15 days in Armenia, Georgia & Azerbaijan Itinerary

A trip to Armenia may very well feel like a journey back in time, yielding the treasures of an ancient land that became the first Christianized country in distant 301 CE. Landlocked and mountainous, Armenia features a varied scenery that quickly shifts from extremely dry landscapes to dense forests carpeting steep foothills of the Lesser Caucasus. Perhaps the highlight of a vacation in Armenia, the magnificent mountains are ideal for hiking and any other outdoor activity you can think of. National capital Yerevan remains one of the world's least explored ancient cities; spend some time here to discover the bulk of Armenia's museums and other cultural venues narrating the rich story of an often-troubled region straddling two continents.

Home to four World Heritage Sites, the beautiful country of Georgia epitomizes the saying, "the best of both worlds." Geographically, the land is divided in half by the Likhi mountain range, which yields a humid, subtropical climate to the west, and an arid, continental climate to the east. Experience a spectacular array of natural destinations, from low-land swamps, rainforests, mineral springs, and hot springs, to volcanic plateaus, snow-tipped mountains, and glaciers. Embrace the laid-back attitude, rich folklore, and ecclesiastic architecture among the sub-tropical gardens. Georgia boasts a healthy mix of rural charm and urban modernity, combined with Mediterranean hospitality. Here you'll find the deepest cave in the world, Krubera Cave, with 2,140 m (7,021 ft) of known depth. Relax in the sun along the pebbled beaches of the Black Sea, and sample the mouth-watering Georgian specialties, including "Khinkali," traditional meat dumplings, to round out your authentic Georgian holiday.

A holiday in Azerbaijan allows intrepid travelers to discover a history-steeped country sitting at the crossroads of Southeastern Europe and Southwest Asia, an area once controlled by a succession of ancient empires. With its dual Eurasian character, Azerbaijan remains a highly intriguing destination, with tourism one of the top contributors to the country's booming economy. Many begin their tour of Azerbaijan in World Heritage-listed Baku, a cosmopolitan city boasting innovative architecture and a well-preserved historic core. A short drive out of this thriving capital, you can explore timeless villages surrounded by thick orchards and flanked by the majestic Caucasus Mountains.