This trip exceeded my expectations – amazing landscapes, nature, ancient monasteries and fortresses, the 3 countries must be in every traveler’s top list. Thanks Zara for everything. The only thing I would have changed is the overnight in the guesthouse in Roshka, I would have loved a camp overnight on this day too, let that be with less amenities.
Armenia, Georgia & Azerbaijan Walking Holiday
18 day guided hiking tour to the best of the Caucasus
See the best of the entire region on our combination Caucasus hiking tour to Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan.
This trip follows Armenia's adventurous trails, explores the extraordinary scenery of Georgia and beautiful sights of little-visited Azerbaijan, getting you well off the beaten track to uncover the region's true hidden gems.
You'll fly into Armenia’s capital Yerevan, before travelling south to hike through the valleys around the Yeghegis River. Travel along the Silk Road on the Selim Pass before descending to Lake Sevan and the Dilijan National Park for hiking. From here you transfer to Lastiver for a forest trek taking in waterfalls, gorges and ancient caves, before crossing into Georgia and the Chaukhi Mountains and Abudelauri White Lake. Next, travel to the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park for hiking, biking and wildlife, before exploring the Kakheti wine region. Finally you cross into Azerbaijan to hike around the towns of Sheki and Lahij, before ending in the capital Baku.
Trip notes:
This is a mild-level guided walking holiday (rated 2/3 out of 5), suitable for most with reasonable fitness and mobility. There will be short day hikes each day, typically between 5 and 15 kilometres.
This is a multi-stop walking holiday, with road transfers between each location. No overnight camping or point-to-point trekking.
Prefer to customise this trip? Get in touch to book this as a private tour!
Good to know
- Arara Tour: The leading Caucasus specialists
- Book direct, no middleman or hidden fees
- Top rated on Trip Advisor
What's included
- Accommodation
- Guided excursions
- Ground transfers
- Breakfast
- Support
Days
18
Starting from
$4,147 pp
Activity
Adventure, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Walking, Nature & Wildlife, Culture, Responsible Travel, Slow Travel, Solo TravelTour Type
Custom itinerary, Small group tour, Private guided tourPhysical Level
ModerateSeason
May - OctoberDetailed itinerary
What you'll see and do
This is a customisable trip
Use the following itinerary for inspiration. Remember: all days, hotels and activities can be altered to suit your requirements. A Arara Tour travel specialist will be happy to advise.
Day 1
Arrival to Yerevan
Yerevan
This trip begins with a city tour in Yerevan, the cuneiform inscription proving Yerevan was built in 782 B.C is in the History Museum of Armenia. You will start your tour with a short walk in the city center, and then visit Armenia History Museum. Excursion in History museum is fascinating Journey through the pages of Armenian History. After lunch you will head to Geghard Cave Monastery, partly carved pure rocks. Garni Pagan Temple is the only preserved in the Caucasus region. You will be back to Yerevan and have opportunity to feel the pulse of Yerevan night life as our itinerary starting from the second day gets you to the regions to hiking routes of this ancient country.
Hiking: No hiking
Day 2
Areni - Noravank - King Smbat Fortress - Tsakhats Kar
Noratus
This day is a relaxed day, you will cover a part of The Great Silk Road, see one of well-preserved caravanserais. You will have feelings here as time has stopped for a long time as very little has changed here. During your trip you will also visit the medieval cemetery of khachkars (cross-stones) – Noratus. Khachkars are unique works of art, they can be found only in Armenian culture. In the stone patterns of khachkar the master embodied his soul and faith. Here you will visit Hayravank - 9th to 12th century Armenian monastery.
Hiking: No hiking
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 3
Sevan - Sevanavank - Parz Lake - Goshavank - Dilijan
Lake Sevan
This day you will be driven to Lake Sevan to admire one of the highest freshwater lakes from the hilltop of Sevan Peninsula. Here you will visit Sevanavank - monastic complex located on a peninsula at the northwestern shore of Lake Sevan. You will head to Parz Lake (Cristal) to start hike in Dilijan National Park along stunning forest trails cross the wildly beautiful Areguni Pass and reach Goshavank Monastery of Gosh village, where the great scholar of the 13th century Mkhitar Gosh lived. You will be driven to Dilijan, a cozy town that captures the spirit of rural Armenia. A visit to newly opened Old Dilijan complex on historic Sharambeyan Street and observe the weaving carpets by local women at Tufenkian Carpet Showroom will be great finale for this day.
Hiking: 8 km
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 4
Yenokavan - Lastiver
Lastiver
After breakfast at the hotel you will head to Yenokavan Village near Ijevan where we you will take a short transfer to the Lastiver trail head. A wonderful forested route into the most unspoilt and rugged area of north-eastern Armenia as you will head into a deep gorge before descending to cascading waterfalls and the most scenic meadows in Armenia, perhaps Armenia’s best-kept secret. Explore ancient caves of Lastiver. In the evening you’ll be back to town of Ijevan for rest and overnight.
Hiking: 7 km
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 5
Armenia-Georgia border - Tbilisi City Tour
Tbilisi
After discovering the wonderful culture, nature and architecture of Armenia, a fascinating journey around Georgia is waiting for you.
After your breakfast you will be transferred to Armenia-Georgia border, from where after passing the customs “Sadakhlo” you’ll head to Tbilisi – the hospitable capital of Georgia. Your trip in this country will start with a city tour during which you will head to historical district of Metekhi where you will visit the Assumption Church located on the picturesque hill.
You will also visit one of the most famous city's landmarks – the Bridge of Peace designed by the Italian architect. You will reach the Narikala Fortress by a cable car. The fortress is located on a hill overlooking Tbilisi and Kura River – an excellent place for memorable photos.You will also have a chance to stroll around the most famous streets of Tbilisi – Chardin, to visit the mosque located on the Botanical Street, the waterfall – an amazing attraction of the Botanical Garden.
Your last stop will be at the royal baths complex of XVII-XIX centuries which is one of the most famous sights of the Old Town.
Hiking: No hiking
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 6
Gudauri - Vedza - Gergeti - Gveleti
Stepantsminda
This day you will be driven to Kazbegi, Stepantsminda which is one of the most picturesque villages of Georgia. During your trip you will visit Gudauri, where you can see the balcony, dedicated to the treaty of Georgievs and enjoy breathtaking views. A few minute drive from Gudauri is located Vedza Sour Waters which with it natural beauty will amaze you. From Stepantsminda you'll hike to the Holy Trinity Church of Gergeti which is located at an altitude of 2170 m.
Hiking to the church takes 1,5 hr. After visiting Holy Trinity Church continue the drive to Gveleti Waterfalls. In the end of the day you will be driven to the Juta village to rest and overnight.
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 7
Abudelauri Lakes
Khevsureti
In the morning you will walk towards Chaukhi Mountains and enjoy the beautiful nature. Your hiking will continue to Khevsureti which is known for its amazing mysterious Abudelauri lakes. Formed of glaciers the lakes have three different colors: green, blue and milky color. Lots of legends and myths are connected to these lakes. After crossing the Chaukhi pass you will have an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Abudelauri White Lake. Next you will visit Blue and Green Lakes and near Green Lake, you will have a rest and overnight in the guesthouse.
Hiking: 11 km
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 8
Roshka - Ananuri - Mtskheta - Borjomi
Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park
You will wake up in an amazing place surrounded by unbelievable nature. In this day you will continue your trip to the village Roshka, where the 4WD will be waiting for you to take you to Borjomi.
On the way you will visit Ananuri medieval fortress, the ancient town Mtskheta which was the first capital of Georgia. "Historical Monuments of Mtskheta" is UNESCO world heritage site. In the end of the day, you will reach Borjomi where you will have a rest and overnight.
Hiking: 6 km
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 9
Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park - Tbilisi
Tbilisi
This day you will discover Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, one of the biggest ones in Georgia. You will walk to the lovely Likani River Gorge then climb up the Chitakhevi Range.
You will enjoy breathtaking scenery, bird singing and isolation form the daily hustle in Borjomi NP. Here you may come across with rare species of plants, birds included in the Red List. Evening transfer to Tbilisi for rest and overnight.
Hiking: 7 km
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 10
David Gareja - Sighnaghi - Bodbe
Sighnaghi
In the morning you will drive to the east of the country, to Kakheti – the main winemaking region of Georgia. A pleasant time is waiting for you in Sighnaghi – a royal town founded by the king Erekle II in the 18th century. Strolling around the tiny streets you will enjoy the local architecture and atmosphere. The day ends with a trip to David-Gareja semi-deserted area and monastery complex founded in 6th century by father David.
Hiking: No hiking
Day 11
Georgia-Azerbaijan border - Sheki City Tour
Lahij
Today day you will travel to Georgian-Azerbaijan border and then you will departure for Sheki city.
You will visit the Upper Town, the magnificent Palace of Sheki Khans and the Craft Museum. Built in 1797 as a summer residence for Muhammad Hasan Khan, the Palace of Sheki Khans is a masterpiece of lavish decoration. Both the exterior and interior decorations of the palace embody the architectural glamour of the ancient Sheki Khanate. Afterwards, you will visit the Museum of carpets (there are various big rooms with pottery, silk embroidery, and national costumes, jewellery) Shebeke craft workshop, Sheki Bazaar, and the local sweet bakery.
We advise you to try famous Sheki sweet baklava – the pride of Sheki population. The tour will continue to the village of Kish, where you'll find one of the oldest Orthodox churches in the world. It was founded in 62 by Saint Elisha, one of the 70 apostles. Later you'll return to the hotel for dinner and to rest.
Hiking: No hiking
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 12
Sheki - Udi Church - Lahij
Lahij
The day starts with a trip to the village of Nij, location of a unique Udi Church. This special church belongs to the native people of the Caucasus – the Udi people. There are only a few thousand Udi people in the world today and the majority, approx. 4.000, live in this area in Azerbaijan.
Today they practice Orthodox Christianity and you will be welcomed with their kindness to see their church, renovated and used. The tour will proceed to the village of Lahij which is a notable place in Azerbaijan, with its authentic handicrafts traditions, particularly related to copper. Your overnight will be in Lahij.
Hiking: 6 km
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 13
Lahij - Burov
Burov
The day will start with a nice hike around Lahij village which is considered one of the oldest settlements in Azerbaijan. The area is known for its craftsmen who produce unique copper items decorated by special ornaments. The other no less popular skill of the locals is the producing of leather goods. Here you will also have a chance to admire the ornaments of local carpets known all over the South Caucasus. After the tour you will hike to Burov village.
Hiking: 12 km
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 14
Sulut - Baku
Sulut
The day will start with a trip to Sulut village located in Ismailli district. Sulut is a nice place surrounded by mountainous nature.
You will explore the village and then hike to the ruins of Girkh Otag castle belonging to XIV-XVII centuries. You will have a nice hike through mountain woods. After hiking you will be transferred to Baku for an overnight.
Hiking: 18 km
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 15
Baku & Gopustan National Park
Baku
Today you return to Baku, capital of Azerbaijan, for a guided tour of the city.
The tour starts in the Old City from the gates of Baku Fortress. You will visit the legendary Zoroastrian Maiden Tower, the oldest Multani Caravanserai, the Haji Banu Hamam, the Juma Mosque, as well as the Shirvanshahs’ Palace (the most striking example of the medieval palaces in Azerbaijan). Your guide will also show the place where apostle Yelisei was crucified.
In the afternoon you'll drive to Gopustan National Park, where you'll see ancient human bones and tools dating back thousands of years to the Mesolithic Period. Then, you will advance to the mountain in order to see real Rock Paintings in the open-air museum. They relate to different epochs and are dated from 10-8 millennia to the medieval period. You will also get a chance to marvel at the Mud Volcanoes in the Gobustan Reserve, which is home to almost half of the world’s mud volcanoes. At the end of the Gobustan tour, you will return to Baku.
Hiking: No hiking
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 16
Gala - Baku
Gala
Today you'll drive to the Gala ethnographic open-air museum. The museum was founded about 10 years ago on the site of the archaeological excavations of Gala village. Here you will discover how Azeri lived in the period from the XVI to XIX centuries.
You will also have a master class on the preparation of gutab which is a national crescent-shaped unleavened pie with filling. As a filling is used meat, greens, pumpkin.
Continue to the Zoroastrian temple-museum "Ateshgah". After an excursion in Ateshgah you will head to mound Yanar Dag. You can also visit an interesting museum of modern art, the exhibits of which are created by an international team of artists and sculptors using items collected from the area.
Hiking: No hiking
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 17
Departure from Baku
Baku
It's time to bid farewell to your new friends and the glorious Caucasus. After a final breakfast in the hotel you'll be transferred to the airport for your return home or onward journey.
Included meals: Breakfast
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Yerevan
Check out Yerevan’s art scene by climbing The Cascade staircase that connects downtown Yerevan with the museum district... -
Noratus
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Lake Sevan
At 1,900m above sea level, the vast Lake Sevan is one of the largest freshwater high-altitude lakes in the world... -
Lastiver
In a remote corner of a picturesque gorge, surrounded by waterfalls, lies the Lastiver caves, where locals from the nearby village of Yenokavan sought refuge from Mongol invaders in the 13 century... -
Tbilisi
Tbilisi’s famous sulphur baths can be found in the Abanotubani district in the old town... -
Stepantsminda
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Khevsureti
Khevsureti, sandwiched between the more famous Kazbegi and Tusheti regions, is a lesser-known but stunning place to go hiking and walking... -
Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park
The forests of Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park are home to a dozen hiking trails and activities like horse-riding, biking and camping... -
Tbilisi
Tbilisi’s famous sulphur baths can be found in the Abanotubani district in the old town... -
Sighnaghi
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Lahij
The ancient village of Lahij in the Upper Caucasus was once an important trade and craft centre, with artisans creating copper adorned ornaments and knives, weaved cloth and leatherware before mass-produced factory goods saw the town decline... -
Lahij
The ancient village of Lahij in the Upper Caucasus was once an important trade and craft centre, with artisans creating copper adorned ornaments and knives, weaved cloth and leatherware before mass-produced factory goods saw the town decline... -
Burov
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Sulut
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Baku
Azerbaijan’s capital might be changing fast due to the oil-boom, but its heart still lies in the UNESCO-listed Old City, full of tree-lined boulevards and fascinating mansions... -
Gala
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Baku
Azerbaijan’s capital might be changing fast due to the oil-boom, but its heart still lies in the UNESCO-listed Old City, full of tree-lined boulevards and fascinating mansions...
Speak to a The Caucasus specialist about this trip
Where to stay
Some of our sample accommodation.
What's included
Accommodation |
All accommodation in our carefully chosen hotels and guest houses, 3* European standard |
|
Guided excursions |
Fully accompanied by an English speaking expert local hiking guide. All admission fees as required. |
|
Ground transfers |
All airport collections, hotel transfers and other ground transport |
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Breakfast |
All hotel breakfasts. |
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Support |
24/7 emergency support while travelling |
Upcoming departures
Departing | Returning | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
16 May 2025 | 2 Jun 2025 | $4,147 | Enquire | |
30 May 2025 | 16 Jun 2025 | $4,147 | Enquire | |
6 Jun 2025 | 23 Jun 2025 | $4,147 | Enquire | |
5 Jul 2025 | 22 Jul 2025 | Full | $4,147 | Enquire |
5 Sept 2025 | 22 Sept 2025 | $4,147 | Enquire | |
19 Sept 2025 | 6 Oct 2025 | $4,147 | Enquire | |
More dates available | Enquire |
Looking for a different date?
Not sure when you're travelling yet? Looking for a different date? Contact Arara Tour for more information.
EnquireHow to book
Arara Tour trips can be booked as a private-guided tour, or as a small group tour. Please contact us now to discuss your preferences.
Once we've confirmed your itinerary we will send you a deposit invoice for 200 Euro (USD, AUD, GBP). Once your deposit is received we will start booking your hotel reservations and other services.
Your final payment will be made 15 days before the start of the trip. We can accept payment by bank transfer or credit card.
FAQs
CAN I ADD AN EXTRA NIGHT ON THE BEGINNING OR END OF MY GROUP TRIP?
Yes sure, you can. Just ask your travel specialist at the time of booking and she/he will book accommodation for an extra night for an additional charge.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO TRAVEL TO THE CAUCASUS?
We operate the Caucasus trips from the start of April (Easter time) to the end of October. The weather is usually good in that period. Only if you chose adventure tours, it's preferable to travel from the end of May to the end of September.
I HAVE SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS – WILL THEY BE CATERED FOR?
Yes sure, your special dietary requirements will be cared for. Just let your travel advisor know, and she/he will care about the food included in the tour price.
IF I AM A SINGLE TRAVELER WILL I BE CHARGED A SINGLE SUPPLEMENT?
As a single traveller, you will usually have the choice of either paying a single supplement or sharing with someone of the same gender.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO CARRY MONEY?
We recommend having access to money from a variety of sources – cash and cards. There are ATM-s in Yerevan and in big towns of the Caucasus.
WHAT ARE THE MEDICAL AND VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS?
No vaccination is required for travelling to the Caucasus. There are no infections or health risks. The only caution is the high elevation of some sites. Please consult with your doctor and take the necessary medicine for high blood pressure.
WILL I HAVE ANY FREE TIME DURING THE TOUR?
Yes sure. The trip usually lasts 6-9 hours a day. So your evenings are totally free.
WHICH COUNTRIES ARE YOUR TRAVELERS MOSTLY FROM?
Our groups mostly consist of travelers from Australia, the UK, the USA and Canada. Average age of travelers is from 45 to 80 .
Reviews
What people are saying about Arara Tour
Paul L
30/04/2024
Maria A
18/06/2023
This was a very well organised tour to Georgia/Armenia/Azerbajan. Everything worked exactly as promised in advance by the travel agent. The programme was interesting and we had excellent guides. I can recommend ARARA highly as tour organiser.
Ilpo H
17/06/2019
Dear Sati,
We are now back at home. Thank you so much for the nice arrangements and programme of the trip. We had excellent guides in each country and everything worked out exactly as promised. We will definitely recommend highly your company for our friends who plan to visit the Caucasus.