Routes of the Caucasus - Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia in 13 Days
A 13-day adventure designed to showcase the best of three fascinating nations, tracing a continuous line from the shores of the Caspian Sea to the highlands of Armenia.
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. We will follow the trail of the legendary "Land of Fire" 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 finish, we will immerse ourselves in the authenticity of the Yashil Bazaar.
Accommodation: Baku Midtown Hotel 4* | 43 km
DAY 3: Baku - Gobustan - Baku
We will begin a fascinating excursion into the past at the Gobustan Reserve, an open-air museum declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with petroglyphs dating back 40,000 years. The adventure will continue in the area of the Mud Volcanoes, a unique geological phenomenon. Returning to the capital, we will conclude by visiting the iconic Carpet Museum in Baku.
Accommodation: Baku Midtown Hotel 4* | 204 km
DAY 4: Baku - Shamakhi - Sheki
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, 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 Sheki behind to head to the Lagodekhi border post. After completing immigration procedures, we will enter the fertile Kvareli region to visit the famous Khareba Winery, where we will enjoy a wine tasting. We will continue visiting the majestic Alaverdi Cathedral, an 11th-century jewel. Finally, we will arrive in Telavi.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Telavi 4* | 230 km
DAY 6: Telavi - Sighnaghi - Bodbe - Tbilisi
We will head to charming Sighnaghi, known as the "City of Love". 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
We will begin our cultural immersion on vibrant Rustaveli Avenue. Our tour will take us to Metekhi Square. The experience will gain altitude as we ascend by cable car to Narikala Fortress. 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
Our first major stop will be the imposing Ananuri Fortress, a medieval architectural complex that offers unparalleled panoramic views over the Zhinvali Reservoir. Continuing our route to the heights, we will discover the emblematic Gergeti Trinity Church, which rises majestically at 2,170 meters above sea level under the gaze of Mount Kazbegi.
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Tbilisi Center 4* | 321 km
DAY 9: Tbilisi - Mtskheta - Uplistsikhe - Gori - Tbilisi
We will head to the ancient capital of Mtskheta, where we will visit the majestic Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our journey will continue to Uplistsikhe, an impressive rock city over 3,000 years old. To finish, we will visit the Stalin Museum in the city of Gori.
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Tbilisi Center 4* | 190 km
DAY 10: Tbilisi - Sadakhlo - Haghpat - Saghmosavank - Yerevan
We will say goodbye to Tbilisi to head to the Sadakhlo border post. After entering Armenia, our first major stop will be Haghpat Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will continue to Saghmosavank Monastery, located at the edge of the dizzying Kasakh River Canyon. Finally, we will arrive in Yerevan.
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. We will walk through Republic Square and the Cascade arts complex. Later, we will visit the Garni Temple, the only Hellenistic monument in the South Caucasus, and the basalt formations known as the "Symphony of Stones". To conclude, we will enter Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Accommodation: Hotel Ani Plaza 4* | 62 km
DAY 12: Yerevan - Sevanavank - Dilijan - Goshavank - Haghartsin - Yerevan
Our route will take us to discover the immense Lake Sevan, where we will visit Sevanavank Monastery. We will venture into Dilijan, the "Switzerland of Armenia", visiting Goshavank and Haghartsin Monasteries, the latter hidden deep in a forested valley.
Accommodation: Hotel Ani Plaza 4* | 185 km
DAY 13: 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
Follow the Routes of the Caucasus on a 13-day adventure designed to showcase the best of three fascinating nations. This itinerary traces a continuous line from the shores of the Caspian Sea to the highlands of Armenia, revealing the richness of a region that has been a bridge between East and West for millennia.
The Beginning in the Land of Fire
We begin in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, where modern architecture blends with Islamic tradition. We will visit the Maiden Tower and the Shirvanshahs Palace before exploring the city surroundings, including the Ateshgah fire temple. We will travel inland, passing through the city of Shamakhi and arriving at Sheki, an architectural treasure surrounded by forests.
The Heart of Georgia
In Georgia, the legendary hospitality of its people awaits us. We will explore the wine region of Kakheti, visiting Alaverdi monastery and the Gremi citadel. Tbilisi will captivate us with its sulfur baths and wooden balconies. The trip includes an essential visit to the ancient capital Mtskheta and the cave city of Uplistsikhe, an urban settlement carved into rock dating from the Iron Age. We will also climb the mountains of Kazbegi to enjoy alpine landscapes.
The Treasures of Armenia
We will cross the border into Armenia to discover a landscape of stone and faith. We will visit the monasteries of the north, Haghpat and Sanahin, before reaching the spectacular Lake Sevan. In Yerevan, we will explore local markets and rich Armenian cuisine. Visits to the Garni temple, the only Greco-Roman temple standing in the region, and to Geghard monastery, partially carved into the mountain, will put the finishing touch to this journey.
Included
- Accommodation: 12 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