Small Group Tour to the Caucasus | Armenia Azerbaijan Georgia

On arrival in Baku, a striking contrast to many of the historic places we’ll visit, we make our own way to the hotel. There, we’ll meet for a tour orientation before enjoying a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)

We spend the day exploring Baku, where the ancient streets of Icherisheher meet the city’s modern skyline. On a guided walking tour of the Old City, we wander through narrow lanes and past historic mosques and buildings, then visit the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and the Maiden Tower. We continue to the Carpet Museum and the striking Heydar Aliyev Centre, discovering more of Azerbaijan’s rich heritage and contemporary culture along the way. In the evening, we enjoy a traditional cup of tea. Weather and sea conditions permitting, we take a boat tour on the Caspian Sea. (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we explore the Absheron Peninsula, where Azerbaijan’s oil-rich landscape meets the Caspian Sea. We visit Ateshgah, the sacred Zoroastrian fire temple, and Yanar Dag, where natural gas flames rise from the mountainside. In Gala village, we pause to enjoy traditional tea. In the afternoon, we continue to Gobustan, a UNESCO-listed landscape known for its ancient rock art. Across its rocky terrain, more than 6,000 engravings depict people, animals and scenes of daily life, offering a glimpse into the region’s past. We return to Baku for an independent dinner and overnight stay. (B, L)

After breakfast, we set out for Sheki, travelling via Shamakhi through mountain villages and valleys dotted with vineyards. We visit Yeddi Gumbaz, or the Seven Domes, where three mausoleums of the family of Mustafa Khan remain largely intact. In Shamakhi, we explore Juma Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in the South Caucasus. We continue to Diri Baba Mausoleum, a striking two-storey structure built into a rocky cliff, before making our way to Sheki. There, we visit the Khan’s Palace and a shebeke workshop to see the traditional craft of assembling colourful stained-glass windows. We arrive in Sheki for our overnight stay. (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we depart Sheki and travel to the Lagodekhi border. Once we cross into Georgia, we continue into Kakheti, a picturesque region known for its vineyards and traditional winemaking. Georgian wine made in qvevri—large clay vessels used for fermentation and ageing—is recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. We explore a local bazaar before visiting Gremi Church and the Tsinandali Family Estate, discovering the region’s history and winemaking traditions. In the evening, we’re welcomed by a local qvevri maker. We learn how these traditional clay vessels are made, enjoy a workshop and taste qvevri wine. We also get a taste of village life with demonstrations of bread baking and churchkhela making, before sharing dinner with our host. We overnight in Telavi. (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we travel to Sighnaghi, a charming hilltop town known for its sweeping views and historic defensive walls. On a walking tour, we explore the old streets and learn how the town’s walls and 23 towers once offered refuge to local communities. We visit Bodbe Nunnery and the Sighnaghi Ethnographical Museum, then enjoy lunch in town. In the evening, we continue to Tbilisi for dinner at a local restaurant and our overnight stay. (B, L, D)

We discover Tbilisi on a walking tour through its atmospheric Old Town, where different cultures and faiths have shaped the city over centuries. From Metekhi Plateau, we take in views across the city before exploring the historic sulphur bath district, with its distinctive domed bathhouses. We wander narrow streets and leafy courtyards, stopping at Sioni Cathedral and Anchiskhati Basilica. We then visit Narikala Fortress for panoramic views over the rooftops and the Mtkvari River. At the Janashia State Museum of History, we explore collections that include the Treasury of Colchis and exhibits on the Soviet occupation. Dinner is at our own expense, and we overnight in Tbilisi. (B, L)

We travel across the fertile Kartli region to Mtskheta, one of Georgia’s oldest towns and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once the ancient capital of eastern Georgia, Mtskheta is closely tied to the country’s early Christian history. We visit Jvari Church, perched above the town, and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, two of Georgia’s most significant religious landmarks. In the afternoon, we continue via Gori, birthplace of Joseph Stalin, to Uplistsikhe, an ancient cave town dating back to the first millennium BC. We explore its rock-cut streets and dwellings on a walking tour before continuing to Akhaltsikhe, where we stay for two nights. (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we explore the historic Samtskhe-Javakheti region. We visit Vardzia, the remarkable rock-cut complex built during the 12th and 13th centuries under Queen Tamar. Originally planned as a fortified town, it later became a well-defended monastery and an important centre of Georgia’s political, cultural, educational and spiritual life. On our return to Akhaltsikhe, we pause for photos at Khertvisi Fortress before exploring Rabati, the town’s historic centre and citadel. We visit the Akhaltsikhe Museum before returning to our hotel. (B, L, D)

We travel through the green landscapes of the Imereti region to Kutaisi, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Colchis. En route, stop at Borjomi Park to sample its mineral water. In Kutaisi, visit Bagrati Cathedral and Motsameta Church, then take a walking tour of the old town. Motsameta is included in place of Gelati Academy, which is currently closed to visitors. Please note: Full-size buses cannot reach Bagrati Cathedral. You can walk up the steps or take a local taxi, available at an additional cost. (B, L, D)

We travel through the dramatic Enguri Canyon to Mestia in the Svaneti region, known for its mountain scenery, medieval stone towers and centuries-old churches with remarkable murals. The region’s remote location helped preserve the distinctive traditions and culture of the Svan people. En route, we visit the Sataplia Cave. We arrive in Mestia in the late afternoon and stay overnight. (B, L, D)

We set out from Mestia in 4WD vehicles for Ushguli, a remarkable fortified village high in the Caucasus. At around 2,200 metres above sea level, it is among Europe’s highest permanently inhabited settlements. Its medieval towers and churches stand beneath the snow-capped peaks of Mount Shkhara. We walk through the village and explore its ancient watchtowers, stone houses and small basilicas. Local legend links the ruins of Queen Tamar’s fortress to the queen’s burial place. If time and conditions allow, we also stop in the remote villages of Kala and Ipari to visit their churches. At lunchtime, we’re welcomed into a local family’s home to enjoy a meal and taste homemade sulguni cheese. In the afternoon, we return to Mestia, where we have free time to explore at our own pace. (B, L, D)

We have the day free to enjoy Mestia at our own pace. We might wander through the town’s stone streets and admire its iconic Svan towers, or simply relax and take in the mountain scenery. For those who’d like to explore further, the Ethnographical and Historical Museum and a traditional machubi dwelling offer a closer look at Svan culture and history. These visits are optional, and transport is not available today. We stay overnight in Mestia. (B, L, D)

We leave the highlands of Svaneti and travel towards the Black Sea, passing through the lush, subtropical landscapes of Guria. En route, we visit Dadiani Palace, once home to the rulers of Samegrelo, and stroll through its grounds. Please note that part of the palace is closed for restoration. In the evening, we explore Batumi on a walking tour, taking in the seaside boulevard and the atmospheric streets of the Old Town. We stay overnight in Batumi. (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we explore Batumi’s history and coastal scenery. We visit Gonio Fortress, a well-preserved Roman-era fortification near the Turkish border. Local tradition associates the site with the tomb of the Apostle Matthew. We continue to Batumi Botanical Garden for a walk among plants from around the world, with beautiful views over the Black Sea. For lunch, we enjoy boat-shaped khachapuri, a local take on Georgia’s famous cheese-filled bread. Later, we have time to wander Batumi’s narrow streets, explore the old port or stroll along the seaside boulevard. Dinner is at our own expense. In the late evening, we pause for coffee at a local café by the port or boulevard. We stay overnight in Batumi. (B, L)

After breakfast, we leave Batumi and travel inland towards Tbilisi. En route, we stop at Ubisi Monastery, founded in the 9th century. Its basilica is celebrated for its remarkable 14th-century murals. We pause for lunch along the way, then visit a pottery-making family in Shrosha to learn about the area’s traditional craft. We continue to Tbilisi, where we enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and stay overnight. (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we continue exploring Tbilisi with a visit to Holy Trinity Cathedral, followed by the Art Palace and a walking tour along Agmashenebeli Street, known for its elegant historic buildings. After lunch at a local restaurant, we travel to the Sadakhlo border and cross into Armenia. We visit Haghpat and Sanahin monasteries, remarkable medieval complexes set among the forested hills near Alaverdi. Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and outstanding examples of Armenian architecture. We continue to Dilijan for dinner and our overnight stay. (B, L, D)

We begin the day at Haghartsin Monastery, a beautiful medieval complex dating from the 13th and 14th centuries. From there, we travel towards Lake Sevan, one of the world’s highest freshwater lakes, set among Armenia’s mountain scenery. We visit Sevan Monastery, perched above the lake, and enjoy time to take in the views. If the weather is fine, we may also relax by the lakeside. After lunch, we continue to Noratus, home to a remarkable field of khachkars—intricately carved Armenian cross-stones. We then travel to Yerevan, where we enjoy an evening bus tour of the capital. We have dinner at local restaurants and stay overnight in Yerevan. (B, L, D)

We travel through the picturesque Ararat Valley to Khor Virap, one of Armenia’s most sacred sites. Set close to the Turkish border, the monastery offers sweeping views towards Mount Ararat, Armenia’s national symbol, weather permitting. We continue to Noravank, a striking monastery complex nestled among dramatic red cliffs. Later, we visit the Areni wine cellar to learn about the region’s winemaking traditions and enjoy a tasting. We return to Yerevan for our overnight stay. (B, L)

We visit the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex, a moving tribute to the victims and survivors. At the Matenadaran, the Museum of Medieval Armenian Culture, we discover a remarkable collection of ancient manuscripts and historical works. We round off the day with a tasting of Armenian brandy, then have time to enjoy Yerevan at our own pace. We stay overnight in Yerevan. (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we visit Echmiadzin, the spiritual centre of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Armenia was the first country to adopt Christianity as its state religion, in 301 AD. We explore Echmiadzin Cathedral and the churches of St. Hripsime and St. Gayane. In the afternoon, we continue to Garni to see its 1st-century Hellenistic temple, the only surviving pagan temple in Armenia. We enjoy lunch at a photographer’s home and take part in lavash baking before visiting Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with churches and tombs carved into the rock. We return to Yerevan for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant and our overnight stay. (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we say our farewells as the tour comes to an end. (B)