
This 10-day Caucasus tour is a fascinating journey through the history of three wonderful countries: Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia. Learn about the culture of these nations, explore their modern and ancient architectural monuments, and enjoy picturesque landscapes and unique local dishes. Azerbaijan’s history covers thousands of years, from petroglyphs to palaces to promenades. Georgia is a land of heartfelt gatherings and beautiful scenery, home to some of the oldest wine making technology in the world and some of the most stunning mountain churches in the Caucasus. The final stops of the tour are in Armenia, with visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the beautiful Lake Sevan, one of the largest high mountain lakes in the world. You will leave with warm memories of the Caucasus and much more knowledge of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia than you did before.
Tour itinerary:
Start a sightseeing tour in Baku. Visit Martyrs’ Lane, called ‘Shehidler Khiyabany’ among locals. When you walk through Martyrs’ Lane, you will find a beautiful view overlooking Baku’s coastline. Continue touring new Baku and exploring architecture of the 19-20th centuries: Nizami Street, Fountain Square, Nizami Ganjavi monument, Rasul-Zade Street. We will then move to the old part of the city – Icheri Sheher. Visit Maiden Tower, Shirvanshahs’ Palace, Caravanserai, and market square with numerous art studios and souvenir stalls. An excellent round-up to the city tour will be visit to the iconic Heydar Aliev center. In the evening enjoy welcome dinner at local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.
Return to Baku. Overnight at hotel.
Continue driving to Sheki. On the way, visit the first Albanian church in Caucasus in the village Kish dating back to the 1st century AD. Arrival in Sheki for overnight.
We will pass through the beautiful landscapes of vineyards and wine-producing villages. First stop will be at unique 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. Have a short drive around the town. Overnight at the hotel.
Drive to Lori region and visit Haghpat monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This stunning example of Armenian traditional architecture was erected in 10-13th centuries. Standing on a hillside, Haghpat beautifully overlooks the Debed River. Location of monastery was chosen to protect peace and seclusion of its monks. Drive through Dilijan to Lake Sevan, “The Jewel of Armenia” and one of the largest high-mountain freshwater lakes in the world. The coastline of Lake Sevan is rich with thick woods, white bare steep rocks, mountain steppes and Alpine meadows. Stop at Sevanavank to visit the remnants of the monastery that include two temples – Surb Arakelots and Surb Karapet standing among numerous khachkars - carved cross-stones. The buildings were constructed from black tuff which probably gave the monastery its name Sevanavank – “the Black Monastery”. Enjoy a magnificent view: the mountains surround lake from all sides and snow tops are seen almost on the entire perimeter and disappear behind the horizon. Continue to Yerevan for overnight.
* The site is presently under renovation works.
- All transfers (1-2 pax by sedan, 3-4 pax by Mercedes Vito or similar, 5-15 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 fees to sights as per itinerary;
- Wine tasting in Kakheti region, Georgia;
- Dinner in Tbilisi (day 6), and Yerevan (day 8).
- Full board (lunch and dinner);
- Hotel charges for additional services;
- Visa support letter and consular fees for visas to Georgia and Armenia;
- Personal travel insurance;
- International flight tickets before and after the tour;
- Tips are not included, but would be appreciated;
- Azerbaijan tourist e-visa.
Accommodation:
Baku - 2 nights | |
Azcot, Amber, Central Park or similar | Holiday Inn, Sheraton Baku Intourist, Park Inn or similar |
Sheki - 1 night | |
Ruma Qala, Issam | Sheki Saray, Sheki Palace, Marxal or similar |
Telavi - 1 night | |
Telavi Inn, Wine Hotel Telavi, Alazani Valley, Old Telavi | Holiday Inn Telavi, Savaneti, Hotel & Wine Cellar ARGE |
Tbilisi - 2 nights | |
Old Kopala, Ramada By Wyndham Tbilisi Old City, Tiflis, Brigitte, Abanotubani Hotel | Ambassadori, Tiflis Palace, Wyndham Grand, Rooms Hotel |
Yerevan - 3 nights | |
Cascade, Ani Central Inn, President Hotel by Hrazdan Hotel CJSC or similar | DoubleTree by Hilton Yerevan, Opera Suite, Grand Yerevan, Tufenkian or similar |