Caucasus Explorer: 12-Day Overland Adventure through Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia

Welcome to Baku, where the history of the Silk Road meets bold modern design. Upon arrival at Heydar Aliyev International Airport, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, begin exploring the city.

Take in panoramic views from Highland Park, overlooking the Flame Towers and the Caspian Sea. Then, walk through Martyrs’ Alley, a place of remembrance. Dive into the Old City (Icherisheher) — a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring narrow alleys, caravanserais, the Maiden Tower, and the Shirvanshahs’ Palace.

Visit the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum, renowned for its striking architecture and rich exhibits. Afterwards, enjoy free time on the elegant Nizami Street, which is filled with shops, cafés, and vibrant local life.

Highlights of the Day:

• Highland Park & Flame Towers: Take in panoramic views of Baku Bay and the city's skyline, highlighted by the iconic Flame Towers.
• UNESCO-listed Old City: Wander through Baku’s ancient heart, with landmarks like the Maiden Tower and Shirvanshahs’ Palace.
• Azerbaijan Carpet Museum: Explore a beautifully curated collection of traditional carpets housed in a building shaped like a rolled-up rug.

Travel Details: Travel distance: ~30 km (airport and city touring) Time: ~3-4 h guided tour (afternoon); Overnight stay at a 4* hotel in Baku (-/-/-)

After breakfast, head into Azerbaijan’s arid landscapes to explore the mud volcanoes near Gobustan, a surreal natural phenomenon shaped by the Earth’s shifting crust. Then, continue to Gobustan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses thousands of ancient petroglyphs carved into the rock—depicting scenes of hunts, rituals, and daily life dating back 40,000 years.

Returning to Baku, stop at the Heydar Aliyev Center for a photo opportunity—a bold architectural icon designed by Zaha Hadid—before continuing to the Absheron Peninsula. Visit the Ateshgah Fire Temple, where natural gas once fueled sacred flames, and end the day at Yanardag, the “Burning Mountain,” where fire still burns from the earth itself.

Wrap up your day with a visit to Yashil Bazar, Baku’s vibrant green market, before returning to your hotel for a free evening.

Highlights of the Day:

• Gobustan – Mud Volcanoes & UNESCO Petroglyphs- walk through lunar landscapes and discover ancient rock carvings that trace over 40,000 years of human history.
• Absheron Peninsula – Step into Azerbaijan’s fire-worshipping heritage at Ateshgah, and then witness the eternal blaze of Yanardag — the legendary Burning Mountain.

Travel Details: Travel distance: ~220 km/Time: ~6–7 hours of touring; Overnight stay at a 4* hotel in Baku (B / – / –)

Leave Baku behind and travel west through changing landscapes toward Sheki, one of Azerbaijan’s most historic towns. Along the way, stop at the Diri Baba Mausoleum, a 15th-century Sufi shrine carved into the cliffs near Maraza, blending mysticism and stone.

Continue to Shamakhi, once a royal capital, where you’ll visit the Juma Mosque — the oldest in the Caucasus, with origins in the 8th century.

Weather permitting, take a detour through Girdimanchay Canyon to reach Lahij, a remote mountain village famed for its cobbled streets and centuries-old craft traditions like copper-smithing and carpet weaving. Arrive in Sheki by evening, nestled at the foot of the Greater Caucasus — a town rich in Silk Road history and surrounded by scenic beauty.

Highlights of the Day:

• Diri Baba Mausoleum: A cliff-carved Sufi shrine steeped in legend and tranquility.
• Juma Mosque in Shamakhi: The oldest mosque in the Caucasus, standing since the 8th century.
• Lahij Village features cobbled lanes, skilled copper artisans, and a rich heritage from the Silk Road.

Travel Details: Travel distance: ~340 km/Time: ~7–8 hours including stops; Elevation: Up to ~1,500 m; Overnight stay at a 4* hotel in Sheki (B / – / –)

Start your morning with a walk through Sheki, a charming Silk Road town nestled in the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains. Visit the exquisite Palace of the Sheki Khans, famed for its colorful frescoes and shebeke stained-glass windows, crafted entirely without nails or glue. Explore the town’s historic fortress walls, view the Round Temple from the outside, and stop by a shebeke workshop to witness this ancient art form in action.

­ 

Stroll through the atmospheric Caravanserai, once a resting place for merchants and now home to artisan shops where you can browse local crafts and souvenirs.

­ 

After midday, depart for the Georgian border (approx. 1.5 hrs). Upon crossing, continue into Kakheti, Georgia’s renowned wine region. Visit a local winery to enjoy a tasting of traditional qvevri wines, made in clay vessels using ancient Georgian methods. By early evening, arrive in Tbilisi, Georgia’s soulful capital, and settle in for the night.

­ 

Highlights of the Day:

­ 

• UNESCO-listed Old City of Sheki, located along the Silk Road, enchants visitors with its cobbled lanes and traditional craftsmanship.
• Palace of the Sheki Khans & Shebeke Workshop: Intricate stained-glass art and royal architecture from a bygone era.
• Wine Tasting: Savor Georgian qvevri wines in the heart of Kakheti’s wine country.

Travel Details: Travel distance: ~250 km/Time: ~5–6 h including border and stops; Overnight stay at a 4* hotel in Tbilisi (B / – / –)

After breakfast, embark on a guided walking tour through the soulful heart of Tbilisi. Begin at Metekhi Church, standing above the river next to the statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali, the city’s legendary founder. Then, climb to the historic Narikala Fortress for sweeping views of the old town, riverbanks, and the layered city districts.

­ 

Walk past Tbilisi’s only mosque and descend into Abanotubani, the atmospheric district known for its domed sulfur baths—a legacy of Tbilisi’s Persian past. Continue through the lively Shardeni area, filled with narrow lanes, wine bars, and cozy cafés, before visiting key landmarks including Sioni Cathedral, Anchiskhati Basilica (the city’s oldest church), and the charming Gabriadze Clock Tower.

­ 

Cross the modern Bridge of Peace into Rike Park, where old and new Tbilisi blend in harmony.

­ 

The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace or to enjoy an optional visit to the traditional sulfur baths for a relaxing and authentic Georgian experience.

­ 

Highlights of the Day:

­ 

• Old Tbilisi & Narikala Fortress: Wander historic lanes and climb to the fortress for sweeping views of the city.
• Abanotubani Sulfur Baths District: Discover Tbilisi’s thermal soul in its Persian-style bath quarter.
• Gabriadze Theatre & Bridge of Peace: Delight in Tbilisi’s artistic whimsy and bold architectural contrasts.

Travel Details: Travel distance: Minimal (city touring) Walking distance: ~4–5 km walking Time: ~3-4 h guided tour + free afternoon; Overnight stay at a 4* hotel in Tbilisi (B / – / –)

Leave Tbilisi behind and travel north along the Georgian Military Highway, where rolling hills give way to soaring peaks. Stop at the monumental Chronicles of Georgia, a powerful tribute to kings and saints, offering stunning views over the Tbilisi Sea.

Continue to Mtskheta, Georgia’s ancient capital, and visit the UNESCO-listed Jvari Monastery, perched above the meeting of two rivers. The journey then winds through alpine scenery, with a stop at the Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument, which offers spectacular mountain vistas.

Arrive in Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) by late afternoon. If the weather allows, ascend to the Gergeti Trinity Church, which is dramatically set beneath the towering summit of Mount Kazbek.

Enjoy a warm dinner and a peaceful night in this breathtaking mountain village.

Highlights of the Day:

• Chronicles of Georgia & Jvari Monastery: A modern monument and a sacred hilltop church—two powerful expressions of Georgia’s spiritual identity.
• Mtskheta – Georgia’s Ancient Capital: A short stop in the heart of the country’s religious and royal heritage.
• Friendship Monument: Unforgettable views from a colorful Soviet-era structure high in the Caucasus Mountains.
• Stepantsminda & Gergeti Trinity Church: Arrive in Georgia’s highlands and, weather permitting, visit one of its most iconic landmarks.

Travel Details: Travel distance: ~185 km/Time: ~5–6 h including stops; Elevation: Up to ~2,000 m; Overnight at a hotel in Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) (B / – / D)

Begin your day with an early morning hike to Gergeti Trinity Church, one of Georgia’s most iconic landmarks, perched at 2,170 meters above sea level beneath the towering peak of Mount Kazbek. The scenic trail passes through Gergeti village and alpine meadows, taking about two hours for a round trip. For those who prefer not to hike, a 4WD transfer is available to reach the church and enjoy the panoramic views.

­ 

After descending from the Caucasus, stop at the stunning Ananuri Fortress, overlooking the turquoise Aragvi River. With its towers and 17th-century churches, it’s a perfect blend of history and scenery.

­ 

Continue south into the Georgian lowlands to Gori, the birthplace of Joseph Stalin. Visit the Stalin Museum, which offers a complex and thought-provoking look at one of the 20th century’s most controversial figures. By evening, arrive in Borjomi, a tranquil town renowned for its mineral springs and lush forested surroundings — the perfect place to unwind after a full day of exploration.

­ 

Highlights of the Day:

­ 

• Hike to Gergeti Trinity Church: A rewarding alpine trek to Georgia’s most iconic mountain monastery (optional)
• Ananuri Fortress: Explore medieval towers with panoramic views over the Aragvi River valley.
• Stalin Museum in Gori: Gain insight into Georgia’s Soviet past in Stalin’s hometown.

Travel Details: Travel distance: ~230 km (Kazbegi – Ananuri – Gori – Borjomi) /Time: ~7–8 h including stops and Hiking – ~5 km; +250 m / -250 m; Overnight stay at a 4* hotel in Borjomi (B / – / –)

Enjoy a peaceful morning in Borjomi, where you’re free to explore at your own pace. Stroll through Borjomi Central Park, sip mineral water straight from the source, or take a short walk along the nearby forest trails. The fresh mountain air and relaxed atmosphere offer the perfect start to your day.

­ 

In the late morning, depart for the spectacular Vardzia cave monastery, carved into the cliffs above the Mtkvari River. This 12th-century monastic city once sheltered royalty and monks and still impresses visitors with its frescoes, stone tunnels, and panoramic views.

­ 

In the afternoon, journey south toward the Armenian border, crossing vast valleys and remote highlands. After border formalities, continue across the Shirak Plateau to reach Gyumri, Armenia’s cultural and artistic capital. The evening is free to enjoy the city’s resilient charm—explore the historic center, relax in a café, or unwind at your hotel.

­ 

Highlights of the Day:

­ 

• Morning at leisure in Borjomi, renowned for its mineral springs and lush green landscapes.
• Explore Vardzia, a cliffside cave monastery steeped in medieval Georgian history.
• Cross into Armenia and arrive in Gyumri, a city rich in creativity and layered heritage.

Travel Details: Travel distance: ~215 km Time: ~6.5 hours including border formalities and site visits Trekking distance: ~1.5 km (Vardzia walking exploration); Overnight stay at a 4* hotel in Gyumri (B/-/-)

Begin your day with a guided walking tour of Gyumri, Armenia’s artistic and cultural soul. In the Kumayri Historic District, elegant 19th-century buildings, artisan studios, and a rich history reveal a city shaped by creativity and resilience—from imperial splendor to post-earthquake revival.

­ 

Later, journey south across the vast Armenian plains, where the snow-capped silhouette of Mount Ararat rises ahead, steeped in legend and longing. At its foot lies the Khor Virap Monastery, where Saint Gregory the Illuminator was once imprisoned. The view from the hilltop — encompassing the monastery, surrounding fields, and Mount Ararat in the distance — is one of the most iconic in Armenia.

­ 

In the afternoon, stop at a local winery for a guided tour and tasting. Walk through stone cellars and sample wines aged in traditional amphorae, where centuries-old craftsmanship meets the volcanic soils of Armenia. By evening, arrive in Yerevan, the vibrant capital glowing with pink tuff stone, café-lined streets, and the energy of a city both ancient and alive.

­ 

Highlights of the Day:

­ 

• Guided walking tour of Gyumri: Discover its historic architecture, humor, and heart.
• Visit to Khor Virap, featuring unforgettable views of Mount Ararat
• Wine tasting at local winery: blending ancient traditions with modern flair

Travel Details: Travel distance: ~180 km Time: ~4.5 hours including visits; Walking distance: ~2–3 km (Gyumri & Khor Virap) Overnight stay at a 4* hotel in Yerevan (B/-/-)

Begin the day with a guided walking tour of Yerevan, where grand Soviet avenues meet hidden courtyards, and centuries of Armenian history echo through the streets. From leafy boulevards to lively markets and historic churches, your guide will help reveal the spirit of this vibrant capital.

Midday brings a visit to Tsitsernakaberd, the Armenian Genocide Memorial. Set on a quiet hill with sweeping views of Mount Ararat, it is a place of remembrance and profound reflection. Walk among the towering basalt columns and pause by the eternal flame as a tribute to Armenia’s resilience and rebirth.

In the afternoon, travel west to Etchmiadzin, the heart of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Step inside the Mother Cathedral, believed to be the world’s first Christian cathedral, and experience over 1,700 years of spiritual tradition. Nearby, explore the poetic ruins of Zvartnots Temple, whose elegant stone arches stand as a testament to Armenia’s early medieval grandeur. Return to Yerevan in the late afternoon for some free time to relax or explore the city’s cafés, galleries, and open squares.

Highlights of the Day:

• Walking tour of Yerevan: From Republic Square to hidden corners of local life
• A powerful visit to Tsitsernakaberd, honoring memory and resilience.
• Exploring Armenia’s Spiritual Heart: Etchmiadzin and the evocative ruins of Zvartnots

Travel Details: Travel distance: ~60 km Time: ~4–5 hours including transfers and visits; Walking distance: ~3–4 km (Yerevan & sites) Overnight stay at a 4* hotel in Yerevan (B/-/-)

Your final full day in Armenia blends ancient history, warm hospitality, and breathtaking landscapes. Begin with a visit to Garni Temple, the only remaining Hellenistic temple in the Caucasus. Perched above the Azat River Gorge, it offers a powerful glimpse into Armenia’s pre-Christian past. Take a short walk to the nearby Symphony of Stones, where towering basalt columns—shaped by volcanic forces—form one of Armenia’s most unusual and beautiful natural landmarks.

Next, join a lavash-making experience in a local village. Watch as this iconic Armenian flatbread is prepared in a traditional tonir oven, then sit down to enjoy a delicious home-cooked lunch featuring lavash, fresh herbs, and local specialties.

In the afternoon, head to the shimmering waters of Lake Sevan. Visit the peaceful Sevanavank Monastery, where black-stone churches overlook the vast alpine lake. On your return to Yerevan, opt for a final photo stop at the Mother Armenia statue, a towering symbol of strength watching over the capital.

Highlights of the Day:

• Visit Garni Temple, Armenia’s last pagan-era monument and discover the Symphony of Stones, a rare and captivating basalt canyon.
• Lavash-Making Class and lunch with locals, a warm cultural immersion
• Breathtaking views at Lake Sevan and Sevanavank Monastery

Travel Details: Travel distance: ~160 km Time: ~6 hours including visits and lunch: Walking distance: ~2–3 km light walking (Garni gorge + site visits) Overnight stay at a 4* hotel in Yerevan (B / L/-)

After a rich journey through ancient landscapes, warm traditions, and unforgettable stories, it’s time to say goodbye. Depending on your flight schedule, a private transfer will take you from your hotel to Zvartnots International Airport.

Take with you the memories of monasteries, mountain trails, shared meals, and the spirit of the Caucasus — quiet, strong, and lasting.

Safe travels, and see you on the next adventure.

Travel Details: Travel distance: ~15 km Time: ~30 minutes; (B/-/-)