Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia: Across the Caucasus

Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia: Across the Caucasus

394 Views
15 Days From

$5393

Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia: Across the Caucasus

15 Days Starting in BAKU and ending in YEREVAN

Visiting: Baku, Lahich, Lahij, Sheki, Telavi, Gori, Mkinvartsveri, Tbilisi, Dilijan, Goris, Yerevan

Tour operator:

Wild Frontiers

Tour code:

ATC

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 12

Physical rating:

Low, Low / Moderate

Age range:

1-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Please contact Wild Frontiers with any specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural

Private Available:

Request A Private Tour

From: $5393

NB: Prices correct on 21-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

This if we say so ourselves, is an outstanding itinerary, capturing the best of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia, one of our favourite regions for cultural adventure.

Taking you from the shores of the Caspian Sea and the splendid history of Baku, through the pretty wine fields of Kakheti and up to the spectacular High Caucasus mountains, you will be following in the footsteps of Silk Road traders, Crusader Knights and Ottoman Princes. This region, lying at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, is packed with the legends of the Golden Fleece, stunning scenery and warm and hospitable people,
with a flourishing food and wine scene.

It also, amazingly, remains relatively unknown even to many experienced travellers and this is the perfect trip for those wanting a diverse experience in an often overlooked part of our world.

Highlights

  • Explore on foot and discover the heritage and history of Yerevan, Tbilisi and Baku

  • Discover Armenia’s monasteries and learn more about the world’s first Christian nation

  • Enjoy traditional Georgian cuisine and the country’s signature qvevri-made wines

  • Soak up nature’s finest as you enjoy walks through the heart of the Caucasus Mountains

  • Get off the beaten track and stay in a remote village in Azerbaijan and mingle with the locals

  • Admire the region’s architectural wonders, from ancient cave towns to UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Tour Starts In Baku (Azerbaijan)

Location: Baku

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: City Park Hotel or similar

Rooms will be available in Baku from this afternoon. Those arriving on the group flights will arrive in the early hours of tomorrow morning.

Day 2: Baku: Qobustan Rock Art & Baku Tour

Location: Baku

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: City Park Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we will head to the UNESCO site of Qobustan, home to over 6000 Stone Age cave drawings, where we will explore the caves and petroglyphs. Then, after lunch at a local restaurant we’ll take a wander around Baku city centre, and discover the quirky architecture. This really is a city of two halves with the ancient walls and heritage buildings juxtaposed with the modern and flamboyant hub in the city. We take in such buildings as the 3 pointed skyscrapers, and  the contemporary landmark of the Zaha Hadid–designed Heydar Aliyev Center, where we pay a visit. We will also make a stop at the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum that displays the largest collection of Azerbaijani carpets in the world, with both modern and historical weaving techniques on show.

Day 3: Baku - Lahij: Walled City, Maiden Tower And Village Of Lahij

Location: Baku, Lahich

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Evim Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We’ll have the full morning to enjoy Baku, the Caucasus’s most cosmopolitan city. We’ll focus predominantly on the old walled city and after entering via the Shamaxi gate, we’ll visit the imposing Maiden Tower and the impressive Shirvanshahs’ Palace (both UNESCO World Heritage sites). After lunch we will head west and finally into the foothills of the Caucasus to the picturesque mountain village of Lahij, famed for its coppersmiths and thriving craft trade.

Day 4: Lahij - Sheki: Crafts And Traditions Of Lahij

Location: Lahij, Sheki

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Sheki Saray Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning wander around this lovely village, shop in the market and meet some of the locals. Later, we’ll set off to Sheki, once a key trading post, sitting as it does on a major crossroads. This is our base for the next two nights and is one of the country’s highlights.

Day 5: Sheki: Khan’S Palace, Local Market & Kis Village

Location: Sheki

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Sheki Saray Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

With a full day in Sheki region, there’ll be time to visit the beautifully renovated Khan’s palace, the museum and local market and head out to the pretty village of Kis to see the round-towered Albanian Church. This afternoon there will be some free time so you can explore Sheki at your own pace.

Day 6: Sheki - Telavi (Georgia): Local Family Lunch, Nekreski Monastery & Gremi Church

Location: Sheki, Telavi

Accommodation: Rusiko's Guesthouse or similar

Accommodation Name: Kviria Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we will transfer to the Lagodekhi checkpoint and cross over into the Kakheti wine-growing region of Georgia. After joining a local family for lunch at their home, we'll drive to the Nekresi Monastery (4th century), once on the Silk Road, and visit the 16th-century Gremi Church complex, a photogenic citadel with splendid views over the surrounding wine country. In the evening we arrive in Telavi.

Day 7: Telavi - Gori: Wine Cellars & Tasting, State Museum

Location: Telavi, Gori

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Gori Inn or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, before we leave Telavi, we’ll visit the local market. We’ll then visit the 18th century fortified hilltop town of Sighnaghi. From here we will visit a unique wine cellar where wine is produced and stored, and taste some of the typical wines of the region. On our way to Gori we will make a stop at the Georgian State Museum to see it's stunning treasures.

Day 8: Gori - Kazbegi National Park: Stalin Museum, Uplistsikhe Cave City, Ananuri

Location: Mkinvartsveri, Gori

Accommodation: Hostel

Accommodation Name: In Tourist or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Gori is infamous not only as one of the focal points of the Russian occupation in August 2008 but also as the birth place of a certain Josef Stalin. Here we will visit the fascinating Stalin Museum (which remains unchanged since its Cold War era opening), before heading on to the ancient remains of the Uplistsikhe cave city. After lunch we’ll start our very scenic drive up through the High Caucasus Mountains along the Georgian Military Highway, which is still a major route linking Georgia with Russia. En route to our night stop at Stepantsminda we’ll visit Ananuri, a 17th century architectural complex, overlooking the Zhinvali reservoir.

Day 9: Kazbegi National Park – Tbilisi: Gergeti Church & Mtskheta

Location: Mkinvartsveri, Tbilisi

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Taberne Boutique Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, there will be a chance to take a walk for about 2 hours up through beautiful valleys and forests to the Gergeti Trinity church (14th century) located on top of the mountain (2170m) and one of the country’s most iconic images. Weather permitting, we may also be able to catch a glimpse of one the highest glaciers in the Caucasus – Mt Kazbegi (5047m). If you prefer to skip the hike, local taxis are available. We will then enjoy a delicious homemade lunch with a local family, before heading to Georgia’s ancient capital and its religious centre - Mtskheta (3000 years old). This afternoon we will visit two UNESCO World Heritage sites: Jvari church (6th century) and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century) where the Robe of Christ is said to be buried. Then we’ll continue on to Georgia’s stunning capital, Tbilisi, where we’ll have 2 nights.

Day 10: In Tbilisi: Old Tbilisi & Café Culture

Location: Tbilisi

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Taberne Boutique Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning we will have a city tour taking in Old Tbilisi. From the Metekhi Church overlooking the river Mtkvari (13th century) to the Narikala Fortress, one of the oldest fortifications in the city (4th century), we’ll also pay a visit to the Sulphur Baths, the synagogue, the Anchiskhati Church (6th century) and Sioni Cathedral (6/7th century) where the cross of St. Nino – the woman who brought Christianity to Georgia – is preserved. All these sights are in close proximity and it’s a pleasant walk. We then have the rest of the day to soak up the café culture of Tbilisi, relax and shop.

Day 11: Tbilisi – Dilijan (Armenia): Debed Canyon & Haghpat Monastery

Location: Tbilisi, Dilijan

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Tufenkian Old Dilijan Complex or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After an early breakfast we will drive to the border and cross into Armenia. We will then drive via the stunning Debed Canyon to the Haghpat monastery, built between the 10th and 13th century, before reaching the alpine town of Dilijan.

Day 12: Dilijan – Goris: Lake Sevan, Sevanavank Monastery & Karahunj

Location: Goris, Dilijan

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Mirhav Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Travelling further into this ancient land, we will take a spectacular drive via Lake Sevan, one of the world’s largest high altitude lakes (1900m) to the medevial Sevanavank Monastery. En route we will visit the Selim Caravanserai, dating from 1332 and reputed to be the best preserved of its type in the country. Finally we will stop off at the prehistoric site of Karahunj, described as the ‘Armenian Stonehenge’, before arriving in Goris.

Day 13: Goris – Yerevan: Tatev Monastery, Noravank Monastery

Location: Goris, Yerevan

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Opera Suites Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we will head to one of the highlights of Armenia – the 9th century Tatev monastery - which is reached by the longest cable car in the world, known as the Wings of Tatev. This is Armenia’s most sacred site, and the clifftop location of this still-operating church is breathtaking. On our way to Yerevan we will stop at Noravank Monastery, which was founded in the 13th Century.

Day 14: Yerevan: City Sightseeing & Afternoon Free Time

Location: Yerevan

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Opera Suite Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we will enjoy the morning sightseeing around the Armenian capital, Yerevan. We will head to the Matendaran Manuscript museum and also visit the Memorial to the 1915 Genocide, before heading to the Cascades, a giant stairway made of limestone, which houses a contemporary art gallery hosting local and international exhibits. After lunch we will have some free time to explore this pleasant city at our own pace, before heading out for our farewell dinner.

Day 15: Tour Ends In Yerevan

Location: Yerevan

Meals Included: Breakfast

The tour ends after breakfast at the hotel (rooms available until midday today).

What's Included

  • MEALS

    14 x Breakfasts13 x Lunches13 x Dinners

  • TRANSPORT

    Typically coasters in Azerbaijan & Armenia, and minibuses in Georgia but it may vary depending on final group size.

  • GROUP SIZE

    Maximum: 12

  • CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS

    Contributions to climate and community projects for all bookings

  • EXPERT TEAM

    The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate

  • ACCOMMODATION

    3 nights x Premium
    10 nights x Superior
    1 night x Simple

  • ENTRANCE FEES

    All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary

  • FITNESS RATING

    Low / Moderate

What's Not Included

  • We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tourationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatoryTips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documentsInternational .Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UKAirport .Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights.Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs

  • ExcludedItem

    We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras.

    As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.



    Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour
    ationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
    Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
    International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
    Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
    Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs

Visas

Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact our recommended visa agency, Travcour www.travcour.com 

For this tour, UK passport holders currently require a visa for Azerbaijan but not for Georgia or Armenia.

Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.

Further details will be sent out to you on booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.

Key Aspects to Consider

Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, as many of the activities are optional. On day 9, you are able to hire a local taxi to visit Gergeti Trinity Church should you wish to skip the hike. Please be advised that on this trip vegetarians can be catered for but the selection and variety may be limited. There will be some long journeys in the vehicles on the tour, so please be prepared for this. 

Responsible Travel

With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.

When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats. 

Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.

Travelling Solo

As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!



Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip.

On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour. 



Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.

 

Insurance

Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.

Check out our Q&As

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yea

  • What is the maximum group size?

    12

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 2002

  • Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?

    In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Nigel Branscombe  

Nigel Branscombe

Vibrant European style cities contrast with the relaxed rural lifestyle in the countryside. All three countries have a wealth of history over many centuries that is largely ignored in the West despite its significant influence on our culture. Their food and hospitality is astounding (tip: elasticated waists essential) with a well-deserved reputation.

Bridget Oeppen  

Bridget Oeppen

I really enjoyed the variety of landscapes seen on this trip.

Robin Bergart  

Robin Bergart

I very much enjoyed my trip to the Caucasus. Fascinating and invigorating!

Andrew Simmonds  

Andrew Simmonds

This trip is a fascinating insight into how three distinct countries have developed since the collapse of the USSR.

Susan Homes  

Susan Homes

Great mixture of rural countryside, mountains towns and cities plus ancient monasteries and churches to experience.

Glenn Ingram - Across The Caucasus  

Glenn Ingram - Across The Caucasus

A great introduction to the three countries of the South Caucuses. Excellent insight into the cultures and foods of these countries.

Andrea Bradbury  

Andrea Bradbury

There were so many major highlights on this trip.The 3 cities all very different...

Chris Sherwood  

Chris Sherwood

A fascinating trip through Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia - Wild Frontiers delivered again!

Alan Cassels  

Alan Cassels

The three cities of Baku, Tbilisi and Yerevan, were gems, lively and picturesque...

Gwen Tutty - Across The Caucasus  

Gwen Tutty - Across The Caucasus

We had a brilliant holiday and would certainly recommend Wild Frontiers. Hopefully, we will in the future go on another adventure with them.

Read all 10 reviews

Want a private tour?

  • Personalise your trip

    Make changes to the itinerary, accommodation, or transport method

  • Travel more exclusively

    Your tour guide can focus all their attention on your group

  • Travel for a special occasion

    Celebrate an important event by only travelling with your friends or family

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 10, 2026 - Oct 24, 2026
$5393

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Wild Frontiers requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.