Essential Caucasus - Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia in 13 Days

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 complete breakfast at the hotel, we will begin our immersive exploration in historic Baku visiting the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. This medieval complex, a gem of the Old City and World Heritage Site, will allow us to travel through time via its exquisite architecture. Next, we will connect with the mystical essence of the country at Ateshgah, the ancient Zoroastrian fire temple whose eternal flames are fed by natural gas. Following the trail of the legendary "Land of Fire," we will marvel at Yanardag, the famous mountain that burns perpetually. Architectural contrast will arrive as we head to the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center, a masterpiece of avant-garde design created by Zaha Hadid. To crown the day, we will immerse ourselves in the authenticity of Yashil Bazaar, a vibrant traditional market.

Accommodation: Baku Midtown Hotel 4*

43 km

DAY 3: Baku - Gobustan - Baku

After breakfast at the hotel, we will embark on 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 as we enter the area of Mud Volcanoes, a unique geological phenomenon where Azerbaijan concentrates most of those existing in the world. Back in the capital, we will culminate 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 by immersing ourselves in the mysticism of the Diri Baba Mausoleum. This fascinating 15th-century monument, partially carved into a cliff, will surprise us with its unique fusion of Islamic architecture and wild nature. Next, we will travel to historic Shamakhi to discover the Seven Domes Mausoleum (Yeddi Gumbez). The day will reach its peak upon arriving in Sheki, where we will visit the exquisite Khan's Summer Palace. Finally, we will explore the Albanian Church of Kish, considered one of the oldest Christian temples in the Caucasus, dating to the 1st century.

Accommodation: Sheki Macara Hotel 4*

347 km

DAY 5: Sheki - Lagodekhi - Kvareli - Alaverdi - Telavi

We will leave the historic city of Sheki behind and head to the Lagodekhi border crossing. After completing immigration procedures and stepping onto Georgian soil, we will enter the fertile Kvareli region to visit the famous Khareba Winery. There, we will explore its impressive complex of tunnels ("Gvirabi") carved into the Caucasus rock and enjoy an exquisite wine tasting. We will continue our journey to the majestic Alaverdi Cathedral, an 11th-century gem that rises solemnly over the valley at 50 meters high. Finally, we will arrive in Telavi, the historic capital of the region.

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Telavi 4*

230 km

DAY 6: Telavi - Sighnaghi - Bodbe - Tbilisi

We will leave Telavi behind and head to the charming Sighnaghi. Known as the "City of Love," we will stroll through its picturesque cobblestone streets and admire the stunning views of the Alazani Valley from its historic defensive wall. We will visit the Bodbe Monastery, a place of deep spirituality where we will venerate the tomb of Saint Nino, the evangelizer of Georgia. Finally, we will begin our journey back 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 the vibrant Rustaveli Avenue, the beating heart of Tbilisi. We will admire architectural gems such as the imposing Parliament and the neo-Moorish Opera Theater. Our tour will take us to Metekhi Square, then we will take the cable car up to Narikala Fortress, the ancient defensive citadel from the 4th century. We will enter the picturesque Abanotubani district, known worldwide for its historic sulfur baths. Finally, we will visit the 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 located 66 kilometers from the capital. Here, you will have the opportunity to walk through its defensive towers and centenary walls, which offer an unparalleled panorama over the turquoise waters of Zhinvali Reservoir. Continuing our route to the heights, we will head north to discover the emblematic Gergeti Trinity Church. This sanctuary, which rises majestically at 2,170 meters above sea level, rests under the watchful eye of the giant Mount Kazbek.

Accommodation: Ibis Styles Tbilisi Center 4*

321 km

DAY 9: Tbilisi - Mtskheta - Uplistsikhe - Gori - Tbilisi

We will start the day heading to the ancient capital of Mtskheta, the spiritual heart of the country. There we will visit the majestic Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, an 11th-century gem declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our journey will continue to Uplistsikhe, an impressive rock-carved city over 3,000 years old. To end this day, we will move to the city of Gori to visit the Stalin Museum.

Accommodation: Ibis Styles Tbilisi Center 4*

190 km

DAY 10: Tbilisi - Sadakhlo - Haghpat - Saghmosavank - Yerevan

We will say goodbye to Tbilisi and head south to the Sadakhlo border crossing. After completing immigration procedures and entering Armenia, we will be welcomed by the mountainous landscapes of the Lori region. Our first major stop will be Haghpat Monastery, a masterpiece of medieval architecture declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will continue our journey south to the Aragatsotn region to visit the impressive Saghmosavank Monastery (Monastery of Psalms). Finally, we will complete our journey arriving in Yerevan, the vibrant Armenian capital.

Accommodation: Hotel Ani Plaza 4*

289 km

DAY 11: Yerevan - Garni - Geghard - Yerevan

We will begin the day immersing ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Yerevan, one of the oldest cities in the world. During our city tour, we will walk along its elegant avenues to admire the fusion of Soviet and neoclassical architecture, stopping at emblematic points such as the majestic Republic Square and the Cascade art complex. Subsequently, we will travel to the outskirts to visit Garni Temple, a unique archaeological jewel in the South Caucasus. To culminate the day, we will delve into the mysticism of Geghard Monastery, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Accommodation: Hotel Ani Plaza 4*

62 km

DAY 12: 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.

13 km