Azerbaijan Georgia & Armenia – Across The Caucasus
Group Tour
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15 Days From £3,095
Overview
This if we say so ourselves, is an outstanding itinerary, capturing the best of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia, one of our favourite regions for cultural adventure.
Taking you from the shores of the Caspian Sea and the splendid history of Baku, through the pretty wine fields of Kakheti and up to the spectacular High Caucasus mountains, you will be following in the footsteps of Silk Road traders, Crusader Knights and Ottoman Princes. This region, lying at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, ...
This if we say so ourselves, is an outstanding itinerary, capturing the best of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia, one of our favourite regions for cultural adventure.
Taking you from the shores of the Caspian Sea and the splendid history of Baku, through the pretty wine fields of Kakheti and up to the spectacular High Caucasus mountains, you will be following in the footsteps of Silk Road traders, Crusader Knights and Ottoman Princes. This region, lying at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, is packed with the legends of the Golden Fleece, stunning scenery and warm and hospitable people.
It also, amazingly, remains relatively unknown even to many experienced travellers and this is the perfect trip for those wanting a diverse experience in an often overlooked part of our world.
HIGHLIGHTS
At a glance
MEALS
14 x Breakfasts13 x Lunches13 x Dinners
TRANSPORT
Transport on the tour will vary from country to country e.g. usually coasters in Azerbaijan & Armenia, minibuses in Georgia, though it will depend on the final group size.
GROUP SIZE
Maximum: 12
CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS
A carbon-offsetting contribution to Eco Act for all bookings
EXPERT TEAM
The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate
ACCOMMODATION
3 nights x Premium
8 nights x Superior
3 nights x Simple
ACCOMMODATION
As an overall ethos, wherever possible we aim to use characterful accommodation that enhances the overall travel experience, not just offers a bed for the night. This can obviously vary dramatically from country to country and from trip to trip. On this particular trip we will be in hotels and guesthouses. The guesthouses can vary significantly from being more like a homestay, with shared facilities to rooms with en-suite. Please note that the accommodation mentioned in the itinerary is intended as a guide only and is always subject to availability.
ENTRANCE FEES
All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary
FITNESS RATING
Low / Moderate
FITNESS RATING
LOW: You should be comfortable walking around towns and cultural sites. May include some optional walks (typically 1-2hrs).
LOW/MODERATE: May be of a long duration and/or involve numerous border-crossings. May include easy/moderate day walks (up to 2-3hrs/day). You should be relatively fit and lead a generally active lifestyle.
MODERATE: May include several easy/moderate day walks (up to 2-5hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You should be relatively fit and lead a generally active lifestyle. Previous experience of similar trips helpful.
MODERATE/HIGH: May involve several days of moderate hiking (up to 3-6 hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You must be a fit and active traveller with appropriate trekking experience.
VERY HIGH: May involve several days of moderate/strenuous trekking (up to 4-7 hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You must be a very fit and active traveller with appropriate trekking experience.
Map & Itinerary
Individual departures may vary so please refer to the information in the tour specific links in the Dates and Prices section below
DAY 1: TOUR STARTS IN BAKU
DAY 1: TOUR STARTS IN BAKU
Rooms will be available in Baku from this afternoon. Those arriving on the group flights will arrive in the early hours of tomorrow morning.
DAY 2: IN BAKU
DAY 2: IN BAKU
After breakfast, this morning, we will head to the UNESCO site of Qobustan, home to over 6000 Stone Age cave drawings, where we will explore the caves and petroglyphs. Then, after lunch at a local restaurant we’ll journey out onto the Absheron Peninsula to visit Yanar Dag, one of the only remaining natural “fire mountains” that the region was once universally famous for.
DAY 3: BAKU – LAHIJ
DAY 3: BAKU – LAHIJ
We’ll have the full morning to enjoy Baku, the Caucasus’s most cosmopolitan city. We’ll focus predominantly on the old walled city and after entering via the Shamaxi gate, we’ll visit the imposing Maiden Tower and the impressive Shirvanshahs’ Palace (both UNESCO World Heritage sites). After lunch we will head west and finally into the foothills of the Caucasus to the picturesque mountain village of Lehij, famed for its coppersmiths and thriving craft trade.
DAY 4: LAHIJ – SEKI
DAY 4: LAHIJ – SEKI
After time for a wander around this lovely village with time to meet (and haggle with!) the friendly locals, we’ll set off to Seki, once a key trading post, sitting as it does on a major crossroads. This is our base for the next two nights and is one of the country’s highlights.
DAY 5: IN SEKI
DAY 5: IN SEKI
With a full day in Seki region, there’ll be time to visit the beautifully renovated Khan’s palace, the museum and local market and head out to the pretty village of Kis to see the round-towered Albanian Church. This afternoon there will be some free time so you can explore Seki at your own speed.
DAY 6: SEKI – TELAVI (GEORGIA)
DAY 6: SEKI – TELAVI (GEORGIA)
Today we will transfer to the Lagodekhi checkpoint and cross over into the Kakheti wine-growing region of Georgia. After lunch in a local house, we’ll drive to the Nekresi Monastery (4th century), once on the Silk Road, and visit the photogenic fortified church complex of Gremi. In the evening we arrive in Telavi.
DAY 7: TELAVI – GORI
DAY 7: TELAVI – GORI
This morning, before we leave Telavi, we’ll visit the local market. We’ll then visit the 18th century fortified hilltop town of Sighnaghi. From here we will visit a unique wine cellar where wine is produced and stored, and taste some of the typical wines of the region. On our way to Gori we will make a stop at the Georgian State Museum to see it's stunning treasures.
DAY 8: GORI – KAZBEGI
DAY 8: GORI – KAZBEGI
Gori is infamous not only as one of the focal points of the Russian occupation in August 2008 but also as the birth place of a certain Josef Stalin. Here we will visit the fascinating Stalin Museum (which remains unchanged since its Cold War era opening), before heading on to the ancient remains of the Uplistsikhe cave city. After lunch we’ll start our very scenic drive up through the High Caucasus Mountains along the Georgian Military Highway, which is still a major route linking Georgia with Russia. En route to our night stop at Kazbegi we’ll visit Ananuri, a 17th century architectural complex, overlooking the Zhinvali reservoir.
DAY 9: KAZBEGI – TBILISI
DAY 9: KAZBEGI – TBILISI
This morning, there will be a chance to take a walk for about 2 hours up through beautiful valleys and forests to the Gergeti Trinity church (14th century) located on top of the mountain (2170m) and one of the country’s most iconic images. Weather permitting, we may also be able to catch a glimpse of one the highest glaciers in the Caucasus – Mt Kazbegi (5047m). Afterwards, leaving the High Caucasus behind us we head for Georgia’s ancient capital and its religious centre - Mtskheta (3000 years old), visiting two UNESCO World Heritage sites: Jvari church (6th century) and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century) where the Robe of Christ is said to be buried. Then we’ll continue on to Georgia’s stunning capital, Tbilisi, where we’ll have 2 nights.
DAY 10: IN TBILISI
DAY 10: IN TBILISI
In the morning we will have a city tour including all of Old Tbilisi. From the Metekhi Church overlooking the river Mtkvari (13th century) to the Narikala Fortress, one of the oldest fortifications in the city (4th century), we’ll also pay a visit to the Sulphur Baths, the synagogue, the Anchiskhati Church (6th century) and Sioni Cathedral (6/7th century) where the cross of St. Nino – the woman who brought Christianity to Georgia – is preserved. All these sights are in close proximity and it’s a pleasant walk. We then have the rest of the day to soak up the café culture of Tbilisi, relax and shop.
DAY 11: TBILISI – DILIJAN (ARMENIA)
DAY 11: TBILISI – DILIJAN (ARMENIA)
After an early breakfast we will drive to the Armenian border and cross over. We will then drive to the 12th century Haghartsin monastery, before reaching the alpine town of Dilijan.
DAY 12: DILIJAN – GORIS
DAY 12: DILIJAN – GORIS
Exploring further this ancient land, we will drive via Lake Sevan, one of the world’s largest high altitude lakes (1900m) on our way to visit the medevial Sevanavank Monastery. We will go via the Selim Caravanserai, dating from 1332 and reputed to be the best preserved of its type in the country. On our way to Goris we will stop off at the prehistoric site of Karahunj, Armenia's Stonehenge.
DAY 13: GORIS – YEREVAN
DAY 13: GORIS – YEREVAN
This morning we will head to one of the highlights of Armenia - Tatev monastery - which is reached by the longest cable car in the world. On our way to Yerevan we will stop at Noravank Monastery, which was founded in the 13th Century.
DAY 14: IN YEREVAN AREA
DAY 14: IN YEREVAN AREA
Today we will enjoy the morning sightseeing around the Armenian capital, Yerevan. We will head to the Matendaran Manuscript museum and also visit the Memorial to the 1915 Genocide, before heading to the Cascades, a giant stairway made of limestone, which houses a contemporary art gallery hosting local and international exhibits. After lunch we will have some free time to explore the Armenia capital at our own pace, before heading out for our farewell dinner.
DAY 15: TOUR ENDS IN YEREVAN
DAY 15: TOUR ENDS IN YEREVAN
The tour ends after breakfast at the hotel (rooms available until midday today).
ACCOMMODATION USED ON THIS TOUR
Central Park Hotel, Baku
The downtown Central Park Hotel is located right in the centre of Baku, a few blocks away from the parks. The hotel has spacious, classically styled rooms with patterned, wallpaper and carpeted floors. All 70 rooms enjoy views of the old town area from their private balconies and are modestly furnished. Facilities include, a small gym and sauna, a lobby café, and the Sky Bar and Beluga Skyline Restaurant, which offers an international menu and panoramic views over Baku to the Caspian Sea.
Evim Hotel, Lahij
This cosy, family-run guesthouse is set in a picturesque stone and wood building surrounded by scenic mountains and forest. The eight guestrooms are simple, spacious and comfortable, many with their own private balcony. Guests are welcome to use any part of the grounds including the living room and gardens. The family are very hospitable and are on-hand to help with requests such as early morning breakfasts. Hearty, traditional lunches and dinners are available at the guesthouse, however, you are only a short stroll to the cobbled- stone streets, shops and restaurants of the town for further options.
Sheki Saray Hotel, Sheki
Completed in 2006, the Sheki Saray Hotel enjoys an excellent location in the centre of the town and offers good standards of comfort. High ceiling rooms are tastefully decorated blending modern style with traditional local furnishings. They all offer uninterrupted views of the Caucasus Mountains and the red roofs of Sheki, and feature modern amenities including satellite TV, telephone, mini fridge and a well-equipped bathroom. The popular restaurant serves international cuisine and a selection of local specialities, and guests can also enjoy a cold or hot drink with Sheki halva in the garden grounds.
Rusiko's Guesthouse, Telavi
Located on the top of a hill, overlooking views of Telavi and the surrounding mountains, is Rusiko’s Guesthouse. A short walk from the centre of the town, this family-run property is on a residential street with rooms to the back of the building. This is a comfortable and simple, local guesthouse where you can get a feel for Georgian culture and sample good home cooking on the terrace with vines above you and the mountains standing tall on the horizon. All of the twenty-two rooms have twin beds and private facilities. What the guesthouse lacks in luxury, it makes up with homely hospitality.
Hotel Victoria, Gori
Away from the main road, the Hotel Victoria is one of the older hotels in the region and offers a humble stay. The sixteen rooms are very simple with carpeted floors and modest furniture, some of them also sharing a large terrace. Although the hotel can feel a bit dated, it is reminiscent of the Soviet Era, and offers a comfortable stay, suitable for exploring Gori as it is only a 3-minute drive to Stalin Park and the town’s places of interest. There is also a restaurant and outdoor patio serving local Georgian cuisine.
Porta Caucasia, Stepantsminda
Travel through the Caucasus range towards Mount Kazbegi to reach the four-star Porta Caucasia Kazbegi Hotel. Standing 1740 metres above sea level, the hotel has fantastic picturesque mountainous landscapes on all sides, as well as thirty-three rooms, each with a seating area, air-conditioning, a desk, flat-screen television and a private bathroom, while some have the added luxury of a terrace overlooking Mount Kazbegi. Guests can enjoy the large breakfast spread on the shared terrace with views of the church. The Georgian restaurant is open for dinner and pairs well with a flavourful wine from the hotels own wine shop. The Spa, sauna, massage rooms and hair/beauty salon will ensure you are pampered after a long day exploring the surrounding mountains.
Sharden Hotel, Tbilisi
The three-star Sharden Hotel is a turn of the century European style building, ideally located in the centre of the Old Town, and within easy reach of most places of interest. All eighteen rooms are spacious, the décor is simple and there are modern amenities to make your stay comfortable. Sharden's restaurant serves Georgian and continental cuisine in a Georgian wine cellar environment. In the summer, you can enjoy snacks from the pleasant roof terrace café and admire the view over the red roofs and turrets of Tbilisi.
Tufenkian Old Dilijan Complex, Dilijan
Close to the centre of Dilijan, the Tufenkian is a renovated stone complex located directly on historical Sharambeyan Street. The eight rooms are simple and modern but with very traditional features, natural colours and extra comforts such as kettles and satellite television. Breakfast is served in the attached Haykanoush restaurant which also specialises in rich Western Armenian cuisine for lunches and dinner. The complex around the hotel has a number of small workshops which specialise in traditional Armenian crafts such as carpets, wood carvings, ceramics and furniture, as well as a bakery and delightful souvenir shops all promoting local handicrafts. The English speaking staff are helpful and welcoming.
Mirhav Hotel, Goris
Mirhav Hotel is a centrally located, newly built hotel designed according to Goris' traditional architectural style. Its nineteen rooms are simply but stylishly furnished with local carpets and furniture. All are a good size with an en-suite shower room, and some have balconies overlooking the tree lined streets of Goris. The hotel has its own restaurant with a large pleasant garden overlooking the river and it is centrally located for nearby amenities. It comes recommended as one of the best hotels in the region.
Imperial Palace, Yerevan
Within a ten-minute walk to some of the city’s best museums, the opera house and other attractions, is the four-star Imperial Palace Hotel. The 77 rooms are styled in warm tones of brown, beige and gold, accompanied by standard amenities and some with their own balconies. The hotel showcases chic furniture and includes a café, serving light snacks, and the Imperial Palace Restaurant, providing a variety of Armenian and European dishes. The hotel is also only a fifteen-minute drive to the international airport, making it a good option if you are beginning your trip or are about to head home.
Superior
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places
Superior
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places
Premium
Excellent standards without the big price tag
Superior
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places
Superior
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places
Superior
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places
Premium
Excellent standards without the big price tag
Accommodation displayed here should be taken as a guide only. *Please refer to the Detailed Itinerary of your individual departure for more information.
PRIVATE HOLIDAYS: DATES DON’T FIT?
All group tours can be taken on a private basis.
REVIEWS OF THIS TRIP
Andrew Simmonds
This trip is a fascinating insight into how three distinct countries have developed since the collapse of the USSR.
Bridget Oeppen
I really enjoyed the variety of landscapes seen on this trip.
Andrea Bradbury
There were so many major highlights on this trip.The 3 cities all very different...
Robin Bergart
I very much enjoyed my trip to the Caucasus. Fascinating and invigorating!
Chris Sherwood
A fascinating trip through Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia - Wild Frontiers delivered again!
Alan Cassels
The three cities of Baku, Tbilisi and Yerevan, were gems, lively and picturesque...
Nigel Branscombe
Vibrant European style cities contrast with the relaxed rural lifestyle in the countryside. All three countries have a…
Glenn Ingram - Across The Caucasus
A great introduction to the three countries of the South Caucuses. Excellent insight into the cultures and foods of these…
Gwen Tutty - Across The Caucasus
We had a brilliant holiday and would certainly recommend Wild Frontiers. Hopefully, we will in the future go on another…
Susan Homes - Across The Caucasus
Great mixture of rural countryside, mountains towns and cities plus ancient monasteries and churches to experience.
Additional Details
Responsible Travel
Responsible travel and sustainable tourism are fundamental ideas that Wild Frontiers has been committed to since our birth. It is our strong belief that these words should not be simply ‘tagged on’ to itineraries and websites but should be at the very core of each trip, and our adventures are therefore designed with the local people, culture and eco-system in mind. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our clients, but that it also benefits the peoples whose lands we are privileged to visit. For more information, please see our responsible travel page.
Getting There
If you would like us to send you a quote for the suggested tour flights or on any alternative flight that may suit you better, please let us know, noting that for our US clients, we will most likely refer you to one of our preferred partners. For this trip our suggested flights from the UK (subject to change) are shown below.
If you wish to arrange your own flights you are completely free to do so and in this case we can arrange any transfers or supplementary accommodation that you may require. However please note that if you are planning on making your own flight arrangements, we recommend that you first check with us to see if the trip is guaranteed. We then suggest that you purchase flights that are flexible and ideally refundable as due to the nature of adventure travel, itineraries and destination accessibility can change at any time. For more information, please refer to our booking conditions.
| Flight Code | Departing | Arriving |
|---|---|---|
| PS 112 | London Gatwick (LGW) 12:20 | Borispol Airport (KBP) 17:40 |
| PS 611 | Borispol Airport (KBP) 19:10 | Yerevan Airport (EVN) 22:55 |
| PS 111 | Borispol Airport (KBP) 10:00 | London Gatwick (LGW) 11:25 |
| PS 602 | Baku Airport (GYD) 04:20 | Borispol Airport (KBP) 07:10 |
Visas
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact our recommended visa agency, Travcour www.travcour.com
For this tour, UK passport holders currently require a visa for Azerbaijan but not for Georgia or Armenia.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
Further details will be sent out to you on booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Extensions
If you have more time available, why not arrive early to adjust to a new time zone or just to get a feel for the country before your tour starts? Or alternatively you might choose to allow a few extra days after the tour to relax or to undertake some further exploration.
The choice is completely yours and we can usually arrange anything from simply additional accommodation and transfers to full tailor-made itineraries.
Below is just a small sample of what you could do. Please contact the office for more details and to discuss your individual requirements.
Northern Iran
Why not extend your time in the region and visit northern Iran to explore the assassins’ castles of the Alborz Mountains? Allow approximately 7 days.
Governmental Travel Advice
Many governments issue advice which highlights potential hazards their citizens might experience when travelling abroad. We strongly suggest you refer to your country’s particular advisory site before booking and contact us if you have any queries or concerns. Click to follow links to the advice of the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or the US State Department.
Non-UK citizens should consult the travel advice of their respective governments.
Key Information
CLIMATE
The weather conditions can be extremely varied (even within the course of a day!). The Greater Caucasus Range moderates local climate by serving as a barrier against cold air from the north and the relatively small territory covers different climatic zones, which are determined by distance from the Black Sea and by altitude. The climatic zones range from humid subtropical to snow and glaciers.
IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?
It may sound obvious but Wild Frontiers tours are not always for everyone and it is important to us that the tour you choose is the most suitable. All our tours have a fitness rating as a guideline but you should check the day-by-day itinerary carefully. In certain instances we may ask you to complete a travel questionnaire before confirming your booking in order to ensure your suitability. Should you have any concerns about your ability to partake in any aspect of the tour then please contact the office.
KEY ASPECTS TO CONSIDER
Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, as many of the activities are optional. There will be some long journeys in the vehicles on the tour, so please be prepared for this.
THE NATURE OF ADVENTURE TRAVEL
We feel that it’s worth pointing out that while we will always strive to stick as close to the stated itinerary as possible, it may be necessary from time to time to make changes to our itineraries or services (due to weather, political and religious influences etc.) and this can happen with little or no notice. This unpredictability can be one of the most exciting aspects of adventure travel and for many of our clients often leads to unexpected highlights as the tour-leader necessarily adapts the tour to the changing conditions. However we are aware that this lack of assuredness may not suit everyone. As such, with the greatest respect, if you are someone who needs to know that everything will happen exactly as planned, we would kindly suggest that perhaps our tours are not for you. Adventure travel can be infectious and once you’ve caught the bug, it is likely to never leave you, but especially if this is your first such tour we would strongly urge you to give us a call if you have any concerns whatsoever about your suitability for this trip.
TRAVELLING SOLO AND SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip.
On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
INSURANCE
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. If you choose to purchase the Wild Frontiers bespoke policy through Travel & General (currently available to UK residents only) then please note for this trip the minimum required level of cover will be the Standard policy. Please see the Insurance section for more details.
General Information
TOUR PRICE
All our tours are priced on a land-only basis, giving you maximum flexibility when deciding how to get to and from your tour.
DEPOSIT
A £200 (or equivalent) deposit is required to confirm your booking.
PROTECTION FOR YOUR MONEY
For further details please see our travelling with peace of mind page
WILD MILES
This tour will earn you 4948 Wild Miles
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.
Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour/nationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
WILD FRONTIERS COMMUNITY
If you’re still not sure if this trip is right or just want to see get some different perspectives, then why not have a look at the wide variety of resources we have on our website? Browse our community section to read our blogs, watch videos and find out about our events.
WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
We are frequently asked what makes Wild Frontiers different from other tour operators. Visit our Why Wild Frontiers page to find out.
INSPIRATION
WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT ARMENIA | WILD FRONTIERS
Eva Zu Beck travels across Armenia, from the Capital Yerevan to the mountains in the west, exploring this beautiful country that is tipped to be the next big travel destination. This is her top five…
Dispatches: Armenia
Visitors to the Caucasus region often overlook Armenia for its better-known neighbours, yet as Wild Frontiers’ Senior Travel Consultant Natalie explains, those who make the leap discover a land of warm welcomes and wild landscapes. She tells us how it captured her heart.
The 12 Best Places To Visit In Armenia
There are many pleasant surprises to embrace in Armenia, but where are the best places to visit? We sum up the must-visit places on your next trip to Armenia.