Experience three countries through their architecture, landscapes, food and living traditions. Beginning in Baku and finishing in Yerevan, this journey combines guided exploration with time to pause, enjoy local hospitality and discover each destination at a comfortable pace.

Duration: 16 days / 15 nightsStarting point: Baku, AzerbaijanFinishing point: Yerevan, ArmeniaTravel style: Cultural sightseeing, scenic journeys and local experiences

Programme note: The following schedule is indicative. Visit order, travel times and access may change according to arrival dates, weather, traffic, border procedures and local operating arrangements. Hotel names, room categories and included services will be specified in the final quotation.

Day 1 – Arrival in Baku

Welcome to Azerbaijan

Arrive at Baku International Airport, where your journey through the Caucasus begins. A planned airport transfer takes you to your hotel, followed by time to rest after your flight.

Depending on your arrival time, spend the late afternoon exploring independently or enjoying a relaxed introduction to the city. Keep this first day flexible so that you can settle in without rushing.

Suggested schedule

• Arrival time: Airport meeting and transfer.

• From 14:00: Planned hotel check-in, subject to the selected hotel’s policy.

• 16:30–18:00: Optional introductory walk.

• 19:00 onwards: Dinner at leisure and rest.

Programme duration: Arrival-dependentEstimated driving distance: 25–35 kmMeals planned: Dinner at leisureOvernight: Baku

Day 2 – Baku City Tour – Gobustan – Baku

Historic Streets and Prehistoric Landscapes

After breakfast, meet your guide for a day combining Baku’s historic centre with the archaeological landscape of Gobustan.

Begin with a panoramic stop, then explore Icheri Sheher. Baku’s walled city, together with the Shirvanshahs’ Palace and Maiden Tower, forms a UNESCO World Heritage property. The visit introduces the city’s historic architecture before the journey continues beyond the capital.

After a lunch break, visit Gobustan. Its rock engravings record aspects of human life across different periods, including hunting, beliefs and everyday activities. The landscape was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2007. Allow time to examine the carvings rather than treating the reserve simply as a photo stop.

A mud-volcano visit can follow when local access and conditions allow.

Suggested schedule

• 08:00–09:00: Breakfast.

• 09:00–09:30: Guide meeting and panoramic stop.

• 09:30–12:00: Guided exploration of the historic centre.

• 12:00–13:00: Lunch break.

• 13:00–14:15: Drive towards Gobustan.

• 14:15–16:00: Museum and rock-art visit.

• 16:00–17:00: Mud-volcano excursion, conditions permitting.

• 17:00–18:30: Return journey.

• 19:30: Planned welcome dinner.

Programme duration: Approximately 10–11 hours, plus dinnerEstimated driving distance: 140–170 kmMeals planned: Breakfast, lunch stop, welcome dinnerOvernight: Baku

Day 3 – Baku – Ateshgah – Baku

Fire Worship and Contemporary Design

Today’s programme explores contrasting aspects of Azerbaijan’s cultural identity.

Travel to Ateshgah on the Absheron Peninsula. The temple is associated with communities of fire worshippers and was revered at different times by Zoroastrians, Hindus and Sikhs. Its history offers an introduction to the religious exchanges that connected this region with distant trading communities.

Return to Baku for a planned visit to the Heydar Aliyev Centre. Leave the afternoon relatively open, giving you time to explore independently or relax before the following day’s longer journey.

Suggested schedule

• 08:00–09:00: Breakfast.

• 09:00–10:00: Drive to the Absheron Peninsula.

• 10:00–11:15: Guided temple visit.

• 11:15–12:15: Return towards central Baku.

• 12:15–13:15: Lunch break.

• 13:30–15:00: Cultural-centre visit, subject to opening arrangements.

• From 15:00: Free time.

Programme duration: Approximately 6 hoursEstimated driving distance: 50–80 kmMeals planned: Breakfast and lunch stopOvernight: Baku

Day 4 – Baku – Shamakhi – Lahij – Sheki

Mountain Roads and Traditional Craftsmanship

Leave Baku after breakfast for a full day on the road, with sightseeing and rest stops between the longer driving sections.

The proposed route includes Diri Baba and Shamakhi before continuing towards Lahij, weather and road conditions permitting. Diri Baba is a 15th-century monument, adding an early historical stop to the journey.

In Lahij, explore the village on foot and look for opportunities to meet local craftspeople. Archaeological finds indicate a long history of settlement, while the village’s surviving streets and craft traditions make it particularly rewarding to explore slowly.

Continue to Sheki in the late afternoon. This is a transfer day with several visits, so the evening is reserved for check-in and rest.

Suggested schedule

• 07:30–08:30: Breakfast and check-out.

• 08:30–10:00: Departure and first driving section.

• 10:00–10:45: Diri Baba visit.

• 10:45–12:00: Continue to Shamakhi and visit.

• 12:00–13:00: Lunch break.

• 13:00–14:00: Scenic drive towards Lahij.

• 14:00–15:15: Village walk and workshop stops.

• 15:15–19:00: Continue to Sheki, including a rest stop.

Programme duration: Approximately 10–11 hoursEstimated driving distance: 340–380 kmMeals planned: Breakfast and lunch stopOvernight: Sheki

Day 5 – Sheki – Georgian Border – Kakheti

From Silk-Trade Heritage to Georgian Wine Country

Begin with Sheki’s palace and historic surroundings before travelling towards Georgia.

Sheki developed through trade and craftsmanship. Its historic centre and Khan’s Palace reflect the prosperity generated by silk production and commerce, particularly from the late 18th into the 19th century.

Inside the palace, look closely at the decorative windows. The traditional shebeke technique combines small wooden elements and coloured glass without glue or nails, creating intricate patterns of light.

After the sightseeing programme, continue towards the border. Following formalities, proceed to Kakheti for a planned winery visit and an introduction to Georgian hospitality. The afternoon schedule remains flexible to accommodate the crossing.

Suggested schedule

• 07:30–08:30: Breakfast and check-out.

• 08:30–09:15: Market walk, time permitting.

• 09:30–11:00: Palace and historic-centre visit.

• 11:00–13:00: Drive towards the border.

• From 13:00: Border formalities and onward transfer.

• Late afternoon: Planned winery visit and meal.

• Evening: Hotel arrival and rest.

Programme duration: Approximately 9–11 hoursEstimated driving distance: 180–240 kmMeals planned: Breakfast and winery mealOvernight: Kakheti

Day 6 – Kakheti at Leisure

A Day to Enjoy Wine Country

After several active days, enjoy a more relaxed programme. The morning is deliberately unhurried, with time for breakfast, a walk and independent relaxation.

For travellers who would like a more active day, an optional local excursion can be arranged. Suggested activities include a visit to Telavi and a meeting with a wine producer or craftsperson. These visits require advance coordination and are priced separately unless included in your quotation.

For historical context, the following day’s visit to Tsinandali introduces the Chavchavadze family, whose estate became an important meeting place for writers, musicians and public figures in 19th-century Georgia.

Suggested schedule

• 08:00–10:00: Breakfast.

• 10:00–13:00: Free time or optional excursion.

• 13:00–14:00: Lunch at leisure.

• 14:00–17:00: Relaxation or a pre-booked local experience.

• 19:00 onwards: Dinner at leisure.

Programme duration: Flexible; optional excursion approximately 4–5 hoursEstimated driving distance: No scheduled transfer; optional route to be confirmedMeals planned: Breakfast; other meals at leisureOvernight: Kakheti

Day 7 – Kakheti – Tsinandali – Sighnaghi – Bodbe – Tbilisi

Literature, Wine and Spiritual Heritage

Start with Tsinandali, where the house museum and park introduce the world of Prince Alexander Chavchavadze. The estate connects Georgian literary history with the development of winemaking and the cultural exchanges of the 19th century.

After a planned local lunch, continue to Sighnaghi for a relaxed walk and time to enjoy the views.

Visit Bodbe before departing for Tbilisi. The monastery is associated with Saint Nino, the central figure in the spread of Christianity in Georgia during the 4th century. According to Georgian religious tradition, her burial place is preserved here.

Suggested schedule

• 08:00–09:00: Breakfast and check-out.

• 09:00–10:00: Transfer to Tsinandali.

• 10:00–11:30: Museum and park visit.

• 12:00–13:30: Planned local lunch.

• 13:30–14:30: Drive to Sighnaghi.

• 14:30–15:30: Town walk and free time.

• 15:45–16:30: Bodbe visit.

• 16:30–18:30: Continue to Tbilisi.

Programme duration: Approximately 9–10 hoursEstimated driving distance: 180–220 kmMeals planned: Breakfast and local lunchOvernight: Tbilisi

Day 8 – Tbilisi City Tour

The Stories Behind Georgia’s Capital

Discover Tbilisi through a guided walk, with stops for architecture, viewpoints and everyday city life.

Begin around Metekhi, then explore the historic centre and sulphur-bath district. The city’s foundation legend connects King Vakhtang Gorgasali with the discovery of hot springs. This is a traditional account rather than a documented description of the city’s beginnings; Tbilisi’s history also reflects its long role as a meeting point for different peoples and cultures.

Continue through the old streets towards Sioni, Anchiskhati and the Gabriadze clock-tower area. Allow time to pause at a café or browse independently before crossing the Bridge of Peace.

Suggested schedule

• 08:00–09:00: Breakfast.

• 09:30–10:30: Metekhi area and introductory walk.

• 10:30–12:00: Historic streets, viewpoints and bath district.

• 12:00–13:00: Lunch break.

• 13:00–14:30: Church visits and old-town walk.

• 14:30–15:00: Bridge of Peace and Rike Park.

• 15:00–18:30: Free time.

• 19:00: Planned Georgian dinner.

Programme duration: Approximately 5–6 hours, plus dinnerEstimated driving distance: 5–15 kmMeals planned: Breakfast, lunch stop and Georgian dinnerOvernight: Tbilisi

Day 9 – Tbilisi – Jvari – Mtskheta – Kazbegi – Gudauri

Georgia’s Ancient Capital and Mountain Heritage

Depart early for one of the journey’s fullest sightseeing days.

First visit Jvari and Mtskheta. Mtskheta served as the capital of the ancient kingdom of Kartli and remained a major spiritual centre after the capital moved to Tbilisi. Its UNESCO-listed monuments include Jvari, Svetitskhoveli and Samtavro. The present Svetitskhoveli Cathedral dates principally from the 11th century, standing on a site with earlier churches.

Continue north, allowing time for lunch and roadside breaks. In the Kazbegi area, visit Gergeti Trinity Church, a medieval monument whose mountain setting makes it one of Georgia’s most recognisable landmarks. The mountain section is weather-dependent.

Suggested schedule

• 07:00–08:00: Breakfast.

• 08:00–09:15: Departure and Jvari visit.

• 09:30–10:30: Mtskheta and Svetitskhoveli.

• 10:30–13:00: Mountain drive with a comfort stop.

• 13:00–14:00: Lunch break.

• 14:00–15:30: Continue towards Kazbegi.

• 15:30–17:00: Planned Gergeti excursion.

• 17:00–18:30: Drive to Gudauri.

• Evening: Check-in and dinner at leisure.

Programme duration: Approximately 10–11 hoursEstimated driving distance: 230–270 kmMeals planned: Breakfast and lunch stopOvernight: Gudauri

Day 10 – Gudauri – Ananuri – Uplistsikhe – Gori – Tbilisi

Fortified Walls and a City Carved in Stone

Travel south after breakfast, stopping at Ananuri. The complex combines religious and defensive buildings, with surviving architecture largely associated with the 16th–18th centuries. Its position beside today’s Zhinvali Reservoir makes the visit both historical and scenic.

Continue to Uplistsikhe. This rock-cut settlement preserves spaces used for public life, worship and winemaking. Walking through its carved passages and open areas helps visitors imagine a functioning settlement rather than a collection of isolated caves.

A Gori stop follows before the return to Tbilisi. A museum visit can be incorporated if requested and confirmed in the final programme.

Suggested schedule

• 07:30–08:30: Breakfast and check-out.

• 08:30–10:00: Drive to Ananuri.

• 10:00–10:45: Fortress visit.

• 10:45–13:00: Continue towards Uplistsikhe.

• 13:00–14:00: Lunch break.

• 14:00–15:30: Guided cave-town visit.

• 15:30–17:00: Gori stop and optional museum visit.

• 17:00–18:30: Return to Tbilisi.

Programme duration: Approximately 10 hoursEstimated driving distance: 250–300 kmMeals planned: Breakfast and lunch stopOvernight: Tbilisi

Day 11 – Free Day in Tbilisi

Explore Your Own Interests

Enjoy an independent day with no compulsory departure. This pause gives you time to revisit a favourite neighbourhood, browse shops or arrange a special-interest experience.

For a historical theme, consider a museum visit or a walk focused on the city’s layers of architecture. Tbilisi’s development reflects centuries of contact with neighbouring empires and communities, making it rewarding to explore beyond its best-known viewpoints.

Optional activities may include a food experience, a guided neighbourhood walk or a sulphur-bath booking. Availability and charges are confirmed separately.

Suggested schedule

• 08:00–10:00: Breakfast.

• 10:00–13:00: Independent exploration or pre-booked activity.

• 13:00–14:00: Lunch at leisure.

• 14:00–18:00: Free time.

• Evening: Dinner at leisure.

Programme duration: FlexibleDriving distance: No scheduled transportMeals planned: Breakfast; other meals at leisureOvernight: Tbilisi

Day 12 – Tbilisi – Armenian Border – Haghpat – Lake Sevan – Yerevan

Monastic Learning and Mountain-Lake Scenery

Leave Tbilisi early for Armenia. After completing border formalities, continue into the Lori region for Haghpat.

Haghpat belongs to the UNESCO-listed property shared with Sanahin. These monasteries became important centres of learning and represent the development of Armenian religious architecture between the 10th and 13th centuries. Their buildings reflect both local traditions and wider architectural influences.

After lunch, continue towards Lake Sevan and Sevanavank. The monastery’s surviving churches include 9th-century structures, introducing another period of Armenian ecclesiastical architecture. Continue to Yerevan in the evening.

Suggested schedule

• 06:30–07:30: Breakfast and check-out.

• 07:30–09:00: Drive towards the border.

• 09:00–10:30: Provisional allowance for formalities.

• 10:30–12:00: Continue to Haghpat and visit.

• 12:00–13:00: Lunch break.

• 13:00–16:00: Scenic drive with a comfort stop.

• 16:00–17:00: Lake Sevan and monastery visit.

• 17:00–18:30: Continue to Yerevan.

Programme duration: Approximately 11 hours; border delays may extend the dayEstimated driving distance: 330–380 kmMeals planned: Breakfast and lunch stopOvernight: Yerevan

Day 13 – Yerevan – Etchmiadzin – Yerevan

Armenia’s Spiritual and Urban Identity

Begin with a visit to Etchmiadzin, an essential stop for understanding Armenian Christian heritage.

The cathedral and associated churches form part of a UNESCO World Heritage property. Their architecture illustrates the development of Armenian church design and its influence across the region. During the visit, your guide can explain how the religious complex evolved rather than presenting it as a building from a single period.

Return to Yerevan for lunch and an introduction to the city. The proposed afternoon combines the Cascade area with a central walk. A memorial visit can be included with appropriate time for reflection.

Suggested schedule

• 08:00–09:00: Breakfast.

• 09:00–10:00: Transfer to Etchmiadzin.

• 10:00–11:30: Guided visit; museum access subject to confirmation.

• 11:30–12:30: Return to Yerevan.

• 12:30–13:30: Lunch break.

• 13:30–14:30: Planned memorial visit.

• 15:00–17:00: Cascade area and central-city walk.

• Evening: Free time.

Programme duration: Approximately 8 hoursEstimated driving distance: 50–80 kmMeals planned: Breakfast and lunch stopOvernight: Yerevan

Day 14 – Yerevan – Khor Virap – Noravank – Areni – Yerevan

Pilgrimage, Medieval Art and Ancient Winemaking

Travel south for a day connecting religious heritage with archaeology.

Begin at Khor Virap, a site associated with Saint Gregory the Illuminator and the story of Armenia’s adoption of Christianity. Continue to Noravank, where the setting and stone decoration invite a slower visit. Armenian monasteries such as Noravank also supported learning and manuscript culture, giving them a role beyond worship.

After lunch, visit Areni-1 Cave. Archaeological discoveries include an early winemaking installation, grape remains and a remarkably preserved leather shoe. The winemaking evidence dates to around 4000 BC. Artefacts and excavation areas should be distinguished: not every original discovery is displayed inside the cave.

Suggested schedule

• 07:00–08:00: Breakfast.

• 08:00–09:00: Drive to Khor Virap.

• 09:00–10:00: Monastery visit.

• 10:00–12:00: Continue towards Noravank.

• 12:00–13:00: Guided monastery visit.

• 13:00–14:00: Lunch break.

• 14:30–15:30: Areni-1 Cave visit.

• 15:30–18:00: Return journey with a comfort stop.

Programme duration: Approximately 10 hoursEstimated driving distance: 240–290 kmMeals planned: Breakfast and lunch stopOvernight: Yerevan

Day 15 – Yerevan – Garni – Symphony of Stones – Geghard – Yerevan

Classical Architecture and Churches Carved into Rock

Today brings together the two Armenian landmarks featured in our tour banner: Garni and Geghard.

Begin at Garni. The temple belongs to Armenia’s ancient architectural heritage, while the wider fortified site served royal and defensive purposes. Its classical forms offer a striking contrast with the Christian monuments visited during the journey.

Continue to the Symphony of Stones for a landscape stop before lunch.

In the afternoon, explore Geghard. Its present appearance developed principally during the medieval period, with buildings and chambers integrated into the surrounding rock. The name is connected with the tradition of the holy spear once associated with the monastery.

Return to Yerevan with time to refresh before a planned farewell dinner.

Suggested schedule

• 08:00–09:00: Breakfast.

• 09:00–10:00: Drive to Garni.

• 10:00–11:00: Guided temple visit.

• 11:00–12:00: Symphony of Stones excursion.

• 12:00–13:00: Lunch break.

• 13:00–13:30: Continue to Geghard.

• 13:30–15:00: Monastery visit.

• 15:00–16:00: Return to Yerevan.

• 19:00: Planned farewell dinner.

Programme duration: Approximately 7 hours, plus dinnerEstimated driving distance: 80–110 kmMeals planned: Breakfast, lunch stop and farewell dinnerOvernight: Yerevan

Day 16 – Departure from Yerevan

Farewell to the Caucasus

Enjoy breakfast and prepare for departure. Your transfer will be arranged around your confirmed flight schedule.

If your flight leaves later in the day, luggage storage or additional hotel time can be requested. Late check-out depends on availability and may carry an additional charge.

An onward transfer to Tbilisi can also be quoted separately. This requires a different departure plan and is not interchangeable with a standard Yerevan airport transfer.

Suggested schedule

• Morning: Breakfast and packing.

• By the hotel’s check-out time: Room check-out.

• Flight-dependent: Airport transfer with an appropriate check-in allowance.

Programme duration: Departure-dependentEstimated driving distance: 15–25 km for the airport transferMeals planned: Breakfast, subject to departure timeOvernight: Not scheduled

Price & Booking

Starting from US$7,360 per person.

Request a quotation for your preferred dates and group size. Your written offer will identify the selected hotels, room arrangements, transport, guiding, admission fees, meals and any optional activities.

Meals mentioned in this itinerary describe planned meal stops. Only services expressly listed in your final quotation are included in the price.

Phoenix Tours Georgia

WhatsApp: +995 579 222 441

Email: hello@phoenixtoursgeo.com

Website: https://www.phoenixtoursgeo.com/