12 Days Caucasus Tour – Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia Highlights

Arrival in Baku Airport. Overnight in Baku

Breakfast
Baku City Tour
10:00-12:00 - A walking tour in the Old City (UNESCO heritage): Maiden Tower (XII c.), Shirvanshahs Palace (XV c.), medieval Caravanserai, numerous mosques, hamams (bathhouse), a market square, carpet shops, art studios and souvenir stalls. 
After lunch break drive to the Absheron peninsula: 
14:00-15:00 - Explore the Fire Worshippers Temple – Ateshgah, built by the Hindu pilgrims in XVIII c. Until the late XIX century, it was the fire-cult pilgrimage place.
15:30-16:30 - photo stop at the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center.
17:00 - Acquaintance with the city architecture of XIX – XX cc., Nizami Street and Fountain square. 
19:00 – Dinner time. Overnight in Baku

Breakfast
Drive to Shamakhi
07:30 – 09:00 Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out. 
 09:00 Departure to Shamakhy. 
Visit to the town of Shemakha, Diri Baba Tomb and Yeddi Gumbez
 13:00 Lunch time
 Drive to Sheki. 
16:00 Start the Sheki sightseeing tour. Visit to the local medieval fortress Sheki Khans’ palace, 
 Caravanserai, bazaar, panoramic view of the town. 
 Check into hotel.
19:00 Dinner time
 Overnight in Sheki B/-/-/ 

Breakfast
Sheki-Lagodekhi border
Approx. driving distance: 1 hr 52 min (108 km)
Not including the border-crossing process
Lagodekhi Border
Pass the Azerbaijan-Georgia Border in Lagodekhi. 
Please note that you need to walk for about approx. 700 meters (approx. 300 meters out of this is walking up the stairs) from Azerbaijan side to Georgian side of the border.  There are no cars inside the neutral zone to transfer you or your luggage. 

Lagodekhi Border - Sighnaghi

Approx. Driving distance: 1 h  ( 49 km )

Explore Sighnaghi & city fortifications

Visit Sighnaghi - ancient town encircled by beautiful 18th c. defensive wall.  Due to its special and unique architecture and natural location Sighnaghi is one of the most beautiful small towns in Georgia. Built 790 meters above the sea level, it overlooks the picturesque landscape of Alazani Valley and Caucasus Mountains.

Sighnaghi - Bodbe

Approx. Driving distance: 4 min ( 1 km )
Visit Bodbe Monastery

Visit Bodbe – monastic complex located near the Sighnaghi town. Bodbe monastery was built in 9th c. and was significantly renovated in 17th c. The monastery now functions as one of the major pilgrimage sites in Georgia. The female evangelist St. Nino’s relics rest in Bodbe.
Overnight in Tbilisi 

Breakfast
Tbilisi City Walking Tour: Old Town

Walk through the city and visit:

Metekhi church 13th c presents one of the most important architectural monuments of old Tbilisi.

Narikala Fortress 4th c dominates the Old Town as a most impressive architectural landmark. With its inaccessible slopes, the fortress served as a main fortification and defended the city for centuries.

Old Sulfur Bathhouses with healing natural warm water have been praised by numerous travelers who visited the city.

Meidan square & Shardeni street neighborhood - famous for cozy cafes, bars, restaurants, souvenirs‘ shops, picture galleries.

The Bridge of Peace is the modern architectural glassy bridge in Old Town.

Anchiskhati Basilica 6th c is one of the oldest churches of Tbilisi. The first foundation dates back to 4th c and is associated with the adoption of Christianity in Georgia.
Folk show dinner at Local restaurant Tbilisi

Note: vegetarian option is available upon request
Overnight in Tbilisi

Breakfast
Tbilisi - Mtskheta
Approx. Driving distance: 50 min (25 km)
Visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral - Mtskheta UNESCO site

Svetitskhoveli, a masterpiece of medieval Georgian architecture, is Georgia’s main Orthodox Cathedral and a key pilgrimage site on the Silk Road. It is believed to hold the Robe of Christ and houses the tombs of Georgian kings. Built between 1010–1029, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The name means “Life-Giving Pillar.”

According to legend, the Robe of Christ was brought to Mtskheta in the 1st century by Eliazar. His sister Sidonia died holding it, and she was buried with the robe. A miraculous tree grew on her grave, and later King Mirian chose this site for Georgia’s first main church after adopting Christianity in 337. The wooden church’s central pillar was made from this sacred tree.

A stone cathedral replaced it in the 6th century, with its remains visible under glass flooring today. The present structure, built in 1029 by architect Arsukidze, stands out for its harmony, beauty, and central role in Georgia’s history.


Visit Jvari Monastery - Mtskheta UNESCO site

Jvari means “Cross.” According to tradition, after Christianity became the state religion in 337 under King Mirian and Queen Nana, St. Nino erected the first wooden cross on Mtskheta’s highest hill, overlooking the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers and the former pagan site of Armazi. The hill became a major sanctuary for pilgrims. The current stone church was built between 585–604 AD, covering the original cross. Inside, the 6th-century stone pedestal survives with a modern wooden cross symbolizing the first one.

The church’s harmony with the landscape, its balanced architecture, and beautifully carved reliefs—especially on the south and east walls—give it special character. Portraits of the church’s royal builders appear on the east wall. Jvari is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains an active place of worship.


Mtskheta - Ananuri

Approx. Driving distance:  50 min (45 km)
Explore Ananuri fortress & enjoy views of Zhinvali reservoir

Drive to Ananuri fortress 14-17th cc. The complex consists of fortifications and residential buildings of Aragvi Dukes. The purpose of the monument was to control the trade route and to guard the country from North.

It features a fortress, bell tower, three churches, and carved curtain walls. Listed for UNESCO consideration in 2007, Ananuri was a strategic stronghold of the Aragvi Eristavis until the 19th century. Key sites include the Sheupovari tower, the Church of the Virgin (1689), the Church of the Deity (16th-17th c.), and the small Mkurnali Church (17th c.), showcasing diverse architectural styles.
Ananuri - Gudauri
Approx. Driving distance: 1 h ( 56 km )
Overnight in Gudauri

Breakfast
Take a break at Gudauri viewpoint

A cylinder monument with a spectacular views, overlooking Devil’s Valley and the Caucasus Mountains.

Gudauri Viewpoint was erected by the Soviets in 1983 in the mountains of northern Georgia. The famous Georgian architect Giorgi Chakhava designed it and placed it on a spot offering a spectacular view over the surrounding landscape.

Gudauri -Gergeti

Approx. driving distance: 46 min (33.6 km)
Drive up to Gergeti Trinity Church by 4x4

Drive to Gergeti mountain and iconic Gergeti Trinity church overlooked by Mt. Kazbegi. Gergeti Holy Trinity Church is an important altar of 14th century, located on the slope of Mount Kazbegi. The church facade preserves stone decorations depicting ancient rituals and beliefs.

If we are lucky with weather, we will see Mount Kazbegi (5047 m. above sea level). According to the legend Amirani – a cult hero and a prototype of Greek Prometheus, punished by Gods was chained on the mountain.
Gergeti - Sno
Approx. Driving distance : 17 min ( 9 km )
Visit Sno Stone Sculptures
Driving into the village on the winding Sno-Akhaltsikhe-Juta road, just before the entrance, you pass a collection of massive stone heads, somewhat reminiscent of Easter Island, carved out of granite.
Sno - Gudauri
Approx. driving distance:  43 min (31 km)
Overnight in Gudauri

Breakfast
Gudauri - Uplistikhe
Approx. driving distance : 2 h 55 min (165 km)
Walk in Uplistsikhe Caves

Visit Uplistsikhe cave town, located south-east of Gori on left bank of river Mtkvari. 

Uplistsikhe is the first settled area mentioned in manuscripts dating from 2nd millennium BC and translates literally in English as “the fortress of God”. The town was an important point on the trade route linking Byzantium, India and China. Nowadays archaeological excavations uncovered several layers dating from Early Iron Age to the late Middle Ages.

Take a walk through the narrow streets carved into sandstone rock. Explore the caves, visit several pagan temples, a King’s palace, pharmacy and an antic theatre, now frequented by Agama lizards that took over the abandoned city.
Uplistsikhe - Tbilisi
Approx. driving distance: 1 h 46 min (81 km)
Overnight in Tbilisi

Breakfast
Tbilisi-Sadakhlo
Driving Distance: 1 hr 15 min (70 km)
Sadakhlo Border
Pass the Georgian - Armenian Border in Sadakhlo
Sadakhlo Border-Haghpat
Approx. Driving distance:  39 min (35 km)
Haghpat
After meeting at the Sadakhlo border, we will begin our journey with a visit to Haghpat Monastery, a remarkable 10th-century architectural masterpiece and Armenia's very first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of the Lori Region, Haghpat is not only a spiritual center but also a symbol of medieval Armenian scholarly and cultural excellence.
DILIJAN
Our route then takes us to Dilijan, a charming spa town nestled in the forested mountains of the Tavush region, often called the “Armenian Switzerland.” Surrounded by lush greenery and alpine scenery, Dilijan is known for its tranquil atmosphere and artistic soul.
Visit Sevan Lake

Thereafter, we head to Lake Sevan, one of the world’s largest high-altitude freshwater lakes, often referred to as “The Blue Pearl of Armenia.” Its shimmering turquoise waters and vast panoramas create the illusion that the lake meets the sky. Upon reaching the Sevan Peninsula, we will climb the steps to the historic Sevanavank Monastery, founded in the 9th century. Perched on a hilltop, the monastery offers spectacular views over the lake and surrounding mountains, making it one of Armenia’s most iconic and picturesque sites.
Following these inspiring visits, we will continue our drive to Yerevan, Armenia’s vibrant capital city.
Welcome dinner with folk show and overnight.
Overnight in Yerevan 

Breakfast
Yerevan - City tour

The day begins with a guided city tour of Yerevan, the ancient capital of Armenia, founded in 782 BC, making it older than Rome. Often referred to as “The Pink City”, Yerevan is renowned for its elegant architecture built with pink-hued volcanic stone called tuff, giving the city its warm, rosy glow. We’ll stroll through the vibrant city center, visiting Republic Square with its dancing fountains, the Opera House, and the charming Swan Lake. A walk along Northern Avenue, the city’s liveliest pedestrian street, will lead us to the iconic Cascade

Complex—a massive stairway adorned with modern art and sculptures. Climbing to the top rewards us with breathtaking views over Yerevan and the majestic Mount Ararat, Armenia’s national symbol. In the afternoon, we’ll continue to the spiritual heart of Armenia, the town of Etchmiadzin, located near Zvartnots. Here, we will explore the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, considered the oldest cathedral in the world and a sacred center of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

Thereafter, we will continue our journey with a visit to the magnificent Zvartnots Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its impressive 7th-century ruins and breathtaking views of Mount Ararat.Overnight in Yerevan 

Breakfast
Garni-Geghard
Approx. driving distance : 18 min ( 9 km )
Explore Garni Temple & Geghard monastery

After breakfast at the hotel, we will have a one-hour drive to Khor Virap Monastery, the closest point to Mount Ararat. The name Khor Virap means “deep pit” which symbolizes its history. The monastery was built over an underground dungeon, where Saint Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for about 14 years by the Armenian king Trdat for spreading Christianity in Armenia. From the beautiful monastery opens one of the most impressive views to the biblical Mount Ararat. Our journey starts from the Temple of Garni, the only surviving pagan temple in the region, dating back to the 1st century AD. Dedicated to Mihr, the Armenian sun god, Garni stands as a rare example of pre-Christian architecture and offers stunning views of the surrounding gorge. Here we will participate in preparation of “Lavash”, UNESCO listed Armenian flatbread.

Next, we’ll visit Geghard Monastery, a masterpiece of medieval Armenian architecture. Partially carved out of a mountain, this serene complex is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its acoustics and mystical atmosphere.

We will finish the day at Vernissage, Yerevan’s vibrant open-air flea market, where local artisans showcase their handcrafted treasures—from jewelry and woodwork to ceramics and traditional souvenirs.

Return to the hotel for overnight in Yerevan.

Breakfast
Departure
Transfer to Tbilisi Airport

Pickup by driver approximately 3 hours before departure

Approx. driving: 25 km, 30 min.