Silk Road Group Tour 29-day, 2025-2026

Almaty – Arrival (KAZ)

Arrive in Almaty. Our driver will meet you and take you to the hotel. Check in at 14:00. Free time. Overnight at the hotel.

Almaty (KAZ)

After breakfast, at 09:00, your guide and driver will meet you in the hotel lobby to begin your sightseeing adventure in Almaty. A short drive of approximately 25 km will take you to Chimbulak, where you’ll visit the popular ski resort. Ride the cable car to take in the stunning views of the snow-covered Tian Shan mountain peaks. After a welcoming lunch, continue your city exploration. Key highlights of the day will include Panfilov Park, the Zenkov Cathedral, Republic Square, and the Almaty City Museum. Enjoy some free time in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Almaty – Bishkek (KAZ-KYR)

After breakfast, at 09:00, depart from Almaty and travel to Bishkek via a newly constructed highway, enjoying scenic natural landscapes along the 250 km (4-hour) journey. Upon arrival in Bishkek, check in at your hotel. Begin your sightseeing tour of the city, visiting Oak Park, Ala-Too Square, and the Statue of Manas. Explore the Philharmonic Hall and Victory Monument, both notable examples of Soviet architecture. The sightseeing tour will last for 2-3 hours. Overnight at the hotel.

Bishkek – Burana – Don Aryk – Bishkek – Tashkent (KYR-UZB)

After breakfast, depart from Bishkek at 09:00. Your first stop will be the Burana Tower, an ancient structure that was once part of the city of Balasagun (11th to 13th centuries) and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, experience a traditional Kyrgyz horse game called “Ulak Tartysh” (goat pulling). In this exciting event, two teams of horse riders battle to claim a goat carcass. Afterward, head to the village of Don Aryk, where you’ll enjoy lunch at a local Kyrgyz family’s home. Post-lunch, witness a demonstration of yurt construction, and if you like, you can participate. Local Kyrgyz women will explain the significance and use of each part of the yurt. Afterward, transfer to Bishkek airport (110 km, approximately 1 hour 30 minutes) to catch flight HY780 to Tashkent, departing at 18:40 and arriving at 19:00 (1 hour 20 minutes). Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Tashkent (UZB)

After breakfast, begin your Tashkent city tour at 10:00 with a visit to the Old City. Explore the Khast-Imam Complex, renowned for housing one of the earliest copies of the Qur’an, the sacred book of Islam. Continue to Chorsu Bazaar, where you can bargain for spices, dried fruits, and nuts. Next, enjoy a ride on the Tashkent Metro, heading to the city center to visit the Applied Arts Museum. Take a walk through the Navoi Theater and end your tour at Amir Timur Square. The city tour will last 5-6 hours, after which you’ll have free time to relax. Overnight at the hotel.

Tashkent – Samarkand (UZB)

In the early morning, pick up your “take-away breakfast” from the hotel before transferring to the railway station. Board the high-speed Afrosiyob train for the journey to Samarkand (300 km, 2h 10 min). Upon arrival, meet your driver and guide. Your city tour will begin with a visit to the Gur Emir Mausoleum, the final resting place of the legendary Turco-Mongol emperor, Timur. Continue on to the magnificent Registan Square, followed by a visit to the Bibi Khanum Mosque and the bustling Siyob Bazaar. After a lunch break, proceed to the Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis and then enjoy a short drive to Konigil village, where you’ll learn about the traditional methods of making Samarkand paper from mulberry bark. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing: 6-7 hours.

Samarkand – Seven Lakes – Penjikent (UZB-TAJ)

After breakfast, depart at 9:00 for the Uzbekistan-Tajikistan border at Jartepa (50 km, approximately 1 hour). Upon arrival, proceed through customs and passport control on both sides of the border, then head to the exit where your driver and guide will be waiting for you. Meet your local Tajik guide and continue your drive to the Seven Lakes (80 km, around 2 hours). Located in the western part of the Fann Mountains, these lakes each have a unique color, ranging from tranquil turquoise to stunning purple. Enjoy lunch at a guest house near the 4th lake. For those who wish to experience the breathtaking view from the 7th lake, there is an option for a hiking tour from the 6th lake to the 7th lake. In the late afternoon, transfer to your hotel in Penjikent, where you’ll check in and spend the night.

Penjikent – Samarkand – Bukhara (TAJ-UZB)

After breakfast, head to the ancient city of Penjikent, founded by the Sogdians in the 5th century and abandoned by Arabs in the 8th century. In the excavated ruins, you can see the foundations of homes, a citadel, a couple of Zoroastrian fire temples, and the remnants of the city’s bazaar. In the more modern part of Penjikent, visit a local bazaar, a mosque, and the Rudaki Museum (Penjikent is the birthplace of Abu Abdallah Rudaki, widely regarded as the father of Persian poetry). After a 3-hour sightseeing tour, drive to the Jartepa border crossing to complete border formalities. On the Uzbek side, your driver will meet you for the transfer to Bukhara (270 km, 4-5 hours). Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel, check in, and enjoy an overnight stay.

Bukhara (UZB)

After breakfast, begin your exploration of Bukhara’s Old City at 10:00. The highlights of the walking tour will include the Lyabi Hauz Ensemble, Magoki-Attori Mosque, Chor-Minor Madrasa, Kalyan Minaret, and Kalyan Mosque. You’ll also visit Miri-Arab Madrasa, Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan Madrasas, Ark Fortress, Bolo-Khauz Mosque, and the Ismail Samani and Chashma-Ayub Mausoleums, along with the various trading domes. From 15:00 onwards, you’ll have free time to relax. In the evening, attend the National Show at Nadir Divan-begi Madrasa, starting at 18:00. Overnight at the hotel.

Bukhara – Turkmenabad – Ashgabat (UZB-TKM)

After breakfast, depart at 09:30 for the Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan border at Farap-Alat (100 km, approximately 1 hour 30 minutes). Upon arrival, complete the border formalities. After going through customs and passport control at both checkpoints, proceed to the exit of the border area where our guide and driver will be waiting for you with a sign displaying your name. From there, transfer to Turkmenabad Airport (50 km, 1 hour) for your evening flight to Ashgabat. Upon arrival, enjoy a night city tour of Ashgabat before transferring to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Ashgabat – Darvaza Gas Crater (TKM)

After breakfast, begin your sightseeing tour of Ashgabat at 9:00. The capital of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat has recently earned a place in the Guinness World Records for having more white marble buildings than any other city globally. During the city tour, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Nissa and the Spiritual Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Central Asia. Continue exploring the National Museum of History, Monument of Neutrality, Ertugrul Gazi Mosque, and the newly constructed Independence Park. The tour will last around 6 hours. In the afternoon, embark on a drive through the Karakum Desert (280 km, 4 hours) to reach the famous Darvaza Gas Crater. Upon arrival, a camp will be set up, and you’ll enjoy a delicious fire-cooked dinner by the “Gates of Hell.” Overnight will be in tents.

Note: The camp at Darvaza offers basic washing facilities and toilets located outdoors.

Darvaza Gas Crater – Khiva (TKM-UZB)

Enjoy a camp-style breakfast before driving through the Karakum Desert to the Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan border at Dashoguz-Shavat (270 km, approximately 4 hours). Upon arrival, complete the border formalities. After passing through customs and passport control at both checkpoints, proceed to the exit of the border area. Your Uzbek driver will be waiting to meet you and begin the journey to Khiva (60 km, 1 hour). Once in Khiva, check in to your hotel and enjoy some free time. Overnight at the hotel.

Khiva – Urgench – Tashkent (UZB) 

After breakfast and checking out of the hotel (the hotel will safely store your luggage for the day), head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ichan-Kala Fortress for the morning. Highlights of the walking tour include the Mukhammad Amin Khan Madrasa, Mukhammad Rahimkhan Madrasa, Kalta Minor, Juma Mosque, Tash-Khovli Palace, Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum, and the Minaret of Islom Khodja. After the tour, enjoy a farewell dinner. Transfer to Urgench Airport (30 km, 35 minutes) to catch your flight to Tashkent (1,093 km, 1 hour 40 minutes). Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for your overnight stay.

Tashkent – Baku (UZB-AZE)

At 5:00 AM, transfer to Tashkent International Airport to catch flight HY 755 to Baku, departing at 07:35 and arriving at 09:30 (2 hours 55 minutes). Upon arrival, a private transfer will be arranged to take you to your hotel. Check-in is at 14:00. You will have free time to relax and explore. Overnight at the hotel.

Baku city tour – Gobustan – Baku (AZE)

At 09:30, meet your guide and group to begin the sightseeing tour in Baku. First, visit Martyrs Lane, locally known as ‘Shehidler Khiyabany.’ Walking through the Alley of the Martyrs, you’ll enjoy beautiful views overlooking Baku’s coastline. Next, head to Icheri Sheher, the ancient part of the city, where you’ll explore Shirvanshah’s Palace and the Maiden Tower, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Also visit the Caravanserai, Museum of Miniature Books, and the main market square, filled with art studios and souvenir stalls. Continue the tour with a stroll through New Baku, stopping at Nizami Street and Fountain Square.

After a lunch break, drive to Gobustan to visit the Petroglyphs Museum and admire rock carvings that date back to 10,000 BC. The Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If the weather permits, we’ll take an adventurous drive to the mud volcanoes in Gobustan Reserve (vehicle change required). Gobustan is home to nearly half of the world’s mud volcanoes. Afterward, return to Baku for a welcome dinner at a national restaurant.

Duration of sightseeing: 10-11 hours
Driving distance: 150 km
Meals: Welcome dinner

Baku – Ateshgah – Baku (AZE)

After breakfast, depart for a drive to the Absheron Peninsula to visit Ateshgah, located in the village of Surakhany. This ancient site was once a sacred place for Zoroastrians from India, who would travel long distances to worship the natural fire that emanates from the earth. Afterward, return to Baku to explore the iconic Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre, an architectural masterpiece designed by Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid. Spend the afternoon at your leisure.

Duration of sightseeing: 4-5 hours
Driving distance: 50 km

Baku – Shamakhi – Lagich* – Sheki (AZE)

Today, we say farewell to Baku and set off towards Sheki. En route, we will stop at the Diri Baba Mausoleum located in Maraza village. Next, continue to Shamakhi to visit the historical Juma Mosque, which was restored in 2013. If weather conditions allow, we will proceed with a scenic drive through the Girdimanchay River Canyon towards the 5th-century village of Lagich (also known as Lahic, Lahij, or Lahich). This charming village is known for its cobbled streets and rich cultural history. Lagich is particularly renowned for its ancient water supply and sewage systems, as well as its traditional workshops where artisans craft jewelry, copperware, carpets, pottery, daggers, and iron tools.

Following our visit, continue to Sheki, a charming medieval town set in a lush mountainous region, famous for its sweet baklava. We’ll arrive in Sheki around 19:00 and check in at the hotel for an overnight stay.

Duration of sightseeing: 10-11 hours
Driving distance: 340 km

*Note: Due to road construction, Lagich will be inaccessible during 2025.

Sheki – Georgian border – Kakheti (AZE-GEO)

After breakfast, at 08:30, we’ll head to the vibrant Sheki Bazaar, where you’ll discover a wide array of local products, including fresh fruits, berries, spices, bread, honey, cheese, and traditional Sheki sweets. Next, we visit the impressive Palace of Sheki Khans, a stunning structure encircled by medieval fortress walls. Afterwards, we’ll explore local handicraft workshops and the caravanserai (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).

Leaving Sheki, we’ll embark on our journey toward the border with Georgia, a 115 km drive (~2 hours). After crossing the border, we’ll enter Georgia’s Eastern region, renowned for its winemaking heritage. As we pass through scenic landscapes dotted with vineyards and wine-producing villages, we will arrive at a family-run winery where time-honored winemaking methods are preserved in a qvevri cellar. Here, a guided tour will take us through the winemaking process, followed by a Kakheti-style lunch accompanied by local wine.

Later, we will reach the Schuchmann Wines Château & SPA resort, nestled in the vineyards and offering breathtaking views of the Caucasus Mountains. This peaceful retreat will be our home for the next two nights, giving us a perfect opportunity to unwind before continuing our exploration of Georgia.

Driving distance: 180 km
Meals: Lunch at a family-run winery

Free day in Resort (GEO)

Today, you have the freedom to enjoy the beauty of nature, the surrounding vineyards, or relax at the resort. You can take advantage of the hotel’s facilities, including the gym and the outdoor swimming pool. Additionally, you can participate in culinary masterclasses to learn how to prepare traditional Georgian dishes. The hotel also features a tasting room where you can sample a variety of Schuchmann wines (wine tour and tasting are included as part of your stay).

Optional Group Tour to Telavi
Take a journey to Telavi, the heart of the Kakheti wine region, where we will visit two local families involved in wine and cheese production. During the visit, you’ll experience the warm hospitality of the locals, learn about Georgian traditions, and enjoy a delicious family-style lunch!

Highlights of the Tour:

• Royal Castle History Museum “Batonistsikhe,” built in the 17th century, where you can explore the history of the region.
• Visit to the Kbilashvili family, renowned for their Qvevri (amphora-shaped clay vessels) used in Georgian winemaking. Watch how these vessels are crafted and taste locally produced wine.
• Stop at a family-owned boutique cheese factory, where you’ll discover the art of cheese-making and taste five varieties of locally produced cheeses. Enjoy a mouthwatering lunch with the family.
• End the tour with a short walk through the charming streets of old Telavi, stopping for a photo at the monument of Erekli II and the 800-year-old plane tree.

After the tour, we’ll return to the hotel for a relaxing evening.

Duration of the sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
Driving distance: 25 km
Price per person: $80 (including entrance to the museum, wine and cheese tasting, and lunch).

Kakheti – Tsinandali – lunch at local family – Sighnaghi – Bodbe – Tbilisi (GEO)

After a peaceful morning at the Wine Resort, our exploration of Kakheti continues at 10:00 with a visit to the Tsinandali Estate. This historic residence, once home to the dukes of Georgia, features a stunning English-style garden, a museum, and a wine cellar once owned by Prince Chavchavadze, a notable 19th-century poet and public figure.

For lunch, we’ll be welcomed into a local family’s home, where you’ll experience the warmth of Georgian hospitality. Indulge in a traditional feast while learning about the art of Georgian toasts – a truly authentic cultural experience!

After this delightful experience, we’ll drive to the charming town of Sighnaghi, also known as the “City of Love.” Surrounded by defensive walls and 23 watchtowers, Sighnaghi was a key stop on the Great Silk Road. We’ll also visit the Bodbe Convent, which, according to legend, houses the tomb of St. Nino, the woman who brought Christianity to Georgia in the 4th century.

By the evening, we’ll return to the capital, Tbilisi, arriving around 18:30–19:30. After checking in at the hotel, you’ll have some time to relax.

Driving distance: 160 km
Meals: Traditional lunch at a local family’s home.

Tbilisi (GEO)

After breakfast, we’ll begin our exploration of Tbilisi with a sightseeing tour. The first stop will be Metekhi Church and the monument dedicated to Vakhtang Gorgasali, the legendary founder of Tbilisi. We’ll then visit Narikala Fortress, where you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city. From there, we’ll stroll through the sulphur bath district and pass by Tbilisi’s only mosque.

Take your time walking through the charming Sharden area, known for its narrow streets, cozy cafés, wine bars, and souvenir shops, giving you a true taste of the history that defines Old Tbilisi. We will also visit Sioni Cathedral, Anchiskhati Basilica, and the iconic Rezo Gabriadze Theatre’s clock tower, before crossing the modern Bridge of Peace to reach Rike Park.

After the tour, you’ll have some free time to explore or relax before we meet at the hotel for a welcome dinner at 19:00, where you’ll be officially welcomed to Georgia.

Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
Driving distance: 5 km
Meals: Welcome dinner

Tbilisi – Jvari – Mtskheta – Kazbegi – Gudauri (GEO)

After breakfast, we’ll set off to explore the northern part of Georgia. Our first destination is the Jvari Monastery, a magnificent example of Early Medieval architecture, beautifully situated on a hill overlooking the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari Rivers.

Next, we’ll continue to Mtskheta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of Georgia’s oldest and most significant towns, with a rich history as the capital of the Eastern Georgian Kingdom of Iberia since the 3rd century BC. Here, we’ll visit the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, an important religious site known for housing the robe of Christ.

We’ll then drive across the Cross Pass, making a brief stop at the Soviet-era “People’s Friendship” viewpoint, which offers stunning views of the Caucasus Mountains and a deep gorge. In Kazbegi, we’ll switch to a four-wheel-drive vehicle to reach Gergeti Holy Trinity Church, situated at 2,170 meters above sea level, where you’ll be treated to spectacular views of Mount Kazbegi.

By around 19:00, we will arrive at our hotel in Gudauri for an overnight stay.

Driving distance: 210 km
Meals: Lunch

Gudauri – Ananuri – Uplistsikhe – Gori – Tbilisi (GEO)

After breakfast, we will drive towards the Ananuri architectural complex, which was once the residence of the Argveti dukes. This site, which dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries, offers stunning views over the Jinvali Reservoir, with its churches and towers serving as remarkable examples of Georgian architecture.

Next, we will visit Uplistsikhe, a cave city from the Hellenistic period, known for its unique blend of various rock-cut architectural styles, including both pagan and Christian influences.

Our journey continues to the town of Gori, the birthplace of Joseph Stalin. Here, we’ll visit the Stalin Museum, a fascinating Soviet-era museum that remains largely unchanged since its inauguration in 1957. The museum houses over 60,000 artifacts, including the modest house where Stalin was born, as well as an impressive bulletproof train that he used for travel to Yalta and Potsdam.

We’ll return to Tbilisi in the evening for an overnight stay.

Duration of sightseeing tour: 9-10 hours
Driving distance: 250 km
Meals: Lunch

Tbilisi – free day (GEO)

After breakfast, enjoy a free day in Tbilisi with no planned activities. This gives you the chance to explore the city at your own pace. If you’d like to discover more of Georgia, we offer a selection of private day tours that can be arranged from Tbilisi:

For Wine Enthusiasts:

• Kartli Wine Tour: Sample fine Georgian wines and dive into the region’s winemaking traditions by visiting wineries in the Kartli region.

For Nature Lovers:

• Martvili Canyon Day Tour: Explore the stunning natural beauty of the Samegrelo region, with a visit to the picturesque Martvili Canyon.
• Tsalka Canyon Day Tour: Discover the scenic splendor of Tsalka Canyon on a guided tour.

For Hiking Aficionados:

• Birtvisi Canyon Hike: Enjoy a day hike through the scenic Birtvisi Canyon, offering spectacular natural landscapes just outside Tbilisi.

For History and Culture Seekers:

• Vardzia and Rabati Fortress Tour: Visit the ancient cave monastery of Vardzia and the Rabati Fortress, rich in history and mysterious fortresses.

If you decide to stay in Tbilisi for the day, here are some recommended activities and sites:

• Georgian National Museum (Rustaveli Avenue): Explore the “Archaeological Treasury” exhibition to learn about Georgia’s rich history.
• National Gallery (Rustaveli Avenue): View works by iconic Georgian artists like Niko Pirosmani, David Kakabadze, and Lado Gudiashvili.
• Dry Bridge Flea Market: Hunt for unique antiquities, Soviet-era items, local art, and handmade Georgian souvenirs.
• David Agmashenebeli Avenue: Stroll along this recently-renovated pedestrian street, filled with historical buildings in various architectural styles, cozy cafés, art galleries, and wine bars.
• Dezertirebi Bazaar: Visit this bustling market for a taste of local Georgian products, including traditional sweets, dried fruits, nuts, spices, and cheeses.
• Funicular Railway to Mtatsminda Mountain: Enjoy breathtaking views of Tbilisi from this popular hilltop spot.
• Sololaki Neighborhood: Wander through this charming area known for its art nouveau buildings and rich history.

In the evening, treat yourself to a relaxing visit to the Tbilisi sulphur bathhouses, where you can unwind in naturally sulphur-enriched waters. Both public and private rooms are available, but it’s advisable to book the private ones in advance.

For culture lovers, consider a night out at the State Opera House of Georgia, where you can attend a ballet or opera performance. Check opera.ge for schedules, and explore tkt.ge for more cultural events in Tbilisi.

Finally, for a truly Georgian experience, we offer a Culinary Masterclass on traditional Georgian dishes. In this 4-5 hour session, you’ll prepare 3-4 classic dishes and snacks. The price is $60 USD per person, and it should be booked in advance.

Tbilisi – Armenian border – Haghpat – Lake Sevan – Sevanavank – Yerevan (GEO-ARM)

Start your day with breakfast, and at 09:00, meet your driver at the hotel for a transfer to the Georgian-Armenian border point, Sadakhlo-Bagratashen. After crossing the border, your Armenian guide and driver will meet you to begin your exploration of Armenia’s ancient traditions and remarkable churches.

Head towards the Lori region to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Haghpat Monastery. This beautiful monastery, built between the 10th and 13th centuries, exemplifies traditional Armenian architecture. Situated on a hill overlooking the Debed River Canyon, it offers a peaceful and secluded environment that was intentionally chosen for the tranquility of the monks.

Following the visit, enjoy a traditional lunch with a local Armenian family, where you can experience the country’s renowned hospitality. Afterward, continue your journey to Lake Sevan, one of the largest freshwater lakes at high altitudes in the world, often called the “Jewel of Armenia”. The lake is surrounded by majestic mountain landscapes, meadows, and forests.

Visit the Sevanavank Monastery, located on a peninsula at Lake Sevan’s edge. The monastery offers spectacular views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

We will conclude the day by heading to Yerevan, Armenia’s capital, where we will check in to the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel for an overnight stay.

Duration of sightseeing tour: 9-10 hours
Driving distance: 370 km
Meals: Lunch with a local Armenian family

Yerevan – Etchmiadzin – Yerevan (ARM)

After breakfast, we’ll begin our journey with a drive out of Yerevan to visit the Holy See of Armenia, Etchmiadzin, home to the Etchmiadzin Cathedral (the residence of the Catholicos, the supreme leader of the Armenian Apostolic Church). Here, we’ll also explore the museum of Christian relics, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers an insightful look into Armenia’s religious history.

Returning to Yerevan, you’ll have the opportunity to discover one of the oldest cities in the world. Known as the “Pink City” for its unique pink-hued stone buildings, Yerevan impresses visitors with its Soviet-era architecture. Our first stop will be at the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex, located on Tsitsernakaberd Hill, to honor the victims of the 1915 genocide.

Next, we’ll visit the Cascade Monument, a grand 500-meter high and 50-meter wide limestone stairway with 572 steps, offering stunning panoramic views of the city, including landmarks such as the Opera House, Mount Ararat, Swan Lake, Republic Square, and Abovyan Avenue. After taking in these views, we’ll walk through the charming streets of Yerevan (~2 km).

The tour will conclude with a drop-off at your hotel, leaving you with a free evening to relax or explore at your own leisure.

Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Driving distance: 50 km

Yerevan – Khor Virap – Areni cave – Noravank – Yerevan (ARM)

After breakfast, at 08:00, we will head towards the Khor Virap Monastery. This historic site is famous for its association with St. Gregory the Illuminator, who was imprisoned here for 13 years for spreading Christianity. Legend has it that King Trdat, after seeing Gregory’s unwavering faith, converted to Christianity. The location of the monastery provides stunning views of Mount Ararat.

Next, we will continue to the Noravank Monastery Complex, perched dramatically on the edge of a narrow gorge surrounded by towering, striking red cliffs. The dramatic landscape adds to the beauty of the complex, making it a truly picturesque stop.

We will then visit a local Armenian family’s home, where we’ll enjoy a traditional homemade lunch, offering an authentic taste of Armenian hospitality.

After lunch, we will drive to the Areni Cave Complex, where significant archaeological discoveries were made in 2008, including an ancient wine storage area and the earliest shoe in the world. This fascinating site provides a glimpse into the ancient history of Armenia.

By the late afternoon, we will return to Yerevan at around 18:00. You’ll have the evening free to relax. Overnight at the hotel.

Duration of sightseeing tour: 9-10 hours
Driving distance: 240 km
Meals: Traditional lunch with a family

Yerevan – Garni – Symphony of Stones – Geghard – Yerevan (ARM)

Depart Yerevan and drive to Garni, the only pagan temple in Armenia which survived the introduction of Christianity in the 4th century. Descend Garni Gorge to explore monumental rock formations called Symphony of Stones. Our final sightseeing stop today is the monastery complex Geghard (UNESCO World Heritage Site). A cut into the rock complex consists of several churches and tombs representing Armenian medieval architecture at its zenith. The beautiful landscape of Geghard is framed by towering cliffs.
You will have a free afternoon to explore more of Yerevan. Here are our suggestions:

• History Museum;
• Souvenirs market “Vernisage”;
• Dried fruit market (GUM) located at Khoryenatsi M. str. 35, one of the best places to buy local food and snacks;
• Stroll around Kond, the oldest district in Yerevan, for those who are eager to feel the aura of a small, but old district in a modern capital.

We meet in the evening for a farewell dinner at one of the local traditional restaurants. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
Driving distance: 80 km
Meals: farewell dinner/

Yerevan – Departure (ARM)

Check-out from the hotel till noon. Free time till transfer to Yerevan International Airport. End of Silk Road Group Tour.