Ultimate Caucasus

Home to some of the last frontiers linking Asia with Europe, start from the bizarre Azerbaijan through the pristine countryside and cities of Georgia before retreating to rural Armenia with its picturesque monasteries.

1. Fly into Baku

2. Days 1-3: Baku, Azerbaijan

   Your trip begins in Azerbaijan's capital. Baku is a city of contrast with metropolitan towers jutting amongst historic monuments. Explore the Old Town of Baku, the State Carpet Museum and admire a panoramic city view.

   Be dazzled by Gobustan rock carvings, the gurgling Mud Volcanoes, the UNESCO-listed Zoroastrian Fire Temple of Ateshgyakh and the Burning Mountain of Yanar Dagh.

   Accommodation: Intourist Hotel Baku, Autograph Collection (2 nights)

3. Days 3-4: Shaki, Azerbaijan

   A scenic drive through Azeri countryside brings you along Daribaba Mausoleum, Djuma Mosque, Yeddi Gumbaz royal mausoleum and onwards to Shaki. In Shaki, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, make a visit to Shekhi Khan Palace with its intricate Persian-influenced architectures.

   Accommodation: Marxal Resort & Spa (1 night)

4. Days 4-5: Telavi, Kakheti Wine Region, Georgia

   Feel the awe of Georgian countryside as you pass through the Kakheti, the birthplace of wine-making, onwards to Sighnaghi, an 18th century town with an Italian feel.

   Accommodation: Chateau Mere (1 night)

5. Days 5-7: Tbilisi, Georgia

   En route to David Gareja for a hike through the rock-hewn monastery complex by the Georgian-Azerbaijan border. Onwards to Tbilisi, where you will enjoy a sightseeing through the churches, monasteries and synagogue with sunset cable car ride to Narikala Fortress.

   Accommodation: Mercure Tbilisi Old Town (2 nights)

6. Days 7-8: Kazbegi, Georgia

   A scenic drive brings you through 16th century Ananuri fortress and Gudauri ski resort into Kazbegi. In Kazbegi, walk up to the scenic Tsminda Sameba Church, perched on top of a hill overlooking the Kazbegi village.

   Accommodation: Hotel Porta Caucasia Kazbegi (1 night)

7. Days 8-9: Kutaisi

   Driving from Kazbegi to Kutaisi, you will make stops at the historical Mtshketa, the Stalin House-Museum in Gori and Uplistsikhe cave town. In Kutaisi, you will make a visit to Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati Monastery which has some of the most well-preserved frescoes and mosaics in Caucasus.

   Accommodation: Best Western Kutaisi (1 night)

8. Days 9-11: Mestia, Georgia

   In the Svanetian capital of Mestia, you will have a 4WD excursion to Ushguli village, the highest continuously inhabited settlements in Europe. Take a walk in the rural Svaneti and visit St. Mary's Church.

   Accommodation: Hotel Banguriani (2 nights)

9. Days 11-12: Borjomi

   After a long day of driving from Mestia to Borjomi, take it easy and rest in Borjomi, a town famous for its mineral water.

   Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Borjomi (1 night)

10. Days 12-13: Dilijan

    Unravel the mysterious UNESCO monastic complexes of Haghpat and Sanahin, outstanding examples of medieval Armenian architecture. En route to Saghmosavank monastery, seated near the breathtaking Qasakh canyon.

    Accommodation: Best Western Plus Paradise Hotel Dilijan (1 night)

11. Days 13-15: Yerevan

    From Dzoraget to Yerevan, a scenic detour takes you to the picturesque Lake Sevan with its twin monasteries.

    Feel the pulse of the heart-wrenching Armenian stories in Yerevan. Step into Echmiadzin, Armenia's own Vatican City and the nearby Zvartnots ruins.

    On your final day, make a trip to 3 beloved Armenian icons: Khor Virap set against the picturesque Mt. Ararat backdrop, the Garni pagan temple and the rock-cut Geghard monastery.

    Accommodation: Armenia Marriott Hotel Yerevan (2 nights)

12. Fly home from Yerevan

Baku, Shaki, Telavi, Tbilisi, Kazbegi, Kutaisi, Mestia, Borjomi, Dilijan & Yerevan