Stop by the Shemakha Gate, Maiden Tower (visit optional), Old Market Square and end with a guided tour of the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. Personally, I have never been asked to present any tickets or documentation when passing through immigration. Seriously, there is so much to do in this part of the world we spent three months on our first visit and barely scratched the surface (which is why we kept coming back, and ultimately why we moved here!). Hi Talah, unfortunately it is still not running. Our first stop will be Dilijan where we'll visit fascinating handicraft workshops. The 2-day trip to Tatev in Armenia will start with the visit to Khor Virap (deep dungeon) monastery placed in the Ararat plain and used to be the residence for Armenian Catholicos. Arara the most trustful & innovative tour company in the Caucasus. I know you have written that it is not safe in the summer due to snakes and Im not sure if that includes June. 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. Local guides from Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia are represented throughout the itinerary to ensure you receive a diverse and uniquely local range of perspectives. Leave Baku and head for the Caucasus Mountains in the northwest of Azerbaijan. The best place to add Lagodekhi to your itinerary is after Sighnaghi (heres how to travel between the two towns). Check with your insurance provider first if you plan to travel there. The most remote and rugged of Georgias mountain regions, the Tusheti Protected Areas is one of the most rewarding travel experiences in the region. Please leave a comment below and Ill try my best to help out. Where to stay in Tbilisi: Pushkin 10 (hostel); Vagabond B&B (budget hotel); Communal Sololaki (boutique); Stamba (high-end). We arent try to see everything, and dont want to feel like we are racing from one sight to the next. Your leader will have in-depth knowledge and extensive travel experience throughout the Caucasus. Thanks in advance! We are a family of four so getting our own car might be an easier option. The hotels we'll be staying in are the following or similar: Baku: DiplomatHotel or similar. Keep in mind that you need a special permit to travel to Abkhazia or Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). Visit your local site for relevant prices, offers and information. Great read. Guests can enjoy the large breakfast spread on the shared terrace with views of the church. I have a list of family-run guesthouses in Georgia that I think would be suitable for kids. What is your favourite spot in the Caucasus? It will likely get uncomfortable, but Ive never heard of a tourist being knocked back because of the stamps in their passport. Select accommodation typeComfortEconomyBoth options. Combining two countries when traveling abroad as a tourist is always a great idea. It was converted into a hotel a couple of decades ago. Tbilisi: Shota Rustaveli Boutique Hotel or similar. In some Orthodox churches, youll be asked to cover your hair and wear a wrap-around skirt (these are provided free of charge). Located in Kakheti region east of Tbilisi, Pankisi is home to members of the Kist ethnic minority group, whose ancestors migrated to Georgia from Chechnya in the 18th century. If you prefer to use public transport, start by taking a van from Kutaisi to Zugdidi (hourly from 8am; 2.5 hours travel time). You will take a cable car to the ancient Narikala Fortress, a former Persian citadel with a history stretching back to the 4th century. Thanks so much for your comment and feedback. This website uses affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through a link. Baku: Holiday InnHotelor similar. What is happening in Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan - daily review of local media. It sounds like the overnight train from Baku to Tbilsi still isnt running but just thought Id check if thats the case? Thanks so much for the kind words. Unusual, exceptional and authentic on-trip experiences. Continue to Georgia, a country with a rich history and culture, and also the cradle of wine. Enjoy a free afternoon your leader will have some wonderful recommendations for local restaurants to head for dinner. Next stop is an ancient temple of fire worshippers called Ateshgah. Where to stay in Dilijan: Green Garden Guesthouse (homestay); Popock Dilijan (mid-range); Hotel Tufenkian Old Dilijan (luxury). As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so its very unlikely youll be alone! If you just want to visit Georgia and Azerbaijan, stitch these two sections together to create a Georgia Azerbaijan itinerary. A 4WD and an experienced driver are highly recommended (essential, in fact). This itinerary isnt just copied out of Lonely Planet. Travel through the Caucasus range towards Mount Kazbegi to reach the four-star Porta Caucasia Kazbegi Hotel. This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the mountain air and views. Our leaders are experts when it comes to dealing with anything unexpected along the journey, so pack your understanding and flexibility, sit back and relax while they take care of the rest. There is one daily marshrutka from Vanadzor to Tbilisi at around 8.30am (4 hours travel time). Continue to Armenia and after completing all formalities. The border between Armenia and Azerbaijan is closed, so if you plan to visit all three Caucasus countries overland, youll have to transit through Georgia. Monumental churches and grand buildings cut from black tuff stone dominate the city centre. Shebeke craft workshop will be your last destination. If a private driver takes us to Mestia, would that be basically on the same road as a marshrutka (I which case should I just go with the marshrutka)? Please familiarise yourself with the. 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. The 12 days over land tour across Azerbaijan Georgia and Armenia was great value for money, covered lots of sights and the guides for each country were knowledgeable and professional. There are some long travel days on this adventure. I recorded my experiences with bus travel in Azerbaijan in case someone else needed the route info. This itinerary has less flexibility but still gives a good introduction to the region for anyone operating on a tighter timeframe. David Gareja Monastery & Udabno: A short hike through an incredible set of cave monasteries in Kakheti region, south of Tbilisi on the border with Azerbaijan. The first Armenian site to visit is Haghpat monastery, the X century architectural monument and UNESCO World Heritage list member, in the region of Lori. While here you will visit an enamel jewellery workshop a social enterprise offering training and employment to displaced youth and women within the camp. There is an excellent on site bar and restaurant, or you are within walking distance of some ofa great variety of local restaurants. I recommend using public transport (marshrutky) from Sheki to Qax, then Qax to Sighnaghi or Telavi. Vanadzor itself features some impressive architecture (the City Hall especially), a botanical garden, and a rather photogenic bus station. In the cities (and even in smaller towns), Airbnb is a great option. We then have the rest of the day to soak up the caf culture of Tbilisi, relax and shop. But it's the start of an exciting new chapter with Intrepid Travel - and this tour will get an Intrepid Premium makeover. 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. Transfer to hotel. Click to follow links to the advice of the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or the US State Department.Non-UK citizens should consult the travel advice of their respective governments. Add another day for a side-trip into Adjara region, one of the most beautiful parts of Georgia. I was wondering if you have seen any good / bad interactions with black travellers in the region. You will receive an email with a summary of your bookings. Komli in Ozurgeti offers tea plantation tours, home-cooked meals, and accommodation inside a heritage wooden home and converted giant barrel! All rights reserved. I am currently living in Doha, and I have been advised to look up your pieces on Oman as that is my next trip that I am planning- so that is what I am about to do! The weather conditions can be extremely varied (even within the course of a day!). 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. From Ismaili, marshrutka vans depart throughout the day for Baku (5 hours travel time). Guests are welcome to use any part of the grounds including the living room and gardens. Tskaltubo: The famous Soviet-era spa town with abandoned sanatoriums and bathhouses is just 20 minutes from Kutaisi. Today, youll be travelling almost all the way to the edge in search of one of the regions most spectacular churches: Gergeti Trinity. Follow my adventures through the Caucasus, the Balkans, Southeast Asia and beyond as I inspire you to fill your own travels with colour, culture and creativity. All Rights Reserved. Beautiful, rocky Armenia was the first country to adopt Christianity as its official religion. Typically coasters in Azerbaijan & Armenia, and minibuses in Georgia but it may vary depending on final group size. please visit the Intrepid Group website -. Thinking about your Kazbegi advice for that road; is Ismaili-Lahic on par with that? There will be some long journeys in the vehicles on the tour, so please be prepared for this. Thank you for taking out time and sharing your experiences. Thats great to hear! The only option is to fly to Baku from Tbilisi. The town is rich on historical, cultural and architectural heritage, with medieval fortress, Palace of Khans, Museum of history, mosque and madrassah, and local handicraft bazar being part of it. It was hands-down, one of the best trips I have ever done and I am itching to go back again. Detour: If you find you need some respite from the city, break up your time in Tbilisi with a night in the charming walled city of Sighnaghi, 1.5 hours drive away in Kakheti wine region. Tbilisi, Georgias capital, is by far my favourite city in the region (I did move here after all!) If you are limited on time, I suggest sticking to Georgia only. 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). Arrive to Sevanavank (Sevan monastery), ancient monastic complex which beautifully set in one of the coasts of lake Sevan and features two major churches Surp Arakelots (Holy Apostles) and Surp Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God), founded in the year of 847 by Princess Mariam. 5. It wasnt too busy or expensive, we got to experience Orthodox Easter in Georgia and Genocide Remembrance Day in Yerevan, and everything was open (except the road up to Tusheti youll have to travel in summer for that). You'll find out why on the tour! For more Armenia guides, check out Megan and Arams website Absolute Armenia. Adventure travel can be infectious and once youve caught the bug, it is likely to never leave you, but especially if this is your first such tour we would strongly urge you to give us a call if you have any concerns whatsoever about your suitability for this trip. For me getting the visa for Ajerbaijan is trickier so I was thinking maybe arrive to Baku by air, and end my trip in Tbilisi. 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). Explore 3 Caucasus countries - Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia during 14 days. Overnight in Baku. If you cancel under this time or do not show up, you will not be refunded. We are budget travelers. This group tour from Baku also includes a visit to the nearby UNESCO-listed petroglyphs and the Ateshgah Zoroastrian Fire Temple. This is so helpful. 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. In summer, you can take the ski chairlifts up to access hiking routes and gorgeous views. There are two options here: Taxi (1 hour travel time) or local bus, which is cheaper but takes slightly longer. this is a superb blog, great reading and advice on travelling the Caucasus. The spacious rooms are well-appointed with modern decor and amenities, and come with high quality en suite bathrooms. 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. 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. Sit on the right-hand side of the van for impressive vistas of the Black Sea as it comes into view. Hi Lee and Mandy! When I first visited the region in early 2017, it still felt relatively off the beaten track. Copyright 2015-2023 Emily Margaret Naughton Lush. Journey with a local leader and a small group of keen adventurers through forests and past tall mountain peaks to find medieval mosques and villages. My favourite guesthouse is Guest House Gallery. Little did I know that tens of thousands of people would end up reading my Caucasus itinerary and using it to plan their own trip. Im thinking of going to both Kazbegi and Svaneti, but am wondering whether we should do just one region, and if so, which one. We will head to the Matendaran Manuscript museum and also visit the Memorial to the 1915 Genocide, before heading to the Cascades, a giant stairway made of limestone, which houses a contemporary art gallery hosting local and international exhibits.
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