The Caucasus: Three Countries, One Journey
Situated in between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, the three countries comprising the South Caucasus are a travel fantasy come to life. Located at a crossroads between Europe and Asia, Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan offer a spellbinding array of experiences that span ancient history, stunning scenery, and forays into viticulture, gastronomy, and hip urban culture.
THE CAUCASUS
THREE COUNTRIES, ONE JOURNEY
Situated in between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, the three countries comprising the South Caucasus are a travel fantasy come to life. Located at a crossroads between Europe and Asia, Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan offer a spellbinding array of experiences that span ancient history, stunning scenery, and forays into viticulture, gastronomy, and hip urban culture. Although they are very different in character and feel, the three countries share a compact footprint on the world map. The tight geography makes the area relatively easy to travel around, once you gain an understanding of complex regional politics. Remote Lands' latest itinerary is a smorgasbord of all which makes the three nations so unique and compelling, in just one journey. Here’s the lowdown on the ultimate two-week Caucasus epic.
You can also watch a video of Remote Lands' Co-Founder & COO Jay experiencing this trip recently, here.
ARMENIA
Garni Pagan Temple
The journey starts in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. A truly fascinating place, the city is sure to charm with its blend of heritage sights and contemporary culture. Sample the contrasts by following visits to iconic sights like the Yerevan Opera Theatre and attractions like the Museum-Institute with a stroll around the tree-lined boulevards in the city center lined with traditional taverns, and hip wine bars, and Soviet-era architecture. Away from the city, things are just as intriguing. Armenia was the first state to adopt Christianity as its official religion and its southern parts are filled with pilgrimage sites such as Khor Virap, an ancient monastery where Saint Gregory the Illuminator — the first bishop of the Armenian church — was imprisoned for 13 years. Nearby Areni and the neighboring Vayots Dzor region have been the cradle of Armenian winemaking for millennia where you can visit excellent vineyards such as Old Bridge Winery and Areni Wine Factory. Other unmissable Armenian manna, meanwhile, includes Dilijan, a resort town surrounded by forests and alpine meadows, and Haghartsin Monastery, one of the best examples of Armenian medieval architecture.
GEORGIA
View of Gergeti Trinity Church from hotel balcony.
Georgia has evolved into one of the world’s most sought-after travel destinations in recent times. It’s little wonder why it has captured the imaginations of so many. Tbilisi, the country’s capital, is the natural place to get a Georgia odyssey underway. A charismatic and attractive place, it encompasses everything from the 13th-century Metekhi church to funky flea markets, bohemian boutiques, and the liveliest restaurant scene in the Caucasus. Further insight into Georgia's unique character can be gleaned at UNESCO-listed Mtskheta, which is home to Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhveli cathedral where the Robe of Christ is reputedly buried. Georgia is a pioneer in viticulture and its winemaking scene retains its lofty reputation via players such as Ivane Mukhranbatoni, whose estate is a must-visit destination for wine-lovers. Other hubs of viticulture in the nation include the region of Kakheti in eastern Georgia where wine has been made for over 8000 years using traditional Qvevri clay pots buried in the ground. Georgia is one of the most scenic countries on the planet and its breathtaking visual splendor is to the fore at locations around the country. Choice spots for unforgettable vistas include the journey along the Georgian Military Highway toward the Caucasus Mountains and the 3300-feet-deep Dariali Gorge.
AZERBAIJAN
Flame Towers, Baku
Known as the “Land of Fire”, Azerbaijan has a wealth of experiences and sights to ignite the passions of any traveler. Sheki, one of the oldest cities in the country and a key staging point on the Silk Road, is a great place to start an exploration. Its main jewel is the Palace of Sheki Khans, the former summer residence of the royals who were once the most powerful of a series of Khanates in the Caucasus. The journey from here toward the Caspian Sea and the capital Baku encompasses Lahij, one of the oldest settlements in the country and a hub for artisans and traditional crafts. There’s a wealth of gems to discover in Baku itself including its old city, which is still a vibrant, living quarter. Its narrow cobblestoned alleyways, historic caravanserais, hammams, mosques, and hidden courtyards tell the story of Baku's evolution through the centuries.
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