Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia Adventure

20 days
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Small Group Tour
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 Black Sea to huge, shimmering lakes, stopping at wineries, small villages, jazzy capitals and the serene countryside. Enjoy a hearty home-cooked lu...
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Visit the first café in Armenia to focus on the employment of people living with disabilities, stay by Lake Sevan with a local NGO committed to inclusivity and attend a cooking workshop founded by local women who aim 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 through 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.
    • Join rangers in search of bezoar goats with the country’s first community-managed protected area – the locals here aim to preserve the environment and educate the community about the local flora and fauna.
    • 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.

What's this trip about?

    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 Black Sea to huge, shimmering lakes, stopping at wineries, small villages, jazzy capitals and the serene countryside. Enjoy a hearty home-cooked lunch with a local Kakheti family and hike to the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church. Seek bezoars with an expert ranger and stay overnight in a lake cottage supporting inclusiveness. This trip shows you all the local bits (and all the highlights) of this gorgeous mountainous area.

Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeIntimate group - max of 12 people
Age range15 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityBaku
End CityYerevan

Travel Themes

  • High Adventure

Destinations

Attractions

  • Georgia
  • Yerevan

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 12

Trip includes

    • Baku - Leader-led night city walk
    • Qobustan - Petroglyphs
    • Baku - Old City Walking Tour
    • Lahij - Yoghurt Making Demonstration
    • Lahij - Copper workshop visit
    • Shamakhi - Juma Mosque
    • Nij - Udin village and museum visit
    • Kish - Albanian Church
    • Kish - Village Visit
    • Sheki - Shebeke workshop visit
    • Sheki - Khan's Palace
    • Sheki - Bazaar Visit
    • Kakheti - Lunch with a Local Family
    • Kakheti- Gremi Complex
    • Kakheti - Tsinandali Estate Visit
    • Kakheti - Telavi Fresh Produce Market
    • Telavi - Alaverdi Cathedral
    • Stepantsminda - Gergeti Trinity Church Hike
    • Tbilisi - Orientation Walk
    • Tbilisi - Dry Bridge
    • Kutaisi - Leader-led city walking tour
    • Kutaisi - Aerial Tramway
    • Tskhaltubo - Soviet sanatoriums visit
    • Kutaisi - Winery visit & tasting
    • Borjomi - Leader-led walking tour
    • Vardzia - Cave Town Visit
    • Gyumri - Inclusive bakery visit
    • Gyumri - City Tour with Local Guide
    • Yerevan - Leader-led Orientation Walk
    • Yerevan - City Tour with Local Guide
    • Yerevan - Dolma cooking demonstration & dinner
    • Yerevan - Khor Virap Monastery
    • Areni Village - Winery visit & home-cooked lunch
    • Lake Sevan - Noravank Monastery
    • Arpa - Hiking with local ranger
    • Lake Sevan - Orbelian Caravanserai
    • Lake Sevan - Sevanavank Monastery

Itinerary

Travel Map

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 meet...

Day 2 Qobustan/ 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 ...

Day 3 Caucasus Mountains / Lahij

Learn about Azerbaijan’s relationship with fire during a tour of the Absheron Peninsula. Visit the Ateshgah fire temple first, which is built on top of a natural gas reserve, creating ‘eternal’ flames. Then, stop off at the Mardakan Fortress. The 12th century watchtow...

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. Take a stroll in the village with your lead...

Day 5 Sheki

Visit the Palace of Sheki Khans first in the morning. The walls inside the palace are painted with scenes of hunting and war and feature impressive stained glass. Afterwards, check out a workshop where shebeke – stained glass windows made with no glue or nails – are p...

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 bea...

Day 7 Gudauri

In the morning, wander through the local farmers market in Telavi, where butchers carve up fresh meat and vendors offload piles of spices. Then, visit Tsinandalia – a historic estate and winery once owned by noted Georgian poet Alexander Chavchavadze. In 1814, aristoc...

Day 8 Gudauri / Stepantsminda

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 volcani...

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)...

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 travellers 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 arou...

Day 12 Tskhaltubo/ Kutaisi

This morning, you’ll travel like the locals and hop on a public bus 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 p...

Day 13 Borjomi/ 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 mi...

Day 14 Vardzia/ Gyumri

Take a private transfer to 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, sm...

Day 15 Yerevan

After a relaxing morning, 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 ...

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 mi...

Day 17 Areni

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 with your leader, which has been repeatedly rebuilt since the 5th century. Legen...

Day 18 Lake Sevan

Early in the morning, drive to the Arpa Protected Landscape. This is Armenia’s first community-managed protected area, run by a foundation representing the Khachik and Areni villages. Learn how the locals protect the flora and fauna, including the rare Caucasian leopa...

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...

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.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,895
Price per day$245
Last Updated: 12/21/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
21 Apr 2025
10 May 2025
$5,285
05 May 2025
24 May 2025
$5,495
19 May 2025
07 Jun 2025
$5,345
02 Jun 2025
21 Jun 2025
$5,345
14 Jul 2025
02 Aug 2025
$4,895
28 Jul 2025
16 Aug 2025
$5,040
11 Aug 2025
30 Aug 2025
$4,945
25 Aug 2025
13 Sep 2025
$5,090
15 Sep 2025
04 Oct 2025
$5,600
29 Sep 2025
18 Oct 2025
$5,600

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel

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The Intrepid Travel Experience

If you’re looking for adventure, you’ve come to the right place. For the past 25 years, we’ve been taking small groups of travelers on unforgettable trips around the world. What makes them unforgettable? Take a look for yourself and discover the Intrepid experience.

Our travelers have three styles of tour to choose from: Basix, Original and Comfort. Each has a different level of inclusions and accommodation, but all have unforgettable real life experiences as part of the package. Travellers can also choose themed trips, such as Family, Sailing or Food, to suit their interests.

Our group size has an average of just ten travellers, which allows us to get off the beaten track, use local accommodation and transport, and really get to know the culture. It also ensures we are contributing to the local economy; by choosing local suppliers we were able to keep AUD 60 million in local economies in 2012. We’re also working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and were the first in our sector to introduce carbon offset trips. This, along with our many corporate sustainability activities, has meant we’re one of the travel industry’s leaders in responsible travel.

Why Intrepid?

  •   Small groups - average of 10 people per trip
  •   Sustainability - pioneers for the industry
  •   Local leaders - authentic perspectives
  •   Local transport - get close and personal
  •   Local accommodation - experience real living
  •   Intrepid travelers - like-minded companions 

History

Intrepid Travel has come a long way since its beginnings in 1989. From two university friends, a typewriter and a kitchen desk, it is now a proud member of The Intrepid Group, taking over 100,000 travelers every year.

Intrepid Travel is part of The Intrepid Group of companies, alongside leading small group adventure companies Peregrine, Urban Adventures and PEAK DMC.

Despite growing into a global business with over 1,000 staff based all over the world and over 800 different trips across every continent, we’ve remained devoted to the same grassroots values and responsible travel philosophies that we had at the very beginning.

 

Values

On every trip we operate and in every interaction we have with a client, supplier or local, we live our core values everyday:

  • Integrity – Doing the right thing
  • Responsible – Think global, act local
  • Growth – Stakeholders in our own success
  • Innovation – Thriving on new ideas and embracing change
  • Fun – It’s engrained into who we are and what we do
  • Passion – We are inspired by the work we do and the trips we offer

 

Why we love this operator
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
What they’re known for
Small group tours for all types of travelers at a range of different price points and trips to off-the-beaten-path destinations.

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Logistics

Accommodation

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

Transportation & Flights

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

Transportation & flights

Private Vehicle,Public Bus,Taxi,Aerial Tramway,Train
Guides
All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative. Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services
Visa requirements
PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements
Health & Safety
Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your group leader or local representative will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips. https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing.
Age Requirements
15 years and up
Additional Information

Finish point

  • Mandarin Hotel
  • 9a Tumanyan street
  • Yerevan
  • ARMENIA
Trip ID
intrepid-KFSBC

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