Travelogue: Group Tour to enchanting former Russian countries Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia
By John V Tauro
Bellevision Media Network
Mangaluru: A group of 25 senior citizens Tour was organized by well known travel company - Veena World to Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia.
Our tour manager, Vivek Kochrikar under his guidance and each country we visited local guide take care of us until our last day of our tour.
As per schedule we all met at Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai. Here we completed our travel formalities.
Later we proceeded to Baku capital city of Azerbaijan.
Day 1: Welcome to Baku. On arrival we enjoy city orientation tour of Baku which includes, Old town, Maiden tower, Fountain Square, Flame towers, Later we visit Shrivanshah palace. Then we enjoy panoramic view of the city through TV Tower. Later we also enjoy shopping at Nizami Street.
Day 2: Today Morning we visit Gobustan National Park well known for the ancient carvings and gas-stones in the region. Then we saw mud volcanoes sit in Gobustan. Later we proceed to visit Yanar dag – Mountain with an eternal flame.
Day 3: Today we proceed to Kvareli – A small town in Georgia, famous for greatest views of Caucasus Mountains. On arrival we visited Khareba winery.
Day 4: Today we proceed to Tbilisi – Capital of Georgia. On arrival we enjoy orientation tour of Tbilisi which includes Kote Apkhazi Street, Freedom Square & Sulphur Baths, and then we visited Holy Trinity Cathedral, Metekhi Church. Then we took cable car to Narikala Fortress to enjoy breath-taking panoramic view of the city. Then we crossed the Bridge of Peace and visited Rike Park.
Day 5: Today we travelled along the Georgian Military Highway. During this travel we saw the Zhinvali reservoir. Further travelled to the Georgian Military Highway – is a town of Stepansminda situated at the foot of the Mount Kazbeg – the most famous and picturesque mountain of Georgia. Above the town like a fairy castle, rises Gergeti Trinity Church.
Day 6: Today we visit Haghpat Monastery, then we drive through Dilijan town – a popular resort town which is also known as ‘Little Switzerland in Armenia.’ Later we took a photo stop at Lake Sevan- the largest body of water in Armenia. Then we proceed to Yerevan- Armenia’s capital city.
Day 7: Today we enjoyed orientation tour of Yerevan which includes Republic square, State University, Mother Panorama monument, Parliament building, then we visit Cascade Complex, Etchmiadzin Cathedral. Later we have free time for shopping at Yerevan gold market.
Day 8: It’s time now to say goodbye to our travel companions. Hoped to keep in touch with each other through email, Face Book and meet again on one more memorable tour. See you all ‘Mumbai to Mumbai Tour’ Guests and ‘Joining leaving tour’ guests will proceed to Airport at scheduled group flight departure time and take a return flight to their home town. Tour concludes.