Discover the magic of the South Caucasus on an extraordinary 17-day journey through Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia, where ancient civilizations, breathtaking landscapes, and timeless traditions come together in a one-of-a-kind cultural adventure. This expertly curated tour takes you to all nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the region, offering a rare opportunity to experience the rich history, spiritual heritage, and architectural wonders that have shaped the Caucasus for millennia.
In Azerbaijan, stroll the cobbled streets of Baku’s old city, marvel at prehistoric rock carvings in Gobustan, and discover the remote mountain village of Khinalug, perched high in the Caucasus and steeped in over 5,000 years of continuous human history. Travel through the scenic countryside to Sheki, a charming Silk Road town renowned for its medieval architecture and local craftsmanship.
Cross into Georgia to immerse yourself in the spiritual heart of the country. Visit the ancient churches of Mtskheta, the scholarly Gelati Monastery, and the highland villages of Upper Svaneti, where stone towers still guard mountain secrets. Wander Tbilisi’s vibrant Old Town and enjoy traditional hospitality over fine wines and hearty Georgian cuisine.
In Armenia, explore millennia-old rock-hewn monasteries like Geghard and Haghpat, marvel at pagan temples and sacred Christian sites, and reflect at the Etchmiadzin Cathedral – the spiritual heart of Armenian Christianity. Breathe in alpine air at Lake Sevan and roam the pink-stoned capital of Yerevan.
This tour is ideal for lovers of history, culture, and ancient architecture, offering unforgettable experiences from medieval monasteries and royal palaces to mountain canyons and lively markets. Join us and unlock the legacy of the Caucasus through the eyes of its most treasured UNESCO landmarks.
Upon arrival in the vibrant capital of Azerbaijan, Baku, you will be warmly greeted by our driver and transferred to your hotel. Check-in is available from noon. After a brief rest, set out to explore this dynamic city where ancient history meets modern innovation. Begin with a peaceful walk through Martyrs’ Lane, a serene memorial park known locally as Shehidler Khiyabany, dedicated to those who died in the struggle for Azerbaijani independence. From here, take in a sweeping view over Baku Bay and the shimmering Caspian Sea.
The highlight of today’s tour is Icheri Sheher, or the Old City, Azerbaijan’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site (inscribed in 2000). Within its ancient defensive walls dating back to the 12th century, you’ll find a labyrinth of narrow alleyways, historic stone buildings, and bustling bazaars. Visit the Shirvanshahs’ Palace, an impressive 15th-century royal complex, the iconic Maiden Tower, and a restored caravanserai that once hosted Silk Road merchants. Explore artisan workshops and souvenir stalls in the lively main market square.
Transition to modern Baku by visiting Nizami Street and Fountain Square, where locals gather for shopping, dining, and evening strolls. End the day with a visit to the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre, an architectural marvel by the late Zaha Hadid. This futuristic structure houses exhibitions on Azerbaijani culture, including traditional dress, musical instruments, and handmade carpets.
At 19:00, gather for a welcome dinner in a traditional Azerbaijani restaurant where you can sample local specialties and enjoy warm hospitality.
Overnight at the hotel in Baku.
Driving distance: 30 km
After breakfast at the hotel, embark on an exciting day trip to Gobustan National Park, located about an hour southwest of Baku. This extraordinary archaeological reserve is home to over 6,000 prehistoric rock engravings that date back as far as 10,000 BC. The Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape, recognized by UNESCO, offers a fascinating window into the lives of early human societies, with images depicting ancient hunting scenes, rituals, and symbolic art.
Next, switch to an off-road vehicle to visit one of Azerbaijan’s geological wonders – the mud volcanoes. Found in abundance across the Gobustan region, these bubbling, crater-like formations release cool, mineral-rich mud and gases. Azerbaijan holds the world record for the highest number of mud volcanoes globally, making this a truly unique photo opportunity.
On the return journey, time permitting, you may make a stop on the Absheron Peninsula, known for its historical landmarks, fire temples, and semi-arid landscape. Upon arrival in Baku in the afternoon, enjoy some free time for personal exploration, shopping, or relaxing at a café along the seafront promenade.
Overnight at the hotel in Baku.
Driving distance: 130 km
Following breakfast, leave the capital behind and journey north through scenic landscapes to the culturally rich city of Quba, located approximately 170 km from Baku on the foothills of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. Historically the capital of the Quba Khanate in the 18th century, today Quba is a tranquil city known for its apple orchards, handwoven carpets, and sweet pastries.
Upon arrival, begin exploring the town’s architectural landmarks, including the elegant Juma Mosque, built in the 19th century with distinctive red brickwork and wooden interior design. Visit other important monuments such as Sakina Khanum Mosque, several historic mausoleums, and the Quba Genocide Memorial, which commemorates the victims of the 1918 massacre.
Enjoy a traditional Azerbaijani experience by visiting a local hammam, where you can relax and experience the ritual of a traditional bath. Stroll through local markets, taste Quba’s signature sweets, and admire the mountain views that frame this peaceful town.
Overnight in Quba.
Driving distance: 180 km
After breakfast, prepare for a scenic adventure as you head into the high mountains of the Greater Caucasus toward the village of Khinalug (also spelled Xinaliq), one of the highest and oldest mountain villages in the Caucasus. The drive itself is spectacular, reaching altitudes of around 2,000 meters above sea level and offering panoramic views of deep valleys, alpine meadows, and snow-capped peaks.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023, Khinalug has been continuously inhabited for over 5,000 years and is notable for its isolation and unique culture. The village’s stone houses are stacked along the mountain slopes, and the local language, customs, and dress have been preserved for generations. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the village, meet locals, and learn about their ancient way of life.
After lunch and sightseeing, drive back to Baku, retracing the mountainous road as the sun begins to dip over the Caucasus horizon.
Overnight at the hotel in Baku.
Driving distance: 300 km
After an early breakfast, depart Baku and drive west through the rolling hills of central Azerbaijan. Your first stop is the historic town of Shamakhi, once the capital of the powerful Shirvan Empire. Visit the Juma Mosque, originally built in the 8th century and considered the oldest mosque in the Caucasus. The current structure has been beautifully restored, preserving its ancient spirit while incorporating modern elements.
Continue the scenic drive through lush valleys and forested foothills to reach Sheki, a jewel of northern Azerbaijan nestled in the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains. Sheki was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2019 for its historic architecture and significance as a Silk Road city. This charming town is famous for its Sheki baklava, colorful architecture, and peaceful mountain atmosphere.
Visit the Sheki Khans’ Palace, an 18th-century masterpiece adorned with intricate stained glass windows (shebeke) and vibrant frescoes. Wander the old town, lined with artisan workshops and historic buildings. If time allows, explore the Sheki Bazaar, where you can sample local produce, honey, spices, and handmade confections.
Overnight at a hotel in Sheki.
Driving distance: 300 km
Enjoy breakfast before departing Sheki and heading toward the Azerbaijan–Georgia border. After a smooth border crossing, enter Georgia’s renowned Kakheti region, the cradle of Georgian winemaking. The landscape here is a patchwork of vineyards, hilltop churches, and rustic villages.
Savor a traditional Georgian lunch in a local family home, complete with homemade wine, fresh bread, and hearty dishes passed down through generations. Continue to Khareba Winery, famous for its underground wine tunnel carved into the mountainside. Learn about Georgia’s 8,000-year-old winemaking tradition, and enjoy a tasting session of regional varietals.
Next, visit the Gremi Architectural Complex, once the royal capital of the Kakheti Kingdom, and then the nearby Alaverdi Cathedral, dating back to the 11th century. Both sites are included in Georgia’s UNESCO Tentative List due to their historical and cultural importance.
Conclude the day in Telavi, a charming town with cobblestone streets and mountain views.
Overnight at a hotel in Telavi.
Driving distance: 230 km
Start your morning with a leisurely stroll through Old Telavi, pausing to photograph the statue of King Erekle II and the town’s legendary 900-year-old plane tree, which stands as a living witness to centuries of regional history.
Drive along the scenic Gombori Pass, a winding mountain road with panoramic views and forests, to reach Georgia’s vibrant capital, Tbilisi. After hotel check-in and a short break, begin a guided walking tour of Tbilisi’s historic core, a district on the UNESCO Tentative List.
Visit the Metekhi Church and the statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali, founder of the city. Ride a cable car or climb to Narikala Fortress, where stunning city views await. Descend past the only mosque in the city to the famed Abanotubani Sulphur Baths, a legacy of Tbilisi’s spa culture.
Stroll through the lively Sharden district, brimming with art galleries, cafés, and souvenir shops. Explore landmarks like Sioni Cathedral, Anchiskhati Basilica, and the Rezo Gabriadze Theatre’s Clock Tower. Conclude the tour with a walk over the modern Bridge of Peace into the relaxing Rike Park.
Overnight at a hotel in Tbilisi.
Driving distance: 120 km
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, begin your day by departing Tbilisi and heading to the ancient city of Mtskheta, the religious heart of Georgia and one of its oldest continuously inhabited towns. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, Mtskheta served as the capital of the early Georgian Kingdom of Kartli (Iberia) as far back as the 3rd century BC.
Your first stop is Jvari Monastery, a 6th-century marvel of early medieval Georgian architecture perched on a hilltop. From here, take in sweeping views of the striking confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers — a sight that has inspired countless artists and poets. Continue to Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, one of the most sacred religious structures in Georgia. This awe-inspiring 11th-century cathedral is believed to house the robe of Christ, buried beneath its foundations, making it a pilgrimage site for centuries.
Next, travel westward to the remarkable cave city of Uplistsikhe, an ancient rock-hewn settlement that dates back to the early Iron Age and thrived during the Hellenistic period. Listed on the UNESCO Tentative List, Uplistsikhe showcases a rare fusion of pagan and Christian architecture, with tunnels, chambers, and churches carved directly into the sandstone cliffs. Explore its fascinating structures, including ancient theatres, wine cellars, and pagan altars.
Your journey continues through the scenic Rikoti Pass, a natural divide between East and West Georgia, and through the country’s longest tunnel (1,722 meters). Arrive in Kutaisi, Georgia’s second-largest city and historically known as Aia, one of the legendary destinations in the myth of the Argonauts.
Overnight in Kutaisi.
Driving distance: 260 km
After breakfast, set out to explore Okatse Canyon, one of western Georgia’s most impressive natural wonders. Begin your adventure with a walk through the lush Dadiani Forest, and then follow the suspended 780-meter-long skywalk that clings to the edge of the canyon. From this walkway, take in breathtaking vistas of forested gorges, rushing rivers, and dramatic cliff faces far below.
In the afternoon, embark on a scenic drive through Inguri Gorge toward the remote and mysterious highland region of Svaneti, tucked deep within the Caucasus Mountains. Known for its proud and ancient Svan people, this region preserves unique cultural traditions, language, and legendary hospitality. Upper Svaneti, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also known for its iconic defensive towers, which dominate the mountain villages and symbolize the region’s turbulent history and independence.
Arrive in Mestia, the heart of Svaneti, where traditional stone houses and medieval towers still stand. The stunning natural backdrop of alpine peaks and deep valleys enhances the timeless atmosphere of the region.
Overnight in Mestia.
Driving distance: 250 km
Following breakfast, hop into a 4×4 vehicle and begin the thrilling ascent to Ushguli, located at an altitude of 2,200 meters above sea level. Recognized as one of Europe’s highest permanently inhabited villages, Ushguli is a cluster of hamlets surrounded by snow-capped peaks, including Mount Shkhara, Georgia’s tallest mountain.
Ushguli’s UNESCO-listed architectural complex is a spectacular example of medieval Svanetian culture. Walk through narrow alleys flanked by stone towers and rustic dwellings that date back over 1,000 years. Visit the Lamaria Church, a sacred 12th-century stone chapel adorned with striking frescoes. Local lore holds that the revered Queen Tamar may have been buried here.
Take time to absorb the serene landscape, the sound of cowbells echoing through the valleys, and the sight of glacial streams weaving through pastures. In the late afternoon, return to Mestia, enjoying the scenic journey back through the dramatic mountain terrain.
Overnight in Mestia.
Driving distance: 90 km
After breakfast, visit the Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography, established in 1936. This museum houses a priceless collection of medieval religious icons, manuscripts, traditional Svan artifacts, and ancient coins, giving you a deep insight into the unique history of this mountain people.
By midday, depart Mestia and head toward Tskaltubo, a historic spa town renowned for its naturally warm radon-carbonate mineral springs that once attracted visitors from across the Soviet Union. En route, stop in Zugdidi to visit the Dadiani Palace, the former residence of the Mingrelian nobility. This elegant 19th-century palace, set within a tranquil garden, displays items from Napoleon Bonaparte’s family collection.
Arrive in Tskaltubo and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Consider taking a relaxing stroll through its verdant parks and discovering its charming, slightly faded Soviet-era architecture.
Overnight in Tskaltubo.
Driving distance: 240 km
After breakfast, head to the Prometheus Cave, an underground natural wonder located near Tskaltubo. With its illuminated chambers full of stalactites, stalagmites, underground lakes, and rivers, the cave offers a mesmerizing subterranean world created over millions of years.
Next, visit the Bagrati Cathedral, an 11th-century architectural masterpiece that rises proudly above the city of Kutaisi. Though partially restored after centuries of damage, the cathedral remains a symbol of Georgian unity and resilience.
Continue to Gelati Monastery and Academy, one of Georgia’s most revered religious and cultural institutions. Founded in the 12th century by King David the Builder, Gelati served as a spiritual, educational, and scientific hub for centuries. Today, it is inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its golden-hued mosaics and frescoes still inspire awe.
In the late afternoon, begin your return journey to Tbilisi, traveling through the scenic Georgian countryside.
Overnight in Tbilisi.
Driving distance: 275 km
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before spending the day exploring Tbilisi at your own pace. No scheduled guide or transport is included today, giving you the freedom to design your own adventure in Georgia’s lively capital.
Optional experiences include a Georgian culinary masterclass, where you can learn to prepare traditional dishes such as khinkali, khachapuri, and pkhali in a friendly, hands-on environment (advance booking required).
We also recommend:
In the evening, unwind in one of Tbilisi’s sulphur baths, or attend a performance at the State Opera House or another cultural venue.
Overnight in Tbilisi.
After breakfast, begin your cross-border adventure. Depart Georgia and drive to the Sadakhlo-Bagratashen border crossing, where your Armenian guide and driver will welcome you to the land of monasteries and mountains.
Travel into Lori Province to explore two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Haghpat and Sanahin Monasteries. Built between the 10th and 13th centuries, these monastic complexes represent the pinnacle of Armenian ecclesiastical architecture. Perched on a verdant hillside overlooking the Debed River Gorge, Haghpat was designed for reflection and tranquility. Sanahin, equally impressive, boasts richly decorated chapels and scholarly significance.
Continue south through the spa town of Dilijan, known as “Little Switzerland,” and arrive at Lake Sevan, one of the world’s largest high-altitude freshwater lakes. Framed by forested hills and distant snow-capped peaks, its sparkling blue waters are a true gem of Armenia.
Visit Sevanavank Monastery, built on a hilltop overlooking the lake. From this vantage point, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape before continuing to Yerevan, the Armenian capital.
Overnight in Yerevan.
Driving distance: 330 km
After breakfast, set out for Etchmiadzin, considered the spiritual center of Armenia and often referred to as the “Vatican of the Armenian Church.” This is the seat of the Catholicos of All Armenians, and its cathedral is believed to be the oldest Christian cathedral in the world.
Nearby, visit the ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral, once a magnificent 7th-century structure that collapsed in an earthquake. Though in ruins, the site still impresses with its symmetrical layout and towering columns. Both sites are part of a shared UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Return to Yerevan and begin a city tour of this vibrant and ancient capital. First, visit the Genocide Memorial at Tsitsernakaberd, a somber and powerful tribute to the victims of the Armenian Genocide. Then climb the Cascade Monument, a massive limestone staircase adorned with sculptures and modern art. At the top, enjoy expansive views of the city and Mount Ararat in the distance.
Explore Republic Square, Abovyan Avenue, Swan Lake, and the elegant Opera House on foot to get a true feel of Yerevan’s heartbeat.
Overnight in Yerevan.
Driving distance: 60 km
After breakfast, head out for an excursion into Armenia’s historic and natural wonders. Begin with the pagan Temple of Garni, the only surviving Greco-Roman colonnaded temple in Armenia, built in the 1st century and dramatically perched above a river gorge.
Descend into Garni Gorge to marvel at the Symphony of Stones, a natural rock formation of perfectly hexagonal basalt columns resembling a giant pipe organ. Then, continue to Geghard Monastery, partly carved into the surrounding cliffs. This early Christian complex, listed by UNESCO, is renowned for its acoustics, ancient khachkars (cross-stones), and spiritual atmosphere. A sacred spring still flows from within the cave chapel.
Return to Yerevan and enjoy your afternoon at leisure. Suggested visits include:
In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local Armenian restaurant with live music and authentic cuisine.
Overnight in Yerevan.
Driving distance: 75 km
After a final breakfast, check out of your hotel by noon. Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy some last-minute shopping or relaxation before your private transfer to Yerevan International Airport.
This concludes your unforgettable ‘Legacy of the Caucasus: A UNESCO World Heritage Expedition’, a journey through the cultural treasures, natural wonders, and ancient histories of Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia.
Safe travels and farewell!
| Number of Tourists | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Single supplement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy* (per tourist) | $6800 | $3750 | $3160 | $2730 | $650 |
| Comfort** (per tourist) | $7650 | $4180 | $3570 | $3100 | $950 |
* – based on 3-4* hotel accommodation / ** – based on 4+* hotel accommodation /
All transportation throughout the tour Sightseeing tour program with a local guide Entrance fees to the museums, mausoleums and other sights Hotel accommodation (shared double/twin room) Lunch in a Georgian family Dinner in Baku (Day 1, folklore show in Baku is provided for groups of 4 travelers and more), and Yerevan (day 15); Azerbaijan E-visa Wine tasting in Khareba Winery (Georgia)
Any Private Expenses Lunches, Dinners (Full board) Tips are not included, but would be appreciated Travel insurance
