Adventures in the Caucasus - Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia in 14 Days
A 14-day itinerary that seeks a balance between urban visits and nature, ideal for active travelers who want to see all three countries with a focus on landscapes.
Itinerary
DAY 1: Transfer from Baku Airport to Baku
We will transfer from the airport to the hotel with the assistance of our guide, who will accompany you throughout the journey.
Accommodation: Baku Midtown Hotel 4* | 20 km
DAY 2: Baku - Absheron - Baku
After enjoying a full breakfast at the hotel, we will begin our immersive exploration in historic Baku visiting the Shirvanshahs Palace. This medieval complex, jewel of the Old City and World Heritage Site, will allow us to travel back in time through its exquisite architecture. Next, we will connect with the mystical essence of the country at Ateshgah, the ancient Zoroastrian fire temple. Following the trail of the legendary "Land of Fire", we will marvel at Yanardag, the famous mountain that burns perpetually. The architectural contrast will come when we head to the Heydar Aliyev Center, a masterpiece of avant-garde design created by Zaha Hadid. To top off the day, we will immerse ourselves in the authenticity of the Yashil Bazaar.
Accommodation: Baku Midtown Hotel 4* | 43 km
DAY 3: Baku - Gobustan - Baku
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we will begin a fascinating excursion into the past at the Gobustan Reserve, an open-air museum declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, we will marvel at an impressive collection of petroglyphs dating back 40,000 years. The adventure will continue into the area of the Mud Volcanoes, a unique geological phenomenon. Returning to the capital, we will conclude this cultural day visiting the iconic Carpet Museum in Baku.
Accommodation: Baku Midtown Hotel 4* | 204 km
DAY 4: Baku - Shamakhi - Sheki
After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we will begin our route immersing ourselves in the mysticism of the Diri Baba Mausoleum. Next, we will travel to historic Shemakha to discover the Seven Domes Mausoleum (Yeddi Gumbez). The day will reach its climax upon arriving in Sheki, where we will visit the exquisite Khan's Summer Palace with its famous colored stained glass windows ("Shebeke"). Finally, we will explore the Albanian Church of Kish, considered one of the oldest Christian temples in the Caucasus.
Accommodation: Sheki Macara Hotel 4* | 347 km
DAY 5: Sheki - Lagodekhi - Kvareli - Alaverdi - Telavi
We will leave behind the historic city of Sheki to head to the Lagodekhi border post. After completing immigration procedures and setting foot on Georgian soil, we will enter the fertile Kvareli region to visit the famous Khareba Winery. There, we will explore its impressive complex of tunnels carved into the Caucasus rock and enjoy an exquisite tasting of their best wines. We will continue visiting the majestic Alaverdi Cathedral. Finally, we will arrive in Telavi.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Telavi 4* | 230 km
DAY 6: Telavi - Sighnaghi - Bodbe - Tbilisi
We will leave Telavi behind to head to the charming Sighnaghi. Known as the "City of Love", we will stroll through its picturesque cobblestone streets and admire its traditional architecture. A short distance away, we will visit Bodbe Monastery, where we will venerate the tomb of Saint Nino, the evangelizer of Georgia. After enjoying the history and landscapes of this wine region, we will return to Tbilisi.
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Tbilisi Center 4* | 181 km
DAY 7: Tbilisi - Guided Tour
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we will begin our cultural immersion on vibrant Rustaveli Avenue, the beating heart of Tbilisi. Our tour will then take us to Metekhi Square. The experience will gain altitude as we ascend by cable car to Narikala Fortress. Later, we will enter the picturesque Abanotubani district, known for its historic sulfur baths. Finally, we will visit Anchiskhati Basilica, the oldest church in the city.
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Tbilisi Center 4* | 2 km
DAY 8: Tbilisi - Ananuri - Kazbegi - Tbilisi
After enjoying a comforting breakfast at the hotel, we will begin a spectacular day. Our first major stop will be the imposing Ananuri Fortress, a medieval architectural complex that offers unparalleled panoramic views over the turquoise waters of the Zhinvali Reservoir. Continuing our route to the heights, we will discover the emblematic Gergeti Trinity Church. This sanctuary rises majestically at 2,170 meters above sea level, under the watchful gaze of the giant Mount Kazbegi.
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Tbilisi Center 4* | 321 km
DAY 9: Tbilisi - Gori - Uplistsikhe - Akhaltsikhe
We will leave Tbilisi behind to travel west. Our first stop will be in the city of Gori, where we will visit the Stalin Museum. A few kilometers away, we will go back in time visiting Uplistsikhe, a fascinating rock city carved into the sandstone. We will continue our journey south until we reach Akhaltsikhe, where the imposing silhouette of the restored Rabati Fortress will welcome us.
Accommodation: Hotel Gino Wellness Rabath 4* | 248 km
DAY 10: Akhaltsikhe - Vardzia - Khertvisi - Bavra - Gyumri
Today we will immerse ourselves in the majesty of Vardzia, an impressive cave monastery carved into the rock dating from the 12th century. Later, we will head to Bavra, the strategic enclave marking the border between Armenia and Georgia, where we will change vehicles and guides.
Accommodation: 21 Rooms Hotel 4* | 193 km
DAY 11: Gyumri - Dilijan - Sevan - Yerevan
We will begin the day immersing ourselves in the nostalgic charm of Gyumri, considered the cultural capital of Armenia. We will head north to discover the picturesque Old Town of Dilijan, often called "Little Switzerland". The day will continue to Lake Sevan, one of the most important natural jewels of the Caucasus. Finally, we will head to Yerevan.
Accommodation: Hotel Ani Plaza 4*
DAY 12: Yerevan - Genocide Museum - Garni - Geghard - Yerevan
We will begin our day immersing ourselves in the vibrant essence of Yerevan. We will walk through Republic Square and the Cascade complex. We will make a moving visit to the Armenian Genocide Museum and the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial. Later, we will visit the Garni Temple, the only Hellenistic monument in the Caucasus. To finish, we will explore Geghard Monastery, a World Heritage Site.
Accommodation: Hotel Ani Plaza 4* | 81 km
DAY 13: Yerevan - Khor Virap - Noravank - Areni Cave - Yerevan
Our first stop will be Khor Virap Monastery, with the most spectacular view of biblical Mount Ararat. We will continue to Noravank Monastery, an architectural jewel from the 13th century. Before returning, we will explore the fascinating Areni Cave, where the world's oldest winery was discovered.
Accommodation: Hotel Ani Plaza 4* | 240 km
DAY 14: Transfer from Yerevan to Zvartnots Airport
We will transfer from the hotel to the airport according to the scheduled flight time, with the assistance of our guide.
End of trip | 13 km
Experience great Adventures in the Caucasus with this alternative 14-day itinerary. Unlike other routes, this proposal seeks a balance between urban visits and nature, ideal for active travelers who want to see all three countries with a focus on landscapes.
Azerbaijan and Central Georgia
After exploring Baku and Sheki in Azerbaijan, we enter Georgia. Here, the route is simplified to maximize time at each stop. We will visit Kakheti and Tbilisi, and make the essential climb to Kazbegi. The journey then takes us to Gori and the cave city of Uplistsikhe, before descending south to the Akhaltsikhe fortress and the caves of Vardzia.
Armenia: Final Contrasts
In Armenia, we will enter through the Bavra pass to Gyumri. We will explore the mountainous north and Lake Sevan before arriving in Yerevan. Visits to Garni, Geghard and Echmiadzin will put the finishing touch to an adventure that combines the best of Soviet, medieval and ancient architecture with the natural beauty of the Caucasus.
Included
- Accommodation: 13 Nights in selected 4* hotels
- Meals: Bed and Breakfast
- Transport: Private vehicle with A/C and fuel
- Guide: Professional English-speaking guide
- Logistics: Staff expenses (guide/driver)
- Water: 1 bottle per person/day
- Taxes: Local taxes
- Entrance fees: Monuments according to itinerary
Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Lunches and Dinners (unless indicated)
- Alcoholic beverages and tips
- Personal expenses