Grand Caucasus 2024

THE GRAND CAUCASUS MAY 2024 AZERBAIJAN - GEORGIA - ARMENIA
Tour Summary

Amaco Small Group Tours invites you to join our ‘Grand Caucasus’ Small Group Tour & Conference.

We have carefully designed a bespoke itinerary travelling to three distinctly different spellbinding countries at the crossroads between East and West. This strategic geography has brewed a potent history and has created a timeless allure to this amazingly under-rated and rarely visited region.

Long seen as an important bridge linking East and West, North and South, this was the realm of Silk Road caravans conquered by Persians, Byzantines, Ottomans, Russians, and Soviets.

The Main Conference itinerary includes Azerbaijan & Georgia and begins in Baku, Azerbaijan’s capital. An engaging blend of Dubai, Paris, Marrakech, and Moscow all rolled into one. This glamorous and cosmopolitan capital of oil-rich Azerbaijan lies on the shores of the Caspian Sea.

You will visit Ichari Shahar the UNESCO World Heritage listed old town. Expect a maze of alleys, dead ends and caravanserais, a throwback to the city’s Silk Road connections. The modern side of the city is represented by a visit to the stunningly modern Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre by Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid and the new home of the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum resembling the shape of a rolled-up carpet. You will explore the nearby Absheron Peninsula with its Fire Temple, with connections to Zoroastrianism and Yanar Dag (burning mountain), where natural gas has been burning for several thousand years.

Further afield you will venture to the Gobustan Mud Volcanoes on a 4WD adventure. Leaving the capital behind you will head deep into the country visiting the Shamakhi region, a long-time capital and trade centre for western Azerbaijan and a key town on the Silk Road. You will visit Lahij, a craft village located in the hills of the Greater Caucasus Mountains before heading to Gabala for an evening spent in the highest hotel above sea level in Azerbaijan.

You’ll visit Sheki, one of the most ancient settlements and cultural centres of Azerbaijan. The highlight of the area is a visit to the Royal Summer Palace of Shaki Khans with its magnificent frescoes and exquisite stained-glass windows.

The itinerary next sees you changing countries with a crossing into Georgia and more specifically the wine-making region of Kakheti, the most picturesque and fertile part of Georgia. You will have the opportunity to explore this region famous for its wine and indulge in a wine tasting or two.

Why Travel With Amaco Small Group Tours?

  • All Inclusive Travel Packages
  • Small Groups
  • Hand-picked Tours & Activities
  • 25+ Years Experience

Got a Question?

Do not hesitate to give us a call. One of our expert team is available and would be happy to answer any questions you have.

1300 668 149 or +61 3 9545 0906

info@amacotravel.com.au

You will then visit the stunning hilltop town of Sighnaghi, and the Gremi architectural complex, founded by the King of Kakheti Levan, before arriving in the capital of Georgia, Tbilisi.

Long under the thumb of its neighbouring triumvirate of regional powers — the Persians, the Ottomans, and then the Soviets — Georgia has finally managed to shake off its shackles and stand as an independent country. Until recently mired in post-Soviet poverty and corruption, the Georgian capital has now emerged with a mix of old town gentrification and ultramodern hip architecture.

You begin your exploration of Tbilisi in the Old Town, a city born where sulphur bathhouses still stand, once the haunt of Pushkin and guarded over by the rambling 17th-century fortress. Hidden courtyards, balconied facades, century-old mosques, synagogues, and icon-filled Orthodox churches all stand in unity suggesting a multi-faith tolerance.

You’ll then head for the Shida Kartli region to visit Gori, the birthplace of Stalin and home to a controversial museum dedicated to the dictator’s memory. A short distance away you’ll visit UplistsikheThe Fortress of God — a rock-hewn town dating back to 2000BC.

Head north and into the watchful gaze of Mt. Kazbek a soaring 4890m peak. You’ll travel along the great Georgian Military Highway in the shadow of jagged peaks topped with snow and alpine meadows. Cross the Jvari Pass and arrive in Kazbegi near the Russian Border.

Your time in this rugged region will include a visit to the famous Gergeti Trinity Church and the dramatic Dariali Gorge bordering Russia. The itinerary also includes the Aravgi region featuring churches with massive guard towers and richly decorated façades dating back to the 13th century.

You’ll spend time in Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia, and the 6th Century Jvari Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your itinerary and Main Conference conclude with a final stop back in Tbilisi.

Post Conference: Armenia

For those who are ready to discover all three countries, we recommend you continue your journey to Armenia.

Your itinerary begins with Conference Sessions in Tbilisi, before crossing the border to Armenia, a country whose past is as dramatic as its rugged landscape.

One of the world’s oldest civilizations, few countries have a history as rich or complex. With spectacular medieval churches and monasteries, breathtaking natural beauty, and warm and welcoming people, Armenia’s enticing culture is one that shows resilience and rebirth from its tragic past.

Crossing the border you’ll visit the monastery of Haghpat representing a fusion of vernacular and Byzantine architecture located in the Debed Canyon in North Armenia. The oldest structures here date back to the 10th century. You’ll arrive amongst the lush landscapes of Dilijan, your home for the next couple of nights. This pristine landscape has been a centre for artists, writers, and musicians alike, revelling in the tranquil ambiance of its dense forests, crystal clear streams, and pristine landscape. Then there’s the sparkling waters of Lake Sevan, a vast lake that covers five percent of Armenia’s total surface area. 

Discover the Molokan communities, a religious community with roots in Russia dating back to the 19th century. The way of life here has stood still, and you’ll meet a local family that is proud to preserve their cultural heritage. 

Arrive in Yerevan, one of the oldest cities in the world — 28 years older than Rome. You’ll explore imposing Soviet-style façades, and pink hue buildings. Further afield you venture to two more jewels in Armenia’s cultural crown, the Hellenic-style Temple of Garni and the monastery at Geghard.

You’ll visit Khor Virap located in the Ararat plain, a stone’s throw from the border of Turkey with the looming  Mt Ararat, the biblical mountain where Noah’s Ark is said to have landed as a breathtaking backdrop.  It’s then onto the 13th-century Noravank Monastery tucked between tall, brick-red cliffs.

Christianity is embedded in everyday life here and the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin  – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one the oldest churches in the world is not to be missed.

Foodies will appreciate the local cuisine in the region. The itinerary includes some of the best restaurants and you can expect delicious dishes throughout . . . with many new and exciting flavours not available anywhere else.

Together, the ‘Grand Caucasus’ Conference & Small Group Tour provides participants with the most comprehensive itineraries ever offered in this region and represents exceptional value for money.

The all-inclusive travel packages cover the best accommodation available, all touring, all entrance fees as well as many specially arranged activities not available to the general public. We also include all meals and take great care to ensure those with special dietary requirements are looked after.

We hope you can join us as we travel through the Caucasus region in May 2024. Unlike our usual conference groups which are capped at 40 people, we’ve reduced the maximum number of people who can attend this conference to just 34 people. This will help ensure your comfort and maximize your touring pleasure.

Register today or risk missing out!

Note: This trip is appropriate for travelers who are physically fit, with a sense of adventure. Expect to travel by coach up to 150kms on some days and participate in up to 2 – 3 hours of light to moderate physical activity per day. Access to many sites in the program requires you to navigate stairs and uneven ground.

Destination

Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia

Duration

14 Nights (21 with Armenia)

Value For Money

All Inclusive Tour Package

Booking Info: Azerbaijan & Georgia Main Conference

Departure #1

Departure #2 - SOLD OUT

Start Date & Time

9 May 2024 @ 7:00pm

16 May 2024 @ 7:00pm

 

End Date & Time

23 May 2024 @ 9:00am

30 May 2024 @ 9:00am

Start & End Location

Starts: Baku, Azerbaijan

Ends: Tbilisi, Georgia

Registration Fees

Conference Participant: $995 pp
Non-Conference Participant: $795 pp

Travel Packages

Amaco Family Price: $10,995 pp
(For previous Amaco Conference Participants)

Early Bird Price: $11,995 pp
(If booked on or before 1 November 2023)

Standard Price: $12,995 pp
(If booked on or after 02 November 2023)

Single Supplement (if travelling alone): $3,695

 

Gain a much deeper understanding of this extraordinary region by combining the Azerbaijan & Georgia Conference with the Armenia Conference.

Participants will save up to $1000 per person by combining all three destinations.  

Inclusions: Azerbaijan & Georgia Main Conference

Price Includes

  • 4 nights accommodation at Fairmont Hotel Baku
  • 2 nights accommodation at Qafqaz Tufandagh Hotel Gabala
  • 2 nights accommodation at Radisson Tsinandali Estate
  • 4 nights accommodation at Marriott Hotel Tbilisi
  • 2 nights accommodation at Hotel Rooms Kazbegi
  • 14 x Breakfasts, 13 x Lunches, 14 x Dinners
  • Azerbaijan Visa Fees (Australian Passport Holders)
  • Baku Old City Tour (10/17 May 2024)
  • Absheron Peninsula Tour – Baku Fire Temple and Burning Mountain (10/17 May 2024)
  • Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre (11/18 May 2024)
  • Baku Carpet Museum (11/18 May 2024)
  • Gobustan Nature Reserve & Mud Volcano 4WD Tour (12/19 May 2024)
  • Yashil Bazaar Tasting Tour (12/19 May 2024)
  • Shemaki Historical Site Visit (13/20 May 2024)
  • Lahij Village Visit (13/20 May 2024)
  • Gabala Cable Car Ride (13/20 May 2024)
  • Sheki Village and Palace of Sheki Khan Tour (15/22 May 2024)
  • Tsinindali Estate Tour (15/22 May 2024)
  • Khaketi Regional Tour (16/23 May 2024)
  • Kareba Winery & Wine Tasting Tour (16/23 May 2024)
  • Sighnaghi Town Tour (17/24 May 2024)
  • Tbilisi Sightseeing Tour (18/25 May 2024)
  • Stalin Museum Tour (19/26 May 2024)
  • Uplistsikhe Caves Tour (19/26 May 2024)
  • Chateau Mukhrani Wine Tour and Tasting (19/26 May 2024)
  • Gergeti Monastery and Dariali Gorge Tour (20/27 May 2024)
  • Ananuri and Mtshketa Tour (21/28 May 2024)
  • Market and Solokai District Tour (22/29 May 2024)
  • Soviet Brutalist Tour (22/29 May 2024)

Gold Amaco Standard

  • Small Group Size (not exceeding 30 participants)
  • Services of specialist, experienced and professional guides & drivers
  • Tips to guides, drivers, restuarant and hotel staff and wherever deemed appropriate
  • Airport Transfers for Group Arrivals and Departures
  • All applicable entrance fees, taxes and hotel porterage charges
  • Beverage With All Included Lunches and Dinners (Alcoholic Beverages Where Permitted)
  • Amaco staff escort
  • Hassle free luggage management

Price Excludes

  • Airfares to and from the conference
  • Items of a personal nature such as telephone calls, mini bar, room service, laundry and business communications
  • Beverages outside of meal times
  • Travel, optional tours & excursions not included in the itinerary
  • Travel Insurance
  • Visitors visas where not included
Itinerary: Azerbaijan & Georgia Main Conference

Day 1 - 9 / 16 May 2024Welcome to Baku

On arrival at Baku International Airport, you will be met by Amaco staff or our local representative and transferred to our group hotel – the beautiful Fairmont Hotel.

Following check-in at the hotel, you are free to relax in your room or begin enjoying the area surrounding the hotel.

In the evening you will enjoy a Welcome Networking Dinner. It’s a great opportunity to meet your fellow participants and your Amaco host and begin renewing old friendships and creating new ones.

Overnight: Fairmont Hotel Baku

Included Meals: Welcome Networking Dinner

Day 2 - 10 / 17 May 2024Old Town Baku & Absheron Peninsula

Today you visit Martyrs Avenue offering a panoramic view of the city and bay of Baku.

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage listed Old Town with a guided walking tour of its maze of alleys, carpet shops, and caravanserais.

You will make your way to Shirvanshahs Palace dating back to the 16th century. You’ll stop for lunch before you head to the Absheron Peninsula. Here you will visit the Baku Fire Temple — connected to Zoroastrianism and the Burning Mountain in Mehemmedi settlement. Dinner this evening will be at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Fairmont Hotel Baku
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 - 11 / 18 May 2024Conference & Modern Baku

Conference Sessions 1 & 2 will take place at the hotel this morning followed by lunch.

After lunch visit the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre, one of the most iconic modern architectural buildings of our time created by the famous Iraqi British architect Zaha Hadid.

Just as spectacular is the Baku Carpet Museum resembling the shape of a rolled-up carpet boasting one of the greatest carpet collections in the world.

Dinner this evening will be on one of the oldest streets in Baku.

Overnight: Fairmont Hotel Baku
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 - 12 / 19 May 2024Gobustan Nature Reserve & Yashil Bazaar

This morning leave the city behind for an off-road trip to the Mud Volcanoes and Gobustan Nature Reserve. The reserve has more than 6,000 rock carvings and half of the world’s 700 mud volcanoes.

Return to the city for lunch before a walking tour through the delights of Yashil Bazaar, a vibrant marketplace with an array of spices, fresh produce, and handicrafts.

Dinner this evening will be at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Fairmont Hotel Baku
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 - 13 / 20 May 2024Into the Caucasus Mountains

Today leave Baku behind and head for the Caucasus Mountains northwest of Azerbaijan.

You will visit the hauntingly beautiful Juma Mosque and the historical Diribaba Mausoleum in Shamakhi before stopping at Lahij, an ancient, almost untouched village a world away from Baku.

After lunch, you head into the mountains and spend the evening in Gabala.

Overnight: Qafqaz Tufandagh Hotel Gabala
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 - 14 / 21 May 2024Conference Sessions

Conference Sessions 3 & 4 take place this morning followed by lunch at the hotel.

The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy your surroundings.

Dinner this evening will be at the hotel.

Overnight: Qafqaz Tufandagh Hotel Gabala
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 - 15 / 22 May 2024Sheki Khan Palace and Kakheti Wine Country

This morning you head to the fabled Silk Road town of Sheki.

A visit to the magnificently frescoed, stain-glassed Palace of Sheki Khan and a stop at the caravanserai take place this morning before crossing the border into Georgia after lunch.

After border formalities, we meet our Georgian guide and are introduced to the Kakheti wine-growing region. You will visit the Gremi Architectural Complex before arriving at the Tsinandali Estate, your home for the evening.

Overnight: Radisson Tsinandali Estate Sighnaghi
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 - 16 / 23 May 2024Exploring the Wine Region – Kakheti

Today we will explore the picturesque and the most fertile part of Georgia – Kakheti, which borders the Great Caucasus range from the north Alazani Valley.

This region is known as the birthplace of viticulture and wine-making. The rich land, burning sun, and hard work have developed about 500 varieties of vine in Georgia.

You’ll explore the local farmers market in Telavi, where you can enjoy the large variety of ingredients Georgians use for cooking. Enjoy a local lunch whilst sampling Georgian wine and local delicacies before heading to the Alazani Valley. Here you’ll visit the elegant 11th-century Alaverdi Cathedral, founded by the Assyrian monk Joseph Alaverdeli, who settled in a former pagan village and converted people to Christianity.

Overnight: Radisson Tsinandali Estate Sighnaghi
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 - 17 / 24 May 2024Conference Sessions and arrival into Tbilisi

Conference Sessions 5 & 6 will take place this morning followed by lunch.

You’ll then set off for a visit to St. Nino’s burial place and the 9th-century Bodbe Nunnery before arriving in the capital of Georgia, Tbilisi. Check in to your hotel before enjoying your first dinner in this vibrant capital.

Overnight: Marriott Hotel, Tbilisi 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 10 - 18 / 25 May 2024Tbilisi

After breakfast, you begin your tour of Tbilisi.

Visit the Metekhi Church of Assumption built by King Demetri II, a great example of the cross-domed Georgian Orthodox Churches. Meander through the Old Town with its narrow streets, wooden balconied houses and sulphur bath house domes.

You will take a Cable Car ride to Narikhala Fortress with a commanding view of the entire city. After lunch, you will continue your exploration of this vibrant city before enjoying dinner at one of Tbilisi’s most celebrated restaurants.

Overnight: Marriott Hotel Tbilsi
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 - 19 / 26 May 2024Into the Caucasus Mountains

Today you head to the Caucasus Mountains, stopping at Gori, the birthplace of Joseph Stalin with a private tour of the Stalin Museum.

You will visit Uplistsikhe, meaning Lord’s Castle populated before 1000 BC, and was once one of the most important centres along the trade route linking Byzantium with India and China.

You then head to Chateau Mukhrani for an underground wine cellar tour, wine tasting and lunch.

Heading into the Caucasus Mountains arrive at Kazbegi in the late afternoon. Dinner will be at the hotel this evening.

Overnight: Rooms Kazbegi Kazbegi
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12- 20 / 27 May 2024Exploring the Kazbegi region

This morning you will head to Gergeti Holy Trinity Church. Take the optional hike down or catch the return transfer to the base of the mountain before you head close to the Russian border with dramatic views of Dariali Gorge.

There is a leisurely walk to Gveleti waterfall before you head back to the hotel for the remainder of the afternoon & evening.

Overnight: Rooms Kazbegi Kazbegi
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13- 21 / 28 May 2024Ananuri & Jvari

Following breakfast you leave Kazbegi behind and head back to Tbilisi.

You will make a stop at the monolithic Russian Georgian Friendship Monument which offers views over Devil’s Valley and the Caucasus Mountains. It’s then onto the 13th-century Ananuri fortress complex, the former residence of the Dukes of the Aragvi region before arriving into the former ancient capital Mtskheta and Svevtitskhoveli, a sacred place for Georgians where the Robe Of Christ is said to be buried.

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Jvari, a 6th monastery built on top of a cliff before heading back to Tbilisi.

Overnight: Marriott Hotel Tbilsi
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14 - 22 / 29 May 2024Solakai District & The Brutalist Era

Today you visit the Dry Bridge Market and the Sololaki district, once the district of rich merchants and artists.

In the afternoon you will see the Soviet Influenced structures of the city taking in Brutalist Architecture that is still dominant in parts of the city.

Enjoy a Farewell Dinner this evening.

Overnight: Marriott Hotel Tbilsi
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner

Day 15 - 23 / 30 May 2024Farewell

The Main Conference itinerary ends today. After breakfast, those not continuing with the Post Conference Extension to Armenia will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Booking Info: Armenia Post Conference Extension

Departure #1

Departure #2 - SOLD OUT

Start Date & Time

22 May 2024 @ 7:00pm

29 May 2024 @ 7:00pm

 

End Date & Time

30 May 2024 @ 9:00am

6 June 2024 @ 9:00am

Start & End Location

Starts: Tbilisi, Georgia

Ends: Yerevan, Armenia

Registration Fees

Conference Participant: $795 pp
Non-Conference Participant: $595 pp

Travel Packages

Amaco Family Price: $6,995 pp
(For previous Amaco Conference Participants)

Early Bird Price: $7,495 pp
(If booked on or before 01 November 2023)

Standard Price: $7,995 pp
(If booked on or after 02 November 2023)

Single Supplement (if travelling alone): $2,955

 

Gain a much deeper understanding of this extraordinary region by combining the Azerbaijan & Georgia Conference with the Armenia Conference.

Participants will save up to $1000 per person by combining all three destinations.  

Inclusions: Armenia Post Conference Extension

Price Includes

  • 2 nights accommodation Marriott Tbilisi
  • 2 nights accommodation Dilijan Tun Hotel
  • 4 nights accommodation Hotel Alexander, A Luxury Collection Hotel Yerevan
  • 8 x Breakfasts, 7 x Lunches, 8 x Dinners
  • Haghpat Monastery & Molokan Village Tour (24 / 31 May 2024)
  • Dilijan Local Crafts Tour (25 May / 1 June 2024)
  • Hagharstin Monastery Tour (25 May / 1 June 2024)
  • Lake Sevan Boat Tour (26 May / 2 June 2024)
  • Garni Temple & Geghard Monastery Visit (26 May / 2 June 2024)
  • Noravank Monastery, Khor Virap Visit (27 May / 3 June 2024)
  • Yerevan Hospital Visit (28 May / 4 June 2024)
  • Yerevan City Walking Tour (28 May / 4 June 2024)
  • Etchmiadszin & Zvarnots Visit (29 May / 5 June 2024)

Gold Amaco Standard

  • Small Group Size (not exceeding 30 participants)
  • Services of specialist, experienced and professional guides & drivers
  • Tips to guides, drivers, restuarant and hotel staff and wherever deemed appropriate
  • Airport Transfers for Group Arrivals and Departures
  • All applicable entrance fees, taxes and hotel porterage charges
  • Beverage With All Included Lunches and Dinners (Alcoholic Beverages Where Permitted)
  • Amaco staff escort
  • Hassle free luggage management

Price Excludes

  • Airfares to and from the conference
  • Items of a personal nature such as telephone calls, mini bar, room service, laundry and business communications
  • Beverages outside of meal times
  • Travel, optional tours & excursions not included in the itinerary
  • Travel Insurance
  • Visitors visas where not included.
Itinerary: Armenia Post Conference Extension

Day 1 - 22 / 29 May 2024Welcome to Tbilisi

For new participants arriving at Tbilisi International Airport you will be met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel.

Following check-in at the hotel you are to relax in your room or explore the area surrounding the hotel.

Enjoy a Welcome Dinner this evening where you will meet other participants and partners as well as your Amaco host.

Overnight: Marriott Hotel Tbilsi
Included Meals: Welcome Dinner

 

Day 2 - 23 / 30 May 2024Conference Sessions

Conference Session 1 & 2 will take place this morning followed by lunch.

The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the surrounding area or partake in some local shopping.

Dinner this evening will be at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Marriott Hotel, Tbilsi
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 - 24 / 31 May 2024Molokan Villages & Dilijan National Park

An early morning departure as you farewell Georgia and cross the border to Armenia.

After border formalities, you will head to Lori and visit the UNESCO-protected Haghpat monastery dating as far back as the 11th century.

You then visit the village of Lemontovo — an isolated community where Russian Molokans live the traditional way of life. You continue to the picturesque area of Dilijan, your home for the next two nights.

Overnight: Dilijani Tun Hotel Dilijan
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 - 25 May / 1 June 2024Monasteries & Artisans

Today you visit Haghartsin Monastery. The monastery complex of Haghartsin, one of the wonders of Armenian medieval architecture, is located north of Dilijan.

After lunch, there’ll be time to explore Dilijan Old Town with a guided walk along Sharambeyan Street, where local artisans work on their craft.

Dinner will be at a local restaurant this evening.

Overnight: Dilijani Tun Hotel Dilijan
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 - 26 May / 2 June 2023Lake Sevan to Yerevan

Today you continue to Lake Sevan one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world at an altitude of 1900m above sea level.

This landlocked country considers the lake the Emerald of Armenia. You’ll then continue to Garni Temple, a pagan temple via the picturesque Avan Canyon, skirting formidable cliffs and passing gorges until a green plateau and the Geghard monastery.

Arrive in Armenia’s capital, Yerevan late afternoon.

Overnight: Alexander Hotel, Luxury Collection Yerevan
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 - 27 May / 3 June 2023Ancient Monasteries and Noah’s Ark

Today you visit Khor Virap, close to the border of Turkey with views of Turkey and the twin peaks of Ararat, the last resting place of Noah’s Ark.  

The monastery was host to a theological seminary and was the residence of Armenian Catholicos. You’ll then continue to Noravank, a 13th-century Armenian monastery, located in a narrow gorge made by the Amaghu River, near the town of Yeghegnadzor in Armenia.

The gorge is known for its tall, sheer, brick-red cliffs. A stunning and awe-inspiring place.

Return to Yerevan and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Alexander Hotel, Luxury Collection Yerevan
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 - 28 May / 4 June 2023Conference & Yerevan

Conference Sessions 3 & 4 will take place this morning followed by lunch.

After lunch, it’s time to explore Yerevan. Enjoy a walking tour of the pink-hewn city uncovering the various layers of its history. Medieval shrines are hidden behind Soviet façades, Republic Square, Cascade and Mother Armenia, the Opera House, and North Avenue.

You will then have the privilege of visiting a local hospital and the opportunity to meet local GPs. Return to the hotel.

Dinner at a local restaurant this evening.

Overnight: Alexander Hotel, Luxury Collection Yerevan
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 - 29 May / 5 June 2023The Birth of Christianity in Armenia

This morning you visit Etchmiadzin Cathedral, the mother church of the Armenian Apostolic Church, located in the city of  Vagharshapat.

According to most scholars, it was the first cathedral built in ancient Armenia and is often considered the oldest cathedral in the world.  It’s then onto Zvartnots,  a 7th-century centrally planned aisled tetraconch-type Armenian cathedral built by the order of Catholicos Nerses the Builder from 643-652.

Now in ruins, it is located at the edge of the city of Vagharshapat.  A cultural showcase, that is not to be missed, is Matenadaran, one of the world’s oldest repositories of Greek, Persian, and Arabic manuscripts.

You’ll enjoy the remainder of the afternoon free to visit the local markets and do some final souvenir shopping.

Tonight we have our Farewell Dinner.  

Overnight: Alexander Hotel, Luxury Collection Yerevan
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner

Day 9 - 30 May / 6 June 2023Farewell

The ‘Grand Caucasus’ itinerary ends today. After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey.

Included Meals: Breakfast

 

Travel Options & Extensions

Given everything that has happened in the travel industry of late – you’re correct to be vigilant about where you spend your travel dollar.

Amaco is not only a member of AFTA (the Australian Federation of Travel Agents) and CATO (Council of Australian Tour Operators) but we are also ATAS Travel Accredited. This means we have met strict industry financial, operational, and management standards and criteria. Only the best industry agents achieve this accreditation meaning that you can travel with us knowing that you’re in safe and very capable hands.

With almost 30 years’ of experience in planning and running conferences, we understand that participants often want to add additional travel destinations and adventures either before or after the all-inclusive packages we provide.

Other operators might discourage you from doing this. Sometimes, it’s because of the added complexity it creates and at other times they’ll try to talk you out of it simply because they don’t have capable or experienced consultants with the breadth and depth of the consultants we employ.

We encourage all participants to make the most of the time away. This might mean departing earlier than the rest of the group and visiting other destinations before meeting up with the main group at the conference or staying on at the conclusion and doing some additional travel.

Either way – our consultants are perfectly positioned to assist you with making these arrangements and will do all the hard work for you – seamlessly combining your personalised itinerary with the group program.

CAN I BOOK MY OWN FLIGHTS?

Yes… not a problem. We understand that people may have a preferred Travel Agent they want to use and we don’t have any issues with you doing so. We’ll advise you of suggested arrival and departure times to allow you to make use of our group transfers.

That said though… we do have experienced consultants who are ready and waiting to help… even if that means just giving you a comparison price – nothing wrong with some competition.

If you do book your own flights, we do ask for a copy of your full itinerary so that we can double-check it to ensure that it fits with our program and group itinerary.

One word of warning, however, when booking flights independently – as the non-ticketing Agent we’re not notified of any time changes or cancellations to your booking. If anything changes with your booking, it will be up to your agent to contact you and then for you to contact us.

It is also worth pointing out that even though we’ll have experienced staff members escorting the group during the conference, as the non-ticketing Agent we are unable to make contact or deal with the airline on your behalf.

CAN I CHOOSE MY OWN CLASS OF TRAVEL?

We used to include flights in our travel package but found that in many cases the fares were more expensive than the best available daily fares or were not applicable for people who were looking to extend before or after the main conference travel dates.

We also felt it was unfair on you, as a participant, to unknowingly pay a premium for a more flexible group fare when you are already committed to attending the conference.

By not including the airfare in the package, you are able to work with one of our experienced and knowledgeable Travel Consultants to arrange flights on any airline and from any destination depending on your preferences…. including the class of travel.

CAN I VISIT OTHER PLACES BEFORE OR AFTER THE CONFERENCE?

In short….. Yes!

You’re encouraged to talk to our experienced travel consultants to learn more about the options open to you either before or after the conference itineraries. We will gladly work with you to put together a personalised itinerary that can include as much or as little as you want.

We believe it is important for your own peace of mind to know that our consultants are all employed directly by Amaco Small Group Tours and are located in our office.

We don’t subcontract out the travel to a third party which means you can be comfortable knowing that whatever arrangements you make through Amaco will be tied together with the conference program to make one continuous, seamless travel itinerary. We’ll put as much care and effort into your extension as we put into the planning of the conference.

Whether it is simply booking some airport transfers with a couple of nights accommodation through to more elaborate arrangements we are perfectly positioned to incorporate any individual travel plans into your overall conference itinerary.

Email or call us so we can put together your perfect itinerary.

TRAVEL INSURANCE - IS IT REALLY NECESSARY?

Much has been said about the value of travel insurance – especially given the broad-based exclusion policies many underwriters had in place which protected them from claims resulting from pandemics and epidemics.

A lot has changed in the past 12 – 18 months and many of the reputable travel insurance policies available in the market now not only include the usual cover for luggage and emergency medical expenses but also include coverage for COVID.

All members of the Amaco team are trained and authorised to provide information to clients regarding travel insurance. We routinely attend product updates on the various policy options and inclusions and stand ready to assist you in finding the right policy for you.

Please call our office and we will gladly explain the various different scenarios to you in greater depth.

Education

Amaco is an Accredited Education Provider for the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Australian College of Rural & Remote Medicine.

Each conference we run includes an education syllabus that assists GP’s, pharmacists and health professionals to improve the quality of care they provide to patients and customers while at the same time providing them the opportunity to travel to and experience new and exciting destinations.

Our conference will allow delegates the opportunity to earn CPD hours / points based on the content and time in sessions. As has been the case with past conferences, we will work closely with participants affiliated with other associations to ensure that they receive maximum recognition for attending the conference.

The content of the education sessions will be relevant to GPs, Medical Specialists, Pharmacists, Dentists, Nurses, and other health providers. We encourage all attendees to register for the conference sessions.

The Education Committee for these two Grand Caucasus Conferences will be selected in late-2023 with final conference topics to be chosen based on the feedback from our previous conference attendees and with input from the RACGP, ACRRM, and medical journals. Suitable speakers will be approached based on the topics selected.

Subject to final accreditation, each Main Conference: Azerbaijan & Georgia Conference will include up to 12 hours of accredited education. The Post Conference Extension to Armenia will include up to 8 hours of accredited education.

ACRRM members can also expect the education program to be accredited and to earn CPD points. RACGP and ACRRM accreditation will be applied for under the triennium 2023 to 2025.

As has been the case in the past, Amaco will work with pharmacy bodies and those affiliated with other associations to ensure that they receive maximum recognition for attending the conference.

We welcome applications from potential presenters and encourage anyone interested to contact us to obtain further information.

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Register Here For:
9 May Departure - Azerbaijan & Georgia & 23 May Departure - Armenia






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