Best of Uzbekistan & the Caucasus

(18 days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Tbilisi, Bukhara, Samarkand, Baku & environs, Tbilisi & environs, Yerevan & environs

This in-depth private tour focuses on the highlights of Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia, featuring the best of each country.

Begin in Tashkent, the modern capital of Uzbekistan. With your private guide, walk through the narrow streets of the Old Town, and visit the vast Hazrati Imam complex to see historic mosques and one of the oldest Korans in the world. Explore Chorsu Bazaar, a busy market under a huge Soviet-era dome that's stocked with spices, produce and other daily goods. Visit the Museum of Applied Arts, a richly decorated historic mansion dedicated to Uzbek crafts such as silk, ceramics, carpets and wood carving. Other touring options include walking through Independence Square, seeing a local synagogue, learning about the country's diverse cultural influences at the State Museum of History of Uzbekistan, seeing important historical artworks at the State Fine Arts Museum, and perusing interesting Soviet-era architecture in the metro stations and elsewhere.

Continue by high-speed train to Bukhara, an ancient Silk Road religious, cultural and trading center. During private touring, discover why this UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered the best-preserved medieval Central Asian town. Venture inside ancient domed bazaars to browse stalls for local handicrafts such as rugs, silk, suzani (embroidered textiles), jewelry and woodwork. See cultural highlights such as the Ark, an impressive ancient palace-fortress behind mighty walls; the Poi Kalyan complex, including the 12th-century Kalyan (Kalon) Minaret, a masterpiece of patterned brick, and the 16th-century Miri Arab Madrassa, with its enormous portal and two blue-domed towers; the Lyabi-Khauz ensemble, which features two madrassas and a Sufi lodge around a pond and shady plaza favored by locals; the four-towered Char Minar gatehouse; and the 10th-century Ismail Samani Mausoleum. Additional touring options include visiting the Bolo Hauz Mosque, Maghoki-Attari Mosque or the synagogue and Jewish cemetery.

One morning, enjoy a private cooking class to learn to prepare traditional Uzbek dishes such as plov (lamb pilaf) and samsa (meat pastry).

Continue by high-speed train to fabled Samarkand, one of Central Asia's oldest and most important Silk Road cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During private touring, visit the magnificent Registan, a former trading square bounded on three sides by towering madrassas covered in dazzling tile mosaics. Gaze at the blue-tiled portals, minarets and domes while learning about Samarkand's role as the capital of the influential Timurid dynasty in the 14th and 15th centuries. See other Timurid landmarks such as the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, the ornate Gur-e-Amir mausoleum dedicated to legendary ruler Timur (Tamerlane) and his relatives, and the 15th-century Ulugh Beg Observatory, a monumental astronomical device. Walk among the beautiful tile-covered mausoleums of the Shah-i-Zinda ensemble, a hillside necropolis active for more than 800 years. Visit local markets and handicrafts boutiques, and stroll through the old Jewish quarter. Also tour the Afrosiab Museum, which houses archaeological artifacts and an important seventh-century fresco. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can also arrange a tasting at a local winery, a lesson to learn to make traditional bread and tickets to a performance about Uzbek history and traditional costumes at the El Merosi theater.

Return to Tashkent by high-speed train for a night.

Next, fly to Baku, the seaside capital of Azerbaijan. During flexible city touring, explore the Old Town, see the Maiden Tower, tour the 15th-century Palace of the Shirvanshahsand and visit the Muhammad Mosque. Sample Azerbaijani baklava and shop for handmade carpets or other locally made handicrafts. Also visit the Heydar Aliyev Center, designed by architect Zaha Hadid.

One day, enjoy a private excursion to a unique mud volcano landscape and the Gobustan National Historical Artistic Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with more than 6,000 petroglyphs. Another day, take an excursion to the Absheron Peninsula and see Yanar Dag (Fire Mountain) and Ateshgah State Historical Architectural Reserve, where flames spontaneously burst from the ground,

Continue to Tbilisi, the riverside capital of Georgia. During flexible private touring, visit the Old Town, and walk winding streets past colorful traditional houses. See the impressive ramparts of Narikala Fortress and the monumental Mother of Georgia statue in the hills above. Visit the Abanotubani bath district, where bathhouses have provided access to Tbilisi’s natural hot springs for centuries. See revered religious sites such as Sioni Cathedral, the Juma Mosque and the Great Synagogue. Visit Freedom Square, and stroll along tree-lined Rustaveli Avenue past elegant historical buildings that house the Parliament of Georgia and major cultural institutions. Tour the archaeological highlights of the Georgian National Museum. See bold recent architecture such as the Bridge of Peace and Holy Trinity Cathedral. Also visit a bustling food market and top local boutiques. If desired, ride the funicular up Mount Mtatsminda or the gondola to Narikala Fortress for panoramic views.

One day, enjoy a private excursion to the beautiful Kakheti wine region, the most important wine region in Georgia. Among the vineyard-draped hills and river valleys, learn about the 8,000-year history of winemaking in Georgia, including the traditional use of qvevri (giant clay amphorae) for fermenting and aging. During private wine tastings, sample wines made from indigenous grapes such as Saperavi and Rkatsiteli. Visit Kakheti’s most interesting villages, such as Sighnaghi, a charming hill town with traditional architecture and panoramic views of the rural Alazani Valley and the peaks of the Caucasus Mountains. At Tsinandali Estate, sample local wines and tour the restored house of a 19th-century Georgian aristocrat. Upon request, we can arrange additional touring in the region such as driving over scenic Gombori Pass, touring rock-hewn Davit Gareji Monastery, and visiting the 11th-century Alaverdi Monastery and its winery.

Another day, take a private excursion to Kazbegi National Park in the Caucasus Mountains. Drive on the scenic Georgian Military Highway to the village of Stepantsminda, and take in breathtaking views of Gergeti Trinity Church (Tsminda Sameba), an iconic 14th-century church in a dramatic hilltop setting framed by high Caucasus peaks. Also enjoy a private cooking demonstration to learn to make Georgian specialties such as khinkali (dumplings). Depending on timing, stop at other sites along the way, such as the picturesque 17th-century Ananuri castle complex and the Gudauri Viewpoint, which has memorable mountain panoramas. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange this day excursion by private helicopter.

Also enjoy a private excursion to Uplistsikhe and Mtskheta. First, visit Uplistsikhe, a centuries-old cave city with rock-cut churches, residences and other structures carved into a stone mountain overlooking the Kura (Mtkvari) River. If desired, also visit the nearby town of Gori, birthplace of Joseph Stalin, to see the Stalin Museum and the historic Gori Fortress. Continue to Mtskheta—the ancient capital of Georgia, an important Christian pilgrimage destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Jvari Monastery, a landmark sixth-century structure that sits high atop a hill with commanding views. Also tour the venerated 11th-century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, which is deeply connected to the Georgian Orthodox Church and contains the tombs of renowned Georgian kings and religious patriarchs.

Next, fly to Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, and tour city highlights such as Republic Square, the GUM market, St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral and the Cascade, a monumental staircase. Visit museums such as the Armenian Genocide Museum, the History Museum of Armenia and the Museum of Folk Arts. Also explore local art galleries, markets, gardens, art installations and cafes throughout the city.

One day, enjoy a private excursion to Geghard Monastery and Garni Templ, and take part in a demonstration of how to make lavash (traditional Armenian flatbread). Another day, take an excursion to the town of Vagharshapat to tour the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. Also visit a local winery and learn how to make Armenian dolmas (stuffed grape leaves or vegetables).

Upon request, this tour can be extended to include other parts of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia or elsewhere in Asia or Europe.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Tashkent, Uzbekistan Arrival assistance. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 1 night. Afternoon private city tour Day 2 Tashkent – Bukhara Private transfer to train station for high-speed train to Bukhara. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights. Afternoon private touring as time permits Day 3 Bukhara Full-day private tour Day 4 Bukhara – Samarkand Morning private Uzbek cooking class or continue private city touring. Private transfer to train station for high-speed train to Samarkand. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights Day 5 Samarkand Full-day private tour Day 6 Samarkand – Tashkent Morning private tour. Private transfer to train station for high-speed train to Tashkent. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 1 night Day 7 Tashkent – Baku, Azerbaijan Private airport transfer for departure assistance (flight to Azerbaijan not included). VIP fast-track arrival assistance. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 3 nights. Afternoon private city tour Day 8 Baku & Gobustan National Historical Artistic Reserve Full-day private excursion Day 9 Baku & Absheron Peninsula Full-day private excursion Day 10 Baku – Tbilisi, Georgia Private transfer to airport for VIP departure assistance (flight to Georgia not included). VIP airport assistance on arrival. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 4 nights. Afternoon private walking tour of the Old Town Day 11 Tbilisi & Kakheti wine region Full-day private excursion, including private wine tours and tastings Day 12 Tbilisi & Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) Full-day private excursion, including private Khinkali (dumpling) making demonstration. Upon request, we can arrange this excursion by private helicopter Day 13 Tbilisi, Uplistsikhe & Mtskheta Full-day private excursion Day 14 Tbilisi – Yerevan, Armenia Private airport transfer for departure assistance (flight to Armenia not included). VIP fast-track arrival assistance and private arrival transfer to hotel for 4 nights Day 15 Yerevan Full-day private city tour Day 16 Yerevan, Geghard Monastery & Garni Full-day private excursion, including private Armenian lavash demonstration Day 17 Yerevan & Vagharshapat Full-day private excursion, including private Armenian dolmas demonstration and local winery visit with tasting Day 18 Depart Yerevan Private airport transfer. VIP departure assistance

Hotels

Tashkent: Intercontinental Tashkent Bukhara: Mercure Bukhara Old Town Samarkand: Hilton Samarkand Regency or Zarafshon Parkside Hotel Baku: Four Seasons Hotel Baku Tbilisi: Stamba Hotel Yerevan: The Alexander, a Luxury Collection Hotel

Cost

Upon request