Caucasus Express: from Azerbaijan to Armenia via Georgia - 10 days (CT-10)

Upon arrival in Azerbaijan, our team will greet you at Baku Heydar Aliyev International Airport and transfer you to your hotel for a smooth check-in. After settling in, enjoy some free time to relax after your flight or take a leisurely stroll around Baku at your own pace. Overnight stay in Baku. (Dinner)

After breakfast, we set out from Baku to explore the extraordinary Gobustan region, a UNESCO World Heritage site where thousands of ancient rock carvings bring the distant past to life. As we wander among these petroglyphs, you’ll see depictions of early human settlements, hunting scenes, and spiritual rituals-all etched into stone thousands of years ago. The landscape itself is equally striking, dotted with nearly 300 mud volcanoes that bubble, gurgle, and occasionally erupt like miniature geysers, creating a scene that feels almost otherworldly. Many locals believe the mineral-rich mud has therapeutic powers, adding an intriguing layer to this unique natural wonder.

After lunch, we continue to Yanar Dag, the “Burning Mountain,” where natural gas escapes from beneath the earth, sustaining flames that have burned continuously since the 1950s. Watching these eternal flames flicker against the evening sky is a mesmerizing and unforgettable experience. In the late afternoon, we return to Baku to enjoy your final evening in the capital. Overnight stay in Baku. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 152 km / 95 ml.

Depart Baku and travel toward Sheki, one of Azerbaijan’s most picturesque cities. En route, stop in Shamakhi, a historic center of the Shirvan region, to visit the Juma Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in the Caucasus. Continue on to Sheki, where you can wander through its charming streets before exploring the stunning Sheki Khan’s Palace, renowned for its intricate frescoes and colorful stained-glass windows. Visit the lively local bazaar and sample Sheki’s famous sweets, including the renowned Sheki halva. Overnight stay in Sheki. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 298 km / 186 ml.

In the morning, begin with a visit to the Church of Kish, one of the region’s oldest Christian landmarks, where centuries of history are etched into its stone walls. Afterward, cross the Azerbaijani-Georgian border and meet your Georgian guide, who will accompany you on the next leg of your journey. Travel to Sighnaghi, known as the “City of Love,” a beautifully restored town where cobblestone streets wind past colorful houses and offer breathtaking views across the Alazani Valley. Explore the Bodbe Monastery, the final resting place of Saint Nino, whose missionary work brought Christianity to Georgia, and take a moment to absorb the peaceful, spiritual atmosphere of this historic site. Enjoy some leisure time to stroll through Sighnaghi’s charming streets, soaking in its romantic and tranquil ambiance. Overnight stay in Sighnaghi. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 157 km / 98 ml.

Start the day with a leisurely walk through the picturesque streets of Sighnaghi before heading to Gremi Fortress, the former stronghold of the kings of Kakheti. Continue to Napareuli to visit the Twins Wine Cellar, where you can enjoy a tasting and learn about Georgia’s 8,000-year-old winemaking tradition. Next, stop at Alaverdi Monastery, an ancient religious complex surrounded by its own vineyard. In the evening, arrive in Tbilisi and check in to your hotel. Overnight stay in Tbilisi. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 219 km / 137 ml.

Start your morning exploring the lively streets of Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital where tradition meets modernity. Wander through the historic Old Town, admiring its colorful balconies, narrow lanes, and a fascinating blend of architectural styles. Must-see sights include the Metekhi Church, the contemporary Bridge of Peace, and the iconic Sulphur Baths.

Afterward, drive to Mtskheta, Georgia’s former capital and spiritual heart. Visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, one of the country’s most revered churches, and the hilltop Jvari Monastery, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites that showcase Georgia’s rich religious heritage. Continue to Gori, the birthplace of Joseph Stalin, and explore the Stalin Museum, including his childhood home and bulletproof train carriage. Not far away, discover Uplistsikhe, an ancient cave city carved into rock, featuring tunnels, dwellings, and temples that reveal centuries of history.

Return to Tbilisi in the evening and enjoy a festive dinner with traditional Georgian cuisine, accompanied by singing and folkloric dancing. Overnight stay in Tbilisi. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 182 km / 114 mi.

After breakfast, we leave Tbilisi and cross into Armenia, completing border formalities before beginning our day of sightseeing. Our first stop is Haghpat Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its exquisite medieval architecture and serene mountain surroundings. Next, we travel to the picturesque town of Dilijan, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Armenia,” where verdant forests and a peaceful ambiance provide a refreshing pause. From there, we visit Lake Sevan, Armenia’s largest lake, and climb to Sevanavank Monastery, perched on a hilltop with stunning panoramic views over the calm blue waters. In the evening, we arrive in Yerevan and check in for an overnight stay. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 301 km / 188 ml.

Begin your morning at the Yerevan Cascade, a striking landmark with sweeping staircases and escalators that offer breathtaking views over the city and Mount Ararat. From there, head to Republic Square to admire its elegant architecture and the famous singing fountains. Continue to the lively Vernissage market, where you can browse a wide array of antiques, handmade crafts, and local souvenirs. Next, visit the Matenadaran, Armenia’s renowned repository of ancient manuscripts, which preserves the nation’s literary and cultural heritage. Pause for a reflective stop at the Genocide Memorial to honor the memory of those who perished. In the afternoon, explore the 7th-century ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral before visiting the Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin, the spiritual center of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Return to Yerevan for an evening of traditional Armenian cuisine. Overnight stay in Yerevan. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 55 km / 34 ml.

Start the day at the Temple of Garni, the only surviving Greco-Roman colonnaded temple in the Caucasus, perched high above the Azat River Gorge. From there, visit the nearby Symphony of Stones, a striking basalt formation that resembles the pipes of a massive organ. Continue on to Geghard Monastery, a 13th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site partly carved into the cliffs, renowned for its detailed stone carvings and sacred spring. Before returning to Yerevan, take part in a traditional lavash bread-making class, learning how to bake this Armenian staple in a tonir oven. End the day with a traditional Armenian dinner in Yerevan. Overnight stay in Yerevan. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 75 km / 47 ml.

After breakfast, you will be escorted to Yerevan International Airport for your departure flight. Wishing you a smooth and safe journey! (Breakfast)