Exploring the Caucasus - Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia in 16 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 - Jvari - Svetitskhoveli - Kazbegi - Gudauri

We will leave Tbilisi for a deep immersion into the country's spiritual history. Our first stop will be at Jvari Monastery, a 6th-century gem perched high on a mountain. Next, we will descend to the ancient capital, Mtskheta, to visit the grand Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will resume our route north through the panoramic Georgian Military Highway until reaching Kazbegi. The highlight will be the ascent to the Gergeti Trinity Church, facing the imposing peak of Mount Kazbek. After enjoying this postcard landscape, we will head to Gudauri.

Accommodation: Marco Polo 4*

216 km

DAY 9: Gudauri - Uplistsikhe - Gori - Kutaisi

Our day begins visiting the famous Stalin Museum in the city of Gori. This unique complex offers us a unique perspective on the Soviet leader. Then we will discover Uplistsikhe, a fascinating cave city masterfully carved into living rock over three millennia ago. We will walk through this extraordinary archaeological site where pagan temples and Christian basilicas coexist.

Accommodation: Best Western Kutaisi 4*

335 km

DAY 10: Kutaisi - Bagrati - Gelati - Prometheus - Batumi

We will begin our day exploring the authenticity of the Kutaisi Agricultural Market. We will climb Ukimerioni hill to admire Bagrati Cathedral. We will continue the historical tour at the Gelati Academy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Subsequently, we will delve into the depths of the earth at the Prometheus Cave, a magical natural system adorned with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Finally, we will head toward the Black Sea coast, concluding our journey in Batumi.

Accommodation: Best Western Premier Batumi 4*

197 km

DAY 11: Batumi - Ubisa - Borjomi - Akhaltsikhe

After enjoying breakfast and saying goodbye to the coast of Batumi, we will venture into the interior of Georgia. Our first stop will be the ancient Ubisa Monastery, a 9th-century complex with exceptional 14th-century frescoes. We will continue toward the green gorge of Borjomi, the famous spa town, where we will stroll through its Mineral Park to taste its famous volcanic healing waters. Finally, we will arrive in Akhaltsikhe, where we will settle at the foot of its imposing fortress.

Accommodation: Hotel Gino Wellness Rabath 4*

324 km

DAY 12: Akhaltsikhe - Vardzia - Khertvisi - Bavra - Gyumri

Today we will begin an unforgettable day immersing ourselves in the majesty of Vardzia, an impressive rock-hewn cave-monastery dating from the 12th century. We will explore its intricate network of tunnels, cells and sanctuaries, where the iconic representation of the legendary Queen Tamar particularly stands out. Subsequently, we will head to Bavra, the strategic enclave marking the border between Armenia and Georgia. After customs procedures, we will change vehicles and guides to continue toward Gyumri.

Accommodation: 21 Rooms Hotel 4*

193 km

DAY 13: 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 enjoy a walk through its historic cobblestone streets where 19th-century architecture, built with characteristic black and red volcanic tuff, tells stories of resilience. We will head to the green north to discover the picturesque old town of Dilijan, often called the "Little Switzerland" for its dense forests. The day will continue toward Lake Sevan, one of the most important natural jewels of the Caucasus. Finally, we will head to Yerevan, the vibrant capital.

Accommodation: Hotel Ani Plaza 4*

240 km

DAY 14: 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 15: Yerevan - Tsitsernakaberd - Echmiadzin - Zvartnots - Yerevan

We will begin our day with an emotionally charged visit to the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial, dedicated to the victims of the Armenian Genocide. Next, we will visit Victory Park. The spiritual tour will then take us to Echmiadzin, known worldwide as the Holy See of the Armenian Apostolic Church, with its impressive cathedral considered the oldest Christian church in the world. Finally, we will head to the spectacular Zvartnots Temple, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Accommodation: Hotel Ani Plaza 4*

53 km

DAY 16: 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