Three Lands, One Journey: Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia

Upon your arrival in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan and one of the most fascinating cities on the Caspian Sea, you will be warmly greeted by our local driver and transferred to your hotel for check-in and rest. Later in the day, meet your guide to begin exploring this dynamic city, where the old seamlessly meets the new. Begin at Martyrs’ Lane, locally known as Shehidler Khiyabany, a solemn memorial park perched on a hill offering sweeping views of Baku Bay and the Flame Towers. Continue to Icheri Sheher, or the Inner City, a UNESCO-listed site home to narrow alleyways, ancient caravanserais, and historical monuments. Highlights include the 15th-century Shirvanshahs’ Palace, the mysterious Maiden Tower, and the lively marketplace dotted with local artisans’ studios and souvenir shops. Stroll along Nizami Street, Baku’s vibrant pedestrian boulevard filled with cafés, boutiques, and street musicians. End your city tour with a visit to the stunning Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center, designed by the late architect Zaha Hadid. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a traditional restaurant, sampling Azerbaijani cuisine known for its rich flavors and oriental spices. Overnight at your hotel in Baku.

After breakfast, embark on a full-day excursion to explore the highlights of the Absheron Peninsula and Greater Baku. Begin at Yanardag, the “Burning Mountain,” where natural gas flames blaze eternally from the hillside—a phenomenon that inspired Azerbaijan’s nickname as the “Land of Fire.” Next, head to the ancient Ateshgah Fire Temple in Surakhany village. Built by Zoroastrian fire worshippers from India in the 17th century, the temple showcases the enduring connection between natural elements and spiritual practice. After lunch, continue to Gobustan National Park. Visit the interactive Petroglyph Museum before heading out to the archaeological site, where thousands of prehistoric rock engravings—some over 10,000 years old—depict scenes of hunting, dancing, and ritual life. If weather and road conditions allow, take a detour to the nearby mud volcanoes, a geological marvel unique to this region. After completing your sightseeing, transfer to the airport for a short flight to Tbilisi, Georgia. Upon arrival, meet your Georgian driver and transfer to your centrally located hotel for overnight.

After breakfast, begin a comprehensive sightseeing tour of Tbilisi, Georgia’s vibrant capital nestled on the banks of the Mtkvari River. Begin at the iconic statue of Vakhtang Gorgasali, the legendary founder of the city, and ride the cable car up to Narikala Fortress. From this ancient citadel, enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view over Tbilisi’s historic core. Descend into the Abanotubani district, famous for its domed sulfur bathhouses and oriental charm. Pass by Tbilisi’s only mosque before reaching Sharden Street, a picturesque area filled with wine bars, artisan shops, and cobblestone alleys. Continue to the Sioni Cathedral and Anchiskhati Basilica, the oldest surviving church in Tbilisi, dating back to the 6th century. Admire the whimsical clock tower of the Rezo Gabriadze Puppet Theatre and cross the futuristic glass Bridge of Peace leading to Rike Park. In the evening, delight in a festive dinner at a local Georgian restaurant, complete with live folk music and traditional dances that bring Georgia’s legendary hospitality to life. Overnight in Tbilisi.

Today’s journey takes you to the heart of Georgia’s famed wine region, Kakheti. Depart Tbilisi and enjoy a scenic drive over the Gombori Pass with its picturesque mountain landscapes. Arrive in Telavi, the charming regional capital, where you’ll walk through its quaint streets and stop for photos at the statue of King Erekle II, a revered national hero. Continue to the historic estate of Tsinandali, once the residence of Prince Alexander Chavchavadze. Tour the mansion museum, stroll through the lush English-style garden, and visit the centuries-old wine cellar where traditional qvevri wines are aged. Head next to Sighnaghi, known as the City of Love, a walled hilltop town offering panoramic views over the Alazani Valley and the Caucasus Mountains. The cobbled streets, 18th-century architecture, and warm ambiance make it one of Georgia’s most romantic destinations. If time permits, stop at the Bodbe Monastery, where St. Nino—the woman who converted Georgia to Christianity—is said to be buried. Return to Tbilisi for overnight.

This morning, leave Tbilisi for a day-long exploration of the Georgian Military Highway and the dramatic scenery of the Greater Caucasus. Your first stop is at the 17th-century Ananuri Fortress, a beautifully preserved castle complex overlooking the turquoise waters of the Jinvali Reservoir. Continue driving north through steep gorges and alpine valleys until you reach the confluence of the White and Black Aragvi rivers, a unique natural phenomenon where the two rivers flow side-by-side in distinctly different colors. Pause at the Soviet-era “Friendship Monument,” offering panoramic views over the Kazbegi region. Arrive in the town of Stepantsminda (formerly Kazbegi) and switch to a 4WD vehicle for the ascent to Gergeti Trinity Church. Perched at 2,170 meters above sea level, this isolated church offers sweeping views of snow-capped Mount Kazbek (5,033 m), one of the highest peaks in the Caucasus. After taking in the breathtaking sights, return to Tbilisi for overnight.

After breakfast, depart Tbilisi and drive south toward the Georgian-Armenian border at Sadakhlo-Bagratashen. Complete border formalities and meet your Armenian guide and driver. Begin exploring Armenia with a visit to Haghpat Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built between the 10th and 13th centuries. Set on a verdant plateau overlooking the Debed River, Haghpat represents a masterpiece of Armenian religious architecture and was once an important cultural and educational center.

Enjoy a warm, home-cooked lunch with a local Armenian family and experience their traditional hospitality. Continue the journey through the forested spa town of Dilijan and arrive at the shores of Lake Sevan, one of the largest high-altitude freshwater lakes in the world. Climb the steps to Sevanavank Monastery, where two black tuff churches sit on a rocky promontory, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Conclude the day with a drive to Armenia’s lively capital, Yerevan. Overnight at your hotel.

Depart Yerevan for a full day of cultural exploration. Your first stop is Garni, the only surviving pagan temple in Armenia, dating back to the 1st century. Perched above a dramatic gorge, this Greco-Roman colonnaded temple is a testament to Armenia’s pre-Christian heritage. Hike or drive into the Garni Gorge to marvel at the Symphony of Stones, a natural basalt column formation resembling a pipe organ. Continue to the Geghard Monastery, partially carved into the surrounding cliffs. The complex, founded in the 4th century, is named after the Holy Lance, which was believed to have pierced Christ’s side and was once housed here. Return to Yerevan in the afternoon for a city tour. Visit the Cascade Monument, a monumental stairway adorned with modern art and offering sweeping views over the city and Mount Ararat. Walk along Northern Avenue, explore Republic Square, and visit the Vernissage craft market if it’s a weekend. Conclude your day with a farewell dinner featuring traditional Armenian cuisine and a folklore performance. Overnight in Yerevan.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and some free time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Yerevan. Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to Zvartnots International Airport for your departure. This concludes your unforgettable journey through the rich cultural tapestry of the South Caucasus.