseeing tour starts with the State Museum of Georgia with its
magnificent exhibition of gold work dating back to the 3rd century BC, the Old
Caravansary Merchants oriental style building, the Metechi cross cupola church
(12th-13th century), areas of the Royal residential complex, the Sulfur Bathhouses,
the Carpet Collection, Siony, the Main Cathedral of Tbilisi (7th-19th century),
and finally Rustaveli Avenue, the most beautiful street of Tbilisi. Rustaveli
is a popular street where both local and foreigners gather to meet and spend
time together. This is also a popular shopping place and one can often find roadside
musicians displaying their talent. (B, D)
Day 8: Tbilisi / Bakuriani
A scenic drive with some interesting sites being covered today. We start off
with a visit to Mtskhetia where we visit Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.
We then continue for Gori where we visit Uplistsikhe cave town. We may possibly
also visit the Joseph Stalin Museum. Later we embark on our journey to Bakuriani
ski resort via Borjomi.
Overnight: Vera Palace Hotel, Bakuriani (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 9: Bakuriani
An exciting day ahead as we drive to Samtskhe-Javakheti Province where we will
visit some exceptional sites. The Khertvisi Fortress (11th century) that, according
to legend, was seen along with other Georgian fortresses by Alexander of Macedonian
in the 4th Century BC during his campaign in the east. The Cave-town of Vardzia
(12th -13th Century frescos), is a striking complex hewn in rock, regarded as
the cultural and educational center of the time. (B, L, D)
Day
10: Bakuriani / Tbilisi
On our return journey from Bakuriani to Tbilisi we take a diversion and turn
north along Georgian Military Highway up to Zhinvali Lake. Here we visit the
Ananauri architectural complex. We arrive in time at Tbilisi to allow us with
some independent time to wander through the town and local bazaars.
Overnight: Sheraton Metechi Palace Hotel, Tbilisi (1 night)
(B, D)
Day 11: Tbilisi / Yerevan (ARMENIA)
After breakfast we head for Sadakhlo on the Georgian-Armenian border. Bidding
farewell to our Georgian friends we are met by our Aremenian friends and warmly
welcomed and transferred to Yerevan. En-route our journey to the Armenian capital,
we visit the Monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin, touted as the best architectural
examples of Armenian religious art between the 10th and 13th Centuries.
Overnight: Golden Palace, Yerevan (4 nights) (B, D)
Day 12: Yerevan
We start the day with a sightseeing tour of the city of Yerevan with visits to
the National Museum of Armenian History and the Matenadaran, followed by an excursion
to the Echmiadzin Church and Museum, and the Hripsime and Zvartnots Cathedrals.
Evening is free to stroll on your own. Yerevan offers an interesting place to
walk on your own and meet local folks as well as do some shopping. (B,
D)
Day 13: Yerevan
Today is our excursion to Garni and Geghard, followed by an afternoon visit to
the empty beaches and white sands of Lake Sevan. This mountainous lake covers
approximately 5% of Armenia’s surface area and is 2000 meters/2187 yards
above sea level. Maxim Gorky said about the waters, that they were like a piece
of the sky that had descended to earth among the mountains. It will be an interesting
countryside day. (B, D)
Day 14: Yerevan
Full day excursion south to Khor Virap, one of the romantically sited monasteries
in Armenia with views across vast planes of Turkey and the twin peaks of Mount
Ararat. Here, in the atmosphere of historical environment and vivid imagination
one notices Noah’s Ark in the snows of Ararat. Humankind was reborn here,
and Noah is considered to be the first tourist in the world. The theatrical ceremonies
and festivals performing on a Noah’s-Ark-shaped stage in the immediate
vicinity of the monastery and against the majestic Mount Ararat will take you
back to the Noah’s ages. Free time for people to enjoy Yerevan including
visiting the hole where Gregory the Illuminator was jailed for disseminating
Christianity in Armenia. The tour culminates with a visit to the 12th century
monastery of Noravank set in a canyon rich with rare flora. (B, D)
Day
15: Yerevan / Tabriz (IRAN- Drive)
Today we depart the Caucasus for Tabriz in Iran. Tabriz is famous for its exquisite
carpets and its long history. It has been the capital city of Iran on numerous
times throughout the old history of this country. Tabriz is the birthplace of
Shams Tabriz, the mentor of Jalaluddin Rumi the founder of Suffism and the city,
even today, is reputed to exude an aura of serenity. This evening, one can experience
this calm while walking and meeting people in the old part of the city.
Overnight: Gostaresh Hotel, Tabriz (1 night) (B, D)
Day 16: Tabriz / Anzali (Drive)
This morning we tour the city of Tabriz enjoying the ancient architecture and
splendid bazaars of this major agricultural center. Armenians, Turkomans, Kurds
work side by side in stalls pilled ceiling-high with leather boots, woolen headgear,
and many-coloured fabrics. Here again you find the friendly bustle of the Oriental
market with its mysterious discussions and its aroma of leather and spices. We
then continue on to Anzali.
Overnight: Kadousan Hotel, Anzali (1 night) (B, D)
Day 17: Anzali / Rasht (Drive)
This morning we take in a boat ride on the marshland then a visit to the caviar-processing
factory. Next stop is a visit to the stunningly beautiful village of Masuleh
then onto Rasht.
Overnight: Kadous Hotel, Rasht (1 night) (B, D)
Day 18: Rasht / Tehran (Drive)
A beautiful drive takes us to Tehran.
Overnight: Ferdowsi Hotel, Tehran (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 19: Tehran
Full day tour starts off with a visit to the Carpet Museum which has an excellent
collection of Iranian hand woven carpets, followed by the Museum of Reza Abbasi.
This museum named after the most famous miniaturist in the Safavid era, was opened
in 1977. It exhibits artifacts dating back to prehistoric, ancient and Islamic
periods and is particularly rich in Islamic calligraphy. Lastly, we visit the
Archaeological Museums with its fine collection including a stone capital of
a winged lion from Susa and a 6th century B.C. audience hall relief of Darius
the Great from the Treasury at Persepolis. The museum has items dating back from
the Sumerian Period (4500 B.C.) to contemporary times. (B, D)
Day
20: Tehran/Shiraz (Flight)
Morning visit the Glass and Ceramic Museum and Sa'dabad Palace. Late afternoon
transfer to the airport for our flight to Shiraz, traditionally known as the
city of Roses and Nightingales.
Overnight: Persepolis Hotel, Shiraz (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 21: Shiraz
Shiraz is the capital of the Province of Fars. Our visit today will include the
Eram Garden, the tombs of Saadi and Hafiz - two of the most well known Persian
poets, Nasirol-Molk Mosque, Afif-Abad Garden, the Church of Saint Simmon the
Zealot.
(B, D)
Day 22: Shiraz/Esfahan (Flight)
Morning excursion to Persepolis, which in Greek literally means the capital of
Persia, lies 60 kms/37 miles north of Shiraz. Persepolis is the last and final
ultimate expression of the ancient Middle East. Construction began by Darius
the Great (521 - 468 B.C.) as the focus of the mighty Achemenian Empire nearly
2500 years ago. Our next stop is Naqsh-e-Rustam - tomb of the famous Rustam.
Late evening transfer to the airport for our flight to Esfahan, another highlight
city. Legend has it that Esfahan was founded at the time of Tahmourass or Keykavous.
During the Safavid Era (16th and 17th Century A.D.), Esfahan was a city of Gardens
and Palaces, a trade centre recognised by the saying, "Esfahan is half of
the world".
Overnight: Ali Qapu Hotel, Esfahan (3 nights) (B, D)
Day 23: Esfahan
Full day tour of this magnificent includes Hasht Behesht Palace (built in 1680
A.D. during the rule of Suleiman II, the Armenian Vank Church, Friday Mosque
and the famous bridges. (B, D)
Day
24: Esfahan
Today visit includes Imam Square (Naqsh-e- Jahan) with its Sheikh Lotfollah and
Imam Mosques, Aliqapu Palace, Chehel Sutoon Palace (40 pillars) built by Shah
Abbas as a hall of audience and visit what definitely a most famous bazaar in
Iran. (B, D)
Day 25: Esfahan/Tehran (Drive)
On our scenic drive to Tehran we stop at Kashan, an attractive oasis town, and
take in its attractive sights. We visit Tabatabaie Houses and Khan-e Borujerdi,
built as a private residence, now a charming museum with a lovely courtyard.
We then take in the famous Fin Garden and witness its breathtaking pools, orchards
and natural springs. Next we visit Agha Bozorg Mosque famous for its lovely portals
and minarets. Next is a visit to the exquisite Shrine of Fatima in Qum and later
we view the Tomb of Ayatollah Khomeini.
Overnight: Ferdowsi Hotel, Tehran (1 night) (B, D)
Day 26: Depart Tehran
Morning transfer to the airport for the departure flight. |
|
B
= Breakfast
|
L
= Lunch
|
D
= Dinner
|
|
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|
Departure Dates |
|
2010
May 18,
Jun 06 & Sep 16
|
| Prices |
| Season |
Tour
Price US$ |
Single
Sup US$ |
| 2010 |
9880 |
1880 |
| Tour
Price Includes |
Tour
Price Does Not Include: |
•
Accommodation as mentioned or similar category
• Meals as indicated (B = Breakfast,
L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
• All transfers and sightseeing with services of local
English speaking driver/guide.
• Entrance Fees to Museums and Sites
• Local English speaking guides
|
•
International Airfare / Departure Taxes
• Travel Insurances
• Visa Fees
• Drinks / Beverages with meals
• Tips / Gratuities to Drivers & Guides |
| Domestic
/ Regional Airfare INCLUDED in Tour Price |
| Tehran/Shiraz
& Shiraz/Esfahan |
| Estimated
International Airfare(not
included in tour price) |
| East
Coast |
US
$ 1400 |
| West
Coast |
US
$ 1600 |
| Please
note:
This tour operates with a minimum of 02
and a maximum of 15
participants. |
| Other
Dates / Customized Itinerary / Languages |
In addition to our set programs we are also pleased
to offer customized tours.
Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your
individual needs.
Customized tours can be conducted in English, French,
German, Spanish or Italian. Each departure is conducted
in the designated language only. |
| Contact
Information |
|
|
Fax:
+1-604-264-7774
|
| 206–8678
Greenall Ave |
Phone:
+1-604-264-7378 |
| Burnaby
B.C., Canada |
Toll
Free (US & Canada): 1-800-663-0844 |
| V5J
3M6 |
Email:
bestway@bestway.com |
|
30
years in small group journeys
|
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Site
updated Jun 01, 2009
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