Classic Caucasus
Explore the best of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia
Begin your Caucasus trip in Azerbaijan’s cosmopolitan capital of Baku, before exploring the burning flames of Mount Yanar Dag and historic architecture in Sheki. Cross the border into Georgia and spend a couple of days wine-tasting in Kakheti, before treating yourself to a sulphur bath in capital Tbilisi. Next, go rural and explore ruins, fortresses and forests at Akhaltsikhe and Kutaisi. Head into Armenia for hiking at Dilijan National Park, 9th-century monasteries at Tatev and end in arty Yerevan.
Key information
| Destinations | Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia |
|---|---|
| Activity | Nature & Wildlife, Culture, Culinary |
| Physical Level | Easy |
 Season |
April - October |
Suggested itinerary
Explore Baku’s Old City
Day 1 in 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. Look for ruined mosques and busy bakeries dotted between the new fashion boutiques.
Don't miss
See the petroglyphs in Gobustan National Park, Azerbaijan
UNESCO-listed Gobustan National Park is home to one of the world’s largest collections of rock paintings, with more than 4,000 petroglyphs depicting boats, people and societies.
See the ring of fire at Mount Yanar Dag
Day 2 in Mount Yanar Dag
Azerbaijan is known as the Land of Fire and nowhere is that more apt than at Mount Yanar Dag in Mehemmedi village, where an eternal flame burns from the hillside’s underground gas reserves. Come at night for a spectacular show.
Encounter the Silk Road in Sheki
Day 3 in Sheki
Once a trading stop on the fabled Silk Road, the town of Sheki is now the perfect place to sample Azerbaijan’s historic architecture (look for Sheki Khan’s Palace), craft workshops and try piti, a national dish of lamb stew cooked in a clay pot.
Taste fine Georgian wine in Kakheti
Day 4–5 in Kakheti region
Kakheti in eastern Georgian is the country’s premier wine-producing area, with plenty of wineries where you can sample a glass of qvevri – named for the large, lemon-shaped terracotta pot buried in the ground that the wine ferments in.
Take a sulphur bath in Tbilisi
Day 6–7 in Tbilisi
Tbilisi’s famous sulphur baths can be found in the Abanotubani district in the old town. Hot and cold sulphur springs used to run under Tbilisi and were used for bathing. Today, you can join locals at public baths (prepare for total nakedness) or try a spa-like private bath – the sulphur is said to help circulation and skin health.
Don't miss
See the architectural hodge-podge of Ananuri Fortress
Forty miles or so from Tbilisi lies Ananuri Fortress, a castle complex sitting on the banks of the Aragvi River. Dating back to the 17th century, the fortress has witnessed numerous battles and is famous for its architecture, which mixes elements of Persian, Byzantine and Greco-Roman design.
See Rabati Fortress – Georgia’s symbol of tolerance
Day 8 in Rabati Fortress
Located on a mountaintop overlooking the town of Akhaltsikhe, Rabati Fortress attracts tourists for its mix of architecture, churches and mosque. Once a place where Catholics, Jews, Orthodox Christians and Muslims all had their own places of worship, today it’s a symbol of the region’s tolerance.
Visit Kutaisi, gateway to the Imereti region
Day 9–10 in Kutaisi
Kutaisi was once the capital of Georgia and dates back to the 15th century BC. Today, it’s a city with an old-world charm, but is best known as an entry point to the Imereti region, where you can explore caves, waterfalls and awe-inspiring Gabzaruli Lake.
Mountains and monasteries in Dilijan National Parks
Day 11 in Dilijan National Park
Northern Armenia’s Dilijan National Park is home to hiking trails where you can see bears, wolves and several species of eagle. However, it’s the 10th-century Haghartsin Monastery in Dilijan town that attracts visitors for its unique Armenian architecture.
Visit a Silk Road caravanserai on Selim Pass
Day 12 in Selim Pass
The Selim Pass road links the provinces of Gegharkunik and Vayots Dzor through the Vardenis mountain range, but the main attraction is the Selim Caravanserai, just past the highest point. Built in 1332, this hall and domed chapel once housed weary travellers, but today is an excellent picnic spot with beautiful views over the Yeghegis Valley.
Visit Armenia’s most famous monastery in Tatev
Day 13 in Tatev Monastery
The 9th-century Tatev Monastery was a centre of spiritual enlightenment and home to more than 600 monks at one point. Today, you can see frescoes and carvings at Surp Poghos-Petros Church and join the faithful at the newer Surp Grigor Church.
Climb The Cascade in Yerevan
Day 14–17 in Yerevan
Check out Yerevan’s art scene by climbing The Cascade staircase that connects downtown Yerevan with the museum district. Each level hosts a different installation and views over the city.
Don't miss
Drink holy water at Geghard Cave Monastery
Carved from the cliffside, Geghard Monastery began life in the 4th century as a small cave chapel before growing over the centuries. Today, visitors come to drink from the holy spring in Azavan chapel and for views of Azat River Gorge that surrounds the complex.
Where to stay
Classic
Cascade Hotel
Three-star Cascade Hotel is located in the heart of Yerevan near the architectural complex called The Cascade. The hotel has friendly staff, professional service and spacious air-conditioned rooms. International and Armenian cuisine is available in the restaurant.
Classic
Bridge Boutique
Bridge Boutique Hotel is located in a 19th-century building in the centre of Tbilisi. Guests can enjoy their meals on the terrace with fantastic views of the old town, Mtatsminda Mount and River Kura. In addition, the Bridge Hotel has a wine cellar where guests can taste natural Georgian wines.
Superior
Auroom Hotel Baku
The four-star Auroom Hotel is located in the centre of Baku, only two kilometres from Fountain Square. The hotel is known for its friendly staff and beautiful design.
Superior
Opera Suite Hotel
The Opera Suite Hotel is located in central Yerevan, only 550 yards from the Armenian Opera Theatre.
Its suites have air conditioning, ensuite bathrooms, seating area and kitchenettes with a fridge, stove and kettle. International cuisine is available in the hotel’s Sinatra Restaurant.
Book this itinerary
This route booked with one of our specialist tour operators would cost from £2,939pp. Pricing varies by accommodation class, and can be tailored to suit your budget.
Pricing is typically inclusive of hotels, transfers, meals, and all guided excursions and activities.
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Speak to Arara Tours for expert advice
This tour is operated by
Arara Tours
