Azerbaijan/Georgia/Armenia
South Caucasus Odyssey: Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia
Program No. 16908RJ
Gain a deeper understanding of the South Caucasus as you visit sacred monuments, sample traditional cuisine, attend cultural performances and learn the story of this ancient region.
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15 days
14 nights
34 meals
13B 12L 9D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
4
Baku / drive to Sheki
Sheki
5
Sheki / Khan's Palace
Sheki
11
Drive to Yerevan / Lake Sevan
Yerevan
15
Program Concludes
In Flight
At a Glance
Delve into the wildly diverse cultures and landscapes of the South Caucasus — a mountainous strip of land between the Caspian and the Black Seas and home to the countries of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia. Discover the heritage behind the bold designs of Azerbaijan’s carpets, savor deep red wines, and visit bakeries, artists’ studios and craft centers in Georgia, and admire the sculpted stone khachkar crosses that dot the green hillsides of Armenia, the world’s first Christian country.
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Walking 1-2 miles on varied terrain; some steep stairs and some stairs without railings. Standing in museums. Elevations up to 6,200 feet.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
What You'll Learn
- Investigate the musical history of Azerbaijan, whose origins stretch before 3000 B.C.
- In Armenia, visit Echmiadzin Cathedral — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to what some say is a piece from Noah’s Ark.
- Witness demonstrations of traditional bread baking, vodka distilling, and the making of churchkela, the wonderful Georgian sweet.
Suggested Reading List
(21 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
South Caucasus Odyssey: Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia
Program Number: 16908
Stories I Stole, A Journey to Georgia
Witty, engaging and attuned to the complexities of history and ethnicity, Steavenson, a veteran journalist, spins lyrical tales of the former Soviet Republic of Georgia as it crumbles around her in the late 1990s.
Black Sea
In this skillful regional portrait, Ascherson weaves his own travels and impressions with a fascinating account of the Black Sea's history. From ancient mythology to modern politics, he admirably never loses sight of the sea itself.
Passage to Ararat
Arlen's National Book Award-winning memoir of his father and the rediscovery of his Armenian heritage. He interweaves stories of travel and family with an account of the troubled history of the country.
The Caucasus, An Introduction
A timely, readable portrait of the Caucasus by an experienced journalist working in the region. With historical background, insight into energy production and an analysis of struggles for independence.
A Hero of Our Time
The story of the bored and cynical antihero Pechorin. A subtle, psychological and brooding masterpiece of Russian Romanticism originally published in 1840, it influenced later 19th century greats including Tolstoy, Dostoyevsky and Chekhov.
Russia's Steppe Frontier, The Making of a Colonial Empire, 1500-1800
In this sweeping, scholarly history Khodarkovsky traces Russian imperial adventures in the Caucasus from the decline of the Mongols to the end of the 18th century.
Taste of Persia, A Cook's Travels Through Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, and Kurdistan
Centering on a culinary tradition that is (alas) poorly understood in the West, this cookbook presents 125 recipes from the Caucasus and Middle East, framed with locals' stories and photographs.
Caucasus, A Journey to the Land between Christianity and Islam
An engaging account of travels in the Caucasus in the footsteps of Imam Shamil, a Muslim who resisted the Russians in the 19th century. The book is a portrait of the people, land and issues in the region.
Black Dog of Fate, A Memoir
This powerful memoir combines Balakian's coming-of-age as an Armenian-American in New Jersey with his growing realization of the horrors suffered by his family in the Armenian genocide of 1915 in Ottoman Turkey.
The Georgian Feast
Historian and food expert Goldstein explores the food, traditions and geography of Georgia, as beautiful as it is bountiful, in this savory cultural history. With illustrations by delightful 19th-century primitivist Niko Pisosmani.
Highlanders, A Journey to the Caucasus in Quest of Memory
In this astute portrait of a complex region in the wake of the Soviet Union dissolution, an Israeli journalist travels into the Caucasus to uncover what fuels the conflicts that divide the region's many ethnic and religious communities.
A Spy by Nature
Introducing the London School of Economics graduate and reluctant British spy Alec Milius. When he lands a prime job for a British oil company, Alec finds himself trapped in a world of secrets and lies that could cost him his life.
Ali and Nino, A Love Story
The deeply sentimental tale, set in Baku in the years before WWI, of an Azerbaijani Muslim boy in love with a Georgian Christian girl, originally published in 1937.
Lonely Planet Georgia, Armenia & Azerbaijan
An excellent practical guide featuring a good overview of culture, history and nature, 16 pages of color photos, 40 maps and a language guide.
Samarkand
An excellent introduction to Samarkand (by turns inhabited by Uzbeks, Tajiks, Russians, Turks, Koryo-Sarams, Jews and Afghans), this compendium brings the region to life with essays, photos and plenty of recipes little-known to the West.
An Armenian Sketchbook
Newly translated, Grossman's journal of a stay in Armenia in the early 1960s affectionately depicts the people and traditions of a mountain village.
Stalin: New Biography of a Dictator
An authoritative, illuminating biography of Georgian Josef Stalin, who ruled the Soviet Union from 1929 until his death in 1953 and caused the death and imprisonment of more than a million Soviet citizens per year.
For the Love of Wine
After falling in love with Georgia and its celebrated wine, Alice Feiring travels throughout the country meeting winemakers, farmers, artists and more, collecting both stories and recipes to present a compelling portrait of a stunning country and its remarkable people.
The Ghost of Freedom, A Modern History of the Caucasus
A professor at Georgetown, King reveals the imperial ambitions, larger-than-life personalities and romance of this strategic region.
Gentlemen of the Road
This medieval adventure by Pulitzer Prize-winner Chabon is set in the Caucasus Mountains, where two thieves for hire are responsible for the fate of the empire of the Khazars.
Caucasus: Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan Map
A travel map of the Caucasus at a scale 1:1,000,000.
Meals
34 Meals
13 Breakfasts
12 Lunches
9 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Low Salt, Low Fat
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
- Sep 25, 2024 - Oct 09, 2024
- Sep 04, 2024 - Sep 18, 2024 (Baku to Yerevan)
- Sep 25, 2024 - Oct 09, 2024 (Baku to Yerevan)
- Apr 23, 2025 - May 07, 2025 (Baku to Yerevan)
- May 07, 2025 - May 21, 2025 (Baku to Yerevan)
- Sep 03, 2025 - Sep 17, 2025 (Baku to Yerevan)
- Sep 17, 2025 - Oct 01, 2025 (Baku to Yerevan)
2 nights
Sheki
Macara is a modern 4-star, 3-story hotel opened in 2021. Walking duration to Sheki city center is approximately 10 minutes, and 25 minutes to the old city and its attractions. Each guest room includes a private balcony, air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a shower, bathrobes and slippers. A restaurant onsite serves daily breakfast and international cuisine throughout the day.
2 nights
Telavi
In the foothills of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, the Holiday Inn Telavi offers modern accommodations in the Kakheti wine region. The hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of several major sightseeing stops in Telavi or a short drive for those interested in exploring nearby wine routes or hiking in either Lagodekhi or Vaslovai National Parks. Guests who choose to stay in can utilize the onsite fitness gym, indoor heated pool, or health spa. The rooftop restaurant offers Spanish tapas, as well as Georgian cuisine and wines, with a spectacular view of the Alazany valley. Amenities include air conditioned rooms, in-room safe boxes, and complimentary breakfast and WiFi.
3 nights
Tbilisi
Located right in the city center within walking distance of galleries, gardens, museums and other popular attractions, the four star Marriott Courtyard Hotel offers spacious and comfortable accommodations.
4 nights
Yerevan
In Yerevan's center, the DoubleTree Hilton features a restaurant, bar, ATM, currency exchange, spa, and fitness center. The hotel is located about a 15 walk from the central Republic Square.
2 nights
Sheki
Macara is a modern 4-star, 3-story hotel opened in 2021. Walking duration to Sheki city center is approximately 10 minutes, and 25 minutes to the old city and its attractions. Each guest room includes a private balcony, air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a shower, bathrobes and slippers. A restaurant onsite serves daily breakfast and international cuisine throughout the day.
2 nights
Telavi
In the foothills of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, the Holiday Inn Telavi offers modern accommodations in the Kakheti wine region. The hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of several major sightseeing stops in Telavi or a short drive for those interested in exploring nearby wine routes or hiking in either Lagodekhi or Vaslovai National Parks. Guests who choose to stay in can utilize the onsite fitness gym, indoor heated pool, or health spa. The rooftop restaurant offers Spanish tapas, as well as Georgian cuisine and wines, with a spectacular view of the Alazany valley. Amenities include air conditioned rooms, in-room safe boxes, and complimentary breakfast and WiFi.
3 nights
Tbilisi
Located right in the city center within walking distance of galleries, gardens, museums and other popular attractions, the four star Marriott Courtyard Hotel offers spacious and comfortable accommodations.
4 nights
Yerevan
In Yerevan's center, the DoubleTree Hilton features a restaurant, bar, ATM, currency exchange, spa, and fitness center. The hotel is located about a 15 walk from the central Republic Square.
2 nights
Telavi
In the foothills of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, the Holiday Inn Telavi offers modern accommodations in the Kakheti wine region. The hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of several major sightseeing stops in Telavi or a short drive for those interested in exploring nearby wine routes or hiking in either Lagodekhi or Vaslovai National Parks. Guests who choose to stay in can utilize the onsite fitness gym, indoor heated pool, or health spa. The rooftop restaurant offers Spanish tapas, as well as Georgian cuisine and wines, with a spectacular view of the Alazany valley. Amenities include air conditioned rooms, in-room safe boxes, and complimentary breakfast and WiFi.
3 nights
Tbilisi
Located right in the city center within walking distance of galleries, gardens, museums and other popular attractions, the four star Marriott Courtyard Hotel offers spacious and comfortable accommodations.
4 nights
Yerevan
In Yerevan's center, the DoubleTree Hilton features a restaurant, bar, ATM, currency exchange, spa, and fitness center. The hotel is located about a 15 walk from the central Republic Square.
2 nights
Telavi
In the foothills of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, the Holiday Inn Telavi offers modern accommodations in the Kakheti wine region. The hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of several major sightseeing stops in Telavi or a short drive for those interested in exploring nearby wine routes or hiking in either Lagodekhi or Vaslovai National Parks. Guests who choose to stay in can utilize the onsite fitness gym, indoor heated pool, or health spa. The rooftop restaurant offers Spanish tapas, as well as Georgian cuisine and wines, with a spectacular view of the Alazany valley. Amenities include air conditioned rooms, in-room safe boxes, and complimentary breakfast and WiFi.
3 nights
Tbilisi
Located right in the city center within walking distance of galleries, gardens, museums and other popular attractions, the four star Marriott Courtyard Hotel offers spacious and comfortable accommodations.
4 nights
Yerevan
In Yerevan's center, the DoubleTree Hilton features a restaurant, bar, ATM, currency exchange, spa, and fitness center. The hotel is located about a 15 walk from the central Republic Square.
2 nights
Telavi
In the foothills of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, the Holiday Inn Telavi offers modern accommodations in the Kakheti wine region. The hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of several major sightseeing stops in Telavi or a short drive for those interested in exploring nearby wine routes or hiking in either Lagodekhi or Vaslovai National Parks. Guests who choose to stay in can utilize the onsite fitness gym, indoor heated pool, or health spa. The rooftop restaurant offers Spanish tapas, as well as Georgian cuisine and wines, with a spectacular view of the Alazany valley. Amenities include air conditioned rooms, in-room safe boxes, and complimentary breakfast and WiFi.
3 nights
Tbilisi
Located right in the city center within walking distance of galleries, gardens, museums and other popular attractions, the four star Marriott Courtyard Hotel offers spacious and comfortable accommodations.
4 nights
Yerevan
In Yerevan's center, the DoubleTree Hilton features a restaurant, bar, ATM, currency exchange, spa, and fitness center. The hotel is located about a 15 walk from the central Republic Square.
2 nights
Telavi
In the foothills of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, the Holiday Inn Telavi offers modern accommodations in the Kakheti wine region. The hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of several major sightseeing stops in Telavi or a short drive for those interested in exploring nearby wine routes or hiking in either Lagodekhi or Vaslovai National Parks. Guests who choose to stay in can utilize the onsite fitness gym, indoor heated pool, or health spa. The rooftop restaurant offers Spanish tapas, as well as Georgian cuisine and wines, with a spectacular view of the Alazany valley. Amenities include air conditioned rooms, in-room safe boxes, and complimentary breakfast and WiFi.
3 nights
Tbilisi
Located right in the city center within walking distance of galleries, gardens, museums and other popular attractions, the four star Marriott Courtyard Hotel offers spacious and comfortable accommodations.
4 nights
Yerevan
In Yerevan's center, the DoubleTree Hilton features a restaurant, bar, ATM, currency exchange, spa, and fitness center. The hotel is located about a 15 walk from the central Republic Square.
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