Caucasus Discovery Expedition

Baku

GATEWAY TO THE CAUCASUS: Your Caucasus discovery tour begins as you arrive in Baku, Azerbaijan’s vibrant capital. Upon landing, you’ll be welcomed at the airport and transferred to your comfortable hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to unwind and explore at your own pace. Stroll along the Caspian Sea coastline, soak in Baku’s striking contrast of ancient and modern architecture, and prepare for the unforgettable journey ahead.

Accommodations: Midtown Hotel

Baku

ANCIENT BAKU’S WONDERS: Start the day with a visit to Gobustan National Park, home to over 4,000 prehistoric petroglyphs, offering insight into early Caucasus travel routes and ancient civilisations. Returning to Baku, embark on a city tour that takes in panoramic views from Upland Park, followed by an exploration of the UNESCO-listed Old City. Marvel at the iconic Maiden’s Tower and the Shirvanshah’s Palace, before visiting the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum, where centuries-old weaving traditions are beautifully preserved. End the day with a leisurely walk along Baku Boulevard, soaking in the city’s atmosphere.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Midtown Hotel / Macera Hotel or Similar

Baku

Sheki

THE SILK ROAD’S HIDDEN GEM: After breakfast, set off on a scenic journey to Sheki, a historic stop on the Trans-Caucasian Silk Road. En route, visit the Diri Baba Mausoleum in Maraza and the Yeddi Gumbaz Mausoleum in Shamaha, both exemplifying exquisite Islamic architecture. Travel through the dramatic Muganly Pass, offering breathtaking landscapes. Upon arrival in Sheki, explore the magnificent Sheki Khan’s Palace, an 18th-century architectural masterpiece adorned with intricate stained-glass windows. Stroll through Sheki’s atmospheric old streets, dotted with caravanserais and historic houses, evoking the town’s rich Silk Road heritage.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Macera Sheki Hotel

Tbilisi

GEORGIA – WINE, HISTORY & MONASTERIES: Begin the day with a visit to Sheki Khan’s Summer Palace, famed for its mesmerising frescoes. Next, experience a Shebeke masterclass, where artisans demonstrate the delicate craft of Azerbaijani stained-glass artistry. Depart for the Lagodekhi border, crossing into Georgia’s lush Kakheti wine region. Enjoy a traditional Georgian lunch with a local family, accompanied by polyphonic singing, a UNESCO-listed tradition. Continue to Sighnaghi, a picturesque town known for its 18th-century fortifications and sweeping views of the Alazani Valley. Visit the revered Bodbe Monastery before arriving in Tbilisi, Georgia’s captivating capital.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Golden Tulip Hotel

Tbilisi

EXPLORING TBILISI’S OLD TOWN – A CROSSROADS OF CULTURES: Immerse yourself in the heart of Tbilisi, a city where East meets West. This walking tour takes you through the Old Town, where churches, synagogues, and mosques stand side by side. Visit the grand Sameba Cathedral, the largest in the Caucasus, before exploring the Metekhi Church and the hilltop Narikala Fortress, offering panoramic city views. Stroll through Shardeni Street, lined with artisan boutiques and cosy cafés, before visiting the Anchiskhati Church, Tbilisi’s oldest. Conclude the day on Rustaveli Avenue, a lively cultural hub home to theatres and museums.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Golden Tulip Hotel

Tbilisi

Tbilisi

ANCIENT ROCK CITIES & GEORGIA’S SPIRITUAL HEART: Step back in time with a visit to Uplistsikhe, an ancient cave city featuring rock-hewn streets, dwellings, and temples that echo Georgia’s earliest civilisations. Continue to Gori, birthplace of Joseph Stalin, where you’ll visit the Stalin Museum. Later, travel to Mtskheta, Georgia’s spiritual heart and a UNESCO-listed treasure trove of history. Marvel at the Jvari Monastery, perched on a hilltop with breathtaking views, and explore the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, a masterpiece of medieval Georgian architecture. Return to Tbilisi, where your final evening in this enchanting city awaits.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Golden Tulip Hotel

Tbilisi

KAZBEGI – THE CROWN JEWEL OF GEORGIA’S HIGHLANDS: Set off on a breathtaking journey from Tbilisi to Kazbegi, following the scenic Georgian Military Highway. En route, visit the Ananuri Castle, a historic fortress overlooking the Jinvali Reservoir, where the Caucasus Mountains reflect in its tranquil waters. Stop at local workshops showcasing felt-making, embroidery, and iconographic painting, offering insight into Georgia’s rich artistic traditions. Upon arrival in Kazbegi, switch to 4x4 vehicles for an exhilarating ascent to the Gergeti Trinity Church, perched at 2,170m, offering awe-inspiring views of Mt. Kazbegi (5,047m). Return to Tbilisi in the evening.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Golden Tulip Hotel

Yerevan

CROSSING INTO ARMENIA – UNESCO HERITAGE: Cross into Armenia via the Sadakhlo border, where you’ll meet your Armenian guide and continue in new vehicles. Begin your discovery of Armenian heritage with visits to two UNESCO-listed monasteries—Haghpat, a significant medieval centre of learning, and Akhtala, famous for its intricate frescoes and distinctive wedding ring carvings. These monasteries showcase the artistic and spiritual depth of Armenian culture. As you travel through picturesque landscapes, immerse yourself in Armenia’s rich history before arriving in Yerevan, the country’s vibrant capital.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Ramada Hotel & Suites

Yerevan

Yerevan

THE PINK CITY’S ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE: Discover Yerevan, often called the “Pink City” due to its unique tufa stone architecture. Begin your city tour at Republic Square, the beating heart of Yerevan, before strolling along Mashtots Avenue to admire the Opera House and the Cascade Complex, an open-air museum of contemporary art. Visit the Matenadaran Manuscript Museum, home to ancient Armenian texts of global significance. Pay tribute at Tsitsernakaberd, the Armenian Genocide Memorial and Museum, a poignant site reflecting the resilience and strength of the Armenian people.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Ramada Hotel & Suites

Yerevan

LAKE SEVAN & DILIJAN – ARMENIA’S NATURAL BEAUTY: Today, explore the pristine beauty of Lake Sevan, one of the world’s largest high-altitude freshwater lakes, known for its crystal-clear waters and serene setting. Visit Sevanavank Monastery, dramatically perched on a peninsula with panoramic views. Continue to Dilijan, often called the “Switzerland of Armenia”, to visit Paz Lake in Dilijan National Park, with an optional boat ride. Explore the 12th-century Goshavank Monastery, named after the renowned Armenian scholar Mkhitar Gosh, before returning to Yerevan for the night.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Ramada Hotel & Suites

Yerevan

EJMIATSIN & ZVARTNOTS – ARMENIA's SPIRITUAL CORE: Journey to Ejmiatsin, Armenia’s spiritual heart, home to the Ejmiatsin Cathedral, one of the world’s oldest Christian churches, founded in the 4th century. Visit the Ejmiatsin Museum, which houses sacred relics, including a fragment believed to be from Noah’s Ark. On the way back, explore the Zvartnots Temple, a 7th-century architectural marvel and UNESCO-listed site, renowned for its intricate columns and striking ruins. Return to Yerevan for an overnight stay.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Ramada Hotel & Suites

Yerevan

Yerevan

ANCIENT PAGAN TEMPLES & CAVE MONASTERIES: Begin the day with a visit to Garni Temple, the last remaining Pagan temple in Armenia, dedicated to Mihr, the sun god. This 1st-century marvel reflects Armenia’s pre-Christian era and its deep Hellenistic influence. Continue to the Geghard Monastery, an awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage Site, partially carved into the rock cliffs. Experience Armenia’s culinary heritage with a lavash-making masterclass, where you’ll learn to bake Armenia’s iconic thin flatbread. Enjoy fresh lavash paired with local cheese, before returning to Yerevan for your final evening.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Ramada Hotel & Suites

Yerevan

DEPARTURE: After breakfast, transfer to Yerevan Airport for your departure. Reflect on the unforgettable moments of your Caucasus Discovery Expedition, from the snow-capped peaks of Kazbegi to the ancient monasteries of Armenia, and the warm hospitality of the Caucasus travel experience.

Meals Included: Breakfast