Embark on an unforgettable 16-day culinary and cultural adventure through the heart of the Caucasus, where ancient traditions meet rich flavors, warm hospitality, and breathtaking landscapes. This immersive Taste of the Caucasus Tour takes you through Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia—three neighboring countries with distinct cuisines, millennia-old winemaking heritage, and vibrant cultures that come alive at every meal.
From the cosmopolitan streets of Baku to the serene monasteries of Armenia, this tour is a feast for all senses. Discover how geography and history have shaped the region’s unique culinary traditions. Learn the secrets of authentic dishes like Azerbaijani dolma, Georgian khinkali, and Armenian lavash, all while participating in interactive masterclasses with local chefs and bakers. Savor home-cooked meals in family homes, stroll through colorful farmers’ markets, and dine in atmospheric restaurants showcasing traditional music and folklore.
Follow the Silk Road through vineyards nestled in the Caucasus Mountains. Visit renowned wineries, where you’ll taste the bold reds and delicate whites of Georgia’s 8,000-year-old qvevri tradition, sample boutique Armenian vintages in the Ararat Valley, and learn how Azerbaijani vintners blend modern techniques with time-honored methods. From homemade cheeses and pickled vegetables in Yerevan’s GUM market to sweet baklava in Sheki’s bazaar, every bite tells a story.
Alongside your gastronomic journey, explore the region’s cultural and natural highlights. Wander UNESCO-listed towns and monasteries, hike through alpine gorges and forested valleys, and admire dramatic mountain views from medieval fortresses. Visit iconic landmarks like Tbilisi’s Narikala Fortress, Armenia’s Geghard Monastery, and Azerbaijan’s Heydar Aliyev Center.
Whether you’re a wine lover, a foodie, or a curious traveler looking to engage deeply with local traditions, this expertly curated tour blends food, culture, and nature into one extraordinary experience. Come hungry—and leave with memories that will last a lifetime.
Upon landing at Baku International Airport, our friendly driver will greet you and assist with your transfer to your hotel in the city. The drive offers a brief glimpse of the Caspian coastline and the blend of ultramodern towers and historic buildings that characterize Baku.
After reaching the hotel, check-in will be available from 14:00. The rest of the day is yours to unwind after your journey. You may choose to relax in your room or take a gentle stroll around the hotel to get your first feel of the city. Baku’s evenings are especially charming, with boulevards lighting up and sea breezes flowing in from the Caspian Sea. Overnight at the hotel in Baku.
Driving distance: 30 km
After breakfast, your guided city adventure begins at 09:30. You’ll start with a walk through Martyrs’ Lane, known locally as Shehidler Khiyabany, which pays tribute to those who lost their lives during the Soviet crackdown in 1990. The site also offers sweeping views over the Caspian Sea and the curving coastline of Baku.
Next, step back in time with a visit to Icheri Sheher (Old City), a UNESCO World Heritage Site brimming with centuries-old architecture and narrow cobblestone alleys. Enjoy a mid-morning tea break at a local teahouse, where you’ll savor freshly made baklava, a rich pastry layered with nuts and honey syrup.
Continue your walking tour with visits to iconic landmarks: the majestic Shirvanshah’s Palace, the historic Caravanserai, and the enigmatic Maiden Tower. Explore the central market square dotted with artisan studios, traditional craft shops, and souvenir stalls.
For lunch, settle into a traditional restaurant and enjoy dolma – vine leaves stuffed with seasoned lamb, rice, mint, and herbs, a dish so integral to Azerbaijani identity that it’s inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Your afternoon takes you down Nizami Street and into Fountain Square, the vibrant modern heart of Baku, before heading to the futuristic Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center. This architectural marvel, designed by Zaha Hadid, houses an impressive exhibition of Azerbaijani culture, from costumes and carpets to traditional instruments.
In the evening, participate in a cooking masterclass at Shah Restaurant, where you’ll learn to prepare qutab – flatbread filled with minced lamb, herbs, and pomegranate molasses. A special welcome dinner follows, featuring delicacies like lyulya kebab and the celebratory Shah pilaf, a signature rice dish wrapped in thin lavash bread.
Duration: 6–7 hours
Driving distance: 10 km
Meals: Breakfast, tea break, lunch, dinner, cooking class
Overnight: Hotel in Baku
After breakfast, depart Baku and set out on a scenic drive toward Sheki in northwestern Azerbaijan, a town nestled in the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains. Your first stop is at the Diri Baba Mausoleum in Maraza, an architectural marvel dramatically built into the cliffs, believed to be the resting place of a 15th-century Sufi saint.
Continue to Shamakhi, a historic town that was once the capital of the Shirvanshahs. Visit the Juma Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in the Caucasus, rebuilt in recent years to restore its original grandeur.
Next, head to Meysari Winery, a pioneer of organic viticulture in Azerbaijan. Enjoy a guided tour of the estate, learn about the indigenous grape varieties and traditional wine-making methods, and partake in a wine tasting session.
Arrive in Sheki by late afternoon. With its red-roofed homes, cobbled streets, and lush green surroundings, Sheki is considered one of Azerbaijan’s most charming and gastronomic cities. Dinner will be at a local restaurant where you’ll try Sheki piti, a savory lamb and chickpea stew slow-cooked in individual clay pots.
Duration: 9–10 hours
Driving distance: 330 km
Meals: Breakfast, wine tasting, dinner
Overnight: Hotel in Sheki
After breakfast, the day begins with a visit to the colorful and bustling Sheki Bazaar. This market is a sensory feast offering seasonal fruits, local nuts, aromatic spices, and the town’s signature sweets, including halva and baklava.
From there, explore the exquisite Palace of the Sheki Khans, a lavish 18th-century residence decorated with ornate stained glass windows and intricate frescoes. Nearby, visit the historical Caravanserai and local craft workshops where artisans create stained glass (shebeke) and silk items, showcasing Sheki’s legacy as a Silk Road hub.
Depart Sheki and head toward the Azerbaijan–Georgia border. After border formalities, continue through the scenic Kakheti region, famous for its ancient wine-making culture. By afternoon, arrive at Begaso Family Winery, a small estate where qvevri wine-making has been handed down through generations.
Enjoy a home-cooked Georgian lunch with organic wines, and spend the evening at the guesthouse, sampling more wines and getting acquainted with rural Georgian hospitality.
Duration: 8–9 hours
Driving distance: 180 km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, wine tasting
Overnight: Guesthouse at winery
After a hearty breakfast, check out and begin the day with a visit to Sighnaghi, a hilltop town known as the “City of Love.” Surrounded by defensive walls and 23 watchtowers, Sighnaghi offers panoramic views of the Alazani Valley and the Caucasus Mountains. Once a Silk Road trading post, the town now charms visitors with its cobbled streets and pastel-colored buildings.
Next, visit the peaceful Bodbe Monastery, a revered pilgrimage site and final resting place of St. Nino, who played a central role in Georgia’s Christianization.
Continue through the Kakheti region to Vellino Winery, a family-run estate established in 2015 to revive traditional Georgian viticulture. Enjoy a tour of the vineyards, sample wines made from endemic grape varieties, and delight in a farm-to-table lunch.
In the late afternoon, travel to Tbilisi, Georgia’s vibrant capital, where modern creativity and historical charm blend seamlessly.
Duration: 8–9 hours
Driving distance: 190 km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, wine tasting
Overnight: Hotel in Tbilisi
After breakfast, embark on a guided exploration of Tbilisi, beginning with Metekhi Church, perched above the Mtkvari River, and the nearby statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali, the city’s semi-mythical founder.
Ride a cable car or climb to Narikala Fortress, a 4th-century stronghold with panoramic views of the old and new city. Descend past the Tbilisi Mosque and into the famed Abanotubani district, known for its domed sulphur bathhouses.
Wander the vibrant Shardeni Street, a pedestrian zone filled with art galleries, cafés, and boutique shops. Visit the Sioni Cathedral and Anchiskhati Basilica, two of Georgia’s oldest churches, then admire the quirky Gabriadze Clock Tower. Cross the Bridge of Peace into Rike Park, a contemporary green space dotted with modern art.
In the afternoon, visit the lively Dezertirebi Market, packed with local delicacies like churchkhela (candied nuts on a string), mountain cheeses, and traditional sweets. Conclude the day with a cooking masterclass where you’ll learn to prepare several Georgian dishes including khinkali, khachapuri, shkmeruli, and badridjani nigvzit (eggplant with walnut paste).
Duration: 8–9 hours
Driving distance: 20 km
Meals: Breakfast, cooking class
Overnight: Hotel in Tbilisi
Check out after breakfast and begin the day with a drive to Mtskheta, the spiritual heart of Georgia and one of its oldest cities. Visit Jvari Monastery, a 6th-century masterpiece standing atop a hill where you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view of the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers. Next, explore Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, believed to house the robe of Christ and considered one of the most sacred sites in Georgian Orthodoxy.
Journey on to Merebashvili’s Marani, a family winery in the Shida Kartli region, where traditional qvevri wine-making techniques are kept alive. Sample wines made from local grapes such as Chinuri, Tavkveri, Goruli Mtsvane, and Shavkapito, paired with a rustic Georgian lunch.
In the afternoon, tour the rock-hewn city of Uplistsikhe, an ancient settlement carved from sandstone cliffs. Dating back to the 1st millennium BC, it features an intriguing mix of pagan and Christian architecture.
Finally, drive westward to Kutaisi, passing through the scenic Rikoti Pass and Georgia’s longest tunnel. Upon arrival, you can dine independently – we recommend Palaty Restaurant for local specialties like Imeretian khachapuri and regional wines such as Tsitska and Tsolikouri.
Duration: 9–10 hours
Driving distance: 250 km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, wine tasting
Overnight: Hotel in Kutaisi
Begin your day with breakfast in Kutaisi, one of Georgia’s oldest cities and a place steeped in legend—believed to be the final destination of Jason and the Argonauts in their quest for the Golden Fleece. Your morning tour includes a visit to Bagrati Cathedral, a reconstructed 11th-century masterpiece perched on a hilltop, offering sweeping views of the city and Rioni River.
Depart Kutaisi and set out towards the Svaneti region, renowned for its dramatic mountain landscapes and isolated villages. En route, stop near Zugdidi at Sisa Tura Ethno-Village, located in the charming village of Chkhoria. This living museum presents the culture of the Megrelian people through authentic exhibits including an old-style Oda house, preserved household items, vintage photographs, century-old newspapers, and traditional garments passed down through generations. Savor a lunch of Megrelian delicacies—Gebzhalia (fresh cheese in mint sauce), Ghomi (cornmeal porridge), and Sulguni cheese—served in a traditional rural setting that brings the past vividly to life.
After lunch, continue the breathtaking drive into the Greater Caucasus Mountains, navigating the scenic Inguri Gorge to reach Mestia, the cultural capital of Svaneti. Upon arrival, explore an authentic Svan tower (koshki) and traditional stone house (machubi), both examples of medieval highland architecture that served both residential and defensive purposes.
Duration: 9–10 hours
Driving distance: 260 km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Overnight: Hotel in Mestia
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before embarking on an unforgettable excursion to Ushguli, one of Europe’s highest inhabited settlements at an altitude of 2,200 meters. This remote UNESCO World Heritage Site preserves a unique medieval atmosphere, surrounded by glaciers and soaring peaks.
Walk through narrow alleys lined with Svan towers and stone homes that have remained largely unchanged for centuries. Visit the Lamaria Church complex, home to 12th-century frescoes and linked to legends of Queen Tamar, Georgia’s revered medieval monarch, who some believe was laid to rest beneath this sacred site.
Marvel at the majestic Mount Shkhara (5,193 m), Georgia’s highest peak, as it looms over the valley. On your return to Mestia, make a scenic stop at Heshkili Viewpoint, home to rustic wooden swings set against the dramatic backdrop of the Caucasus Mountains—perfect for panoramic photos.
In the evening, you can optionally join a Svan cuisine masterclass and learn to prepare traditional highland dishes like Kubdari (meat pie with spiced pork or beef) and Tashmijabi (a comforting mashed potato and cheese dish).
Duration: 7–8 hours
Driving distance: 100 km
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Hotel in Mestia
After breakfast, bid farewell to the mystical mountains of Svaneti and begin your journey back toward Kutaisi. En route, stop at Oda Marani, a charming family-run winery and restaurant that celebrates the culinary and viticultural traditions of the Samegrelo region.
Here, enjoy a memorable Megrelian lunch featuring local specialties such as Elarji (a stretchy cornmeal and cheese dish), Gebjalia, and the extra-cheesy Megrelian khachapuri, which is generously topped with additional Sulguni. Each dish is paired with house-made natural wines produced using traditional qvevri techniques.
After this enriching lunch and wine tasting experience, continue your drive through the fertile lowlands and rolling hills until you arrive in Kutaisi. Enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.
Optional: Time permitting, visit Martvili Canyon (approx. 1.5 hours), where a boat ride through turquoise waters leads you past waterfalls and into a gorge with surreal rock formations and vibrant moss-covered walls.
Duration: 7–8 hours
Driving distance: 230 km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, wine tasting
Overnight: Hotel in Kutaisi
After breakfast, leave Kutaisi and journey back to Georgia’s vibrant capital, Tbilisi. On the way, you may choose to visit the Prometheus Cave—a spectacular natural wonder of underground halls, lakes, and rivers adorned with stalactites and stalagmites. The cave walk is around 1.5 km long and includes a magical underground boat ride (optional).
Continue your drive through the Rikoti Pass, which links western and eastern Georgia. Upon arrival in Tbilisi, you’ll have a free evening to explore the capital at your own pace—perhaps walk Rustaveli Avenue, dine in the Old Town, or relax in one of the city’s many wine bars.
Duration: 3–4 hours (excluding cave)
Driving distance: 220 km
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Hotel in Tbilisi
After breakfast, your driver will take you to the Sadakhlo–Bagratashen border crossing between Georgia and Armenia. Once you clear customs, meet your Armenian guide and begin the journey through the lush, mountainous landscapes of the Lori Province.
The first stop is Haghpat Monastery, a UNESCO-listed gem of medieval Armenian architecture nestled on a plateau above the Debed River Gorge. Built between the 10th and 13th centuries, its ornate carvings and spiritual atmosphere make it a captivating visit.
After exploring the monastery, enjoy a hearty homemade Armenian lunch with a local family, featuring traditional dishes and warm hospitality.
Then drive toward Lake Sevan, one of the highest and largest freshwater lakes in the world. Ringed by alpine meadows and rugged cliffs, the lake is a tranquil haven in Armenia’s highlands. Visit Sevanavank Monastery, perched on a peninsula with panoramic views of the water and surrounding mountains.
Arrive in Yerevan by evening and check into your hotel.
Duration: 9–10 hours
Driving distance: 370 km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan
Begin your day with a tour of Yerevan, affectionately known as the “Pink City” due to the rose-colored tufa stone used in many of its buildings. Start at the Cascade Complex, a giant stairway adorned with sculptures and fountains. From the top, enjoy sweeping views of the capital with Mount Ararat in the background.
Continue on foot to see key landmarks including the Opera House, Republic Square, Swan Lake, and bustling Abovyan Street. Visit the vibrant GUM Market, where stalls overflow with spices, cheeses, dried fruits, and preserved vegetables.
In the afternoon, head to the Ararat Brandy Factory for a guided tasting of Armenia’s world-famous cognac. Learn about the heritage of Armenian winemaking and sample three varieties of brandy.
In the evening, enjoy a cultural and culinary experience at the Megerian Carpet Factory. Discover the art of Armenian carpet weaving and join a hands-on cooking class where you’ll learn to prepare dolma, grape leaves stuffed with seasoned meat and rice. Dinner follows.
Duration: 7–8 hours
Driving distance: 25 km
Meals: Breakfast, dinner, brandy tasting, cooking class
Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan
After breakfast, drive to Khor Virap Monastery, dramatically located near the Turkish border with spectacular views of Mount Ararat. According to legend, Saint Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned in the monastery’s underground pit for 13 years before converting Armenia’s king—and ultimately the nation—to Christianity.
Continue to Tushpa Winery, where winemaking traditions stretch back generations. Enjoy a tasting of locally produced wines, complemented by a spread of Armenian snacks including dried fruits, cheeses, and nuts.
Next, travel through the Vayots Dzor region to reach Noravank Monastery, nestled in a deep gorge surrounded by striking red rock cliffs. The church is a masterpiece of 13th-century architecture, with detailed carvings and a dramatic two-level design.
Wrap up the day at Krya Wines, where you’ll learn about modern Armenian winemaking and taste elegant wines paired with regional hors d’oeuvres. Return to Yerevan for the night.
Duration: 10–11 hours
Driving distance: 290 km
Meals: Breakfast, two wine tastings
Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan
Begin the day with a visit to the Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site partly carved into the surrounding cliffs. Dating back to the 4th century, this sacred site features unique rock-hewn churches, medieval carvings, and spiritual tranquility.
Descend into the Garni Gorge to view the Symphony of Stones, a natural formation of basalt columns resembling an organ pipe structure—nature’s architectural wonder.
Afterward, visit Garni Temple, the only standing Greco-Roman temple in Armenia, believed to have been built in the 1st century AD. The temple overlooks the Azat River Gorge and offers a glimpse into Armenia’s pagan past.
Join a lavash-baking masterclass in a traditional underground tonir oven. Savor a home-cooked lunch featuring Armenian staples and the sweet garni gata for dessert. Return to Yerevan in the afternoon.
Duration: 8–9 hours
Driving distance: 90 km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, cooking class
Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan
After breakfast, check out of the hotel by noon. Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a final stroll in the city or a coffee at a local café. Transfer to Zvartnots International Airport for your departure. Farewell from the Caucasus and safe travels ahead!
Driving distance: 15 km
Meals: Breakfast
| Number of Tourists | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Single supplement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy* (per tourist) | $6950 | $4150 | $3600 | $3150 | $640 |
| Comfort** (per tourist) | $7700 | $4500 | $3950 | $3480 | $880 |
* – 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) Meals, cooking classes, and wine tastings as per the itinerary Azerbaijan E-visa
Any Private Expenses Lunches, Dinners (Full board) Tips are not included, but would be appreciated Travel insurance
