Georgia, Armenia & Azerbaijan

Fly overnight to to Baku, Azerbaijan's laidback capital. On arrival, transfer to your hotel. Stroll down Martyrs' Lane to the seafront before heading into Icheri Sheher, the atmospheric old city for a delicious local dinner.

Explore the city, visiting the treasures of Icheri Sheher - Shirvanshah's Palace, a caravanserai and the Maiden Tower. Later, visit the Carpet Museum and the main market square, with its numerous art studios and souvenir stalls.

Visit Yanar Dag, meaning 'Burning Mountain', a fire fed by natural gas seeping through the sandstone and Ateshgah, the UNESCO-listed Fire Temple of Baku. Explore the medieval fortress of Mardakan and, after lunch, drive to Gobustan National Park to visit the Petroglyph Museum and view rock carvings dating back to 10,000 BC.

Head north through the spectacular landscapes of the Caucasus Mountains. Stop in the ancient city of Shamakhi, visiting the 8th-century Juma Mosque and pop into a local home to try your hand at traditional yoghurt making. Continue to the city of Gabala.

Discover the ruins of the ancient walled city Chukhur Gabala and visit the Gabala Historical Ethnography Museum. Visit Nidj village to meet the native Udin people before arriving in Sheki. Browse the wares of the colourful bazaar, visit Sheki Palace and the village of Kis.

Cross over the border into Georgia, via Ganja Lake, travelling through picturesque landscapes of vineyards and wine villages. Visit Khareba Winery where you will get to taste the local wines.

Travel to the beautiful 18th-century town of Sighnaghi. Continue to Bodbe Convent, the burial place – so legend tells – of St Nino, who converted Georgia to Christianity in the 4th century. Arrive in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia and have dinner in the atmospheric old town.

Explore the sights of Tbilisi. Visit the 13th-century Metekhi church, the monument to Vakhtang Gorgasali and Narikala Fortress. Stroll through the Sharden area, where narrow streets are lined with cosy cafés, wine bars and souvenir shops.

This morning visit the 3,000-year-old ancient capital – Mtskheta. Spend time visiting the city’s historical sights including the UNESCO-listed Svetitskhoveli Cathedral where, preserved in the crypt, it is said the robe of Christ resides. Visit Gergeti Holy Trinity Church for breathtaking views of Mt Kazbegi before returning to Gudauri.

Travel back along the scenic Tergi River to Gori, the hometown of Joseph Stalin. Visit the Stalin Museum and the tiny house where he was born. Continue to the abandoned cave town of Uplistsikhe, a fascinating complex of ancient dwelling quarters and a three-nave basilica church, all hewn from rock. Continue to Kutaisi.

Travel to Matvili Canyon, for panoramic views, spectacular waterfall and enjoy a scenic boat ride . Travel on to Svaneti – a region that is home to high mountains, glaciers and ancient traditions. Arrive in Mestia and explore the famous watchtowers that look out over the distant mountains.

Ushguli is a UNESCO World Heritage site where you will visit the 12th Century Lamaria church, the Queen Tamar's tower and the museum. Join a local family for lunch, learning how to prepare 'Kubdari', a national Svanetian dish before returning to Mestia.

Tour Mestia and the surrounding areas, visiting the villages of Latali and Lemjeri, boasting churches decorated with medieval frescos and murals. Learn about this fascinating lifestyle and culture at the Svaneti Museum which displays Georgian manuscripts and archaeological items.

Explore this wonderful city at your leisure before heading to Kutaisi, more than 3000 years old. Stroll through the cobbled streets, making your way to Bagrati Cathedral.

Drive to Borjomi Spa, famous for its mineral springs, and taste the waters for yourself. Continue to Akhaltsikhe, where you will visit the multi-cultural complex of Rabati. Wander the Rabati Fortress (Old Town) with its rare examples of darbazebi (traditional houses), castles, mosques and synagogues.

The perfect way to start your day visiting Vardzia, a cave town from the 12th century and a highlight of your trip. Carved into volcanic rock, this medieval rock-hewn monastery has internal corridors and secret tunnels to be explored. Cross the border into Armenia, stopping in Gyumri for the night.

Todays starts with a visit to Dilijan, referred to as 'Little Switzerland of Armenia' offering spectacular views to be captured. Continue to Lake Sevan, known as the ‘Emerald of Armenia', to visit Sevanavank, a beautiful monastery on the peninsula offering stunning sunset views of Lake Sevan.

Drive to the southern town of Goris via Selim Caravanserai, an important trading post on the Great Silk Road. Visit the mysterious Karahunge Observatory, where the scenery and mountain setting provide a spectacular backdrop.

Travel to Khndzoresk Village before continuing to the 10th Century Tatev Monastery. Lunch in a local home, where you will have a master class, learning to make the Armenian sweet 'pakhlava'. Visit Areni Winery to taste why Armenia's best wines are from this region. Continue to the capital city of Yerevan.

Established in 782 BC, Yerevan is a thriving city with all the hustle and bustle of a modern capital. Start your explorations in Republic Square, continuing to the Opera House and the Cafesjian Centre for the Arts. Travel to Echmiadzin, a spiritual centre and the seat of the Armenian Catholicos and stop at the ruins of 7th Century Zvartnots.

Visit Geghard monastey before stopping in Garni Village to see its 1st Century temple and have lunch before a stop at the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex and end the day with a walking tour of Yerevan, visiting Cascade Monument offering views of the Opera House. . Sit down to a farewell dinner tonight.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to New Zealand, arriving home the following day.