Land Tour
22 days
$AUD 618 per day
Departure: Armenia
Arrival: Georgia
Adventure
Private / Tailor made
Sitting at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, the Caucasus - Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia (Hayastan) are one of the most exciting regions for cultural exploration.
Follow the footsteps of Silk Road traders and merchants, Crusader Knights and Ottoman Princes as you explore from the shores of the Caspian Sea, to the fascinating history of Baku, take in the stunning wine fields and spectacular High Caucasus mountains. Learn of the legends of the Golden Fleece, and embrace the breathtaking scenery and welcoming hospitality of the local people. Still relatively unknown, this is the perfect trip for those who are well-travelled and seeking a more diverse experience in an often overlooked part of our world.]]>
* Pricing is subject to change at anytime until full payment has been received.
* A minimum of 2 adults is required to guarantee this departure.
A non-refundable deposit of $1000 AUD per person is required to secure your place. Final payment is due no later than 60 days prior to departure. Travel insurance is mandatory for travelling with Crooked Compass. For full terms and conditions, please click here.]]>
Airport Transfers
Welcome to Baku! Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide and transferred to the hotel. The remainder of the day is yours at leisure.
Baku is the perfect combination of Dubai’s megalopolis and Paris’ chicness with a splash of Soviet history poking its head out. Here, both East and West blend seamlessly. Home to the UNESCO-listed Old City surrounded by an ancient fortress wall. Tree-lined streets, stone mansions, and elegant boutiques are taking over the depressing Soviet apartment blocks, bringing a romantic air to the city.
Meals
Not included
Accommodation
3 nights in The Merchant Baku or similar
Services
Airport transfer
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Ancient Rock Paintings of Gobustan
Following breakfast, you will visit the Ancient Rock Paintings of Gobustan (65km from Baku) which date back between 5,000 and 40,000 years. This UNESCO Heritage Site is one of the major and most ancient museums of rock engravings in the world. The site covers three areas of a plateau of rocky boulders rising out of the semi-desert and boasts an outstanding collection of more than 6,000 rock engravings. The site also features the remains of inhabited caves, settlements, and burials, all reflecting an intensive human use by the inhabitants of the area during the wet period that followed the last Ice Age, from the Upper Palaeolithic to the Middle Ages.
Baku’s Old City
In the afternoon, enjoy a tour through Baku’s Old City which will include the funicular to Martyrs Alley where you can take in the panoramic city view. You will also visit
Shirvanshahs Palace which dates back to the 15th century and is described as ‘one of the pearls’ of Azerbaijan’s architecture. You will also see the Maiden Tower (12th century) and Mohammed’s Mosque (11th century). Later you will walk along the interesting and picturesque seafront promenade.
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
The Merchant Baku or similar
Services
Private vehicle and English-speaking guide
Walking Information:
• Walking Distance: Approximately 5km
• Walking Time: Approximately 3-4 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate, with no shade and a steady incline
Distance and Journey Time: 3hr drive 135kms
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Fire Temple and Yanar Dagh
Today, you will visit the Fire Temple, a castle-like religious temple dating back to the 17th century which was once a place of sacrifice founded above a natural gas vent. From there, you will travel to Yanar Dagh, also known as ‘Burning Mountain’. Yanar Dagh is a volcanic hill located on top of a pocket of natural gas that constantly erupts into flames and has been burning for as long as anyone can remember.
Carpet Museum & Museum of History
Following lunch, it is time to visit the must-see Carpet Museum which has the largest collection of Azerbaijani carpets in the world. From there, you will then go to the Museum of History which houses more than 350,000 pieces displayed in its rooms recounting the history and culture of Azerbaijan from ancient times until 1920.
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
The Merchant Baku or similar
Services
Private Vehicle and English-speaking guide
Walking Information:
• Walking Distance: Approximately 2km
• Walking Time: Approximately 2 hours
• Difficulty: Easy, with shade and inside the museums
Distance and Journey Time: 1.5hr drive 65kms
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Juma Mosque and Shirvan Domes
After breakfast, you will depart towards Gabala (approx. 220km). Along the way, you will stop at Juma Mosque followed by Shirvan Domes, a mausoleum and graveyard from the 15th-century Shirvan Dynasty. Your last stop is at Diri-Baba, a unique two-storied mausoleum mosque also from the 15th century.
Lahidj & Local Workshop
You will then travel to the quaint village of Lahidj (also known as Lahij or Lahich) which has preserved its medieval image, with its stone houses and cobbled streets. Lahidj is a famous centre of the craft trade, and you will visit the local workshops and meet and see the local skilled copper craftsmen ply their trade. You will have time to purchase some handicrafts, as well as walk the cobbled streets before continuing onto Gabala.
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Overnight in Karvansaray hotel or similar
Walking Information:
• Walking Distance: Approximately 3km
• Walking Time: Approximately 3 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate, with no shade and a steady incline
Distance and Journey Time: 7hr drive 260kms
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Gabala
This morning you will explore Gabala (also known as Qabala) which is a beautiful part of Azerbaijan with a rich and ancient history. Besides visiting the Historical Museum of Gabala which houses many historic artefacts from the area, you also see the renowned ruins of the ancient walled city, Chukhur Gabala, which dates back to the 4th century BC.
Nij Village
From here, continue to Nij village and meet the native Udin people, direct descendants of ancient Caucasian Albanians.
Sheki & Kish
Later you will arrive in Sheki and visit Sheki Khans Palace, a magnificent work of Islamic architecture, known for its stunning frescs and stained glass, as well as the House of Sheki Khans, famed for its beautiful internal decorations. You will also travel to the nearby picturesque mountain village of Kish (Kis) with its beautiful Albanian church.
Local Bazaar
At the end of the day, you will return to Sheki with a visit to the local bazaar where there is an amazing display of goods on offer and is a great place to mingle with locals and see how they shop, barter and banter as well as gain insight into their rural lifestyles.
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Overnight Macara Sheki Hotel or similar
Services
Private vehicle
English-speaking guide
Walking Information:
• Walking Distance: Approximately 3km
• Walking Time: Approximately 2 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate, with no shade and a steady incline
Distance and Journey Time: 2hr drive 132kms
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Border Crossing
Following breakfast, it is time to continue to the border. Here you will change guides and vehicles and then it’s time to continue on and explore Georgia.
Lunch with a Local Family
For lunch, you will visit a local family, where you will learn about local peasant life. You will see the locals’ gardens and vineyards, and then have lunch with delicious homemade food, wine, and Georgian
Chacha – a strong brandy-like spirit.
Exploring Sighnaghi
It is the time to visit the 18th-century beautiful, small town of Sighnaghi with its old fences and small houses with tiled roofs and decorated balconies. From here, you will see the picturesque views of Alazani Valley and the Great Caucasus Mountains. Afterwards, drive to Tbilisi.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation
2 nights in Stamba Hotel Tbilisi or similar
Services
Border crossing assistance
Private vehicle and English-speaking guide
Distance and Journey Time:
Drive to the border (150km): 2.5 hours
Lagodekhi (Border)-Sighnaghi-Tbilisi (160km): Approximately 3 hours
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Tbilisi City Tour
Today you will explore the capital of Georgia, Tbilisi. Wander in the old districts of the city which are structured like terraces. Take a walk in the narrow streets to view the colourful houses, patterned balconies and wonderful samples of modern architecture. You will start from Metekhi Church (13th century) with magnificent views over old Tbilisi. A stroll along winding little streets takes you to the main sights of the city. Afterwards, take a cable car up to the ancient Narikala fortress (4th century) to enjoy the panoramic views of the whole town and then walk down to the historical domed sulphur bath area.
Georgia State Museum
Finally, the Golden Fund of the historical museum (closed on Mondays) will prove the fact that Georgia is truly the land of the Golden Fleece.
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Stamba Hotel Tbilisi or similar
Services
Private vehicle
English speaking guide
Cable car to Narikala Fortress
Walking Information:
• Walking Distance: Approximately 3.5km
• Walking Time: Approximately 3-4 hours
• Difficulty: Easy city walking
Distance and Journey Time: (4-5km) Approx 20-30 minutes
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Mtskheta
This morning you will be driven to visit the ancient capital and religious centre of Georgia – Mtskheta (3,000 years old). Spend time visiting the city’s historical sites including Jvari church (6th century) and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century) where the Robe of Christ is buried. Both Jvari and Svetitskhoveli are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Borjomi Spa resort
Then drive to Borjomi Spa resort, famous for its mineral water ‘Borjomi’. Visit the small park and taste the fresh mineral water.
Rabath
Continue to Akhaltsikhe, where you will visit the multi-cultural complex of ‘Rabath’ (closed on Mondays).
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Overnight Hotel Lomsia or similar
Services
Private vehicle
English speaking guide
Distance and Journey Time: Tbilisi-Mtskheta-Borjomi-Akhaltsikhe (235km) Approx 4-5hours
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Vardzia and Khertvisi Fortress
Today you travel to Vardzia and along the way visit Khertvisi Fortress (10th century). Vardzia is a magnificent cave town from the 12th century and is one of the highlights of the trip. It stretches over half a kilometre along the river Mtkvari has 19 tiers and is used to house around 3000 caves. The complex also includes dwellings quarters, small hall-type churches, refectories, wine cellars, pharmacies, etc. There is also a church hewn out of rock with amazing 12th-century frescs. You will enjoy lunch with a local family and then continue to Kutaisi.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation
Overnight Hotel Solomon or similar
Services
Private vehicle
English speaking guide
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Farmers Market & Okatse Canyon
In the morning you will visit a local farmers market and then continue to Okatse Canyon (closed on Mondays), which involves a 2–3-hour pedestrian route passing through Dadiani Historical Forest, 780m length hanging trail and finishes with a panoramic view. Here, you can explore 3 cascades Okatse waterfall, the Dadiani forest and the river Satsiskvilo valley.
Svaneti
Afterwards, get ready for the most exciting part of your trip – a journey to Svaneti – the region of the highest mountains and glaciers and the most abiding ancient traditions. Arrive in Becho Village.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation
Overnight in a Family hotel or similar
Services
Private vehicle
English speaking guide
Walking Information:
• Walking Distance: Approximately 8kms
• Walking Time: Approximately 3.5-4hours
Distance and Journey Time: (250km) Approx 6-7hours
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Yerevan City Tour
Your day will begin exploring the vibrant city of Yerevan with your guide. Originally established in 782 BC, Yerevan is a thriving city with the excitement, hustle and bustle of a modern capital.
You will start your exploration from Republic Square, the masterpiece of the architect Alexander Tamanian, and then continue to the Opera House, a stunning architectural piece and the hub of Yerevan. You will then visit Cascade Complex, an open-air museum of modern art with a massive stairway. The complex links the historic residential and cultural centres of the city with a vast area of waterfalls and outdoor gardens.
Zvartnots
As you return to Yerevan, you will stop at the ruins of Zvartnots – the pearl of 7th-century architecture, inscribed in UNESCO’s World Heritage list. You will then return to Yerevan and visit the History Museum of Armenia.
Echmiadzin
Depart for Echmiadzin, the spiritual centre of all Armenians and the seat of the Armenian Catholicos. Echmiadzin Cathedral is the oldest standing church in Christendom built in 303 AD over a pagan fire altar. This landmark is protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. You will then enjoy lunch at the Tasty Gastro Yard, where you can sample the national food and the traditional Armenian dish ‘Tolma’.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation
Historic Yerevan Hotel
Services
Private vehicle
English-speaking guide
Distance and Journey Time: (25km) approx. 40min
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Tatev Monastery and Aerial Tramway
You will start your day exploring the complex of Tatev Monastery which is an architectural masterpiece dating from the 10th century and is often referred to as a ‘monastery built on the edge of nothing’. You will reach the Monastery via the world’s longest aerial tramway called ‘Wings of Tatev’.
Vayots Dzor and Areni Winery
Afterwards, you will be driven to the Vayots Dzor region, the agricultural heart of the country, inhabited since the Bronze Age. The region also prides its old wine-making traditions with a history starting from the times of Noah. You will visit Areni Winery for a wine degustation with Armenia’s best wines coming from this region.
Noravank monastery
Finally, you will visit Noravank monastery – a great religious and cultural centre of the 12th century which is located in a seemingly inaccessible location amidst impressive red cliffs and stunning mountains. You will then continue to the capital city of Yerevan.
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Historic Yerevan Hotel or similar
Services
Private vehicle
English-speaking guide
Aerial Tramway and Winery Visit
Distance and Journey Time: (265km) approx. 4.5hrs
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Lake Sevan
After breakfast, drive to Lake Sevan, the second largest alpine lake in the world and known as the ‘Emerald of Armenia’. You will visit Sevanavank, a beautiful monastery on the peninsula, once a strategic shelter for Armenian Kings and then continue to Noratus Village to visit Noratus Cemetery, known as the ‘Forest of Khachkars’. ‘Khachkar’ (cross-stone) is a typical monument of Armenian sculpture representing an ornamented stone with a cross in the centre.
Goris via Selim Caravanserai
Continue to the southern town of Goris via Selim Caravanserai, an important trading post on the Great Silk Road that has welcomed travellers along the highway through the mountains of Selim (Sulema). You will then travel to Karahunj (Armenia’s Stonehenge – also known as Carahunge), an ancient observatory from 6,000 B.C. The site is rich with stone settings, burial cists and standing stones, consisting of around 223 stone basalt slabs.
Zorats Karer
Journey to Zorats Karer, also known as the Armenian Stonehenge, located 110 kilometres away, which will take approximately 2 hours to reach. Explore this intriguing archaeological site, believed to be an ancient astronomical observatory, and marvel at the arrangement of the massive stones. You will then drive to Goris
Arrival in Goris
Arrive in the picturesque town of Goris, 36 kilometres from Zorats Karer, a drive of about 40 minutes. Goris is known for its unique rock formations, charming old houses, and stunning natural beauty.
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Overnight Mirhav Hotel or similar
Services
Private vehicle
English-speaking guide
Distance and Journey Time: (220km) approx. 4hrs
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Sharambeyan Street and Haghartsin Monastery
Following breakfast at your hotel, explore Sharambeyan Street before you drive to Haghartsin Monastery (13th century) a stunning example of medieval Armenian architecture nestled in lush woods. You will then enjoy lunch with a local Armenian family tasting homemade local food, before. You can also take a photo stop at Old Dilijan, complete with craftsman`s workshops, a gallery and a museum.
Gata Lesson and BBQ Masterclass
Lunch today is at Amalya’s house– a local home where you will enjoy learning how to make Gata. Gata is a beloved Armenian pastry or sweet bread, akin to a coffee cake. With countless variations, each town or region often boasts its own version, found in various shapes and sizes, either decorated or left unadorned. Traditionally baked in a tonir, Gata is now typically prepared in ovens. While it is often made for the feast of Candlemas (known as Tiarn’ndaraj in Armenian), it is enjoyed year-round.
After crossing the border, you will continue to Makaravank. At 1330hrs, relish lunch at Berkiri Gastro Yard in Ijevan, where you’ll participate in a pork BBQ masterclass, learning how to prepare pork the Armenian way! Pork BBQ, a cherished tradition in Armenian culture, involves wrapping the meat in lavash (bread), known as Khorovats – a dish that remains popular today. Whether served with tomats, eggplant, and bell peppers baked on skewers over hot coals in the summertime, or enjoyed in any season, Khorovats embodies the flavours of Armenia.
One popular variety of Gata includes a filling called koritz (khoriz), made from flour, butter, and sugar. Other versions may incorporate nuts, most commonly walnuts. Some traditions involve placing a coin inside the dough before baking the Gata, with the belief that whver finds the coin in their piece will be blessed with good fortune.
End your day with a delightful dinner by 1900hrs at your hotel or a local restaurant, where you can unwind and reflect on your experiences.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation
Tufenkian Old Dilijan Complex or similar
Services
Private vehicle
English-speaking guide
Cooking Class
Distance and Journey Time: total of 1hr drive today
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Bagratashen Border Crossing
This morning you will transfer to the Georgian-Armenian border.
Kick off your adventure as you meet with fellow travellers on the Bagratashen Border.
Haghpat Monastery
Our journey begins with a scenic drive to the historic Haghpat Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its architectural brilliance and serene surroundings.
Goshavank Monastery
Continue to Goshavank Monastery (12-13th century) located in picturesque surroundings.
From here, make your way to Dilijan, one of the most important resorts in Armenia, often referred to as the ‘Little Switzerland’ of Armenia, with magnificent views of the forested surroundings.
Dilijan
Arrive in Dilijan, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Armenia,” by early evening. This picturesque town, surrounded by verdant forests and rolling hills, will be our base for the night. Dinner will be served at the restaurant of the Old Dilijan Hotel, known for its warm ambience and delicious local dishes.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation
Old Dilijan Hotel or similar
Services
Private vehicle
English-speaking guide
Distance and Journey Time: Tbilisi-Sadakhlo (border) (72km) Approx 1.5 hours, Border – Makaravank (180kms) 3.5hrs, Makaravank – Goshavank (50km) approx. 1hr, Goshavank – Dilijan (23kms) 30min
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Morning Hike towards Mt Ushba
Today is all about getting back to nature. You start your walking from the guesthouse with the aim of getting closer to Mt. Ushba (4,700m) which proudly overlooks Svaneti. After crossing the deep forest, you continue to the waterfalls. Both the beauty of the waterfalls and twin-peak Mt. Ushba will make you feel like a character out of a fairy tale.
Mestia
You will then walk back to Becho and drive to Mestia – the centre of the Upper Svaneti region. Arrive in Mestia, where before dinner you will have the opportunity to take part in a traditional ‘Kubdari’ and ‘Chvishtari’ making process. Kubdari is a national dish of the Svans which is leavened bread containing chunks of meat, which can be lamb, kidney or pork, Georgian spices and onions. Chvishtari which is
also local to the Svaneti region, is a cornbread with cheese.
Walking time today is approx. 5-6 hours.
Meals
Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation
Overnight Family Hotel Kala or similar
Services
Private vehicle
English speaking guide
Cultural Experience
Walking information:
• Military Base: Stage 1 (easy)/ walking time: 2-3 hrs total, Walking distance: 8 km, ↑↓ 250m
• 1st Waterfall: Stage 2 (medium)/ walking time: 4-5 hrs total, Walking distance: 10 km, ↑↓ 550 m
• 2nd Waterfall: Stage 3 (hard)/ walking time: 6-7 hrs total, Walking distance: 12 km, ↑↓ 1100 m
Distance and Journey Time: (20km) Approx 30-40minutes
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Dadiani`s Palace
Today you will leave the beautiful Svaneti region and drive back to Zugdidi. Here you will visit Dadiani`s Palace (closed Mondays) where the culture of the Dadiani Dynasty is on display and 41,000 museum objects are held. Most of them are unique and invaluable examples of Georgian and foreign art.
Gelati Cathedral
Afterwards, visit Gelati Cathedral (12th century) – one of the earliest academies in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site and then drive to Kutaisi.
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Overnight Hotel Solomon or similar
Services
Private vehicle
English-speaking guide
Distance and Journey Time: (280km) Approx 7 hours
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Hike to Shkhara Base and Glacier
Depart from your guesthouse this morning bound for the base of Georgia’s highest mountain, Shkhara (5068m) and the glacier which is the main water source of the Enguri river. After reaching the glacier (2,500m) you will return to Ushguli. Today’s trek will take you through beautiful meadows filled with rich alpine flowers and will finish in Mestia.
Meals
Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation
Overnight Gistola Hotel Kala or similar
Services
English-speaking guide
Walking information:
• Walking Distance: Approximately 19kms
• Walking Time: Approximately 5-6hours
• Difficulty: Moderate Trek altitude ↑ ↓550m
Distance and Journey Time: (42km) Approx 2 hours
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Mulakhi
In the morning, set off for Mulakhi by car, where even today centuries-old towers stand, whose history of construction is shrouded in mystery. From afar, the village is reminiscent of a drawing. Svans selected an ideal place to build a village. Here, one can behold amazing landscapes any time throughout the year.
Ushguli
Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Ushguli (Basic). which is declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The village is located at 2200m and is the highest continuously inhabited village in Europe. The village is most famous for its abundance of watchtowers, and this is where you get the view of the highest mountain in Georgia – Mt. Shkhara (5068m).
Meals
Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation
Overnight in a Family hotel or similar
Services
Private vehicle
English speaking guide
Walking information:
• Walking Distance: Walk from Mestia to Mulakhi, approximately 13kms
• Walking Time: Approximately 4-5hours
• Difficulty: Moderate Trek altitude ↑500 ↓350 m
Distance and Journey Time: Drive from Mulakhi to Ushguli (36km) Approx 1.5-2hours
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Garni Temple
After your hotel breakfast, you will depart for Garni Village to visit Garni Temple dating back to the 1st century. The citadel and pagan temple of Garni is a picturesque monument of the Hellenistic period and an impressive piece of ancient Armenian architecture. Here you will have an opportunity to enjoy the charming melodies of Armenian ‘duduk’ by a local performer. Duduk and its music are inscribed in the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The architectural peculiarities of the temple were designed in a way to produce an authentically holy and mysterious reverberation of sound, almost a divine echo.
Geghard Monastery
After a good meal, you will visit Geghard Monastery. The spectacular towering cliffs surrounding the monastery are part of the Azat River Gorge and are included together with the monastery in the UNESCO World Heritage Site listing. Some of the chambers within the monastery complex are entirely dug out of the cliff rocks, others are little more than caves, while others are elaborate structures, with both architecturally complex walled sections and rooms deep inside the cliff.
Lunch and flatbread presentation
Lunch will be at a local house with the presentation of the Armenian flatbread ‘lavish’ baking process in an underground stove called ‘tonir’.
Yerevan at leisure
You will then return to Yerevan where the afternoon is at leisure.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation
Overnight Ani Central Inn
Services
Private vehicle
English-speaking guide
Distance and Journey Time: (40km) approx. 1hrs
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Uplistsikhe Cave Town
In the morning drive to Gori and visit the historical place of Uplistsikhe Cave Town (1st millennium BC). Uplistsikhe is the place where the Great Silk Road used to pass. This is an old and interesting complex with dwelling quarters, wine-cellars, bakeries, a three-nave basilica church hewn out in rock and even an antique theatre. There is a photo stop at Stalin`s house and museum.
Kaspi’s Winery
Afterwards, drive towards Tbilisi. On the way you will stop to visit a wine cellar in the village of Kaspi, where you will taste unique BIO wines produced by the traditional Georgian method in Kvevri (This method is inscribed in the UNESCO intangible heritage list). It’s noteworthy that this wine can be found on the list of unique wines of the Ritz Hotel in London. Arrive in Tbilisi.
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Overnight Stamba hotel or similar
Services
Private vehicle
English-speaking guide
Wine-tasting
Distance and Journey Time: (280km) Approx 5.5hours
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Today is yours at leisure until it is time to transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Meals
Breakfast
Services
Airport transfers (private vehicle)
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22. Travel Products obtained through the Booking & Advisory Services are not guaranteed until payment has been made in full and documents have been processed.
23. It is your responsibility to contact the Provider prior to departure to ensure there is no change to the scheduled departure time.
24. Most airlines offer only electronic confirmation of your reservation, or 'e-ticketing'. We cannot be held responsible if your e-ticket does not arrive due to an incorrect email address or your junk email settings. You must notify us immediately if you change your email address or contact telephone number after making a booking. It is your responsibility to advise us if you have not received your e-ticket confirmation.
25. When making a booking you must advise your consultant of any medical, dietary or mobility conditions you may have.
26. When making a booking you must advise us if you are pregnant.
Payment Terms
27. All pricing is reflected in Australian Dollars unless otherwise specified.
28. All pricing is inclusive of goods and services tax (GST), or other such value added taxes where applicable.
29. Payments processed in foreign currency (currency other than the original card holders country of issue), may incur a currency conversion fee. Please refer to your financial institution for applicable fees.
30. We sell Travel Products in two different ways:
a. as merchant, where we take payment directly from you at the time of booking confirmation; or
b. as retail, where your Travel Product will either be paid to the Provider directly at the time of booking or payable to the Provider on the date of travel.
31. Travel Products purchased in accordance with the 'retail' method, will not be bound by these terms and conditions and you are responsible for pursuing any claims of cancellation, re-scheduling, refunds or chargebacks directly with the merchant.
32. As the merchant we are governed by the terms and conditions of the Provider of the merchant facility.
33. A credit card or debit card fee may also be charged by certain Providers and low cost carriers. You will be notified of such charges prior to your purchase.
34. All charges, including the credit card fees, may be in another currency (e.g. EUR), which we will provide an estimate for in Australian dollars.
Refunds and Credits
35. If you cancel your Travel Product, your right to a refund or credit is subject to the terms and conditions of the Provider.
36. If the Provider is required to provide you with a refund or credit for the Travel Product, we will liaise with the Provider to arrange that refund. Where you are entitled to a refund, we are unable to provide you with this refund until we receive it from the Provider. Please note that most Providers take 60 – 90 days to process any refund.
37. Any refund or credit will be subject to these terms and conditions and will not include the Booking & Service Advisory fee, credit card fees or any commissions received. You may also be charged a cancellation fee by the Provider.
38. Where refunds for unused services are allowed, a service fee may be charged by the Provider against the value of the refund.
No Show
39. If you have a booking for a Travel Product (including flights and accommodation) but you do not show up to check-in or otherwise do not avail yourself of such Travel Product, you will not be entitled to any refund from us.
Cancellation and Amendments
40. If you amend or cancel your Travel Product, we reserve the right to charge the cancellation and amendment fees as per the Schedule of Professional Service Fees.
41. The Provider may charge cancellation and amendment fees in accordance with the terms and conditions agreed between you and the Provider. These will be in addition to the fees charged by us. We are not liable for any cancellation fees or refusals to refund made by the Provider.
42. Many Providers treat name changes and route and/or itinerary alterations as a full cancellation and these can incur full cancellation charges.
43. We will not charge a cancellation or amendment fee if you cancel or amend your booking due to a breach by us of our obligations to you or due to our fault.
Cancellations and Amendments for Online Low Cost Carrier Bookings Only
44. If your flight booking is with a low cost carrier, you can only cancel or change your booking by contacting the Provider directly.
Cancellations and amendments for hotel bookings only
Cancellations and Amendments for Hotel Bookings Only
45. Please review the cancellation policy for your hotel booking for any penalties that may apply.
Force Majeure
46. We will not be liable for any failure or delay in performing our obligations in booking the Travel Product that is due to events beyond our control.
47. If a force majeure event occurs that affects your booking, your entitlement to a refund, a credit or re-scheduled travel booking will depend on the Provider's terms and conditions.
48. If your booking is impacted by a force majeure event and you are entitled to a refund or credit from the Provider, we will facilitate this refund or credit.
49. The Booking & Service Advisory fee, credit card fees or any commissions received are non-refundable in the circumstance that a force majeure event occurs.
Low Cost Flights
50. If you book a low cost flight with us, we will make the booking on your behalf and your contract for your low cost flight will also be subject to the airline's booking terms and conditions.
51. It is your responsibility to ensure that all details of the booking are correct before proceeding. For any changes or cancellations, please contact the airline directly, quoting your reference.
Additional Airline Charges
52. Some Providers may also charge additional fees. Please check with the Provider for their full terms and conditions.
Hotel/Accommodation Bookings
53. Some Providers will require an additional charge to be paid locally (e.g. a resort fee) at the time of check in or check out. This amount is in addition to the amount shown during the booking process under the 'total booking cost' amount.
54. There may be taxes levied abroad but not paid at the point of purchase that are payable in relation to your hotel booking (e.g. local taxes, sales tax etc.). Any local taxes will be payable by you directly to the Provider at the time of check in/check out.
Changes in Price and Itineraries
55. We reserve the right to cancel your booking in the event we have reasonable grounds to believe it is fraudulent.
56. If a Provider changes any part of your booking for reasons beyond its control, we will use our reasonable endeavours to notify you. If any such changes result in your Travel Product costing more or otherwise being materially different, then you may cancel the Travel Product. Any refund would be subject to the Travel Provider terms and conditions.
57. These terms and conditions are subject to variation at any time. Any variation will be displayed here, and you will be deemed to have accepted a variation if you have made a booking after it has been displayed.
Your Obligations and Warranties
58. You warrant to us that:
a. you are at least 18 years old and have the power, capacity and authority to enter into a binding contract with us and with the Providers of the Travel Products that you acquire;
b. you have read and understood these terms and conditions and if booking on behalf of third parties, you have conveyed these terms and conditions to them;
c. the information you provide us about yourself is true, accurate, current and complete (apart from any optional items) as required by any registration process;
d. you have considered acquiring comprehensive travel insurance and we are not responsible for any failure by you to acquire adequate insurance cover; and
e. you will use the Booking & Advisory Services in accordance with these terms and conditions and you will not use the Booking & Advisory Services in any way to breach any laws or defame anyone.
Jurisdiction and Law
59. All matters arising out of or in connection with the Booking & Advisory Services and these terms and conditions are governed by the laws of Victoria, Australia. By acquiring the Booking & Advisory Services, you consent and submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the laws of Victoria, Australia.
Definitions
" We" and "us" means Darebin Travel.
" You" or "your" means any user of our Website or any person who acquires the Booking & Advisory Services, including any person who acquires a Travel Product (whether or not the Booking & Advisory Services were acquired by another person).
" Booking & Advisory Services" means services provided by us to you in assisting you to acquire a Travel Product from a Provider and includes advisory and consulting services.
"Force Majeure” means, but not limited to: acts of God, accident, riot, war, terrorist act, epidemic, pandemic, quarantine, outbreaks of infectious disease or any other public health crisis, civil commotion, breakdown of communication facilities, natural catastrophes, adverse weather conditions, governmental acts or omissions, changes in laws or regulations, national strikes, fire, explosion and generalised lack of availability of raw materials or energy.
“ Travel Provider” or "Provider" or "Providers" means the company or person who provides you with the Travel Product on terms and conditions agreed with you.
" Travel Product" means the service or product provided by a Provider, for example, an airline or a hotel.
" Website" means our website https://deluxelife.com.au/
Schedule of Professional Service Fees
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Planning Fee |
$125 per itinerary. Creating unique travel itineraries is our specialty. For detailed quotations providing tailored recommendations for custom designed tours, a non-refundable planning fee applies. Should you proceed with booking, this fee is credited towards your trip.
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Service Fees |
$40 Domestic/Trans-Tasman airfare per person or as discounted
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$150.00 International airfare per person or as discounted
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$50.00 Domestic/Trans-Tasman business class airfare per person or as discounted
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$200.00 International business class airfare per person or as discounted |
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NIL Domestic/Trans-Tasman package, tour, or cruise per booking
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NIL International package, tour, or cruise per booking |
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$ Other Services dependent on service explained to you |
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$200 to $500 Itinerary planning per booking (credited towards reservation once booked) |
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Deposit & Balance |
For all bookings, the initial deposit is 20% and the balance of payment is due 60 days before departure. If Travel Provider terms and conditions vary, we may request an additional deposit from you, after the initial deposit is paid, plus the balance payment date may also vary. After you have paid your initial deposit, you will have five days cooling off period to accept these Booking & Advisory Terms and Conditions, during which time your deposit is refundable. After 5 days has passed, or you have accepted the Terms and Conditions, the deposit will automatically become non-refundable. Note, some Travel Products must be paid in full at time of booking. Service Fees must also be paid at time of booking and are non-refundable. After you pay the balance of payment this will become fully non-refundable 60 days before travel, or earlier, if specified by the supplier. |
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Amendment Fees |
Changes to Domestic/Trans-Tasman bookings will incur a fee of $50 per passenger per booking in addition to Provider and credit card fees.
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Changes to International bookings (excluding Trans-Tasman bookings) will incur a fee of $50 per passenger per booking in addition to Provider and credit card fees.
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Cancellation Fees |
Cancellations to Domestic/Trans-Tasman bookings will incur a fee of $75 per passenger per booking in addition to Provider and credit card fees.
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Cancellations to International bookings (excluding Trans-Tasman bookings) will incur a fee of $150 per passenger per booking in addition to Provider and credit card fees.
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Credit Card Fees |
Visa - an additional 2.0% applies
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Mastercard - an additional 2.0% applies
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American Express - an additional 2.0% applies
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(All fees exclude GST, where applicable).
Privacy Notice
Darebin Travel collects your personal information to enable us to respond to your queries and provide you with the Booking & Advisory Services, including assisting in arrangements with Providers (such as hotels and flights).
We will also use your personal information to personalise the service we provide you, including your experience on our, and other, websites, and to provide you with information about our, and our partners’, business, products and services. Your personal information may be shared between entities within Darebin Travel and with DeluxeLife Pty Ltd (ACN: 647 484 115), disclosed to suppliers, Providers, our cloud infrastructure, our contractors and to others where authorised or required by law. Some of these entities may be located overseas.
ANNEXURE – TRAVEL TIPS FOR TRAVEL PRODUCTS
These tips set out below are NOT legally binding terms and conditions.
Passports, Visas and Health Requirements
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the required documents, including visas and passports, before travelling to a destination. For more information please log on to www.dfat.gov.au and www.smarttraveller.gov.au. Please check with the respective Embassy or Consulate of each country that you are travelling to, as many destinations require visas for both Australians and non-Australian passport holders. For more information, log on to www.visalink.com.au. You need to ensure that you have at least 6 months validity on your passport from the date of your departure return.
For International travellers booked on flights to the USA, including Hawaii, it is now mandatory, under the Visa Waiver Program to receive an electronic authorisation known as ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) no less than 72 hours before travel to the USA. This can be obtained from the following website: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/ .
For international travellers booked on flights to Canada, you either need a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to, or transit through, a Canadian airport. An eTA can be obtained from the following website: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/apply.html
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are aware of any health requirements for your travel destinations. Vaccinations are strongly recommended for certain destinations. You need to contact your local doctor who will advise you of these requirements. Please note that vaccinations may be recommended before your travel departure date.
Travel Advice
We recommend that you contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) or visit their website at www.dfat.gov.au for general travel advice, as well as specific advice (including safety alert levels) relating to the destination you wish to visit.
Ticketing
For international and domestic departure, e-tickets will be issued upon payment and completion of the booking process. All other travel documentation, such as hotel booking confirmations, will be emailed to the email address you provided as an e-document. Should the Provider issue paper vouchers, these will be posted to the address you provided.
Baggage Allowance
Baggage allowance varies from airline to airline and in many cases the airfare you have paid may not include the cost to cover checked baggage. Please check with your Travel Advisor and/or the airline providing your flights for the allowances.
Frequent Flyers & Special Requests
For more information on whether your airfare is eligible for Frequent Flyer rewards, please contact the airline directly. When booking online, please ensure that you have entered your correct number. For bookings made by telephone via our Customer Service Team, please advise of your Frequent Flyer details and these will be added to your reservation. We do not take any responsibility should an airline not register your trip. You should retain copies of your air ticket and boarding pass.
Special requests will be passed on to the Providers but cannot be guaranteed.