Byzantine Silk Road of the TransCaucasus Including 13-Day Special Train Journey through

Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia

06 - 21 October 2020

JOURNEYS THAT TAKE YOU TO FAR HORIZONS

Dome, Echmiadzin Cathedral, Armenia © Shaun Dunphy

TOUR LEADER

Relle Mott has led small

groups for the Friends

through Uzbekistan,

Western China, and Japan,

sharing her love of plants,

new cultures and

destinations with like-

minded travellers since

2013. Horticulturist Relle has

been associated with the

Royal Botanic Garden

Sydney for many years: as a

member of the Education &

Community Programs

team, a volunteer guide,

and a supporter through

Foundation & Friends. Her

background is in

education: as an

environmental education

specialist at RBGS, a

teacher at Ryde TAFE

Horticulture College, and a

secondary Japanese

language teacher. She has

had a 40 year connection

with Japan, and regularly

leads her own walking tours

on historic pilgrimage trails

in that country. Travelling

with Relle is fun – well-

planned itineraries to

amazing destinations

create unforgettable

experiences. When at

home she is a keen

gardener, sailor and potter,

with an ongoing fascination

with the plant hunters of

Asia in the 19th and 20th

centuries.

Our adventure begins in Istanbul, heart of the old Silk Road, to become

acquainted with this vibrant melting-pot of East meets West culture and

history before a flight to Baku on the sunny plains of the Caspian Sea

from where we embark on our journey by private chartered train

through the Azerbaijani steppes and the snow-capped southern

Caucasus mountains in Georgia, to subtropical Batumi on the Black Sea,

following a Byzantine trading route from the old Silk Road. To complete

this special trip, our trans-Caucasus train journey is complemented by a

visit to Armenia, the oldest Christian country in the world, shaped by

distinct cultures and great powers throughout history.

Along with Ottoman mosques and bazaars, Byzantine monasteries,

Crusader fortresses, and Silk Road caravanserais, we will visit the Tsbilisi

and Batumi Botanical Gardens to get to know the plants of this

biodiversity hotspot.

The trans-Caucasus experience is enhanced by excellent regional food:

Khachapuri and Khinkali dumplings, sturgeon with pomegranate, local

chicken with green walnuts, and of course – Georgian wine!

Tour Highlights

• Journey on exclusively chartered special train

• A unique and spectacular route from Baku on the Caspian Sea,

through the Caucasus mountains, to Batumi on the Black Sea

• First-class service from English-speaking tour manager and local

guides throughout journey, and your tour escort Relle Mott

• 1 night in a hotel in the Caucasus mountains with view of 5,000

metre Mount Kazbek

• Vardzia, a gigantic cave city that once housed up to 50,000

people

• Historic city of Goygol, a former German settlement in

Azerbaijan

• Tbilisi and Baku, two colourful and complementary metropolises

• Insight into local life with visits to a Georgian religious service,

vineyard, bazaar and artisanal handicraft centre

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Vagharshapat and Zvartnots

• Visit the Botanical Gardens of Tbilisi and Batumi

• See the Bosphorus, the Caspian and the Black seas of Eastern

Europe

Flight from Istanbul

Old Town of Tbilisi Cave City of Vardzia

Day 1 Tue 06 Oct Arrive Istanbul

Meet and transfer to hotel. Welcome dinner tonight.

Overnight at hotel in Istanbul. (D)

Day 2 Wed 07 Oct Istanbul

Today we get our bearings on Istanbul and its historic role in

the Silk Road with visits to the Hagia Sophia built in AD 537

and the Topkapi Palace of the Ottoman Sultans. To

experience the first of our three seas and get a different

perspective on Istanbul, we take a boat on the Bosphorus.

(B, L)

Day 3 Thu 08 Oct Istanbul

We continue our journey through Istanbul history with the

Roman-era Hippodrome, the famed Ottoman Sultanahmet

(Blue) Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar which was once the

hub of Mediterranean trade. We finish the day with a visit to

the modern Taksim Square. (B, D)

Day 4 Fri 09 Oct Istanbul-Baku

Transfer to airport for flight to Badu. Arrive in Baku, the

capital of Azerbeijan, known as the City of Winds. In the

evening, we take in views of the city’s breathtaking skyline

on the Caspian Sea, which includes the spectacular Flame

Towers, a symbol of the city’s modernity.

Overnight: Hotel Sapphire Inn (or similar) (B, D)

Day 5 Sat 10 Oct Baku

In the morning, we explore the historical centre of Baku,

with its gorgeous mosques, the Maiden Tower, and the

Palace of the Shirvanshahs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site,

contrasting with the city’s ornate Art Nouveau buildings and

its futuristic architecture. In the afternoon, we take an

excursion on the Absheron Peninsula to see a Zoroastrian

fire temple and Yanar Dag, a flame that burns continuously

due to a seepage of natural gas. In the evening, the

friendly crew of our special train give us a hearty welcome

at the station, where our train sets off westward by starlight

through the Azerbaijani steppes.

Overnight: On board (B, L, D)

Day 6 Sun 11 Oct Shaki & Goygol

The city of Shaki lies at foot of the forest-covered Caucasus

Mountains and doubles as a unique open-air museum. Here

we witness the city’s many caravanserai, trading posts that

served as stops along the Silk Road. Later, we visit the

Khan’s Palace, where brilliant decorative carvings, stained

glass and frescoes evoke a fantastic medieval world. Look

for bargains at an artisanal handicrafts centre and at a

local bazaar. On the train route south from Shaki, the

Azerbaijani landscape begins to turn green. In the

afternoon, we reach the city of Ganja, and travel to the

nearby city of Goygol, known for its nineteenth-century

German settlements. Here we see carefully restored villas,

the Lutheran church of St. John and the home of the last

German settler, Viktor Klein, who passed away in 2007. Later

we head to the Azerbaijan–Georgia border, where the

ochre, earthy steppes gradually transform into green hills.

Next stop: Georgia’s vibrant metropolis Tbilisi.

Overnight: On board (B, L, D)

Day 7 Mon 12 Oct Tbilisi

Sturdy churches, colourful wooden houses on the banks of

the Kura River, classical villas - this is Tbilisi, capital of

Georgia and straight out of a fairy tale. From here, we

travel by vehicle along the historic Georgian Military Road,

which reaches an altitude of approximately 2,300 metres.

The view of the mediaeval Ananuri Castle fortress complex

and its backdrop of snow-capped peaks is breathtaking.

However, another stunning view awaits of the 5,000 metre

Mount Kazbek awaits us from our hotel terrace in

Stepantsmindal! On a green ridge just in front of this

immense peak sits the comparatively small 14th century

Gergeti Trinity Church, which can be visited via Jeep

excursion.

Overnight: Hotel Porta Caucaisa (or similar) (B, L, D)

Ananuri Castle Complex

Restaurant car on the train Baku

Day 8 Tue 13 Oct Tbilisi

On the way back to Tbilisi, we stop at the mediaeval Jvari

monastery high above the Aragvi River and marvel at the

former capital of Georgia, Mzcheta, a UNESCO World

Heritage Site. In Tbilisi, we have an optional visit to the

National Botanical Garden of Georgia.

Overnight: Hotel Builtmore (or similar) (B, L, D)

Day 9 Wed 14 Oct Gori

Today our train departs Tbilisi through the country’s fertile

lowlands, soon arriving In Gori, birthplace of Joseph Stalin,

the once General Secretary of the Soviet Union, whose

personal railroad car is displayed in a museum. In nearby

Uplistsikhe, once a Byzantine Silk Road trading post, we

exlore a sixth-century town built into a cave complex. We

experience Georgian wine tasting at a historic wine house.

Georgia’s wine regions are more than 7,000 years old,

placing then among the world’s oldest. In the afternoon,

our train reaches Borjomi, a famous deep valley resort town

that once provided the entire Russian Empire with mineral

water. Its beautiful villas, boutique hotels and its curative

health spas draw visitors from near and far.

Overnight: On board (B, L, D)

Day 10 Thu 15 Oct Akhaltsikhe & Vardzia

From the small city of Akhaltsikhe, over which the Rabati

Castle looms, we take a guided tour of Vardzia, a twelfth-

century cave monastery. Reminiscent of a honeycomb,

there are more than 3,000 cave dwellings for up to 50,000

people built into the rockface. The brilliance of the frescoes

of legendary Queen Tamar in the cave cathedral have not

lost their intensity. The train route from Akhaltsikhe through

the lesser Caucasus mountains puts everyday Georgia right

outside the window - vineyards, idyllic towns, imposing

castle towers. From the top of the Bagrati Cathedral, we

can view the historic city of Kutaisi, just a stone’s throw

away from the picturesque Gelati monastery, a UNESCO

World Heritage Site.

Overnight: On board (B, L, D)

Day 11 Fri 16 Oct Batumi

Today we reach the last stop on our train journey, Batumi,

where we farewell our special train and its crew.

Batumi is Georgia’s second largest city, on the spectacular

Black Sea coast. This Georgian port and subtropical seaside

resort is situated on the sparkling coastline against a

backdrop of green mountains and a palm-lined

promenade. We enjoy a city tour of Batumi’s historic centre,

where merchants from all over the world have left their

footprint. Orthodox churches, synagogues, and mosques -

the city’s stunning architecture is a testament to its diversity.

The Batumi Botanical Garden is a subtropical paradise

whose terraces on the steep coast provide an amazing

view of the seashore.

Overnight: Hotel Radisson (or similar) (B, L, D)

Day 12 Sat 17 Oct Gyumri

Today is a transit day, with a long but beautiful bus trip to

cross the Georgia–Armenia border through the

mountainscapes of the Lesser Caucasus mountain range to

Gyumri, Armenia’s second oldest city.

Overnight: Hotel Villa Kars (or similar) (B)

Day 13 Sun 18 Oct Lake Sevan

Today we visit the idyllic spa town of Dilijan, the Sevan

Monastery and 2,000-metre-high Lake Sevan - known as the

Pearl of Armenia - a highlight of our journey. Overnight in

Yerevan.

Overnight: Hotel Imperial (or similar) (B, L, D)

Day 14 Mon 19 Oct Temple of Garni & Cave Monastery

After a guided tour of the impressive manuscript repository

Matenadaran, we visit Garni Gorge, the amazing Greco-

Roman Temple of Garni and the medieval Geghard cave

monastery, one of the most beautiful monasteries in the

Caucasus. Before lunch we view a bread-making

demonstration of traditional unleavened Armenian

flatbread Lavash. We make our way back to Yerevan,

Armenia's capital.

Overnight: Hotel Imperial (or similar) (B, L)

Day 15 Tue 20 Oct Yerevan

On a morning city tour, we visit highlights of this ancient city

formerly a Byzantine gem, now marked by grand soviet era

architecture. Our last afternoon takes us to the Etchmiadzin

Cathedral in Vagharshapat, thought to be the oldest

Christian cathedral in the world. On the way back to

Yerevan, we view the impressive ruins of the seventh-

century Zvartnots Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Having had our fill of mediaeval churches and sweeping

landscapes, we arrive back in Yerevan to celebrate our

tour with a memorable farewell dinner.

Overnight: Hotel Imperial (or similar) (B, L, D)

Day 16 Wed 21 Oct Departure Yerevan

After breakfast, transfer to airport for your departure flight.

(B)

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A deposit of $1,500 per person is required to confirm your

booking on a tour. Final payment of the tour fee, insurance and

any additional travel will be due 100 days before departure.

CANCELLATION FEES

If you decide to cancel your booking the following charges apply:

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99-42 days 45% of the tour cost

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is necessary to cancel the tour, we will advise you not later than

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valid at least 6 months beyond the end of your journey and have

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PRICES

All prices are in Australian Dollars, on twin share basis, and based

on costs and exchange rates applicable when this brochure was

printed. Opulent Journeys reserves the right to adjust prices

whether or not you have already made full payment. We will do

everything within our control not to adjust prices and will

generally only amend prices in the event of marked fluctuations in

exchange rates, fuel costs and other operating costs on which

prices are based.

FITNESS

Most of our tours require a MODERATE level of fitness. However,

in certain destinations or in certain seasons or because of the

nature of travel, certain tours will require an ACTIVE level of

fitness. Please find more information on fitness level at

www.opulentjourneys.com.au/fitness_level

RESPONSIBILITY

OPULENT JOURNEYS Pty Ltd act only in the capacity of agents for the

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aircraft, hotels or coaches. We exercise every care in the selection of

reputable airlines, coach operator, hotels and other suppliers or the

various travel services which are used in the tour. Opulent Journeys Pty Ltd

and/or its associated Companies or Agents assume no responsibility for

loss, injury, accident, delay or damage or irregularity that may be caused

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feature and/or means conveyance, without allowance or refund but the

extra cost, if any resulting there from, must be paid by the passenger. The

right is also reserved to cancel or withdraw any tour, to replace any tour

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transportation companies or firms shall be exempt from all liabilities in

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Or email: enquiries@opulentjourneys.com.au

Price per person (land only)

Cabin type Twin share Single suppl.

Cat. Superior $11,985 $3,555

Please note: the price is based on minimum of 12 people

Tour price includes

Flight from Istanbul to Baku; 4 nights on board your

special train in Superior cabin; 11 nights in first-class

hotels with bath or shower; all meals as per itinerary

(B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); all transport and

excursions in modern tour buses with air-conditioning as

per itinerary; airport transfers on the first and last day of

the itinerary; entrance fees for all sights as per itinerary;

English-speaking local guide in Istanbul, English-speaking

tour manager and guides during train journey from Baku

to Batumi.

Tour price does not include

International flights; visa fees (e-visa for Turkey USD65,

Azerbaijan USD23, Opulent Journeys will assist you with

the visa process); travel insurance; porterages &

gratuities; personal expenses; and anything not

mentioned in the itinerary.

To Make a Booking

As all our tours are bespoke, we aim to provide a

seamless, individual service to you. We are aware you

may have many questions about the tour and are very

happy to assist, so please contact us directly.

Fitness Level - Moderate

Tour participants will need to carry their own luggage,

board a bus unaided, and navigate uneven surfaces

including stairs. On occasions you may need to walk up

to 10 kilometres over a day.

This journey is not suitable for guests with limited mobility

or who depend on CPAP machines. Please contact us

for more information about your specific requirements

before booking.

Private Train

Cat. II – Superior Cabin

• Sleeps up to 2 guests

• 2 lower beds (26.7 × 73.6 in/68 × 185 cm)

Features

• Large window

• Table

• 2 shared bathrooms with sink and toilet per car

• 9 compartments per car

• Shower shared between 1 to 3 cars

About the Train

Superior Cabin Compartment

Friendly staff

For further information please contact Opulent Journeys

Australia: 1300 219 885 New Zealand: 0800 456 219

Email: enquiries@opulentjourneys.com.au Web: opulentjourneys.com.au

Gergeti Trinity Church near Mt Kazbek