Caucasus Travel Guide

Plan an unforgettable trip to the Caucasus with this comprehensive travel guide. Explore culturally important attractions, natural wonders, hiking routes, food and drink scenes, and more!


Introduction to Caucasus

Nestled between the Black and Caspian Seas, the Caucasus region spans across Asia and Europe, imparting an exotic blend of cultures, history and geography. Made up of three countries - Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, each of these mountainous nations has its unique charm and highlights.

List of Places to Visit in Caucasus

If you want to explore Caucasus fully, make a list of the following places that should not be missed.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Old City of Baku, Azerbaijan: Explore the Juma Mosque, Maiden’s Tower or the Palace of Shirvanshahs.
  • Gelati Monastery, Georgia: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its striking medieval architecture.
  • Matenadaran Museum, Armenia: Houses ancient manuscripts, including works of literature and science, plus bibles.
  • Sheki Khan’s Palace, Azerbaijan: Discover traditional Azeri architecture infused with lush garden surroundings.
  • Mtskheta Monastery, Georgia: One of the oldest and most significant religious buildings in Georgia, built in the 6th century.

Natural Attractions of Caucasus: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Khachik Mountains, Armenia: Best for hiking, trekking, and basking in the scenic views of the Caucasus region.
  • Uplistsikhe, Georgia: A cave city that dates back to the early first millennium BC with tunnels and roads.
  • Mountains of Guba, Azerbaijan: Beautiful between the October harvest and April Ski season, it’s a perfect place for hiking and outdoor picnics.
  • Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, Georgia: Covering over 76,000 hectares, visit waterfalls and springs, walk through forests, and spot wildlife.
  • Lake Sevan, Armenia: The highest lake in the Caucasus region and the third-largest freshwater lake in the world.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Caucasus

For adventure seekers, these treks and biking routes will quench your thirst for adrenaline.

  • Tusheti National Park, Georgia: Several hiking routes and unforgettable home-stays in traditional Tushetian houses.
  • Geghama Mountains, Armenia: Hikers can explore the trails, monasteries, and volcanic landscape.
  • Gabala, Azerbaijan: Go mountain biking on the beautiful slopes.
  • Svaneti, Georgia: Considered the most beautiful region in Georgia, its mountainous terrain offers various hiking opportunities, including climbing Georgia’s highest peak, Ushba.
  • Khosrov Forest State Reserve, Armenia: This natural park is perfect for long rides, with stunning sights of the surrounding mountains and forests.

Best Things to Do in Caucasus: Activities and Tours

  • Wine Tasting in Georgia: With its ancient wine history and successful winemaking methods, Georgia is the perfect destination for wine lovers.
  • Try Azerbaijan’s Traditional Mugham Music: Mugham is a lyrical song genre native to Azerbaijani people that presents the music of the heart.
  • Hot Air Ballooning in Cappadocia, Armenia: Flying over precious cultural landmarks is an experience you’ll never forget.
  • Experience Azerbaijan’s fire temples: Historical fire temples symbolizing Zoroastrianism.
  • Tasting Lavash Bread, Armenia: Lavash is a famous Armenian traditional flatbread.

Week-Long Itinerary for Caucasus

If you want to explore the Caucasus region in a week, here’s what we recommend:

Day Activity
Day 1 Baku, Azerbaijan
Day 2 Gobustan National Park
Day 3 Sheki, Azerbaijan
Day 4 Tbilisi, Georgia
Day 5 Signaghi, Georgia
Day 6 Mtskheta and Gori, Georgia
Day 7 Yerevan, Armenia

Food and Drink Scene of Caucasus

The Caucasus region offers delicious local dishes, along with some of the best wine in the world.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Khachapuri, Georgia: Cheese bread made with white flour dough, filled with cheese, eggs, and butter.
  • Kyufte Bozbash, Azerbaijan: Meatball soup known for its savory broth with potatoes and chickpeas.
  • Khorovats, Armenia: Armenian BBQ, mostly served with skewered meats, vegetables, and salads.

Local Beverages

  • Georgian Wine: Known as the “cradle of wine,” Georgian wine possesses an exceptional taste and history that dates back over 8000 years.
  • Azerbaijani Tea: Azerbaijani tea is a vast and significant part of the culture, and its tea is brewed in a samovar, served with fruit and sweets.
  • Armenian Brandy: Armenia is home to world-famous brandies known for their unique taste, aroma, and quality.

Where to Stay in Caucasus: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Azerbaijan: Hilton Baku, Hyatt Regency Baku, and Qafqaz Tufandag Mountain Resort Hotel.
  • Georgia: Rooms Hotel Tbilisi, Rooms Kazbegi, and Museum Hotel Orbeliani.
  • Armenia: Radisson Blu Yerevan, Grand Hotel Yerevan, and The Alexander Hotel.

What to Buy in Caucasus: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Wool-Weaving Products of Georgia: Find sheepskin hats, wool socks, and blankets in diverse patterns and colors, made by Georgian artisans.
  • Azerbaijani Caviar: Buy the best quality caviar and salmon roe.
  • Armenian Carpet: Buy a unique piece of Armenian art with wool and silk threads.
  • Azerbaijani Mugs: Known for their unique designs, these mugs are widespread storytellers.

Local Culture and Customs of Caucasus

The Caucasus region prides itself on its unique customs and traditions. Always remember to be respectful and courteous of locals and their customs.

Best Time to Visit Caucasus

The best time to visit the Caucasus region is from May to October when the weather is warm and pleasant for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Caucasus

Do:

  • Dress modestly when visiting religious monuments.
  • Greet people with an open heart and accept their invitations for tea or dinner.
  • Learn some basic phrases in the local language.

Don’t:

  • Do not photograph militaries, police buildings, and checkpoints.
  • Do not litter, especially in natural parks and forests.

Safety and Health

Safety in Caucasus

While Caucasus is relatively safe, tourists should take precautions while traveling.

  • Keep an eye on your valuables.
  • Do not leave your belonging in a parked car.
  • Keep away from political rallies and gatherings.

Health in Caucasus

While most travelers do not need any vaccinations to visit Caucasus, it is still advisable to be up to date on routine vaccinations. Moreover, it’s better to be extra cautious and always drink bottled water.

Getting to Caucasus: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Caucasus

  • Baku Heydar Aliyev International Airport
  • Tbilisi International Airport
  • Zvartnots International Airport, Yerevan

Bus Stations Near Caucasus

  • Avtovagzal Bus Station, Baku
  • Ortachala Bus Station, Tbilisi
  • Central Bus Station, Yerevan

Other Options

Caucasus is well-serviced by taxis and shared taxis, and local public transport is cheap but can be difficult to navigate.

How to Get Around in Caucasus

  • Buses and Minivans: The most common and convenient methods of public transport.
  • Taxis: Taxis are widely available, with prices set by negotiation.
  • Domestic Flights: The quickest and easiest way to travel between cities across the Caucasus region.

Where to Go Next from Caucasus: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

The Caucasus region is well situated for travelers wanting to explore more of Europe and Asia. These places can provide an exciting continuation of your trip.

  • Istanbul, Turkey
  • Kiev, Ukraine
  • Sochi, Russia
  • Tehran, Iran

Conclusion

The Caucasus region offers an authentic and unforgettable travel experience, with fantastic scenery, rich history, culture, and cuisine. By using this travel guide, we hope that you could plan a fantastic trip to each of the three countries and truly immerse yourself in the astonishing beauty and charm of the Caucasus region.

'''The Caucasus:''' hostile politics, stunning scenery and ancient churches. A view over the oft-closed border from the Khor Virap Monastery in Armenia to Turkey's Mount Ararat, itself a symbol of Armenia '''The Caucasus:''' hostile politics, stunning scenery and ancient churches. A view over the oft-closed border from the Khor Virap Monastery in Armenia to Turkey's Mount Ararat, itself a symbol of Armenia Tbilisi's Old Town is known for cozy streets and colorful row houses Tbilisi's Old Town is known for cozy streets and colorful row houses Sheki Sheki Ancient petroglyphs in Gobustan, Azerbaijan Ancient petroglyphs in Gobustan, Azerbaijan Gagra Gagra '''Where religions meet:''' St. Nicholas Church (top) and the Tbilisi Mosque (bottom), Tbilisi '''Where religions meet:''' St. Nicholas Church (top) and the Tbilisi Mosque (bottom), Tbilisi Friendly welcome from the guy, Davit Garedja Georgia Friendly welcome from the guy, Davit Garedja Georgia Bold Soviet architecture in the form of Yerevan railway station Bold Soviet architecture in the form of Yerevan railway station Lake Sevan, Armenia Lake Sevan, Armenia The ruined city of Agdam, retaken by Azerbaijan in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war. The ruined city of Agdam, retaken by Azerbaijan in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war.


    Abkhazia
    Armenia
    Azerbaijan
    Georgia (country)
    Nagorno-Karabakh
    Ossetia
    South Ossetia