The Caucasus Trio
Overview
- Duration:15 days 14 nights
- Tour Type:Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, The Caucasus Trio
Three countries, one extraordinary journey. Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia each carry a distinct identity — Baku's dramatic contrast of ancient fortress walls and futuristic skyline, Georgia's mountain landscapes and legendary wine culture, Armenia's contemplative monasteries and millennia of unbroken civilization. Travelled in sequence, they form one of the most complete and rewarding itineraries in the world.
Day 1 — Arrival in Baku Arrival in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, where the Caspian Sea meets a skyline of fire-shaped towers. Transfer to the hotel and a welcome dinner at a traditional Azerbaijani restaurant, with folk music setting the tone for the journey ahead.
Day 2 — Baku: Ancient and Ultramodern A full day in one of the most visually striking cities in the region. The UNESCO-listed Old City with its medieval Maiden Tower and the Shirvanshahs' Palace, then Martyrs' Lane for panoramic views over the Bay of Baku. The afternoon moves to the Absheron Peninsula for the Ateshgah Fire Temple, an 18th-century Zoroastrian sanctuary where flames still rise from the earth, and the futuristic Heydar Aliyev Center designed by Zaha Hadid.
Day 3 — Gobustan and the Road to Sheki Morning at Gobustan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where prehistoric rock carvings dating back 40,000 years cover the hillsides above the Caspian coast. The road then climbs west into the Caucasus foothills towards Sheki, stopping in Shamakhi to visit the ancient Juma Mosque, one of the oldest in the Caucasus. Arrival in Sheki in the evening.
Day 4 — Sheki: The Silk Road Town A day in one of Azerbaijan's most beautiful historic towns. The Sheki Khan's Palace, built in 1762, is a masterpiece of craftsmanship with its intricate stained glass windows and painted interiors. The old caravanserai, the artisan workshops producing traditional shebeke stained glass and silk, and the local bazaar with its Sheki halva and mountain produce complete a day that feels far removed from the modern world.
Day 5 — Crossing into Georgia Crossing from Azerbaijan into Georgia at the Lagodekhi border point and entering Kakheti, the soul of Georgian winemaking. A visit to a local winery introduces the region's ancient qvevri tradition, with a cooking demonstration and lunch among the vines. The afternoon brings the town of Telavi and a first look at the Alazani Valley stretching beneath the Caucasus range.
Day 6 — Kakheti: Monasteries and Wine Country Bodbe Monastery, the resting place of Saint Nino who brought Christianity to Georgia, set on a wooded hillside with views across the valley. Then Sighnaghi, the most romantic town in Georgia, its cobbled streets and terracotta rooftops enclosed within ancient walls. After lunch, travel to the Tbilisi.
Day 7 — Tbilisi: The City on the Kura A full day exploring the Georgian capital. The winding lanes of the Old Town, the 6th-century Anchiskhati Basilica, Metekhi church above the Kura river and a cable car ascent to Narikala fortress for views across the city, the sulphur bath district of Abanotubani, and afternoon visit to the National Museum of Georgia. In the evening, welcome dinner in Tbilisi with Georgian folk music.
Day 8 — Kazbegi: Into the Greater Caucasus North along the Georgian Military Highway, one of the great scenic drives of the region. A stop at the Ananuri Fortress complex above the Jinvali reservoir, then onward through mountain country to Kazbegi at the foot of Mount Kazbek. A 4WD ascent to the 14th-century Gergeti Holy Trinity Church at 2,170 meters, with the glacier-covered peak rising directly behind it, delivers one of the most extraordinary views of the entire journey.
Day 9 — Mtskheta and Jvari Return to Tbilisi. On the way, visit Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the magnificent Svetitskhoveli Cathedral - the spiritual center of the Georgian Orthodox Church. Continue to the nearby Jvari Monastery notable for its architecture and location set above the confluence of two rivers.
Day 10 — On the Roads of Armenia Depart Tbilisi in the morning and travel to the Georgian-Armenian border. First stop after the border crossing formalities is the UNESCO World Heritage site monastery of Haghpat, a masterpiece of medieval Armenian architecture. After lunch, travel through the Debed Canyon, and enjoy the diverse landscapes of Armenia, with short stop at the Yazidi Temple of Rya Taza to learn about the life and traditions of this ethnic minority group. Arrival in Yerevan in the evening.
Day 11 — A Day in Yerevan Explore Armenia's capital Yerevan, visit the Republic Square, the Matenadaran museum of ancient manuscripts, and the Cascade complex with its contemporary art center. Next, visit the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial, dedicated to the victims of the Armenian Genocide. Conclude the day with a visit to a local musician's house in one of the neighborhoods of Yerevan. In the evening, a welcome dinner at one of the local traditional restaurants with music show.
Day 12 — Nature, Architecture and Wine Heading south into the Ararat Valley, the day opens with Khor Virap, Armenia's most iconic monastery set against the towering silhouette of Mount Ararat. From there the road winds into the gorge of Vayots Dzor to visit Noravank, one of Armenia's most beautifully situated medieval monasteries rising among red cliff. The afternoon brings a visit to Areni village, home to the world's oldest known winery, for a tasting of native varietals paired with lunch.
Day 13 — The Spiritual Heart of Armenia A morning visit to the Yerevan Food Market to get acquainted with local produce (fruits, vegetables, dry fruits and spices, etc.). Continue the journey to Etchmiadzin Cathedral, the spiritual center of the Armenian Apostolic Church and home to one of the world’s oldest cathedrals. Still active today, it remains an important place of faith, pilgrimage, and Armenian identity. After lunch at one of the local restaurants, return to Yerevan to enjoy a day at leisure.
Day 14 — Cave Monastery & Pagan Temple Begin the day at the cave monastery of Geghard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site partially carved into the surrounding rock and one of Armenia’s most remarkable medieval monasteries. Continue to Garni Temple, the country’s best-known pre-Christian symbol, set above a dramatic basalt gorge. Then join a local family for a hands-on lavash baking experience, offering a simple and memorable insight into everyday Armenian hospitality. Back in Yerevan, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 15 — Departure from Yerevan Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Zvartnots International Airport for onward flights.
Day 1 — Arrival in Baku Arrival in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, where the Caspian Sea meets a skyline of fire-shaped towers. Transfer to the hotel and a welcome dinner at a traditional Azerbaijani restaurant, with folk music setting the tone for the journey ahead.
Day 2 — Baku: Ancient and Ultramodern A full day in one of the most visually striking cities in the region. The UNESCO-listed Old City with its medieval Maiden Tower and the Shirvanshahs' Palace, then Martyrs' Lane for panoramic views over the Bay of Baku. The afternoon moves to the Absheron Peninsula for the Ateshgah Fire Temple, an 18th-century Zoroastrian sanctuary where flames still rise from the earth, and the futuristic Heydar Aliyev Center designed by Zaha Hadid.
Day 3 — Gobustan and the Road to Sheki Morning at Gobustan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where prehistoric rock carvings dating back 40,000 years cover the hillsides above the Caspian coast. The road then climbs west into the Caucasus foothills towards Sheki, stopping in Shamakhi to visit the ancient Juma Mosque, one of the oldest in the Caucasus. Arrival in Sheki in the evening.
Day 4 — Sheki: The Silk Road Town A day in one of Azerbaijan's most beautiful historic towns. The Sheki Khan's Palace, built in 1762, is a masterpiece of craftsmanship with its intricate stained glass windows and painted interiors. The old caravanserai, the artisan workshops producing traditional shebeke stained glass and silk, and the local bazaar with its Sheki halva and mountain produce complete a day that feels far removed from the modern world.
Day 5 — Crossing into Georgia Crossing from Azerbaijan into Georgia at the Lagodekhi border point and entering Kakheti, the soul of Georgian winemaking. A visit to a local winery introduces the region's ancient qvevri tradition, with a cooking demonstration and lunch among the vines. The afternoon brings the town of Telavi and a first look at the Alazani Valley stretching beneath the Caucasus range.
Day 6 — Kakheti: Monasteries and Wine Country Bodbe Monastery, the resting place of Saint Nino who brought Christianity to Georgia, set on a wooded hillside with views across the valley. Then Sighnaghi, the most romantic town in Georgia, its cobbled streets and terracotta rooftops enclosed within ancient walls. After lunch, travel to the Tbilisi.
Day 7 — Tbilisi: The City on the Kura A full day exploring the Georgian capital. The winding lanes of the Old Town, the 6th-century Anchiskhati Basilica, Metekhi church above the Kura river and a cable car ascent to Narikala fortress for views across the city, the sulphur bath district of Abanotubani, and afternoon visit to the National Museum of Georgia. In the evening, welcome dinner in Tbilisi with Georgian folk music.
Day 8 — Kazbegi: Into the Greater Caucasus North along the Georgian Military Highway, one of the great scenic drives of the region. A stop at the Ananuri Fortress complex above the Jinvali reservoir, then onward through mountain country to Kazbegi at the foot of Mount Kazbek. A 4WD ascent to the 14th-century Gergeti Holy Trinity Church at 2,170 meters, with the glacier-covered peak rising directly behind it, delivers one of the most extraordinary views of the entire journey.
Day 9 — Mtskheta and Jvari Return to Tbilisi. On the way, visit Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the magnificent Svetitskhoveli Cathedral - the spiritual center of the Georgian Orthodox Church. Continue to the nearby Jvari Monastery notable for its architecture and location set above the confluence of two rivers.
Day 10 — On the Roads of Armenia Depart Tbilisi in the morning and travel to the Georgian-Armenian border. First stop after the border crossing formalities is the UNESCO World Heritage site monastery of Haghpat, a masterpiece of medieval Armenian architecture. After lunch, travel through the Debed Canyon, and enjoy the diverse landscapes of Armenia, with short stop at the Yazidi Temple of Rya Taza to learn about the life and traditions of this ethnic minority group. Arrival in Yerevan in the evening.
Day 11 — A Day in Yerevan Explore Armenia's capital Yerevan, visit the Republic Square, the Matenadaran museum of ancient manuscripts, and the Cascade complex with its contemporary art center. Next, visit the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial, dedicated to the victims of the Armenian Genocide. Conclude the day with a visit to a local musician's house in one of the neighborhoods of Yerevan. In the evening, a welcome dinner at one of the local traditional restaurants with music show.
Day 12 — Nature, Architecture and Wine Heading south into the Ararat Valley, the day opens with Khor Virap, Armenia's most iconic monastery set against the towering silhouette of Mount Ararat. From there the road winds into the gorge of Vayots Dzor to visit Noravank, one of Armenia's most beautifully situated medieval monasteries rising among red cliff. The afternoon brings a visit to Areni village, home to the world's oldest known winery, for a tasting of native varietals paired with lunch.
Day 13 — The Spiritual Heart of Armenia A morning visit to the Yerevan Food Market to get acquainted with local produce (fruits, vegetables, dry fruits and spices, etc.). Continue the journey to Etchmiadzin Cathedral, the spiritual center of the Armenian Apostolic Church and home to one of the world’s oldest cathedrals. Still active today, it remains an important place of faith, pilgrimage, and Armenian identity. After lunch at one of the local restaurants, return to Yerevan to enjoy a day at leisure.
Day 14 — Cave Monastery & Pagan Temple Begin the day at the cave monastery of Geghard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site partially carved into the surrounding rock and one of Armenia’s most remarkable medieval monasteries. Continue to Garni Temple, the country’s best-known pre-Christian symbol, set above a dramatic basalt gorge. Then join a local family for a hands-on lavash baking experience, offering a simple and memorable insight into everyday Armenian hospitality. Back in Yerevan, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 15 — Departure from Yerevan Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Zvartnots International Airport for onward flights.
Includes
- Airport meet and greet and all transfers throughout
- 14 nights accommodation with daily breakfast
- Professional English-speaking guide in Azerbaijan
- Professional English-speaking guide in Georgia
- Professional English-speaking guide in Armenia
- All transportation by air-conditioned vehicle throughout
- 4WD vehicles for the ascent to Gergeti Holy Trinity Church
- Welcome dinner in Baku with folk music
- Welcome dinner in Tbilisi with Georgian folk music
- Welcome dinner in Yerevan with folk dance and music show
- Lunches as indicated in the program
- Kakheti winery visit with qvevri tasting and cooking demonstration
- Lavash bread baking ceremony in Garni
- Live choir performance at Geghard monastery
- All entrance fees to sites and museums
Highlights
- Baku's UNESCO Old City, Maiden Tower and Shirvanshahs' Palace
- Ateshgah Fire Temple on the Absheron Peninsula
- Heydar Aliyev Center, Zaha Hadid's architectural landmark
- Gobustan prehistoric rock carvings, 40,000 years old
- Sheki Khan's Palace and the Silk Road caravanserai
- Kakheti wine country and the ancient qvevri tradition
- Bodbe Monastery and Sighnaghi town walls above the Alazani Valley
- Old Tbilisi on foot, sulphur baths and Narikala fortress
- 4WD ascent to Gergeti Holy Trinity Church beneath Mount Kazbek
- Jvari and Svetitskhoveli in ancient Mtskheta
- Haghpat Monastery above the Debed Canyon
- Khor Virap and the view of biblical Mount Ararat
- Noravank monastery, a masterpiece of medieval architecture
- Geghard cave monastery
- Lavash bread baking with a local family in Garni
- Garni Pagan Temple
Every Journey is a Starting Point
Every itinerary we present is a carefully considered starting point, not a fixed itinerary. Our programs have been designed with years of on-the-ground experience, but no two groups are alike and no two journeys need to be either.
Every program in our portfolio can be adapted to suit the specific needs, interests and pace of your clients. Dates, duration, accommodation level, additional experiences, all of it can be shaped around what your clients are looking for. Our team is here to make it work, from the first conversation to the final detail.
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