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14-Day Caucasus Tour: Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia

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Duration

14 Days 13 Nights

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

Unlimited

Languages

___

Overview

A 14-day South Caucasus tour takes in the highlights of Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia. You will have the opportunity to explore the region at its best: enjoy the breathtaking nature of the Caucasus Mountains, walk around old and modern cities, visit ancient monuments, meet locals, taste unique wines and delectable cuisine. Whether you prefer walking in nature, exploring ancient fortresses, or simply drinking a glass of wine in a cozy setting, this tour will not disappoint.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Baku, Ateshgah, Yanardag, Gobustan, Diri Baba Mausoleum, Juma Mosque, Yeddi Gumbaz, Lahich, Kish, Khareba, Gremi, Telavi, Tsinandali, Bodbe, Sighnaghi, Tbilisi, Mtskheta, Ananuri, Kazbegi, Gori, Uplistsikhe, Haghpat, Sanahin, Lake Sevan, Sevanavank, Yerevan, Echmiadzin, Zvartnots, Garni, Geghard, Noravank, Khor virap, Areni, Tatev

Itinerary

DAY 1: BAKU ARRIVAL – CITY TOUR
DAY 1: BAKU ARRIVAL – CITY TOUR

Arrival in Baku. Pick up from the airport and transfer to your hotel. After some rest, begin your Baku city tour at Martyrs' LaneThe Eternal Flame Memorial, which leads to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the entire city.

Continue to the old part of town and see the main sights of Baku that are on the UNESCO World Heritage list:

Shirvanshahs Palace, one of Azerbaijan's most important architectural monuments, and Maiden Tower, also known as Giz Galasi, which dates back to the 12th century.

Explore the rest of the old city, including the Juma Mosque, the Double Gates, Bazar Square, and the Caravan Saray.

Visit Nizami Street, Fountain Square, the Nizami Ganjavi monument, and one of Baku's most iconic landmarks, the Heydar Aliyev Center. Finally, make your way to Baku Boulevard to see the National Azeri Carpets Museum. Drop-off at your hotel.

DAY 2: BAKU – ABSHERON PENINSULA – GOBUSTAN – BAKU
DAY 2: BAKU – ABSHERON PENINSULA – GOBUSTAN – BAKU

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.

DAY 3: BAKU – SHAMAKHI – LAHICH – SHEKI
DAY 3: BAKU – SHAMAKHI – LAHICH – SHEKI

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.

DAY 4: SHEKI – KISH – AZERBAIJAN-GEORGIA BORDER – KVARELI – GREMI FORTRESS – TELAVI
DAY 4: SHEKI – KISH – AZERBAIJAN-GEORGIA BORDER – KVARELI – GREMI FORTRESS – TELAVI

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.

Finally, pay a visit to the ancient Albanian church in the Kish settlement, near Sheki town.

Continue driving to the 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.

The first stop is at Khareba Winery - a unique wine cellar/tunnel carved deep within the Caucasus Mountains. Enjoy wine tour and tasting.

Continue to Gremi fortress, which was built between the 15th and 16th centuries. The fortress now houses a church, a 15th-century tower palace, and a museum exhibiting site artefacts.

Drive to Telavi, the largest town of Kakheti. Drop-off at the hotel.

DAY 5: TELAVI – TSINANDALI – BODBE – SIGHNAGHI – TBILISI
DAY 5: TELAVI – TSINANDALI – BODBE – SIGHNAGHI – TBILISI

In the morning, have a short tour around Telavi Visit Batonis Tsikhe, a museum dedicated to King Erekle II. Finally, pay a visit to the Giant Plane Tree, Telavi's one-of-a-kind attraction.

Continue to 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. The house's wine cellar contains a unique selection of Georgian and European wines. You will be served a glass of Tsinandali white wine as a welcome gift.

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.

Drive to Tbilisi for overnight.

DAY 6: TBILISI CITY TOUR
DAY 6: TBILISI CITY TOUR

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.

DAY 7: TBILISI – JVARI MONASTERY – ANANURI – KAZBEGI
DAY 7: TBILISI – JVARI MONASTERY – ANANURI – KAZBEGI

In the morning, head to Kazbegi. Along the way, stop by Jvari monastery, a UNESCO world heritage site erected in the sixth century on a hill overlooking the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers' scenic confluence. Carry on to 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 View Point, also known as the Friendship Monument, and the Jvari Overpass Travertine Natural Monument. Reach Stepantsminda. Hike or drive to Gergeti Holy Trinity Church to take in the breathtaking views of Mount Kazbek (5033 m). Drop off at the hotel.

DAY 8: KAZBEGI – GORI – UPLISTSIKHE – TBILISI
DAY 8: KAZBEGI – GORI – UPLISTSIKHE – TBILISI

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. Our final destination for the day is 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. Drive back to Tbilisi.

DAY 9: TBILISI – ARMENIA/GEORGIA BORDER – HAGHPAT – SANAHIN – DILIJAN – LAKE SEVAN – SEVANAVANK – YEREVAN
DAY 9: TBILISI – ARMENIA/GEORGIA BORDER – HAGHPAT – SANAHIN – DILIJAN – LAKE SEVAN – SEVANAVANK – YEREVAN

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 Sites of Haghpat and Sanahin monasteries in the Lori region. The two monasteries, constructed between the tenth and thirteenth centuries, represent the pinnacle of Armenian religious architecture.

Drive to Lake Sevan, also known as the "Pearl of Armenia" by passing through luscious green fields bursting with thriving flowers and the 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.

DAY 10: YEREVAN – CITY TOUR
DAY 10: YEREVAN – CITY TOUR

Begin your sightseeing tour of Yerevan with 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.

Continue to Matenadaran, the Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, which houses over 17,000 ancient and medieval manuscripts.

Drive to the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex on Tsitsernakaberd Hill.

Optional: Visit Megeryan Carpet factory or Yerevan Brandy Company.

DAY 11: YEREVAN – GEGHARD – GARNI – ECHMIADZIN – ZVARTNOTS – YEREVAN
DAY 11: YEREVAN – GEGHARD – GARNI – ECHMIADZIN – ZVARTNOTS – YEREVAN

In the morning, 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.

Continue 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.

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. Drop off at the hotel.

DAY 12: YEREVAN – KHOR VIRAP – ARENI – TATEV – GORIS
DAY 12: YEREVAN – KHOR VIRAP – ARENI – TATEV – GORIS

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.

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.

Continue to Tatev Monastery, which was once Armenia's educational and spiritual center. The IX Century monastery is situated on a high plateau in the Vorotan River Canyon, which can be reached by the world's longest cable car, inscribed in the Guinness Book of Records in 2010. The monastery is surrounded by breathtaking mountains and dense forests, creating a spectacular scene that is worth seeing.

Drive to Goris for overnight.

DAY 13: GORIS – NORAVANK MONASTERY – YEREVAN
DAY 13: GORIS – NORAVANK MONASTERY – YEREVAN

In the morning, depart to Yerevan. On the way, stop at 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.

The monastery is well-known for its Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) church, which has a narrow stone staircase leading to the second floor and is one of the earliest examples of cantilever architecture.

Drop-off at the hotel.

DAY 14: YEREVAN – DEPARTURE
DAY 14: YEREVAN – DEPARTURE

Transfer to the airport. Departure

Included/Excluded

  • Accommodation in double/twin room with breakfast
  • Transportation by a comfortable vehicle
  • English / Russian speaking guide
  • Entrance fees
  • 0.5 ml water per person each day
  • Complimentary glass of wine in Tsinandali
  • Wine tasting in Khareba winery
  • Wine tasting at Areni winery
  • Pick up and drop off from/at the hotel
  • Lunch; Dinner
  • Tips
  • Insurance

Tour's Location

FAQs

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Please fill out the Inquiry form on the right side of each tour page with your preferred dates, number of passengers, or any additional information, and our operator will contact you shortly.
How can I pay?
We are very flexible in accepting payments. Our tour operator will help you choose the payment method that suits you most.

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