Best of the Caucasus

Georgia | Armenia | Azerbaijan

Culture | Silk Road

Charms & contradictions of Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia

15 days £2,995 pp (was £3,395 pp) This is the per person group tour price, based on 2 sharing. The price is subject to change with exchange rate and flight cost fluctuations.
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Intro, Dates & Prices

Intro

Sandwiched between the region’s great powers – the Persian, the Turks and the Soviets - the history of the Caucasus has been a turbulent one. See how these tiny countries have found their respective paths and marvel at the diversity of this small region. Start in Baku, make your way through the hills of Georgia and finish in Yerevan. Along the way, prepare homemade meals with local families, taste wines in Georgia's Kakheti region and learn about a variety of crafting techniques. Explore the must-see cultural, historical and architectural sites, like the authentic Taza Bazar in Baku, the 3,000-year-old rock-hewn town of Uplistsikhe, the Stalin Museum in Gori and Armenia’s unique churches. Admire the panoramic views of Mount Kazbek, explore Borjomi National Park and marvel at the 'Symphony of the Stones' at Garni. This is a truly remarkable journey filled with ancient architecture, breath-taking natural beauty and incredibly warm hospitality. Discover the beautiful and unique region of the Caucasus before the rest of the world does!

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Iconic Palace of the Shirvanshahs and Maiden Tower in Baku
  • 40,000-year-old engravings in Gobustan National Park
  • Georgian felt-making workshop
  • Explore the beautiful wine country of Kakheti
  • Soviet history displayed at the Stalin Museum
  • Leisurely wander through the picturesque narrow streets of Tblisi’s old town
  • The 'Pink City' of Yerevan
  • Lake Sevan, the largest lake in the Caucasus
  • Pay your respects at the Armenian Genocide Museum
  • 'Symphony of the Stones' at Garni
  • Yerevan Brandy Factory tour and tasting

Places Visited

Baku - Sheki - Gremi - Kakheti region - Kazbegi - Gori - Uplistsikhe - Mtskheta - Vardzia - Tbilisi - Lake Sevan - Yerevan - Garni

What's Included

Arrival & departure transfers
Air-conditioned ground transport with driver
English-speaking guides
Accommodation
Meals as specified in the itinerary
Entrance fees to sites & parks
500ml bottle of water per person per day

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Itinerary
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Day 1 : Arrival in Baku

Catch your flight to Baku, and on arrival you will be met by our representative at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

Note:  some flights reach in the early hours of the following day, so you may wish to arrive one day earlier. Contact us for more information.

Meal plan: n/a

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Day 2 : Baku - Gobustan - Baku

After breakfast, set off for your sightseeing tour of Baku, where you will visit the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, Maiden Tower, Martyr's Lane and the authentic Taza Bazaar. After a late lunch at the bazaar, drive to Gobustan National Park to see the famous caves. Return to Baku for a cooking masterclass at Caravanserai restaurant. Overnight in Baku. 

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is an ancient city that is located between Asia and Europe on the Absheron peninsula in the Caspian Sea. Its name means 'city of winds' or 'city on the hill' and Baku was first mentioned in the Egyptian Pharaoh Minesan's Book of the Dead in 3500 BC, meaning the city is at least 5,500 years old. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 2000, Baku was an important staging post on the Silk Road and is still a key rail junction and Caspian port. The city is also where the first national theatre in the Muslim world opened, and where the country’s first newspaper and library were established. In the area around Baku there is a large concentration of ancient oil fields (or 'Oil Stones').

The Palace of the Shirvanshahs and Maiden Tower are two UNESCO heritage sites of Baku's Inner City (or Icheri Sheher). The Palace complex used to be the seat of the Muslim rulers of Shirvan, a historical region in the eastern Caucasus. It is composed of the Divankhana pavillion, Shirvanshah Mausoleum, Palace Mosque, Sultan Murad's Gate and a bath house, as well as several residential buildings and caravanserais. The Maiden Tower (or Giz Galasi) is an iconic symbol of Baku that features on Azeri bank notes. There are many legends that surround it and much debate as to how old it is, though most observers reckon it was built in the 12th century. The tower holds a museum showcasing the historic development of Baku. There is a great view of the Old City from the top.

Martyr's Lane is a memorial park located on one of the highest hills in Baku, overlooking the beautiful coastline and boulevard zone. The complex is dedicated to those that were killed fighting for Azerbaijan's independence on 20 January 1990, known as Black January. On that day, Soviet forces invaded the city and shot thousands of innocents, along with many Turkish and British soldiers. Roughly 15,000 people are buried in the cemetery here. At the end of the lane, there is a large eternal flame where visiting dignitaries lay wreaths to commemorate the lost lives. 

Gobustan National Park is located in the southeastern part of the Greater Caucasus mountain range in the Jeyrankechmaz River basin. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007, it boasts more than 6,000 preserved rock engravings that reflect up to 40,000 years of rock art. These engravings cover hunting scenes, people, plants, animals, boats and much more. The National Park also hosts the remains of settlements, lived-in caves and burial sites used between the Upper Palaeolithic and Middle Ages.

Taza Bazar is Baku's main market and is arguably the largest in the Caucasus, much larger than the main markets of Yerevan and Tbilisi. You can find many stalls of fresh and pickled produce, meats, spices, carpets, kitchen utensils and even hardware. Some traditional buys are dried persimmons, pomegranate juice, Azeri jams, fresh beluga caviar and Lankaran tea. Haggling is expected here!

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Day 3 : Baku - Shamakhi - Sheki

After breakfast, visit the Ateshgah Fire temple before driving to Maraza to visit the Diribaba Mausoleum. Continue on to Shamakhi to see the Seven Domes tomb complex and the Juma Mosque, then drive to Sheki, where you will visit the Khan's Palace and the local history museum. In the evening, attend a Shebeke craft workshop for a vitrage masterclass. Overnight in Sheki. 

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

The 17th-century Ateshgah Temple (also known as the 'Fire Temple of Baku') is located in the Surakhani district of Baku and is often described as a castle-like monastery complex. Ateshgah was built on a pocket of natural gas that produced a 'holy fire' and was used by Hindus and Zoroastrians as a place of worship. The temple was abandoned in 1883 when the flow of natural gas ended and extinguished the flame. Nonetheless, it is still frequently visited by Zoroastrians on religious pilgrimages.

The 15th-century Diribaba Mausoleum is located on and partly carved into a cliff in the Maraza district, approximately 110 km away from Baku. There are many myths and legends associated with it that have been attracting curious visitors since the 17th century. NOTE: It is possible to enter the mausaleum but there are very steep stairs

Juma Mosque (translated as 'Friday Mosque') in Shamakhi was the second mosque to be built in the Caucasus, with construction being completed in 744 AD. As a result of serious damage caused by earthquakes as well as a series of battles throughout the years, the mosque has been reconstructed several times. Its interior is beautifully decorated and the building is one of Shamakhi's must-see attractions.

The Seven Domes (also known as the Shirvan Domes) is a complex of tombs built for Shirvan's royal family in the 18th century. Only three of these domes remain to this day - the others have been destroyed by earthquakes. There is a good view of Shamakhi city from this location.

There are many interesting historical monuments in Sheki. To the north of the city there are the ruins of the once impregnable fortress "Gelersan – gerarsan" (“come and see“) dating from the 16th to 18th centuries. The city itself which was famous for its trade and boasted numerous caravanserais during the Silk Road era. Two still exist; the Upper and the Lower Caravanserais, both built in the 18th century. The nearby Albanian temple in the village of Kish dating to the 1st century is another popular attraction. Sheki is famous within Azerbaijan for its baklava, piti (stew with vegetables in a clay pot), and the sense of humor of its people.

Sheki Khan's Palace is one of Azerbaijan's major historical sites. It was built in the late 18th century by Khan Gadzi Chelebi, who founded the country's first independent khanate. The palace was used by his grandson, Hussein-khan Mushtad, as a summer palace. It is the only remaining structure from the larger complex that was once surrounded by fortress walls. Among its main attractions are the outstanding drawings and stained-glass Shebeke windows.

Shebeke is an ancient Azerbaijani technique of making vitrage windows that is also practised in Georgia and Iran. Thousands of pieces of colourful glass and walnut wood are assembled together in intricate, usually geometric, patterns without the help of any nails or glue. One square metre of this artwork consists of 4,000 small parts, although this number can rise up to 14,000 in more complex styles. This precise and complicated craft has been passed down through generations of artisans. Shebeke panels are a central feature in Azerbaijani architecture.

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Day 4 : Sheki - Gremi (Georgia) - Sighnaghi

After breakfast, visit Sheki Bazaar and the local sweet bakery to stock up on snacks for your journey into Georgia over the Lagodekhi checkpoint. Travel to the home of a local Georgian family, where you will help prepare a home-made lunch to enjoy with local wine. Your main meal will be 'Mtsvadi', a pork shashlik (a form of shish kebab popular in Eastern and Central Europe) barbecued on vine tree branches. You will also get to bake 'shoti' bread in a 'tone', which is a tall upright circular clay oven lined with bricks. After a delicious lunch, you will journey on to explore the Gremi Architectural Complex. Next, you will visit a local master who will show you how traditional Georgian 'Qvevri' wine jars are made. Overnight near Sighnaghi. 

Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch

Until it was destroyed by invading Persian forces in the mid-17th century, Gremi was a trading town with a population of 100,000. Consisting of a tower, the king's chambers, defensive walls and a Church of Archangels built out of square bricks, this architectural complex used to be a citadel. The Church is now one of the only remains of the 16th-century town. A fine example of Georgian architecture, its faded frescoes offer a glimpse into the religious devotion of the period. King Levan, who built this complex, is buried here

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Day 5 : Sighnaghi - Kazbegi

This morning you will explore Kakheti, the famous wine region. Visit the local Bodbe Nunnery and then the Nukriani Social Organisation to take part in Teka (felt) artifact making together with local ladies and enjoy a home-made lunch. Afterwards we will drive towards the Great Caucasus Mountains, passing Ananuri Fort and part of the Georgian Military Highway on the way to  Kazbegi. Overnight in Kazbegi.

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

Georgia’s easternmost region, Kakheti, justifiably boasts of history, nature and wine. Ancient monasteries, cathedrals and fortresses are folded into a beautiful and diverse landscape featuring the formidable snow-capped Caucasian mountains, expansive fertile valleys and rugged stretches of sparse vegetation. Kakheti is synonymous with wine throughout Georgia. Archaeologists have dated grape remains from 8,000 years ago, crowning Kakheti and its unique Qvevri tradition as the world’s oldest wine culture – though many different techniques are employed today. Warm-hearted locals enjoy educating visitors at wine cellars and wineries.

 Visit a local craft studio to see how traditional Georgian Teka felt is made. Felting is one of the oldest and most ecologically clean ways of processing wool; sheep do not suffer at all when their wool is collected. Felt fragments have been found from as far back as the second millennium BC and felt is still commonly used in everyday garments and accessories to this day. The material is also a popular art medium. Every step of felting is a manual, individual and highly creative process. It takes 2 to 3 days (depending on complexity) to make one scarf.

The Georgian Military Highway is a 220km-long road that runs between Tbilisi and Vladikavkaz, a Russian city in the southeast. The road reaches an elevation of 2,380m when going through the Jvari pass. This route has a long history of being used by armies due to its relatively straight route through the Central Caucasus.

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Day 6 : Explore the Kazbegi region

In the morning we’ll take a 4WD tour to visit Juta village, which for 6 months of the year is cut off from the rest of the country due to snow. Enjoy a 3-hour invigorating walk to Mount Chaukhebi. Return to Juta and enjoy tasting local honey and herbal tea. Return to Kazbegi and for lunch, you will visit a local family who will teach you how to prepare a traditional Georgian dish, such as 'Khinkali', dumplings filled with meat, onions, and various spices (can be made vegetarian if needed). Take a tour to Gergeti Trinity church and enjoy marvellous views of the surroundings. Dinner and overnight in Kazbegi.

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Kazbegi, officially known as ''Stepantsminda", is a small town located just 10 kilometres south of the Russian border. The town is 1,750 metres above sea level and owns outstanding mountain views, including Georgia’s third highest peak, the 5,000mt Mount Kazbek (or 'Glacier Mountain'). Interestingly, Kazbek is associated with the myth of Prometheus, who is said to have been chained to the mountain as punishment for stealing fire from the gods and giving it to mortals.

Facing Mt. Kazbek is the isolated Gergeti Trinity Church. Constructed in the 14th century, it sits at a elevation of 2,170m over the Chkheri riverbank. The church holds important religious relics which were brought from Mtskheta during the 18th-century Persian invasion. Even when religious services were outlawed during the Soviet era, tourists were still drawn to the church to admire the small town of Kazbegi.

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Day 7 : Kazbegi – Mtskheta - Gori - Ateni

Drive to Mtskheta, the ancient capital and religious centre of Georgia, for a walk around the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Jvari Monastery. Visit the town of Gori to visit the Stalin Museum, then continue to Uplistsikhe Cave Town. Transfer to Nika’s Marani in Ateni village. Dinner and overnight in Ateni.

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

The city of Gori is famously known as the birthplace of Joseph Stalin. The city’s Stalin Museum was originally built in 1951 as a local history museum, later, following his death in 1953, becoming a memorial museum to the Soviet dictator. Visitors to the museum can delve into the life of the young Josef Djugashvili, seeing the house where he spent the first few years of his life.  On display, are also artefacts of his later life as the cruel, indomitable Stalin: his personal armoured train carriage and many items that once belonged to him - including hand-written texts, office furniture and a bronze cast of his death mask.

Uplistsikhe (meaning 'Fortress of the Ruler') is a rock-hewn town that dates back to 1000 BC and covers an area of approximately 8 hectares. The town is divided over three levels that are connected by a series of narrow tunnels. Uplistsikhe used to be a main point on the Silk Road, but was abandoned in the 17th century.

Mtskheta is one of Georgia’s oldest cities, located roughly 20 km north of Tbilisi at the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers. Within the city (which is itself a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, one of Georgia’s largest places of worship. The site, surrounded by a defensive wall, has housed churches since the 4th century, but the standing building was constructed in the early 11th century and artfully restored in the 1970s. According to Biblical canon, Christ’s robe was carried to Mtskheka after his crucifixion and buried beneath the cathedral. Inside, a painting illustrates the buried garment and the miracle of a pillar rising into the air during the church’s construction.  

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Day 8 : Ateni - Borjomi - Vardzia

In the morning, travel to the magnificent cave town of Vardzia, passing the mineral water town of Borjomi and making a brief stop for photos at the Khertvisi Fortress en-route. Visit a nunnery for candle making and Georgian alphabet masterclass. Dinner and overnight in Vardzia. 

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

Founded in 1829, Borjomi is a resort town that was popularised when the Russian royal family built a summer residence here in 1895. Today, Likani Palace belongs to the Georgian president, and the town remains famous as the source of Georgia’s number one export - naturally carbonated mineral water. This water is exported to over 40 countries and is said to have medicinal and restorative properties. Borjomi is known for its picturesque location and setting within the protected Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, one of the largest national parks in Europe. The town of Borjomi is also home to the most extensive ecologically-themed amusement park in the Caucasus.

With most construction taking place during the second half of the 12th century, Vardzia is a complex of cave dwellings set over 13 levels that centre around a main church and throne room. The Church of the Dormition, dating back to the 1180s, is decorated with religious and royal murals. The site at Vardzia, however, was destroyed beyond repair by an earthquake in 1283.

The precursor to Khertvisi Fortress was purportedly destroyed by Alexander the Great; the current fortress, one of the largest in Georgia, was constructed in the 14th century, more than a millennium later. With 1.5-metre-thick and 20-metre-tall walls, it stretches over half a kilometre and has 19 tiers. The fortress stands guard to the current village of Khertvisi at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Paravani rivers.

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Day 9 : Vardzia - Gorelovka - Tbilisi

Today we visit the village of Gorelovka inhabited by the Dukhobor tribe to see their prayer house and enjoy tea. Continue on to Tbilisi along the beautiful Javakheti province famous for its numerous lakes. Dinner with a local family in Tbilisi.

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

Tbilisi, formerly known as 'Tiflis', is Georgia's capital and the largest city of Georgia. It lays on the banks of the Mtkvari River and has a population of roughly 1.5 million people. Founded in the 5th century by the monarch of Georgia's ancient precursor, the Kingdom of Iberia, over the centuries the city was taken by successive invaders. Historically diverse, an increase in the Armenian population was noticed in the 19th century. Tbilisi has many narrow streets and a mixture of religious and secular architecture. The old city features many churches, synagogues, mosques and 19th-century houses with multi-coloured wooden balconies. For outright weirdness Tbilisi also has a street named in honour of ex-president, George W Bush.

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Day 10 : Tbilisi

After breakfast, begin your sightseeing tour of Tbilisi's old city. Take a cable car ride (if available) to Narikala Fortress, from where you can enjoy superb panoramic views of Tbilisi. Walk down to the sulphur baths, which made an unforgettable impression on poets and writers like Alexander Pushkin, Mikhail Lermontov and Alexandre Dumas. Visit the stunning treasury of the Georgian History Museum (closed on Mondays), before taking a stroll along Rustaveli Avenue – Tbilisi's main street. Finish the day with dinner at a local restaurant with a folklore dance show. Overnight in Tbilisi.

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

Tbilisi’s old town stands in the shadow of Mother Georgia’s silvery statue, perched on a hill overlooking a mosaic of multi-coloured houses constructed in the 19th century. Nestled together on narrow streets, the homes feature wooden balconies that allow residents to revel in the fresh air. Established in the 4th century and fortified over hundreds of years, the ruins of Narikala Fortress also tower over Georgia’s capital, offering visitors spectacular panoramic views.

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Day 11 : Tbilisi - Yerevan (Armenia)

Make your way to Sadakhlo on the Georgia-Armenia border, where you will change your transport and go through some document formalities before continuing on to Armenia. Visit the Haghpat Monastery, Fioletovo village and then continue on to Lake Sevan, the largest lake in the Caucasus. Climb up Sevan Peninsula and, depending on timings and road conditions, you may even get to see the Sevanavank monastic complex situated on the mountain. Have dinner at a traditional Armenian restaurant. Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan.

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

Lying at 1900 metres above sea level with an area of 940 square kilometres, Lake Sevan is not only the largest lake in the Caucasus, but it's also one of the largest freshwater high-altitude lakes in the world.  It holds a large variety of fish, including crayfish and the endangered 'ishkhan' (prince trout). Considered the "jewel" of Armenia, the lake scenery is beautiful, with the water often changing colour depending on the weather, from deep blue and turquoise to bright azure. 

Fioletovo village is inhabited by molokans (translated as 'milk-drinkers'). Molokans are Russian sectarians that drank 'too much milk', even during Lent, and refused to obey the guidelines of the Russian Orthodox Church. They were rejected by their church and exiled from the Tambov Governorate in 1842. Visit one of the village houses to see how this minority lives, remains faithful to their religion and keeps their tradition alive to this day.

The Sevanavank monastic complex sits on a picturesque peninsula off the shore of Lake Sevan. It was founded in 874 AD for monks from Etchmiadzin Cathedral who had sinned against God. 

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Day 12 : Yerevan - Etchmiadzin - Zvarnots - Yerevan

Full day tour of the capital,Yerevan, where you will visit the main sites including: Republic Square, the Opera House and Cascade Complex, the Tsitsernakaberd Genocide Memorial Complex and History Museum of Armenia. Lunch will be held at a local gastroyard where you will learn how to make “gata" and "sujukh”, an Armenian traditional dessert. Afterwards, visit the Etchmiadzin Cathedral, St. Hripsime Church and Zvartnots Temple. Overnight in Yerevan.

Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch

The capital of Armenia, Yerevan, sits on the Hrazdan river surrounded by picturesque hills and snow-capped mountains. It is often referred to as the 'Pink City' due to the 106 shades of tufa lava stone used on the city's buildings. During the Soviet years, Russian architect Alexander Tamanyan completely reconstructed Yerevan to resemble the neo-classical city styles of Paris and St. Petersburg. 

The History Museum of Armenia is located on the Republic Square in Yerevan and houses a collection of over 400,000 archaeological, ethnographical and numismatic objects.

The 4th-century Etchmiadzin Cathedral is the central authority of the worldwide Armenian Apostolic Church. Its name translates as 'where the Only Begotten descended' in reference to Gregory the Illuminator's vision of Christ descending from heaven and striking the ground with a golden hammer. The Cathedral was then built on that exact spot. The complex consists of the Mother Cathedral, the monastery with a residing brotherhood, the Catholicos residence, the Kevorkian Theological Seminary and a museum. 

Constructed in the 7th century, the UNESCO-listed Zvartnots Temple originally stood at a height of 49 metres, making it one of Armenia's tallest structures during that period. It consisted of three stories in a cylindrical shape and was crowned with a dome. While all that remains now are the ruins of the lower walls and individual fragments, details including floor mosaics and intricate stone carvings indicate how the temple was once beautifully decorated from top to bottom. It is still questioned as to what caused the temple's fall in the 10th century, though theories include destruction by a powerful earthquake or the temple's cornerstone being removed during an Arab invasion, causing the building to collapse in on itself. 

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Day 13 : Yerevan - Garni - Geghard - Yerevan

Visit the museum of acclaimed Armenian filmmaker Sergey Parajanov and then drive through rural Armenia to the ancient pagan temple of Garni. Walk towards the river valley to reach the "Symphony of Stones" (cliffside natural formations). Enjoy lunch in a local house in Garni where you will have the opportunity to watch Armenian national bread “lavash” baking and barbeque making process in the underground stove called “tonir”.

Head up the gorge of the Azat River, northeast of Garni where the medieval Geghard monastery is located. Geghard is another incredible ancient Armenian monastery, partly carved out of a mountain. The meaning "the Monastery of the Spear", originates from the spear which had wounded Jesus during his crucifixion, allegedly brought to Armenia by Apostle Thaddeus, and stored amongst many other relics. There you can enjoy listening to a traditional Armenian choir performance. On the way back stop at Mount Ararat Brandy Factory famed for its globally recognised award-winning brandy. Overnight in Yerevan.

Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch

Sergey Parajanov (1924-1990) was a visionary artist and film-maker, acclaimed for his film 'The Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors'. He was persecuted by the Soviet regime and arrested and imprisoned twice under dubious pretexts. The House-Museum was opened a year after his death and has over 1,400 exhibits: collages, drawings, installations, dolls and unpublished screenplays. 

Garni Temple is a picturesque monument of the Hellenistic period and an impressive piece of ancient Armenian architecture built in the 1st century A.D. After Christianity was proclaimed as a state religion in 301, the temple was used as a summer residence of the kings. The Garni canyon, which is a one-hour walk away along the Azat River, is particularly interesting. Its walls are formed of hexagonal rock strips, which is a natural formation known as the 'Symphony of Stones'. The gorge is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The Geghard Monastery is a magnificent monument of medieval Armenian architecture that is partially carved out of a mountain. It was founded in the 4th century by  Gregory the Illuminator when a  sacred spring was found inside a nearby cave, but the  main chapel was built only in 1215. The name is translated as 'Monastery of the Spear', named after the spear that pierced Jesus on the crucifix. Apostle Jude supposedly brought this spear into Armenia and it is now displayed in the Echmiadzin treasury. However, churches in Rome, Vienna and Antioch also claim to possess this spear. Geghard has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Yerevan Brandy Factory has preserved the cultural and historical heritage of its brandy-making traditions since 1887, when the first wine and brandy factory was founded in Yerevan. Authentic Armenian brandy uses only local grape varieties that are grown in the unique Ararat Valley microclimate. During a guided excursion of the factory, you will discover Armenian brandy-making secrets and see the oldest brandies kept in barrels. Afterwards, there will be a degustation of various brandies.

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Day 14 : Yerevan - Vayots Dzor - Khor Virap - Yerevan

Drive to the Mane Tile factory which is known locally for creating a large variety of exceptional handmade products, including fine art mosaics made from natural stones and ceramic tiles, a variety of ceramic decorative, glazed and terracotta tiles, decorative ceramic tableware and souvenirs. You will take a tour of the factory and see how the craftsmen produce these products.

Visit some of Armenia's other must-see monasteries including the Khor Virap monastery built during the Arshakid's Dynasty and the Noravank monastery. Enjoy lunch with vodka preparation and tasting in Areni village in a traditional local house. On the way back to Yerevan, stop off in the Areni region where some of the country's best wine is produced. Overnight in Yerevan.

Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch

The Khor Virap Monastery, located in the Ararat plains, is the closest point to biblical Mt. Ararat. It is a prominent pilgrimage site, as it is where the first Armenian Catholicos resided and where Gregory the Illuminator, Armenia's patron saint, was imprisoned for 14 years. The monastery holds regular services to this day.

Contrary to its name (which translates as "New Monastery"), Noravank Monastery 
was constructed before the 12th century. Perched on the ledge of the gorge in which the river Amaghu flows and surrounded by steep red rocks, the building is as famous for its magnificent surroundings as it is for its beautiful medieval Armenian architecture. The monastery's main temple, Surb Karapet, is the oldest part of the structure, built between the 9th and 10th centuries.

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Day 15 : Departure from Yerevan

At an appropriate time, transfer to the airport for your flight home or to another onward destination.

Meal plan: Breakfast

Trip Notes

Introduction

Welcome

Thank you for booking your holiday with Travel The Unknown. We love the Caucasus and we are confident that you will go away with fantastic memories of your tour.

Itinerary

Your final itinerary will include the day-by-day details of your trip, meal plan, accommodation and relevant contacts. If you do not have your final itinerary, or are unsure about it, please contact us by one of the methods below:
 
Phone (UK): 020 7183 6371
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Skype: traveltheunknown

Itineraries are correct at the time of printing and are updated throughout the year to incorporate suggestions from past travellers, our own research and information from our guides and local operators. Itineraries are also subject to change as a result of local and individual trip circumstances, and are to be treated as a guide rather than a definitive plan. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about this. Please ensure that you have read and reviewed the final copy of your final Trip Notes and itinerary at least a week prior to travel in case there have been changes that may affect you.

Health & Safety

Hygiene

It is important to keep a high standard of hygiene when travelling, just as you would at home. Wash your hands with soap and water or antibacterial gel before eating or drinking and after using the toilet. 

We recommend that you stick to drinking bottled water and even use it to brush your teeth as tap water may be unsafe to drink. When dining, avoid food which has been left out (especially in the heat), salads and raw vegetables (as they may have been washed in local water) and ice creams (which may have been made with local water or allowed to thaw and re-freeze). Decline ice cubes in cold drinks and remove them when provided, as they may also be made with local untreated water.
 
When organising your own meals, be selective where you eat. Choose places that seem quite clean and where you see many locals eating. A high turnover usually means food is not left lying around and is made fresh. 

Health

All Travel The Unknown travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully in the group travel experience. If, in the opinion of our ground handler, any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, Travel The Unknown reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. Please read the itinerary for this tour thoroughly and pay close attention to the Activity Ratings shown on our website and then realistically self-assess your physical ability to complete the trip as described. Please consult with your doctor if you have any doubts or give us a call with any queries you may have. 

An excellent resource for up-to-date travel medicinal requirements is www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk. We recommend that you consult your doctor or a travel clinic at least 45 days prior to your departure for up-to-date medical travel information. You should also carry a first aid kit, as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that in some more remote areas you could be some distance away from medical facilities.

Suggested Medications:

Please remember to pack any other additional medication you normally take. For legal reasons, our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drugs, including headache tablets and antibiotics. ​ If you suffer from travel/motion sickness, you may wish to bring your own medication for driving days. 

Safety

There is rarely any trouble in the areas our tours cover. We closely monitor the safety situation on a continuous basis, using both government sources and our own network of contacts on the ground, and will amend the itinerary if safety concerns require us to. Please check for the latest government advice on travel to the region (see some helpful links below) and please contact us if you have any further questions or concerns about safety issues.

UK - www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
Ireland - www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice
US - https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html
Canada - https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories
Australia - www.smartraveller.gov.au
New Zealand  - www.safetravel.govt.nz

When travelling, you are subject to the same dangers that you may find at home, such as theft or pick pocketing in busy places. Travelling with an experienced group leader will help protect your trip from such dangers, but do not let your guard down completely. You are still responsible for your own belongings. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities; however during your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. Any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Travel The Unknown itinerary, and Travel The Unknown makes no guarantees about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement. Travel The Unknown cannot be held responsible for any injuries or losses that may occur during any such optional activity. Please also note that Travel The Unknown retains the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. 

To ensure the safety of your documents and other valuables, we strongly recommend that you use a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, whilst a lock is recommended for securing your luggage. It is not advisable to bring valuable jewellery when travelling. 

Money Matters

Spending Money

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some people spend a lot of money on drinks, whereas others may spend more on souvenirs or presents. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing money for drinks, shopping, participation in optional activities and tipping. 

Tipping

Tipping is completely voluntary and often not expected. It is, however, almost always appreciated. It is customary on tours to tip guides and drivers if you have been happy with their services.
For restaurants and cafés, we recommend tipping 10%.

We recommend tipping USD 30 per guide per day and USD 25 per driver per day for the entire group. The amount for the person will depend on the number of participants in the group.

Departure Tax

Unless otherwise specified, the departure tax will be included in the cost of your tour package when you book your international flights with Travel The Unknown. If you are arranging your own international flights, please check with your travel agent or airline.

Emergency Funds

Please make sure you have access to an additional £200 ($300), to be used if unforeseen incidents or circumstances outside our control (e.g. a natural disaster or political strife) necessitate a change to our intended itinerary. This is not a common occurrence, but it is better to be prepared.

Note:  you will be responsible for any additional expenses incurred on your trip which are outside the scope of your tour package (e.g. costs related to personal emergencies, extra meals, phone calls, etc.). Any such costs must be paid in full locally.

Money Exchange

Currency exchange rates fluctuate. For the most up to date rates please refer to the following website: www.xe.com.

TIP 1: American dollars are usually the most used foreign currency 

TIP 2: We recommend you take out the majority of the spending money you require when you first arrive in a country, distribute it and keep it in secure places for the rest of the trip.

TIP 3: Make sure you inform your bank of the exact dates that you are going away and when you will be in each country to ensure that your card is not blocked when you are travelling.

TIP 4: Slightly torn, faded or badly marked banknotes may be difficult to exchange. Coins are typically not exchangeable. 

Azerbaijan

All goods and services are paid in local currency (Manats). Sterling, US dollars and Euros are easily exchanged. Major hotels, supermarkets and restaurants in Baku usually accept credit cards. There are ATMs in most major towns and cities. Before you leave the UK, let your bank know you are travelling to Azerbaijan.

Armenia

Cash can be changed at banks and in exchange bureaux. British pounds may be less readily accepted outside Yerevan than US dollars or Euros. Credit cards and UK debit cards displaying the Maestro and/or Cirrus sign are accepted at major stores and restaurants in Yerevan but far less so outside the capital. Prices for goods and services are sometimes quoted in US dollars, but by law payment must be made in Armenian Dram. There are many ATMs in Yerevan. They accept major credit cards and debit cards with the Maestro/Cirrus or Visa sign displayed on the card. 

Georgia

The official currency is the Lari (GEL), which is divided into 100 tetri. Cash is the preferred method of payment in Georgia but major credit cards are accepted in established restaurants, hotels and shops in Tbilisi. Euros, Roubles, GBP or US Dollars can be exchanged at any of the widespread bureaux de change, but other currencies should generally be changed at the bank. Cheques are not accepted. Banking hours are Monday to Friday from 10am to 6pm.

Meals

Some meals are included in the price. Please refer to your itinerary for information on which meals are provided and budget accordingly for meals not included. 

Practicalities

Group Travel

To minimise the footprint our tours leave - both on the environment and the local culture - we keep our group sizes limited to 12 people.

In your group, there may be large variations in age and a variety of nationalities. While this is mostly a good thing, it can occasionally cause some difficulties, so we ask you to be patient with your fellow passengers and realise that everyone likes to travel differently. Please also consider your fellow passengers by respecting scheduled meeting times. If any issues occur within the group please inform your guide who will do his / her best to help to resolve it.

Tour guides

We have gone to great lengths in securing the best guides and drivers available to ensure your trip runs smoothly and you have the best experiences possible in your chosen region. 

Transport

Travel between destinations is by well-maintained and comfortable vehicles and in some instances by flight. Flights will be indicated clearly on your itinerary.

Additional Tours/Services

We can arrange additional tours, hotel nights and airport transfers before or after your chosen tour. Please let us know what you would like to do and we'll be happy to help. Any services, tours or other activities booked, agreed to or paid for locally are undertaken entirely at your own risk and the company will not be liable for any injury or loss incurred from such activities. You will also be responsible for any additional expenses incurred on the trip which are outside the scope of the tour package (e.g. costs related to personal emergencies, extra meals, phone calls, etc.). Any such costs must be paid in full locally.

Flights

Our tours typically include any in-country domestic flights. International flights from the UK can also be arranged if required. If you prefer however, you can book your own flights and our representative will meet you at the airport on arrival and take you to your hotel before your tour starts. Please let us know your preference when booking your trip.

Please note, for domestic flights, the typical baggage allowance, unless explicitly stated elsewhere, is 15kg.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. As a minimum, we require that your insurance covers you for medical expenses, including emergency repatriation. We also strongly recommend you are covered for personal liability, loss of luggage and personal effects. You will be required to give details of your insurance prior to departure. Travel the Unknown do not recommend which travel insurance to take out however we do have a partner who offers travel insurance. For clients based in the UK or Ireland you can buy online direct with Accident & General at www.accidentgeneral.ie/traveltheunknown 

Accommodation

We or our trusted ground handlers have personally vetted all accommodation. If any of our preferred first choice accommodations are not available, we will organise something of a similar standard. Please check your itinerary for a list of the accommodations on your trip.

Joining and finishing points

Unless otherwise indicated on your itinerary, you will be greeted at your arrival airport by a Travel The Unknown representative and escorted to your accommodation. See itinerary for details. At the end of your trip, you will be escorted to the airport for your departing flight, unless otherwise specified in your itinerary. 

If you arrive at your destination and cannot locate our local representative, please contact our local operator using the contact numbers provided to you in your final documentation. If you choose to leave the airport and make your own way to your hotel without speaking to our local operator first, you may not be eligible for any compensation.

In the rare event that you cannot make contact with our local representative or us, and no transfer has arrived, please make your own way to the hotel and keep any receipts referring to transport costs to get there.

Trip Specifics

Passports, Visas & Immigration

All travellers require a passport to travel. Many countries require that your passport is valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of your trip. For help with visas we recommend our partner, the Visa Machine, visit http://ttu.thevisamachine.com for details or call them on +44 20 7148 6402. Any information we provide regarding visas is correct at the time of research. It is always advisable to check the latest information with your local consulate or embassy of the country (or countries) you are to visit.
Azerbaijan
For Azerbaijan, nationals of most Western countries can obtain an e-visa which you need to print and carry with you throughout your stay in Azerbaijan. You can apply for an e-visa by clicking on this website: ​https://evisa.gov.az/en/ to apply and for more info. Applications should be made at least a week ahead. Please follow instructions on the site carefully.

Armenia 
British and US citizens do not need a visa for up to 180 days. Australian and Canadian citizens can get a visa on arrival. For nationals of other countries you can check here: www.armeniaevisa.org

Georgia 
British, US, Australian and Canadian citizens do not need a visa for up to 1 year. For nationals of other countries you can check here: www.evisa.gov.ge

Electricity

The electrical current in the Caucasus is between 220-240 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin attachment plugs and Schuko plugs are in use. If you are travelling with UK appliances, you will need a standard European adaptor.

Communications

Azerbaijan
The international dialing code for Azerbaijan is +994. Telephone communication is not a problem and the Internet is also developing rapidly.

Providers SuperOnline, AdaNet, AzEuroTel, Bank internet and others provide the whole network of internet cafes. Internet cafes are common, not only in Baku but in most cities and towns of Azerbaijan. These facilities are especially popular among young people playing computer games, so it can be noisy and smoky.

In Azerbaijan, there are three mobile operators - Azercell, Bakcell and Azerfon (Nar Mobile). 3G services are provided not only at all the stations of the Baku metropolitan but also in the tunnels.

Georgia
LTE is available in Georgia from Caucasus Online and Silknet. Fibre Optic line is available from the same companies. In major hotels Wi-Fi service is available and Internet cafés are common and cheap. Some places offer free Wi-Fi to their customers. In Tbilisi, there is free WiFi through most of the central part of the city.

The international dialling code for Georgia is +995. Mobile phone coverage is good in the capital and in coastal regions, but signal strength is not as good in rural areas. Landlines are widely available and internet access is available in the city and at major hotels.

TIP: If you think you will need to make or receive a lot of calls, then it would be worth investing in a prepaid SIM card on arrival at the airport. You have to make sure your handset is unlocked prior to leaving the UK. There are three main providers; Magti, BeeLine and GeoCell. Both, Geocell and Magti have UMTS/3G service including video call and high speed data. Roaming is possible if you own a UMTS capable mobile phone. Geocell has cheapest mobile internet solution over its network.

Armenia
The international dialling code for Armenia is +374. 

Armenia has three main cell phone operators: Vivacell, Beeline and Orange/Ucom. You can go into any one of the many stores each of these have and pick up a phone or, if you’ve already got a GSM phone, a SIM card.

Time

Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia  are at GMT+4 hours.

Laundry

Laundry facilities are offered by some hotels for a charge. In addition, laundry services can be found outside our hotels in all major cities and many smaller ones.

We advise you not to leave doing your laundry to the last minute, as drying times may be required and laundry services will not be available at all stops.

Climate

Azerbaijan
The climate of Azerbaijan can be described as continental influenced with warm Summers and very cold, dry Winters. It can be divided into three different climate zones: one North of the mountainous regions, one South of them, and along the coast of the the Caspian Sea.

Temperatures during the Summer months vary between 20°C and 30°C. Summers in Azerbaijan are often warm and sunny with dry periods, but sometimes heavy cloudbursts and severe thunderstorms can occur and can cause local flash-floods and damage.

During the Winter months,December through March, it gets quite cold with daily temperatures far below zero and snowfall occurs occasionally. The mountainous regions of Azerbaijan are known for severe weather conditions and extremely cold weather that descends upon them during the Winter months, with very strong winds and snowstorms.

The Sheki Zakataly region lies just South of the mountains and has quite different conditions to the Northern regions, with less rain, warmer Summers and a bit milder Winters. The coastal areas are significantly warmer than the Northern mountainous portion of Azerbaijan, due to the tempering effect of the Caspian Sea.

Georgia
Georgia has a warm, temperate climate. The Likhi mountain range divides the country into Western and Eastern halves, shielding the Eastern part of the country from the influence of the Black Sea, and creating a continental climate.

The average temperature in the East in the Summer ranges between 27°C - 35°C and in the Winter it ranges between 2°C - 4°C. The Western part of the country experiences a sub-tropical, maritime climate and in the Summer the average temperature is 22°C, dropping to 5°C in Winter.

Armenia
Armenia is a mountainous, landlocked country. It has a territory of 29,800sq.km (11,490 sq. miles) and it borders with Georgia on the North, Azerbaijan on the East, and Turkey and Iran on the West and South respectively.

There are more than 100 mountain lakes in the country, the largest being Sevan Lake situated at an altitude of 1900 m above sea level.

Armenia is often described as sunny and it is a fact that the Ararat Valley has almost as much sunshine as Egypt: 2700 hours a year. Its climate ranges from dry subtropical to cold mountain weather.

The mean year temperature goes down one degree for each two hundred meters higher in the mountains. The mean temperature in July is 30°C and -7°C in January.
 

Language

Azerbaijan: official language Azerbaijani

Some useful phrases in Azerbaijani:
Hello - Salam
Thank you - Təşəkkür edirəm
Yes - bəli
No - yox
My name is (David) - Mənim adım (David)
Good morning - Sabahınız xeyir
Good Evening - Axşamınız xeyir
Goodbye - Sağol/Xudahafiz
How much is this? - Bu neçəyədir?
Sorry - Bağışlayın
Please - Zəhmət olmasa
Thank you - Təşəkkür edirəm
Where's the toilet? - Ayaq yolu haradadır?

Georgia: official language Georgian

Some useful phrases in Georgian:
Hello - gamarjoba
How are you? - rogora khar?
Pleased to meet you - sasiamovnoa tkveni gatsnoba
Good morning - dila mshvidobisa
Goodnight - dzili nebisa
Goodbye - nakhvamdis
yes - diakh
no - ara
How much is this? - ra ghirs?
Sorry - bodishi
Thank you - gmadlobt
Where's the toilet - t’ualet’i sad aris

Armenia: official language Armenian

Some useful phrases in Armenian:
Hello - barev
How are you? - Inch'pes yes?
Pleased to meet you - urakh e handipel dzez
Good morning - bari arravot
Goodnight - bari gisher
​Goodbye - ts'tesut'yun
yes - ayo
no - voch'
How much is this? - t'ye vork'an e sa?
Sorry - neroghut'yun
Thank you - shnorhakalut'yun
Where's the toilet - vortegh e zugarany
 

Checklist

This is a generic checklist of things to remember before travelling. Not all may apply to you:
- Tell your bank you are travelling, so that they do not block your transactions when you are abroad
- Ensure you have the relevant visas and a valid passport
- Ensure you have any required vaccinations and medications for the trip
- Ensure you have adequate travel insurance and that you have sent the relevant details of your policy to Travel The Unknown
- Make a note of your passport number, take a photocopy with you and email a scanned version to yourself
- Email a copy of your itinerary and trip contacts to any family members who may want to contact you
- Bring some money to cover emergency situations
- Check with your mobile service provider to make sure your phone works abroad (enable roaming if required)
- Check the What To Bring section of these Trip Notes to see if there are any particular items you require

While travelling, please bear in mind the following:
- Think about what you are doing at all times and trust your instincts - don’t take risks that you wouldn’t at home
- Don’t openly display valuables such as mobile phones or digital cameras and consider using a padlock on suitcases or backpacks
- Find out about local customs and dress, behave accordingly and obey local laws - there may be serious penalties for breaking a law that might seem trivial at home
- Respect the environment – don’t buy wildlife souvenirs, conserve resources (like water) and don’t drop litter

Fitness

Please note that some of our tours can be physically demanding. A basic level of fitness, mobility and decent health is assumed. Please contact us if you are unsure about your suitability for this trip.

Check the activity rating of your tour on our website and consult the chart below.

ACTIVITY RATINGS
*     Relaxation. There are no activities scheduled.

**    This will typically include some short walking tours and some medium-length car/minibus journeys.

***   This is the standard for most of our cultural tours. It involves city walking, short walks in rural areas and some medium-to-long drives.

****  This typically involves some short hikes or the equivalent, as well as some long-ish drives and city walking.

***** This is typically a hiking or activity itinerary and can be quite strenuous. A good level of fitness is expected.

NOTE: Ratings are inherently subjective and are made using our best judgement. Also, different parts of an itinerary may merit different ratings, so the ratings assigned are an assumed average for the whole trip. In any case, please contact us if you are unsure of the level of fitness required for any given trip.

What to bring

Below is a recommended list of items to bring. It does not claim to be exhaustive. 

•    Any required medicines
•    Basic first aid kit, insect repellent and sunscreen (min. factor 15)
•    Day pack (useful for carrying basic items)
•    Basic toiletries and tissues
•    Clothing for both hot and cold conditions (practical clothing is strongly advised, especially long-sleeved tops, long trousers and a sun hat)
•    Sandals and walking shoes
•    Binoculars, torch, sunglasses, small towel and electricity adapter
•    Waterproof bag for documents and electronics
•    Notepad, pen and book
•    Watch (strict time-keeping is required at times)
•    Money for meals, souvenirs and contingencies
•    Drinking bottle
•    Travel plug (for sinks without plugs)
•    Travel pillow (can come in handy for longer journeys)

Most importantly, come with an open mind!

Electronic Items

•    Camera – don't forget your accessories: memory cards, battery and charger
•    If you use a film camera, bring film, lenses, batteries, etc.
•    Mobile phone and charger
•    Plug adaptors 
•    Music player and charger
•    Laptop or tablet and charger (useful if you want to keep a blog and upload photos)

Recommended Reading

Please see below a list of recommended reading for the Caucasus:

  • The Crossing Place by Philip Marsden
  • An Armenian Sketchbook by Vasily Grossman
  • The Caucasus: an Introduction by Thomas de Waal
  • Visions of Ararat, Writings on Armenia by Christopher Walker
  • Armenia with Nagorno Karabagh by Deirdre Holding
  • Bread and Ashes – A Walk through the Mountains of Georgia by Tony Anderson
  • From the Holy Mountain: A journey in the shadow of Byzantium by William Dalrymple
  • Georgia: In the mountains of poetry by Peter Nasmyth
  • The Oil Road: Journeys from the Caspian Sea to the City of London by James Marriott and Mika Minio-Paluello

Recommended website
https://chai-khana.org/en interesting cultural pieces from the Caucasus

Responsible Travel

Responsible Travel

As regular travellers, one thing that never ceases to amaze and inspire us is the kindness and generosity of people, often people who have very little to their name. We firmly believe that the people who make these places special should also benefit from our visit. Therefore, as first preference, we use local guides and locally-owned lodges, shops and eateries. We do our best to ensure that the benefits of our tours reach as widely as possible into the communities where they operate. We also support a small portfolio of charities and local grassroots organisations which you can see on our website at www.traveltheunknown.com/responsible. 

The Environment

Please be mindful of the environment in which you travel. We ask you to be vigilant about disposing of your waste.  Dispose of all rubbish correctly and do not leave litter or cigarette butts in natural environments. 


Help us to reduce single-use plastics
We are very happy to announce our tie-up with WaterToGo - https://www.watertogo.eu/traveltheunknown. 

This will give you the chance to help us to reduce single-use plastic usage on our trips - and as such we would encourage you to buy reusable water bottles from the link above. This will not cost you any more, in fact you can get a 15% discount by entering the code "TTU15" at the checkout - and we will get a small percentage commission too which we will donate to WaterAid - https://www.wateraid.org/uk/.   They have many amazing water-related projects ensuring clean water, decent toilets and sanitation are something everyone can access. Thank you for helping us to make a little difference.

Visit www.traveltheunknown.com/responsible for further information on our responsible travel initiatives.

Cultural Sensitivity

We go to great lengths to ensure our tours have minimal impact on the environment and the people who live there. We ask you to respect the culture of the people and to familiarise yourself with local laws and customs prior to travelling with us. 

If you would like to photograph someone, ask their permission first to avoid causing offence. In some countries, photographing officials, the army, police, government buildings and borders may be illegal and may result in having your equipment confiscated.
Azerbaijan
Most of the population of Azerbaijan is Muslim. Azerbaijan is a largely secular society, and religion is usually considered a private matter. Local and foreign women usually dress in western-style clothing. It is frowned upon for men (and to some extent
women) to wear shorts, even in summer. While homosexuality is not illegal, LGBT people in Azerbaijan tend to keep a low profile as it is not acceptable to a large part of society. This is particularly true outside Baku and among the older generation. Public displays of affection are frowned upon, especially outside of Baku. Physical contact between men (holding hands, embracing etc) is usually a sign of friendship.

Georgia
Homosexuality is legal in Georgia, but not widely accepted in society. Tbilisi is a cosmopolitan city, but more conservative attitudes exist in rural areas. You should dress and behave modestly in these areas and avoid open displays of affection. Visitors should not be surprised if offered drinks by complete strangers while dining at a restaurant or sitting at a bar. If visiting a church, suitable clothing should be worn - shorts are inappropriate and women should cover their heads.

Armenia
Armenia s a conservative country and conservative norms apply here too, especially in rural areas.

Stay in touch

Newsletter

If you would like to find out about new tours and all that is happening with Travel The Unknown, please sign up to our newsletter on our website, www.traveltheunknown.com, send us an email at enquiries@traveltheunknown.com or call us on 020 7183 6371 (UK) or 1 347 329 5524 (US).

Feedback

We have spent much time and effort to make your trip a memorable experience for all the right reasons. However, we are constantly looking to improve our tours and any feedback you can give us or suggestions you may have would be very much appreciated. Visit www.traveltheunknown.com/feedback to share your thoughts with us. 

Tour photos

We prefer to use real photos taken on our tours on our website and in our print material, so we actively encourage you to send us your photos. Happy snapping! 

If we use your pictures we will be happy to credit you as the photographer - just let us know you would like us to do so when you send in your photos. You can also share your photos on our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/traveltheunknown

Stay in Touch

You can follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube and our blog by visiting our pages shown below:

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/traveltheunknown
Twitter:      www.twitter.com/travel_unknown
Pinterest:   www.pinterest.com/TTUnknown
YouTube:   www.youtube.com/traveltheunknown
Blog:         www.traveltheunknown​.com/blog
 

Extensions

Hills and Mountain Villages of Georgia (1-10 days)

Hike the hills and mountain regions of Georgia

Mix and match Georgia (1-5 days)

Discover more of Georgia's quirks and hidden corners

Hiking in Svaneti (12 days)

Explore Georgia's stunning mountains on foot

Best of the Caucasus (15 days)

Charms & contradictions of Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia

Eastern Turkey & Georgia Explorer (14 days)

From Ancient Anatolia to the Heart of Georgia.

Armenia & Georgia Explorer (12 days)

Journey through the rich history of Armenia & Georgia

Around the South Caucasus (12 days)

Three small countries. All neighbours. All totally different.

Ancient World of the Caucasus (12 days)

Archaeology laid bare on Europe's balcony.

Hidden Treasures of Georgia (12 days)

Led by Bradt author Sophie Ibbotson

Georgia Explorer (9 days)

Unadorned monasteries, lofty peaks, ancient vineyards, and faultless hospitality.

Rural Georgia (9 days)

Experience local village hospitality in rugged backcountry

Six Days in Georgia (6 days)

Visit Tbilisi and the Khaketi wine region.

Three Days in Georgia (3 days)

Visit Tbilisi and the Khaketi wine region.

Reviews

We had a fantastic time on our Best of the Caucasus tour. We loved eating with the families in Georgia and visiting the Molovan family in Armenia, definitely highlights of the trip. Our Georgian guide in particular was the best you could possibly have, giving a true insight into the country. He should be recommended for an award!

Pam Bowers & John Simpson , Best of the Caucasus

We asked Travel the Unknown to come up with an unusual trip to 6 counties of the Caucasus and the ex-Soviet Union countries. They did so in a tour that flowed seamlessly the whole 38 days. The most impressive part was when Ukrainian Airlines cancelled our connecting flights from Kiev to Minsk, for 2 consecutive days. We contacted Travel The Unknown that morning and asked them to arrange an overnight train with a sleeping compartment. When arrived in Kiev, we were met at the airport, driven to the train station where tickets where waiting for us. They arranged for our pickup at the station in Minsk, as we left the train, and we went on our planned tours without losing a minute. That is what I call great service!

Irwin Drangel & Linda Schain , Tailor-made Caucasus and Soviet Fringes

Loved the Caucasus with Travel the Unknown. I learnt of their ancient history and the current geopolitical significance of the cross roads between West and East. Another first class trip from Travel the Unknown with extremely knowledgeable guides and great hotels.

Margaret Small , Best of the Caucasus

The trip to the Caucasus was both illuminating and fun. It was particularly interesting to visit all three countries, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia, to try to understand the area and the problems they face from each country's very different perspective. The scenery in the whole area is breathtaking. The tour introduced us to many local people who were all very hospitable and generous. They welcomed us warmly and joined in our enjoyment of "having a go" at various crafts, eg bread making, felt-making, learning a bit of Georgian script, etc. In each of the three countries, religion is fundamental to their lives and visits to mosques, temples, churches, monasteries and cathedrals were a large feature in the tour. I would highly recommend the tour to anyone who likes an activity-packed holiday in places that are off the beaten track.

Doreen , Best of the Caucasus

We are a fairly fussy bunch of travellers, but this was one of our best trips. We were were impressed with the overall organisation, and our young and very capable guide was an excellent ambassador for her beautiful country.

Valerie Newberry , Tailormade Georgia
More reviews