The Caucasus in Depth - Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia in 12 Days
Immerse yourself in the cultural diversity of the Caucasus with this 12-day journey through all three countries. From Baku's skyscrapers to Armenian monasteries, through Georgian vineyards and the Great Caucasus mountains.
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 | 00:30 by car
DAY 2: Baku - Absheron - Baku
After enjoying a full breakfast at the hotel, we will begin our immersive exploration of historic Baku by visiting the Shirvanshahs' Palace. This medieval complex, a 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 arrive as we head to the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center, an avant-garde design masterpiece by Zaha Hadid. To top off the day, we will immerse ourselves in the authenticity of Yashil Bazaar.
Accommodation: Baku Midtown Hotel 4*
43 km | 01:04 by car
DAY 3: Baku - Gobustan - Baku
After breakfast, we will begin a fascinating excursion into the past at the Gobustan Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage open-air museum. Here, we will marvel at an impressive collection of petroglyphs dating back 40,000 years. The adventure continues as we venture into the Mud Volcanoes area, a unique geological phenomenon. Back in the capital, we will visit the iconic Carpet Museum.
Accommodation: Baku Midtown Hotel 4*
204 km | 03:30 by car
DAY 4: Baku - Shamakhi - Sheki
After breakfast, we will begin our route by immersing ourselves in the mysticism of the Diri Baba Mausoleum. Next, we will travel to historic Shemakha to discover the Mausoleum of the Seven Domes. The day reaches its peak upon arriving in Sheki, where we will visit the exquisite Khan's Summer Palace with its famous colored stained glass ("Shebeke"). Finally, we will explore the Albanian Church of Kish, one of the oldest Christian temples in the Caucasus.
Accommodation: Sheki Macara Hotel 4*
347 km | 05:27 by car
DAY 5: Sheki - Lagodekhi - Kvareli - Alaverdi - Telavi
We will leave Sheki to head to the Lagodekhi border crossing. After completing immigration procedures, we will venture into the fertile Kvareli region to visit the famous Khareba Winery. We will explore its impressive tunnel complex ("Gvirabi") and enjoy an exquisite wine tasting. We will continue visiting the majestic Alaverdi Cathedral, an 11th-century jewel. Finally, we will arrive at Telavi.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Telavi 4*
230 km | 03:50 by car
DAY 6: Telavi - Sighnaghi - Bodbe - Tbilisi
We will leave Telavi to head to charming Sighnaghi, the "City of Love." We will stroll through its picturesque cobblestone streets and visit Bodbe Monastery, where we will venerate the tomb of Saint Nino. Then we will journey to Tbilisi.
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Tbilisi Center 4*
181 km | 03:08 by car
DAY 7: Tbilisi - Guided Tour
We will explore vibrant Rustaveli Avenue, Metekhi Square, ascend to Narikala Fortress, visit Abanotubani and the Anchiskhati Basilica.
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Tbilisi Center 4*
2 km | 00:26 by car
DAY 8: Tbilisi - Ananuri - Kazbegi - Tbilisi
We will visit Ananuri Fortress and the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church beneath Mount Kazbek.
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Tbilisi Center 4*
321 km | 06:00 by car
DAY 9: Tbilisi - Mtskheta - Uplistsikhe - Gori - Tbilisi
We will visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta, the cave city of Uplistsikhe, and the Stalin Museum in Gori.
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Tbilisi Center 4*
190 km | 03:22 by car
DAY 10: Tbilisi - Sadakhlo - Haghpat - Saghmosavank - Yerevan
We will cross at Sadakhlo, visit Haghpat Monastery (UNESCO) and Saghmosavank Monastery, then arrive in Yerevan.
Accommodation: Hotel Ani Plaza 4*
289 km | 05:28 by car
DAY 11: Yerevan - City Tour - Garni - Geghard - Yerevan
City tour of Yerevan, visit Garni Temple, "Symphony of Stones", and Geghard Monastery (UNESCO).
Accommodation: Hotel Ani Plaza 4*
62 km | 01:33 by car
DAY 12: Transfer from Yerevan to Zvartnots Airport
Transfer to the airport.
13 km | 00:25 by car
Immerse yourself in the cultural diversity of the Caucasus with this 12-day journey through Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia. We will begin our adventure in the land of fire, Azerbaijan. In Baku, the "City of Winds", we will discover a metropolis of contrasts where futuristic skyscrapers like the Flame Towers rise alongside the ancient walled city of Icherisheher. We will explore the Absheron Peninsula and travel back in time admiring the petroglyphs of the Gobustan Reserve. Our route west will take us through mountainous landscapes to Sheki, a historic Silk Road enclave famous for its Khan's Palace and colored stained glass windows.
Georgia: Wine and Mountains
We will cross the border into Georgia to venture into the Kakheti region, the heart of Georgian viticulture. We will visit the city of Telavi and the ancient Ikalto academy before arriving in vibrant Tbilisi. From the capital, we will head north along the spectacular Georgian Military Highway to reach Kazbegi, where the Gergeti Trinity Church will gift us unforgettable views of Mount Kazbek. We will also explore the ancient religious capital of Mtskheta and Stalin's birthplace, Gori, before discovering the cave city of Uplistsikhe.
Armenia: Faith and Tradition
The final stage takes us to Armenia, the first Christian country in the world. We will enter from the north, visiting the medieval monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin, located on the edge of the Debed River canyon. In Yerevan, the "pink city", we will immerse ourselves in its history and culture, visiting the Genocide Memorial and Republic Square. Excursions will take us to the pagan temple of Garni and the rock-hewn monastery of Geghard, as well as the Holy See of Echmiadzin. "The Caucasus in Depth" is a complete journey connecting three unique nations through their history, faith and stunning landscapes.
Included
- Accommodation: 11 Nights in selected 4* hotels
- Meal plan: 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
- Entrances: Monuments according to itinerary
Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Lunches and Dinners (unless indicated)
- Alcoholic beverages and tips
- Personal expenses