Great Extensive Caucasus

Adventure, Culinary, Culture, Food & Drink, Hiking & Trekking, Nature, Sightseeing

Georgia , Azerbaijan , Armenia 12 Days

Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia are three countries located in the South Caucasus region, bordering each other and sharing a rich history and culture. Georgia is known for its picturesque landscapes, ancient churches, and world-renowned wine regions. Azerbaijan is famous for its oil reserves, modern architecture, and the ancient walled city of Baku. Armenia is known for its stunning monasteries and rugged mountains. Together, these three countries offer a fascinating mix of ancient history, unique cultures, and natural beauty that make for an unforgettable travel experience.

Itinerary

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  • Day 1 - WELCOME TO BAKU
    Welcome to Baku, the vibrant capital city of Azerbaijan! Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met by a representative who will transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, take some time to relax and explore the city at your leisure. You might want to stroll along the seaside boulevard, visit the Old City with its charming narrow streets, or indulge in some delicious Azerbaijani cuisine. Overnight in Baku.
  • Day 2 - BAKU
    On this day, we will start our tour with a photo stop near the iconic Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center, a masterpiece of modern architecture that showcases the culture and heritage of Azerbaijan. We will then proceed to the Upland Park, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Baku and its bay. Here, you can take stunning photos and enjoy the beautiful scenery. After that, we will visit the Old Town of Baku and explore its narrow streets, medieval buildings, and ancient landmarks. Our tour will include passing by the Medieval market square, Caravanserai, and the iconic Maiden Tower, which has become a symbol of the city. We will also visit the entrance to the magnificent Shirvanshah Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important monuments of Azerbaijan's medieval architecture. In the evening, we will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, where we will have the chance to experience a traditional Azerbaijani folk show while savoring delicious national cuisine. The show will include music, dance, and traditional costumes, providing a unique glimpse into the rich culture and traditions of Azerbaijan.
  • Day 3 - BAKU - GOBUSTAN - BAKU
    After breakfast, we will depart from Baku to visit the Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ancient rock art and petroglyphs. Here, we will explore the Rock Cultural Museum and view the fascinating collection of petroglyphs depicting various animals, hunting scenes, and daily life activities of the ancient inhabitants. After the visit to Gobustan, we will head to a local restaurant to indulge in a traditional Azerbaijani dish called Qutab, which is a type of stuffed pancake. You will also have the opportunity to participate in a Qutab-making master class, where you will learn how to make this delicious dish. Next, we will continue our journey to Ateshgah, a Fire Temple that was once a place of pilgrimage for Zoroastrians. Here, you will learn about the history and significance of this unique temple, which was built on a site where natural gas vents out of the ground and creates eternal flames. After visiting Ateshgah, we will head to Yanardag, also known as the Fire Mountain, where natural gas seeps from the ground and creates a hillside of flames. This spectacular natural wonder is a must-see attraction in Azerbaijan. In the evening, we will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and savor some traditional Azerbaijani cuisine.
  • Day 4 - BAKU - SHAMAKHI - SHEKI
    After breakfast, we will depart from Baku and drive to the beautiful city of Sheki. On the way, we will stop in the historical town of Shemakhy to visit the Juma Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Azerbaijan, dating back to the 8th century. Upon arrival in Sheki, we will embark on a city tour, starting with a visit to the Sheki Khan Palace, an impressive 18th-century architectural masterpiece that was once the residence of Sheki Khans. Here, you will learn about the history and culture of the region and admire the beautiful interior decoration and traditional Azerbaijani artwork. After the palace visit, we will continue our city tour, exploring the charming streets and colorful houses of Sheki's Old Town, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will have the opportunity to see traditional architecture, including the iconic Sheki caravanserai and Sheki's famous stained-glass windows. In the evening, we will have dinner at a local restaurant, where you can sample delicious local cuisine and enjoy the unique atmosphere of Sheki.
  • Day 5 - SHEKI - LAGODEKHI - SIGHNAGHI - TBILISI
    On this day, we will depart from Sheki and meet at the border to cross into Georgia. From there, we will drive to Sighnaghi, a charming town known for its beautiful landscapes, wineries, and historical monuments. Upon arrival, we will visit the Bodbe Monastery, one of the most sacred sites in Georgia, which is believed to be the final resting place of St. Nino, the patron saint of Georgia. Here, you can admire the stunning architecture of the monastery and learn about its rich history and religious significance. After the monastery visit, we will take a stroll at the hill with views of Alazani Valley, where you can enjoy the picturesque scenery and take stunning photos. Next, we will drive to Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia, and check-in at our hotel. In the evening, we will have dinner at a local restaurant, where you can taste delicious Georgian cuisine and experience the warm hospitality of the Georgian people. After dinner, we will return to our hotel in Tbilisi for an overnight stay.
  • Day 6 - TBILISI - ANANURI - KAZBEGI - TBILISI
    After breakfast at the hotel, we will depart from Tbilisi and head to Ananuri, a medieval fortress located on the Aragvi River. Here, you will have the opportunity to explore the fortress, learn about its history and architecture, and admire the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and river. From there, we will make a photo stop at the Russia-Georgian Friendship Monument, located on the Georgian Military Highway. This unique structure was built in 1983 to commemorate the bicentennial of the Treaty of Georgievsk and to symbolize the friendship between the two nations. After that, we will transfer to Kazbegi, a beautiful mountain town located in the Caucasus Mountains. Here, we will visit the Gergeti Holy Trinity Church, a stunning 14th-century Orthodox church located on the top of a hill. To reach the church, we will take a 4WD transfer, which is an exciting and adventurous experience. Later, we will transfer back to Tbilisi, where we will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant with a traditional Georgian folk show. This will be a wonderful opportunity to experience the rich culture and traditions of Georgia through music, dance, and costumes, while savoring delicious Georgian cuisine.
  • Day 7 - TBILISI - MTSKHETA - GORI - TBILISI
    After breakfast at the hotel, we will drive to Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, we will visit two of the most important religious sites in Georgia, the Jvari Monastery and the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. These sites are not only architecturally stunning, but they also have significant religious and historical importance in Georgia. From Mtskheta, we will drive to Gori, a city located in central Georgia and the birthplace of Joseph Stalin. Here, we will visit the Stalin Museum, which showcases the life and political career of Stalin, as well as his impact on Georgian and Soviet history. After visiting the museum, we will drive to Uplistsikhe, an ancient cave town located on the banks of the Mtkvari River. Here, you can explore the unique cave dwellings, tunnels, and rock-cut structures that date back to the Bronze Age and learn about the fascinating history of this ancient settlement. Finally, we will drive back to Tbilisi and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant with a traditional Georgian folk show, where you can experience the vibrant music, dance, and costumes of Georgia while savoring delicious Georgian cuisine.
  • Day 8 - TBILISI - SAGURAMO - TBILISI
    After breakfast at the hotel, we will depart from Tbilisi and head to Saguramo to visit the Guramishvili Marani, a local winery known for producing high-quality wines. Here, we will have a wine tasting session (for up to 5 persons) and a churchkhela-making masterclass (for up to 5 persons), where you can learn how to make this traditional Georgian candy. From there, we will return to Tbilisi and visit the Sameba Cathedral, one of the largest Orthodox cathedrals in the world, and the Metekhi St. Virgin Church, located on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Mtkvari River. We will also see the Statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali, the founder of Tbilisi, and take a cable car up to the Narikala Fortress, which offers stunning panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains. Next, we will visit the iconic Mother of Georgia statue (Kartlis Deda) and make a photo stop at the Sulphur Baths, a famous landmark in Tbilisi. We will also explore the Tbilisi Bridge of Peace and the Meidan area, known for its historic architecture and charming cafes. Afterward, we will drive through the elegant Shota Rustaveli Avenue, one of the most popular streets in Tbilisi, and stop for shopping at the Galeria Mall. Finally, we will end our day with dinner at a local restaurant, where you can savor delicious Georgian cuisine and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
  • Day 9 - TBILISI - SADOKHLO - DILIJAN - SEVAN - YEREVAN
    After having breakfast at the hotel, we will transfer to the Sadakhlo Border and cross into Armenia. Our first stop will be the Goshavank Monastery, a beautiful and historic 12th-century monastery located in the Tavush Province. We will then drive to Dilijan, a picturesque town located in the heart of the Dilijan National Park. Here, we will take a stroll along Sharambeyan Street, a charming cobblestone street lined with artisan shops, cafes, and galleries. Afterward, we will visit the stunning Sevan Lake, one of the largest freshwater high-altitude lakes in Eurasia. We will then head to the Sevanavank Monastery, which sits atop a hill overlooking the lake and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Finally, we will end our day with dinner at a local restaurant, where you can enjoy delicious Armenian cuisine and soak up the warm hospitality of the locals.
  • Day 10 - YEREVAN - ZVARTNOTS - EJMIATSIN - YEREVAN
    After having breakfast at the hotel, we will start our Yerevan city tour. We will visit Republic Square, a major public space in the heart of the city, and Mashtots Avenue, a bustling street lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. We will also visit the House of Opera and Ballet, named after the famous composer Aram Khachatryan, and the park "Cascad", a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. We will then have the opportunity to participate in the making process of Armenian pasta "Arishta" and sweet "Gata", two traditional Armenian dishes that have been passed down through generations. Afterward, we will visit the ancient religious center of Ejmiatsin, a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back to the 4th century. We will also visit the Zvartnots Temple, an impressive 7th-century Armenian cathedral that is now in ruins. We will then drive back to Yerevan, where we will have the chance to visit the brandy factory "Ararat" or "Noy", both of which are famous for producing high-quality Armenian brandy. Finally, we will end our day with dinner at a local restaurant, where you can sample more delicious Armenian cuisine and immerse yourself in the local culture.
  • Day 11 - YEREVAN - GARNI - GEGHARD - YEREVAN
    After breakfast at the hotel, we will embark on a trip to the charming village of Garni. We will take 4x4 cars to explore the breathtaking Garni gorge and witness the mesmerizing "Symphony of Stones". We will then proceed to visit the majestic Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts stunning medieval architecture carved into the surrounding mountains. After our visit, we will enjoy a delicious lunch at a local house and even have the chance to participate in the preparation of the famous Armenian traditional bread, "Lavash". Upon our return to Yerevan, we will visit the History Museum to learn more about the fascinating history and culture of Armenia. In the evening, we will savor a scrumptious dinner at a traditional restaurant, accompanied by enchanting folk music. We will spend the night in Yerevan, fully enriched by the beauty and culture of Armenia.
  • Day 12 - YEREVAN - DEPARTURE
    Goodbye and have a safe trip! We hope you enjoyed your tour of Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia. Don't forget to take home some great memories and souvenirs.

What's included

English speaking guide AC deluxe transportation with free WIFI access Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner as indicated in the itinerary Entrance fees, parking and local taxes Gratuity for hotel porters and restaurant servers

What you might consider

Gratuity for the guide and driver Personal expenses Visa Expenses if required Assistance with portage services at the airport