Azerbaijan Tours and Trips

Azerbaijan: visit Qobustan, which isn't included in the itinerary. Also the Heydar Aliyev Center, and the flame towers at night. Georgia: visit Batumi if possible, which is being dropped from the itinerary. Read Rustaveli's opus: the Knight in the Panther's Skin. Enjoy Georgian wine. Armenia: take the escalator in the Cafesjian Center for the Arts to view contemporary sculptures. Listen to liturgical music by Komitas. Note that there is a different overall guide for each country.

We loved our time in Azerbaijan. Baku was surprisingly cosmopolitan and the people very friendly. The landscape and history of the region was fascinating. Our guide Arif was outstanding, often doing much more than was required to ensure we enjoyed ourselves. Would thoroughly recommend Azerbaijan as an interesting destination.

It was very good and I wouldn't have left any of it out...but really needed two or three more days to explore the big cities better and get a break from sitting on the bus.

WHAT I ENJOYED The beautiful city of Baku with its Paris like boulevards and Dubai inspired architecture. The wineries of Georgia including the beautiful grounds, fascinating wine making process and of course the tasting…. excellent reds and whites! The many old churches, monasteries and forts, each with amazing history, frescoes, ancient stonework and soaring domes. The beautiful capital city Tbilisi, with its bustling old city and stunning beauty by night. The mountains of Georgia with snow capped mountains upon which were perched magnificent old churches (I’m still wondering how the congregation got there!). The beautiful poppies in the grass-fields of Armenia making a colourful landscape when combined with the many other spring flowers. The food was magnificent, healthy, well organised for a group, and plentiful. WHAT I DIDN'T EXPECT The honest and confronting history of Georgia and Armenia. The old-fashioned methods of extracting oil which makes Azerbaijan rich. How buildings in Baku must be finished on the outside before the inside to avoid lengthy building sites interrupting the beauty of the waterfront. Snow-capped mountains in Georgia. Beautiful and extensive landscapes of Armenia. Such ancient history. HIGHLIGHTS FOR ME Hiking the mountains Kazbegi, Georgia. Stunning architecture and waterfront promenades of Baku. Enjoying the hospitality of local families for dinner local style. The Armenian Genocide Museum was extremely moving and eye opening. Georgian wine. The old towns of Baku and Tbilisi. The extensive history lesson across all three countries.

Discovering the long history, culture, and culinary delights of each country of the Caucasus was an amazing and unique experience. The variety of the Georgian countryside was the biggest surprise. The majestic mountains and alpine regions were absolutely beautiful and a highlight of the trip.

This was an exciting and incredibly informative travel experience. The guides and drivers were terrific and passionate about their countries. If you are interested in history and being introduced to this fascinating part of the world, then I would recommend this tour.