15-Day Caucasus Tour: Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia

Pick up from the hotel. Today we'll discover why Azerbaijan is known as "The Land of Fire." The tour begins on the Absheron peninsula with visits to two of Azerbaijan's most vivid examples of eternal fires:

• Ateshgah Temple – which translates as "the place of fire" in Azerbaijani. The temple of fire-worshippers was built in the 17th-18th centuries at Surakhani village.
• Yanardag – also known as "the burning mountain" because natural gas has been burning on its slope since ancient times.

Proceed to the Gobustan National Reserve. Visit the outdoor Petroglyph Museum and explore the cave drawings – petroglyphs from the Stone Age on a rocky massif. Visit a plateau full of mud volcanoes of Gobustan. Azerbaijan is home to more than half of the world's mud volcanoes (around 300). Return to Baku and drop off at your hotel.

In the morning, depart to Shamakhi. On the way, stop at Diri Baba Mausoleum in the Maraza settlement. The mausoleum carved into a rock was constructed in 1402. It is an impressive example of Shirvan architecture. Then, pay a visit to Shamakhi Juma Mosque, one of the most ancient mosques in Azerbaijan, built in the VIII century. Continue to the Yeddi Gumbaz mausoleum (Seven Domes) – a tomb of Shamakhi Khanate royal family members built in the 17-18th centuries. Drive to Lahich (Lahij), an ancient village founded in the third and fourth centuries B.C. that is located 1375 meters above sea level. Primarily known for its craftsmanship. Throughout the walking tour, you will come across many workshops where you can purchase handmade souvenirs, carpets, and other local products. Continue driving to Sheki, an ancient historical town located 300 kilometres northwest of Baku in a mountainous area. Spend the night at the hotel.

Begin your morning with a city tour of Sheki. Visit Sheki Khan's Palace, which was built in the XVIII century as Hussein-khan Mushtad's summer residence. It has magnificent wall paintings that are worth seeing. Proceed to Sheki Karavansaray and Sheki Bazaar. Continue driving to Azerbaijan-Georgia border. Cross the border, meet your Georgian driver and guide. Begin the Georgian part of the tour by visiting the Kakheti Region, the birthplace of wine. *First stop is at Khareba Winery - a unique wine cellar/tunnel carved deep within the Caucasus Mountains. Enjoy wine tour and tasting. Drive to the Bodbe monastery, which was built in the IX century. It is currently used as a nunnery, but it also serves as a tourist attraction. Final stop for today is the famous city of love Sighnaghi, located on a hilltop with a panoramic view of the Alazani Valley. The remainder of the defensive wall, with 23 towers, is still standing around the town. Climb one of the towers and walk along the wall until you reach the next one. Overnight at the hotel.

In the morning, head to Kazbegi. On the way, stop at Tsinandali. Visit the house museum of Alexander Chavchavadze, a famous public figure and poet from the nineteenth century. At the time, Georgian nobles were known for their sophisticated European taste, as evidenced by the exquisite English Garden that surrounds the house. Head to north and visit Ananuri Fortress. A magnificent complex consists of two churches with an ornately decorated façade, several towers, and defense walls. With a view of the Zhinvali reservoir in the background, all of these structures create a stunning panorama. Continue to Kazbegi on the Georgian Military Highway. Make photo stops at the Gudauri Viewpoint, also known as the Friendship Monument, and the Jvari Overpass Travertine Natural Monument. Reach Stepantsminda. Drive to Gergeti Holy Trinity Church to take in the breathtaking views of Mount Kazbek (5033 m). Overnight at the hotel.

In the morning, drive to Gori, the city where Joseph Stalin was born. Visit Stalin's house-museum and make a photo stop at Gori Fortress. You will see the house where Stalin was born and spent his childhood, a defense pavilion, Stalin's armour-plated train carriage, and a museum. Continue to Uplistsikhe cave town, located 15 kilometres from Gori on the left bank of the Mtkvari River. It dates back to the first and second millennia B.C. Uplistsikhe played a prominent role in politics, religion, and culture during the Hellenistic and Late Antique periods, as well as being an important trade center on a route connecting Asia and Europe. The complex contains several significant cave structures, including the "Theatre," a temple from the first or second centuries AD, the pre-Christian Temple of Makvliani, the large hall known as the Hall of Queen Tamar, Uplistsuli Church, the triple-church basilica on top of the hill, and a long tunnel leading down to the Mtkvari river. Take the highway to the west of Georgia. Arrive at Kutaisi, the ancient city with a history dating back around 3500 years. Overnight at the hotel.

In the morning, In the morning, explore the beautiful stalactites and stalagmites made by nature at Prometheus Cave near Kutaisi. Only six of the 22 halls are open to visitors. Natural Monument is 40 meters below sea level and 1.8 kilometres long. Drive to the Svaneti region, which leaves an indelible impression on every visitor. The contrast between lush woodlands and snow-capped high mountain peaks is unforgettably beautiful. Nature is not the only thing to see; a local defense stone tower (Koshki) rising from the back of the houses, along with all of this natural beauty, creates an image that every tourist wishes to capture. Overnight in Mestia.

In the morning, take a 4x4 drive to the upper Svaneti. Since 1996, the remote town of Ushguli has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List, with more than 40 historic Svan towers and snowy Mountain Shkhara (5193m – Georgia's highest mountain) in the background. Take a stroll through the village and up to the hill to see the X century Lamaria Church. Make your way back to Kutaisi from the beautiful Zagaro pass. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, drive to the enchanting Martvili Canyon, where you will take a peaceful boat trip through the breathtaking canyon. Continue to Tbilisi. On the way stop in Mtskheta, the former capital of Georgia houses several churches designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visit the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, the second-largest ecclesiastical structure in Georgia, which includes a massive gate, bell tower, castles, and clergy quarters. This architectural marvel also houses the mantles of Christ and Prophet Elijah, as well as the tombs of the greatest kings of Georgia. Stroll around the quiet streets of Mtksheta, buy locally made souvenirs. Drive to Tbilisi. Overnigth at the hotel.

In the morning, begin Tbilisi sightseeing tour at Tbilisi's Holy Trinity Cathedral, Georgia's tallest church built between 1993 and 2004. It is also one of the largest religious structures in the world. Its magnificent golden dome can be seen from practically any point in Tbilisi. Continue to the old part of the city.

• Visit Metekhi Church, which stands on a cliff overlooking the Mtkvari River. It dates from the 13th century, but a smaller church was built in the 5th and 6th centuries before that.
• Continue to the Narikala fortress, which was built for defense purposes in the 4th century. Take a ropeway to get to the fortress. Take in the breathtaking vistas of Tbilisi before strolling down to Meidan Square.
• Visit Abanotubani, which is famous for its historical Sulfur Baths.
• Walk down the Legvtakhevi canyon to discover a lovely waterfall in the heart of Old Tbilisi. Carry on to Shardeni Street, famous for its charming cafes and wine bars.
• Visit Sioni Cathedral, one of Georgia's most famous landmarks, which dates back to the sixth century and houses a true cross of St. Nino.

Head up to Freedom Square, passing by the Bridge of Peace, Anchiskhati Basilica, and the famous clock tower of Rezo Gabriadze Theatre. Drop off at your hotel.

In the morning, depart Tbilisi and drive to the Georgian-Armenian border. After crossing the border, you will be met by our Armenian guide and driver. Begin exploring Armenia with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Haghpat. The monastery, constructed between the tenth and thirteenth centuries, represent the pinnacle of Armenian religious architecture. Head to Lake Sevan, also known as the "Pearl of Armenia" by passing through luscious green fields bursting with thriving flowers and charming town of Dilijan. Located at an elevation of 1900 meters above sea level, Lake Sevan is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. Visit the Sevanavank monastery complex, which is located on a peninsula on Lake Sevan's northwestern shore. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the complex. Drive to Yerevan for overnight.

In the morning, drive to the next UNESCO World Heritage Site in Armenia, the Cathedral and Churches of Echmiatsin (Echmiadzin) and the Zvartnots Archaeological Site. Echmiadzin is recognised as the spiritual heart of the Armenian people. Constructed in the VI century, it became one of the first official Christian Churches in the world. On the way back to Yerevan, visit the ruins of the VII-century Zvartnots temple, which was destroyed by an earthquake in the X century. Begin your sightseeing tour of Yerevan with the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex on Tsitsernakaberd Hill. Continue to the city's main symbol, the Cascade monument. A massive limestone stairway that provides breathtaking views of Yerevan and Mount Ararat. Wander around Yerevan's pink streets and see the Swan Lake, Republic Square, the Opera and Ballet Theater, the Northern Avenue, and so on.

In the morning, drive to Khor Virap monastery, which is famous for its breathtaking views of Armenia's symbol, the majestic Mount Ararat.  The name "Khor Virap" means "deep dungeon," and legend has it that St. Gregory the Illuminator, the patron saint of Armenia, was imprisoned here for 13 years. Continue to Noravank Monastery, a 13th-century monastery perched on a hill with scenic views. The brick-red cliffs that surround the area are the best part of the sight. Drive through a narrow canyon to reach the Areni cave, one of Armenia's most important archaeological sites, where the oldest shoe, winery, and straw skirt have been discovered. Visit the Areni winery near the cave, where you will be able to sample a local Areni wine. Drive back to Yerevan. Drop off at your hotel.

In the morning, start the tour to Garni Temple, Armenia's only remaining pagan temple from the first century AD. It was dedicated to Mitra, the Armenian Sun God. It is now symbolized as pre-Christian Armenia. See the Symphony of Stones - a stunning natural rock formation made of perfectly shaped basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic activity, that resembles a giant stone organ. Drive to the Geghard monastery, one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Armenia. The monastery complex is surrounded by towering cliffs and contains several churches and tombs, the majority of which are carved deep into the rock. It was the first monastery built in Armenia following the adoption of Christianity as the state religion in the early fourth century AD. Return to Yerevan. Overnight at the hotel.

Check out from the hotel at noon. Transfer to the airport. Departure from Yerevan International Airport.