Planning to travel to the Caucasus? This list of 12 useful Caucasus travel tips covers everything from money to border crossings.
When I first travelled to the Trans-Caucasus countries (Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan), the region was still relatively unknown to tourists outside Eastern Europe. Ninety percent of people I spoke to couldn’t pinpoint Georgia on a map, let alone shed light on what it’s like to travel or live there.
In the last few years, the Caucasus travel has become extremely popular – thanks in no small part to Georgia and Armenia being featured on many a must-do travel list (Lonely Planet, Forbes, AFAR… The list goes on). Budget flights to Tbilisi, Kutaisi and now Gyumri and Yerevan have made the region more accessible than ever before.
I certainly knew very little about the Caucasus before we decided to go (up until a few years ago, I would have had no hope of locating it on a map either). Honestly, my ignorance was a big part of the reason I wanted to travel there in the first place. It was challenging at times, but overall it was hugely rewarding to go in with very few expectations and figure things out as we went along.
I don’t want to spoil any surprises or deprive you of that same sense of discovery—but I do think it helps to have a few pointers. To help you on your way, I’ve put together this list based on some of the common questions readers and friends ask me about travelling in Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Here are 12 things I think you should know before visiting the Caucasus.
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1. The region is incredibly diverse
It’s tempting to lump Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan together, but the three countries are very distinct. For starters, each one has its own language, culture and religion.
There’s a certain amount of overlap between Georgia and Armenia because the two countries share a long history and similar belief systems. Azerbaijan has a fascinating landscape and culture all of its own, and in my opinion is more distinct from its neighbours.
Travelling to all three countries as part of the one trip (like we did) makes sense logistically – and I’d go as far as to say that you really need to experience all three in order to get a balanced overview of the region. Don’t make the mistake of skipping Yerevan ‘because you’ve already seen Tbilisi’ – it doesn’t work like that.
There’s a huge amount of variety within each country, too. Azerbaijan, for example, supports nine out of the world’s 11 climatic zones and has an incredibly diverse landscape.
The Caucasus is second only to Papua New Guinea in terms of its linguistic diversity. One of the best things you can do is visit and learn about the ancient tribes and clans of the Northern Caucasus mountains, who know no state borders.
2. It feels a lot more like Europe than Asia
The Caucasus has always been defined by its mix of cultural influences due to its position at the crossroads of East and West. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, all three countries moved to distance themselves from Russia and fixed their gaze firmly on the West.
This is especially true of Georgia, which is currently pushing for membership in the EU.
Is Armenia in Europe? Is Georgia in Asia? Whether the Caucasus is part of the European or Asian continent seems to be a point of ongoing contention. All three countries are technically in Asia; but overall, the region feels a lot more European, especially in the cities.
All three capitals – Tbilisi, Yerevan and Baku – are characterised by classical architecture, parks, fountains and boulevards. To me, it definitely felt like I was travelling in Europe, albeit a slightly grungier version.
3. Just because two countries are neighbours doesn’t mean they’re friends
I was surprised to learn that there are still a number of active conflicts going on in the Caucasus. I think it’s important to understand a little bit about diplomatic relations between bordering countries – at the very least, it could have practical implications for your itinerary.
The most severe conflict is probably the one between Armenia and Azerbaijan. It centres on the Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) region, a breakaway territory sandwiched between the two republics, which has been a site of skirmish since the 1980s. The war in Nagorno-Karabakh officially ended in 1994, but landmines and gun snipers are still a part of the everyday reality there.
It’s possible to travel to Nagorno-Karabakh, but only from the Armenian side of the border. And if you do, you forfeit your chance to travel to Azerbaijan – Azeri immigration won’t permit you to enter the country if they find any evidence that you’ve been to the disputed zone. The border between Armenia and Azerbaijan remains closed, so it’s necessary to pass back through Georgia if you’re travelling between the two countries overland.
Armenia has a tumultuous history with neighbouring Turkey, so the Armenian/Turkish border is also impassable.
Relations between Armenia and Iran, by contrast, are blossoming – the two neighbours recently established a visa-free travel agreement for their citizens. (You’ll see a lot of Iranian tourists in Yerevan – our tour guide there went as far as to suggest that one in three people you see on the street at any given time is Iranian.)
Muslim-majority Azerbaijan is closer with Turkey than any of its other neighbours. Although the two states no longer share a land border, many aspects of their culture and language overlap.
In the midst of all this, Georgia is sort of a ‘neutral’ state. Its borders with Russia, Turkey, Azerbaijan and Armenia are all open.
Georgia shares a long history with Armenia (much of Tbilisi’s old town was historically Armenian), and today the two countries have something of a friendly sibling rivalry (both claim to be the birthplace of viticulture and the inventor of the churchkhela). Georgians have much more in common with Armenians, while Azerbaijan is sort of viewed as the ‘outsider’ of the group.
Russia’s most recent forceful encroachment onto Georgian territory is still fresh in the memory of people as young as me. This has fostered an anti-Russian sentiment in the minds of many Georgians.
4. The history will break your heart
Ongoing border disputes are evidence of the fact that Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan are all young republics with a long, often troubling, history. This is something to be aware of, but I strongly believe that learning about events like the Armenian Genocide is best saved until you arrive in-country.
One of the most confronting things for me was the fact that I had never really heard of the Armenian Genocide before I set foot in Yerevan.
Be respectful, but don’t shy away from the history of the Caucasus. One of the best ways to immerse yourself and deepen your knowledge is simply by speaking to people.
5. Poverty is a big issue
One thing all three Caucasus countries share is a common legacy of Sovietism. Coming from the West, I had a lot of preconceptions about the Soviet Union, which I generally consider to be a period of oppression and misery.
But talking to people on the ground (especially older generations), I was surprised to learn that not everyone looks back on Soviet times as ‘dark days’. For some, life was easier under the Soviet Union because they had everything they needed.
Georgia and Armenia both suffered huge economic losses after the Union dissolved; Azerbaijan survived on its oil money.
This all unfolded in the 1990s, which really wasn’t that long ago, and you still see a lot of poverty in all three countries today as a result. Armenia has one of the highest rates of migration in the world; young people especially are leaving in droves to escape the flagging economy.
Even for the young and well-educated in Georgia, jobs are scarce and wages in some sectors (including hospitality) are extremely low. As tourists, I believe we all have a responsibility to support local and small businesses, and visit less touristy areas to spread the love around (when possible).
Having travelled extensively in Southeast Asia, I’m used to seeing poverty. If you’re not so familiar with it, you best brace yourself for some pretty confronting scenes, especially in rural areas. You should also be prepared to deal with professional beggars in the bigger cities, especially in Tbilisi.
6. The cities are incredibly safe
OK – so there is a certain degree of ongoing political conflict and urban poverty is definitely an issue in the Caucasus, but for the average tourist, it’s still an incredibly safe place to visit.
By some measures, Georgia is one of the safest countries in the world (the 2018 Global Law and Order report from Gallup ranked Georgia 17th among 142 countries for security—ahead of the UK, US, and Germany).
One of the coolest things about Tbilisi is how the city cares for its stray animals—most street dogs are tagged and vaccinated by the state, and they are relatively friendly (the same does not go for dogs in rural areas, especially Caucasian mountain dogs).
Armenia is trying hard to shake off its reputation for corruption by putting anti-bribery measures in place at border crossings. I know this is a sweeping generalisation, but in my experience, people in the Caucasus are generally very trustworthy and community-minded.
Pick-pocketing and petty crime are rare in all three cities, and we certainly didn’t experience trouble of any kind.
7. Public transport is the best way to get around
I’m a huge advocate of road trips, but I really wouldn’t bother with hiring or buying a car in the Caucasus. All three countries have top-notch inter-city transport networks, including trains and buses. Inter-country travel is also straightforward and affordable if you travel by overnight train.
Tbilisi, Baku and Yerevan all have metro systems (in the Soviet Union, any city with a population of one million people automatically qualified for a line), public buses and ride-sharing services. (The first time I ever used Uber was for a Lada ride to the bus station in Baku.) In my experience, public transport in the cities is cheap and generally reliable – plus, you can buy a local sim card and use Google Maps for route planning.
Trust me, you will learn to love the humble marshrutka! These ubiquitous minivans are the best way to get around the Caucasus – I think we had more than 30 marshrutka rides in total. For a full break down of the public transport we used on our trip (including travel times and prices), check out our full itinerary.
If you’re thinking about driving, check out my tips for driving in Georgia and this helpful post about renting a car in Baku.
8. The food (and wine) will redefine your idea of ‘delicious’
I knew I was going to like Georgian food, but I wasn’t expecting there to be quite so much variety (or to be honest, so much flavour). After a year in Cambodia, all I wanted to do was pig out on cheese, bread and wine. I certainly did that – but I also got to eat some of the tastiest, freshest, healthiest meals I’ve ever eaten in my life.
I can confidently say that Georgian cooking changed what ‘delicious’ means to me – and what food should taste like in general. I’ve previously written about Georgian food in Tbilisi and in Kutaisi. (The food in Armenia and Azerbaijan was also good, but Georgia definitely wins in the culinary stakes.)
I would be remiss not to add a little something about wine. Viticulture was pioneered in present-day Georgia and Armenia, and both countries (especially Georgia) now produce incredible vino. Kakheti is Georgia’s wine-producing region and well worth a visit.
9. English is widely spoken
Since learning Russian in school is no longer compulsory, many young people in the Caucasus now choose to learn English instead. Like anywhere else these days, English is viewed as an essential skill for the new economy.
It’s always handy to know a few phrases (and a good habit to absorb as much of the local language as possible), but you certainly won’t have any trouble getting around if you only speak English.
Of the three countries, Azerbaijan had the least spoken English – but it all balanced out. Unlike the Georgian and Armenian alphabets which are beautiful but undecipherable, the Azeri alphabet is based on Turkic characters, which are easy enough to read.
10. Religion is critical
Did you know that Armenia was the first country in the world to adopt Christianity as its state religion? I didn’t. But after spending Easter Sunday in Yerevan, I got a taste for how deeply-rooted Armenian Orthodoxy is in the country.
Georgia, too, is a very religious country. And it’s not going out of fashion, either. Quite the opposite. According to 2018 research by Pew, Georgia is one of only two countries globally where youth are more religious than elders (on average, of course).
It’s not uncommon to see people on the bus or in cars cross themselves as they pass by a church (I know this happens in other Orthodox countries, too). Both Georgia and Armenia are famous for their impressive cave monasteries, churches and cathedrals.
Azerbaijan – ever the odd one out – is 99 percent Muslim, with most believers adhering to an orthodox Ithna Ashari school of Shi’a Islam. From what I’ve read and experienced, Muslim identity in Azerbaijan is more about culture and ethnicity than religious belief.
It’s kind of miraculous that all three countries held onto such strong belief systems throughout Soviet times. There’s no doubt that religion is part of the fabric of all three nations; but overall, I would say that personal ideas of devotion are mixed.
I wouldn’t particularly describe any of these countries as conservative, either – we only saw a handful of women wearing the hijab in Azerbaijan, for example. Contrary to some other travellers’ reports, public buses and trains in the country are no longer sex-segregated.
It goes without saying that as a tourist, you’ll be expected to dress and behave in certain ways when you’re inside a place of worship. Head scarves and wrap-around skirts are available for women to borrow at all Orthodox churches.
11. The kindness of strangers will restore your faith in humanity
Hospitality and tolerance is a huge part of Caucasian culture, and in my experience, people will honestly do just about anything they can to make you feel welcome. Georgians in particular are infamous for their stony exterior; but underneath the brusqueness, we found so much warmth.
I’ve written a whole post about the small gestures of kindness that shaped my overwhelmingly positive view of the Caucasus. It contains a few anecdotes which you might enjoy reading before you visit the country.
This isn’t to say that Georgia (nor Azerbaijan nor Armenia – nor any other country on earth) doesn’t have its fair share of social issues.
This 2018 report from Human Rights Watch provides an easy-to-digest overview of Georgian policy and politics, including hot-button issues such as media freedom, drug policy and same-sex marriage.
12. The Caucasus is already a popular destination
Just because you haven’t heard much about the Caucasus doesn’t mean it’s not a popular tourist destination. We travelled during shoulder season (March to May) and didn’t encounter too many crowds. But I can only think of one or two occasions when we were the only tourists around.
If you’re travelling during the high season (summer, June to August), I would recommend booking at least some of your accommodation and transportation in advance.
Armenia, as I mentioned, is a popular spot for Iranian tourists, and Georgia too is gaining a reputation among travellers from the region (largely thanks to cheap Wizz Air flights that now service Kutaisi). Most of the other travellers we met on the road in Georgia were Ukrainian or Polish.
On one hand, this is a good things, because tourist infrastructure is already pretty well developed to cater to local markets. At the same time, you still feel like you’re somewhat off the mainstream tourist track—especially if you’re from Australia (we’re still a bit of a novelty in these parts).
One of the best things about travelling in the Caucasus is the chance to connect with tourists from countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. In my opinion, it’s way more interesting to meet a traveller from Kazakhstan than to share a bus ride with a hoard of American tourists.
I’ve no doubt that the Caucasus region will one day earn the recognition it deserves among tourists of all stripes. And I sincerely hope that tourism will be a positive force in the lives of the people who live there.
Have you travelled in Georgia, Armenia or Azerbaijan? Or maybe you’re planning your own trip? If you have any tips for fellow travellers, please leave them here in the comments!
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I visited friends in Tbilisi for two weeks in late September 2023. I can vouch for everything I’ve seen in Emily’s great guide. I just wish I’d known about it and read it all before I visited! And now I’m reading it to refresh my memories. The one thing I have not (yet) seen mentioned is the unbelievably horrible traffic in Tbilisi. Gridlock seems to be the normal thing in this city, which means that — just as Emily says — you must allow LOTS of time for traveling around Tbilisi. (Fortunately, taxis are very cheap.) For trips outside the city my friends hired a professional tour guide who was terrific and very reasonable. He took us to a set of historic monasteries & fortresses in Mtckheta, Dmanisi, Stepantsminda, Jvari, and Ujarma (5 different day trips). Some of the drives were long (3-4 hrs or more) but the scenery was wonderful and every destination was worth it — I only wish we had had more time at each one. One site I’d especially recommend is the huge monastery Davidgareja, built into a cliff right on the border with Azerbaijan. On the days between day trips we visited the National Museum (twice), bazaar, the huge monumental Chronicle of Georgia, the riverfront (don’t miss the boat ride), and especially the Ethnographic Museum (which has a display of actual wooden homes from the 19th century, furnished!). I agree with everything Emily describes — food, weather, hospitality, amazingly cheap prices, spectacular scenery, historical interest (especially Dmanisi’s incredible archaelogical site and discoveries). My first three days I stayed at a downtown hotel, Platforma Design, which I would recommend strongly — quiet, modern, comfortable, friendly, conveniently located, and amazingly cheap. To summarize: I’d go back to Georgia tomorrow if it weren’t the dead of winter — and hope to return soon!
Thanks so much Frank for the trip report! I’m so glad you enjoyed your first visit to Georgia and are planning to return!
Helloo Emily,
Thank you for an informative topic Caucause. I live in Norway, I want to visist my brother who studying in Turkey to travel around (Georgia-Azeirbarjan- Armenia, or just Georgia- Azeirbajan). In first week of juni 2023. My quations; how cheeply can we travel from Turkey to Georgia and Azeibaijan. Which country its best to start with Azeirbajan rog Georgia. Its better to travel buy train, bus or airplan? You did not write abou the budsjet? how much do we need for 15 days. We can live in hostel?
Hi Abdo – Azerbaijan’s land borders will remain closed until the end of June at least. I would fly to Baku then make your way into Georgia from there (you can safely cross into Georgia, just not the other way around). Have a great trip!
Hello there,
Curious if you know about the Turkey/Georgia border crossing – is traveling into Georgia by land open at the moment? Grateful for any response!
Hello Kelly!
The land border situation is a bit confusing – land borders are still closed to tourists (i.e. anyone eligible to enter Georgia with proof of vaccination or a negative PCR), but you can come in through Sarpi if you are holding a business visa or Remotely From Georgia permit. I expect land borders will open in the coming weeks but I’m not 100% sure.
I hope this helps!
Hey I’m planning on flying into tbsili and staying there for a few weeks. Then, I plan to go to armenia. Is there an overnight train to gyumri or Yerevan? Or would I need to take a bus or fly?
Hi Zain, there is an overnight train to Yerevan leaving Tbilisi every evening at 10.45pm during summer. It just started up again on June 15.
Safe travels!
Hi from a fellow Aussie! I’ve really enjoyed reading your posts on visiting the Caucasus; so well-written and clear. We’ve just started planning our trip (for some point when Covid finally goes away, obvs) and can’t wait – and these tips will be invaluable.
Hey Leonie! So glad to hear that, thank you for taking the time to leave a note 🙂 Please let me know when you’re in Tbilisi – I’ll likely still be here and would love to buy you a glass of wine.
Happy planning, and don’t hesitate to reach out if there’s anything I can help with!
Cheers from Brazil
what AMAZING article!
I hope 1 day i will convice my wife to visit this region, also Central Asia.
Bye
Thank you Gustavo! Hope you make it here!
Hey, thanks for the nice article!
One correction from a Georgian: the fact that historically there were many Armenians and they felt like home in Tbilisi (at one point they even outnumbered ethnic Georgians) doesn’t mean ”much of Tbilisi’s old town was historically Armenian” as you write, coz Tbilisi (meaning ”place of warmth” in Georgian) evolved particularly as a Georgian capital and main political thoroughfare through centuries, despite its multi-ethnic character. Much like the old Persian influence on Tbilisi’s culture and architecture doesn’t make it ”historically Persian” either.
Thanks for clarifying, Lasha. No doubt that Tbilisi is Georgian through and through 🙂 The mix of different influences (especially in the Old Town architecture) is one of the things I love most about the city!
My daughter and I are leaving for our first trip to Armenia in the summer of 2020. I read your blog and look forward to my trip! Thank you, now I know more about Armenia! Nice photos!
Thank you Tori! Have a wonderful trip!
Hi Emily! Thank you for all you have done! Your job is amazing!
Even it helped me a lot l have difficulties apling for online visa for Georgia as my foto can not upload few times. Even l took foto 3 times from the foto studio they foloow the dimension still can not. Any advise? Or someone’s experience like this? Thank you 🌷🙏
Hi Cvetanka, Sorry to hear you’re having difficulties. I would recommend contacting the consulate/visa office through the website, they should be able to help. Good luck and happy travels!
Hi!
Interesting reading! We are some Swedes planning to drive to Georgia and Armenia next summer – and spend about 3-4 weeks driving around and experiencing these apparently super exciting countries. Do you have any special suggestions when it comes to driving? Places hard to reach otherwise, places worth visiting out of the way from normal tourists who don’t travel by car, things to think about, etc.
Hi Bengt,
There are hidden gems everywhere! Open up Google Maps and take your pic. You can’t go wrong 🙂
Enjoy!
Our family traveled to Armenia in May 2018. For intercity travel, we hired a driver instead of renting a car. We were so glad that we did! The cost was very reasonable and Davit, our driver was excellent. If you rent a car be aware that some of the roads look like a war zone. There are huge potholes that are beyond description. Make sure that you have insurance for damage to your rental beyond collision. Also, most Armenians use natural gas instead of gasoline for fuel as the former is much less expensive. Armenia is exquisitely beautiful and the people extraordinarily hospitable. Enjoy!
Emily: hi like everyone else I think your posts are brilliant, keep it up, they have helped me every so much in organizing my trip this sept/oct.
my query is entering Azerbaijan. I have the visa all done and dusted but had to put down the day day I am entering. I have the 30 day visa and have 90 days for it my question is do I have to enter there on the day I mentioned or can I go later, can’t find any info on it. thanks for any help you or your followers can give.
Kris
Hi Kris,
Thanks for the kind words. Glad to hear that!
From the wording on the e-visa website, I do believe the visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue (see point 5: https://evisa.gov.az/en/conditions), meaning you can enter and activate the visa any date within that 90 day period.
You could try contacting the e-visa people or a consulate for clarification. There’s a form on the website I linked above. They are usually pretty responsive.
I hope this helps. Have a great trip!
Hello,
Thanks so much for your article, it was a great read. I’m just wondering if you had a suggested travel plan between the three countries, given the fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan. I already will be in Georgia, so will I need to go to one place first like Azerbaijan and then travel back to Georgia and then on to Armenia? Any info you can provide would be greatly appreciated, thanks 😊
Hi Briar,
Thanks for the kind words. I have a Caucasus itinerary post which you will hopefully find helpful: https://wander-lush.org/caucasus-travel-georgia-armenia-azerbaijan-itinerary/
I also have a Georgia Azerbaijan transport post which runs through the overland (long way) and overnight train (short version) options for getting between the two countries: https://wander-lush.org/baku-to-tbilisi-bus-travel-azerbaijan/
To answer your question: Yes, the border is closed, so you need to transit through Georgia (or another neighbouring country such as Iran (not Turkey)).
Happy travels!
Having travelled to Georgia twice and Azerbaijan once, I totally agree! I would caution though about hearing about conflicts from one side. For Azerbaijanis for example, Armenians committed genocide in 1918 and ethnic cleansing of Azerbaijanis in Karabakh as recently as the 90s.in a land recognized as Azerbaijani but occupied by Armenia in the 90s. I heard about the Armenian genocide but did not know it was a war between Armenia and Turkey and both sides committed the same atrocities. I hope conflicts are resolved in this beautiful part of the world.
Your report is concise and very useful. It definitely increased my interest in traveling to the area. Thank you very much.
George ,/ Brazil.
Glad to hear it, George!
Hi Emily,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. We have always loved travelling to place less traveled by the Western world but our next trip (one month) is our first with our 7 month old baby. My Husband is really keen to explore the Caucasus region and, while I would LOVE to visit there, I’m unsure of the ease and health services there (should something go wrong). What are your thoughts
As a guide to my comfort levels – We traveled Iran, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan and Israel last year and I would be comfortable doing Iran, Jordan or Israel that with a bub, but not Kyrgyzstan (hard to find bottled water and health services – took us two days to find someone to remove my husbands stitches that he had needed when we were in Iran).
Is the Caucasus similar? Would we be confined to main cities?
Really appreciate your thoughts.
Hi Trish,
Thanks a lot for the comment. I know it’s a totally different story travelling with a baby, but I have a little bit of experience with this—my partner got sick in Azerbaijan and we ended up visiting a bunch of clinics in both AZ and Armenia (for blood work, IV drips and medication). I was really impressed with the quality of healthcare in Yerevan. Rural parts of the Caucasus would be a bit trickier, yes, but my overall impression is that the quality of healthcare is pretty good and very affordable.
Can you reach out to your travel insurance provider for some advice? We always contact them first for a list of recommended healthcare providers, just to put us at ease.
The other thing to remember is that Armenia and Georgia in particular are pretty compact, so you’re never more than a few hours away from a big city.
I hope this helps!
I’m so sorry to hear your partner was sick and needed medical treatment, but your experience does put my mind at ease.
Thank you so much for replying, this is a huge help. I’ll definitely reach out to our travel insurance provider.
-T
My pleasure, Trish! All the best, and don’t hesitate to email if there’s anything else I can help with.
Thanks for this blog, Emily. Planning to tick off this tri-country trip this year. I’m a Philippine passport holder and a GCC resident. They say it’s visa-free in Georgia for GCC residents. I’m planning to travel from Dubai to Baku, then Baku to Tbilisi by train after a few days. Will that be okay in terms of immigration procedure? Will there be a difference since my entry will not be in Tbilisi Airport? Many thanks!
Hi Angela! Glad to hear that—I’m sure you’ll love it!
I can’t give specific visa advice, but as far as I know, immigration/visa requirements are the same no matter which port you’re entering through, unless it was specified differently when you applied. You should double check with the consulate/visa office to be safe.
Happy travels!
Thanks for all the extensive info in this region, exactly what I was looking for! I am looking about 5 weeks to do all 3 three countries, but I think this probably is not enough time, is it? Do you have any recommendations on must-see things, the order of the country visits or any hikes to do?
Many thanks!!!
I think that’s a good amount of time, Ella! Did you see my Caucasus itinerary post? That will answer your questions 🙂
Hi Emily,
Im flying to Causasus region next May.
Read that u stayed in an airbnb in Tbilis that u enjoyed a lot. Could u tell me the link, pls? I m from Brazil and I ll be w a friend from Ireland.
Tks a lote !!
Xipan
Hi Xipan!
Happy to share the link for Pikria and Nino’s place: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/14030862
If that’s not available, we also stayed at (and recommend) Lasha’s place: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/18279935
Have a wonderful trip to Tbilisi!
We are heading to all three countries in June July and Aug this year from Australia. I really enjoyed this article and would love some must visits. We like to be away from cities where possible
Sounds great, Gill! Check out my Georgia-Armenia-Azerbaijan itinerary post. Everything you need is in there.
Have a wonderful trip!
Nice article but not so subtle American bashing. You could have simply wrote that meeting a traveler from Kazakhstan is interesting. I’ve met bus loads of tourists of many nationalities (including Australian) that aren’t my cup of tea but I just move on and focus on the positive instead of complaining.
Hi Jim,
No complaints here! Many of my friends are from the US and I travel with them regularly. It’s nice to meet someone from a culture that’s very different to my own, and I experienced that often as I was travelling around the Caucasus. Bus loads of tourists of any nationality are not really really my cup of tea. I simply meant that the Caucasus is a great part of the world to break away from the group tours and large cohorts of people (well, for now at least!).
Happy travels,
Emily
I’ve been appreciating your content and perspectives on travel, but as an American it was kind of jarring to see you describe American tourists as hordes. I know we don’t have the best reputation as travelers, but I doubt the fanny-pack stereotypes are coming to the Caucasus en masse.
Hi Nick,
Certainly not – it was intended as more of a comparison to my other travel experiences elsewhere in the world. No offence intended.
Hi Emily
Thanks for these great tips! We are looking at making this trip this year with our little boy who will be 3 years old.
I have recently started a blog about his travels and hope to add our experience in the Caucasus – I have detailed my link below in case you’d like a little read 🙂
A question please – do you know if you can make a day trip to Yerevan from Tblisi? Happy to take private car due to the attention span of a toddler!!
Many thanks in advance
Karis
Hi Karis,
Thanks so much for your comment! Your trip sounds great! To answer your question: Yes you can visit as a day trip. I saw plenty of tourism providers offering this as a package day tour deal in Tbilisi (and vice-versa in Yerevan). Of course I would recommend spending longer in Yerevan if you can.
Happy travels!
Emily
Hi, Emily, Thank you so much for sharing your experiences in the Caucasus. There are indeed not many information available, let alone in such detail. It will be so useful for me and my partner as we will be going on a two-week trip to this region coming February. Really appreciate your posts.
Hi Kathryn,
I’m glad you’re finding my blog helpful! Please don’t hesitate to reach out if there’s something else I can help with.
Enjoy your trip—it’s a wonderful part of the world!
Best,
Emily
thanks Emily. I have visited Georgia twice in the past, always in October (2016/2017). recently I found informations that the road up to Kazbegi is paved now, and Mestia to Ushguli will be done as well and providing an easy access to even very remote regions. I hope they develope carefully. in 2 weeks time, for xmas and new year I am planning to visit Armenia in the snow.
Hi Ralph, thanks for your comment! We’re hoping to visit the region again in summer 2019. The Mestia-Ushguli road was underway when we were last there. I agree—better roads are definitely needed, but I hope development is done carefully and with local input.
Enjoy Armenia!
Thanks for sharing your post it’s very amazing and informative too..Keep writing.
I liked the post… I have thought to go sightseeing again in the regions of Azerbaijan this month! One of the things I like most about this region are the rich places for sightseeing and entertainment and besides these buildings and houses reminds me of many movies… really is a wonderful place to visit in the summer season. I’ve met some regions of this country, and actually cooking has left me with water in my mouth. The city has restaurants with very tasty menus and also has great places for family outing. Thank you for sharing your experience with us about this country.
Thanks for your thoughts, Cleber! Azerbaijan is a great place to visit!
What a wonderful post! Thanks for writing it. Are there decent vegetarian (egg/cheese ok, but no meat/seafood) options while traveling in these countries?
Thanks, MC! Yes for sure—lots of vegetarian options, and some of the best salads I’ve eaten in my life.
Enjoy!
Hi.. thanks for this detailed blog.. i wanted to know how did you travel in between countries? If by train then are we supposw to buy visa again while coming back to tbilisi from baku and yerevan from tbilisi.?
Hi Sehar,
Yes that’s right, we travelled by train from Tbilisi to Baku, then from Tbilisi to Yerevan. Visa requirements will depend on your nationality—you should check with your nearest embassy or consulate.
Happy travels!
Thanks for sharing your experience very beautiful post.
Hi Emily
I love your blog about the Caucasus. Once i started i couldn’t stop reading.
We are currently planning our honeymoon travels to Georgia and Armenia. It’s great to read a blog which focuses so much on the culture and the ‘real life’ caucasus. We have done a lot of travelling and always try to experience the cultures and try to live like the locals, so your information and experience has been inspiring.
I’m always asked this question about our travels. What was your most memorable experience?
Best wishes
Ollie & Nemi
Hi Ollie & Nemi,
Thanks so much for your thoughtful message and the kind words. I’m so excited for you—you’re going to have an amazing time! What a place to travel for your honeymoon.
My most memorable experience was undoubtedly the lunches and afternoon teas we had with our Airbnb hosts in Tbilisi. We were so lucky to be welcomed into their home, and spent hours and hours chatting about Georgian history, culture and politics. I can’t tell you how warm and generous they were to us. We’re so excited to be going back to Georgia next year and catching up with them again!
If you are invited into someone’s home for a meal in Georgia, say yes.
Enjoy planning your trip, and please don’t hesitate to email me if there’s anything at all I might be able to help with.
Kindest,
Emily
Hi Emily, I am planning on going to Azerbaijan in March 2019 as a female on my own. Do you think I will be safe?
Thank you
Lizal
Hi Lizal,
Thanks for your comment. I’m glad to hear you’re travelling to AZ!
It depends a bit on where you’re travelling to and the sorts of things you’ll be doing. We stuck to the tourist trail (Baku, Quba, Sheki) and never felt unsafe. I think generally, it’s a pretty safe country with a big police presence. Personally, I wouldn’t have any hesitation travelling there as a solo female.
I’m working on a post at the moment about safety in the Caucasus. Hopefully you’ll find it useful!
Such an insightful post – thank you for sharing this!
I also loved reading your Tbilisi guide. We are headed to Georgia next week, and I’ll be using a lot of the stuff you’ve shared here.
Thank you, Chaitali! I hope you love Tbilisi and Georgia as much as we did!
This is wonderful stuff, so much excellent information and right up-to-date. We ( a couple in their 70s) spent two weeks travelling from Baku to Yerevan back in 2016, and were so taken with the region we’re going back next month, for a month, and taking 10 friends with us. I’ve had the best time planning it and am so looking forward to introducing our friends to the delights of travelling in these countries.
Hi Leyle! That’s fantastic. It will be interesting to see how much things have changed since 2016. I feel like most people want to return once they’ve been to the Caucasus once… We will be back in Georgia next year, hopefully.
Thanks for your kind words and I hope you have a wonderful trip!
Great post! I’m one of these Polish tourists who benefit from cheap Wizzair flights to Georgia. But this year I’m bringing my boyfriend there who’s from another country and doesn’t know much about Caucasus get 🙂
Ohh, one of the lucky ones! We met so many Polish tourists on our trip—I actually hadn’t ever heard of Wizzair before I went to Georgia.
How special that you’ll get to show him around! I hope you have a great trip!
Just by the pictures alone, I already feel like going there!
I know what you mean, Hank! It’s an incredible beautiful part of the world.
Hope you make it!
Such a helpful post, thanks! I’m planning a (vague) trip with a friend and all of the research we’ve done totally failed to mention the impassable borders and international relations. We only have a very short time – do you think we’d manage to sample both Tbilisi and the Caucasus in a week, or we’d be better choosing one or the other?
Thanks so much for the feedback, Cat! I’m really glad you found it helpful. I am putting together a few sample Caucasus itineraries now and hope to have a post published by the end of the month.
How much time do you have? You could spend a decent amount of time in Tbilisi and still see a bit of Georgia (Kazbegi, Kakheti, Gori—all good for a day/overnight trip). With the overnight trains, you could pretty easily add Yerevan or Baku without losing much time, then travel overland back to Tbilisi and see a bit more of Armenia and/or Georgia.
Shoot me an email and maybe we can discuss your options more!
Excellent post. I had read it’s history before I went to Caucasus. But it still caught me by surprise. One does not imagine how can such a beautiful place can have a history with so much misery and tragedy.
Thank you, James. It took me by surprise, too. And it wasn’t very long ago that the region was facing tough times. The courage and warmth of the people I met in the Caucasus was overwhelming.
I’m actually in Georgia Tiflis right now. This place took me by surprise and amazed me to a point I ‘ve seldom experienced. If you are planning to come and visit the incredible museum offer don’t do it during good friday week. The museums ALL close for an extended religious holiday that will last not until easter sunday but until the next tuesday of the upcoming week. It felt like my sponge cake suddenly deflated when somebody accidentally open the oven.
Oh no! Sorry to hear that. I was in Yerevan for Orthodox Easter last year and nothing really seemed to close down. That’s a great tip for other travellers. There are lots of free things to do while the museums are closed—I have a post called ‘Awesome Things to do in Tbilisi’ that you might find helpful.
Glad to hear that Tbilisi has amazed you!
Very helpful blog.
Thank you for that. 🙂
I was wondering… me and my friends are planning a 2 weeks trip from Tbilisi to Baku.
What are in your opinion the most inportant stops we should take during this 2 weeks.
I would be very glad for your answer.
Thank yoooouuu:))
Hi Beata! Thanks a lot! You can check out my itinerary post for my recommendations in Georgia and Azerbaijan 🙂
https://wander-lush.org/8-weeks-2-months-caucasus-georgia-armenia-azerbaijan-itinerary/
Please let me know if there’s anything else I can help with! Enjoy your trip!
Seems amazing trip and experience 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
So what is the order in which you visited the three countries? Azerbaijan, Georgia and the Armenia?
Hi Danai, thanks a lot!
We went from Georgia to Azerbaijan to Armenia (via Georgia, because the Armenia/Azerbaijan border is closed) back to Georgia. You can see our itinerary here: https://wander-lush.org/8-weeks-2-months-caucasus-georgia-armenia-azerbaijan-itinerary/
Thank you for sharing this! I am currently obsessed with reading everything I can about the cuisine from The Caucasus. I hope to travel there in the next year to taste everything I possibly can.
Do you have any restaurant recommendations, in the chance I do indeed make it there this year?
Thanks so much.
Elisabeth
Hi Elisabeth! The food is outstanding! I have a post about my favourite dishes and restaurants in Tbilisi (http://wander-lush.org/tbilisi-georgia-food-best-restaurants-cafes-guide/), and you can find restaurant and cafe recommendations in my posts for Batumi and Kakheti.
Enjoy!
After reading this, can‘t wait to start my journey in June to Georgia and explore all the beautiful sights and regions – especially our planend hikes through the caucasus region Svanetien.
Hi Rosi! You lucky thing—that sounds amazing! So glad you liked the post. Have a wonderful trip!
Thank you so much for all this valuable information! I currently live in Kazakhstan and we are planning a December trip to the Caucasus region. After reading all your wonderful blogs, we’ve decided to give each country the time it deserves to fully embrace their beauty and uniqueness. I can’t wait to explore the region!
Edith, I’m so happy to hear that! You are going to love the Caucasus! Enjoy your trip planning and please feel free to contact me if there’s anything I can help with. Thanks so much for reading!