Arara presents the second more extended version of the guide to the countries of the South Caucasus, namely Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan. Below you will learn how to fully immerse in the culture and history of the Caucasus within 21 days. Those who are planning to spend less days on travelling can find our 17-day guide here. If you don't want to spend time on organizing a trip, we are ready to offer you our Tour to Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia in 21 days. Find all our travel packages to the South Caucasus here.
Day 1
Yerevan City Tour
Start your first day in Armenia with a walk around Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, and explore its main sights. After a walk, you can relax in one of the colorful local restaurants, which are very numerous in the center, and taste national cuisine. Some restaurants can be found here.
Day 2
Garni – Geghard – Yerevan
On the second day, we advise you to make a trip to the cave monastery of Geghard of the 13th century, which is located 40 km from Yerevan.
Day 3
Echmiadzin – Zvartnots
After breakfast get acquainted with the religious history of Armenia and go to the city of Echmiadzin, the religious center of Armenians from all over the world. After lunch, we recommend visiting the ruins of the ancient temple of Zvartnots (UNESCO site) located not far from Echmiadzin. It was once a magnificent example of Armenian early medieval architecture, but was destroyed during an earthquake.
Day 4
Free Day
You can visit souvenir shops (Dalan, ArmAs), the open souvenir market “Vernissage” (1, 3 Buzand Street), as well as cozy cafes. Jazz lovers are advised to visit the Malkhaz Jazz Club, which is located at 52/1 Pushkin Street. If your trip falls between May and September, we advise you to visit the singing fountains in Republic Square and enjoy an amazing show.
Day 5
Khor Virap – Areni – Noravank – Goris
On the fifth day, make a trip to the south of Armenia to Khor Virap Monastery, located on a hill from where the most beautiful view of Mount Ararat opens. After visiting the monastery, continue on your way to the Noravank Monastery founded in an amazing valley of red rocks. On the way, you can make a stop in the village of Areni, which is the center of winemaking in Armenia. The last stop of this day will be in the city of Goris, where you will stay for the night. Goris is a cozy green city located in the Syunik region at a distance of 240 km from Yerevan. It is surrounded by picturesque cliffs and wooded hills. Tourists come here to admire the beauties and visit various attractions located in the vicinity. We recommend staying at the Christy Hotel.
Day 6
Tаtev – Selim Pass – Sevanavank
After breakfast we recommend going to the Tatev Monastery - the pearl of Armenian medieval architecture, located at a distance of about 35 km from Goris. The monastery is located in a fascinating area on the edge of a cliff which can be reached both by car or by Wings of Tatev ropeway - the longest one in the world. It flies over the canyon of the Vorotan River with a depth of more than 320 m.
After sightseeing continue your journey to Lake Sevan. On the way, make a stop at the Selim pass which once was a part of the Great Silk Road. Here you can see the caravanserai, where loaded merchants found lodging for the night. Continue your trip to the picturesque huge Lake Sevan - the pearl of Armenian nature and the highest freshwater lake in the world, located at an altitude of 2000 m above sea level. You can take the minibus number 317, which departs from the North Station, and get to the city of Sevan and then take a taxi to reach the lake or hitchhike.
At the end of the day, make a stop in the resort town of Dilijan, where you can spend the night in one of the cozy hotels or guesthouses. We recommend staying at Popock Guesthouse.
Day 7
Dilijan – Sadakhlo – Tbilisi
In the morning, start your trip to the Armenian-Georgian border. After passing through customs, head to Tbilisi. Those who are travelling without a car can take minivans that depart from the Kilikia bus station (not far from the famous Ararat brandy factory) and goes to Tbilisi. The fare in a seven-seat minivan is 7,000 drams ($14.5) per person. The road to Tbilisi by car will take approximately five and a half hours.
Day 8
Tbilisi City Tour
In Tbilisi, after check in a hotel and some rest, you can take a short sightseeing walk around the city center. Walk around the old city, see the famous complex of royal sulfur baths of the 17th-19th centuries, visit the Metekhi Church, the Bridge of Peace, take the cable car up to the Narikala Fortress.
Day 9
Mtskheta – Jvari – Gori – Kutaisi
In the morning make a short trip to the ancient city of Mtskheta - the first capital of Georgia (from the 3rd century BC to the 5th century AD) which is under the protection of UNESCO. You can get to Mtskheta by minibus which departs every 20-30 minutes from Didube bus station, the fare is 3 GEL.
Then head to the city of Kutaisi - one of the oldest Georgian cities, the center of Georgian culture. The distance from Kutaisi to Tbilisi is approximately 230 kilometres. The road will take about 3 hours by car. If you are travelling without a car and want to get to Kutaisi from Tbilisi by your own there are 4 options: private transfer, train, bus (coach), minibus/shared taxi. You can find train tickets here. Minivans departs regularly between 7am and 8pm from Didube bus station. In Kutaisi minivans to Tbilisi depart from Kutaisi’s Central Bus Station on the western side of the river near McDonalds and the Grand Mall shopping centre.
If you are travelling by car, you can make a stop on the way in Gori for a rest. Gori is located in a picturesque mountainous area. It became famous due to the fact that it was here that Joseph Stalin, the head of the Soviet Empire, was born. In Gori, you can visit the house-museum of Stalin. After the stop, continue your journey to Kutaisi, where you can stay for the night (book a hotel in advance).
Day 10
Bagrati – Gelati
In the morning, start a sightseeing tour of Kutaisi. It is a cozy city, the capital of Western Georgia and historically the second capital of the country. The most famous and must-see attraction here is the Bagrati Temple included in the list of world heritage of the UNESCO. We also recommend visiting the Gelati Temple - the most famous monastery in Western Georgia, also included in the UNESCO heritage list. The majestic monastery complex Gelati is located 11 km from the city of Kutaisi. The construction of the monastery began in 1106; now it delights with its architecture, frescoes, murals and mosaics, which have been preserved from the 12th-18th centuries.
Day 11
Prometheus – Akhaltsikhe
On this day, you can see the famous Prometheus Cave located 30 minutes’ drive from Kutaisi. This is one of the most stunning tourist attractions in Georgia. A visit to the cave provides a unique opportunity to see the underground world of this region in all its glory. The underground lighting and classical music give a special atmosphere to this place. After exploring the cave, continue your way to the city of Akhaltsikhe located in southern Georgia.
Day 12
Free day in Tbilisi
On this day, you can just enjoy the atmosphere of Tbilisi, explore the Old City, see the Bridge of Peace and walk along the Rustaveli Avenue framed by interesting sights, fashionable shops, restaurants, souvenir boutiques, etc. Those who want can go to Tbilisi Botanical Garden or get a funiculer to Mtatsminda Mount.
You can end the day in the national restaurant "Funicular" and taste delicious national dishes. You can get to the restaurant in a funicular trailer (Chonkadze Street). Be sure to taste real Georgian wine, as well as khachapuri (Adjarian khachapuri, Imeretian khachapuri), khinkali with meat or cheese, mushrooms baked with suluguni cheese, chikhirtma and much more.
Day 13
Telavi – Sighnaghi
On this day, we advise you to go to the east of the country to the Kakheti region, which is famous for the production of the best Georgian wine. It is better to allocate two days for exploring the region. On the first day, head to the city of Telavi - the center of the Kakheti region known for its luxurious nature. Then be sure to take a pleasant sightseeing walk through the cozy small town of Sighnaghi, founded in the 18th century by King Erekle II. Sighnaghi is often referred to as the "city of love".
Day 14
Azerbaijan boarder – Sheki
This day, your journey to Azerbaijan will begin. We advise you to first go to the city of Sheki and make a stop there.
Day 15
Gabala – Shemakha
Start your day with a trip to the city of Gabala, which was once the capital of the ancient state of Caucasian Albania. Make sure to visit the village of Nij located not far of Gabala. The village is known due to the largest number of Udins, who are an ancient Caucasian ethnic group, descendants of the main tribe of Albania. They are Christians and have their own distinct culture and traditions. You can either stay overnight in Gabala or continue your journey to the city of Shamakhi - the center of Shamakhi region. Located at an altitude of 800 m above sea level the city offers beautiful from its corners. In the city you can see the Gulistan fortress, the Seven Domes mausoleum complex, as well as enjoy the unique atmosphere and fabulously mysterious atmosphere. You can stay overnight in Shemakha so that the next day you can continue your journey to Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.
Day 16
Baku City Tour
In the morning start your trip to Baku. After arriving in Baku, check in a hotel and some rest, start exploring the city. Baku is the capital of Azerbaijan, its scientific, cultural and industrial center. After the second oil boom in 2006, Baku has become a modern city with unique and extraordinary masterpieces.
Day 17
Mardakan
In the morning start your trip to the seaside resort of Mardakan, located on the northern coast of the Absheron Peninsula. The village is located 24 km from Baku, the road will take about 30 minutes. The city is attractive for both recreation and sightseeing tours, as important historical and cultural monuments are located here. Here you can see the Round Fortress, mosques, the house-museum of Sergei Yesenin, as well as visit the amazing arboretum. Return to Baku in the evening.
Day 18
Gobustan NP
.jpg)
The next day we advise you to visit the Gobustan National Reserve, unique in the world. The area is known for its petroglyphs, mud volcanoes and gas stones. You can get to the reserve from Baku by bus number 120 from Azneft Square (the nearest metro station "Icherisheher"). The bus will take you to Gobustan town, which is located in a 50-minute drive away. In the city take a taxi and reach the reserve. After the trip return to Baku.
Day 19
Absheron
This day, make a trip to the Absheron Peninsula located on the western coast of the Caspian Sea. Here one of the most amazing natural attractions of the country, the burning mountain Yanar-Dag. Нatural gas is constantly burning in the mountain. Natural fire has been burning here since ancient times due to a gas leak from a large source. There are several such natural “eternal fires” in the world, most of which are located in Azerbaijan, that is why the country is often referred to the “land of fire”. The most beautiful view of Yanardag opens at dusk. Return to Baku in the evening.
Day 20
Free Day
On the last day in Baku, you can go to museums, walk along the embankment, buy souvenirs and taste national dishes in colorful restaurants. Be sure to enjoy local tea in teahouses with baklava and local sweets, among which we can recommend Cay Bagi 145 (Tea Garden 145) with good reviews.
Day 21
Departure
Choose the Tour to Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan you like most and tour-operator Arara will organize your amazing Holiday in the Caucasus.
