Adventures in the Caucasus: Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia in 16 Days
A 16-day adventure designed for restless spirits who wish to discover the best-kept secrets of the Caucasus, from the Zoroastrianism of Azerbaijan to the ancient Christianity of Georgia and Armenia.
Itinerary
DAY 1: Arrival in Baku
Transfer from Baku airport to the hotel with guide assistance.
DAY 2: Baku - Absheron - Baku
Exploration of the Shirvanshahs Palace, World Heritage Site. Visit to the Zoroastrian fire temple Ateshgah and the burning mountain of Yanardag. Discovery of the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center, designed by Zaha Hadid. Immersion in the vibrant Yashil Bazaar.
DAY 3: Baku - Gobustan - Baku
Excursion to Gobustan Reserve, UNESCO Heritage, with 40,000-year-old petroglyphs. Exploration of the Mud Volcanoes and visit to the Carpet Museum in Baku.
DAY 4: Baku - Shamakhi - Sheki
Visit to the 15th-century Diri Baba Mausoleum. Exploration of the Seven Domes Mausoleum in Shamakhi. Discovery of the Khan Summer Palace in Sheki with its famous stained glass windows. Visit to the Albanian Church of Kish, one of the oldest Christian temples in the Caucasus.
DAY 5: Sheki - Lagodekhi - Sighnaghi - Tbilisi
Border crossing at Lagodekhi into Georgia. Visit to Sighnaghi, the "City of Love", with its cobblestone streets and views of the Alazani Valley. Arrival in Tbilisi.
DAY 6: Tbilisi - Guided Tour
Tour along Rustaveli Avenue admiring the Parliament, Opera House and Rustaveli Theatre. Visit to Metekhi Square and cable car ride to Narikala Fortress. Exploration of Abanotubani district and Anchiskhati Basilica.
DAY 7: Tbilisi - Sadakhlo - Haghpat - Saghmosavank - Yerevan
Border crossing into Armenia at Sadakhlo. Visit to Haghpat Monastery, UNESCO Heritage. Exploration of Saghmosavank Monastery with views of Kasakh Canyon. Arrival in Yerevan.
DAY 8: Yerevan - Khor Virap - Noravank - Areni Cave - Yerevan
Visit to Khor Virap Monastery with views of Mount Ararat. Exploration of 13th-century Noravank Monastery. Discovery of Areni Cave, where the world's oldest winery was found.
DAY 9: Yerevan - Sevan - Dilijan - Goshavank - Sadakhlo - Tbilisi
Visit to Lake Sevan, Armenia's "blue pearl". Exploration of Dilijan National Park and Goshavank Monastery. Border crossing at Sadakhlo and arrival in Tbilisi.
DAY 10: Tbilisi - Ananuri - Kazbegi - Tbilisi
Visit to Ananuri Fortress with views of Zhinvali Reservoir. Ascent to Gergeti Trinity Church at 2,170 meters beneath Mount Kazbegi.
DAY 11: Tbilisi - Mtskheta - Uplistsikhe - Gori - Kutaisi
Visit to Mtskheta with Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Exploration of the cave city of Uplistsikhe. Visit to the Stalin Museum in Gori. Arrival in Kutaisi.
DAY 12: Kutaisi - Bagrati - Motsameta - Gelati - Nikortsminda - Kutaisi
Visit to Bagrati Cathedral and Motsameta Monastery. Exploration of Gelati Academy, UNESCO Heritage. Discovery of Nikortsminda Cathedral in the Racha region.
DAY 13: Kutaisi - Prometheus Cave - Martvili - Batumi
Descent into Prometheus Cave with its stalactites and underground boat ride. Visit to Martvili Canyon with its turquoise waters. Arrival in Batumi.
DAY 14: Batumi and surroundings
Visit to the Batumi Ethnographic Museum. Exploration of Gonio Fortress, 1st-century Roman bastion. Tour of the historic center and Batumi's coastal Boulevard.
DAY 15: Departure
Transfer to Batumi airport according to flight schedule.
About this trip
Experience an authentic Adventure in the Caucasus over 16 days, designed for restless spirits who wish to discover the best-kept secrets of the region. This itinerary is a journey through spiritual and landscape diversity, from the Zoroastrianism of Azerbaijan to the ancient Christianity of Georgia and Armenia. We will begin our tour in the land of eternal fire, Azerbaijan, visiting cosmopolitan Baku and historic Sheki, with its caravanserais that evoke times of merchants and caravans.
Upon entering Georgia, the Kakheti region will welcome us, famous for its amber wines made in qvevri (buried clay vessels). We will stroll through the cobblestone streets of Sighnaghi and enjoy Georgian hospitality. The capital, Tbilisi, will be our base to explore the country's rich history, with its Narikala fortress and Orthodox churches.
The Armenian stage is particularly rich and detailed. We will cross the border into a landscape of volcanic mountains and alpine lakes. We will visit Lake Sevan and the forests of Dilijan, known as the "Armenian Switzerland". In Yerevan and its surroundings, we will take a complete immersion in Christian history, visiting unique monuments and traveling south to see Noravank monastery, an architectural jewel surrounded by red canyons. This trip offers a unique cross-border experience, full of visual and cultural contrasts.
Included
- Accommodation: 14 nights in selected 4-star hotels
- Meals: Bed and breakfast
- Transport: Private vehicle with air conditioning and fuel
- Guide: Professional English-speaking guide throughout
- Logistics: Staff expenses (guide/driver)
- Water: 1 bottle per person/day
- Taxes: Local taxes included
- Entrances: Monuments according to itinerary
Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Lunches and dinners (unless indicated)
- Alcoholic beverages and tips
- Personal expenses