fbpx

Peregrine Travel Centre

Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia Adventure

Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia Adventure

From $ 7,255 AUD

Book Now Request a callback
Email Us Print
,

Description

Head off the beaten track on a 20-day adventure through the Caucuses region, where historical Old Towns and monasteries sit alongside towering skyscrapers. With a local leader by your side, you’ll journey from the Caspian Sea to huge, shimmering lakes, stopping at wineries, small villages, jazzy capitals and the serene countryside. Enjoy hearty home-cooked meals and winery visits, hike to deserted monasteries and the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church and stay overnight in a lake cottage supporting inclusiveness. This trip shows you all the local bits (and highlights) of this gorgeous mountainous area.

Trip Name
Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia Adventure
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
20
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Support local communities – visit the first café in Armenia to provide employment opportunities to people living with disabilities, stay by Lake Sevan at a local NGO committed to inclusivity and attend a cooking class where the local women work to preserve Armenian culture.
  • Enjoy the best local hospitality and get to know the people – head to a Kakheti home for a home-cooked lunch, soak up the scenery (and the drops) in Georgia and Armenia during winery visits and do it all with a local leader by your side.
  • Hike among the Caucasus Mountains to the 14th-century Gergeti Trinity Church, which sits in isolation at 2170 m above sea level. Then, visit Khor Virap Monastery and Sevanavank Monastery for a view just as impressive as the history.
  • Explore the Dilijan National Park to Matosavank and Jukhtakvank Monasteries on foot. Discover the area that’s now reclaimed by time and nature and take in the beautiful scenery on hikes.
  • Veer off the tourist track and explore the lesser visited Georgia – see the Soviet ghost town of Tskhaltubo to wander the abandoned sanatoriums, explore Vardzia’s Cave Town to learn about 12th-century history and walk to Borjomi’s natural mineral springs.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk., There is a chance of potential changes to the itinerary due to heavy rain, flooding and snow at higher elevations, which often affect roads and bridges, making travel difficult or impossible (particularly in remote areas). Your tour leader will advise of the revised itinerary in such unexpected situations.

Day 1 - Baku
Salam! Welcome to Azerbaijan. Your adventure begins in Baku, with a welcome meeting at 6 pm this evening. If you arrive early, maybe walk around Baku Boulevard, a promenade that stretches along the Caspian Sea – the world’s largest inland body of water. After the meeting, join your leader for a night walk around Azerbaijan’s capital, where they’ll highlight the best spots for dinner. Maybe get your group together for some traditional Azerbaijani dishes, like plov (seasoned rice) or dolma (stuffed vegetables).
Day 2 - Baku
This morning, drive to Qobustan – also known as Gobustan National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s famous for its ancient rock carvings and mud volcanoes. Stop on the way to check out these geological formations as they spew mud and gas. Azerbaijan has more clay craters than anywhere else in the world, so you’re in the right place for spotting them! The rock carvings in Qobustan date back to the Stone Age, giving humans today an insight into daily life all those years ago. With over 6000 petroglyphs on display, Qobustan is often referred to as one of the largest open-air museums in the world. Return to Baku in the afternoon and visit the walled Old Town with your leader, who’ll bring its legends and history to life. Enjoy a free evening to explore the city at your own pace. Maybe eat at a restaurant on Nizami Street – a busy boulevard with lots of authentic Azerbaijani cuisine.
Day 3 - Lahij
Leave Baku this morning and enjoy the change of scenery as the dry landscape giving way to the densely forested mountains along the way. Stop en route in Shamakhi and check out one of the oldest mosques of Azerbaijan - Juma (Friday) Mosque, then onto your final destination for today - the stunning traditional village of Lahij for Tats people. Explore its cobbled streets, stone houses, visit a copper workshop and get to know some local folk over a cup of tea.Then try your hand at yogurt making in the traditional way, an important part of Azerbaijan cuisine. Your accommodation tonight is at a local guesthouse.
Day 4 - Sheki
After breakfast, head to Nij village, a settlement of the Udi people who are the direct descendants of ancient Caucasian Albanians. Most the world’s surviving Udi people call Nij home, giving the community a unique culture. Visit the unassuming site of a significant church and a local museum of Udi Culture. The Albanian Church (as it’s known colloquially) is a source of pride and heritage for the local Udi community. Continue to Sheki afterwards and enjoy a free evening.
Day 5 - Sheki
Visit the Palace of Sheki Khans first in the morning. The walls of the palace are painted with scenes of hunting and war and it features impressive stained glass. Afterwards check out a workshop where shebeke – stained glass windows made with no glue or nails – are produced by local masters witih skills past down through generations of practices. Then get on a local public bus to Kish to visit the pointed spires of a church that is among the oldest in Christendom, believed to be around 1700 years old. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to discover Sheki. Why not explore the impressive traditional architecture on foot. Maybe stop for tea and some local halva (made with sugar, hazelnuts, coriander and rice flour grinned in a watermill).
Day 6 - Telavi
After breakfast, take a walk with your leader through the Sheki market. It’s a great opportunity to stock up on snacks for the journey ahead, so maybe grab some halva, nuts and dried fruit. Continue to Lagodekhi on the Azerbaijan-Georgia border. Travel through the beautiful green valleys of the Kakheti region to Gremi – a complex that includes a castle and church from the 16th century. Spend some time here before hitting the road again, stopping at a traditional Georgian wine producer that still employs the ancient, UNESCO-listed qvevri method. Enjoy lunch here and then finish your journey in Telavi, where you’ll stay in a local hotel for the evening.
Day 7 - Gudauri
In the morning, wander through the vibrant local farmers market in Telavi, where butchers carve up fresh meat and vendors offload piles of spices, then visit Tsinandali, a historic estate and winery once owned by noted Georgian poet Alexander Chavchavadze. In 1814, aristocrat Chavchavadze was the first to bottle wine produced using the qvevri method. Tour the complex, which consists of a memorial house, European-style landscaped garden, a traditional winery, wine cellar, hotel and cafe. Continue to UNESCO listed Alaverdi Cathedral that dates back to 6th century. Afterwards, drive into the mountains up the renowned Georgian Military Highway. Enjoy a dinner together and spend the night in lofty Gudauri.
Day 8 - Gudauri
Follow the Tergi River on a drive to Stepantsminda, formerly known as Kazbegi. Explore this mountain village then hike through beautiful valleys and woodlands to the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church. This 14th-century church sits at the base of the second-highest volcanic summit in the Caucasus – Mt Kazbegi – and, weather permitting, you may catch a glimpse. The image of the pointed spires of the isolated church against the mountains is truly breathtaking, and a great place for a photo. Drive back to Gudauri for a dinner with your group.
Day 9 - Tbilisi
Make the drive to Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, located along the banks of the Kura River. Get into the swing of things with an orientation walk with your leader. Spend the rest of the day as you wish, perhaps grabbing a khachapuri (bread stuffed with salty cheese) to snack on. In the evening, regroup and head out for dinner with your fellow travellers and leader. This is a good chance to sample some khinkali (Georgia’s famous soup-filled dumplings). Make sure to ask your leader about the polite way to eat them – it involves sipping the broth and leaving the pinched bit of dough where the edges of the delicious parcel have joined on the plate.
Day 10 - Tbilisi
Today is a free day in Tsibili to explore at your own pace. Maybe head to one of the local cafes or wine bars around the downtown area or just take the chance to rest and recharge. You’ll have another welcome meeting tonight at 6 pm to meet the new leader joining your group. After your meeting, why not head out for dinner – your leader will always have some great recommendations.
Day 11 - Kutaisi
Today, you’ll head to Kutaisi by train. The third largest city in the country, Kutaisi is more than 3000 years old and connected to the legend of Jason and the Argonauts, with his mythical Golden Fleece. When you arrive, follow your leader for an orientation walk around the city, passing City Hall, the Opera House, Mon Plesier Arch and Mtsvane Bazari (a local market) known for its fresh vegetables, fruits, natural dairy products and variety of spices. Later, jump on the Soviet Aerial tramway for some great views of the city. Your dinner tonight will be at your family-owned hotel to enjoy some fantastic local flavors.
Day 12 - Kutaisi
This morning, you’ll travel to Tskhaltubo – the Soviet ghost town home to some abandoned sanatoriums. Wander some of the empty halls and rooms that seem straight out of an apocalyptic movie, featuring decorated ceilings, grand pillars, huge staircases and lots of graffiti. This atmosphere also makes for some great photos. After, you’ll visit a family winery to learn about the traditional way of making Georgian wine (this is one of the oldest wine-making countries in the world) and enjoy a wine tasting. Return to Kutaisi afterwards and you'll have a free afternoon and evening to maybe visit another significant historical site – the Gelati Cathedral. Or, explore the cobbled streets as you make your way up to the ruins of Bagrati Palace and Citadel.
Day 13 - Akhaltsikhe
Drive to Akhaltsikhe today, stopping along the way in Borjomi – famous for its naturally fizzy mineral water. Take a short walk with your leader to the mineral springs and maybe grab some lunch while you’re here. Continue the journey to Akhaltsikhe, arriving in the mid-afternoon. When you arrive, you’ll get your bearings on a leader-led orientation walk and visit Rabati Fortress and Castle – the massive 9th-century fortification gives the surrounding settlement (‘New Castle’ in Georgian) its name.
Day 14 - Gyumri
This morning, set off for the once mighty cave city of Vardzia, which stretches over half a kilometre along the Mtkvari River and has 19 tiers of winding cobbled streets. Within the complex, there’s a rock-hewn church with 12th-century frescos, dwelling quarters, small, hall-type churches, refectories and wine cellars. You’ll explore the site with your leader who will give some historical context and explain the rise and fall of the city, which now serves as a working monastery. Then, continue across the border into Armenia, arriving in Gyumri around lunchtime. Head out in the afternoon and explore this charming town with your leader on an orientation walk.
Day 15 - Yerevan
Enjoy a relaxed morning and visit a local bakery in Gyumri – the first inclusive café in Armenia to employ young adults living with disabilities and mothers with special needs children. Then take a train to Yerevan – Armenia's capital, Yerevan is known for its grand Soviet-era architecture and mountainous backdrop. After check-in this afternoon, you’ll head out on an orientation walk with your leader. The rest of the day is free for your own discoveries. You may like to head out to notable Armenian Opera and Ballet Theatre for a performance or try local brandy at a famous brandy factory – ask your leader for recommendations.
Day 16 - Yerevan
This morning, meet with a local guide who 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. Later, visit the ethnographic house that showcases Armenian traditions and culture, founded by local women who aim to preserve and educate. Meet your hosts and take part in a cooking demonstration to learn how the signature dish of dolma (stuffed vegetables) is made, with the Armenian twist! After learning the tricks of the trade from local masters, you’ll sit down to enjoy the dish for lunch. Soak up the local flavours, get to know the local women and toast to a great adventure! The rest of the day is free. Maybe visit Matenadaran (The Museum of Ancient Manuscripts) or wander around Vernissage Market.
Day 17 - Dilijan
Head to Khor Virap Monastery – over 1000 years old, this is the most sacred monastery in Armenia and makes for a stunning view, backdropped by the towering Mt Ararat. Wander the monastery that’ss been repeatedly rebuilt since the 5th century with your leader. Legend says King Trdat III imprisoned St Gregory the Illuminator here for 12 years and these days, pilgrims climb down a metal ladder into the well where the saint was incarcerated. Continue to Fioletovo – a village home to the Molokan religious sect. Join a Molokan family for lunch to learn about their beliefs and traditions, then enjoy their Russian-influenced cuisine of hearty borscht (soup), freshly baked pirozhki (fried buns) and tea served from a samovar (kettle). Next, travel to Dilijan, where you’ll spend the night. When you arrive, join your leader for an orientation walk to explore the town’s architecture and traditional craft workshops. In the evening, visit a modern wine bar to discover the Armenian approach to winemaking and learn how it differs from its Georgian counterpart.
Day 18 - Lake Sevan
Start your day with a hike in Dilijan National Park – one of Armenia’s four national parks, known for its rugged mountains, dense forests and alpine meadows. Follow the trail that connects two 13th-century monasteries and see how this vibrant cultural centre is slowly being reclaimed by nature. After the hike, continue to Lake Sevan – one of the largest high-altitude freshwater lakes in the world. Surrounded by mountains and known for its striking turquoise waters, Lake Sevan is a popular summer retreat for locals. Your accommodation is a lodge set up by a local NGO, whose mission is to encourage inclusivity and accessibility for people living with disabilities to experience and enjoy nature. When you arrive, maybe take a swim in the scenic lake or simply relax outside and enjoy the view.
Day 19 - Yerevan
Say goodbye to the glittering blue of Lake Sevan and take your private transfer back to Yerevan, stopping to visit the Sevanavank Monastery along the way. Explore the monastery with your leader and learn about how this ancient monastery complex was transformed from an island to a peninsula, when the lake was partially drained. Hear about the local legends tied to this site, then carry on to Yerevan. You’ll arrive at around midday and have a free afternoon to explore at your own pace. Tonight, maybe head out for a farewell dinner with your group and toast to an amazing adventure.
Day 20 - Yerevan
With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end this morning after breakfast. If you’d like to extend your adventure, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
16-04-202605-05-2026AUD $ 8,295-
20-04-202609-05-2026AUD $ 8,295-
23-04-202612-05-2026AUD $ 8,295-
27-04-202616-05-2026AUD $ 8,295-
30-04-202619-05-2026AUD $ 8,295-
04-05-202623-05-2026AUD $ 8,795-
09-05-202628-05-2026AUD $ 8,680-
11-05-202630-05-2026AUD $ 8,620-
25-05-202613-06-2026AUD $ 8,720-
01-06-202620-06-2026AUD $ 8,680-
04-06-202623-06-2026AUD $ 7,890-
08-06-202627-06-2026AUD $ 8,690-
15-06-202604-07-2026AUD $ 8,530-
18-06-202607-07-2026AUD $ 7,930-
22-06-202611-07-2026AUD $ 7,930-
25-06-202614-07-2026AUD $ 7,595-
29-06-202618-07-2026AUD $ 8,360-
06-07-202625-07-2026AUD $ 8,295-
13-07-202601-08-2026AUD $ 7,560-
16-07-202604-08-2026AUD $ 7,255-
27-07-202615-08-2026AUD $ 8,295-
03-08-202622-08-2026AUD $ 8,660-
10-08-202629-08-2026AUD $ 8,660-
17-08-202605-09-2026AUD $ 8,030-
24-08-202612-09-2026AUD $ 8,390-
27-08-202615-09-2026AUD $ 8,390-
31-08-202619-09-2026AUD $ 8,390-
03-09-202622-09-2026AUD $ 8,590-
05-09-202624-09-2026AUD $ 7,960-
07-09-202626-09-2026AUD $ 8,720-
10-09-202629-09-2026AUD $ 8,590-
12-09-202601-10-2026AUD $ 7,595-
14-09-202603-10-2026AUD $ 8,720-
17-09-202606-10-2026AUD $ 8,590-
19-09-202608-10-2026AUD $ 7,795-
21-09-202610-10-2026AUD $ 8,720-
01-10-202620-10-2026AUD $ 7,930-
05-10-202624-10-2026AUD $ 7,960-
08-10-202627-10-2026AUD $ 8,230-
10-10-202629-10-2026AUD $ 7,560-
12-10-202631-10-2026AUD $ 8,195-
15-04-202704-05-2027AUD $ 7,670-
19-04-202708-05-2027AUD $ 7,670-
22-04-202711-05-2027AUD $ 7,670-
26-04-202715-05-2027AUD $ 8,290-
03-05-202722-05-2027AUD $ 8,290-
10-05-202729-05-2027AUD $ 8,435-
17-05-202705-06-2027AUD $ 8,435-
20-05-202708-06-2027AUD $ 8,290-
31-05-202719-06-2027AUD $ 8,290-
07-06-202726-06-2027AUD $ 7,980-
14-06-202703-07-2027AUD $ 7,980-
12-07-202731-07-2027AUD $ 7,670-
26-07-202714-08-2027AUD $ 7,980-
09-08-202728-08-2027AUD $ 7,980-
16-08-202704-09-2027AUD $ 7,980-
23-08-202711-09-2027AUD $ 7,980-
30-08-202718-09-2027AUD $ 8,290-
02-09-202721-09-2027AUD $ 8,290-
09-09-202728-09-2027AUD $ 8,435-
13-09-202702-10-2027AUD $ 8,435-
16-09-202705-10-2027AUD $ 8,435-
04-10-202723-10-2027AUD $ 7,670-
11-10-202730-10-2027AUD $ 7,670-

Accommodation

Hotel (14 nights), Guesthouse (4 nights), Lake Cottage (1 night)

Transport

Private Vehicle, Public Bus, Taxi, Aerial Tramway, Train

Map

Related products

Recent Blog Posts

Browse Trips in

Georgia Intrepid
More of activity:
Walking & Trekking