Transcaucasia: Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia
A journey through three Caucasian nations, between the eternal flames of Baku, monasteries of Géorgie and thousand-year-old churches of Armenia.
Duration
15 days
Ideal seasons
Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends, senior
The spirit of travel
This circuit invites you to travel through the 3 countries of the South Caucasus, in the south of the Greater Caucasus: Armenia, Géorgie and Azerbaijan. These three countries share a colorful historical background, a large number of historical sites, fascinating landscapes, myths and legends and special Caucasian hospitality.
Armenia – one of the first countries to convert to Christianity in 301, magnificent churches, a museum of ancient manuscripts confirming the existence of the ancient state of Erebuni in the 9th century BC.
Géorgie - land of myths and legends, mountain regions, historical sites, medieval cities, viticulture and winemaking.
Azerbaijan - famous for its fascinating landscapes and oriental architecture, its mausoleums and mosques of the 12th-13th centuries, its petroleum deposits, mud volcanoes and permanently burning fire zones due to natural gas existing in the ground.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Azerbaijan!
We land in Baku, capital of Azerbaijan, where we are welcomed and transferred to our hotel. The rest of the day is free for us to rest.
Visit to the Capital of Azerbaijan and the Volcans of Gobustan
Breakfast.
Morning dedicated to visiting the Azerbaijani capital, visit of the Martyrs' Cemetery, located on the heights, with a beautiful panorama of Baku Bay: the Palace of the Shahs of Shirvan (15th century), the old town, the Maiden Tower (12th century), the Bukhara Caravanserai (14th century), the mosques, the important merchant passage point etc…
Departure to Gobustan, a volcanic zone and archaeological site, 70 km from Baku. Between the Pirsagat and Goslu rivers, more than 6000 petroglyphs and other prehistoric objects have been recorded in caves or on rocks. The oldest dates from the Stone Age.
Absheron Peninsula and Yanardag
Breakfast.
Discovery of the Temple of Fire Worshippers on the Absheron Peninsula. Visit to the Absheron Peninsula which extends into the Caspian Sea the chain of the Caucasus. It is a land saturated with naphtha, whose countless will-o'-the-wisps gave rise to the Cult of Fire. Visit of a strange monument surrounded by an aura of mystery: the Temple of Fire Worshippers. Fortified since Roman times, the peninsula has preserved several medieval fortresses such as that of Mardakyan.
Then heading towards Mamedly to contemplate the "Yanardag" (mountain in flames), which burns with an eternal fire, fed by natural gas from the underground.
Visit to the mausoleums of Diri Baba and the village of Lahij
Breakfast.
Departure towards Chamakha. Visit of the mausoleums of Sufi masters Diri Baba and Pirsaat Pir. The Yeddi Gumbaz mausoleums, mosques from the 12th and 13th centuries.
We reach Lahij, a medieval town founded by the Sassanid king Kaikhosro. Overlooking a canyon, it is home to beautiful houses from the 18th and 19th centuries, an interesting mosque, a hammam and numerous artisan workshops working with copper.
The road to Georgie and the Kakheti region
Breakfast.
Discovery of Sheki. Visit of the Upper Town, a listed area that houses, within its 18th-century fortress, the magnificent Palace of the Khans of Sheki. Continuation of the visit of the old town and the craft museum.
Departure for the Azerbaijan-Georgia border, formalities, border crossing, change of guide and transport.
Departure for a visit to the Gremi fortress, then to the Nekressi monastery complex.
Wine Traditions in Kakheti
Breakfast.
This day will be dedicated to discovering the Kakheti region, in the East of the country.
We set off for our last visit of the day: the village of Tsinandali, about ten km to the East of Telavi, land of a vineyard and a historic winery, as well as a museum.
We make a short stop at a Georgian house with an old cellar, where the locals present you with their traditional winemaking methods, very different from French practice. Wine tasting.
A stop near the Bodbe monastery, where Saint Nino rests, allows us to learn the history of this saint evangelist who was very important for Georgians. Departure for a visit to the charming town Signagi. As we stroll through its cobbled streets and along its ramparts, we admire the splendid panorama of the Alazani valley and the Caucasus.
Discovering Georgia's Capital
Breakfast.
The day is dedicated to exploring the Georgian capital and more particularly its Old Town, whose reduced expanse on either side of the Mtkvari river makes its discovery on foot very pleasant. We notably visit the Metekhi church, which dates from the 13th century and offers a magnificent panorama over the river, the synagogue, the Sioni cathedral, built in the 12th century and a strong symbol of Georgian identity, and the last mosque in the city. We certainly don't forget the ancient Narikala fortress, built in the 4th century on a hillock overlooking the city.
We then head towards the sulfurous baths of Abanotubani before strolling through the charming streets of the Chardin district with its many cafés and restaurants.
In the afternoon, we visit the National Museum and its collections of archaeological finds from the ancient period.
Stroll down Rustaveli Street and Freedom Square, visit to the opera and ballet house (from the outside), the parliament building, visit of XIX-XX CC architecture, Art Nouveau buildings.
From UNESCO Sites to the Mountains of the Greater Caucasus
Breakfast.
Departure for Mtskheta - the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Iberia. Visit to Djvari, a church perched on a cliff overlooking the confluence of two rivers, the Aragvi and Mtkvari. Visit to the Svetitskhovlei Cathedral ("the pillar of life") dating from the 11th century. Opportunity to purchase national handicraft souvenirs.
In the afternoon we will head towards Kazbegui, a mountainous region in the north of the country. On the way, we will stop at Ananouri to visit the Ananouri fortress (16th century), offering picturesque views of the Jinvali dam. We then follow the famous Georgian Military Road, one of the most beautiful roads in the country, passing through the Cross Pass at over 2300 meters.
Ananouri → Stepantsminda (Kazbegi)
We arrive at Stephantsminda (Kazbegui), surrounded by the gigantic mountains of the Caucasus. Located at 1740 m, this village is dominated by Mount Kazbek (5047m), the seventh highest peak of the Caucasus.
Departure towards the Church of the Trinity (14th century), located at a height of 300 m. above the village. From here we admire the breathtaking views of Mount Kazbek and its surrounding peaks. Return to the village.
Dinner at a local home.
Caves of Uplistsikhe and towards the Samtskhe-Javakheti region
Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) → Gori
Breakfast.
Departure towards the Soviet city of Gori, it is J. Stalin's birthplace, where you can visit the house-museum and his armored train car…
We set off to discover the remains of Ouplistsikhé, an incredible cave city built in the 1st millennium BC, making it one of the oldest human settlements in the Caucasus.
Arrival in Bordjomi, a small town nestled in a gorge of the Koura at over 800 m altitude, and renowned for its many thermal springs and lush nature.
Dinner in a family hotel.
Troglodytic City of Vardzia and Lake Paravani
Breakfast.
It's Vardzia's turn, the medieval troglodyte city, to amaze us with its beauty and splendor. We visit this site which still requires good physical fitness - the multi-story caves, resembling a huge anthill, are connected by narrow tunnels, carved into the rocks.
Continuation to Armenia
Breakfast.
Departure towards the Géorgie - Armenia border (Sadakhlo), formalities, border crossing, change of transport.
Departure for Alaverdi, discovery of the finest examples of Armenian art. Continuing visits to Sanahin. A winding road leads to the Haghpat monastery. Both sites are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Short break at Odzun.
Arrival at Dilijan - a small town marked by its unique architecture, stone houses with sculpted wooden balconies.
Dinner at the family hotel.
Lake Sevan Discovery and the Monasteries
Breakfast.
Departure for a visit to the Goshavank and Haghartsin monasteries.
Departure for a visit to Lake Sevan. The lake is located at 1900 m altitude and measures 78 km long and 56 km wide. On the peninsula you will see the Sevan Apostles Monastery.
Visit to the capital of Armenia
Breakfast.
Walk through the city center discovering the capital of Armenia. Discover the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts (founder of the Armenian alphabet), commonly called the Matenadaran. It is one of the richest repositories of manuscripts and medieval books, covering a wide range of subjects: history, philosophy, medicine, literature, art history and cosmography: in Armenian and several other languages. Continue with a visit to the Cascade and Cafesjian Center for Contemporary Art. Free walk through the city center discovering the capital of Armenia.
Departure for a visit to the Pagan Temple of Garni. It is one of the rare testimonies of pre-Christian Armenian architecture. Descent to the Garni cave. An opportunity to admire the basalt columns called Symphony of the Stones, inscribed on the UNESCO heritage list.
Continuation with a visit to the Geghard Monastery (UNESCO World Heritage Site) whose name comes from the legendary spear that was used to pierce the body of Christ, preserved here for centuries.
Etchmiadzin and Khor Virap with a view of Mount Ararat
Breakfast.
Departure for the visit of Etchmiadzine, the center of the Armenian Apostolic Church. On the way, your guide will tell you the history of Armenia's conversion to Christianity. Etchmiadzine is today the residence of the Catholicos, head of the Armenian Apostolic Church. The name Etchmiadzine (meaning "the coming of the Only Son") comes from a legend according to which Saint Gregory the Illuminator saw Christ in a dream, and with a golden hammer indicated the place where the Cathedral was to be built.
The visit continues towards the ruins of the Zvartnots Temple - 7th century (site inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list).
Next, departure for a visit to the Khor-Virap Monastery. From there, you will be able to appreciate the majestic view of the Mount Ararat. Khor Virap is the closest point to Mount Ararat in Armenia and the most convenient place to observe and take photos of the biblical mountain.
Return to Yerevan.
Safe travels!
We take advantage of our last free time in Yerevan before heading to the airport for our return flight.
Price per person
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International flights
- Meals not mentioned
- Beverages at Meals
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Travel Insurance
- Visa fees
- Sulfur Baths Tbilisi
Included
- Local English-speaking guides
- Air-conditioned ground transport
- 3* hotel accommodation
- Daily breakfasts
- Dinners at locals' homes
- Site and Monument Entries
- Wine tasting
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 30 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below applies to travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Georgia for tourism purposes. Entry requirements may change, so we recommend verifying information with official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Georgia, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your planned stay. It is however recommended that it remains valid for at least three months after your planned return date and contains at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Nationals of many EEA countries can also enter Georgia with a valid national identity card in place of a passport. We recommend verifying this possibility according to your nationality before departure.
Tourism without visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada benefit from visa exemption for tourism stays.
This exemption allows a stay of up to 365 days (one year) on Georgian territory, without prior formalities. This is one of the most liberal entry policies in the world.
Authorities may nevertheless request:
an outbound ticket (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
an accommodation address in Georgia.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
When a minor travels without one of their parents or legal guardians, an exit authorization may be required depending on the regulations of the country of residence. It is recommended to have a parental authorization letter accompanied by a copy of the parents' identity documents, even if this is not systematically requested.
Health
No vaccination is mandatory to enter Georgia. However, certain vaccinations are recommended as a preventive measure, particularly against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid, depending on your travel profile and the areas visited.
It is advisable to consult your doctor or a travel medicine center before departure to obtain personalized recommendations.
Areas to avoid
The regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia are conflict zones under de facto control of separatist forces supported by Russia. Entry to these territories is strongly discouraged by consular authorities of most European countries and Canada. Any access to these regions other than through official Georgian crossing points is illegal under Georgian law.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire at the embassy or consulate of Georgia in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have assistance-repatriation and medical expense coverage abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partners CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to an insurance plan, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for worry-free travel!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complementary Credit Card
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claim procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claim notification procedures. The participant should therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
To stay in Georgia, a valid passport for the entire duration of your stay is required. No visa is necessary under the current exemption regime. This exemption makes Georgia a particularly accessible destination. Before booking your trip, check the entry conditions applicable to your nationality with the Georgian consular or diplomatic authorities in your country of residence.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, plan for 100 to 170 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers and activities. International flights (350-600 euros return from Paris) are additional. Georgia is one of the most affordable destinations in wider Europe.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget, and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and depart with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Around Tbilisi
Guardian of the Caucasus Mountains, based in Géorgie
In the mountains of Georgia, each village has its character, its stories and its traditions. That's where you truly understand the strength and soul of the country.
— Shorena
