Luxury Caucasus Tour: Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia

Begin your day within the UNESCO-listed Icherisheher, Baku’s atmospheric Old City. Accompanied by your guide, wander through its winding stone lanes to discover the historic Palace of the Shirvanshahs and the imposing Maiden Tower, two of the country’s iconic landmarks. Later this afternoon, ascend by funicular to Martyrs’ Lane, where sweeping views stretch across Baku, the Caspian Sea and the city’s striking contemporary skyline. This evening, enjoy dinner, while enjoying outstanding views of the beautifully illuminated Flame Towers after sunset.

Experience two very different sides of Azerbaijan today. Start the day among the colourful stalls of Yashil Bazar, where locals shop for fragrant spices, seasonal fruit and regional delicacies. Continue to the splendid Heydar Aliyev Centre, Zaha Hadid’s internationally acclaimed architectural masterpiece, before travelling across the Absheron Peninsula. Here, you will visit the 17th-century Ateshgah Fire Temple, built by Zoroastrian merchants, and witness the naturally burning hillside of Yanar Dag, whose eternal flames have fascinated travellers for centuries and inspired Azerbaijan’s enduring reputation as the Land of Fire.

Leaving the Caspian coast behind, travel west to Gobustan National Park, where prehistoric petroglyphs provide a remarkable glimpse into life thousands of years ago, while the surrounding landscape is dotted with Azerbaijan’s extraordinary bubbling mud volcanoes, among the highest concentrations found anywhere on Earth. Following your tour, return to Baku.

Today, fly to Tbilisi and enjoy a private scenic flight-see heli* over the spectacular High Caucasus to Stepantsminda (1,740 metres), the area’s main village in the shadow of Mt. Kazbek. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax and enjoy the stunning mountain views from your hotel.

Depart Stepantsminda by 4WD for the uphill journey to Tsminda Sameba, more commonly known as Gergeti Trinity Church – one of Georgia’s most recognisable landmarks. Then, walk back down the mountain. Lunch today is a hands-on affair that introduces you to some of the country’s traditional dishes, such as khachapuri, a rich cheese-filled bread, and khinkali, tasty meat-filled dumplings. The Sno Valley is this afternoon’s destination, where you can walk off lunch with a short hike to a viewpoint that presents sensational panoramas of the multi-pinnacled peak of Mt. Chaukhi.

Descend from the hills via the historic Georgian Military Highway, one of the most spectacular journeys in the Caucasus. Cross its highest point – the Jvari Pass (2,379 metres) – where snow-capped mountains are the norm. Along the way, stop at the eye-catching Ananuri Fortress, visit Gori, the birthplace of Stalin and home to a controversial museum dedicated to the dictator’s memory and explore Mtskheta, a charming town where the historical churches have collectively been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status before arriving at Tbilisi, the eclectic capital city.

Discover the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, an eclectic and lively city built astride the Silk Road with a unique blend of European and Turko-Persian architecture. Today’s sightseeing will include the vast Holy Trinity Cathedral; the atmospheric Old Town, known as the kala, with its distinctive drum-domed antique churches, narrow lanes, and colourful wooden houses; and the thoroughly European quarter centred on prestigious Rustaveli Avenue, where you will visit the National Museum and take the funicular up to Mtatsminda Park to enjoy the panoramic views. Conclude the day’s sightseeing with a private Georgian wine master class.

Today, travel overland to Yerevan. After crossing the Georgia / Armenia land border, drive through the sensational scenery of the Debed Canyon, stopping en route at Sanahin, an atmospheric monastery.

Begin your tour of Yerevan at Victory Park, dominated by a huge statue of Mother Armenia. Continue to the Cascade, a giant stairway made of limestone, before discovering some of the city’s grandest architecture in and around Republic Square. In the afternoon, make a short visit to Matenadaran, a museum and research institute that houses the world’s most extensive collection of Armenian manuscripts. End your first day in the Armenian capital with an excursion to the celebrated Yerevan Brandy Company, where you will learn about the various stages of brandy production and have an opportunity to sample this renowned alcoholic beverage for yourself.

Travelling east of the city today, first visit the gloriously located Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed monastic complex comprising various caves, chambers and chapels. Later, travel the short distance to the Hellenic Temple of Garni, which dates back to the 1st century AD and is not only the only surviving classical-style, Roman-collonaded structure in Armenia, but also in the entire former Soviet Union. Returning to Yerevan in the afternoon, you will be taken to visit the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex, a thoughtful memorial and museum dedicated to the victims of the Armenian Genocide (1915-1923), perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire.

Journey south today as you travel through the fertile Ararat Valley to one of Armenia’s most celebrated landmarks, the ancient monastery of Khor Virap. Weather permitting, the views of Mount Ararat are wondrous from this vantage point and after spending time discovering the monastery and taking in the vista, head to Noravank. This centuries-old monastery is surrounded by imposing brick-red cliffs. At Areni, you will see archaeological evidence of a 6,000-year-old winery, as well as learn about viniculture in the region, before returning to Yerevan.

Farewell to the Caucasus. A private transfer will take you from your hotel to Yerevan International Airport, where you will check in for your onward flight.