Caucasus Express: from Azerbaijan to Armenia via Georgia - 10 days (CT-10)

Arrive in Azerbaijan and be welcomed at Baku Heydar Aliyev International Airport by our team, who will escort you to your hotel for a hassle-free check-in. Once settled, you can spend the day resting after your journey or exploring the nearby streets of Baku at your own pace. Overnight in Baku. (Dinner)

Following breakfast, we depart the capital to discover the captivating Gobustan region. This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its thousands of ancient rock carvings, offering a fascinating window into prehistoric life in the Caucasus. As we stroll among the petroglyphs, we’ll uncover scenes of early human settlements, hunting, and spiritual rituals, all preserved in stone for millennia. Gobustan is also celebrated for its dramatic landscape, featuring nearly 300 mud volcanoes. These bubbling, gurgling formations occasionally erupt like miniature geysers, creating a surreal atmosphere. Many believe the mineral-rich mud has therapeutic properties, adding another layer of allure to this extraordinary site.

After lunch, we head to Yanar Dag, the "Burning Mountain," where natural gas seeps through the earth, sustaining flames that have been burning continuously since the 1950s. Witnessing this eternal fire, especially as dusk approaches, is truly mesmerizing. Afterwards, we return to Baku for our final evening in the Azerbaijan capital. Overnight stay in Baku. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 152 km / 95 ml.

Leave Baku and journey toward Sheki, one of Azerbaijan’s most enchanting cities. Along the way, stop in Shamakhi, a historic heart of the Shirvan region, to visit the Juma Mosque, among the oldest in the Caucasus. Continue to Sheki and take a stroll through its charming streets before visiting the magnificent Sheki Khan’s Palace, celebrated for its detailed frescoes and vibrant stained-glass windows. Explore the bustling local bazaar, where you can sample Sheki’s renowned sweets, including the famous Sheki halva. Overnight stay in Sheki. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 298 km / 186 ml.

In the morning, explore the Church of Kish, one of the region’s oldest Christian landmarks. Afterwards, travel to the Azerbaijani-Georgian border, where your Georgian guide will join you. Continue on to Sighnaghi, the “City of Love,” a charmingly restored town with cobblestone streets and panoramic views over the Alazani Valley. Visit the Bodbe Monastery, the final resting place of Saint Nino, who brought Christianity to Georgia. Take some time to soak in the tranquil atmosphere of this picturesque town. Overnight stay in Sighnaghi. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 157 km / 98 ml.

Begin the day with a stroll through the charming streets of Sighnaghi before visiting Gremi Fortress, the former stronghold of the kings of Kakheti. Continue to Napareuli to tour the Twins Wine Cellar and enjoy a tasting, discovering the rich history of Georgia’s 8,000-year-old winemaking tradition. Next, stop at Alaverdi Monastery, an ancient religious site surrounded by its own vineyard. In the evening, arrive in Tbilisi and settle into your hotel. Overnight stay in Tbilisi. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 219 km / 137 ml.

Start the day with an engaging tour of Tbilisi, Georgia’s dynamic capital, where history and modern life come together. Wander through the charming Old Town with its narrow streets, colorful balconies, and mix of architectural styles. Highlights include the iconic Metekhi Church, the Bridge of Peace, and the historic Sulphur Baths.

Next, head to Mtskheta, the ancient capital and spiritual heart of Georgia. Visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the majestic Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and the hilltop Jvari Monastery, both offering deep insights into the country’s rich cultural and religious heritage. From Mtskheta, continue to Gori, the birthplace of Joseph Stalin, with an optional visit to the Stalin Museum. Nearby, explore Uplistsikhe, an ancient rock-hewn town with a network of caves, tunnels, and historic structures that reveal the region’s long and fascinating past.

Return to Tbilisi in the evening for a gala dinner featuring traditional Georgian cuisine, lively folklore dancing, and soulful singing - a perfect introduction to the country’s vibrant culture. Overnight stay in Tbilisi. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 182 km / 114 mi.

After breakfast, we depart Tbilisi and cross the border into Armenia, completing the necessary formalities before starting our day of exploration. Our first stop is Haghpat Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its stunning medieval architecture and peaceful mountain setting. From there, we continue to the charming town of Dilijan, often called the “Switzerland of Armenia,” where lush forests and a relaxed atmosphere offer a perfect respite. Next, we visit Lake Sevan, Armenia’s largest lake, and ascend to Sevanavank Monastery perched on a hilltop, providing sweeping views over the tranquil blue waters. In the evening, we arrive in Yerevan and check in for our overnight stay. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 301 km / 188 ml.

Start the day at the Yerevan Cascade, an iconic landmark featuring grand staircases and escalators that lead to stunning panoramic views of the city and Mount Ararat. Next, visit Republic Square, famous for its beautiful singing fountains, before exploring the lively Vernissage market, where you can browse antiques, handmade crafts, and local souvenirs. Continue to the Matenadaran, a world-renowned repository of ancient manuscripts that showcases Armenia’s rich literary heritage. Pay a reflective visit to the Genocide Memorial, honoring the victims of the Armenian Genocide. In the afternoon, discover the 7th-century ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral, then proceed to the Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin, the spiritual center of the Armenian Church. Return to Yerevan for a traditional Armenian dinner. Overnight stay in Yerevan. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 55 km / 34 ml.

Begin the day at the Temple of Garni, the only remaining Greco-Roman colonnaded temple in the Caucasus, majestically overlooking the Azat River Gorge. Next, explore the nearby Symphony of Stones, a remarkable basalt formation resembling the pipes of a giant organ. Continue to Geghard Monastery, a 13th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site partially carved into the cliffs, famous for its intricate stone carvings and sacred spring. Before returning to Yerevan, participate in a traditional lavash bread-making masterclass, learning to bake this Armenian staple in a tonir oven. Conclude the day with a traditional Armenian dinner in Yerevan. Overnight stay in Yerevan. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 75 km / 47 ml.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Yerevan International Airport for your departure flight. Wishing you a safe and pleasant journey! (Breakfast)