GRAND CAUCASUS

On arrival, meet your local guide and drive to the Absheron Peninsula, known for its rich oil reserves. Visit the Baku Ateshgah, the 17th-century ‘Fire Temple of Baku,’ a Zoroastrian pilgrimage site linked to Caspian trade.

See Yanar Dag, the Burning Mountain, where natural gas creates a continuous blaze. Admire 19th–20th century architecture built by oil magnates and stop for photos at the iconic, curvaceous Heydar Aliyev Center.

Take a scenic drive along the Caspian coast to Gobustan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its Neolithic petroglyphs depicting ancient tribal life, hunting scenes, and cultural rituals.
*Route to visit the petroglyphs is not paved and involve some inclinations

Continue to one of Gobustan’s most unique attractions, the mud volcanoes.  Azerbaijan is home to nearly half of the world’s mud volcanoes and Gobustan provides an opportunity to witness these fascinating natural phenomena up close.
*In event of rain, we will visit Mud Volcanoes Complex instead

Return to Baku to see how the city blends heritage with modern architecture. Explore Icherisheher, the historic walled city with narrow alleys and the 15th-century Shirvanshahs’ Palace. Admire the skyline dominated by the Flame Towers and visit the Maiden’s Tower for its fascinating history and panoramic views of the bay.

Journey into the heart of the Azerbaijan Mountains from Baku.  Our first stop will be at Maraza Village celebrated for its 15th-century two-storied mausoleum-mosque named Diri Baba.  Resume our picturesque drive to the enchanting town of Sheki. *We will be using the mountain route which can be winding.  In case of bad weather or road closure, we will use the highway and skip the visit to Maraza Village.

Visit the remarkable Sheki Khan’s Palace, a living testament to medieval opulence.  The medieval fortress offers a glimpse into the past.  Next, explore the caravanserai, inns built during the Middle Ages characterised by their massive impregnable gates. 

Proceed to cross the border between Azerbaijan and Georgia.
*Please be prepared as we need to cross the border on foot with our luggage. There is roughly 1km of walking between the 2 borders and it can get quite busy.

Drive to Signagi, the “city of love,” and stroll its cobbled streets with rust-colored rooftops and ancient churches, enjoying sweeping views of the Alasani Valley. Continue to Kakheti, Georgia’s famed wine region, for a tasting experience celebrating 8,000 years of winemaking. End the day in Tbilisi, the capital.

Take the cable car (weather permitting) to Narikala Fortress for panoramic views of Tbilisi, then visit the Mother Georgia Monument. Stroll downhill to Abanotubani, the historic Sulphur Baths district, and see Sioni Cathedral and the 6th-century Anchiskhati Basilica.

Stop at the whimsical Clock Tower and admire the striking design of the Bridge of Peace linking the old town to Rike Park.

Continue to Gori, the birthplace of Joseph Stalin, and explore Uplistsikhe Cave Town, a pagan city founded in the 4th century BC. Its fortress remained unconquered for nearly 1,800 years, thanks to secret water and food supplies and strong fortifications.
*Climb to the cave town is mostly on unpaved paths. Please exercise caution during this excursion.

Visit the Stalin Museum in Gori, including his childhood home and private train carriages. Travel along the scenic Georgian Military Highway, stopping at Ananuri Fortress overlooking the Ahinvali Reservoir. Continue to the Gudauri Friendship Monument, a mosaic-adorned circular balcony with breathtaking Caucasus views. Cross Jvari Pass, the highest point at 2,395 m, en route to Stepantsminda.
*During heavy snow, the road might be closed.  Alternative arrangements will be made.

Travel by 4WD to the stunning Gergeti Trinity Church, set against Mount Kazbegi, and admire its breathtaking views and treasured relics.

Visit a local family to learn and enjoy making traditional Georgian dumplings, Khinkali, along with other local dishes for lunch. In the afternoon, meet a felt artisan to explore Georgia’s traditional felting craft and sample some homemade jam.

Drive to Mtskheta, Georgia’s former capital, known for its cobblestone streets and historic charm. Visit Jvari Monastery, perched on a hill where St. Nino planted the sacred cross, and the grand Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, famed for its 10th–11th century stone carvings.

Return to Tbilisi to see the Chronicles of Georgia, a 30 m monument depicting kings, queens, heroes, and scenes from the life of Jesus Christ.

Bid goodbye to Georgia as we travel towards the border for Armenia.
*Please be prepared as we need to cross the border on foot with our luggage.

Meet your Armenian guide to explore Haghpat in Lori’s Debed Canyon, visiting the Haghpat Monastery, a historic center of learning with a rich manuscript collection. Learn about the Russian Molokan community in Fioletovo village.

Continue to Dilijan, the “Switzerland of Armenia,” surrounded by forests and mountains, and stroll along Sharambeyan Street to discover the town’s artisan workshops and history.

Travel to Lake Sevan, the largest in the Caucasus at 1,900 m, where its waters shift from azure to deep blue with the weather. Visit a family-run cheese farm to learn traditional methods and enjoy lunch.

Drive to Yerevan, Armenia’s capital, blending ancient culture with modern life. Explore Republic Square, the Cascade open-air museum, Victory Park, the Opera House, Swan Lake, and Northern Avenue to appreciate the city’s architecture.

Visit the Armenian monastery carved out of cliffs and named after that spear that stabbed Jesus, the Geghard Cave Monastery.   

Continue to the Temple of Garni, the only standing Greco-Roman colonnaded building in Armenia. Nearby is the Garni Gorge where we can see well-preserved basalt columns referred to as the ‘Symphony of the Stones’ carved out by the Goght River.   

Observe how the national bread ‘lavash’ is baked in an underground stove called ‘tonir’. After lunch, drive to Khor Virap Monastery which imprisoned St Gregory the illuminator in a pit of thirteen years. Explore the charming architecture and rich history here. 

Drive to Etchmiadzin (Vagharshapat), home to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and the 4th-century Etchmiadzin Cathedral, the world’s oldest cathedral and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the medieval ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral, a masterpiece of Armenian architecture.

Return to Yerevan to tour the Armenian Brandy Factory, followed by a visit to Vernissage, a vibrant open-air market. Enjoy a traditional dinner with folklore performance before returning to the hotel to rest ahead of your airport transfer.

It is time to bid farewell to the Caucasus and travel home with fond memories of the sights, sounds, and stories we have collected on this incredible journey.    

Welcome back to Singapore. We hope you have had an enjoyable vacation with Dynasty Travel, and we look forward to our next trip together!