The Perfect Georgia-Armenia-Azerbaijan Itinerary

Many people will know that Georgia is quickly becoming more and more popular amongst western tourists looking to get off the beaten path in Europe. The problem is, however, due to its geographic location in the far east of Europe, it is a long way to go just for a short Georgia itinerary. That is why many people looking to visit Georgia want to take the time to visit the neighbouring countries as well. However, it can be difficult to map out the perfect Georgia-Armenia-Azerbaijan itinerary for you.

Even if you only have time for a Georgia-Armenia itinerary or a Georgia-Azerbaijan itinerary, there are so many places to visit in these countries that it can be a bit of a headache to figure out what is worth visiting and for how long.

Luckily for you, we spent many months exploring the Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan and have gathered all of the knowledge that can help you plan the perfect Caucasus itinerary!

When to Visit the Caucasus

Before you get to planning the route for your Georgia-Armenia-Azerbaijan itinerary, you’re going to want to know when is the best time to visit the Caucasus countries.

Despite the fact that they seemingly occupy a small geographical area, Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan encompass a number of different climate zones and the weather can vary more than it does in most countries in continental Europe. For instance, there may still be metres of snow on the highest peaks in the Caucasus in August and a city only a couple of hours away would have temperatures well over 35°C (95°F).

That being said, there are certainly times that are better to visit the Caucasus countries than others. On the whole, you can assume that Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan all have continental climates with cold winters and hot summers.

Outside of the mountain areas, winters do tend to be short and mild, mostly with temperatures hovering somewhere around freezing. If you aren’t interested in trekking and don’t mind the cold, then planning your Georgia-Armenia-Azerbaijan itinerary in the winter can be a decent idea. There are also the fewest tourist crowds between the months of December-February and ample affordable skiing opportunities throughout all three countries.

Conversely, summer in the Caucasus countries can be incredibly hot — especially in the cities and lowland areas. This is also the most popular time for visitors in all three countries, however, most places in Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan are far from overrun.

Summer is the best time for a Georgia-Armenia-Azerbaijan itinerary if you plan to spend a lot of time in the mountains and do a bit of trekking. It is also a good time to visit if you want to make the most of the coastal areas along the Black and Caspian Seas. Keep in mind that in some areas of all three countries, temperatures can soar to well over 35°C (95°F) between the months of June-August, including in Tbilisi, Yerevan, and Baku.

Like most everywhere in Europe, arguably the best time to visit the Caucasus is in the shoulder seasons between March-May and September-November. Here you will find the mildest temperatures and the fewer crowds. The only downside is that, especially in spring, there may be mountain areas that are closed to visitors due to snow and ice.

No matter when you decide to plan your Caucasus itinerary, you are sure to have an amazing time exploring Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.

How Many Days in the Caucasus?

Now that you know the best time of year to visit the Caucasus countries, now you need to figure out how long you want to devote to exploring this region. And while we would honestly say that six weeks to two months is the absolute ideal amount of time to spent in Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan, we do realise that most typical travellers don’t have months on end to aimlessly wander through the Caucasus.

So that being said, how many days should you spend here? Well, it depends on what you want to do, however, we would recommend planning on spending at least two weeks if you want to go on a Georgia-Armenia itinerary or a Georgia-Azerbaijan itinerary and planning to spend at least three weeks if you want to visit all three countries. If you have your heart set on visiting all three and you have fewer than 2 or 3 weeks to play around with, we suggest only concentrating on the capital cities of Tbilisi, Baku, and Yerevan.

It is likely that you will want to see more than just the capitals, however, and because of that we really urge you to try to spend as much time as you can in this region of the world. If you want to see the most of what all of these countries have to offer, plan to spend 2 or 3 weeks if you plan to only visit two countries and 3 or 4 weeks if you plan to visit all three.

How to Get Around the Caucasus

Now that you know when and how long to visit the Caucasus, you need to know how you plan to get from point A to point B while there. Luckily, it is actually surprisingly easy and straightforward to get around these countries, especially if you’re moving between major cities and it can be very affordable, as well

If you plan on getting around Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia using public transport, you will find that it is pretty easy and there are a couple of options available for you. One thing to note is that typical coach-style buses in the Caucasus aren’t common and instead most routes rely on minibuses, also called marshrutkas.

Marshrutka routes between major cities operate frequently and they are easy to catch. Usually, they do not operate on a set schedule and only tend to leave when they are full. Depending on the popularity of the route, the more frequently a bus will leave. It is also common to pay your fare directly to the driver, however, this is not always the case and someone will be there to tell you where to pay.

The other common form of “public” transit in the Caucasus is a shared taxi. This mode is more expensive and less reliable than a marshrutka, but it can still be a decent budget option if you don’t want to be crammed into an uncomfortable minibus for a few hours.

You will be able to find a shared taxi to your destination at the same place where the bus leaves. Drivers will usually quote you the price of the car, not the per person price. Therefore, if you can share a cab with three other people, the price for you will go down significantly.

There are some train connections in the Caucasus, most notably night trains between the capital cities, however, the train network is not nearly as developed as in other European nations. On the whole, you can expect train travel to be a lot slower than the bus with far fewer connections, but it definitely is more comfortable than a cramped marshrutka.

We would definitely recommend the night train from Tbilisi to Baku as it is quite comfortable and very convenient so you don’t waste a full day travelling between these two cities.

Many travellers in the Caucasus also prefer to be in more control of their itinerary and like having the flexibility that their own vehicle allows. Renting a car can be a good option if you want to visit some more off the beaten path destinations or are short on time and want to make the most out of your Georgia-Armenia-Azerbaijan itinerary.

It can be worth noting that the road quality in all three countries declines massively outside of the major cities. So you need to be ready to avoid a lot of potholes and to drive over a number of rough, unpaved roads. Drivers in the Caucasus can also be pretty aggressive, so it is necessary to stay very alert and to drive defensively.

If you want to rent a car in the Caucasus, we recommend using RentalCars.com to find great prices from major car hire companies. Alternatively, you can also rent private cars directly from locals through Myrentacar.

All in all, it is very easy to get around all three countries with a few different options depending on your budget and preferences.

Entering Armenia and Azerbaijan

Before you start actually planning your Georgia-Armenia-Azerbaijan itinerary, you need to be aware of the nuances of border crossings, especially if you are planning on visiting both Armenia and Azerbaijan.

It is no secret that Azerbaijan and Armenia and not friends, despite their shared border. The animosity stems from a dispute over the Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) region. To put things incredibly simply, Azerbaijan believes that the Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) region belongs to them, and Armenia thinks the opposite. There was a war, many people lost their lives, the conflict is still not properly resolved and there are absolutely no diplomatic relations between the two.

I, however, am by no means an expert on this conflict and I urge you to do some more reading on the subject to properly educate yourself on this sensitive issue before travelling to either Armenia or Azerbaijan.

The above being said, the borders between Armenia and Azerbaijan are completely closed and it is impossible to travel between the two. So if you has a brilliant plan to travel from Baku to Yerevan to Tbilisi, it’s time to toss that out the window.

What you are likely going to have to do is transit through Georgia a couple of times (it’s easiest to begin a Caucasus itinerary in Georgia as it is the least expensive country to fly into).

Many travellers also wonder if there are any restrictions for travelling to Azerbaijan after Armenia or vice versa. Officially, there are no restrictions and you can legally enter Azerbaijan after having visited Armenia or Armenia after visiting Azerbaijan. The only caveat is that you will be barred from entering Azerbaijan if you have ever travelled to Nagorno-Karabakh.

When it comes to entering Armenia, those with EU passports, US citizens, Australians, and New Zealanders do not require a visa and only need a passport to enter the country for up to 90 days. Unfortunately, Canadian citizens do still need a visa before entering Armenia, however, it is possible to obtain a visa on arrival or through an easy e-visa process.

If you plan to visit Azerbaijan, it is almost certain that you will need a visa in advance. Citizens of the EU, USA, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand can apply for an e-visa at least three days prior to travelling. The visa application process is very easy and all you need to do is print out the visa and show it to the border guard upon entering Azerbaijan.

You may receive a few questions at either border about your travel history, but this is largely dependent on the border agent you are dealing with. We had no questions in Armenia about our previous visits to Azerbaijan and met some people in Azerbaijan who were briefly questioned about their previous visit to Armenia and some who were not asked at all.

All in all, unless you’ve visited Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh), you likely have nothing to worry about regardless if you’ve visited Armenia first or Azerbaijan first.

2-Week Georgia-Armenia Itinerary

Now that we’ve covered all that you need to know before travelling to the Caucasus, it’s time to officially start planning your itinerary!

Like I said earlier, if you only have two weeks to devote to this region, we recommend sticking only to two countries. If you’re after a Georgia-Armenia itinerary, check out the suggested route below.

Keep in mind that every destination listed here is easily accessible via public transport, however, they are not all direct routes. Often, you will need to connect in Tbilisi or Yerevan.

Days 1-3: Tbilisi

Spend your first three days in Tbilisi, seeing the main sites and maybe taking the time to go on a day trip or visit some more off-beat destinations and attractions within Georgia’s capital. Three days is the optimal time to spend in Tbilisi to really get a feel for the vibrant city and to introduce yourself to Georgian culture.

Where to Stay in Tbilisi

Tbilisi is one of the most popular destinations to visit in Georgia and, therefore, there is a range of accommodation to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a backpacker hostel or a boutique hotel, Tbilisi has it all. Here are our top recommendations:

Marco Polo Hostel — A budget backpacker hostel with great common areas and high ratings. There are both dorm and private rooms available. Click here to see their latest prices

Guest House Rampa – A budget guesthouse in the Old Town, they have friendly, helpful owners and a handful of clean private rooms available along with self-catering facilities. Click here to check their latest price

Hotel Flower  — A centrally-located boutique hotel within easy walking distance of most of Tbilisi’s main attractions. There are numerous rooms available, 24-hour reception, and breakfast is included in your nightly rate. Click here to see their latest prices

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Tbilisi hotels

Days 4-5: Sighnaghi

After experiencing lively Tbilisi, it’s time to head east to the lovely Kakheti region and to Georgia’s prettiest town, Sighnaghi. This walled hill town is situated in the heart of Georgia’s top wine-producing region and overlooks the fertile Alazani Valley. Spend one day here exploring the town of Sighnaghi itself and another on a tour of the region, visiting some historical sites and a few wineries.

Where to Stay in Sighnaghi

Sighnaghi is one of the most popular getaways for both visitors and Georgian locals alike, therefore, there is a lot of accommodation choice in the small town. Here are our suggestions for the best places to stay in Sighnaghi:

Maya Guesthouse — A family-run guesthouse with a beautiful view, they have both breakfast and dinner options available as well as a handful of clean and comfortable rooms. Click here to see their latest prices

Guesthouse Wine — Another family-run guesthouse in the town centre that has a few comfortable rooms and a breakfast option available, with friendly and helpful owners. They also make and sell their own wine on site. Click here to see their latest prices

Boutique Hotel BelleVue — A boutique hotel in the town centre, they have myriad rooms to choose from, some with balconies. The staff will also organise private wine tours if interested. Click here to see their latest prices

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Sighnaghi hotels!

Days 6-7: Kazbegi

After spending two days in Sighnaghi, it’s time to venture up into the beautiful Caucasus mountains to the town of Stepantsminda, most commonly referred to as Kazbegi. Located in the shadows of the imposing Mount Kazbek (Georgia’s third-tallest peak and the 7th highest in the Caucasus range), you will need to transfer buses in Tbilisi in order to reach here from Sighnaghi, unless you arrange a taxi or have your own vehicle.

The most popular activity in Kazbegi is to undertake the beautiful hike to the Gergeti Trinity Church, which commands incredible views of Mount Kazbek and the surrounding mountains. There are also ample other hiking opportunities in this area. Many people treat Kazbegi simply as a day trip from Tbilisi, however, we recommend planning to spend two nights (one full day) in order to fully appreciate the scenery and to give yourself enough time to do the hike.

Where to Stay in Kazbegi:

Despite its very small size, there are numerous guesthouses and even some luxury accommodation in Kazbegi. If you’re wondering where to stay in this village, check out our recommendations:

Guest House Kavtarashvili 38 — A well-located, family-run guesthouse with a handful of clean rooms available. There is also an option to include a hearty breakfast. Click here to check their availability

Red Stone Guest House — Another small guesthouse in Gergeti Village, close to the trailhead to the hike to the church. They have many rooms available and breakfast included in the room rate. Click here to check their availability

Rooms Hotel Kazbegi — A luxury hotel with great views of the mountains, numerous amenities, very comfortable rooms, and a great on-site restaurant. Click here to check their availability

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Kazbegi!

Days 8-12: Yerevan

After exploring Georgia, it’s time to head south to the capital of Armenia: Yerevan. Again, if you are coming from Kazbegi via public transportation, it is going to be necessary to transfer in Tbilisi.

Yerevan is a massive city that feels a world away from Tbilisi, however, it retains its own unique charm and it is well worth spending a lot of time in the city. The well-planned streets of the city centre are easy to navigate and the cafe-culture in this cosmopolitan city is enough to rival other European capitals like Paris, Budapest, or Vienna.

Yerevan is an excellent base in Armenia as it also gives you the opportunity to explore many other areas of the country via day trip. We recommend spending a least two full days exploring Yerevan in its totality and then using the rest of your time seeing some other areas of the country via day tour or independent day trip.

Where to Stay in Yerevan:

Being the cosmopolitan capital that it is, there is a tonne of option when it comes places to stay in Yerevan. If you’re struggling to find the best place for you, check out our suggestions:

Envoy Hostel — A backpacker hostel, they offer both dorm and private rooms and also organise day tours around the country, with a special discount for their guests. They have helpful staff, clean facilities, and good common areas. Click here to see their latest prices

The Yard — A boutique hotel located in the city centre, there are numerous clean rooms available and an option to add breakfast to the nightly rate. Click here to see their latest prices

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Yerevan!

Days 13-14: Dilijan

After exploring cosmopolitan Yerevan, end you Georgia-Armenia itinerary in the beautiful town of Dilijan. Colloquially referred to as Armenia’s Switzerland, this is the place to go for a mountain retreat in the country and it is popular among both Armenian locals and tourists alike.

While the town itself doesn’t have a lot of sights to see and things to do, it is surrounded by hiking trails and there is a helpful tourist information centre that can tell you the best places to go for a short stroll in the woods or a full day trek.

Depending on where you end your Georgia-Armenia itinerary, you can easily head back to Yerevan to catch a flight out of the Caucasus or go from Dilijan to Tbilisi and leave from Georgia.

Where to Stay in Dilijan

Dilijan is an incredibly popular weekend destination in Armenia and, therefore, there are lots of places to stay in the town. If you want to know where to stay in Dilijan, have a look at our top recommendations:

Green Dilijan B&B — This family-run guesthouse with a few rooms available and nice common areas. It is very clean and there is an option to add breakfast for an additional charge. Click here to check their availability

Kirovi Tun — A small hotel with a range of cosy and clean rooms available and a swimming pool to keep the whole family entertained. Breakfast is included in the nightly rate. Click here to check their availability

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other places in Dilijan!

3-Week Georgia-Armenia Itinerary

Devoting three weeks to your Georgia-Armenia itinerary will give you all the more time to dig deeper in each country and see more places, do more things, and eat more of the delicious local cuisine!

Days 1-3: Tbilisi, Georgia

Begin your three weeks in Georgia and Armenia with days 1-3 in Tbilisi exploring the Georgian capital. Take the time to see the main sites in the city and may go on a day trip.

Days 4-5: Kazbegi, Georgia

Move onto spending days 4-5 in Kazbegi enjoying the hiking opportunities and the gorgeous scenery of the Greater Caucasus. Enjoy the incredible hike up to the Gergeti Trinity Church or even take it a bit farther to and head all the way to the glacier.

Days 6-8: Sighnaghi, Georgia

Next, learn about the 8,000-year-old Georgian wine culture with days 6-8 in Sighnaghi. Enjoy this charming hill town, take a wine tour of the Alazani Valley and visit some historic churches and monasteries before heading south into Armenia.

Days 9-13: Yerevan, Armenia

Plan to spend days 9-13 in Yerevan, enjoying the different pace of this capital city, going on a few day trips, and experiencing its killer restaurant scene and cafe culture.

Days 14-15: Dilijan, Armenia

Next is time to venture north and spend days 14-15 in Dilijan enjoying the nature and laid-back energy of Armenia’s Switzerland.

After exploring Armenia, it is time to head back to Georgia.

Days 16-18: Borjomi, Georgia

Located in the central southwest of Georgia, Borjomi is a popular spa town known for its natural spring water and beautiful nature. It is been a tourist destination since Georgia was under Imperial Russian rule in the mid 19th century and today it remains a pleasant getaway.

It is also a popular spot for visiting the incredible cave city of Vardzia and the Rabati Fortress complex in Akhaltsikhe. Spend one day in Borjomi itself, exploring its Mineral Water Park and hiking to the wonderful sulphur pools. It is also possible to spend the day hiking in the nearby national park.

Spend your second day on a day trip to Vardzia and some surrounding fortresses and historical sites. It is possible to arrange a day tour through the tourist information centre in the town of Borjomi or to get a private driver just for yourself.

Where to Stay in Borjomi

Borjomi isn’t quite as popular a destination as many of the other places mentioned on this itinerary through Georgia and Armenia, but it still draws in its fair share of visitors. If you’re wondering where to stay in Borjomi, check out our recommendations:

Guesthouse Metreveli — A family-run guesthouse with three comfortable private rooms available. They have friendly owners, an excellent breakfast option, and plenty of homemade wine and cha cha. Click here to see their latest prices

Hotel Victoria — A small boutique hotel near the Central Park, they have a range of comfortable rooms available and a restaurant on site. Click here to see their latest prices

Crowne Plaza Borjomi — A luxury hotel adjacent to the Central Park, they have numerous amenities and plush rooms all in a beautiful historical building. Click here to check their availability

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Borjomi hotels!

Days 19-21: Kutaisi, Georgia

Kutaisi, Georgia’s third-largest city, is a logical place to end this Georgia-Armenia itinerary as it has its own international airport with many budget connections throughout Europe. It is also very easy to transit to Batumi or Tbilisi from Kutaisi.

Kutaisi also is worth visiting for a couple of days in its own right. Spend one day exploring the town itself, making sure to stop by the bustling Green Bazaar and the beautiful Bagrati Cathedral. Spend another day on a trip to the surrounding Imereti, marvelling at the Prometheus Cave or rafting in the Martvili Canyon.

Where to Stay in Kutaisi

Since its airport has become a major transport hub, Kutaisi has really come into its own as a tourist destination in Georgia and there are an endless amount of great places to stay in the city. Here are our top suggestions:

Pospolita Guesthouse – A hospitable family-run guesthouse, they have a few rooms available and an excellent location. The owners are very friendly and breakfast is included. Click here to check their latest prices

Hotel Green Town — If you’re looking for a proper hotel rather than a guesthouse, then this is a great option. Located a stone’s throw from the beautiful and historic Bagrati Cathedral, they have a range of rooms available, offer a shuttle service from Kutaisi Airport and a hearty breakfast included in the nightly rate. Click here to see their latest prices

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Kutaisi!

2-Week Georgia-Azerbaijan Itinerary

If you only have two weeks and would prefer to go on a Georgia-Azerbaijan itinerary rather than a Georgia-Armenia itinerary, then this is the route to follow.

Days 1-3: Tbilisi, Georgia

Spend your first three days in the Caucasus in the vibrant Georgian capital of Tbilisi. Follow the above suggestions about where to stay in the city.

Days 4-6: Baku, Azerbaijan

After exploring Georgia’s, hop on the night train from Tbilisi to Baku and get ready to spend three days in Azerbaijan’s capital city. Baku is an incredibly interesting city that combines ultra-modern architecture with grand European boulevards and a Persian-style old town.

As the most populous city in the Caucasus, Baku is large and you can easily occupy a number of days exploring the city. We recommend you spend two days seeing the sites and attractions of Baku before spending another day on a trip to the nearby mud volcanoes and Gobustan cave paintings.

Where to Stay in Baku

Baku is becoming a popular destination for city breaks among many countries and there is a seemingly infinite amount of accommodation to choose from ranging from the ultra-luxe to a budget backpacker hostel. Here’s where we think you should stay in Baku:

Sahil Hostel — A backpacker hostel located closed to Sahil Metro and within easy walking distance of all the main sites. They have a range of private and dorm rooms available. Click here to see their latest prices

La Casa Fountains Square – Situated in Baku’s vibrant downtown and within easy walking distance of the city’s top attractions, this is an excellent mid-range option. They have a number of rooms to choose from, breakfast included in the room rate and access to basic kitchen facilities should you wish to prepare som of your own meals. Click here to see their latest prices

Seven Boutique Hotel — A well-located boutique hotel with have a range of clean and comfortable rooms available and a helpful staff to make your stay a great one. Click here to see their latest prices

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Baku hotels!

Days 7-8: Sheki, Azerbaijan

After exploring bustling Baku, it’s time to see how much life in Azerbaijan outside of the oil-rich capital. This is why we recommend spending two nights in quiet Sheki.

Sheki is one of the most tourist-friendly towns in Azerbaijan, however, you could easily exhaust all of the things to do in Sheki in one full day. However, it is worth it to take the time to explore the beautiful palaces and admire the local handicrafts while learning about the town’s Silk Road history. Sheki is also located near some fantastic hiking areas.

Where to Stay in Sheki

Because of its diminutive size, there aren’t a tonne of places to stay in Sheki, however, there are still a few options to choose from depending on your personal budget and travel style. Here are our suggestions:

Ilgar’s Guesthouse — A local homestay, rooms are basic but comfortable, there is decent WiFi and an option to get breakfast in the morning. Click here to check their latest prices

Inci Design Hotel & Hostel — Both a backpacker’s hostel and a modern hotel, there are both dorms and stylish private rooms available and clean facilities. Click here to check their latest prices

MinAli Boutique Hotel – A recently-opened boutique hotel, they have large modern rooms and a great breakfast included in the nightly rate. Click here to check their latest prices

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other rooms in Sheki!

Days 9-11: Sighnaghi, Georgia

After exploring Sheki for a couple of days, it’s time to head back to Georgia. The most logical next stop would be in the Kakheti region and that’s why we recommend spending days 9-11 in Sighnaghi. It can be somewhat tricky to figure out how to get from Sheki to Sighnaghi, but there are a few options available to you and isn’t complicated if you plan in advance.

Days 12-13: Kazbegi, Georgia

Round out this Georgia-Azerbaijan itinerary by spending days 12-13 in Kazbegi, hiking in the Georgian Caucasus before heading back to Tbilisi to venture home.

3-Week Georgia-Azerbaijan Itinerary

Three weeks in Georgia and Azerbaijan just gives you more time to be able to explore more of these wonderful countries. Spend the first two weeks of this three-week Georgia and Azerbaijan itinerary following the same route as in the two-week itinerary above.

Days 1-3: Tbilisi, Georgia

Spend your first three days exploring all of the amazing sites in the capital of Georgia. For tips on what to see and do and where to stay, follow the Tbilisi suggestions above.

Days 4-6: Baku, Azerbaijan

Hop on the night train from Tbilisi to the dynamic and thriving city of Baku. The Azerbaijani capital is a city of contrasts and it truly fascinating to visit. Spend a couple of days exploring the city and it’s surrounding area.

Days 7-8: Sheki, Azerbaijan

From Baku, hop on a bus to the historic city of Sheki. Enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery and take in all of the fascinating historic sites, one of which (The Palace of the Sheki Khans) has newly been inscribed into UNESCO.

Days 9-11: Sighnaghi, Georgia

Sighnaghi lies only a short distance from the Azerbaijan border and makes for a logical stop on this itinerary. Spend a couple of days here sipping wine, enjoying the beautiful scenery and taking in all of the incredible historic sites.

Days 12-13: Kazbegi, Georgia

Though you will likely have to make a transfer in Tbilisi (unless you’ve hired a car or a drive), spend the next two days exploring that beautiful mountain village of Stepantsminda, also known as Kazbegi. Whether you want to brave one or two of the hikes here or simply want to enjoy the mountain scenery, there is no denying that this is one of the most spectacular places to visit on any Caucasus itinerary.

Days 14-17: Kutaisi, Georgia

From there, spend days 17-20 in Kutaisi. While this might seem like a long time to spend in this city, you can easily spend two days in the city and two days on separate day trips.

Days 17-20: Mestia or Batumi, Georgia

After spending days 14-17 in Kutaisi and then head north to hike in the mountains of Svaneti and spend days 18-20 in Mestia. If you aren’t interested in the mountain villages, then you could easily spend days 18-20 in Batumi instead, soaking up the sun on the Black Sea coast.

Where to Stay in Mestia

Mestia is a popular destination for those looking to see what mountain village life is like in Georgia or for travellers who are interested in doing some serious trekking. If you want to know where to stay in Mestia, check out our recommendations:

Guesthouse Guram Baba — A clean, comfortable family-run guesthouse, they have a number of rooms available, a kitchen available for guests use, and the owners will organise transport to Ushguli if you’d like. Click here to see their latest prices

Hotel Level — This hotel is another great option if you’re looking for a more high-end place to stay in Mestia. They have numerous rooms available and an option to include breakfast in the nightly rate. Click here to see their latest prices

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more accommodation in Mestia!

Where to Stay in Batumi

After Tbilisi, Batumi is the most popular destination to visit in Georgia. Though it is famous for its coastline and casinos, there are lots of different accommodation options to choose from. Here’s where we suggest:

Kartuli Hotel — If you’re looking for a hip and beautiful place to stay in Batumi that will provide excellent views over the Black Sea, then this is the place for you. They have a number of chic rooms available and are situated within easy walking distance of the beach. Click here to see their latest prices

Light Palace Hotel — A small well-located hotel close to the beach and the main sites. They have a great breakfast and an array of clean and comfortable rooms available. Click here to see their latest prices

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Batumi hotels!

3 Week Georgia-Armenia-Azerbaijan Itinerary

If you have three weeks to spend in the Caucasus and you have your heart set on a Georgia-Armenia-Azerbaijan itinerary, we suggest spending your trip as follows:

• Days 1-3: Tbilisi, Georgia – spend three days exploring the Georgian capital
• Days 4-6: Baku, Azerbaijan – spend another few days taking in the sites of the capital of Azerbaijan
• Days 7-8: Sheki, Azerbaijan – enjoy the mountain scenery and historic sites in this Azeri town
• Days 9-11: Sighnaghi, Georgia – sip wine straight from the qvevri in this eastern Georgia town
• Days 12-13: Kazbegi, Georgia – take in views of Mount Kazbek and hike in the Caucasus for a day or two
• Days 14-18: Yerevan, Armenia – head south and explore the capital of Armenia and its surrounding area
• Days 19-20: Dilijan, Armenia – enjoy the peaceful mountain scenery before leaving the region via Yerevan or Tbilisi.

4 Week Georgia-Armenia-Azerbaijan Itinerary

Four weeks is the absolute ideal amount of time to spend on a Georgia-Armenia-Azerbaijan itinerary as it allows you to see the most of the three countries without feeling too rushed and overwhelmed. Follow this route:

• Days 1-3: Tbilisi, Georgia – take the time to explore the Georgian capital
• Days 4-6: Baku, Azerbaijan – hop on the night train to the vibrant capital of Azerbaijan
• Days 7-8: Sheki, Azerbaijan – view the UNESCO site and mountain scenery in this lovely town
• Days 9-11: Sighnaghi, Georgia – sip wine and visit historic monasteries in this walled hill town
• Days 12-13: Kazbegi, Georgia – hike to the Gergeti Trinity Church and enjoy mountain views in Stepantsminda
• Days 14-17: Yerevan, Armenia – take in the sites of the Armenian capital and its surrounding area
• Days 18-19: Dilijan, Armenia – enjoy the pristine nature of Armenia in this lovely mountain town
• Days 20-22: Borjomi, Georgia – soak in healing sulfuric waters or take a day trip to an ancient cave city in this Georgian city
• Days 23-25: Kutaisi, Georgia – get to know Georgia’s third-largest city and its surrounding area
• Days 26-28: Mestia or Batumi, Georgia – hike in one of Georgia’s most remote mountain villages or bask in the sunshine on the Black Sea coast

Have more time?

If you have more than 4 weeks to devote to a Georgia-Armenia-Azerbaijan itinerary, then you would have a lot more flexibility for your route. You could, perhaps, choose to go the popular Mestia to Ushguli trek or you could spend longer in Tbilisi, Yerevan or Baku.

You could also venture to a few more off-beat destinations or spend longer in each place in order to both minimise your impact and really get to know the culture.

Planning the perfect Georgia-Armenia-Azerbaijan itinerary can seem overwhelming at first, but once you work out how long you have and which places are worth visiting, the task becomes far less daunting.

Looking for travel insurance before visiting the Caucasus? World Nomads offers flexible and simple travel insurance policies with coverage for more than 150 activities that you can buy or extend while on the road.

Are you in the process of planning a Georgia-Armenia-Azerbaijan itinerary? Have you planned a Caucasus itinerary before? Let us know in the comments!

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