The Caucasus
The Caucasus
The Caucasus
22 Days Starting in Baku, Azerbaijan and ending in Yerevan, Armenia
Visiting: Baku, Gobustan, Gabala, Sheki, Tbilisi, Mtskheta, Vardzia, Svaneti, Mestia, Ushguli, Kutaisi, Dilijan, Goris, Yerevan, Garni
Tour operator:
Tour code:
4787
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
Activities:
Tour Overview
- Witness Baku’s Fire Temple, a castle-like religious temple dating back to the 17th century
- Visit the ‘Burning Mountain’
- Explore remote medieval villages in Azerbaijan
- Discover rock-hewn churches and monasteries
- Immerse yourself in the Svaneti - the region of the highest mountains and glaciers and the most abiding ancient traditions of Georgia
- Hike through remote villages and watchtowers, amongst wildflowers and glaciers
- Visit Dilijan, the ‘Little Switzerland’ of Armenia
- Get hands-on with the locals in cooking masterclasses
- Explore Armenia’s Stonehenge - Karahunj, a site rich with stone settings, burial cists and standing stone
- Listen to the charming melodies of Armenian 'duduk' by a local performer
Sitting at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, the Caucasus - Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia (Hayastan) are one of the most exciting regions for cultural exploration.
Follow the footsteps of Silk Road traders and merchants, Crusader Knights and Ottoman Princes as you explore from the shores of the Caspian Sea, to the fascinating history of Baku, take in the stunning wine fields and spectacular High Caucasus mountains. Learn of the legends of the Golden Fleece, and embrace the breathtaking scenery and welcoming hospitality of the local people. Still relatively unknown, this is the perfect trip for those who are well-travelled and seeking a more diverse experience in an often overlooked part of our world.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Baku
Location: Baku
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Merchant Baku or similar
Airport Transfers
Welcome to Baku! Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide and transferred to the hotel. The remainder of the day is yours at leisure.
Baku is the perfect combination of Dubai’s megalopolis and Paris’ chicness with a splash of Soviet history poking its head out. Here, both East and West blend seamlessly. Home to the UNESCO-listed Old City surrounded by an ancient fortress wall. Tree-lined streets, stone mansions, and elegant boutiques are taking over the depressing Soviet apartment blocks, bringing a romantic air to the city.
Meals
Not included
Accommodation
3 nights in The Merchant Baku or similar
Services
Airport transfer
Day 2 - Gobustan
Location: Gobustan
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Merchant Baku or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ancient Rock Paintings of Gobustan
Following breakfast, you will visit the Ancient Rock Paintings of Gobustan (65km from Baku) which date back between 5,000 and 40,000 years. This UNESCO Heritage Site is one of the major and most ancient museums of rock engravings in the world. The site covers three areas of a plateau of rocky boulders rising out of the semi-desert and boasts an outstanding collection of more than 6,000 rock engravings. The site also features the remains of inhabited caves, settlements, and burials, all reflecting an intensive human use by the inhabitants of the area during the wet period that followed the last Ice Age, from the Upper Palaeolithic to the Middle Ages.
Baku’s Old City
In the afternoon, enjoy a tour through Baku’s Old City which will include the funicular to Martyrs Alley where you can take in the panoramic city view. You will also visit
Shirvanshahs Palace which dates back to the 15th century and is described as ‘one of the pearls’ of Azerbaijan’s architecture. You will also see the Maiden Tower (12th century) and Mohammed’s Mosque (11th century). Later you will walk along the interesting and picturesque seafront promenade.
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
The Merchant Baku or similar
Services
Private vehicle and English-speaking guide
Walking Information:
• Walking Distance: Approximately 5km
• Walking Time: Approximately 3-4 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate, with no shade and a steady incline
Distance and Journey Time: 3hr drive 135kms
Day 3 - Baku
Location: Baku
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Merchant Baku or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fire Temple and Yanar Dagh
Today, you will visit the Fire Temple, a castle-like religious temple dating back to the 17th century which was once a place of sacrifice founded above a natural gas vent. From there, you will travel to Yanar Dagh, also known as ‘Burning Mountain’. Yanar Dagh is a volcanic hill located on top of a pocket of natural gas that constantly erupts into flames and has been burning for as long as anyone can remember.
Carpet Museum & Museum of History
Following lunch, it is time to visit the must-see Carpet Museum which has the largest collection of Azerbaijani carpets in the world. From there, you will then go to the Museum of History which houses more than 350,000 pieces displayed in its rooms recounting the history and culture of Azerbaijan from ancient times until 1920.
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
The Merchant Baku or similar
Services
Private Vehicle and English-speaking guide
Walking Information:
• Walking Distance: Approximately 2km
• Walking Time: Approximately 2 hours
• Difficulty: Easy, with shade and inside the museums
Distance and Journey Time: 1.5hr drive 65kms
Day 4 – Shamakhi To Lahidj To Gabala
Location: Gabala
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Karvansaray hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Juma Mosque and Shirvan Domes
After breakfast, you will depart towards Gabala (approx. 220km). Along the way, you will stop at Juma Mosque followed by Shirvan Domes, a mausoleum and graveyard from the 15th-century Shirvan Dynasty. Your last stop is at Diri-Baba, a unique two-storied mausoleum mosque also from the 15th century.
Lahidj & Local Workshop
You will then travel to the quaint village of Lahidj (also known as Lahij or Lahich) which has preserved its medieval image, with its stone houses and cobbled streets. Lahidj is a famous centre of the craft trade, and you will visit the local workshops and meet and see the local skilled copper craftsmen ply their trade. You will have time to purchase some handicrafts, as well as walk the cobbled streets before continuing onto Gabala.
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Overnight in Karvansaray hotel or similar
Walking Information:
• Walking Distance: Approximately 3km
• Walking Time: Approximately 3 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate, with no shade and a steady incline
Distance and Journey Time: 7hr drive 260kms
Day 5 – Gabala To Sheki
Location: Sheki
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Macara Sheki Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Gabala
This morning you will explore Gabala (also known as Qabala) which is a beautiful part of Azerbaijan with a rich and ancient history. Besides visiting the Historical Museum of Gabala which houses many historic artefacts from the area, you also see the renowned ruins of the ancient walled city, Chukhur Gabala, which dates back to the 4th century BC.
Nij Village
From here, continue to Nij village and meet the native Udin people, direct descendants of ancient Caucasian Albanians.
Sheki & Kish
Later you will arrive in Sheki and visit Sheki Khans Palace, a magnificent work of Islamic architecture, known for its stunning frescoes and stained glass, as well as the House of Sheki Khans, famed for its beautiful internal decorations. You will also travel to the nearby picturesque mountain village of Kish (Kis) with its beautiful Albanian church.
Local Bazaar
At the end of the day, you will return to Sheki with a visit to the local bazaar where there is an amazing display of goods on offer and is a great place to mingle with locals and see how they shop, barter and banter as well as gain insight into their rural lifestyles.
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Overnight Macara Sheki Hotel or similar
Services
Private vehicle
English-speaking guide
Walking Information:
• Walking Distance: Approximately 3km
• Walking Time: Approximately 2 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate, with no shade and a steady incline
Distance and Journey Time: 2hr drive 132kms
Day 6 - Sheki To Tblisi
Location: Tbilisi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Stamba Hotel Tbilisi or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Border Crossing
Following breakfast, it is time to continue to the border. Here you will change guides and vehicles and then it’s time to continue on and explore Georgia.
Lunch with a Local Family
For lunch, you will visit a local family, where you will learn about local peasant life. You will see the locals’ gardens and vineyards, and then have lunch with delicious homemade food, wine, and Georgian
Chacha – a strong brandy-like spirit.
Exploring Sighnaghi
It is the time to visit the 18th-century beautiful, small town of Sighnaghi with its old fences and small houses with tiled roofs and decorated balconies. From here, you will see the picturesque views of Alazani Valley and the Great Caucasus Mountains. Afterwards, drive to Tbilisi.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation
2 nights in Stamba Hotel Tbilisi or similar
Services
Border crossing assistance
Private vehicle and English-speaking guide
Distance and Journey Time:
Drive to the border (150km): 2.5 hours
Lagodekhi (Border)-Sighnaghi-Tbilisi (160km): Approximately 3 hours
Day 7 - Tbilisi
Location: Tbilisi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Stamba Hotel Tbilisi or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Tbilisi City Tour
Today you will explore the capital of Georgia, Tbilisi. Wander in the old districts of the city which are structured like terraces. Take a walk in the narrow streets to view the colourful houses, patterned balconies and wonderful samples of modern architecture. You will start from Metekhi Church (13th century) with magnificent views over old Tbilisi. A stroll along winding little streets takes you to the main sights of the city. Afterwards, take a cable car up to the ancient Narikala fortress (4th century) to enjoy the panoramic views of the whole town and then walk down to the historical domed sulphur bath area.
Georgia State Museum
Finally, the Golden Fund of the historical museum (closed on Mondays) will prove the fact that Georgia is truly the land of the Golden Fleece.
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Stamba Hotel Tbilisi or similar
Services
Private vehicle
English speaking guide
Cable car to Narikala Fortress
Walking Information:
• Walking Distance: Approximately 3.5km
• Walking Time: Approximately 3-4 hours
• Difficulty: Easy city walking
Distance and Journey Time: (4-5km) Approx 20-30 minutes
Day 8 – Tbilisi To Akhaltsikhe
Location: Mtskheta
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Lomsia or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Mtskheta
This morning you will be driven to visit the ancient capital and religious centre of Georgia – Mtskheta (3,000 years old). Spend time visiting the city’s historical sites including Jvari church (6th century) and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century) where the Robe of Christ is buried. Both Jvari and Svetitskhoveli are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Borjomi Spa resort
Then drive to Borjomi Spa resort, famous for its mineral water ‘Borjomi’. Visit the small park and taste the fresh mineral water.
Rabath
Continue to Akhaltsikhe, where you will visit the multi-cultural complex of ‘Rabath’ (closed on Mondays).
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Overnight Hotel Lomsia or similar
Services
Private vehicle
English speaking guide
Distance and Journey Time: Tbilisi-Mtskheta-Borjomi-Akhaltsikhe (235km) Approx 4-5hours
Day 9 - Akhaltsikhe To Vardzia To Kutaisi
Location: Vardzia
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Solomon or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Vardzia and Khertvisi Fortress
Today you travel to Vardzia and along the way visit Khertvisi Fortress (10th century). Vardzia is a magnificent cave town from the 12th century and is one of the highlights of the trip. It stretches over half a kilometre along the river Mtkvari has 19 tiers and is used to house around 3000 caves. The complex also includes dwellings quarters, small hall-type churches, refectories, wine cellars, pharmacies, etc. There is also a church hewn out of rock with amazing 12th-century frescoes. You will enjoy lunch with a local family and then continue to Kutaisi.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation
Overnight Hotel Solomon or similar
Services
Private vehicle
English speaking guide
Day 10 – Okatse To Becho
Location: Svaneti
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Family hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Farmers Market & Okatse Canyon
In the morning you will visit a local farmers market and then continue to Okatse Canyon (closed on Mondays), which involves a 2–3-hour pedestrian route passing through Dadiani Historical Forest, 780m length hanging trail and finishes with a panoramic view. Here, you can explore 3 cascades Okatse waterfall, the Dadiani forest and the river Satsiskvilo valley.
Svaneti
Afterwards, get ready for the most exciting part of your trip – a journey to Svaneti – the region of the highest mountains and glaciers and the most abiding ancient traditions. Arrive in Becho Village.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation
Overnight in a Family hotel or similar
Services
Private vehicle
English speaking guide
Walking Information:
• Walking Distance: Approximately 8kms
• Walking Time: Approximately 3.5-4hours
Distance and Journey Time: (250km) Approx 6-7hours
Day 11 – Mt Ushba To Mestia
Location: Mestia
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Family Hotel Kala or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning Hike towards Mt Ushba
Today is all about getting back to nature. You start your walking from the guesthouse with the aim of getting closer to Mt. Ushba (4,700m) which proudly overlooks Svaneti. After crossing the deep forest, you continue to the waterfalls. Both the beauty of the waterfalls and twin-peak Mt. Ushba will make you feel like a character out of a fairy tale.
Mestia
You will then walk back to Becho and drive to Mestia – the centre of the Upper Svaneti region. Arrive in Mestia, where before dinner you will have the opportunity to take part in a traditional ‘Kubdari’ and ‘Chvishtari’ making process. Kubdari is a national dish of the Svans which is leavened bread containing chunks of meat, which can be lamb, kidney or pork, Georgian spices and onions. Chvishtari which is
also local to the Svaneti region, is a cornbread with cheese.
Walking time today is approx. 5-6 hours.
Meals
Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation
Overnight Family Hotel Kala or similar
Services
Private vehicle
English speaking guide
Cultural Experience
Walking information:
• Military Base: Stage 1 (easy)/ walking time: 2-3 hrs total, Walking distance: 8 km, ↑↓ 250m
• 1st Waterfall: Stage 2 (medium)/ walking time: 4-5 hrs total, Walking distance: 10 km, ↑↓ 550 m
• 2nd Waterfall: Stage 3 (hard)/ walking time: 6-7 hrs total, Walking distance: 12 km, ↑↓ 1100 m
Distance and Journey Time: (20km) Approx 30-40minutes
Day 12 - Mulakhi-Mestia-Ushguli
Location: Ushguli
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Family Hotel Koshki or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mulakhi
In the morning, set off for Mulakhi by car, where even today centuries-old towers stand, whose history of construction is shrouded in mystery. From afar, the village is reminiscent of a drawing. Svans selected an ideal place to build a village. Here, one can behold amazing landscapes any time throughout the year.
Ushguli
Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Ushguli (Basic). which is declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The village is located at 2200m and is the highest continuously inhabited village in Europe. The village is most famous for its abundance of watchtowers, and this is where you get the view of the highest mountain in Georgia – Mt. Shkhara (5068m).
Meals
Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation
Overnight in a Family hotel or similar
Services
Private vehicle
English speaking guide
Walking information:
• Walking Distance: Walk from Mestia to Mulakhi, approximately 13kms
• Walking Time: Approximately 4-5hours
• Difficulty: Moderate Trek altitude ↑500 ↓350 m
Distance and Journey Time: Drive from Mulakhi to Ushguli (36km) Approx 1.5-2hours
Day 13 –Ushguli-Shkhara Glacier-Mestia
Location: Mestia
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Gistola Hotel Kala or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike to Shkhara Base and Glacier
Depart from your guesthouse this morning bound for the base of Georgia’s highest mountain, Shkhara (5068m) and the glacier which is the main water source of the Enguri river. After reaching the glacier (2,500m) you will return to Ushguli. Today’s trek will take you through beautiful meadows filled with rich alpine flowers and will finish in Mestia.
Meals
Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation
Overnight Gistola Hotel Kala or similar
Services
English-speaking guide
Walking information:
• Walking Distance: Approximately 19kms
• Walking Time: Approximately 5-6hours
• Difficulty: Moderate Trek altitude ↑ ↓550m
Distance and Journey Time: (42km) Approx 2 hours
Day 14 – Zugdidi To Kutaisi
Location: Kutaisi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Solomon or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Dadiani`s Palace
Today you will leave the beautiful Svaneti region and drive back to Zugdidi. Here you will visit Dadiani`s Palace (closed Mondays) where the culture of the Dadiani Dynasty is on display and 41,000 museum objects are held. Most of them are unique and invaluable examples of Georgian and foreign art.
Gelati Cathedral
Afterwards, visit Gelati Cathedral (12th century) – one of the earliest academies in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site and then drive to Kutaisi.
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Overnight Hotel Solomon or similar
Services
Private vehicle
English-speaking guide
Distance and Journey Time: (280km) Approx 7 hours
Day 15 – Gori To Tbilisi
Location: Tbilisi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Stamba hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Uplistsikhe Cave Town
In the morning drive to Gori and visit the historical place of Uplistsikhe Cave Town (1st millennium BC). Uplistsikhe is the place where the Great Silk Road used to pass. This is an old and interesting complex with dwelling quarters, wine-cellars, bakeries, a three-nave basilica church hewn out in rock and even an antique theatre. There is a photo stop at Stalin`s house and museum.
Kaspi’s Winery
Afterwards, drive towards Tbilisi. On the way you will stop to visit a wine cellar in the village of Kaspi, where you will taste unique BIO wines produced by the traditional Georgian method in Kvevri (This method is inscribed in the UNESCO intangible heritage list). It’s noteworthy that this wine can be found on the list of unique wines of the Ritz Hotel in London. Arrive in Tbilisi.
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Overnight Stamba hotel or similar
Services
Private vehicle
English-speaking guide
Wine-tasting
Distance and Journey Time: (280km) Approx 5.5hours
Day 16 – Sadakhlo - Bagratashen Borde Crossing To Dilijan
Location: Dilijan
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Old Dilijan Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Bagratashen Border Crossing
This morning you will transfer to the Georgian-Armenian border.
Kick off your adventure as you meet with fellow travellers on the Bagratashen Border.
Haghpat Monastery
Our journey begins with a scenic drive to the historic Haghpat Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its architectural brilliance and serene surroundings.
Goshavank Monastery
Continue to Goshavank Monastery (12-13th century) located in picturesque surroundings.
From here, make your way to Dilijan, one of the most important resorts in Armenia, often referred to as the ‘Little Switzerland’ of Armenia, with magnificent views of the forested surroundings.
Dilijan
Arrive in Dilijan, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Armenia,” by early evening. This picturesque town, surrounded by verdant forests and rolling hills, will be our base for the night. Dinner will be served at the restaurant of the Old Dilijan Hotel, known for its warm ambience and delicious local dishes.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation
Old Dilijan Hotel or similar
Services
Private vehicle
English-speaking guide
Distance and Journey Time: Tbilisi-Sadakhlo (border) (72km) Approx 1.5 hours, Border – Makaravank (180kms) 3.5hrs, Makaravank – Goshavank (50km) approx. 1hr, Goshavank – Dilijan (23kms) 30min
Day 17 – Dilijan
Location: Dilijan
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Tufenkian Old Dilijan Complex or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sharambeyan Street and Haghartsin Monastery
Following breakfast at your hotel, explore Sharambeyan Street before you drive to Haghartsin Monastery (13th century) a stunning example of medieval Armenian architecture nestled in lush woods. You will then enjoy lunch with a local Armenian family tasting homemade local food, before. You can also take a photo stop at Old Dilijan, complete with craftsman`s workshops, a gallery and a museum.
Gata Lesson and BBQ Masterclass
Lunch today is at Amalya’s house– a local home where you will enjoy learning how to make Gata. Gata is a beloved Armenian pastry or sweet bread, akin to a coffee cake. With countless variations, each town or region often boasts its own version, found in various shapes and sizes, either decorated or left unadorned. Traditionally baked in a tonir, Gata is now typically prepared in ovens. While it is often made for the feast of Candlemas (known as Tiarn’ndaraj in Armenian), it is enjoyed year-round.
After crossing the border, you will continue to Makaravank. At 1330hrs, relish lunch at Berkiri Gastro Yard in Ijevan, where you’ll participate in a pork BBQ masterclass, learning how to prepare pork the Armenian way! Pork BBQ, a cherished tradition in Armenian culture, involves wrapping the meat in lavash (bread), known as Khorovats – a dish that remains popular today. Whether served with tomatoes, eggplant, and bell peppers baked on skewers over hot coals in the summertime, or enjoyed in any season, Khorovats embodies the flavours of Armenia.
One popular variety of Gata includes a filling called koritz (khoriz), made from flour, butter, and sugar. Other versions may incorporate nuts, most commonly walnuts. Some traditions involve placing a coin inside the dough before baking the Gata, with the belief that whoever finds the coin in their piece will be blessed with good fortune.
End your day with a delightful dinner by 1900hrs at your hotel or a local restaurant, where you can unwind and reflect on your experiences.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation
Tufenkian Old Dilijan Complex or similar
Services
Private vehicle
English-speaking guide
Cooking Class
Distance and Journey Time: total of 1hr drive today
Day 18 – Sevan To Goris
Location: Goris
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mirhav Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Lake Sevan
After breakfast, drive to Lake Sevan, the second largest alpine lake in the world and known as the ‘Emerald of Armenia’. You will visit Sevanavank, a beautiful monastery on the peninsula, once a strategic shelter for Armenian Kings and then continue to Noratus Village to visit Noratus Cemetery, known as the ‘Forest of Khachkars’. ‘Khachkar’ (cross-stone) is a typical monument of Armenian sculpture representing an ornamented stone with a cross in the centre.
Goris via Selim Caravanserai
Continue to the southern town of Goris via Selim Caravanserai, an important trading post on the Great Silk Road that has welcomed travellers along the highway through the mountains of Selim (Sulema). You will then travel to Karahunj (Armenia’s Stonehenge – also known as Carahunge), an ancient observatory from 6,000 B.C. The site is rich with stone settings, burial cists and standing stones, consisting of around 223 stone basalt slabs.
Zorats Karer
Journey to Zorats Karer, also known as the Armenian Stonehenge, located 110 kilometres away, which will take approximately 2 hours to reach. Explore this intriguing archaeological site, believed to be an ancient astronomical observatory, and marvel at the arrangement of the massive stones. You will then drive to Goris
Arrival in Goris
Arrive in the picturesque town of Goris, 36 kilometres from Zorats Karer, a drive of about 40 minutes. Goris is known for its unique rock formations, charming old houses, and stunning natural beauty.
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Overnight Mirhav Hotel or similar
Services
Private vehicle
English-speaking guide
Distance and Journey Time: (220km) approx. 4hrs
Day 19 – Tatev Monastery To Yerevan
Location: Yerevan
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Historic Yerevan Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Tatev Monastery and Aerial Tramway
You will start your day exploring the complex of Tatev Monastery which is an architectural masterpiece dating from the 10th century and is often referred to as a ‘monastery built on the edge of nothing’. You will reach the Monastery via the world’s longest aerial tramway called ‘Wings of Tatev’.
Vayots Dzor and Areni Winery
Afterwards, you will be driven to the Vayots Dzor region, the agricultural heart of the country, inhabited since the Bronze Age. The region also prides its old wine-making traditions with a history starting from the times of Noah. You will visit Areni Winery for a wine degustation with Armenia’s best wines coming from this region.
Noravank monastery
Finally, you will visit Noravank monastery – a great religious and cultural centre of the 12th century which is located in a seemingly inaccessible location amidst impressive red cliffs and stunning mountains. You will then continue to the capital city of Yerevan.
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Historic Yerevan Hotel or similar
Services
Private vehicle
English-speaking guide
Aerial Tramway and Winery Visit
Distance and Journey Time: (265km) approx. 4.5hrs
Day 20 – Echmiadzin To Zvartnots
Location: Yerevan
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Historic Yerevan Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Yerevan City Tour
Your day will begin exploring the vibrant city of Yerevan with your guide. Originally established in 782 BC, Yerevan is a thriving city with the excitement, hustle and bustle of a modern capital.
You will start your exploration from Republic Square, the masterpiece of the architect Alexander Tamanian, and then continue to the Opera House, a stunning architectural piece and the hub of Yerevan. You will then visit Cascade Complex, an open-air museum of modern art with a massive stairway. The complex links the historic residential and cultural centres of the city with a vast area of waterfalls and outdoor gardens.
Zvartnots
As you return to Yerevan, you will stop at the ruins of Zvartnots – the pearl of 7th-century architecture, inscribed in UNESCO’s World Heritage list. You will then return to Yerevan and visit the History Museum of Armenia.
Echmiadzin
Depart for Echmiadzin, the spiritual centre of all Armenians and the seat of the Armenian Catholicos. Echmiadzin Cathedral is the oldest standing church in Christendom built in 303 AD over a pagan fire altar. This landmark is protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. You will then enjoy lunch at the Tasty Gastro Yard, where you can sample the national food and the traditional Armenian dish ‘Tolma’.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation
Historic Yerevan Hotel
Services
Private vehicle
English-speaking guide
Distance and Journey Time: (25km) approx. 40min
Day 21 – Garni To Geghard
Location: Garni
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ani Central Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Garni Temple
After your hotel breakfast, you will depart for Garni Village to visit Garni Temple dating back to the 1st century. The citadel and pagan temple of Garni is a picturesque monument of the Hellenistic period and an impressive piece of ancient Armenian architecture. Here you will have an opportunity to enjoy the charming melodies of Armenian ‘duduk’ by a local performer. Duduk and its music are inscribed in the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The architectural peculiarities of the temple were designed in a way to produce an authentically holy and mysterious reverberation of sound, almost a divine echo.
Geghard Monastery
After a good meal, you will visit Geghard Monastery. The spectacular towering cliffs surrounding the monastery are part of the Azat River Gorge and are included together with the monastery in the UNESCO World Heritage Site listing. Some of the chambers within the monastery complex are entirely dug out of the cliff rocks, others are little more than caves, while others are elaborate structures, with both architecturally complex walled sections and rooms deep inside the cliff.
Lunch and flatbread presentation
Lunch will be at a local house with the presentation of the Armenian flatbread ‘lavish’ baking process in an underground stove called ‘tonir’.
Yerevan at leisure
You will then return to Yerevan where the afternoon is at leisure.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation
Overnight Ani Central Inn
Services
Private vehicle
English-speaking guide
Distance and Journey Time: (40km) approx. 1hrs
Day 22 – Departure
Location: Yerevan
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is yours at leisure until it is time to transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Meals
Breakfast
Services
Airport transfers (private vehicle)
What's Included
-
Return airport transfers
-
21 nights’ accommodation
-
Meals as per the itinerary
-
1 bottle of mineral water (0.5l) per person per day.
-
Entrance Fees as per the itinerary
-
Services of English speaking local guide
-
Sightseeing as per the itinerary
-
Air-conditioned private transportation
What's Not Included
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International flights
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Drinks unless otherwise mentioned
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Visas
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Travel Insurance
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Tips
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Inoculations
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Items of a personal nature
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Anything not mentioned in the itinerary
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides air-conditioned private transportation throughout, ensuring a comfortable journey between destinations. Return airport transfers are also included.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
The tour includes 21 nights of comfortable accommodation in a variety of hotels, including boutique and family-run establishments. These accommodations offer a blend of modern amenities and local charm, with stays in unique locations such as The Merchant Baku, Stamba Hotel Tbilisi, and Old Dilijan Hotel.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Meals are provided as per the itinerary. Each person also receives one bottle of mineral water (0.5l) per day.
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Will there be a guide during the tour?
Yes, the services of an English-speaking local guide are included to enhance your travel experience.
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What are some of the unique experiences included in the tour?
The tour includes unique experiences such as visiting the Fire Temple and Yanar Dagh, exploring the rock-hewn churches and monasteries like Geghard Monastery, hiking through the Svaneti region, and listening to the Armenian 'duduk' performed by a local artist.
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Is there any hiking involved in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes hiking through remote villages and watchtowers in the Svaneti region, surrounded by wildflowers and glaciers. There are also hikes towards Mt Ushba and to the Shkhara Base and Glacier.
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What cultural experiences are part of the tour?
Cultural experiences include a lunch with a local family in Georgia, a cooking class in Armenia where you learn to make Gata, and a visit to a wine cellar in Kaspi for wine tasting.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes. Focusing on providing authentic experiences where ever you are in the world, Crooked Compass has access to a vast array of accommodation styles. From boutique properties in larger cities to local guest houses and home stays within small villages. Crooked Compass ensures that local authenticity flows through your accommodation throughout your tour without compromising standard.
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What sort of transportation is used for your tours?
Transportation utilised on a Crooked Compass escorted small group tour is a combination of a private air conditioned vehicle and local transport where appropriate. This may include a local bus ride, use of the cities metro system, a domestic flight to another city or overnight train ride.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Crooked Compass strives to be a leader in sustainable tourism. Crooked Compass is firmly committed to the principles of ethical travel. Our comprehensive Sustainable Tourism Practices policy summarises our commitments and actions. Although the very basis of our ground operations lends itself to the ethos of sustainable tourism, this policy re-iterates our commitment to: Use locally owned hotels Use locally owned ground agents Use local guides and drivers Promote community tourism projects from homestays to craft shops Support charities that work within the destinations that we travel to Carbon offset our travels
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Who runs your tours and are they experts in their fields?
Crooked Compass works with the worlds best operators who are specialists in their country, region and cities providing you with in depth local knowledge. We use local guides who live and breathe the areas they work in, making sure you experience their region, their way. We believe it is far better to have a local guide who knows a lot about a little than a text book trained Western tour guide who knows a little about a lot. Using local guides also ensures that money stays within local communities and supports the regions we visit.
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What can I expect from a Crooked Compass tour that I wouldn't get from travelling with an alternative company?
Crooked Compass provides a sensory way to understand the world – we help you live like a local, eat like a local, do what the locals do and seek the faces behind the places whilst discovering untouched lands and natural beauty. Crooked Compass tours delve deep into the heart and soul of a destination ensuring you get out of your journey all you intended and much, much more. Our intriguing itineraries have been created by travellers for travellers. Steering travellers to follow a different path, Crooked Compass’ itineraries allow you to experience the world’s most fascinating destinations in ways you never dreamed possible. It brings to life those ‘bucket list’ experiences you have yearned to do and separates the travellers from the tourists. Crooked Compass tours are culturally rich, reward travellers with unexpected encounters and uncommon rendezvous, creating truly unique, authentic travel experiences.
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Who do your tours cater for?
Crooked Compass escorted small group tours cater for those who are well travelled seeking the what’s next and what’s new. Our travellers are curious minded soft adventurers who want to uncover something more than the mainstream tourist trail. Crooked Compass tours draw travellers with an interest in sustainable tourism and conservation for the areas they visit. A Crooked Compass traveller is someone who is seeking something fresh and unique, who has a yearning for authenticity and discovery, with an appreciation for cultures, tradition and the natural world. We call them Cultural Purists.
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I am concerned about my impact on travelling through untouched regions. Can I offset?
Yes. All travellers on Crooked Compass tours have the option to offset their part of their tour’s carbon footprint by donating $4AUD (tax-deductible) at time of booking. 100% of these funds are donated to Greenfleet, an environmental non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting our climate by restoring our forests. By partnering with Greenfleet, we are confident that our carbon offset program provides genuine and lasting environmental benefits. Your offset donation funds plant trees and restore permanent native forests in Australia and New Zealand. As they grow, these forests provide many community and environmental benefits by absorbing carbon emissions, protecting our unique biodiversity, restoring habitat for native wildlife, preventing soil salinity and erosion, improving water quality and much more. If you’d like to find out more and offset the rest of your carbon emissions, visit www.greenfleet.org.au
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May 23, 2025 - Jun 13, 2025Sunday - Sunday
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Low Deposit
Crooked Compass requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of crooked compass charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.