Itinerary Details
1 Arrive Baku, Azerbaijan
Set along the shores of the Caspian Sea, Baku is a striking introduction to the Caucasus, where centuries-old heritage meets bold contemporary design. Within the walled Old Town, cobbled streets wind past caravanserais and the iconic Maiden Tower, while beyond, the city’s modern skyline rises in dramatic contrast, including the fluid curves of the Heydar Aliyev Center. Your stay is at the Four Seasons Hotel Baku, ideally positioned along the waterfront with views across the Old City and sea.
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2 Baku – Ancient Echoes
Discover Baku through its layered history and architectural contrasts. At Martyr’s Lane, a park and memorial to those who fought for independence, views of the city and the Bay of Baku await. The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, invites further exploration. Wander along cobbled alleyways, pausing at Shirvan Shah’s Palace, the last residence of the Shirvan rulers, before viewing the iconic Maiden Tower and the Heydar Aliyev Center.
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3 Sheki – Vineyard Experience
Travel west through the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains, pausing in Shamakhi to visit the historic Juma Mosque, built on the site of an ancient Zoroastrian temple. Continue to the Savalan Winery for a tasting and lunch overlooking the surrounding vineyards. Arrive in the Silk Road town of Sheki, known for its trading history and preserved architecture, and settle in ahead of a traditional local dinner.
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4 Kakheti & Tbilisi – Into Georgia’s Wine Country
Cross into Georgia and journey into Kakheti, a region framed by the Greater Caucasus and renowned as the birthplace of winemaking. Drive through vineyard-lined landscapes, stopping for a winery visit with lunch and tastings, before continuing to the hilltop town of Sighnaghi. Meander its cobbled streets and fortified walls before arriving in Tbilisi, where the evening is at leisure.
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5 Tbilisi – Layers Of The Capital
Explore Tbilisi’s atmospheric Old Town on a guided walk through its winding streets. Visit landmarks including Metekhi Church, Sioni Cathedral and a 19th-century synagogue, while admiring the city’s distinctive curved, wooden balconies. Ascend to Narikala Fortress for sweeping views across the capital before returning to the city, with time to explore the National Museum of Fine Arts or Georgian National Museum.
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6 Kazbegi – Crossroads Of Europe And Asia
Perched atop a cliff near Mtskheta, cruciform-shaped Jvari Monastery — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — overlooks the Aragvi and Mtkvari Rivers. Descend into the valley to Svetitskhoveli, its cathedral where Christ’s robe is said to be buried. The winding Georgian Military Highway leads to the medieval Ananuri Fortress Complex, former home of the Dukes of Aragvi. Arrive in the village of Kazbegi, nestled amidst dramatic mountain peaks.
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7 Kazbegi – Artisans At Work
Rising high above Kazbegi, Mount Kazbek is the site where Prometheus was chained. Perched on its flank, 7,100 feet up, Gergeti Trinity Church offers a breathtaking view and a glimpse into the region’s dramatic history. Hike or drive up to reach it before visiting a local felt studio and sitting down to lunch with a local family.
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8 Tbilisi – Rock-Cut Architecture
Return to Tbilisi, stopping at Château Mukhrani for lunch paired with local wine. In rock-hewn Uplistsikhe, explore echoing halls, ancient wine presses carved in stone, meandering streets and the remains of Georgia’s oldest theater, carved into the rocky plateau.
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9 Yerevan, Armenia – Monastic Complex
Cross the Georgia-Armenia border by road, continuing toward Yerevan with a stop at medieval Haghpat Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the mountainous spa town of Dilijan Old Sharambeyan Arts and Crafts Street is ideal for a stroll, a cup of coffee in hand. You’re then invited to the home of a Russian Molokanskaya family for tea and homemade pastries. For a scenic break en route to Yerevan, Lake Sevan is perched along the banks of the Hrazdan River.
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10 Yerevan – Traditions Brought To Life
Discover one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited metropolises on a guided tour of Yerevan. Visit Republic Square, the Matenadaran Museum of Ancient Manuscripts and the Cascade complex, home to the Cafesjian Center for the Arts. Pause for lunch at the Megerian Carpet Factory paired with a culinary masterclass of Armenian Dolma, before visiting a local musician’s home for an intimate performance of traditional Armenian music.
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11 Yerevan – Monasteries And Living Traditions
Begin at Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site carved into the cliffs of the Azat Gorge, where a choral performance highlights its remarkable acoustics. The Temple of Garni then offers a Hellenistic-era glimpse into pre-Christian Armenia. A traditional Armenian lavash baking ceremony in a local home invites you to partake, savoring freshly baked bread with barbecued meats, spicy peppers and curds. At the Symphony of Stones, see a natural wonder formed millions of years ago. Armenian spirits and a tour at the Ararat Brandy Factory cap the day.
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12 Depart Yerevan
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