Classic Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia

Day by day

Expansive vineyard with Ararat Mountains in the background under a dynamic sky. Spring scene in Armenia.

Your journey through

Armenia, Azerbaijan & Georgia

Showing Days 1-7

12-day itinerary

Day 1BakuSalam aleykum! Welcome to Azerbaijan! At the airport, you’ll be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. Get your first glimpse of Baku, where ancient stone walls and winding lanes share the skyline with grand imperial-era buildings and striking contemporary architecture. Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you have some free time beforehand, wander along Nizami Street, one of the city’s liveliest boulevards, lined with elegant Baroque, Neo-Gothic and Neo-Renaissance facades. This evening, get to know your group over a traditional Azerbaijani dinner where you can try shakh plov (the country’s festive rice dish, baked inside a crisp, golden pastry crust).

Baku

Salam aleykum! Welcome to Azerbaijan! At the airport, you’ll be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. Get your first glimpse of Baku, where ancient stone walls and winding lanes share the skyline with grand imperial-era buildings and striking contemporary architecture. Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you have some free time beforehand, wander along Nizami Street, one of the city’s liveliest boulevards, lined with elegant Baroque, Neo-Gothic and Neo-Renaissance facades. This evening, get to know your group over a traditional Azerbaijani dinner where you can try shakh plov (the country’s festive rice dish, baked inside a crisp, golden pastry crust).

Day 2BakuAfter breakfast this morning, discover the ‘fiery’ side of Baku on a half-day trip to the Absheron Peninsula. Wander through the Ateshgah Fire Temple, dedicated to the ancient Zoroastrian tradition of fire worship, then witness the ‘eternal’ flame at Yanar Dag (Burning Mountain), where a natural gas fire has been burning, according to local belief, for hundreds of years. Return to Baku this afternoon for a guided walk through the fortified Old City. As you wander its narrow lanes, learn how centuries of history, from the Shirvanshahs to the present day, have shaped Azerbaijan’s capital.

Baku

After breakfast this morning, discover the ‘fiery’ side of Baku on a half-day trip to the Absheron Peninsula. Wander through the Ateshgah Fire Temple, dedicated to the ancient Zoroastrian tradition of fire worship, then witness the ‘eternal’ flame at Yanar Dag (Burning Mountain), where a natural gas fire has been burning, according to local belief, for hundreds of years. Return to Baku this afternoon for a guided walk through the fortified Old City. As you wander its narrow lanes, learn how centuries of history, from the Shirvanshahs to the present day, have shaped Azerbaijan’s capital.

Day 3ShekiLeave Baku behind and travel north towards the forested slopes of the Caucasus Mountains, watching the landscape shift from arid plains to green, rolling hills. Along the way, stop at the Yeddi Gumbaz Mausoleum and the historic Juma Mosque in Shamakhi. Arrive in Sheki and round out the day at the Palace of the Sheki Khans, famed for its intricate frescoes and luminous stained glass. Unlike its neighbour Georgia, which claims the world's oldest winemaking tradition, Azerbaijan has kept a lower profile in the world of wine. This evening, head to a local wine bar for a tasting of some of Azerbaijan’s much-loved wines.

A picturesque street in Şeki, Azerbaijan with historic architecture.

Sheki

Leave Baku behind and travel north towards the forested slopes of the Caucasus Mountains, watching the landscape shift from arid plains to green, rolling hills. Along the way, stop at the Yeddi Gumbaz Mausoleum and the historic Juma Mosque in Shamakhi. Arrive in Sheki and round out the day at the Palace of the Sheki Khans, famed for its intricate frescoes and luminous stained glass. Unlike its neighbour Georgia, which claims the world's oldest winemaking tradition, Azerbaijan has kept a lower profile in the world of wine. This evening, head to a local wine bar for a tasting of some of Azerbaijan’s much-loved wines.

Day 4TbilisiAfter breakfast, drive to Lagodekhi – a border town where you’ll switch transport and cross into Georgia. Continue into Kakheti, the country’s renowned winemaking region, where rolling vineyards stretch towards the Caucasus foothills. Pause in Sighnaghi – a hilltop town overlooking the Alazani Valley, with sweeping mountain views. Share lunch with a local winemaking family and taste distinctive amber and red wines before continuing to Tbilisi. Arrive in the capital by evening and enjoy a free night to explore at your own pace.

Tbilisi

After breakfast, drive to Lagodekhi – a border town where you’ll switch transport and cross into Georgia. Continue into Kakheti, the country’s renowned winemaking region, where rolling vineyards stretch towards the Caucasus foothills. Pause in Sighnaghi – a hilltop town overlooking the Alazani Valley, with sweeping mountain views. Share lunch with a local winemaking family and taste distinctive amber and red wines before continuing to Tbilisi. Arrive in the capital by evening and enjoy a free night to explore at your own pace.

Day 5TbilisiThis morning, set out on a walking tour through Tbilisi’s Old Town with a local guide, tracing the layers of the city’s long and complex history. Visit the 6th-century Anchiskhati Basilica, then ride the cable car up to Narikala Fortress – an ancient citadel overlooking the river and rooftops below. From the ramparts, take in sweeping city views as your guide brings to life centuries of change, from Persian rule to the present day. Learn how Tbilisi – literally translating to ‘a warm place’ – was founded around natural hot springs that still define the city today. This afternoon, you may choose to unwind in one of the traditional bathhouses, where steaming sulphur waters offer a soothing end to the day.

Elegant octagonal building with classical columns under a blue sky.

Tbilisi

This morning, set out on a walking tour through Tbilisi’s Old Town with a local guide, tracing the layers of the city’s long and complex history. Visit the 6th-century Anchiskhati Basilica, then ride the cable car up to Narikala Fortress – an ancient citadel overlooking the river and rooftops below. From the ramparts, take in sweeping city views as your guide brings to life centuries of change, from Persian rule to the present day. Learn how Tbilisi – literally translating to ‘a warm place’ – was founded around natural hot springs that still define the city today. This afternoon, you may choose to unwind in one of the traditional bathhouses, where steaming sulphur waters offer a soothing end to the day.

Day 6StepantsmindaToday, travel to Mtskheta, Georgia’s ancient capital and spiritual heart, where centuries of history are preserved in its UNESCO World Heritage–listed sites. Visit the iconic Jvari Church and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral – a masterpiece of medieval architecture and one of the country’s most sacred landmarks. Continue along the dramatic Georgian Military Road, winding deeper into the Greater Caucasus Mountains, until you reach Stepantsminda. Settle into a family-run hotel and enjoy a warm, homecooked dinner together. Your hosts will guide you through a hands-on khinkali masterclass, sharing the traditions behind Georgia’s beloved dumplings.

Today, travel to Mtskheta, Georgia’s ancient capital and spiritual heart, where centuries of history are preserved in its UNESCO World Heritage–listed sites. Visit the iconic Jvari Church and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral – a masterpiece of medieval architecture and one of the country’s most sacred landmarks. Continue along the dramatic Georgian Military Road, winding deeper into the Greater Caucasus Mountains, until you reach Stepantsminda. Settle into a family-run hotel and enjoy a warm, homecooked dinner together. Your hosts will guide you through a hands-on khinkali masterclass, sharing the traditions behind Georgia’s beloved dumplings.

Day 7BorjomiSet out this morning on a scenic mountain drive into the heart of the Greater Caucasus, travelling by 4WD along winding roads to the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church at 2170 m (7120 ft) above sea level. If the weather cooperates, you’ll get sweeping views of Mount Kazbegi rising dramatically above the surrounding peaks. Switch transport, then drive towards Borjomi, stopping along the way at the fortress-like Ananuri complex, set above the Jvari reservoir. Arrive in Borjomi, famous for its naturally sparkling mineral water, and take a short walk with your leader through its leafy parks and spring-filled surroundings.

A picturesque mountain valley with autumn foliage in Georgia, highlighting a tranquil village under sunlight.

Borjomi

Set out this morning on a scenic mountain drive into the heart of the Greater Caucasus, travelling by 4WD along winding roads to the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church at 2170 m (7120 ft) above sea level. If the weather cooperates, you’ll get sweeping views of Mount Kazbegi rising dramatically above the surrounding peaks. Switch transport, then drive towards Borjomi, stopping along the way at the fortress-like Ananuri complex, set above the Jvari reservoir. Arrive in Borjomi, famous for its naturally sparkling mineral water, and take a short walk with your leader through its leafy parks and spring-filled surroundings.