tours to azerbaijan, georgia and armenia

Tatev Monastery, Noravank & Zorats Karer: This itinerary, offered by Hyur Service, squeezes a lot in and is the easiest way to visit the iconic Tatev from Yerevan. HeyMondo is my preferred travel insurance provider. Im more than happy to help out where I can dont ever hesitate to send me an email or leave me a comment. In the evening we arrive in Telavi. See my Gori guide for detailed transport instructions. Im thinking of going to both Kazbegi and Svaneti, but am wondering whether we should do just one region, and if so, which one. Quba: If youre interested in textiles and handicrafts, head 2 hours northwest of Baku by bus to the little town of Quba, home to one of Azerbaijans seven schools of carpet weaving. Xinaliq: Further north of Quba, Xinaliq is one of the highest villages in the Caucasus and offers great opportunities for alpine trekking. i myself and a friend of mine are planning on having a trip to Armenia & Georgia this Oct or November after enjoying Turkey, my plan would be Turkey Georgia by plane, Georgia Armenia by Train, do you thing its doable related to the weather? Hi Emily, flying into Baku next weekend to spend a month in the Caucus. The booking reference can be found in the confirmation email, which should be in your inbox. Tbilisi flea market experience will be followed by stroll through the renovated pedestrian alley and part of the New Tiflis major renovation project of Georgian capital. I would recommend Tbilisi, Kazbegi and Kakheti for Georgia, and Sheki and Baku + day trip to Gobustan for Azerbaijan. Drive to Geghard, IV century medieval monastery partially carved out of the adjacent mountain, and yet another UNESCO World heritage list site. In some Orthodox churches, youll be asked to cover your hair and wear a wrap-around skirt (these are provided free of charge). If you cancel under this time or do not show up, you will not be refunded. I designed a Georgia Armenia Azerbaijan itinerary and tested it out with very little online information to back it up. Permanently. from $1,939, 11 days Transfer to Tbilisi. Leave Baku and head for the Caucasus Mountains in the northwest of Azerbaijan. Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. It is believed that almost half of worlds mud volcanoes are in Gobustan. Sign up for free and earn commission on every booking by registering as an accredited TourRadar Agent. The driving style takes some getting used to, and the roads arent the best in patches, but its still a fun experience. You will see how different it is from two previous capitals, especially with its colors Yerevan has a distinguished color in its basic architecture (spoiler: its pink!). Her could speak english but had no comprehension skills. Where to stay in Vanadzor: MagHay B&B (guesthouse); Downtown B&B (apartment). We'll end the day's activities at the hotel in Yerevan. Marshrutky can be a bit slow going and uncomfortable, but they are faster than large coach buses. Local guides from Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia are represented throughout the itinerary to ensure you receive a diverse and uniquely local range of perspectives. 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. The Caucasus occupies a seam of land between the Black and Caspian Seas. So much wealth of information that I wish we have more than 8 days to spend on a trip Im planning for April. Salam eleykim! Drive to Tbilisi, check-in to hotel. As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so its very unlikely youll be alone! You can visit in a day on this guided trip from Baku. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. Essential reading: What to expect when you stay at a guesthouse in Georgia. Accommodation displayed here should be taken as a guide only. At that time, I spent a month living in Tbilisi and two months travelling around. Armenias third-largest city, Vanadzor, is a good base for visiting the countrys two UNESCO-listed monasteries in the north. This cosy, family-run guesthouse is set in a picturesque stone and wood building surrounded by scenic mountains and forest. In the afternoon, drive to Armenias capital, Yerevan, where you will spend the next two evenings. Being one of the principal churches in Georgia, the monastery is also one of the most revered places in Caucasus. Shaki: Issam Hotelor similar. Yerevan to Dilijan is a very popular route. Travel is always an adventure and, as destinations reopen, there are a few challenges as everyone gets back up to speed and adjusts to the new normal. South-Western Georgia is characterised by the Lesser Caucasus mountains, dense forests and mineral springs. Travel through the Caucasus range towards Mount Kazbegi to reach the four-star Porta Caucasia Kazbegi Hotel. Great idea to limit yourself to two countries. If we decide to cut out Mestia/Ushguli, then I am thinking that the second part of the itinerary would look something like: Tblisi to Kutaisi, Kutaisi to Alkhaltsikhe, Alkhaltsikhe to Gyumri, Gyumri to Yerevan, Yerevan by overnight train to Batumi. Our first stop will be Dilijan where we'll visit fascinating handicraft workshops. Explore Georgia, Armenia & Azerbaijan - Best Georgia Tour - Expat Explore All Tours / Eastern Europe Tours / Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia From Baku in Azerbaijan, Tbilisi in Georgia to Yerevan in Armenia. For more information, including up-to-date transport advice, check out my guide to Tbilisis 15 best day trips. If not, then July is probably the better option. Its not a bad idea to add an extra afternoon in Gyumri to recuperate after the long overland journey from Georgia. Also, I was thinking of one cross country travel by train and another one by road (may be rent a car). I recently did a road trip in Georgia and loved it. Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Keep on wandering the new part of Baku and learn about XIX- XX centuries architecture: Nizami Ganjavi monument, Rasul-Zade Street, Nizami and Fountain square. Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. We only got to Gori. What top places would you recommend? Opera Suite Hotel is a four-star hotel situated in the heart of Yerevan, ideal for sightseeing. Then, after lunch at a local restaurant well take a wander around Baku city centre, and marvel at the quirky architecture. If you have any other questions Thank you for all your awesomeness information!! What order you choose to visit the three countries in doesnt really matter with one important exception: Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). I recorded my experiences with bus travel in Azerbaijan in case someone else needed the route info. Weather depending, you may catch a glimpse of Mt Kazbegi. If youre travelling in summer, there should be a marshrutka from Batumi bus station to Akhaltsikhe (6 hours travel time). We would really like to visit all 3 countries, but we also dont want too rush it too much(!). If you would like to spend some more time in Yerevan, we would be happy to arrange additional accommodation ahead of time (subject to availability). Finally, we'll take you to the hotel where we'll stay and rest until the following day. If you want to stop along the way, I recommend spending a bit extra on either a shared taxi or ideally a private transfer booked through GoTrip. Your email address will not be published. Recent events in Yerevan and Tbilisi have shown that this part of the world is still politically volatile. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. We had literally just been saying how surprised we were that we hadnt met any fellow aussies so far and, well there you go, we did! Appreciate your help. I have a list of family-run guesthouses in Georgia that I think would be suitable for kids. The Georgian restaurant is open for dinner and pairs well with a flavourful wine from the hotels own wine shop. Is a minimum number of participants required? What is your favourite spot in the Caucasus? Guesthouses in the Caucasus are like mini travel agents they offer meals, transport, tours, guides and trekking as well as accommodation. Azerbaijan Georgia Armenia Group Tour Geotrend Also kindly advise on the stay and travel with a toddler. Two days is the perfect amount of time to see Tbilisis highlights. These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure. Learn more. The meals that were included were very good. The Greater Caucasus Range moderates local climate by serving as a barrier against cold air from the north and the relatively small territory covers different climatic zones, which are determined by distance from the Black Sea and by altitude. Lahic is a small town and the only real thing to do here is walk around and enjoy the scenery. When combined into one itinerary, the South Caucasus makes for one of the most rewarding travel experiences you could possibly hope for. After breakfast, you'll meet your Armenian driver, new vehicle, and local guide, and drive to the reflective waters of Lake Sevan, nicknamed The Pearl of Armenia. I am very unsure about what to do on transport here, in terms of safety and length of the trip, and whether to include this at all. Yerevan to Gyumri: via train, 2 nights in Gyumri However, tickets are notoriously hard to come by, and flights often get cancelled or rescheduled at the last minute. from $2,079, Tbilisi Mtsketa Ananuri Stepantsminda Tbilisi, Yerevan city tour Etchmiadzin (UNESCO) Zvartnots (UNESCO) Yerevan, Yerevan Geghard (UNESCO) Garni Yerevan, Yerevan Lake Sevan Haghpat (UNESCO) Sadakhlo Tbilisi, Sakura LLC payment, cancellation and refund conditions, European Gems Amsterdam to Budapest (2022), Eastern Europe Escapade with Splendours of Eu, 10 Best Cultural Experiences in The World 2023/2024, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia Tour (12 days) Tours in Caucasus, Visit World Heritage Monasteries and painted churches, Admire breathtaking cave towns, gorges and valleys, Discover the worlds three oldest Caucasian countries, Tantalise your tastebuds with a glass of Georgian wine. Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Explore all Intrepid Travel styles: Basix, Original, Comfort and Premium. We are there for you! If you have any questions about this tour, then please don't hesitate to contact us 24/7 and we will get back to you latest within 2 hours! We plan to fly to Tbilisi in April and spend around 3 months in the region and have found your information will be invaluable to us as we plan our adventure! The fifty guest rooms, spread across two buildings, feature a classic charm with plenty of natural light and modern amenities. Take advantage of our 0% interest instalment plan on selected departures. Two full days is plenty enough to wander around the National Park and spend a half-day at the lake. 3. - The spacious rooms are well-appointed with modern decor and amenities, and come with high quality en suite bathrooms. Afterwards, we'll head to the History Museum and theMatenadaran Museum of Manuscripts to delve deeper into the history of the Armenian Genocide in 1915. We'll also visit Memorial Park and the famous local market Vernissage. Otherwise, you can hire a driver for the day to take you around (see this example itinerary I created on GoTrip). Free cancellation up to 10 days before the day of the activity. Book your Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan tour: Wide choice of exclusive, group & private tours to the Caucasus . I have now booked our flights but were flying in and out of Baku so well have to do the Azerbaijan part of the trip first. We really want to see Georgia and armenia so whats the best way to narrow your trip down a bit. US$ 2,658 See availability This 12 day tour of Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan will take you from Baku to Yerevan through the most magnificent locations in the Caucasus Mountains. What a crazy coincidence, but Im so glad it happened! and the perfect place to start your Caucasus adventure. Start on the Caspian Sea in the exciting Baku and travel through the wine fields in Georgia, see impressive churches and monasteries . Youre safe to skip Batumi unless you really want to see the beach. Im planning to be back in Juneit would be great to meet up! Here is a brief overview of the inbound transport options that are currently available. Im going to the Caucasus in April. This 12 day tour of Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan will take you from Baku to Yerevan through the most magnificent locationsin the Caucasus Mountains. On the road safety issue, would it be safer to hire a private driver than go by marshrutka on difficult roads? You will receive your confirmation immediately. Its here that you can find remote villages full of iconic stone towers set against a backdrop of dramatic mountains (the same Greater Caucasus you saw in the east, but from a different perspective). Rabies - Recommended for Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. While it is possible to cross into Georgia from Azerbaijan, the only way to travel to Azerbaijan from Georgia is by flying from Tbilisi to Baku. Otherwise, you can head out to explore more of Western Georgia. I hope to try out some of your trips and am excited about my adventure to this There are some long travel days on this adventure. First and foremost, the most recent edition of Lonely Planet Georgia, Armenia & Azerbaijan Travel Guide came in very handy for us, especially in the planning phase. There are a few places I wouldnt skip: Tbilisi, Davit Gareja, Kazbegi, Mestia (if you can get over that way); and in Armenia, Yerevan and the northern monasteries. Ive been meaning to put out a Georgia-Armenia itinerary but I havent had a chance. But I do it because Im really passionate about encouraging others to experience Georgia and the Caucasus. Do you have any tips on getting from Kakheti to Sheki and to Baku? When you land in Baku, we'llbe waiting for you in thearrivals terminal to take you to the hotel where you'llbe staying. Weather permitting, we may also be able to catch a glimpse of one the highest glaciers in the Caucasus Mt Kazbegi (5047m). Is it feasible and not too expensive to hire a driver to take us via Marteli Canyon (or other sites on the way) to either Ushguli or Mestia? There is one daily marshrutka from Vanadzor to Tbilisi at around 8.30am (4 hours travel time). Uncover the beauty and history the Caucasus countries have to offer over 12 days! Free time. Both offer pristine hiking and scenery and are easy to reach from Kazbegi. The guide in Azerbaijan had no idea what she was doing. Im so happy I came across your blog! Its a bit more expensive than Tbilisi or Yerevan but its one of the most intriguing places Ive ever been. There is a lot to do in Zugdidi, so Ive included a short stopover on the way back through. There are a few options for travelling between Gyumri and Yerevan. Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia 12 days Group Tour | 2022 - 2023 Thanks. I highly recommend joining a, This being the Caucasus, Baku also has a terrific. Read more on jam-news.net. There are currently no scheduled departures on our Premium Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia trip. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Continue to the see of Vagharshapat and visit the Etchmiadzin Cathedral, known as mother-church of the Armenian Apostolic Church and residence of the Catholicos of All Armenians. Wander through stall selling fresh produce and aromatic spices as your leader picks out delicious local specialties for you to try. During the tour, we'll take you to see Metekhi Church, Narikala Fortress, Sioni Cathedral, Anchiskhati Basilica, Holy Trinity Cathedral and Tsminda Sameba Temple. Bear in mind that onward transportation to Armenia starts from Akhaltsikhe. Sakura LLC has been operating on the Georgian and South Caucasus tourist markets since 2014. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Feel free to shoot me an email anytime if theres something else I can help with. Just keep in mind that you cant travelling from Azerbaijan overland right now so youll need to fly to Tbilisi. Alternatively, marshrutka vans leave throughout the day from 10am to 6pm from Gyumris main bus station (2.5-3 hours travel time). It sounds like the overnight train from Baku to Tbilsi still isnt running but just thought Id check if thats the case? This morning we will head to one of the highlights of Armenia - Tatev monastery - which is reached by the longest cable car in the world. It takes a few hours to cover Ushguli on foot, taking in the upper and lower villages (there are four distinct settlements in total, each with an impressive collection of towers). Continue on to the charming town of Dzoraget where you will spend the evening enjoying serene views of the Debed river. I would love feedback, especially on the sequencing of places, the amount of time to spend where, the proposed transportation modes, and what things to cut if we want a more relaxed pace or end up with only three weeks. Here is my current draft itinerary. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. In certain instances we may ask you to complete a travel questionnaire before confirming your booking in order to ensure your suitability. Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia Tour (12 days) - TourRadar Hi Miriam, thanks so much for your comment! Loved every minute of it. The hotel has rooftop solar panels, an outdoor heated pool and makes its own wines under the name Matisi, which guests can enjoy in the wine bar. Another question (your website is pretty much my whole world right now, thank you!) Up to 50% OFF. Batumi to Trabzon. Login to add activities to your favorites and access them from any device. Your hotel has many facilities including a bowling alley and a wellness centre. Inhabitants of Azerbaijan burned crude oil in their lamps before anyone knew what it was. Transfer to hotel. Its very cool to see the towers inner anatomy. Once arrived perhaps wander the old districts of Georgias capital, which are structured like terraces, and walk through the narrow streets to appreciate the colourful houses, patterned balconies and revamped modern architecture. English is widely spoken (especially in the cities and bigger towns), and as a general rule, people are extremely helpful. Some activities, including the trip to the high Caucasus around Kazbegi, are weather and road condition dependent. For this trip our suggested flights from the UK (subject to change) are shown below. I absolutely love your blog and have been reading it religiously over the last several weeks. After snacking you way thorugh the market, drive to Tbilisi with your leader. For the traveller who wants to see and experience it all, this is the mother of all Caucasus itineraries. After having breakfast at the hotel, we'll go to the historiccentreand learn all about the history of one of the few places in the world where an Orthodox church, a Catholic church, a synagogue and a mosque coexist. We'll visit the museum, where a fragment of "Noah's Ark" is still preserved. and this can happen with little or no notice. Its also possible to pre-book a private transfer using GoTrip. Thank you for taking out time and sharing your experiences. The Absheron Peninsula: There are more geological wonders (including Yanar Dag, the flaming hillside) to be found across the Absheron Peninsula, which extends east of Baku into the Caspian Sea. Thank you so much! In my opinion, this is the absolute minimum amount of time youll need to do the region justice. Start Point Baku End Point There is a van departing Mestia every morning with additional services added during peak season. 7. I was wondering if you have seen any good / bad interactions with black travellers in the region. There are two roads connecting Batumi with Akhaltsikhe and Borjomi. The Pankisi Valley Tourism and Development Association, a groundbreaking grassroots tourism initiative, is working to change perceptions about Pankisi and bring more tourists to the area. En route to Sheki, there will be stops at the Yeddi Gumbaz Mausoleum and the Juma Mosque in Shamakhi. This was a bonus and we enjoyed the Black sea and all the sites in Batumi. Back to Tblisi (marshrutka) and on to Yerevan via overnight train, 1 night in Yerevan (2 full days after early a.m. train arrival and late departure to Gyumri; but should this be 2 nights, perhaps with only one night in Gyumri?) Another distinguishing feature of the site is a magnificent view that surrounds the place snowy mountains everywhere your eyes could see. This Persian Palace was originally built as the summer home of the Consul of Iran in the late 1800's, and is brimming with history and stunning architectural details. - Everywhere else, we like to stay in family-run guesthouses. Depending on what time of year youre travelling, the stopover might be mandatory (direct vans from Kutaisi to Mestia only run during the summer months). Baku: Holiday InnHotelor similar. And I wrote out a humble itinerary in the hope that other travellers might find it helpful. Important note: In 2020, Azerbaijan closed its land borders to foreign travellers. The main topics of the day in Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, live All recommendations are based on my own experience living in Georgia and travelling around Armenia and Azerbaijan on various trips over the past five years. Arrive in Kazbegi, change a vehicle for 4-wheel-drive cars to get to Gergeti Holy Trinity church, nestled on top of one of the highest hills at 2170 meters above sea level. Im open to any of your suggestion as Im really lost at the moment and dont even know where to begin. For example, if you arrive on a Wednesday, you'll need to book your return flight for theSunday of the following week. The season normally runs from December to April. Alternatively, extend your time in the Caucasus by adding on one of the alternative destinations listed below. Always double-check times locally. You may like to try some khinkali, which are spicy dumplings, or chakapuli, a herby and flavoursome stew. Today you will visit Mtskheta, the ancient capital and religious centre of Georgia. Exploring further this ancient land, we will drive via Lake Sevan, one of the worlds largest high altitude lakes (1900m) on our way to visit the medevial Sevanavank Monastery. Make en route stop at the Noravank (new monastery) complex. 2. Here we will visit the fascinating Stalin Museum (which remains unchanged since its Cold War era opening), before heading on to the ancient remains of the Uplistsikhe cave city. Hi Cathy! All Rights Reserved. After breakfast at the hotel, we'll head north of Tbilisi. For Sheki to Ismaili, take a marshrutka (2.5 hours travel time) or taxi (2 hours travel time). This is an abridged version of the above itinerary, trimmed down to fit into 3 weeks. Learned a lot from your writings and your photos are amazing ! If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below. Watch arid landscapes give way to verdant hillsides and majestic snow-capped mountains on this eye-opening 15-day adventure through Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia. Id recommend only staying in the capitals and doing day trips. Afterwards, drive up the renowned Georgian Military Highway, which eventually leads to the GeorgiaRussia border. This was the residence of the Dukes of Georgia, and it has a beautiful English garden, a museum and a wine cellar that oncebelonged to Prince Chavchavadze. We like experiences, like bathhouses, rafting/canoeing/kayaking, home stays and cooking classes. For a shorter and more in-depth itinerary, here are my recommendations for spending 10-14 days in Georgia and Azerbaijan. And Im not kidding when I say that your blog helped me so much, I honestly believe it would have been a very different trip if I hadnt come across Wander-lush! Englishspeaking guide for all guided tours, 11 nights' accommodation in double rooms at 3 or 4star hotels with breakfast, Visa for Azerbaijan: 30 (US$ 32.10) per person. If we dont self drive, how do we visit the different areas you suggested? Located near to Goris famous Stalin Museum, the Georgia Gold Hotel is arguably the best hotel in Gori yet still relatively modest in comparison with options available in other cities. At the end of the tour, we'll returnto the hotel. Home Azerbaijan Tours Georgia, Armenia & Azerbaijan Summer Collection Save up to 500 per person on a host of Summer 2023 escapes. Happy planning! From Gudauri in about 2-hour drive the group will arrive to the cave town Uplistsikhe the magnificent remains of an ancient pagan settlement where all the houses used to be carved inside the rocks. It may sound obvious but Wild Frontiers tours are not always for everyone and it is important to us that the tour you choose is the most suitable. Do you have a customer account? Avoid very long trips, and consider hiring an experienced private driver for treacherous mountain roads. The palace once serving as a summer residence of khans nowadays impresses with its lavish dsign and surrounding chinar trees. The hotels we'll be staying in are the following or similar: Baku: DiplomatHotel or similar. The town of Oni has a fascinating Jewish history is an ideal place to base your stay. It takes the better part of a day to get up to Mestia, so make sure you factor the long road journey into your plans. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure. In the early 20th century, Kutaisi was considered the intellectual and cultural capital of Georgia. Oooh please visit the Intrepid Group website -. and..its just out of curiosity, how are we suppose to dress up there, i mean is short and tank-top acceptable or do we need to properly cover up, because as i heard that these beautiful country has such a strong religious believe. We will be referring to all your posts as we go and will share the information with others. This is one of the oldest cities in Azerbaijan, so historical activities (museums, cultural centres) as well as parks and bazaars are the most popular activities for tourists. You'll be drivento a local winery for a tasting of the country's typical wine. Check with your insurance provider first if you plan to travel there. All information here is based on my own experience travelling around the Caucasus and living in Georgia, backed up by hundreds of hours of research and forum trawling to bring you the most logical route and up-to-date travel information. The border between Georgia and Armenia is open. Heres everything you need to design the perfect 2-6 week Georgia Armenia Azerbaijan itinerary including what to see, what to skip, and transport, food and accommodation advice. This is our base for the next two nights and is one of the countrys highlights. 3. I have formatted this guide as a detailed day-by-day itinerary. Learn to make traditional Armenian dishes with a local family and stop at Lake Sevan for a view of one of the largest alpine lakes in the world. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Tuberculosis - Recommended for Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. We arent try to see everything, and dont want to feel like we are racing from one sight to the next. Beautiful, rocky Armenia was the first country to adopt Christianity as its official religion. Its nineteen rooms are simply but stylishly furnished with local carpets and furniture. To get to the centre of Kutaisi from Rioni, you can take city bus #3 for 60 tetri or a taxi for ~10 GEL. We plan to travel for about eight weeks, and are thinking of allocating 3-4 weeks at the beginning of our trip (starting the first week of June) to the Caucasus, and then go on to Turkey and a few Greek islands. Lahic, Azerbaijans craft capital, is known for its charming cobbled streets lined with blacksmiths, coppersmiths, carpet weavers, and other traditional artisans plying their trades. We dont like things that are overrun with tourists, and generally dont like tours. Thank you so much for sharing the valuable post. 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