Transcaucasus: Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia

Arrive In Baku - Transfer From Baku Airport To Your Hotel

Day 1: Baku

Transfer from Baku airport to your hotel
Other Transfer: After your arrival into Baku airport, be met by a representative and be transferred to your hotel.

Walking Tour Of Baku - Gobustan Caves

Day 2: Baku

Walking tour of Baku
Excursion: This walking tour of Baku includes the medieval walled city "Icheri Sheher" with its narrow alleyways, historic caravanserais, mosques and Palace of the Shirvan Shahs. Visit the 12th century Maiden's Tower, the imposing mansions of the oil barons built in the oil boom of 1870-1914, and Martyr's Alley with its superb views over the Bay of Baku. Finally visit the workshop of a well-known Azerbaijani artist who paints with petrol oil.


Gobustan Caves
Excursion: Excursion to Gobustan petroglyphs and museum. The Gobustan rock paintings open air museum is listed as a UNESCO Heritage site and archaeological museum.

Transfer From Baku To Sheki - Explore Sheki

Day 3: Sheki

Transfer from Baku to Sheki
Car Transfer: Leave Baku, depart for the Caucasus Mountains in the northwest of Azerbaijan on your way to Sheki.


Explore Sheki and surrounds
Excursion: Visit the Royal Summer and Winter Palaces of the Sheki Khans, Sheki Museum, Fortress , caravansary and market. Later, enjoy an afternoon excursion to the village of Kish and church.

Transfer From Sheki To Lagodekhi Border - Explore The Gremi Complex - Arrive In Telavi

Day 4: Gremi Complex - Telavi

Transfer from Sheki to Lagodekhi border
Other Transfer: Transfer to Lagodekhi border, between Azerbaijan and Georgia.


Explore the Gremi Complex
Excursion: Once the thriving capital of the Kakheti kingdom, the royal citadel and Church of the Archangels is all that remains of Gremi. A prosperous trading town in the 16th Century, Gremi was razed to the ground by the Persian army in 1615 and never recovered its previous vigor. The ruins offer a fascinating insight into Georgian history and are well worth a visit!


Discover the Nekresi Complex
Excursion: The tiny fortress town of Nekresi is a real treat to wander around. Atop a steep and forested hill, the 4th century monastery boasts gorgeous views of the rolling Alazan valley below. The grounds are shrouded in history: the town itself was established by King Pharnajom between the 1st and 2nd century BC. In the 4th century, King Thrdat built a church which later became a point of refuge for the Assyrian fathers. Inside, the church has a number of impressive frescos, with colours remarkably in tact. If you're lucky, you will visit when a mass is in progress; hearing the prayers and singing echo across the town makes the experience all the more special.


Lunch at a farmer's house in Kvareli
Excursion: Whilst in Kvareli, you will visit a local family who will cook you a homemade lunch. Different regions in Georgia are renowned for different traditional dishes. Kvareli is in the region of Kakheti, which is famed for its meat based cuisine and is the birthplace for the Georgian bread, Tonis Puri. Similar to a flatbread, it is baked in a tone oven and is particularly popular during celebratory holidays such as Christmas. Kvareli is also firmly in Georgia’s wine region, so you'll likely be served some homemade wine or Chaca; a pomace brandy made from the left over residue in the wine making process.


Transfer from Kvareli to Telavi
Other Transfer: From Kvareli, head to the cultural capital of the Kakheti region, Telavi. This is a private transfer. Estimated travel time: 40 minutes.

Transfer From Telavi To Tsinandali - Visit Alaverdi Monastery - Transfer To Gudauri

Day 5: Mtskheta - Gudauri

Transfer from Telavi to Mtskheta
Car Transfer: From Telavi, head via Gombori to Mtskheta.


Visit Mtskheta - the ancient capital of Georgia
Excursion: Enjoy discovering the enchanting ancient capital and religious centre of Georgia – Mtskheta. This 3000 year old city is the spiritual hub of Georgia and holds great importance for locals and visitors alike. On this visit, absorb the mystical atmosphere as you explore its historical highlights; Jvari church (6th century) and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century), where the Robe of Christ is buried. Both are UNESCO World Heritage sites.


Transfer from Mtskheta to Gudauri (via Ananuri Complex)
Car Transfer: We head for the ski resort Gudauri, en route visiting ananuri Architectural Complex (15th-17th century).


Ananuri Architectural Complex
Excursion: The Ananuri architectural complex (17th century) is made of two churches and the fortress which overlook the Zhinvali water reservoir. The carvings on the churches are one of the best examples of Georgian art.

Transfer From Gudauri To Stepantsminda - Walk To Gergeti Trinity Church - Drive To Tbilisi

Day 6: Kazbegi - Tbilisi

Transfer from Gudauri to Kazbegi
Car Transfer: Drive from Gudauri to Kazbegi.


Walk to the Gergeti Trinity church
Excursion: The striking Gergeti Trinity Church sits proudly atop a mountainside, which drops into the banks of the river Chkheri at an elevation of 2170 metres. This is set under the towering Mount Kazbegi, one of the highest glaciers in the Caucasus. Today, you will embark on a trek which takes you from the verdant woodlands below to the walls of this breathtaking 14th century Orthodox church. On a clear day, the views from here are outstanding. It takes around 2 and a half hours to get to the top, and is mostly uphill. In the face of such astonishing beauty, the exterior of the building becomes more stunning in its modesty. In the Soviet era, it was briefly abandoned, yet when you visit you will feel as though you have stepped back into a bygone era.


Transfer from Kazbegi to Tbilisi
Car Transfer: Drive from Kazbegi to Tbilisi. This is quite a long journey, so there can be stops when needed. Estimated total travel time: around 3 hours.

Half day tour of Tbilisi - the city of hot springs

Day 7: Tbilisi

Half day tour of Tbilisi - the city of hot springs
Excursion: Today, explore Georgia’s energetic capital, Tbilisi. Tread through the old districts of the city, twist around its narrow streets, and be mesmerised by the multicoloured houses, patterned balconies and varying examples of modern architecture. Begin the adventure at the 13th-century Metekhi church, perching proudly on a rocky bank that tumbles into the Mtkvari River. From its elegant gardens, admire magnificent views of the old city and its rainbow-like buildings toppling above one another. As you wind your way along the little streets, you will come across the main sights of Tbilisi, such as the clock tower. This is considered one of the city’s most emblematic structures, built by puppet master Rezo Gabriadze. Marvel at its fairytale-like design. Continue to the bathing district, famous for Sulphur bathhouses and understand their history. The name T′⁠bili or T′⁠bilisi translates as ‘warm location’ and was given to the city because of the area's numerous sulphuric hot springs. Afterwards, gaze at panoramic views of the town´s glimmering lights from the 4th-century Narikala Fortress.

Transfer from Tbilisi to Gori - Transfer from Tbilisi to Gori - Joseph Stalin's Museum

Day 8: Gori - Kutaisi

Transfer from Tbilisi to Gori
Car Transfer: Drive from Tbilisi to Gori along the ancient silk road.


Joseph Stalin's Museum
Excursion: In Gori, you'll visit the birthplace and the house of Joseph Stalin, one of the world's most notorious dictators. You'll learn about his place in Georgian history and the journey he took to become one of the most feared leaders in the modern world. The museum itself consists of three parts: the childhood house where Stalin grew up, his armoured train carriage and a small museum dedicated to his life. Many of the exhibits are written in Georgian or Russian, so we recommend a guide and/or headphones. We also suggest taking this museum with a pinch of salt; there is very little mention of his atrocities against humanity, and the exhibits have been widely viewed as leaning toward a claim to fame above all else. This bias paints him as a prominent historical figure, rather than a grim dictator. The museum is still well worth the visit, even if it is just to glean an insight into how differently history can be displayed!


Explore Uplistsikhe Cave Town
Excursion: On the outskirts of Gori lies the extraordinary Uplistsikhe Cave Town (1st millennium BC). The ancient town contains striking structures dating the Early Iron Age to the Late Middle Ages, and is a dramatic point through which the Great Silk Road used to pass. Walk along the historic stone walkways and stairwells, and you'll encounter dwelling quarters, wine-cellars, bakeries, a three-nave basilica church hewn out of rock and an antique theatre. These rock-cult cultures have a fascinating variety of architectural origins, from Anatolia and Iran to pagan and Christian influences. The site is a place of mystery and enchant; it sits atop a sandstone cliff edging along the cascading Mtkvari river. You won't have seen anything like this before. It is recommended you wear sturdy shoes for this excursion, as there are steep slopes, crumbling pathways and open pits.


Transfer from Gori to Kutaisi
Other Transfer: We continue our way to Imereti province to visit the pretty town of Kutaisi.

Visit the Gelati Monastery - Visit Bagrati Cathedral - Prometheus' Grotto

Day 9: Kutaisi - Bakuriani

Visit the Gelati Monastery
Excursion: The Gelati monastery is a listed UNESCO World Heritage site, built during the legendary Byzantine Empire. An era widely revered for the use of gold aesthetic in their paintings and buildings, this monastery was erected to not only demonstrate how Christianity encompassed all of the land, but also as an academic centre in the 12th century. In 1106, it was founded by King David 'the Builder', as a centre for Christian culture and Neoplatonist learning. A handful of Medieval chroniclers described this academy as a ‘second Jerusalem’ and a 'new Athens'. In fact King David was so enamoured with his complex that he chose to be buried there too. As you will discover, Gelati was a cultural hub of Georgia's medieval renaissance, and you will encounter breathtaking frescoes and mosaics in the main Cathedral of the Virgin, painted between the 12th and 18th centuries. There are few explanations around, so we recommend bringing a guide book or going with the guide. You will be lead through chapels, the observatory, and tombs, getting a feel for the significance of this East-West crossroad.


Visit Bagrati Cathedral
Excursion: Built in 1003 by Bagrat III, Bagrati Cathedral is one of Kutaisi's most iconic sites. Its opulent dome was brought down in 1692 by an Ottoman explosion and it lay in ruins for many years. Partial and intermittent restoration efforts took place through the intervening centuries, until it was fully restored in the early 2000s using a mixture of old and new stone.


Prometheus' Grotto
Excursion: Visit Prometheus' Grotto, a stunning cave formation in which you will see beautiful stalactites and stalagmites formed thousands of years ago, as well as stunning cave rivers and lakes. The walking route through the cave goes as far as 1080 metres. If you'd rather relax, there is also the chance to take a boat trip through cavernous surrounds, which is 280 metres long. The 'grotto' is named after the boulder that Prometheus was chained to, supposedly held inside. Please note that the Grotto is closed on Mondays.


Transfer from Kutaisi to Bakuriani
Car Transfer: Drive to Meskhet-Javakheti region to the ski resort Bakuriani.

Transfer from Bakuriani to Vardzia - Transfer from Bakuriani to Vardzia - Visit Vardzia Cave Town

Day 10: Vardzia - Gyumri

Transfer from Bakuriani to Vardzia
Car Transfer: Drive from Bakuriani to Varzia an route visiting the Khertvisi fortress.


Visit Vardzia Cave Town
Excursion: The magnificent cave town – Vardzia (12th century) is one of the highlights of the trip. It stretches over half a kilometer along the river Mtkvari and has 19 tiers. There used to be about 3000 caves. It’s got a church hewn out in rock with amazing 12th century frescos. The complex also includes dwellings quarters, small hall-type churches, refectories, wine cellars, pharmacy, etc.


Transfer from Vardzia to Gyumri
Car Transfer: Drive to the Georgia-Armenia border (Bavra) and continue the trip to Armenia.

Tour Of Gyumri - Transfer From Gyumri To Yerevan - Transfer From Gyumri To Yerevan

Day 11: Gyumri - Yerevan

Tour of Gyumri
Excursion: Sightseeing tour of Gyumri city - the second largest city in Armenia. The most indigenous architecture preserved from 19th century is here to take you to a historical trip of Alexandrapol, one of the most splendid towns of its time. You will have a real cultural experience that tell the story of the city, its talents and its lifestyle. Visit Dzitoghtsyan museum, house-Museum of Social Life and National Architecture (closed on Mondays). After city tour direct drive to Yerevan. Stop at Fortress of Amberd, 9th century, standing halfway up Mt. Aragats, at the height of 2300m. The fortress stands on a rocky cape formed by the rivers Amberd and Arkhashen. There are also vestiges of a fortified three-storied palace, a church built in 1026, a palace bathhouse with two domes, a central heating system, water tanks, a water-supply system, and a secret passage to a nearby cleft.


Transfer from Gyumri to Yerevan
Car Transfer: Approx. 2 hrs.


Echmiadzin and Zvartnots
Excursion: The town of Echmiadzin is the religious and spiritual centre for all Armenians. Stop at the ruins of Zvartnots Temple the pearl of the 7th c. architecture which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage (closed on Mondays). Extend to Echmiadzin Cathedral dating back to 301-303 AD. The name “Echmiadzin” means “The only-begotten descended” and is known as the centre of the Armenian - Gregorian Church.

City Tour Of Yerevan - Admire Manuscripts At Matenadaran - Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Park

Day 12: Yerevan

City tour of Yerevan
Excursion: Start the exploration of the vibrant city of Yerevan dating back to 782 B. C. We start our walking tour from the Republic Square, the masterpiece of the architect Alexander Tamanian. Continue to the Opera House, a stunning architectural piece and the hub of Yerevan. Freedom Square is just behind, surrounded by parks which have been taken over by outdoor cafes, and finally Swan Lake. Next we are in Cascade complex, an open-air museum of modern art with massive stairways leading up to the Victory Park to have a fantastic view to the entire downtown from above. Then visit Armenia History Museum. (closed on Monday).


Admire manuscripts at Matenadaran
Excursion: Visit Matenadaran – (closed Sunday/Monday) the depository of ancient manuscripts that include historical documents from Europe and Asia. There is also the first copy of Bible in Armenian and the Gospels that fascinate with their miniatures.


Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Park
Excursion: Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Park is a sobering monument dedicated to the first genocide of the 20th century.

Visit Garni And Geghard Monasteries

Day 13: Yerevan

Visit Garni and Geghard Monasteries
Excursion: Geghard Monastery inscribed in UNESCO World Heritage list. Geghard is partly carved out of the adjacent rocks. The meaning "the Monastery of the Spear", originates from the spear which had wounded Jesus during his crucifixion, allegedly brought to Armenia by Apostle Thaddeus, and stored amongst many other relics. Proceed to Garni Temple, a picturesque monument of the Hellenistic period and an impressive piece of ancient Armenian architecture. It was built in the first century A.D. by the Armenian King Tiridates and it is dedicated to a heathen god, probably to Mithra, the god of the sun. Return to Yerevan and visit Matenadaran, depository of ancient manuscripts (closed on Sunday and Monday).

Transfer From Your Hotel In Yerevan To The Airport - Transfer From Your Hotel In Yerevan To The Airport

Day 14:

Transfer from your hotel in Yerevan to the airport
Other Transfer: Transfer from your hotel to the airport.