The Grand Caucasus Tour: 12 Days of History and Natural Beauty of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia

The second day of your Caucasus Travel Itinerary includes exploring the legendary "Land of Fire". After leaving your hotel, you will first visit the Ateshgah Temple in Surakhani, which is a sacred site for fire worshippers and a remarkable historical monument from the 17th to 18th centuries.

Following that, you will visit the mysterious Yanardag, where natural gas fires have blazed on the hillside for ages. The adventure continues at the Gobustan National Reserve, home to ancient petroglyphs in the outdoor Petroglyph Museum. The final destination of the day is the Gobustan mud volcanoes, a natural wonder demonstrating Azerbaijan's unique geological features. After a day steeped in history and natural beauty, you'll return to Baku and be dropped off at your hotel.

We will begin the day with a drive from Baku to the ancient city of Shamakhi. First, visit the Diri Baba Mausoleum, a unique structure carved into a cliff. Next, drive to the impressive Shamakhi Juma Mosque, one of the first mosques in the Caucasus Region. The Yeddi Gumbaz mausoleum (Seven Domes) is our next stop, offering insights into the region's royal history and Shamakhi Khanate. The journey continues to Lahich, a mountainous village known for its traditional craftsmanship. You'll be able to explore local workshops and collect handmade treasures. On the way, stop by the ancient Albanian church in Kish, which provides insight into the region's religious history. Arrive in Sheki and stay overnight.

In the morning, discover Sheki's rich heritage. Begin at Sheki Khan's Palace, a magnificent summer residence from the 18th century known for its exquisite wall paintings. Next, immerse yourself in local culture at the Sheki Karavansaray and the bustling Sheki Bazaar. The journey continues to the Azerbaijan-Georgia border, where you will cross and meet your Georgian guide. Here begins your individual tour in Georgia. The first region to explore is Kakheti. Delve into the cradle of winemaking. Stop at Khareba Winery, nestled in the roots of the Caucasus Mountains. Have a wine tour and tasting. The day continues with a visit to the historic Gremi Fortress, featuring a 15th-century church, tower palace, and a museum. Your day concludes with a drive to Telavi, the heart of Kakheti, where you will check into your hotel and rest.

Continue your Caucasus Travel Itinerary with an exploration of Telavi. Visit Batonis Tsikhe (royal fortress of Erekle II) and the enchanting Giant Plane Tree. Next, drive to Tsinandali, step into the poetic world of Alexander Chavchavadze, and visit a beautiful English Garden, house museum, and a wine cellar from the 19th century. Have a complimentary glass of Tsinandali white wine. Continue driving to the scenic Bodbe monastery from the ninth century, famous for its cozy atmosphere and beautiful gardens. The day's pinnacle is Sighnaghi, the city of love, with its breathtaking hilltop views and historic walls overlooking the Alazani Valley. Drive to Tbilisi. Drop off at your hotel. 

Your Tbilisi City Tour starts at the magnificent Holy Trinity Cathedral. This architectural marvel, erected between 1993 and 2004, stands as Georgia's loftiest religious structure. Its shining golden dome can be seen from almost anywhere in Tbilisi. Proceed then to the historical heart of the city.

Visit Metekhi Church, perched on a precipice with a stunning view of the Mtkvari River and Old Town. The sacred site dates back to the 13th century and replaced a smaller sanctuary from the 5th and 6th centuries. Next, reach the ancient Narikala fortress, built in the 4th century for defensive purposes, via ropeway. Enjoy breathtaking views before heading down to the bustling Meidan Square. Discover Abanotubani, known for its historic Sulfur Baths, a testament to Tbilisi's lasting legacy. Stroll through the tranquil Legvtakhevi Canyon to find a hidden waterfall nestled in Old Tbilisi. Continue on to Shardeni Street, known for its quaint cafes and exquisite wine bars. Visit the illustrious Sioni Cathedral, a monumental landmark dating back to the sixth century that houses the revered cross of St. Nino.
Finish your tour at Freedom Square, passing by landmarks like the Bridge of Peace, Anchiskhati Basilica, and the Rezo Gabriadze Theatre's iconic clock tower before returning to the hotel. In the evening, visit a local restaurant for some delicious Georgian cuisine and a folklore show.

Our day tour from Tbilisi to Kazbegi begins with a visit to the charming Jvari Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the sixth century. The monastery, overlooks the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers, making for a peaceful and picturesque start to the day.
Next, we'll visit the Ananuri Fortress, a stunning complex that combines religious and military architecture. Its churches have ornate facades accompanied by towers and defensive walls. The nearby Zhinvali reservoir with the fortress creates a stunning panorama.
As we travel along the Georgian Military Highway, we will make scenic stops at Gudauri View Point and the Jvari Overpass Travertine Natural Monument. Gergeti Holy Trinity Church is the highlight of our journey, providing breathtaking views of Mount Kazbek. We end our individual tour in Georgia with a scenic drive back to Tbilisi, filled with memories of Georgia's historical and natural wonders, and return to the comfort of our hotel.

On day eight, travel from Georgia to Armenia. Cross the Sadakhlo-Bagratashen border and meet an Armenian guide and driver. Begin your Armenia travel itinerary by visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Haghpat and Sanahin monasteries in the Lori region. These monastic complexes, built between the tenth and thirteenth centuries, represent the pinnacle of Armenian religious architecture. Travel through verdant fields and the charming town of Dilijan to Lake Sevan, also known as the 'Pearl of Armenia'. This expansive freshwater lake, located at an altitude of 1900 meters, is one of the largest in the world. Explore the Sevanavank monastery complex, which sits on a peninsula on Lake Sevan's northwestern shore and offers breathtaking panoramic views.
Finish the day with a drive to Yerevan for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, take a comprehensive Yerevan city tour, starting with the city's famous Cascade Monument. This massive limestone staircase provides breathtaking views of Yerevan and Mount Ararat. Wander through Yerevan's charming pink avenues, taking in landmarks like Swan Lake, Republic Square, the Opera and Ballet Theater, and Northern Avenue, among others.
Visit the Matenadaran Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, which houses over 17,000 ancient and medieval manuscripts. And visit the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex on Tsitsernakaberd Hill. Drive back to your hotel for overnight.

*Optional activities of the day include visits to the Megeryan Carpet Factory and the Yerevan Brandy Company.

Continue your Armenia travel itinerary by driving to the Geghard monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Sites, surrounded by imposing cliffs. This monastery complex contains numerous churches and tombs, most of which are carved into the rock and commemorate the beginnings of Christianity in Armenia. Continue to the Garni Temple, the only surviving pagan temple in Armenia, dedicated to Mitra, the Sun God. It symbolizes pre-Christian Armenia. Visit another UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Cathedral and Churches of Echmiadzin and the Zvartnots Archaeological Site. Echmiatsin, the spiritual center of the Armenian community, is one of the world's oldest Christian churches. On the way back to Yerevan, visit the ruins of the 7th-century Zvartnots temple, which was destroyed by an earthquake in the 10th century. Overnight stay at your hotel in Yerevan. 

The day starts with a drive to the Khor Virap Monastery, which provides stunning views of vineyards and Mount Ararat. Khor Virap, which translates to 'deep dungeon', is steeped in legend as the location where St. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years. Next, visit the Noravank Monastery, a 13th-century architectural masterpiece on a hill surrounded by the breathtaking brick-red cliffs.
Then, we explore the Areni Cave, an important archaeological site in Armenia with the oldest known shoe, winery, and straw skirt. We will sample the local wines at the nearby Areni winery. The day concludes with a scenic drive to Yerevan for an overnight stay in your hotel.

Conclude your 12-day Caucasus tour with a transfer to the airport for your departure. Mark the culmination of your 12-day Caucasus Travel Itinerary with a comfortable transfer to the airport, as you prepare for your flight back home.