
For those that take traveling seriously and want to go deep into every place they visit, the Caucasus In-Depth Tour is the best tour. More than just the most popular places in each country, this tour is designed to bring you in close to the local lifestyle and hidden spots of Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia. Azerbaijan is a land of contrasts, best experienced going from the sharp lines of modern Baku to the rough stone houses of mountainous Khinalug, the highest village in Azerbaijan. Finish up the Azerbaijan portion with a stop in Sheki, where you can immerse yourself in the master artistry of the city’s many beautiful buildings, before passing into the rich flavors and warm hospitality of Georgia. You’ll feel Georgia’s long history and strong character for yourself as you visit the monasteries, churches, and mountains. Highlights are the Gergeti Holy Trinity Church, a defiant little building in the shadow of Mount Kazbegi, and Winery Khareba, a cellar featuring some of Georgia’s most famous wines, with wines stored in stone tunnels cut into the side of a mountain. The final country in the Caucasus is Armenia, an ancient country built on strong traditions and stronger faith. For such a small country, there’s so much to explore: the picturesque shores of Lake Sevan, the rocky mountainsides, the churches around every corner, each looking as old as time. The Caucasus In-Depth Tour is the best Caucasus tour for those who love to go off the beaten path and discover new places for themselves.
Tour itinerary:
In the evening, enjoy dinner at a traditional Azeri restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.
Return to Baku. Overnight at the hotel.
We will pass through the beautiful landscapes of vineyards and wine-producing villages. First stop will be at Winery Khareba located in the tunnel carved out of the rock. Originally built for military purposes, today the tunnel is used to store Kakheti’s finest wines. Wine tour and wine tasting. Continue to Gremi architectural complex, 16th century royal residence and the capital of Kakheti Kingdom. Then reach Telavi, administrative center of Kakheti region. Overnight at the hotel.
On the way make a stop to visit Ubisa Monastery, famous for its well preserved and colorful frescoes dating from the 9th century. Have another stop at the village Shrosha, where you will have a chance to see the versatility of Georgian pottery:"doqi" - jug,"piala" - bowl,"ketsi" - plate and many more, made from clay that is extracted from the soil of the area. Arrive to Kutaisi for overnight at the hotel.
Continue to the Armenian Genocide memorial complex on the hill of Tsitsernakaberd. An excellent round-up of the tour will be a visit to the Brandy Factory in Yerevan to taste renowned Armenian cognac. The legend says that Noah planted the first vine in the abundant Ararat valley; afterwards winery was pioneered all over the country. Tasting of two types of Ararat brandies (Ararat 3 stars and Akhtamar, 10 years old). In the evening, enjoy dinner and traditional folklore show. Overnight at the hotel.
Continue to Areni, a city known for producing famous Armenian wine from pomegranate and apricot. Have a wine tasting at a local winery.
Drive to Tatev Monastery (9-13 cent.). Approaching the jewel of medieval Armenian architecture on the longest aerial tramway in the world you will see the monastery, a powerful impregnable stronghold towering on a rock. The remote location of the monastery was strategically favorable as it played the role of religious and political centre of the region. Standing on the edge of the rock, the monastery takes your breath away: somewhere down below the river flows in the valley and crowded velvet green hills stand in silence…
Arrival in Goris at around 18:00. Overnight at the hotel.
Arrive in Yerevan, check-in to the hotel. Free time. Overnight at the hotel.
- All transfers (1-2 pax by sedan, 3-4 pax by Mercedes Vito or similar, 5-10 pax by Mercedes Sprinter passenger van);
- Accommodation based on double/twin room sharing, breakfasts included;
- Sightseeing tour program in each country with local English-speaking guides;
- Entrance tickets to sights as per itinerary;
- Dinners in Baku, Tbilisi, and Yerevan;
- Two wine tastings in Kakheti, Georgia; one wine tasting in Areni village, Armenia;
- Brandy tasting in Yerevan, Armenia;
- Azerbaijan E-visa.
- Full board (lunches and dinners);
- Hotel charges for additional services;
- Personal travel insurance;
- E-visas to Georgia and Armenia;
- Tips are not included, but would be appreciated;
- International flight tickets before and after the tour.