Salam eleykim! Welcome to Baku! Upon arriving at Baku Airport, you’ll be greeted by a friendly guide and whisked away to your hotel. Baku is where history and modernity collide in the most exciting way—think ancient fortresses alongside sleek, futuristic towers. If time permits, wander down Nizami Street to admire its eclectic mix of Baroque, Neo-Gothic, and Neo-Renaissance architecture. Don't miss the National Carpet Museum, where you can dive into the art and history of Azerbaijan’s famous rug-making tradition. Tonight, gather with your adventurous group for a welcome dinner featuring the best of Azerbaijani cuisine—a perfect start to your Caucasus adventure!

Set out on a fascinating city tour today with a local guide. Discover the fortified Old City, once Baku's medieval capital, and hear tales of the city's past, from the Shirvanshahs' rule to the modern cosmopolitan city you see today. Visit the Shemakha Gate, Maiden Tower, and Old Market Square before enjoying a guided tour of the opulent Palace of the Shirvanshahs. Snap some panoramic photos of Baku's varied skyline along the way. The afternoon is yours to explore iconic sights like the Zaha Hadid-designed Heydar Aliev Center, the Ateshgah Fire Temple or the Yanar Dağ Burning Mountain. As evening falls, stroll along the waterfront to a popular restaurant for dinner, taking in the twinkling lights of the Baku Eye and the fiery brilliance of the Flame Towers that illuminate the city's skyline.

This morning, set out for the wild, otherworldly terrain of Gobustan National Park, just a short drive south of Baku. The park is known for its fascinating mud volcanoes - Azerbaijan hosts over half of the world's mud volcanoes - and you'll witness them bubbling away in all their muddy glory! Then uncover some ancient history as you marvel at boulder decorated with intricate petroglyphs (carvings) dating back 40,000 years. Later, stop by the colorful Sofi Hamid Cemetery, located seemingly in the middle of nowhere. The strikingly decorated graves tell a captivating story of the country's shifting beliefs, from Islam to Communism and back to Islam. Enjoy a solo evening exploring the treasures of Baku at your leisure. 

Embark on a road trip from Baku to the stunning Caucasus Mountains today, leaving behind arid landscapes for lush, forest vistas. En route to Sheki, stop in the town of Shamakhi to see the Juma Mosque, the Azerbaijan’s largest and most revered place of worship. Arrive in Sheki and explore a local craft workshop, where you'll witness the creation of exquisite shebeke—stained-glass windows with intricately carved frames. Next, visit the renowned Palace of Shaki Khans, a wooden summer house filled with French stained glass, Russian wood, Ottoman ceramics, and Iranian mirrorwork. A traditional Azerbaijani feast awaits this evening; piti is a delicious and hearty stew served in a traditional clay pot. 

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before heading to Lagodekhi on the Azerbaijan-Georgia border, renowned for its rich biodiversity, cascading waterfalls, stunning lakes, and breathtaking vistas. Get a taste of this region's famous wine traditions with a visit to Tornike Chubunidze's family winery. Enjoy a home-cooked meal and wine tasting with the owners as you swat up on popular Georgian grape varieties like Saperavi, Mtsvane, and Rkatsiteli. Tour the winery cellars and observe the traditional qvevri method of winemaking. Next, visit the 15th-century Gremi complex, a 16th century fairytale fortress city perched high above ground that was once an important stop on the Great Silk Road. Cap off your day with a glass of wine at your hotel, surrounded by picturesque vineyards and mountains.

Today, you’ll journey to the Pankisi Valley, nestled between the Greater Caucasus mountains and the Alazani Valley. This area, once overshadowed by the Chechen conflict, now shines as a beacon of tourism, offering a warm welcome and hope to the local community. On your tour, discover the unique Kist culture and their rural traditions. Visit Saint George’s Church in Jokolo, the Duisi Old Mosque, and the Ethnographic Museum. For lunch, get a taste for chaabilgish (Chechen khachapuri stuffed with pumpkin) and other traditional Kist dishes. Later, we'll travel to Gudauri, where you'll spend the night in a comfortable hotel.

Embark on a scenic drive from Gudauri along the Tergi River to reach Stepantsminda. From there, switch to a 4WD vehicle as you head into the heart of the Caucasus Mountains for a thrilling ascent to the Gergeti Trinity Church, perched 2170 m above sea level and surrounded by mountain vistas - think Black Narcissus without the nuns. On your return to Gudauri, stop by the village of Sno to admire a park featuring colossal stone heads representing iconic figures from Georgia's rich history. Back in Gudauri, take the afternoon to unwind and breathe in the crisp mountain air. Visit a wellness center or indulge in local wine at your hotel’s private cellar.

Start your day with a journey south toward Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. Stop at the Ananuri Fortress Complex, a picturesque blend of churches and towers overlooking the serene Aragvi River. Next, delve into history in Mtskheta, the ancient capital and religious center of Georgia. Explore World Heritage sites like the majestic Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and the 6th-century Jvari Monastery. Your journey continues to the Tserovani Refugee Settlement, home to 8,000 people displaced by the 2008 conflict over South Ossetia. Visit a local enamel jewelry workshop which proudly supports displaced youth and women. Meet the talented jewelers, and have a go at crafting your own piece of unique enamel jewelry under their guidance. Enjoy a light lunch of Georgian specialties as you tour the settlement and gain insight into the challenges faced by residents. Arrive in Tbilisi in the late afternoon. The evening is yours to get to know this exciting city at your own pace. 

Uncover the secrets of Tbilisi this morning on a walking tour with your local guide. Begin at the 13th-century Metekhi Church, offering stunning views of old Tbilisi, then take a cable car ride to the ancient Narikala Fortress. This former Persian citadel, dating back to the 4th century, boasts sweeping views across the city. Next, explore Tbilisi’s historic quarter and uncover its roots as a ‘warm place,’ as it was named after the hot springs the city was built around. In the afternoon, treat yourself to a relaxing soak in the healing waters of a local bathhouse, or visit the exquisite treasury at the National History Museum to learn why Georgia is known as the land of the Golden Fleece.

Begin your day with a fascinating journey to Gori, nestled in the heart of the Kartli region. Gori is famously known as the birthplace of Ioseb Jugashvili, better known as Joseph Stalin. Explore Stalin's Museum for an in-depth look at his life and the impact of his Soviet totalitarian rule. Next, venture to the ancient Uplistsikhe Cave Town, a remarkable rock-hewn settlement once a key stop on the Great Silk Road. Let your imagination wander through its tunnels and chambers, witnessing the echoes of a time long past. Return to Tbilisi in the afternoon and spend the rest of the day exploring, eating or relaxing at your leisure. 

Start your day with a final breakfast in Tbilisi before heading to Sadakhlo, a village on the Georgia-Armenia border. Your first stop is Fioletovo, a quaint little village that’s home to the Molokan religious sect. Meet Molokan locals, known for their historical dissent from the Russian Orthodox Church, as they welcome you for lunch. Taste their Russian-influenced cuisine such as borscht, pirozhki, and tea from a samovar while learning about their unique beliefs and traditions. Then, continue your journey to the picturesque town of Dilijan. Join your guide for an orientation walk through the town’s charming streets, admiring the traditional architecture and craft workshops. Let the serene beauty of Dilijan set the perfect tone for your upcoming adventures in Armenia.

Take a delightfully scenic journey through the natural wonders of Dilijan today, known for its serene alpine meadows and forests. Take a leisurely walk in Dilijan National Park, home to an abundance of diverse wildlife and breathtaking scenery. Then take some time to relax at your hotel - maybe enjoy a swim or a sauna overlooking the forest -  before embarking on a culinary adventure you’ll never forget. As the sun sets, experience a three-course Wild Food Adventure in the mountains of the park. An off-road ride takes you to your secluded dining spot, where you’ll enjoy a welcome cocktail followed by many delicious courses inspired by Tavush's culinary traditions. Prepared with local, seasonal ingredients, each dish tells a story of the region's rich heritage. Listen as your hosts share the tales behind every bite, deepening your connection to the land and its people. A truly unforgettable experience. 

Discover the majestic beauty of Lake Sevan today, affectionately known as ‘The Pearl of Armenia.’ This vast freshwater high-altitude lake is one of the largest in the world. Visit the Sevanavank Monastery perched above the water on the peninsula, then continue to explore the first-century Garni Temple, dedicated to Mithra, the God of the Sun. Next, you’ll get hands-on with Armenian culture with a traditional lavash bread baking session, followed by a loaf-ly lunch! Watch as the dough is rolled thin and slapped onto the hot walls of a clay oven. Later, you’ll journey even higher into the Azat River gorge to marvel at the stunning Geghard Monastery, a World Heritage site carved into the mountain and surrounded by dramatic cliffs. Arrive in Yerevan, Armenia's capital, this afternoon and discover the city's vibrant culture and attractions at your own pace. 

This morning your local guide will introduce you to the sights and sounds of Yerevan, one of the world's oldest cities. Established in 782 BC, this bustling capital beautifully blends ancient heritage with a cosmopolitan, modern atmosphere. Visit the Cafesjian Center for the Arts, which showcases contemporary art and celebrates Armenian culture. For lunch, head to a traditional museum-café, owned by Lusik Aguleci, an enthusiast of Armenian antiques and handcrafted goods. Taste regional specialties like tomatoes with goat cheese and gata (Armenian coffee cake). Next, meet the Yazidi community on the city's outskirts and visit the grand Quba Mere Diwane, the world’s largest Yazidi temple. This evening, gather with your group for a final dinner at a local restaurant. Delight in authentic Armenian dishes like khorovats (barbecued kebab) and spas (yogurt soup) as you reflect on the magnificent adventure you’ve just undertaken together.

After 15 days of exploring some of the Caucasus region’s many natural and manmade wonders, hopping from mud volcanoes and rolling vineyards to spectacular mountain ranges and mighty fortresses, it’s time to bid farewell to this fairytale region and the friends you’ve made along the way. A private transfer will take you to the Yerevan airport for your departing flight. Or if you fancy sticking around for more adventures, check out the Atlas Obscura Guide to Armenia for itinerary inspiration. Until our next adventure!