From CAD 6,371 Was CAD 7,495
Guarantee
Small Group
Light
Rating
(21 reviews)
Experience Overview
Watch arid landscapes give way to verdant hillsides and snow-capped mountains on this 16-day Premium adventure through Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia. Explore a land where the walls speak of centuries of rich history and where ancient traditions intersect with modern geopolitics. Journey with an expert local leader and a small group of keen adventurers through forests, past tall mountain peaks, to cultural marvels. Taste the delectable cuisine and experience the local hospitality with plenty of opportunity to rub shoulders with the locals. Wander through cosmopolitan Baku, make friends in Tbilisi and end up in Yerevan – Armenia’s centre of culture.
Highlights
- Enjoy two evenings at your historical Feature Stay hotel in the heart of Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital. Once owned by a noble family, it has played host to aristocrats, famous writers and public figures.
- Visit the Tserovani Refugee Settlement in Georgia during an Exclusive Experience, where you’ll visit a jewellery making workshop aimed at providing employment to displaced women within the camp. Create a piece for yourself and learn about the issues surrounding long-term displacement.
- Sample this region’s diverse cuisine, from a home cooked meal with a local family to a lunch of regional specialties in a refugee settlement in Georgia. Then, try organic qvevri wine made according to the world’s oldest winemaking tradition.
- Discover ancient wonders during visits to the open-air archaeological museum of Qobustan in Azerbaijan, the magnificent cave town of Vardzia in Georgia and the Haghpat in Armenia.
- Drive through the mighty snow-cowered Caucasus mountains, which provide diverse landscapes from lunar semideserts to forests and countryside. With expert guides and an exciting 4WD excursion, you’ll soak up the unique scenery in the best way.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2232
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Unknown
Transport: Private Vehicle
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: KMPC
Starts: Baku, Armenia
Finishes: Yerevan, Armenia
Duration: 16 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (15), Lunch (4), Dinner (4)Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel (13 nights),Feature Stay (2 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 6371 (CAD 398 /day)
Itinerary
Salam eleykim! Welcome to Azerbaijan. When you arrive at Baku Airport, you'll be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel. Baku is where ancient fortified buildings stand next to Russian imperial-style squares and ultra-modern architectural wonders. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive with time to spare, maybe walk down Nizami Street and observe its Baroque, Neo-Gothic and Neo-Renaissance architecture. After your meeting, head out for a local dinner with your new companions.
Included Activities:
- Baku - Welcome Dinner at Local Restaurant
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Accommodation:
- City Park Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, embark on a tour of the city with a local guide. Visit the fortified Old City, once the Medieval capital, where your guide will weave together the history of Baku, from the rule of the Shirvanshahs to the cosmopolitan city you see today. Stop by the Shemakha Gate, Maiden Tower (visit optional), Old Market Square and end with a guided tour of the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. Be sure to bring your camera as there will be some panoramic views of Baku's varied skyline. The rest of the day is free to explore at your own pace.
Included Activities:
- Baku - Palace of the Shirvanshahs
- Baku - Walking Tour with Local Guide
Optional Activities:
- Baku - National Museum of History of Azerbaijan (10 AZN)
- Baku - National Carpet Museum (10 AZN)
Accommodation:
- City Park Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, head out of the city on a half day trip to Qobustan, about 60 km south of Baku. Stop off along the way to view old oil rigs and learn how Azerbaijan was one of the birthplaces of the oil industry. Visit Qobustan National Park and one of the world's largest open-air archaeological museums, where a local guide will share the stories of ancient rock art dating back some 40,000 years. The prehistoric carvings depict scenes of hunting, fishing and gathering. Return to Baku in the afternoon for free time. Maybe visit one of Baku's most significant modern landmarks – the Heydar Aliyev Center designed by Zaha Hadid. This evening, you might like to take a walk along the waterfront to find a restaurant for dinner, keeping an eye out for the Baku Eye and Flame Towers that light up the city skyline at night.
Included Activities:
- Qobustan - Petroglyphs
- Qobustan - Half Day Trip
- Gobustan National Park Visit
Optional Activities:
- Baku - The Heydar Aliyev Centre (15 AZN)
Accommodation:
- City Park Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Leave Baku and head for the Caucasus Mountains in the northwest of Azerbaijan. Watch arid landscapes slowly give way to densely forested mountains. Along the way, you’ll stop at the Yeddi Gumbaz Mausoleum and the Juma Mosque in Shamakhi. When you arrive in Sheki, visit a local craft workshop where the famous shebeke (stained-glass windows with intricately carved frames) are made by hand. You’ll also visit the acclaimed Palace of Sheki Khans to see its magnificent frescoes and stained glass. Enjoy a final evening of Azerbaijani cuisine during an included dinner at a local restaurant.
Included Activities:
- Sheki - Khan's Palace
- Sheki - Stained Glass Workshop Visit
- Shamakhi - Yeddi Gumbaz Mausoleum & Juma Mosque
Accommodation:
- Marxal Resort (Number of Nights: 1)
Have breakfast at the hotel before driving to Lagodekhi – a town at the Azerbaijan–Georgia border where you’ll change transportation. From here, travel to Georgia's Kakheti region, known for its winemaking. Stop for lunch in Sighnaghi, one of Georgia’s most stunning towns. Overlooking the Al-Azani Valley and the Caucasus Mountains, it’ll be a meal with a view you won’t soon forget. After, travel to you accommodation in Telavi. Your hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, as well as its own cellar showcasing wines produced by women winemakers. Have dinner with a local wine making family, which includes delicious homemade cuisine, wine and chacha (a local brandy). There will also be time to listen to unique Georgian polyphonic songs – a traditional style of music prevalent in the Kakheti region.
Included Activities:
- Kakheti - Lunch and Wine Tasting with a Local Family
- Kakheti - Georgian Polyphonic Singing
Accommodation:
- Hotel Boutique (Number of Nights: 1)
Enjoy a relaxing start to your morning, and then get a taste of local life during a visit to the Telavi Food Market. Wander the stalls and feast your senses on the region’s delicacies – there are specialty cheeses, wines and sweets to try! Next visit Batonistsikhe Castle, a remarkable and superbly preserved 17th century fortress in the centre of Telavi, which was once the most important residence for the royal family of the Kakheti Kingdom After, drive to the remote and beautiful Pankisi Valley. Inhabited mainly by the Muslim Kist community, you’ll take a cultural walking tour of the valley that employs young local Kists to develop their skills and earn an income. Enjoy a traditional lunch in the valley, and then return to your accommodation for a free evening.
Included Activities:
- Telavi - Market Tour with Tastings
- Telavi – Batonis Castle
- Pankisi Valley - Cultural Tour and Lunch
Accommodation:
- Hotel Boutique (Number of Nights: 1)
Following breakfast, drive to Tbilisi. Check into your Feature Stay hotel, a historical building once owned by a noble family. It has played host to aristocrats, famous writers and public figures, and also overlooks Georgia’s presidential palace. You’re free to explore Tbilisi at your own pace when you arrive, so you might like to wander the old districts of Georgia’s capital to see the colourful houses, patterned balconies and revamped modern architecture. Your leader will always have some great restaurant recommendations ready for dinner.
Included Activities:
- Tbilisi - Market Visit
Accommodation:
- Museum Hotel Orbeliani or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning you’ll head out on a walking tour with a local guide, which includes the 13th-century Metekhi Church and amazing views over old Tbilisi. Take a cable car to the ancient Narikala Fortress – a former Persian citadel with a history stretching back to the 4th century. Here, your guide will share the layered history of the fortress while you take in sweeping views across Tbilisi. Then make your way to a historic part of the city where you’ll learn a little more about Tbilisi’s past. The name translates to ‘warm place,’ which is thought to be after the bubbling hot springs the city was built around. This afternoon, maybe visit one of the local bathhouses for a dip.
Included Activities:
- Tbilisi - Narikala Fortress & Cable Car
Optional Activities:
- Tbilisi - The National Gallery (25 GEL)
- Tbilisi - Open Air Museum of Ethnography (20 GEL)
- Tbilisi - Thermal Bath House Visit - from (70 GEL)
- Tbilisi – Old Town Walking Tour with Local Guide - Free
Accommodation:
- Museum Hotel Orbeliani or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you’ll visit Mtskheta – the ancient capital and religious centre of Georgia. Visit World Heritage-listed sites with your local guide as they share fascinating histories. After, visit the Tserovani Refugee Settlement – home to 8000 people displaced by the 2008 conflict between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Georgia over South Ossetia. While here you’ll visit an enamel jewellery workshop run by social enterprise Ikorta (an Intrepid Foundation partner), offering training and employment to displaced youth and women within the settlement. Meet the artists whose pieces tell the story of Georgia, and with their guidance, maybe even design a piece for yourself. Have a light lunch, then tour the settlement to learn about the issues surrounding long-term displacement faced by thousands of Georgia’s citizens. In the afternoon, drive to Akhaltsikhe. Sitting in Georgia’s southwest, the town has long been known for its multiculturalism, which is reflected in its variety of architecture and monuments.
Included Activities:
- Tserovani - Ikorta (The Intrepid Foundation partner) enamel jewellery workshop visit
- Mtskheta - Jvari Monastery
Accommodation:
- Akhaltsikhe Inn (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, drive to the once mighty cave city of Vardzia, with a stop along the way at the 10th-century Khertvisi Fortress. Vardzia stretches over half a kilometre along the river Mtkvari and has 19 tiers of winding cobbled streets. There is a church hewn out in rock with 12th-century frescos and the complex also includes dwelling quarters, small hall-type churches, refectories and wine cellars. Tour the site with a local guide who will provide historical context and explain the rise and fall of the city, which now serves as a working monastery. Head back to Akhaltsikhe in the afternoon, where you’ll have to time to visit the Rabati Fortress. Boasting multiple watchtowers, gardens and places of worship, your leader can help to arrange a local guide to help you see it all. Alternatively, return to your accommodation for a restful evening.
Included Activities:
- Meskheti - Khertvisi Fortress
- Vardzia - Cave Town Visit with Local Guide
Accommodation:
- Akhaltsikhe Inn (Number of Nights: 1)
In the morning you’ll visit Gori – the birthplace of Joseph Stalin. Your leader will take you on a city tour before you visit the Stalin Museum. See the sites of Gori, including The Memorial of Georgian War Heroes and Gori Fortress, and delve into its artistic side to see traditional ornamental mosaics. After, drive the renowned Georgian Military Highway, which eventually leads to the Georgia–Russia border. On the way, you'll visit the Ananuri architectural complex – two churches and a fortress that overlooks the Zhinvali water reservoir. Your leader will explain how the carvings on the churches are some of the best surviving examples of Georgian art. Take a scenic drive through the Caucasus Mountains and arrive at your hotel in Gudauri, where you’ll have dinner with the group.
Included Activities:
- Gori - Stalin Museum
- Ananuri – Castle and Churches Visit
Accommodation:
- Marco Polo Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Enjoy a scenic drive from Gudauri along the Tergi River before arriving in Stepantsminda. From here, head into the heart of the Caucasus Mountains, hop in 4WDs and take the mountain road to Gergeti Trinity Church, 2170 m above sea level. Weather depending, you may catch a glimpse of Mt Kazbegi. On the way back to Gudauri, stop at the small village of Sno to explore the local version of Easter Island – a park with half a dozen massive stone heads representing famous figures of Georgian history. Return to Gudauri this afternoon for some free time – the perfect opportunity to enjoy the mountain air and views. Your hotel has many facilities, including a wellness centre.
Included Activities:
- Stepantsminda - Gergeti Trinity Church
Accommodation:
- Marco Polo Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Have breakfast in Gudauri before driving to Sadakhlo – a village at the Georgia–Armenia border. On the way to the border, stop in Tbilisi to break the journey and have lunch. Continue to Armenia and after completing all the formalities, begin the Armenian leg of your adventure with a visit to Haghpat Monastery, listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site. Haghpat stands as an example of one of the most outstanding works of medieval Armenian architecture and your leader will give you an introduction to the country’s history and design. Continue to Dzoraget, where you’ll spend the night surrounded by views of the Debed River.
Included Activities:
- Haghpat - Haghpat Monastery
Accommodation:
- Avan Dzoraget Tufenkyan or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, you'll meet your Armenian driver and local guide and drive to the reflective waters of Lake Sevan, nicknamed ‘The Pearl of Armenia’. Sevan is one of the largest fresh-water high-altitude lakes in the world. Visit Sevanavank Monastery, which overlooks the water on the Peninsula. Move on to the village of Garni to visit the first century Garni Temple, where your guide will explain how it was built by the Armenian King Tiridates and dedicated to Mithra, the God of the Sun. Be treated to a special local performance in the temple and hear the sounds of the Duduk – a flute-like instrument originating in Armenia and currently listed on the UNESCO in-tangible Cultural Heritage List. Travel northeast of Garni, higher up the gorge of the Azat River, to the magnificent Geghard Monastery. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed site is partly carved out of a mountain and surrounded by cliffs. In the afternoon, drive to Armenia’s capital, Yerevan, where you’ll spend the next two evenings.
Included Activities:
- Geghard - Geghard Monastery
- Lake Sevan - Sevanavank Monastery
- Garni - Temple Visit & Duduk Performance
Accommodation:
- Tufenkian Historic Yerevan Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning your local guide will introduce you to the sights and sounds of Yerevan on a tour of the city. Established in 782 BC, Armenia’s capital is one of the oldest cities in the world. Nowadays, the city’s liveliness comes from its ancient culture mixed with a modern lifestyle. Visit the Armenian Genocide Museum to learn the tragic history of this region, then the afternoon is free for reflection or further exploration. Tonight, join your group for a final dinner at a local restaurant. Armenian cuisine is built on a foundation of fresh local produce and meat. Maybe try some khorovats (a barbecued kebab) or spas (a refreshing yoghurt soup).
Included Activities:
- Yerevan - City Tour with Local Guide
- Yerevan - Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex
Accommodation:
- Tufenkian Historic Yerevan Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you would like to spend some more time in Yerevan, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Rolf - Traveled, October 2023
Well organized trip with upmarket hotel stays for the most part and new Mercedes vans for transport ( a previous criticism ). Excellent guide . A lot of church visits which may be a bit much for some, but they are in stunning locations. Cave monastries most interesting parts of trip. The 3 capital cities are much nicer than expected and worth the trip just to see. Stalin museum guide was surprisingly objective.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/09/2023
Lara - Traveled, October 2023
Embarking on a kaleidoscopic odyssey through Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia unveiled a symphony of cultural marvels, delectable cuisines, and wines aged in history. Amidst breathtaking landscapes, the journey unfolded, weaving geopolitics into a spellbinding narrative of discovery led by our remarkable guide Yulia and gregarious driver Giorgi.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/10/2023
Frédéric - Traveled, October 2023
I was very interested to visit this region. The trip gave me deep insight into it. Now I am more passionate than ever.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/07/2023
Peter - Traveled, October 2023
Well designed trip that gives a good understanding of and introduction to these three fascinating countries. Great accommodation, some in wonderful heritage properties, and excellent and varied food, particularly Katchapuri (cheesy bread). Highlight was a visit to an IDP camp in Georgia.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/04/2023
Esther - Traveled, October 2023
An incredible and interesting part of the world to experience, with the rich distinct history, wonderful and welcoming people, incredible landscape, and great food….and wine! Our leader, Manya, was exceptional and very professional. Highly recommend this trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/08/2023
Wendy - Traveled, October 2023
The Intrepid premium tour was so easy! The hotels were top notch, gratuities were covered, and the schedule was relaxed. The food alone was worth the trip and so many meals were included. Our guide Anton made it especially entertaining and kept everyone on schedule. I suggest when you book this tour go in early October and ask for Anton as your guide.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/20/2023
Priscilla - Traveled, October 2023
Great trip to visit the Caucuses, full of surprises and a lovely part of the world, friendly people and great history to learn about
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/16/2023
Susan - Traveled, October 2023
The trip to Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia that I just completed in October 2023 was fabulous! The history, food and wine make these countries a delight to experience. But what made the trip truly memorable was the unique experiences we had making cloisonné jewelry in Georgia at an IDP town, learning to make stain glass windows in Azerbaijan and the many family lunches where we got learn from a local about their lives. Pavel, our guide was excellent, knowledgeable and patient with all our requests. I would highly recommend this Intrepid Premium trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/18/2023
Karen - Traveled, September 2023
It’s a wonderful trip through all three countries with well balanced activities and pace, great comfortable accommodation and transport and best of all, our excellent leader! I’ve learned so much about the region and our leader and local guides were able to give us great insights and help with lots of interesting and interactive experiences with the locals too. Love it!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/30/2023
Lárus - Traveled, September 2023
These countries are very diverse, culturally, with a stunning landscape and amazing food. The premium tour included bunch of great local delicacies involved with local customs that widens ones perspective to the world.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/09/2023
Sandra - Traveled, September 2023
First trip experience for me with Intrepid would recommend it as the groups are small and personal. Give it a try
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/05/2023
Kenneth - Traveled, September 2023
Good itinerary, outstanding Tour Leader. Stingy on hotels and meals, especially for a Premium tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/06/2023
Garry and Catherine - Traveled, September 2023
If anyone is considering taking a trip to this part of the world I throughly recommend this small group Intrepid tour. Fantastic tour leader and knowledgeable guides with an understanding of the different cultures in these different countries. We finished with a lot better understanding of all countries visited.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/01/2023
David - Traveled, September 2023
Tour was amazing. Yes, there were some long days but no more than was expected having read the itinerary. We had a lot of ground to cover and a lot to see. Food was fantastic, especially in Georgia. A great opportunity to learn more about this part of the world. Our tour leader, Manya, was amazing and rates with the best tour leaders we have ever had.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/30/2023
Mika - Traveled, September 2023
A beautiful and interesting part of the world. The itinerary had a good balance of activities, and long vs short travel days. The food and wine was a highlight! Exceptional tour leader facilitated it all beautifully and it was lovely not having to worry about tipping. Overall great value given all the inclusions.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/24/2023
Graeme - Traveled, August 2023
A well designed and varied tour through three countries sharing similar pasts but with separate rich and varied history and heritage. The tour was very well designed with a varied array of sights and experiences in the itinerary and ample time for the individual traveller to make their own exploration.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/10/2023
Stephanie - Traveled, August 2023
I found this trip to be one of the best. Very informative with a very full itinerary that covered the three countries in depth in the 15days . So much to see and so much for me to learn about these three remarkably interesting countries
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/27/2023
Lauren - Traveled, August 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed a fabulous trip to the less-touristed, politically-complex Caucasus region. Can’t say enough wonderful things about this region - from its kind and generous people, to its breathtaking natural beauty, delicious food and wine, stunning architecture and rich history - what an experience! Our trip leader, Iuliia Khalezova, was incredible and provided a thoughtfully-curated, safe, secure, and seamlessly-organized trip for us. Our Georgian driver, Giorgy, was a delight. Can’t wait to travel again with Iuliia and Intrepid soon :) Book this trip of a lifetime - you won’t regret it!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/05/2023
Leah - Traveled, July 2023
The Caucuses were a bit of a hidden gem for me. Fantastic landscapes, food and culture to learn about. Best of all no massive crowds of people. Georgia was my favorite, I would highly recommend putting it on your bucket list.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/28/2023
Robyn - Traveled, July 2023
A wonderful trip to 3 undervisited countries, each with very distinct cultures. We had a great group and our guide Ksenia made the trip run very smoothly.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/25/2023
Mary (Paulina) - Traveled, October 2023
The three capitals - Baku, Tbilisi and Yerevan are worth the trip. Very cosmopolitan and European, but with their own vipe and very different from each other. The food is amazing also.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/22/2023
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