Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan

£2400 per person

Explore the South Caucasus, discovering ancient landmarks, vineyards, and stunning monasteries across Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia.

This tour takes you through Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia, offering a mix of historical, cultural, and natural highlights. In Azerbaijan, explore the modern city of Baku, with landmarks like the Flame Towers and the Maiden Tower, then visit Gobustan’s petroglyphs and mud volcanoes. In Georgia, experience the charm of Tbilisi, with its ancient churches and vibrant streets, and visit the UNESCO-listed Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta. Travel into the mountains to see Ananuri Fortress and Gergeti Trinity Church. In Armenia, visit Yerevan’s landmarks, including the Cascade and Matenadaran Museum, and see the Khor Virap Monastery with views of Mount Ararat. End your journey with a visit to Geghard Monastery and the Hellenistic Garni Temple. Throughout the tour, you’ll discover the rich history and diverse landscapes of the South Caucasus.

  • Destination
  • Departure
    Tour starts in Baku and ends in Yerevan.
  • Departure Time
    There will be a welcome meeting during the evening of the first day.
  • Return Time
    The tour will end with breakfast on day thirteen.
  • Dress Code
    Clothing suited to hiking, bus journeys, monastery visits (modest inc. headscarves' for women), and dinners out.
  • Included
    Airport Transfers
    Breakfasts
    Entrance Fees
    Local Sim Card
  • Not Included
    Flights
    Lunches and Dinners
    Personal Travel Insurance
    Spending Money
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Day One: Arrival in Baku

Your tour of Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan begins in Baku. After arrival, you'll be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel. You’ll have the rest of the day to explore Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, known for its mix of modernity and culture. Following a period of growth after the oil boom in 2006, the city now features unique, contemporary architecture. In your free time, you can stroll through the city centre, take in the lively atmosphere, and enjoy a drink at a local café while admiring the architectural landmarks.

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Day Two: Baku City Tour

Today, you will take a sightseeing tour of Baku, visiting key historical and architectural sites. Highlights include Flag Square, the Carpet Museum, the House of Government, the Philharmonic Theatre, and the Baku Mayor’s office. The tour will then take you to the Old City, where you can explore its ancient architecture and narrow cobbled streets. You’ll visit the Palace of the Shirvan Shahs (15th century), the Maiden Tower (9th century), as well as Karvansarays, mosques, and more. The day will also include a visit to the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center.


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Day Three - Gobustan - Baku

The day will begin with a trip from Baku to Gobustan National Park, renowned for its petroglyphs, mud volcanoes, and gas stones, all protected by UNESCO. At the Gobustan Museum, you'll discover various archaeological finds from the area. Later, you’ll feel as if you’re walking on the surface of Mars while exploring the grey-beige cracked earth with its mud volcanoes. After the Gobustan tour, you'll return to Baku for lunch at a local restaurant on the Caspian Sea coast. Following lunch, we'll visit the Bibi-Heybat Mosque.

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Day Four - Shamakhi - Gabala - Sheki

On the fourth day of your Azerbaijan tour, you’ll begin with a visit to Shamakhi, where you’ll see the largest mosque in the Caucasus. From there, you'll continue to Nij village, home to the Udi people, one of the oldest ethnic groups in the region. In this village, you’ll visit a small, unique Orthodox church, where the Udi people continue to preserve their ancient traditions, language, and culture. Afterward, you’ll travel to Gabala, known for its stunning natural landscapes. Here, you’ll visit Tufandag Mountain, popular for its ski resort, and Gabala Lake, offering scenic views and peaceful surroundings. Finally, you’ll reach Sheki, where your guided tour includes a visit to the Upper Town and the Palace of Sheki Khans. This 18th-century palace, once a summer residence for the khans, is famous for its intricate design and beautiful chinar trees surrounding the building. Your day ends with a visit to the Shebeke craft workshop, where local artisans create beautiful stained-glass windows and intricate handicrafts.


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Day Five - Lagodekhi Border - Tbilisi

On the fifth day, you’ll cross the Azerbaijan-Georgian border at Lagodekhi and travel to Tbilisi for an overnight stay. Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital, has a rich history that spans centuries. The city is known for its blend of ancient and modern influences. You’ll visit key landmarks like Narikala Fortress, which dates back to the 4th century, and the Sioni Cathedral, built in the 6th century. The city’s Old Town, with its narrow streets and historical buildings, tells the story of Tbilisi’s diverse cultural heritage. Tbilisi’s lively markets and mix of traditional and modern Georgian cuisine add to its unique character, making it a fascinating city to explore.

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Day Six - Mtskheta - Tbilisi City Tour

Your Georgia tour begins today. After breakfast, you'll take a short trip to Mtskheta, Georgia's first capital from the 3rd century BC to the 5th century AD and the religious center of the country. You'll start with a visit to the 11th-century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Next, you'll visit Jvari Temple, located atop a hill with a stunning view of the confluence of the Kura and Aragvi rivers. Returning to Tbilisi, you'll embark on a city tour that includes an in-depth exploration of the old town. You'll begin in the historic district of Metekhi, where you'll see the Assumption Church perched on a scenic hill. Your next stop is the Bridge of Peace, designed by a renowned Italian architect and one of the city's famous landmarks. Then, you'll take a cable car up to the Narikala Fortress, offering a spectacular view of the city. Descending by foot, you'll visit the sulfur baths, a famous royal bath complex from the 17th-19th centuries, built over natural sulfur springs and a main attraction of the old town. You'll stroll along Shardeni Street, named after the French traveler Jean Chardin, known for its Parisian architecture, cozy cafes, boutiques, and galleries. You'll then visit the Juma Mosque on Botanical Street and Meydan Square, one of the central squares of the old town. Finally, you'll tour Sioni Church, which houses one of Georgia's greatest relics, the cross of St. Patriarchate.

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Day 7 - Ananuri - Gudauri - Gergeti - Tbilisi

In the morning, your journey will take you to the picturesque Ananuri Fortress, situated in a stunning location on the shores of the Zhinvali reservoir, enveloped by verdant hillsides. Established in 1720 for defensive purposes, the fortress boasts a rich history. Continuing on, the tour will proceed to the renowned Gudauri resort, celebrated as one of Georgia's premier ski destinations. While winter draws crowds for skiing, Gudauri's allure extends throughout the summer and autumn seasons, offering verdant mountains, sun-drenched meadows adorned with fragrant flowers, and tranquil scenes of grazing cows—creating a serene idyll. Next, in the Stepantsminda settlement, ascend the hill to visit the Gergeti Trinity Church, dating back to the 14th century and nestled at an altitude of 2170 meters, offering breathtaking views of Mount Kazbek. Finally, the tour concludes with a visit to the Dariali Gorge and the Transfiguration Church, before returning to Tbilisi.

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Day 8 - Sighnaghi - Telavi - Tsinandali - Batonis Tsikhe - Tbilisi

In the morning, you'll drive east to Kakheti, Georgia's main winemaking region. Your tour begins in Telavi, the center of Kakheti, followed by a visit to the charming streets of Signaghi, known as the "city of love" with its rich historical and cultural heritage. Next, you'll explore the Tsinandali estate, the ancestral home of the Chavchavadze family, famous for its labyrinth of exotic trees and wine cellars housing a unique collection of Georgian and European wines. You'll then visit the Batonis Tsikhe fortress museum, dedicated to King Erekle II. The day ends with a tour of the renowned Khareba winery, where you'll taste local wines and participate in a master class on baking Georgian bread, shoti. Afterward, you'll return to Tbilisi.

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Day 9 - Sadakhlo border - Goshavank - Haghartsin - Sevan - Yerevan

After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the Georgian-Armenian border at Sadakhlo to begin your pleasant journey into Armenia after clearing customs. Your first stop will be in the Tavush region, where you'll explore the medieval monasteries of Goshavank and Haghartsin, both rich in history and architectural beauty. This region also includes the charming resort town of Dilijan, known for its arts, crafts, and stunning natural landscapes. Continuing your trip, you'll head to the Gegharkunik Province, home to the breathtaking Lake Sevan, a highlight of your Armenian tour. Located at an altitude of 1900 meters above sea level, Lake Sevan is one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world. As the day draws to a close, you'll arrive in Yerevan, ready to explore Armenia's vibrant capital.

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Day 10 - Yerevan City Tour - Echmiadzin - Zvartnots - Yerevan

Today, you'll embark on a city tour of Yerevan, the ancient capital of Armenia, founded in 782 B.C. Armenians proudly note that Yerevan is 29 years older than Rome. During the tour, you'll explore the city center, visiting landmarks such as the Cascade, the Opera and Ballet Theater, Mashtots Avenue, and Republic Square. The tour also includes a visit to the Matenadaran Museum, home to one of the world's richest manuscript collections. After exploring Yerevan, you'll head to Etchmiadzin, the spiritual center for Armenians worldwide. Following the adoption of Christianity in 301 AD, one of the world's first Christian cathedrals, Echmiadzin Cathedral, was built here. It serves as the seat of the Supreme Patriarch, the Catholicos of all Armenians, and houses the significant religious relic, the Holy Lance. In 2000, Echmiadzin Cathedral was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, you'll visit the ruins of Zvartnots Temple, a 7th-century marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The day concludes with a visit to the Genocide Memorial, a solemn reminder of the first genocide of the 20th century.

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Day 11 - Khor Virap - Noravank - Yerevan

The day begins with a journey to Ararat Province, home to one of Armenia's most revered sites, the Khor Virap Monastery. Upon arrival, you'll ascend a small hill to explore the monastery and marvel at the awe-inspiring vista of Biblical Mount Ararat. Continuing through a narrow canyon, you'll arrive at the valley of red rocks, the picturesque setting of the Noravank Monastery. Dating back to the 13th century, this architectural masterpiece by Momik showcases intricate khachkars, or crossstones, scattered throughout the monastery grounds.

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Day 12 - Garni - Geghard - Yerevan

On the final day of your Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia tour, you'll embark on a scenic 1-hour drive to the Canyon of the Azat River, where our destination awaits: the remarkable Geghard Monastery. Carved into the nearby rocks, this unique monastery is complemented by the surrounding cliffs, forming an integral part of its structure. Designated as a UNESCO heritage site in 2000, Geghard Monastery offers a glimpse into Armenia's rich cultural heritage. Continuing our journey, we'll visit Garni village, famed for its Garni temple, the sole surviving example of Hellenistic architecture in the region. Upon returning to Yerevan, you'll enjoy an excursion to the History Museum of Armenia, the country's primary historical museum renowned for its extensive Archaeological, Numismatic, and Ethnographic collections.

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Day 13 - Departure From Yerevan

Today marks the end of your South Caucasus tour. Spend the morning in Yerevan, exploring the city, enjoying local food, or shopping for souvenirs. Later, you will be transferred to Zvartnots International Airport for your departure.

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What to Expect

 

This tour involves full days, typically lasting 7 to 8 hours, with considerable driving to visit key sites. While regular breaks are included, participants should expect to be on their feet for extended periods. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended, but slight adjustments to the itinerary can be made upon request. The weather can vary significantly—summer temperatures may reach 38°C (100°F), while winter can drop to -8°C (17°F), so it's important to check the forecast and pack appropriately. Meals beyond breakfast are not included, and travellers should budget around $25 to $35 per day for meals and incidental expenses. Flights, visa fees, and travel insurance are not included. Participants should verify visa requirements for Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan before departure.

 

Inclusions and Exclusions

 

This tour to Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan includes airport transfers, 12 nights in 3-star (or higher) hotels with Wi-Fi, and daily breakfast. An English-speaking guide will be with you throughout the journey, and all entrance fees are covered. Transportation will be in air-conditioned vehicles, and a 4-wheel-drive vehicle will be used for the visit to Gergeti Trinity Church. Additionally, a wine tasting experience in the Kakheti region is included. Please note that flights are not part of the tour cost, and participants must provide their flight details to Go-East Travel in advance to ensure smooth airport transfers. Visa fees are not included, and travellers should check their visa requirements for Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. Travel insurance is required. Lunch and dinner are not included in the tour price, and travellers are free to dine at local restaurants or purchase food from local markets.

 

Accommodation

 

Accommodation will be in hotels rated 3-stars or higher. The hotels for this tour may include Auroom Hotel (Baku), Old Town Sheki (Sheki), Graphica Hotel (Tbilisi), Ani Central Inn (Yerevan), Midtown Hotel (Baku), Macara (Sheki), Brim (Tbilisi), and Ani Plaza (Yerevan). Hotels may vary depending on room availability. The standard tour price is based on double occupancy, and optional upgrades are available: £200 for a private 3-star room, £160 for a 4-star double/twin room, and £230 for a 4-star single supplement. Please arrange any upgrades with Go-East Travel when booking.

The standard accommodation will be comparable to the following images: