Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkmenistan. Alexanders Way

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price from $2799 /person

General Information About tour

“Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkmenistan. Alexander's Way»

Duration of the Tour: 16 nights 17 days.

Regions: Baku-Sheki-Tbilisi-Signagi-Turkmenbashi-Ashgabat.

1 Day

Meeting at the airport.
Accommodation at the hotel 4 * in the city
19:00. Excursion. "Lights of the Evening Baku".

Tour "Lights of Evening Baku" begins with a visit to Mountain Park. It is here that the "City of Winds", as Baku is often called, opens to you in all its glory. The observation platform located on the highest part of the city, near the "Burning Flame Tower" shows the city with all its bright lights bordering Baku Bay reflecting the measured pace of life in the evening Baku. Further, we continue our excursion to one of the favourite places of the walk of the Baku guests of the city of all ages and social groups, a place where no one is in a hurry in the evening - "Baku Boulevard". The national park, sometimes called the "diamond necklace of Baku", stretches along Baku Bay for 16 km.
Transfer to the hotel and free time
Overnight at the hotel.


 

2 Day

09:00 Breakfast at the hotel.

Excursion. "Baku City Tour".

The tour begins with a visit to one of the modern and most recognizable places of the "Heydar Aliyev Center". The center of Heydar Aliyev is a cultural center, which is a complex building, which includes an auditorium (congress center), a museum, exhibition halls, administrative offices. The famous architect Zaha Hadid designed the project of the centre. Baku is a city that combines modern and ancient, traditional and unusual. After inspecting the temple, we are on our way to the Nagorny Park. It is here that the "City of Winds", as Baku is often called, opens to you in all its glory. The observation platform located on the highest part of the city, near the sleeping "The Languages of Flame" shows the city with all its beauties and greenery bordering Baku Bay. After viewing the observation deck, we go down the stairs and head towards the "Bibi Abyat Mosque". The local population in the past called it "the mosque of Fatima". Using the same name, described the mosque and visited it in the 40 years of the XIX century, Alexander Dumas. At the end of the modern Baku tour we visit the world's first oil well drilled in the Bibi-eibat oil-bearing region.

Visit to the old town of Icheri Sheher Very often Icheri Sheher is called a fortress, as a well-preserved fortress wall surrounds it. People in the territory of Icheri Sheher lived in the Bronze Age, and by the 8th-11th centuries, it was completely populated. Behind the walls, there are many unique monuments: the palace complex of the Shirvanshahs with a burial vault, a sofa, a mosque; "Gyz Galasy" ("The Maiden's Tower"); mosques and minarets, the remains of caravanserais, baths. Buildings of the old fortress are of a special nature. Because of the lack of the territory of the building, the wall to the wall was erected here from ancient times. There are no gardens, the yards are extremely small and separated by "threads" of narrow streets, lanes and dead ends. When the Shirvanshahs moved their capital from Shemakha to Baku in the 15th century, massive buildings began in Icheri Sheher. During this period the pearl of the fortress was Built - the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. It should be noted that Baku XVII-XIX centuries did not go beyond the boundaries of Icheri Sheher. Here were located the palaces of the rulers, and residential quarters. From 1747 to 1806, there was the capital of the Baku Khanate. Only after the beginning of the oil boom, the city began to expand and goes beyond the boundaries of Icheri Sheher.
Free time
Overnight at the hotel.

 

3 Day

09:00 Breakfast at the hotel.

Excursion. "Fire worships Temple Ateshgyah + Burning Mountain Yanardagh + Gobustan".

The Temple of Eternal Fire - Ateshgyah - is an authentic Azerbaijani exotic. It is well-known practically all over the world. It is located 30 km from the center of Baku in the suburb of Surakhany. This territory is known for such unique natural phenomenon as burning natural gas outlets (underground gas coming onto surface contacts oxygen and lights up). The temple in its present state was constructed in the 17th-18th centuries. The Baku-based Hindu community related to Sikhs built it. However, the history of the Temple is even longer. From times immemorial, this was the holy place of Zoroastrians- fire worshippers (approximately beginning of our era). They attributed mystical significance to the inextinguishable fire and came there to worship the relic.After the introduction of Islam Zoroastrian temple was destroyed. Many Zoroastrians left to India and there continued their worship. But in the 15th -17th centuries the Hindus-fire worshippers who came to Absheron with trading caravans began to make pilgrimages to Surakhany. The Indian merchants started erection of the temple. The earliest temple part is dated 1713. The latest - the central temple-altar was built with the support of merchant Kanchangar in 1810. During the 18th century chapels, cells, a caravanserai were added to the central part of the temple.

Burning Mountain Yanardagh One of the most famous and popular tourist places of the "eternal flame” in Azerbaijan is the mountain of Yanar Dag. Actually, it is rather a hill than a mountain, with natural gas burning on its slope from ancient times. Meter-long tongues of fire are licking the stratified earth approximately for 10 m in width, searing those who approached too close. People occupy the benches to watch the blazing hill in the evening, when the its sight is most effective. Yanar Dag is located 25 km to the north from Baku, in Mehemmedi village. There are buses running to it from the city, so you can get there fairly cheap and easy. From the year 2007, Yanar Dag is declared a state-protected conservation area.

Excursion. Reserve of rock carvings Gobustan. The reserve is located 60 km from Baku and is located between the slope of the Great Caucasus Ridge and the Caspian Sea. Gobustan is an open-air reserve reflecting the life and everyday life of primitive people who lived here since the Mesolithic period until the Middle Ages. A special place is occupied by ancient rock carvings pictograms and petro glyph petro glyphs. These ancient monuments of art reflect the worldview, economy, customs and traditions of ancient Azerbaijanis. Gobustan is characterized by male and female images. Men in the drawings are depicted in a hunting appearance with bows and arrows. They are tall, with slender bodies, belted Belts and muscular muscles. On the pictures of the Reserve, you can see pictures of animals that lived here during the last 10 thousand years - gazelles, wild goats, deer, wild pigs, horses, lions, etc. On the rocks, there are also images of birds, fish, snakes, lizards and various insects. Ancient rock carvings along with a variety of topics abound in compositional scenes, reflecting in all the diversity of various spheres of human activity.

Transfer to Baku

Overnight in hotel

 

4 Day

08:00 Breakfast at the hotel.

Excursion. "Shemakha + Sheki". Shamakhi is an ancient Azerbaijani city. Originated in the 5th century. BC. e. In the IX-XVI centuries. - the capital of the Shirvan kingdom, the residence of the Shirvanshahs is one of the most beautiful cities of the East. From the middle of the XVIII century - the center of Shemakhan khanate. For a long time, Shemakha was one of the most important points throughout the Great Silk Road. Famous sights of Shemakha.

Juma mosque. This Azerbaijani mosque is the oldest and largest in the Caucasus. According to legend, it was founded in the 8th century, when Shemakha was chosen as a residence by the Arab caliph. The exact date of its construction is 744, which was established as a result of research conducted by the geological commission arrived from Tiflis, headed by Prince Shakuli Kajar. This date was determined by the Arabic inscription on the facade of the Juma mosque, which indicates the 126th year of the Muslim calendar as the date of foundation. It was at this time that construction of new religious buildings (mosques) began in the territory of modern Azerbaijan. The Juma mosque in Shemakha is the earliest mosque in the Caucasus after the Derbent Cathedral Friday Mosque, built in 734.

Lagich. Lahic is a village named after the name of the lagic tribe that came here in the 4th - 5th centuries from the territory of Iran. This historical and architectural monument was built in the 5th century on the territory of the canyon of the river Girdimanchai. Old mosques and baths, medieval water supply and sewerage system are preserved here. Despite the fact that the village is declared a historical and cultural reserve, the local population is still living here, mainly engaged in handicrafts: the manufacture of elegant household items made of copper (kazan, trays, jugs), leather, carpet weaving and agriculture. From time immemorial, the Lahic tribe traded with its products, which became known throughout the Middle East. And today in special workshops and souvenir shops visiting tourists can buy a variety of handmade products: carpets, dishes, daggers and much more.

Departure to Sheki

Overnight in Sheki.

 

5 Day

07:00 Breakfast at the hotel.

Excursion. "Sheki+ Ilisu". Sheki is one of the most famous and ancient settlements of Azerbaijan. It is located 700 m above sea level and as an amphitheatre is surrounded by mountains. This ancient city has long been known as the center of silk and an important transit point on the Great Silk Road. We will begin our tour to Sheki with a visit to the Summer Palace of Khan with magnificent frescoes and exquisite handmade window decorations. Then we will visit the workshop, where we can be acquainted with the process of manufacturing "Shebeke" by local artisans. Next, we will visit the workshop for cooking the delicious "Sheki Pahlavas", famous throughout Azerbaijan.

Excursion to Kish. Our acquaintance with Sheki continues with a visit to the Albanian church, which is located in the village of Kish. According to the legend, this church is the first Christian church built not only in the territory of Caucasian Albania, but in the whole of Transcaucasia. This place is also remarkable, as burial places of people were found on the territory of the temple, which in their structure are very different from the current inhabitants of this region. In 2003, the church was restored to the money of the Norwegian government thanks to the personal efforts of Tour Heyerdahl. Here, next to the territory of the Church, you can find a memorial bust, in honor of a famous researcher set as a token of gratitude from local residents and the state.

Excursion to Ilisu - SULTANS GARDEN WITH WATER AROMAT This region of Azerbaijan is a treasure trove of historical and natural sights, it is necessary to write books about it, to dedicate epic poems, to compile encyclopedias; one article can not cope with a description of all that can and should be seen in the vicinity of Gakh. Therefore, we will not talk about the district, but we will talk about the village of Ilis with its rich history, which stones of fortresses, which have remained since the Middle Ages, still tell. In the village of Ilisu there are several historical architectural monuments - for example, the juma mosque, which differs from all previously seen mosques by its minimalism, the absence of a dome and a minaret, modesty in performing mihrab. In Ilis there are two more sights of this kind that you will meet along the road: the fortress of Syangar Gala and Sumug gala. Departure to Baku.

Free time to visit the oriental market, sweets and souvenir shops.

Departure to the railway station at 21:50 by train Baku-Tbilisi-Baku.

 

6 Day

At 10:25 arrival in Tbilisi

Transfer to the hotel. Accommodation Free time.
And now a little about the capital. Tbilisi - Ancient Tiflis on the banks of the Kura, the capital of Georgia, its cultural, economic and political center, as well as an incredibly interesting and diverse city. "Tbilis" in Russian means "warm." Tbilisi was based on hot sulfur springs. According to legend, which the locals love to tell, once the king Vakhtang Gorgasali went on a falconry, his bird rushed for a pheasant trying to escape in a pond, and both immediately boiled in a hot spring. The Tolley inconsolable king decided to perpetuate in the history of his beloved falcon, Toli was impressed by the rising fetid steam, but Tbilisi arose here. Today, the terracotta domes of baths are adjacent to modern business centers, but the spirit of old Tbilisi still hangs over all this.

Overnight at the hotel.

 

7 Day

07:00 Breakfast at the hotel.

10:00 Today we are waiting for a sightseeing tour of Tbilisi. Departure to the city for sightseeing. We will begin our acquaintance with the city with the Sameba Cathedral - a symbol of the Georgian revival, unity and immortality. It rises in the center of Tbilisi on the top of Mount St. Ilya. "Sameba" in Russian means "Holy Trinity." Then go to the monument to the founder of Tbilisi, the great Georgian ruler Vakhtang Gorgasali. Gorgasali is a nickname, as the king was called in the war (Du Raz Gorgasali) and means "be careful with the person with the head of a wolf." Metekhi Temple - the walls of the temple are piled in classical Georgian technique. The heights of stones and their masonry amaze with their accuracy. From the Metekhi plateau a wonderful view of the old part of the city of Tbilisi opens. Next, on the lift, we will find ourselves in the Narikala fortress in a few minutes, where we will have intriguing mesmerizing views of this legendary capital of Georgia. The Narikala fortress is the heart of the old city; for 15 centuries, together with the Metekhi Castle, it was the main military defensive fortification of the city. We also visit the modern bridge - Peace Bridge, from where fascinating views of modern Tbilisi open and colorful photographs are obtained. After the tour, lunch (for an additional fee).

 

8 Day

07:00 Breakfast at the hotel.

Departure for an excursion to the ancient capital of Georgia - Mtskheta. Mtskheta is the oldest, city, the first capital of Georgia, the soul of this amazing country. Here you will have the opportunity to get acquainted with the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (XI c). He is a cathedral of 12 apostles. At its base lies the Chiton of the Lord. Thanks to this shrine, Mtskheta is called the “second Jerusalem”. We rise to the monastery of Jvari (V c), from where a beautiful panorama of the ancient capital opens (in Jerusalem there is a church with the same name). According to legend, this temple was erected above the cedar that exuded incense oil (miro), under which the enlightener of Georgia, Saint Nino, prayed.

Return to Tbilisi.

Overnight at the hotel.

 

9 Day

08:00 Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 Excursion to Kakheti. Today we are heading to the homeland of wine and winemaking - Kakheti. Kakheti is the most fertile region of Georgia and the birthplace of the best wine in the entire post-Soviet space. Hectares of vineyards, many ancient temples and monasteries, sleepy towns with tiled roofs ... sometimes it begins to seem that this is not Georgia at all. Today, more than 500 types of grapes grow in our amazing country, and Georgian wines are known for their unique properties and peculiarities, because the art of winemaking here is fundamentally different from European. On the way to Sighnaghi, visit the Bodbe nunnery - the monastery and episcopal complex of St. George. The great shrine of Georgia. Here you can make a wish with a hand on the grave of St. Nino, and your desire will certainly come true. Then arrival in Sighnaghi - a city of love, spread out in a difficult mountainous terrain. The city offers exceptional views of the Alazani Valley. Especially in the restored city, balconies with wooden openwork fences are remembered. Here, on the narrow streets of the old city, the flavor of bygone centuries is well felt. Sighnaghi became a city in the second half of the 18th century. Then, or rather in 1762, a fortress was built. Today Sighnaghi is also notable for the fact that a registry office is working around the clock, and lovers from all over the world consider it an honor to legitimize their relations in the city of love.

Return to Tbilisi. Overnight at the hotel.

 

10 Day

07:00 Breakfast at the hotel.

08:00 Today we set off for the direction of Stepantsminda along the Georgian Military Highway. On the way we will explore the picturesque fortress Ananuri (XVI century), located above the Aragva River, as well as the stunning beauty of the Zhinvali Reservoir. On the way, we will have lunch in one of the cozy cafes (for an additional fee). Passing the Gudauri ski center (2200 meters above sea level), we will get to the observation deck at the monument "Arch of Friendship", built in honor of the friendship of the peoples of Russia and Georgia. A stunning trip along the Tergi River through the Cross Pass (2400 meters above sea level) will lead us to the small village of Stepantsminda in the Kazbegi Mountains. When the weather is clear, a stunning, phantasmagoric view opens up to one of the highest peaks of Georgia - Mount Kazbek (5147 meters above sea level).

Transfer to the station. Boarding the train at 21:50 in Tbilisi Baku.

11 Day

09:25 Arrival in Baku transfer to the hotel free time.

Departure to the Baku port.

12 Day

Arrival at Turkmenbashi Sea-port at early morning. Our representative will meet you. Transfer to hotel.

Visit the Turkmenbashy local bazaar. Walking in the city. Lunch at local restaurant. Drive to Avaza N.Z.

Rest time. Dinner at local restaurant. Overnight at hotel


13 Day

07:00 Breakfast at the hotel.

Drive to Ashgabat (590 km).

On the way visit the Nohur tribal village. Arriving to Kov-ata underground Lake. This cave is situated 100 kilometers far from Ashgabat. There is a lake, which breathe warm stream, in the depth of 60 meters from entrance into the cave. Long steps with 350 stairs lead to it. Medicinal water of the lake contains sulphur, iodine, magnesium, potassium, sodium, sulphate, aluminium, bromine, iron, stibium – in total 38 elements. Swimming in the water has favorable influence on organism, improves blood circulation, and helps to cure such diseases as rheumatism, cold, renal and skin diseases, soothe the nervous system. Temperature of water in the lake is from 33 up to 38 degrees all the year round. Length of the lake is 80 meters, width – 30 meters, depth– up to 16 meters. It is one of the largest underground lakes in the world. Sunrays never touched warm velvet of its waters. Lunch at local restaurant near the Kov-ata. Continue drive to ancient city Nisa.  Nisa - residence of Parthian Kings (III BC-III AD). In the IV century BC Akhemenid Empire had been ruined with the strikes of Alexander’s troops. During the period of the Selevkids-the successors of Alexander, three independent States established: Bactria, Khorezm and Parthia. Among these three states Parthia had lived for a long time, from 3rd century BC till 3rd century AD. During its existence Parthia has had several capital cities. Among the capitals of Parthia Nisa was a legendary and mysterious city in the Kingdom of Parthia.

Arriving in Ashgabat. Transfer to hotel.

Overnight at hotel.

14 Day

08:00 Breakfast at the hotel.

Whole day in Ashgabat. Ashgabat - the capital of Turkmenistan has borne this name since 1881. In the Turkmen folklore the name of the city is linked with the meaning “a city of love”. Love is not only an integral part of the name of the city, but also a feeling familiar to all generations of the citizens of Ashgabat. The present Ashgabat distinguishes itself with its own style, harmoniously combining the best traditions of its own national architecture and the achievements of the modern town building.

Monument of Independence

Arch of Neutrality

New Park dedicated to the monument of Akhalteke horses nearby President Palace & Congress Hall.

Lunch at the local restaurant.  

Dinner. Transfer to hotel.

Overnight.     

 

15 Day

08:00 Breakfast at the hotel.

Visit Carpet Museum.  Lunch at the local restaurant. After drive to Darvaza (280 km). Darvaza – It is burning gas crater in the Karakum desert. Locals and travelers call it the “Gate”. Emerged as a result of an exploratory well drilling, during which has occurred the landslide of the soil and a large hole appeared with a diameter of 60m and a depth of about  20m was formed and has filled with gas. Camp dinner and overnight in tents near Darvaza.

 

16 Day

08:00 Breakfast at the hotel.

With visit of  Bokurdak and Erbent villages on the way. Observe the semi-nomadic traditions that continue to be present in the lifestyles of the local population. Lunch and master chef traditional dinner Ishlekli.

Drive to Ashgabat.

In Ashgabat visit the Ertogrul Gazi mosque. Visit the cable car on the Kopetdag Mountains.

Dinner. Transfer to hotel. Overnight.

 

17 Day

08:00 Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to the International airport of Ashgabat.

 

Only citizens of Turkey, Israel, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Japan, China, South Korea, Malaysia and Singapore can obtain visa upon arrival at international airports of Azerbaijan. For citizens of Russia and the CIS (except for Turkmenistan), a visa is not required to Azerbaijan. Citizens of other countries must obtain a visa prior to arrival, through the consulates of Azerbaijan in their country or to issue an electronic visa through our travel agency. To apply for a visa, contact our managers at least 4 weeks before arriving in Azerbaijan.

Local currency: Manat, Lari

The recommended currency for the exchange is: USD or EURO.

Where to exchange currency: Upon arrival at the airport, the guide will provide accurate information on where and how to exchange cash for local currency.

Availability of ATM: Only in large cities.

Accept credit cards: Only in large cities.

The cost of the tour from USD per person for a stay in Double room includes:

Train Tickets Baku-Tbilisi-Baku,

Ferry tickets Baku-Turkmenbashi
Accommodation in hotel 4 * double room on the program based on breakfast. (Baku-Tbilisi-Sheki-Ashkhabad)
Transfers and transportation according to the program.
Excursions on the program.
Services of English-speaking guide.
Entrance tickets to museums.
Additional paid:

Lunch - from 15 USD (soft drinks included)
Dinner - from 20 USD (soft drinks are included)

Supplement for single accommodation: $ 299 per tour
The cost of a visa is 40 USD (if not citizens of the CIS),

The firm reserves the right to change the order of visiting excursion objects, keeping the program as a whole. The company reserves the right to change the cost of the tour provided that it is notified in time.

Dear guests, please send inquiries for individual tourists and tourist groups to e-mail:
narmintour@gmail.com , zaurnasibli@gmail.com  and contact us at +99412 4926116, +99450 5968477 Whatsapp: +99450 5895997