THE
CASPIAN FROM BAKU TO TEHRAN A cultural tour of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia & 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.
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: Laleh 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: Homa 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: Abbasi 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: Laleh Hotel, Tehran (1 night) (B, D)
Day 26: Depart Tehran
Morning transfer to the airport for the departure flight.
Departure Dates
2008
English Speaking Departures
May 13, Jul 01 & Sep 16
Inclusions
Tour Price Includes
Tour Price Does Not Include
Accommodation
as mentioned or similar category
International Airfare
Meals
as indicated (B = Breakfast, L =
Lunch, D = Dinner)
Departure
& Border Taxes
All
transfers and sightseeing with services of local English speaking
driver/guide.
Insurance
/ Visa Fees
Domestic
airfares mentioned in the itinerary Tehran/Shiraz, Shiraz/Esfahan
Drinks/Beverages
with meals
Entrance Fees to Museums and Sites
Tips/Gratuities
to Drivers & Guides
Tour Price
We accept payment in US $ (US Dollars), CA $ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent EURO (for clients outside North America).
Bestway Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received, and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate.
Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is NOT included in this tour
Canada - West Coast
CA $ 1800
USA - West Coast
US $ 1400
Canada - East Coast
CA $ 1600
USA - East Coast
US $ 1200
Participants
This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 15 participants.
Notes
Customised Itinerary
If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you.
Foreign Language Departures
Please contact us for information on French, German, Italian and Spanish speaking departures.
You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844.
THE
CASPIAN FROM BAKU TO TEHRAN
Day
4: Baku / Sheki 
Day
10: Bakuriani / Tbilisi
Day
15: Yerevan / Tabriz (IRAN- Drive) 
Day
20: Tehran/Shiraz (Flight) 
Day
24: Esfahan 
