Wonders of the Caucasus - Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia in 17 Days
A 17-day cross-border journey connecting the Caspian Sea with the Black Sea and the mountains of Armenia, crossing three distinct cultures and landscapes ranging from semi-desert to subtropical forest.
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. Following the trail of the legendary "Land of Fire", we will marvel 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 top off the day, we will immerse ourselves in the authenticity of the Yashil Bazaar.
Accommodation: Baku Midtown Hotel 4* | 43 km
DAY 3: Baku - Gobustan - Baku
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we will begin 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 into the area of the Mud Volcanoes, a unique geological phenomenon. Returning to the capital, we will conclude 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 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, considered 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 behind the historic city of Sheki to head to the Lagodekhi border post. After completing immigration procedures and setting foot on Georgian soil, we will enter the fertile Kvareli region to visit the famous Khareba Winery. There, we will explore its impressive complex of tunnels carved into the Caucasus rock and enjoy an exquisite tasting of their best wines. We will continue visiting the majestic Alaverdi Cathedral. Finally, we will arrive in Telavi.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Telavi 4* | 230 km
DAY 6: Telavi - Sighnaghi - Bodbe - Tbilisi
We will leave Telavi behind to head to the charming Sighnaghi. Known as the "City of Love", we will stroll through its picturesque cobblestone streets and admire its traditional architecture. A short distance away, 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
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we will begin our cultural immersion on vibrant Rustaveli Avenue, the beating heart of Tbilisi. Our tour will then take us to Metekhi Square. The experience will gain altitude as we ascend by cable car to Narikala Fortress. Later, we will enter the picturesque Abanotubani district, world-famous 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 - Jvari - Svetitskhoveli - Kazbegi - Gudauri
We will leave Tbilisi for a deep immersion in the spiritual history of the country. Our first stop will be at Jvari Monastery. Next, we will descend to the ancient capital, Mtskheta, to visit the grand Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. We will continue north along the scenic Georgian Military Highway to reach Kazbegi. There, the highlight will be the climb to Gergeti Trinity Church. After enjoying this postcard landscape, we will head to the Gudauri mountain resort for the night.
Accommodation: Marco Polo 4* | 216 km
DAY 9: Gudauri - Uplistsikhe - Gori - Kutaisi
Our day begins by immersing ourselves in the pages of contemporary history visiting the famous Stalin Museum in the city of Gori. We will take a leap back in time of more than three millennia to discover Uplistsikhe, a fascinating cave city masterfully carved into the living rock.
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 at Gelati Academy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later, we will descend into the depths of the earth at Prometheus Cave. To finish, we will leave the interior landscapes behind and head to 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. We will continue to the green Borjomi gorge. 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 cave monastery carved into the rock dating from the 12th century. Later, we will head to Bavra, the strategic enclave marking the border between Armenia and Georgia, where we will change vehicles and guides.
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. After absorbing the bohemian atmosphere of the city, we will head to the green north to discover the picturesque Old Town of Dilijan. The day will continue to Lake Sevan. Finally, we will head to Yerevan.
Accommodation: Hotel Ani Plaza 4*
DAY 14: Yerevan - Garni - Geghard - Yerevan
We will begin the day immersing ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Yerevan. During our city tour, we will walk along its elegant avenues, stopping at emblematic points such as the majestic Republic Square and the Cascade arts complex. Later, we will visit the Garni Temple 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 15: Yerevan - Tsitsernakaberd - Echmiadzin - Zvartnots - Yerevan
We will begin our day with an emotional 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 as the Holy See of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Finally, we will head to the spectacular Zvartnots Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Accommodation: Hotel Ani Plaza 4* | 53 km
DAY 16: Yerevan - Khor Virap - Noravank - Areni Cave - Yerevan
After enjoying breakfast in Yerevan, we will head south. Our first stop will be Khor Virap Monastery, with the most spectacular view of biblical Mount Ararat. We will continue to Noravank Monastery, an architectural jewel from the 13th century. Before returning, we will explore the fascinating Areni Cave, where the world's oldest winery was discovered.
Accommodation: Hotel Ani Plaza 4* | 240 km
DAY 17: 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
Discover the Wonders of the Caucasus on a 17-day cross-border journey that connects the Caspian Sea with the Black Sea and the mountains of Armenia. This itinerary is a celebration of diversity, taking travelers through three distinct cultures (Islamic, Orthodox and Apostolic) and landscapes ranging from semi-desert to subtropical forest.
The Beginning on the Caspian
The adventure starts in Baku, Azerbaijan. We will marvel at the Flame Towers and explore the Gobustan reserve with its prehistoric petroglyphs. The route to Georgia takes us through Sheki, an architectural gem hidden in the forested mountains.
Georgian Crossing and Black Sea
In Georgia, we will live the complete experience. We will taste wines in Kakheti, explore vibrant Tbilisi and climb to the Greater Caucasus in Kazbegi. What distinguishes this trip is its arrival at the coast: we will visit Batumi, on the Black Sea, enjoying its relaxed atmosphere and botanical garden. The return through southern Georgia will allow us to discover the immense cave city of Vardzia.
The Armenian Finale
We will cross into Armenia from the north, visiting Gyumri and Lake Sevan before settling in Yerevan. The monasteries of Khor Virap, Noravank, Garni and Geghard will complete our vision of the region. Seventeen days of contrasts, flavors and legendary hospitality that will leave an indelible mark on you.
Included
- Accommodation: 16 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