Days
15
Price from
From Baku to Yerevan, step off the tourist trail in the Caucasus Mountains.
Watch arid landscapes give way to verdant hillsides and majestic snow-capped mountains on this eye opening adventure through Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia. Explore a land where the walls speak of centuries of rich history, where ancient traditions intersect with a modern way of life. Journey through forests and past tall mountain peaks to find medieval mosques and villages. Wander through cosmopolitan Baku and Tbilisi, and make friends with the friendly Georgian locals over a glass of Qvevri wine.
- Start
- Baku, Azerbaijan
- Finish
- Yerevan, Armenia
- Destinations
- Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia
- Style
- Peregrine
- Code
- PCAA
- Physical rating
- Trip rating
- 20 reviews
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1, Max 12
Why you'll love this trip
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Be serenaded by traditional singers while sampling regional food and wine prepared by our Georgian friends
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Azerbaijan's cosmopolitan capital of Baku is often referred to as the 'new Dubai'. Enjoy a guided walking tour around the city's World Heritage-listed Old Town
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Mud volcanoes, ancient mosques, lush forests and tall peaks – the Caucasus Mountains will take your breath away
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See the historical sights of Mtskheta, Georgia's 3,000-year old ancient capital and religious centre
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Explore the city of Yerevan in Armenia and gaze at the majestic Mt Ararat
Is this trip right for you?
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There are some long travel days on this adventure. While tiring, this is a great opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers and enjoy the passing scenery.
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As we don't want you to miss anything, the itinerary is densely packed, so you'll be busy squeezing in as many sights and activities as you can. Take the down time when you can for relaxing or independent exploration.
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You will have 3 different local leaders on this tour, changing at each border crossing so that in each place you have a local expert.
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Georgia & Armenia are two of the oldest Christian countries on earth which means that sightseeing often focuses on churches and monasteries of which locals are extremely proud, but some travelers find a bit repetitive. You are always welcome to sit out an included sight and explore on your own while the leader takes the group inside.
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Some activities, including the trip to the high Caucausus around Kazbegi are weather and road condition dependent. Your leader will keep you up to date on any necessary itinerary changes due to local conditions.
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On some days, there is a lot of walking between sights and around towns and cities. While it can be tiring to be on your feet, this is the best way to see a destination. Make sure you bring comfortable walking shoes with good support.
Gallery
Itinerary
Salam eleykim! Welcome to Azerbaijan. On arrival at Baku Airport you'll be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel (approximately a 40 minute drive). The adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm in the evening, followed by a group dinner. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader.
Accommodation
- Aksent Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Dinner
Special Information
In can sometimes be difficult to confirm our preferred hotel in Baku. The Sapphire group of hotels has three properties in Baku and on select departures in May and September we may use an alternative hotel to the Sapphire Inn. Please check the important information section in the Essential Trip Information (that's this document) to confirm which hotel your departure will stay at, or contact your booking agent.
Get to know Baku with a tour of the city, taking in a visit to the Old City, including time at Shemakha gate, Shirvanshahs` Palace, Maiden Tower, and Old Market Square. Bring a camera as there will be panoramic views of Baku's skyline to enjoy. Afterwards head out on a tour of the Absheron Peninsula, visiting the Ateshgah fire temple, Mardakan medieval fortress and the eternally burning Yanardagh fire mountain. Return to Baku in the evening.
Accommodation
- Aksent Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Baku - Maiden's Tower
- Baku - Shirvan Shah Palace
- Baku - Carpet Museum
- Baku - Caravanserai
- Baku - Absheron Peninsula Tour
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Enjoy a day trip to Qobustan, located around 60 kilometres south of Baku. Visit one of the world's largest open-air archaeological museums and wander past ancient rock art dating back 40,000 years. The prehistoric carvings depict scenes of hunting, fishing and gathering. Return to Baku in the afternoon and finish your day with a visit to the much loved Carpet Museum, perhaps afterwards stroll along the waterfront and find a cafe for dinner.
Accommodation
- Aksent Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Qobustan - Petroglyphs
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Today depart Baku and head for the Caucasus Mountains in the northwest of Azerbaijan. Watch arid landscapes slowly give way to densely forested mountains. En route to Sheki there will be stops at an active mud volcano, Diri Baba Shrine in Maraza, the Yeddi Gumbez Tomb, and the Juma Mosque in Shemakha. We also stop in to visit a family to see how they make yoghurt the traditional way and enjoy some local snacks.
On arrival in Sheki, stop at a local craft workshop where the famous ‘shebeke’ – stained-glass windows with intricately carved frames – are made by hand. You will also visit the well-known Sheki Khan’s Palace to see its magnificent frescoes and stained glass. Tonight will be spent in Sheki.
On arrival in Sheki, stop at a local craft workshop where the famous ‘shebeke’ – stained-glass windows with intricately carved frames – are made by hand. You will also visit the well-known Sheki Khan’s Palace to see its magnificent frescoes and stained glass. Tonight will be spent in Sheki.
Accommodation
- Sheki Saray hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Sheki - Mud volcano
- Sheki - Khan's Palace
- Sheki - Craft Workshop Visit
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
Please note that the mud volcanos are not accessible in foggy or wet weather and will only be included if road conditions are suitable. It may be necessary to change vehicles to access the volcano and walk a short distance.
Have breakfast at the hotel visit the local Sheki bazaar before driving to Lagodecki, a town at the Azerbaijan-Georgia border, change leader and transportation. From here travel to Georgia's Kakheti region, famous for its wine making and welcoming hospitality.
There will be a visit to the Gremi Architectural Complex and its museum, followed by lunch with a local family, which includes delicious homemade cuisine and wine, discover the importance of bread in the Georgian diet and discover how they make and bake this staple before, continuing to a winery and sample different kinds of famous Georgian wines. Listen to unique Georgian polyphonic songs, a traditional style of music prevalent in the Kakheti region. Afterwards, travel to the hotel in Kvareli.
Our stunning hotel this evening is located in a picturesque area on the bank of Ilia Lake, between the Kvareli Mountains and the Duruji River, Royal Batoni and has a castle like exterior. It offers an outdoor swimming pool with beautiful views of the lake and free Wi-Fi. The elegant rooms feature modern design and furnishings. They offer satellite TV and private bathroom with a bath or shower, hairdryer and free toiletries. Rooms feature lake or mountain views.
There will be a visit to the Gremi Architectural Complex and its museum, followed by lunch with a local family, which includes delicious homemade cuisine and wine, discover the importance of bread in the Georgian diet and discover how they make and bake this staple before, continuing to a winery and sample different kinds of famous Georgian wines. Listen to unique Georgian polyphonic songs, a traditional style of music prevalent in the Kakheti region. Afterwards, travel to the hotel in Kvareli.
Our stunning hotel this evening is located in a picturesque area on the bank of Ilia Lake, between the Kvareli Mountains and the Duruji River, Royal Batoni and has a castle like exterior. It offers an outdoor swimming pool with beautiful views of the lake and free Wi-Fi. The elegant rooms feature modern design and furnishings. They offer satellite TV and private bathroom with a bath or shower, hairdryer and free toiletries. Rooms feature lake or mountain views.
Accommodation
- Royal Batoni or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Sheki - Bazaar
- Gremi - Architectural Complex (Closed Mondays)
- Kvareli - Lunch with a Local Family
- Kvareli - Winery Visit
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Today you will cross the border from Azerbaijan to Georgia. You are required to have your passport with you and you will need your Azerbaijan visa to exit the country. Your Azerbaijan Leader will accompany you to the border and provide directions for the formalities. It will be necessary to carry or wheel your luggage a short distance to the Georgia customs area where you will meet your Georgian Leader.
Following breakfast, journey to the beautiful 18th-century town of Sighnaghi, known for its quaint stone walls, small houses with terracotta roofs and decorated balconies. After some time to admire the picturesque views of Alazani Valley and Great Caucasus mountains, depart for Tbilisi and explore the capital of Georgia.
Wander the old districts of the city, which are structured like terraces, and walk through the narrow streets to appreciate the colourful houses, patterned balconies and revamped modern architecture. Get to know the city on a walk beginning from the 13th-century Metekhi church, with its magnificent views over old Tbilisi, before visiting the main sights of the city. In the afternoon enjoy some free time.
Wander the old districts of the city, which are structured like terraces, and walk through the narrow streets to appreciate the colourful houses, patterned balconies and revamped modern architecture. Get to know the city on a walk beginning from the 13th-century Metekhi church, with its magnificent views over old Tbilisi, before visiting the main sights of the city. In the afternoon enjoy some free time.
Accommodation
- Citadines City Centre Tbilisi or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Tbilisi - Old Town Walking Tour
- Sighnaghi - Town Stopover
Optional Activities
- Tbilisi - Anchiskhati Church - Free
- Tbilisi - Sioni Cathedral - Free
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
It can sometimes be difficult to confirm our preferred hotel in Tbilisi. For this reason we have selected alternative hotels. Our departure PCAA190510 will stay at the Astoria Hotel in Tbilisi.
Enjoy panoramic views of the whole town from the ancient Narikala fortress, then head to the historical domed sulphur bath area. Visit the stunning treasury of the Golden Fund at the Natural History Museum (closed on Mondays), which will prove that Georgia is truly the land of the Golden Fleece. From here visit a local art studio and become acquainted with Georgian cloisonne enamel, also known as Minanqari, and see how it is made. Enjoy an afternoon of free time.
Accommodation
- Citadines City Centre Tbilisi or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Tbilisi - National History Museum
- Tbilisi - Narikala Fortress
- Tbilisi - Enamel Workshop
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Today visit Mtskheta, the ancient capital and religious center of Georgia. See UNESCO Heritage Sites such as the 6th century Jvari Monastery and the impressive Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, where the Robe of Christ is purported to be buried.
Afterwards, visit a wine cellar in the village of Chardakhi and taste unique BIO wines, produced using traditional Georgian methods. Meet the owners of the wine cellar over a delicious lunch and "Qvevri" wines. In the afternoon, drive to the south western part of Georgia and visit Borjomi Spa town, famous for its mineral water "Borjomi". Spend the night in Akhaltsikhe.
Afterwards, visit a wine cellar in the village of Chardakhi and taste unique BIO wines, produced using traditional Georgian methods. Meet the owners of the wine cellar over a delicious lunch and "Qvevri" wines. In the afternoon, drive to the south western part of Georgia and visit Borjomi Spa town, famous for its mineral water "Borjomi". Spend the night in Akhaltsikhe.
Accommodation
- Hotel Lomsia or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Sighnaghi - Georgian Wine Tasting & Home Cooked Lunch
- Mtskheta - Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Today drive to the the magnificent cave town of Vardzia, which stretches over half a kilometer along the river Mtkvari and has 19 tiers of winding cobbled streets. There is a church hewn out in rock with amazing 12th century frescos, and the complex also includes dwellings quarters, small hall-type churches, refectories and wine cellars. En route to Vardzia you'll also visit the 10th century Khertvisi fortress. In the afternoon return to Akhaltsikhe and visit the multicultural complex of Rabat (closed on Mondays).
Accommodation
- Hotel Lomsia or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Akhaltsikhe - Rabat Fortress
- Meskheti - Khertvisi Fortress
- Vardzia - Cave Town
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Special Information
We recommend wearing sturdy shoes; steep weathered stairs, sandy platforms and narrow tunnels means you need to watch your footing. Access to monastery is by way of a 15 min walk that can be considered a steep incline. There are local buses available that make this journey for the price of 1 GEL
In the morning visit the town of Gori, home to the Stalin Museum, and historical Uplistsikhe Cave Town. Uplistsikhe is the place where the Great Silk Road used to pass. This is an old and interesting complex with dwelling quarters, wine-cellars, bakeries, a three-nave basilica church hewn out in rock and even a theatre. Afterwards, drive up the famous Georgian Military Highway (leading to the Georgian-Russian border). On the way you'll visit the Ananuri architectural complex – two churches and a fortress that overlook the Zhinvali water reservoir. The carvings on the churches are one of the best surviving examples of Georgian art. Enjoy a scenic drive through the Caucasus Mountains.
Accommodation
- Marco Polo Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Gori - Stalin Museum
- Uplistsikhe - Cave Complex
- Ananuri - Architectural Complex
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Enjoy a stunning drive from Gudauri along the Tergi River before arriving in Kazbegi. From here it's a leisurely 2 hour walk each way through beautiful valleys and woodlands to Gergeti Trinity Church, located at 2170 metres above sea level. If the weather is good it's possible to catch a glimpse of Mt Kazbegi, one of the highest glaciers in the Caucasus. Return to Gudauri.
Accommodation
- Marco Polo Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Stepantsminda - Gergeti Trinity Church Hike
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Special Information
The hike involves changes in elevation of up to 470m, it is possible to sit this hike out if you prefer. It is possible to drive up by local 4WD. This service is available by local residents who have 4WD vehicles and ferry people to the church 30 USD,6 Persons in Vehicle. Talk to your Tour Leader about options.
Enjoy a final breakfast in Gudauri before driving to Sadakhlo, a village at the Georgia-Armenia border. Here the group will change leaders and transportation. Begin the Armenian leg of your adventure with a visit to Haghpat monastery, which is listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO. Haghpat stands as an example of one of the most outstanding works of medieval Armenian architecture.
Afterwards, continue on to the picturesque resort town of Dilijan, often refered to as the “Little Switzerland of Armenia’’. Dilijan's central Sharambeyan Street has been preserved and maintained as a charming "old town", complete with craftsman`s workshops, a gallery and a museum. Stay overnight at a hotel in Dilijan.
Afterwards, continue on to the picturesque resort town of Dilijan, often refered to as the “Little Switzerland of Armenia’’. Dilijan's central Sharambeyan Street has been preserved and maintained as a charming "old town", complete with craftsman`s workshops, a gallery and a museum. Stay overnight at a hotel in Dilijan.
Accommodation
- Best Western Paradise Hotel Dilijan or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Haghpat - Haghpat Monastery
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
Today is a long travel day, but the scenery is spectacular and there are plenty of stops to break the day.Depending on the size of the group your luggage may be transported in a separate vehicle in Armenia, this if for your comfort.
After breakfast drive to the reflective waters of Lake Sevan, nicknamed “The Pearl of Armenia”. Sevan is one of the largest fresh-water high-altitude lakes in the world. Visit the romantic Sevanavank Monastery, which overlooks the water on the Peninsula.
Move on to the village of Garni to visit the 1st century Garni Temple, built by the Armenian King Tiridates and dedicated to Mithra, the God of the Sun, be treated to a local performance in the temple the magnificent sounds of the Duduk. The Duduk is a flute like instrument which is indigenous to Armenia, and currently listed on the UNESCO in-tangible Cultural Heritage List.
Travel northeast of Garni, higher up the gorge of the Azat River, where there is a magnificent Geghard monastery. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is partly carved out of a mountain and surrounded by cliffs. In the afternoon, drive to the capital city of Armenia, Yerevan. Stay overnight at a hotel in Yerevan.
Move on to the village of Garni to visit the 1st century Garni Temple, built by the Armenian King Tiridates and dedicated to Mithra, the God of the Sun, be treated to a local performance in the temple the magnificent sounds of the Duduk. The Duduk is a flute like instrument which is indigenous to Armenia, and currently listed on the UNESCO in-tangible Cultural Heritage List.
Travel northeast of Garni, higher up the gorge of the Azat River, where there is a magnificent Geghard monastery. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is partly carved out of a mountain and surrounded by cliffs. In the afternoon, drive to the capital city of Armenia, Yerevan. Stay overnight at a hotel in Yerevan.
Accommodation
- Ani Plaza Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Armenia - Geghard Monastery - UNESCO World Heritage site
- Lake Sevan - Sevanavank Monastery
- Yerevan - Garni Temple and Duduk Performance
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
Due to Museum schedules in Yerevan on the following departures the Yerevan City Tour will be done today on the afternoon of day 13 andGeghard Monastery - UNESCO World Heritage site; Garni Temple and Duduk Performance and Zvartnots touring will be moved to day 14.
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After breakfast, become familiar with the streets of Yerevan on a guided city tour. Established in 782 BC, Armenia’s capital is one of the oldest cities in the world. Nowadays it's a lively city, where ancient culture is mixed with a modern lifestyle. Visit the Matenadaran, a depository of ancient manuscripts that contains historical documents from all over Europe and Asia. The building also holds the first copy of the Bible in Armenian. In the afternoon, depart for Zvartnots Temple, a stunning example of 7th century Armenian architecture. Return to the capital in the afternoon and discover Armenian Carpet Making and learn aout the weaving process, swing past the local fruit market to see what is in season, before returning to your hotel for a final night in Yerevan
Accommodation
- Ani Plaza Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Yerevan - City Tour
- Armenia - Zvartnots Temple
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
Due to Museum schedules in Yerevan on the following departures the Yerevan City Tour will be done on the afternoon of day 13 andGeghard Monastery - UNESCO World Heritage site; Garni Temple and Duduk Performance and Zvartnots touring will be moved to today - day 14.
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Today your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. There are no activities included on this day and you are free to leave at any time.
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
Departure transfers are available for pre-booking with Peregrine. If you have reserved a departure transfer your transfer driver will collect you 2.5 hours before your scheduled departure time. Yerevan is only a small international airport and this is sufficient time to check in and clear customs comfortably.Meals
14 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 6 dinnersTransport
Private BusAccommodation
Hotel (13 nights) Royal Batoni ( Feature Stay 1 night)Included Activities
- Baku - Maiden's Tower
- Baku - Shirvan Shah Palace
- Baku - Carpet Museum
- Baku - Caravanserai
- Baku - Absheron Peninsula Tour
- Qobustan - Petroglyphs
- Sheki - Mud volcano
- Sheki - Khan's Palace
- Sheki - Craft Workshop Visit
- Sheki - Bazaar
- Gremi - Architectural Complex (Closed Mondays)
- Kvareli - Lunch with a Local Family
- Kvareli - Winery Visit
- Tbilisi - Old Town Walking Tour
- Sighnaghi - Town Stopover
- Tbilisi - National History Museum
- Tbilisi - Narikala Fortress
- Tbilisi - Enamel Workshop
- Sighnaghi - Georgian Wine Tasting & Home Cooked Lunch
- Mtskheta - Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
- Akhaltsikhe - Rabat Fortress
- Meskheti - Khertvisi Fortress
- Vardzia - Cave Town
- Gori - Stalin Museum
- Uplistsikhe - Cave Complex
- Ananuri - Architectural Complex
- Stepantsminda - Gergeti Trinity Church Hike
- Haghpat - Haghpat Monastery
- Armenia - Geghard Monastery - UNESCO World Heritage site
- Lake Sevan - Sevanavank Monastery
- Yerevan - Garni Temple and Duduk Performance
- Yerevan - City Tour
- Armenia - Zvartnots Temple
Dates & availability
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Important notes
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A Single Supplement is available on this trip.
TRANSFERS
An arrival transfer is included. Please provide your flight details to your booking agent no later than 14 days prior to travel. If booking a departure transfer, please be ready 2.5 hours prior to flight departure time in Yerevan, or confirm this time with your Leader in Armenia.
VISAS
Please always check 'passport and visas' for more details on visa application on this trip, though we always advise you to check with your nearest consulate for the most up to date visa information.
TRIP UPDATES
For the duration of this trip you will have three local guides, one in each country.
It can sometimes be difficult to confirm our preferred hotels in May and September in Baku and Yerevan. Please check the starting and finishing instructions and or the important information section in the Essential Trip Information (that's this document) to check if your departure will start or finish at an alternative hotel, or contact your booking agent.
Essential trip information
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
View Essential Trip Information