The Caucasus

Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan: snow-capped Caucasus peaks, ancient monasteries, clay-vessel wine and Baku's Flame Towers.

The three countries of the (South) Caucasus, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, lie between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, south of the Greater Caucasus range. Sitting where Europe meets Asia, the region has the world's earliest Christian state (Armenia) and an 8,000-year winemaking history. Prices are low, and in recent years it has become a popular off-the-beaten-path destination for Chinese travelers. Highlights: in Georgia, the old town and sulfur baths of Tbilisi, Gergeti Trinity Church below Mount Kazbek, the Mestia defensive towers in Svaneti, the Kakheti wine region and the "City of Love" Sighnaghi, caves and canyons near Kutaisi, and Batumi on the Black Sea; in Armenia, Yerevan with its views of Mount Ararat, Garni Temple and Geghard Monastery, Tatev Monastery with the world's longest reversible aerial tramway, Lake Sevan, and Gyumri; in Azerbaijan, Baku's old town and Flame Towers, the Gobustan rock art and mud volcanoes, and Sheki's Khan's Palace and Silk Road caravanserai. Classic route: Tbilisi (3 days, including a day trip to Kazbegi) – Kakheti (1 day) – Yerevan (3 days, including Tatev) – fly or travel overland to Baku (2–3 days) – Sheki (1 day), 10–14 days in total; Georgia and Armenia alone take about 8–10 days. Note: the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan is closed, so you must transit via Georgia or fly; a passport bearing stamps related to "Nagorno-Karabakh" may result in being refused entry to Azerbaijan. Georgia and Armenia mostly offer visa-free or easy entry for Chinese passports, while Azerbaijan requires an e-visa; check the latest policies before departure.

Destinations

Itineraries

Grand Loop Road Trip of Georgia – A two-week self-drive route linking wine country, snow-capped mountains, cave cities, Svaneti stone towers, and the Bla…
Classic East-West Georgia Route – Depart from Tbilisi, travel through Kakheti, Kazbegi, and Kutaisi, and end at the Black Sea in Batumi.
Caucasus Overland: Baku to Yerevan – Fly into Baku, travel overland through Sheki into Georgia, continue to Armenia, and fly out of Yerevan.
Georgia & Armenia Combo – Head north from Tbilisi to Kazbegi, cross the border into the Debed Canyon, and travel south to Tatev.
Grand Armenia Loop – From Tatev in the south to Debed and Gyumri in the north, cover all the main regions of the country in one loop.
Classic Baku, Quba & Sheki – Using Baku as a base, head north to the ancient village of Khinalug and west to the Silk Road town of Sheki, covering t…
Northern Armenia Slow Travel by Public Transport – Connect Lake Sevan, Dilijan, the Debed Canyon, and Gyumri using marshrutkas and trains.
Southern Silk Road & Tatev Loop – Drive south to Areni, Tatev, and Jermuk, then return via the Selim Pass and Lake Sevan.
Northern & Western Azerbaijan Grand Loop – A grand loop from Baku covering Quba, Sheki, Ilisu, and Ganja, showcasing the best of northern and western Azerbaijan.
Kakheti Wine & Hilltown Loop – Depart from Tbilisi, stay in Sighnaghi and Telavi, and explore the wineries and monasteries on both sides of the Alazan…
Yerevan Base & Surrounding Highlights – Stay in Yerevan and take day trips to Garni, Geghard, Lake Sevan, and the Areni Valley.
Tusheti Abano Pass & Stone Tower Villages – Cross the Abano Pass by 4WD, stay in Omalo and Dartlo, and explore high-altitude stone tower villages.