Caucasus Tour
Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia Caucasus Tour
A 14-day escorted tour unveiling the captivating allure of Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia – available as a set departure group tour or as a private guided tour.
Tour Overview
Embark on a journey through the captivating Caucasus, where ancient civilisations whisper tales of grandeur amidst breathtaking landscapes. From the mesmerising flame towers of Baku to the serene beauty of Lake Sevan, this 14-day escorted tour unveils the captivating allure of Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia.
As you journey through the Caucasus, immerse yourself in the region's rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and flavours. From the lively melodies of folk music to the aromatic scents of traditional cuisine, each destination offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
Allow this 14-day escorted tour to transport you to a realm where history and beauty converge, where captivating landscapes inspire awe, and where the warmth of hospitality embraces you like a cherished friend. Embark on a journey through the Caucasus and discover a region that will forever hold a special place in your heart.
Available as a set departure group tour or as a private guided tour.
Day By Day
Your Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival in Azerbaijan
On arrival at Baku Heydar Aliyev Airport, you will be met by our representative and then transfer to the hotel to begin your Caucasus tour.
Overnight in City Park Hotel, Baku
DAY 2
Baku
After breakfast, we drive to Gobustan rock paintings, an open-air UNESCO Heritage site 65km from Baku, home to one of the ancient settlements of the neolithic period. Then we drive to visit an active mud volcano plateau located about 12km from the museum (weather permitting). We return to Baku for a city tour, visiting Martyrs' Alley for a panoramic view of Baku Bay and taking the funicular (if operating – Baku can get very windy!). Your tour continues with a visit to the famous Icheri Shekher (Inner Town) with its historical buildings and narrow lanes, including the Palace of Shirvanshakhs (14-17th century) and a medieval caravanserai that was once a main stop on the Silk Road. Our day ends with a visit to the charming Maiden Tower (outside view), the symbol of the city of Baku.
Overnight in City Park Hotel, Baku · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 3
Shemakha and Sheki
In the early morning we will depart Baku and drive to Sheki. On the way, we will stop in Shamakha and see the historical Juma Mosque. Upon arrival in Sheki, we will visit the Sheki Khan Palace, a unique two-storied palace with a magnificent interior and exterior – the facade is richly painted with scenes of hunting and war, and 5,000 pieces of stained glass make up the central window alone. We will also visit the workshop of Shebeke and Kish village to see the ancient 12th century church, stop for tea at a local house to see how local bread is prepared, and may visit a local khalva bakery to taste this local sweet fresh with tea.
Overnight in Sheki Palace Hotel, Sheki · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 4
The Georgian Border
In the morning, we will head to the border with Georgia, the second country on this Caucasus tour. At the Lagodekhi border, we will meet our next guide and change transport, continuing into Georgia's Kakheti region, famous for winemaking and warm hospitality. Our first stop is with a local family, where we will enjoy a traditional Georgian lunch and take part in baking Georgian bread and making Georgian sweets, Churchkhela. Afterwards, we will visit a traditional wine cellar in the village of Kondoli, tasting the distinctive natural wine "Zhghia" – only 6,000 bottles of which are produced each year.
Overnight in A family hotel in Telavi · Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5
Telavi Farmers Market and Gori
In the morning, we will visit a local farmers market in Telavi to experience an authentic part of local daily life. We leave the market and drive through the Gombori Pass to Mtskheta, the ancient capital and religious centre of Georgia, visiting the UNESCO-listed Jvari Church and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. For lunch, we stop with a local family in the suburbs of Tbilisi. We then continue to the refugee village of Tserovani, set up to house those fleeing the 2008 Russia-Georgia war – an emotional visit with a family who experienced the conflict firsthand. Later, we drive to Gori, the birthplace of Joseph Stalin, and visit his house and museum.
Overnight in Gori Inn, Gori · Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 6
Uplistsikhe, Kaspi and Stepantsminda (Kazbegi)
In the morning, we drive to the Uplistsikhe Cave Town, an old complex with dwelling quarters, wine cellars, bakeries, a basilica church hewn out of rock, and even a theatre. We continue to Kaspi, where we visit a local wine cellar, taste Georgian wine, and enjoy a traditional lunch with locals, learning about winemaking from grape varieties that were nearly extinct just a few years ago. Later, we drive up the Georgian Military Highway, a scenic route through the high Caucasus mountains, until we reach Stepantsminda (Kazbegi), the main town in the region.
Overnight in A family hotel in Stepantsminda · Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7
Gergeti Church, Dariali Gorge and Sno Valley
We take a morning walk up through picturesque valleys and woodland to Gergeti Trinity Church, located at 2,170m (walking time 2.5 hours with an elevation increase of 470m) – weather permitting, you may catch a glimpse of Mt Kazbegi (5,054m), one of the highest glaciers in the Caucasus. Kazbegi is the home of khinkali (Georgian dumplings), and in the afternoon we visit a local family for lunch, with the chance to learn how to make your own. Later, we visit a felt maker to see how Georgians have been crafting felt for centuries, then pass through the dramatic Dariali Gorge and visit the Sno Valley, a beautiful spot for wildlife lovers.
Overnight in A family hotel in Stepantsminda · Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8
Stepantsminda to Tbilisi
Today we leave the Caucasus mountains and drive towards Tbilisi. We explore the capital, wandering the old districts and narrow streets to enjoy the colourful houses and patterned balconies. We start the tour from Metekhi Church with magnificent views over old Tbilisi, then take in the panoramic views from the ancient Narikala Fortress (4th century) and the historical domed sulphur bath area, connected with the city's name.
Overnight in Hotel Brim, Tbilisi · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 9
Tbilisi
Today is a free day in Tbilisi without a guide or driver service. You are free to explore the city as you wish.
Overnight in Hotel Brim, Tbilisi · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 10
Cross the border into Armenia, Lake Sevan and Yerevan
Today we transfer to the Georgian-Armenian border at Sadakhlo, where we change guide and transportation. Our tour continues in Armenia as we visit Haghpat Monastery, a medieval complex built between the 10th and 13th centuries. We enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading to Lake Sevan, the emerald of Armenia and the second largest alpine lake in the world, then visit the Noratus ancient cemetery with its medieval khachkars (cross stones) dating back to the 6th century. We also visit a family-run cheese farm in Gegharkunik province to learn traditional cheese-making techniques, including wine and brandy cheese. We then drive to Yerevan for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight in Ani Plaza Hotel, Yerevan · Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 11
Yerevan
Our tour starts from Republic Square and continues to the Cascade Complex, an open-air museum of modern art linking downtown with Victory Park, home to the Mother Armenia monument. Next is the Opera House, a remarkable example of urban architecture, and nearby Freedom Square. After lunch at a local restaurant, we visit Matenadaran, home to historic manuscripts including the first copy of the Armenian Bible, and the Yerevan Brandy Factory, founded in 1887, with its own tasting room. We also visit Yerevan's fruit market for Armenian delicacies and Aram Street, where you can watch khachkars (cross-stones) being made, before dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight in Ani Plaza Hotel, Yerevan · Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 12
Echmiadzin Cathedral and Alluria Wines
Today we visit Echmiadzin Cathedral, one of the oldest standing churches in Christendom and considered the Mother Church of all Armenia, built in 303 AD. We then head to the UNESCO-listed remains of Zvartnots Cathedral, a perfect example of 7th century Armenian architecture. After a lunch with a dolma-making presentation, we learn about the family winemaking traditions behind Alluria wines, made from Armenian indigenous grape varieties, before visiting Sasunik village and a museum of wine history, descending to a rocky cellar dug 6.5m into basalt rock for a tasting.
Overnight in Ani Plaza Hotel, Yerevan · Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 13
Khor Virap, Garni and Geghard monastery
We take a trip to Khor Virap monastery, set against the backdrop of biblical Mount Ararat, significant for its connection to Saint Gregory, who introduced Christianity to Armenia. We proceed to the village of Garni to visit its citadel and pagan temple, with lunch in a local house where you can watch Armenian lavash bread being made in an underground tonir oven. We then travel to the UNESCO-listed Geghard monastery, partly carved out of a mountain, where we'll see a duduk performance, before a farewell dinner at a local restaurant in Yerevan.
Overnight in Ani Plaza Hotel, Yerevan · Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 14
Departure from Armenia
At a suitable time you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight from Yerevan at the end of a truly authentic Caucasus tour.
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Know Before You Go
Included & Excluded
What’s Included
13 nights accommodation as described throughout the tour
Professional English speaking guide specific to each country
Transportation (vehicle type will depend on the group size)
Wine tasting and entrance fees (museums are closed on Mondays and on public holidays)
Meals as described in the itinerary – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
What’s Not Included
International travel to the start and end point – contact us for information and flight options
Any airport taxes
Travel insurance
Any visa requirements
Drinks at meals not mentioned
Any photography and video fees
Items of a personal nature
Tips for drivers and guides
Tour Map
Book With Confidence
Dates & Prices
This tour is available as a set departure group tour or as a private guided tour – contact us for private tour details and prices.
Prices shown are per person, based on double or twin room occupancy. Get in touch if you’d like to check availability or discuss a private departure on different dates.
Good to Know
Travel Information
Safety, Passport, Visa and Health Information
We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice for Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia.
Passport validity: for Azerbaijan, your passport should be valid for a minimum of 3 months from the date your visa expires; for Georgia, it should be valid for the length of your visit; for Armenia, it should be valid for a minimum of six months from the date you arrive.
Visas: British nationals need to get a visa in advance for Azerbaijan (the ASAN e-Visa service normally takes 72 hours to process, valid 30 days, single entry). British nationals do not need a visa to visit Georgia for up to one year. Armenian passport holders can stay in Armenia without a visa for up to 180 days per year.
Local laws and customs vary across all three countries – respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times, and be aware that photographing military sites, mosques, churches or sites of commemoration may require permission. Dress modestly outside major cities, particularly in rural areas and places of worship. Possession or use of illegal drugs carries severe penalties across the whole region, including long prison terms.
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. None of the three countries has a reciprocal healthcare agreement with the UK, so make sure you have adequate travel health insurance – medical facilities outside the capital cities are limited in all three, and evacuation to Turkey or Western Europe may be required for serious illness or injury in Azerbaijan.
What to Bring
Lightweight, casual, non-synthetic clothing (cotton and natural fibres are best) which appropriately covers the body when in the company of local communities – please understand local customs and religious requirements relating to dress codes. It doesn't have to be fancy, but it needs to be respectful. Walking shoes or boots and sandals are the ideal footwear.
Please allow yourself one main piece of luggage and a day-sack – you're expected to carry your own baggage, so don't overload yourself; a soft wheely bag may be easier to manage than a suitcase. We also recommend a sunhat, suncream, a torch, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, a power adapter for phones and laptops, and earplugs if you're a light sleeper.
While You're There
Currency differs across all three countries: Azerbaijan uses the manat (AZN), Georgia the lari (GEL), and Armenia the dram (AMD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in the capital cities but far less so in rural areas, where you'll need sufficient local cash – ATMs are available in most major towns. Let your card provider know your travel dates to avoid anti-fraud blocks.
The best time to visit the Caucasus is generally spring or autumn. Georgia's Greater Caucasus Mountain range is closed to visitors (except skiers) from November to April. July and August are the hottest months in the cities, so spring (when valleys fill with wildflowers) or autumn (when weather is slightly more reliable) are ideal. Electrical supply across the region is 220V/50Hz, with two round-pin plugs.
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