We were a group of four from Hong Kong, China. We had just completed a 17-day trip of Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan in June 2024 with Arara. We were pleased with the itinerary, the accommodation and the transportation. We had wonderful time during our trip. The landscapes were absolutely beautiful. The culture was rich. Thank you Lilit who organized our trip. She answered our questions promptly. During the trip, she made sure everything ran smoothly. Thank you our excellent guides, Sophie in Georgia and Raffi in Armenia. They are extraordinary knowledgeable, professional and helpful. Sophi and Raffi cared us extremely well and brought a lot of happiness to us. The driver was also good. The tour is of international standard. We highly recommend Arara to everyone. Wish the entire team continue to bring happiness to the tourist all over the world.
Overlanding through the Caucasus
Travel beyond the ordinary in Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia
Start your trip by exploring Baku’s tree-lined Old City, mixing ancient buildings and modern boutiques, before visiting Mount Yanar Dag to see the constantly burning hillside. Next, travel to Lahij to see master craftsmen at work in a traditional Azerbaijani village, before exploring Sheki Khan’s Palace in Sheki. Next up is Georgia, where you can try natural Georgian wine fermented in terracotta pots in the Kakheti region. Travel to capital Tbilisi for nightlife, world-class cuisine and sulphur baths before exploring Kutaisi’s caves and waterfalls. Cross into Armenia and the town of Dilijan, where you can explore its art and craft scene, before travelling to the high-altitude Lake Sevan. Drive across the Selim Pass to see one of the Silk Road’s ancient lodging hotels, before descending into Tatev to explore its eponymous monastery. End your adventure in 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 1–3 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.
See the ring of fire at Mount Yanar Dag
Day 4 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.
Visit the copper craftsmen of Lahij
Day 5 in 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. Today, the town’s artisans mainly sell to tourists, but it’s worth visiting for Lahij’s cobbled streets and cosy workshops.
Encounter the Silk Road in Sheki
Day 6 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 7–9 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.
Lagodekhi, the country's oldest national park, is home to stunning Black Rock Lake, a natural border between Georgia and Dagestan in Russia. Here you can see a complete transformation of the ecosystem from dense beech forest to high alpine meadows, with a crystal clear alpine lake at the end.
Vashlovani, on the other hand, offers an entirely different experience. It is located near the Azerbaijan border and boasts surreal landscapes of narrow canyons, savannas with pistachio trees, mud volcanoes, and rugged peaks.
Take a sulphur bath in Tbilisi
Day 10–11 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.
Visit Kutaisi, gateway to the Imereti region
Day 12–13 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 14 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 15 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 16 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 17–21 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.
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 £2,261pp. 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.