Complete Caucasus Tour: Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia

Wednesday 10th June – Baku (Azerbaijan)

• Arrive at your own leisure into Baku – the capital city of Azerbaijan is well connected with many European and Asian countries. Self-transfer to our centrally located hotel.
• Pre-tour meeting will be held at the lobby of our hotel at 6:00pm to discuss the tour itinerary and to meet your fellow travellers and YPT guide.
• We’ll head out to explore Baku – the largest and capital city in the Caucasus region. The city has been influenced by the Persian and Russian empires before the discovery of oil influenced its architectural appearance as a modern city.
• Dinner at a local restaurant – we recommend trying plov, a traditional rice dish, or Kufta Bozbash, a delicious meatball broth dish.
• For those inclined, we’ll head out for drinks. We recommend trying Xirdalan beer or Azeri wine. Despite being a nation of Shia Muslims, the Russians have left their mark with their love of alcohol.
• Overnight stay in Baku.

Thursday 11th June – Baku – Absheron – Baku

Morning

• Early morning start with breakfast at the hotel before we explore and discover Baku cultural heritage.
• We’ll begin our tour starting off with Baku Old City, locally known as the Inner City. The fortified, historical centre is an UNESCO world heritage site and was often featured in Soviet era movies including Diamond hand, Amphibian man and Aybolit-66. We’ll see the ancient landmarks of the medieval caravanserai, Palace of the Shirvanshah and Maiden Tower.
• You’ll have some time to explore the Old Town, perfect for photo opportunities and to pick Soviet relics.

Afternoon

• Lunch at a local restaurant – we recommend trying the popular local dish Azeri Dolma, grape leaf stuffed filling of meat and rice.
• We’ll continue to the land of fire, a burning mountain! We’ll ascend into the hills around Baku to Yanar Dag. Similar to the Gates of Hell in Turkmenistan, this is a natural gas fire which burns continuously on a hill near the Caspian Sea. The flames steadily burn 3 metres into the air feeding off natural gas under the rock. Legend has it that the blaze was ignited by a shepherd discarding a cigarette in the 1950’s and it continues to burn to this day.
• Next, we’ll head to the Absheron Peninsula and visit the Fire Temple, a castle-like religious temple used as a Hindu, Sikh, and Zoroastrian place of worship. The site is heavily used by worshippers who pilgrim from North India.
• At Heydar Aliyev Centre, designed by the famous Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid, you’ll have some time to take advantage of the viewpoint, where you can admire the Baku skyline.
• After a busy day, we’ll head back to the hotel to relax and freshen up before heading out for dinner at a local restaurant followed by drinks.
• Overnight stay in Baku.

Friday 12th June – Baku – Ivanovka – Shaki

Morning

• Early morning start with Breakfast, today we’ll discover how oil influenced the largest and capital city of Azerbaijan.
• The Baku skyline is clearly dominated by the Flame Towers, which honours Zoroastrianism and their ancient devotion to fire. You’ll have the opportunity to admire the beautiful scenery and take pictures.
• Martyrs’ Lane, locally known as Alley of Martyrs, is a cemetery and memorial complex for the victims of Black January – a violent and brutal crackdown on Azerbaijani nationalism and anti-Soviet sentiment ordered by Mikhail Gorbachev.
• We’ll take the scenic route to Ivanovka which has the last kolkhoz (collective farm) and also the only village populated by ethnic Russians in Azerbaijan.

Afternoon

• You’ll have a genuine Soviet experience and join the local villagers for lunch at kolkhoz canteen. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions about life during the Soviet Union and after it collapsed.
• Our journey will continue towards the Greater Caucasus mountain range to Shaki, a vital trading centre during the Silk Road.
• In Shaki, we’ll visit the Palace of Shaki Khans, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll get to appreciate the architectural beauty and learn about its fascinating history. We’ll also visit the medieval fortress, and the artisans’ house. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the beautiful city and interact with the friendly locals.
• Check into our hotel freshen up before heading out for dinner. We’ll visit a local restaurant, we recommend trying the shashlik alongside Azeri wine.
• Overnight stay in Shaki.

Saturday 13th June – Shaki – Sighnaghi (Georgia) –Tbilisi

Morning

• After breakfast, we’ll have a last stroll of Shaki to capture some pictures and purchase gifts, we’ll head towards the Georgian border taking the beautiful scenic mountainous route. We’ll make rest stops along the way.
• On arrival to the Azerbaijan–Georgia border, your guides will assist with border formalities – you’ll have the chance to exchange leftover Azerbaijani Manat.
• After crossing the border, you’ll get your first glimpse of Georgian life in Lagodekhi – renowned for its natural beauty. We’ll also pass some controversial brutalist architecture which has changed very little from the Soviet era.
• Sighnaghi, locally referred to as Signagi, will be our main stop. Although one of Georgia’s smallest towns, it’s located in the centre of the wine growing regions.
• For lunch, we’ll take advantage of the picturesque backdrop while wine tasting alongside lunch.

Afternoon

• We’ll walk around Sighnaghi, the City of Love, before visiting the “Peace” monument created by Nugzar Manjaparashvili. This is one the finest examples of Soviet era modernist art, something that is slowly disappearing – we’ll take an epic group photo here!
• Back on the road again for a 2-hour drive to Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. On arrival we’ll check in before heading out for delicious Georgian food. For those inclined, we’ll have some Chacha!
• Overnight stay in Tbilisi.

Sunday 14th June – Tbilisi

Morning

• Group B members – Meet your group and YPT guide at the hotel lobby in Tbilisi.
• Today we’ll visit the largest and capital city of Georgia. Due to its strategic location, it’s been on the crossroads between Europe and Asia which is heavily reflected in its architecture.
• We’ll begin in Metekhi, the historical neighbourhood of Tbilisi, learning about its beginnings from King Vakhtang Gorgasali to the present delicate relationship with it’s Northern neighbour across the border.
• To get the best city views, we’ll take the cable car to Narikala Fortress, which houses the beautiful restored St Nicholas church with complete with frescos of both the Bible and the history of Georgia.
• Kartlis Deda – Mother Georgian, the striking monument symbolises the Georgian national character. Wearing the Georgian national dress, with a bowl of wine in her left hand to greet those who come as friends and a sword in the right, for those who come as enemies.
• Tbilisi means in old Georgian “the place of warmth”, due the numerous sulphuric hot springs. We’ll visit a popular sulphur bath – those wishing to use the facilities are free to do so after the tour.
• We’ll continue to Independence Square, Parliament and take in the remaining Soviet heritage before grabbing lunch. We recommend trying Khinkali, a delicious meat-filled dumplings alongside chilled Natakhtari beer!

Afternoon

• After lunch, we’ll head to Dry Bridge Market, Tbilisi best flea market and a treasure trove of Soviet memorabilia!
• Once we’re ready, we can enjoy the capital city at our own pace, taking in the beautiful sites, shopping or heading off to the sulphur baths – your YPT guide will join.
• We’ll meet at the allocated time for dinner at YPT’s favourite restaurant. We recommend trying kharcho, a hearty beef soup or chanakhi, a delicious lamb stew loaded with tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant and various spices and herbs.
• Overnight stay in Tbilisi.

Monday 15th June – Tbilisi – Mtskheta – Tbilisi

Morning

• Breakfast at the hotel and then we’ll embark for a short drive to Mtskheta, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The fortified city was the political and economic centre of the Iberia Kingdom.
• Your tour includes Jvari Monastery, a unique early medieval Georgian church which remains almost unchanged and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, one of the most important sites in Georgia.

Afternoon

• For lunch, we’ll head to a popular café to enjoy locally prepared cuisines. We recommend trying khachapuri, Georgian cheese bread.
• A genuine Soviet wonder, we’ll visit the Sarajishvili factory, a true masterpiece not only for its brandy production but also the factory’s architecture reflecting stunning Soviet era craftsmanship. Founded by David Sarajishvili in 1884, the brandy was a favourite during the Russian Empire and Soviet era (renamed Tbilisi Cognac Factory during nationalisation). Even today its brandy is highly sought after and makes a perfect gift.  
• For dinner we’ll head to a popular Georgia restaurant and enjoy a selection of local cuisines.
• Overnight stay in Tbilisi.

Tuesday 16th June – Tbilisi – Stepantsminda

Morning

• Early morning start with breakfast at the hotel before you’ll embark on one the most picturesque journeys in the Caucuses – The Georgian Military Highway.
• We’ll head towards Zhinvali. On arrival we’ll take a rest stop here. You’ll see a formidable monument dedicated to the Three Hundred Aragvians – a potent symbol of Georgian history. The monument was erected over the graves of the soldiers who perished in 1795.

Afternoon

• We’ll have lunch in Pasanauri, a small town which was a popular tourist destination during the Soviet era. Unfortunately, like many places in the former soviet republics, it’s now less frequented. We recommend trying khinkali here as it’s regarded as the best in Georgia.
• Your journey continues along the Georgian Military Highway to the Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument. Overlooking the Devil’s Valley, the circular concrete structures display large tile murals of Georgian and Russian history. Nowadays it’s met with heavy controversy.  
• On arrival to Stepantsminda, we’ll visit a local store to pick up supplies for our picnic. Those brave enough can discreetly purchase homemade chacha.
• Our final stop of the day will be the isolated 14th century Gergeti Trinity Church, the iconic church nestled at the base of the legendary Mount Kazbegi where we’ll have a picnic enjoying the beautiful views.
• After a busy day filled with breath-taking scenery, we’ll go out for dinner and enjoy the amazing Georgian hospitality.
• Overnight stay in Stepantsminda.

Wednesday 17th June – Stepantsminda – Gori – Tbilisi

Morning

• We’ll begin our day with breakfast at the hotel before we check out and make our journey to Gori – the birthplace of Joseph Stalin. We’ll take the scenic Georgian Military Highway to get there, making stops along the way, including at the Ananuri Fortress Complex, and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Afternoon

• After a picnic in the beautiful scenery, our road trip will make a halt at Uplistsikhe, which translates to the lord’s fortress. You’ll have some time to explore the ancient site, which became a safe haven during the Muslim conquests.
• Gori is our next stop. We’ll visit the Joseph Stalin Museum, where you can see his childhood’s house and his personal railway carriage. Although a controversial figure, he is much loved here in Gori. It is officially not permitted, but you can get a picture next to the intimidating statue of Stalin.
• After a powerful day learning about the Man of Steel, we’ll head back to Tbilisi.
• For dinner we’ll head to a popular local restaurant. As it’s our last night in Georgia we’ll head out for drinks and take in the nightlife.
• Overnight stay in Tbilisi.

Thursday 18th June – Tbilisi -Lake Seven (Armenia) – Yerevan

Morning

• We’ll have an early morning start with breakfast at our hotel.
• Group A members: Tour concludes – YPT is able to arrange post-tour accommodation or advice for outgoing flights.
• Before we leave Tbilisi, we’ll see Soviet era monuments in Rustaveli Avenue and the former Marxism-Leninism Institute, now the Academy of Sciences.
• Your journey continues to the Georgian-Armenian border. We’ll take advantage of the route we’re taking to explore forgotten Soviet monuments along the way. At the border, you can exchange leftover Georgian Lari. Your guides will assist you with the usual border formalities.

Afternoon

• After entering our third and final country of the Caucuses, we’ll grab a much-deserved lunch. Those wanting can try some Ararat, Armenian brandy.
• We’ll visit a seldom but powerful Soviet era monument, Mother Armenia, created by Mehrabyan.
• In Dilijan, a charming town surrounded by nature, we’ll learn about its cultural importance before checking another forgotten Soviet monument: the 50th anniversary of Soviet Armenia.
• Your road trip continues to Lake Sevan, the largest lake in the Caucuses. We’ll spend some time here enjoying the natural beauty. Those who wish to go for a swim are free to do so.
• On arrival in Yerevan, we’ll check into the hotel before heading straight out to enjoy some Armenian cuisine and drinks!
• Overnight stay in Yerevan.

Friday 19th June – Yerevan

Morning

• Breakfast before our visit to Yerevan will start with the Mother Armenia monument – a powerful symbol of Armenia representing peace through strength. However during the Soviet era, a statue of Stalin once stood here.
• Our walking tour will also cover important sites including the Cascade Complex, the National Opera and Ballet Theatre, the National Assembly and many more buildings which were constructed during the Soviet Union.
• You’ll have some time to explore and capture some pictures along the walking tour. There are many Soviet and Armenian architecture wonders here, or you simply grab a coffee and enjoy the capital city.

Afternoon

• Lunch at a local restaurant, we recommend trying tjvjik consisting of lamb or beef liver with additional offal – a popular Soviet Armenian film was centred around this dish.  
• At the Armenian Genocide Memorial complex, locally known as Tsitsernakaberd, you’ll learn about the massacres and forced deportations of Armenians. This is very much a delicate and sensitive subject: even today countries deny that there was a genocide.
• We’ll continue our tour of Yerevan before heading to the hotel to relax and freshen up.  
• As it’s our final night as a group embarking on the Caucuses tour, in true YPT fashion, we’ll head to our favourite restaurant which serves amazing khorovats alongside some local beer and Ararat!
• Overnight stay in Yerevan.

Saturday 20th June – Yerevan

Morning

• Early morning start with breakfast to make the most of our time in Yerevan.
• No trip to Armenia would be complete without visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Geghard, locally referred to as Ayrivank, meaning “the Monastery of the Cave”. The medieval monastery was founded in the 4th century and was carved out of the surrounding mountain cliffs.
• Garni Temple is our last visit. This is the only surviving Colonnaded Greco-Roman temple found in the former Soviet Union. Its origins are still unclear however the Armenian deity, Mihr the god of Sun, was worshipped here.
• We’ll continue past Garni Gorge witnessing the “symphony of stones” before visiting a large open-air market, a perfect place for a final purchase of Soviet antiques, before we transfer back to Yerevan.

Afternoon

• After an epic adventure through the Caucasus, we’ll have a farewell lunch and a few drinks to celebrate!
• Tour concludes at 4:00pm. YPT can arrange additional nights in Yerevan and airport drop-off for a fee. We are more than happy to provide advice for ongoing flights.