Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia - 12 Days

Welcome to Baku and the start of this Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia tour! Baku is the largest city on the Caspian Sea and capital of Azerbaijan. Today, enjoy time to settle in and explore at your leisure. Think of the city as a combination of Paris and Dubai. It’s a place that offers both history and contemporary culture and is an intriguing blend of east meets west. The heart of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, surrounded by a fortified wall and pleasant pedestrianised boulevards that offer fantastic shopping opportunities. Attractions include the local Carpet Museum and the National Museum of History and Azerbaijan.

After breakfast, dive straight into exploring the history of Azerbaijan! Head south from Baku to Gobustan National Park for a mud volcano safari. This archaeological reserve is home to mud volcanoes and over 600,000 ancient rock engravings and paintings. After exploring this national historical landmark of Azerbaijan, travel back to Baku city and embark on a sightseeing tour. Travel to Upland Park and capture a bird’s eye view of the city and Baku Bay below. Then, visit the iconic Icheri Sheher, the Old (or Inner) City of Baku. This UNESCO World Heritage Site includes the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and Maiden Tower. Wind down after a day of exploring by walking along the flower-lined central boulevards of the city. Finally, make a stop at the updated Fountains Square, an area famous for its dozens of fountains and numerous shopping boutiques.

First sight of the day is Shamakhi, an ancient city of Azerbaijan, to see where the first dynasty of the state of Shirvan was founded. Visit Yeddi Gumbez, the mausoleum known as the Seven Domes, where the remains of the last of the Shamakhi Dynasty lie. Then, visit Juma Mosque, the oldest and largest mosque in Azerbaijan. The next stop for the day is Kish, one of the oldest villages in Azerbaijan. Visit the Mother of Alban church and ancient cemetery that dates back all the way to the 6th century. Once the tour reaches today’s final destination, Sheki, visit the Palace of Sheki Khans.

Today, cross the border into the Kakheti region of eastern Georgia. First stop is the Khareba winery for a local wine tasting experience. Georgia has a wine history that dates back more than 8,000 years! Continue to Gremi, the once glorious capital of the kingdom of Kakheti to see the church and castles erected in the 16th century. Soak in the views of the Alazan valley before heading to Signagi, Georgia’s city of love. This royal town is surrounded by a wall of 23 towers and 6 gates that previously connected the town with Europe and Asia. Take time this afternoon to stroll the cobbled streets, see the rustic buildings and shop from local vendors.

Venture to the capital of Georgia, Tbilisi! Embark on a walking tour with your tour leader and discover the incredible charm of this beautiful city. A memorable stop will be made at the towering 13th century Metekhi Church which sits on a cliff over the Kura River. Other top sights to explore include the Sulphur Baths and the 4th century Narikala Fortress which looks over the city. Wander through Sioni Cathedral and end the day with some fascinating history in the Tbilisi National Museum. The rest of the day will be free to explore as you wish!

This morning, drive along one of the most intriguing roads in the Caucasus! The Georgian Military Highway is the historic route that connects Georgia to Russia. On the way be sure to admire the most incredible scenery from the coach windows. Stop and take in the magnificent Russia-Georgia friendship monument which overlooks breathtaking mountains and canyons. Next, head to Kazbegi, also known as Stepantsminda. Here, drive uphill in four-wheel-drive vehicles, through narrow gorges and unspoiled mountains, until we find the prize of Georgia's isolated Gergeti Trinity Church. On the way back to Tbilisi, stop at the Ananuri fortress and castle complex which was home of the Aragvi Dynasty from the 13th century to the 18th century.

Mtskheta is the first stop of the day. Inhabited since before 1,000 BC, Mtskheta was the capital of the early Kingdom of Iberia (Eastern Georgia today). Drive up to Jvari Monastery, a Georgian Orthodox monastery built on a hill. The church complex was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. Next up, visit the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. This religious centre dates back to the 6th century and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn more about Georgian architecture and the tombs of Tbilisi's founder located inside. Continue to the town of Gori. This Georgian town is famous for being the birthplace of Joseph Stalin. See and explore the Joseph Stalin Museum and the house that he was born in.

Armenia is on the cards after breakfast today! First stop after crossing the border is the Akhtala Monastery, known for its 13th-century artistic frescoes. After exploring, continue to our lunch stop of the day - Odzun, a historic village located on the Debed river bank. Enjoy an included traditional lunch served by a local family in their home. While here, take the chance to learn more about the family's beehives and how they make honey. Afterwards, head to the hotel for the evening in the village of Haghpat.

Start the day exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Haghpat. The medieval monastery complex overlooks the Debed river gorge and provides incredible views of the surrounding hills. Then, travel through the region inhabited by the Molokan people. Molokans are the largest minority in Armenia, exiled from Russia in the 19th century. Dine with locals in a traditional Molokan home. Later, journey through the Dilijan National Park and take a short hike to 13th-century Jukhtak Monastery and admire the scenery. Then, explore the spa town of Dilijan. Known for its spas and traditional craft workshops, Dilijan is surrounded by forests and located in the Argstev gorge. With marvellous views, it’s no wonder it's known as the Armenian Switzerland!

This morning, drive to Lake Sevan, the highest freshwater lake in the Caucasus. Visit the Sevanavank Monastery and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Drive to the UNESCO-protected Geghard Monastery. This ancient chapel was originally founded as a small cave chapel as early as the 4th century! Make a photo stop near the border with Turkey for incredible views of Mount Ararat, the place where Noah's Ark is said to rest. Continue to the Garni Pagan Temple, located in the State Khosrov Reserve. This is the only temple that remained after the adoption of Christianity. Continue on to tonight’s accommodation in Yerevan.

This morning, visit Echmiadzin, the ancient capital of Armenia, and explore its stunning monastery which dates back to the year 303 AD. Then, explore Yerevan. A city tour will reveal all the main places of interest. See the sights of the Yerevan Cascade, a giant stairway made of limestone and the Matenadaran museum. Wander down Abovyan Street and explore the Republic Square and Cafesjian Centre of Arts. The last stop is the Yerevanian food market, also the best place to sample some fresh Armenian fruits and sweets. For the last night on tour, sit down for a traditional Armenian meal at a local restaurant.

After breakfast, this 12-day Caucasus adventure comes to an end. It’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travellers and remember to share contact details so that the memories live on through shared photos!