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The Best of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia

Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia - Trip code GFA Discovery
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780Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

An epic journey through Azerbaijan's urban and rural life, Georgia's renowned Kakheti wine region, and Armenia's ancient, soul-stirring heartland. The Caucasus offers an intriguing blend of majestic mountain scenery, timeless monasteries, and mouth-watering regional cuisines. As we delve into the rich history of the region - discovering mosques, monasteries and fortresses - get a step closer to local life, breaking bread at a local farmer's house in Georgia and learning a centuries-old wine-making technique.

Why we love this trip
  • Azerbaijan - Journey through the country that straddles two continents, delving into the countryside to meet locals and get to grips with rural life.
  • Georgia - Explore the cobblestone streets of Tbilisi and beyond, uncovering into Soviet history and modern-day local life.
  • Armenia - Finish up in Armenia, witnessing the stunning beauty of the country's monasteries and more.
  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 18

    Lunch: 5

    Dinner: 6

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

    Driver(s)

    Local Guide(s)

  • Transport

    Bus

  • i

    Accommodation

  • i

    Trip pace:

    Full on

  • i

    Group Size:

    Trip maximum 16
    Explore Average 11

Itinerary

Trip information

Climate and country information

Armenia

Climate

Due to the fact that Armenia is on a high landlocked plateau the temperature extremes are pronounced: winters are cold and summers can be very hot, spring and autumn are widely regarded as the best times to visit.

Time difference to GMT

+4

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Christian

Language

Armenian

Azerbaijan

Climate

Azerbaijan experiences extremes of climate: while Baku and the Caspian coastal areas are hot and humid in mid-summer, May to September are the best months to visit the mountainous north-west.

Time difference to GMT

+4

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Islam

Language

Azerbaijani

Georgia

Climate

Georgia has a temperate climate with warm dry periods from June to September. Early and late in the season, temperatures can be cooler in the cities and drop to sub-zero at higher altitude.

Time difference to GMT

+4

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Christian

Language

Georgian

Budgeting and packing

Clothing

Weather is changeable in the north and mountains; it can be cool especially at night, bring a warmer jacket. Raingear is essential at all times. In remote parts of Armenia and Georgia you should avoid shorts and vest tops; long trousers or skirts are ideal. A headscarf is essential for visiting churches and mosques.

Footwear

Comfortable shoes for visiting sites and hilly towns; sandals; lightweight walking/trail boots for optional day walks.

Luggage

20kg

Luggage: On tour

One main piece of baggage and daypack. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so
don't overload yourself.

If you are planning on taking any prescription medications with you on tour it is recommended that you also carry a prescription issued by your doctor.

Equipment

A waterbottle, torch, swimsuit, sunhat, suncream and sunglasses.

Tipping

Explore leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. You may however, want to recognise a leader that's done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It's a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we'd recommend between £4 to £7 per person per day as a guideline.

It is also customary to tip private bus drivers throughout the tours, please allow about £10 per person per week.
Local crew
In this region, tipping is a recognised part of life across the service industry. Local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided.

To assist with this your Explore Leader may organise a group tips kitty for included activities and meals, they will then account for kitty use throughout the tour.

The following amounts will be collected in each country towards the kitty

Azerbaijan - GBP 10 / AZN 22 per person
Georgia - GBP 20 / GEL 72 per person
Armenia - GBP 10 / AMD 5,000 per person

For all non-included services and meals on your trip please tip independently at your discretion.

Armenia

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£8
Dinner price
£14.00 - 18.00
Beer price
£3.00 - 5.00
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Armenian Dram
Recommended Currency For Exchange
Sterling, Euros and US$ are widely exchangeable. Money can be exchanged at the border with Georgia too. If you decide to take your money in undamaged mixed denomination US$ notes issued pre 1993, please bear in mind a 10% commission may apply.
Where To Exchange
Most major towns - your Tour Leader will advise you on arrival.
ATM Availability
Mostly in major towns.
Credit Card Acceptance
Very limited in remote areas, widely accepted in the cities.

Azerbaijan

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£6.00-8.00
Dinner price
£12.00 - 16.00
Beer price
£2.00 - 4.00
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Manat.
Recommended Currency For Exchange
We recommend you take your money in undamaged mixed denomination US$ notes issued post 1993.
Where To Exchange
Most major towns - your Tour Leader will advise you on arrival.
ATM Availability
Only in major towns.
Credit Card Acceptance
Very limited.

Georgia

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£7.00
Dinner price
£13.00-15.00
Beer price
£3.00 - 5.00
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Georgian Lari
Recommended Currency For Exchange
Sterling, Euros and US$ are widely exchangeable. Money can be exchanged at the border with Armenia too. If you decide to take your money in undamaged mixed denomination US$ notes issued pre 1993, please bear in mind a 10% commission may apply.
Where To Exchange
Most major towns - your Tour Leader will advise you on arrival.
ATM Availability
Mostly in major towns.
Credit Card Acceptance
Very limited in remote areas, widely accepted in the cities.
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Bus

Accommodation notes

During this tour, we'll stay in comfortable hotels for the majority of the nights, with one night in a simple guesthouse in Telavi. Each of our accommodations has been chosen based on comfort, location and authenticity.

Guesthouses are common in Georgia and are often family-run. While you might not get the amenities of larger chain hotels, you do get a warm welcome and an authentic experience.

Most of our hotels are centrally located with plenty to see right on the doorstep. They have comfortable, en-suite rooms and Wi-Fi available so you can stay in touch with those at home. Some may have a restaurant or bar to relax in after a busy day of sightseeing. There are sometimes extra amenities such as a spa, pool, gym or terrace to relax in, too.

Armenia

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
It is generally possible to drink the local tap water, therefore to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle with you. Your leader will advise you on refill points each day. 

Azerbaijan

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
The water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip. 
 

 

Georgia

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
It is generally possible to drink the local tap water, therefore to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle with you. Your leader will advise you on refill points each day. 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page.  The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information

Armenia: Visas are not required for EU nationals, US & UK citizens.

Georgia: Visas are not required for EU nationals, UK, Canadian or US citizens. Please make sure you have either a digital or a paper copy of your travel insurance when you enter Georgia.

Azerbaijan: UK, US and EU nationals travelling to Azerbaijan need to get a visa in advance.
The ASAN Visa (e-Visa) service is now open to all British nationals. E-Visas are normally valid for 30 days and are single entry. E-Visas normally take 72 hours to process. An urgent service is available for an additional fee and processed within 3 hours.

Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.


If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Armenia

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory but we recommend protection against Hepatitis A. Additionally you may want to get protection against Hepatitis B, MMR, rabies, typhoid and tetanus. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above may not be an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Azerbaijan

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory but we recommend protection against Hepatitis A. Additionally you may want to get protection against Hepatitis B, MMR, rabies, typhoid and tetanus. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above may not be an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Georgia

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory but we recommend protection against Hepatitis A. Additionally you may want to get protection against Hepatitis B, MMR, rabies, typhoid and tetanus. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above may not be an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Discovery information
Award Winning Explore Leaders
Find out more
Price Guarantee Promise
Find out more
Airport Transfers
Find out more
Print Trip Notes

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