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Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia
15 Days
Baku to Tbilisi
Tour Code: EEAGA
15 Days
Baku to Tbilisi
Tour Code: EEAGA
US$3,989
From US$ 2,593
Reviews
Tour Overview
This 15 day trip is the perfect opportunity to explore these three unique countries. From the picturesque countryside of Georgia and modern architecture of Baku to the ancient fortresses of Armenia, these three nations are bursting with some of the richest history in the world.
About this tour
- Group Size: Normally 2-15.
- Recommended Age: 18-65
- Physical Rating:
- Accommodation:14 night(s) in hotels
- Transportation:Private Vehicle
- Meals:14 Breakfast(s), 1 Dinner(s)
- Country:Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan
UP TO35% OFF
Included Activities
- Baku City Tour
- Mausoleum of Sheikh Diri-Baba in Gobustan & Juma Mosque in Shamakhi
- Sheki City Tour
- Church of Kish
- Sighnaghi Museum and City Tour
- Aleksandre Chavchavadze museum & Shumi Winery
- Telavi Fortress & City Tour
- Tbilisi City Tour
- Visit to Jvari Monastery & Svetitskhoveli cathedral in Mtskheta Town
- Visit to Ananuri Fortess
- Off road 4X4 adventure on Gergeti mountain
- Visit the Holy Trinity Church
- Entrance to Stalin house and museum & Borjomi Central Park
- Visit to Uplistskhe rock-hewn town
- Guided excursion to Rabat fortress
- Visit to Vardzia Cave Town
- Visit Khertvisi Fortress
- Walking tour in Gyumri
- City Museum and Cathedral
- Walking tour of Yerevan & Visit the Yerevan History Museum
- Monastery of Geghard and the Upper Azat Valley
- Khor Virap Monastery & Noravank monastery
- Wine tasting in Armenian Village Areni
- Visit Lake Sevan & Tour of Dilijan
- Monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin
What should you expect?
This group tour ranges in size from 2 to 15 people.
There is a compulsory single supplement for solo travellers on this tour. Please contact our Sales Team for further information.
The tour starts at 10am on day 1 with an included city tour. We highly recommend arriving the day prior so that you are recharged and in plenty of time for the tour.
This tour includes local guides to Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia, therefore your guides will swap at the border.
This trip uses private transport. You will be responsible for carrying your luggage at all times, on and off transport and sometimes up stairs in a hotel. You MUST ensure you can comfortably carry it, and keep to one piece of luggage and one small bag.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Baku & Sightseeing Tour
With no time to waste, your journey starts at 10am this morning with a sightseeing tour of Azerbaijan's capital city. Due to the early start, we recommend booking at least one night pre tour accommodation so that you arrive on the day prior and can enjoy a rest before the tour starts. The first stop today will be Mountain Park where you'll find the best panoramic view of Baku Bay and the city. One of the most impressive sights is the three giant "red flames" that Baku is known for. After a short walk around this area we continue to the old city and visit the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, a 15th century structure that served as a stronghold in the middle ages. Considered a "pearl of Azerbaijans's architecture" the clean curves and well restored walls offer a fantastic glimpse into how magnificent this palace would have been in its time. Keep a close eye for the intricate detailing on some of the buildings. The city tour continues to the old bathhouse, the 12th century Maiden tower and medieval mosques. Your guide will talk you through the rich history of Azerbaijan while showcasing these special cultural sites that help Baku retain that strong heritage.
After the tour you are free to explore Baku at your own pace. Make sure to ask your guide for some local restaurant recommendations where you can start to sample some hearty cuisine.
Included Excursions
Baku City Tour
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Central Baku Hotel or similar 
Day 2 - Sheki and the Mausoleum of Sheikh Diri-Baba
This morning we will head towards the town of Sheki, making several stops at points of interest along the way. We will visit the 15th century mausoleum of Sheikh Diri-Baba in Gobustan town and then the 8th century Juma Mosque in Shamakhi town. Both these sights are an important part of the country's history and your guide will talk you through the details of their prominence.
In the evening, we arrive in Sheki. We will enjoy an evening Sheki tour exploring the Sheki fortress, Palace of Shaki Khans, old caravanserai and mosque.
Included Excursions
Mausoleum of Sheikh Diri-Baba in Gobustan & Juma Mosque in Shamakhi,Sheki City Tour
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Sheki Park or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 3 - The Church of Kish, Sighnaghi and crossing into Georgia
This morning we will visit the Church of Kish. While the church is thought to date back to the 12th century, archaeologists have found ancient artefacts which date even further back. The church has served Albanian, Georgian and Armenian churches at various times throughout history making it an important part of local heritage. From here we will continue to the eastern border of Georgia where we will swap vehicles and a local Georgian guide will now continue on the tour with you for the remainder. We will continue onto Sighnaghi which is located in the wine making region of Kakheti. Georgia is widely considered to be the first producer of wine with archaeological evidence dating back to 6000 BC. We will make a stop at the Sighnaghi Museum where we will view and learn about several ethnographic collections and archaeological exhibitions as well as works by the famous Georgian painter Niko Pirosmani.
You will have the remainder of the day free to walk around and explore the charming town of Sighnaghi, enjoying the views of the mountainscape that surrounds it.
Included Excursions
Church of Kish,Sighnaghi Museum and City Tour
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Brigitte or Hotel Solomoni or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 4 - Tsinandali, Shumi, Telavi and Tbilisi
This morning we will drive to the village of Tsinandali and visit the Aleksandre Chavchavadze House Museum. Chavchavadze was a well-known 18th century Georgian aristocrat, military figure and poet. These days, his residence, garden and wine-cellar functions as a museum. We continue to Shumi where we will visit the wine museum and sample some local wines.
Our next stop is Telavi, a major town of Kakheti region. We will stop at the medieval fortress that served as the residence of the Kings of Kakheti throughout the 17th and 18th centuries - Batonistsikhe Castle. The impressive complex includes a Persian-style palace, churches, royal baths and beautiful surrounding greenery.
Our last stop of the day is the capital city of Tbilisi where we will spend the night.
Included Excursions
Aleksandre Chavchavadze museum & Shumi Winery,Telavi Fortress & City Tour
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at ZP Hotel or Brigitte Hotel or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 5 - Tbilisi City Tour
This morning we will enjoy an included city tour. First off you will visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the tallest Orthodox church in Georgia and the third tallest in the world. The church was built to commemorate 1,500 years of autocephaly of the Georgian Orthodox Church and is an important symbol in the country. From here we will walk through the charming streets of the old town and head towards the Sioni Cathedral.
Next we will cross the glass Bridge of Peace, a beautifully unique structure that links Rike Park with the Old Town of Tbilisi. The cable car from Rike Park then allows us to reach Narikala Fortress, one of the most popular attractions in the city. Founded in the 4th century, the ancient structure consists of sulphur baths, a botanical garden and a temple dating back to the 12th century. From here you'll also find one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the city. Our city tour continues as we work our way back down to the old town where we visit the mosque, little canyon and the lovely waterfall in Legvtakhevi. Finally, we will reach the sulphur bathhouses of Abanotubani where you will learn about the city's special relationship with thermal baths. In fact, Tbilisi was built on this hot water and the name itself is derived from the old Georgian word "tbili" which means warm. Our city tour ends at the Maidan Square. You will then have the rest of the day free to continue exploring Tbilisi. Tucked away in the lovely old streets you'll find an abundance of restaurants and boutiques as well as some wonderful architecture that makes Tbilisi so utterly picturesque.
Included Excursions
Tbilisi City Tour
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at ZP Hotel or Brigitte Hotel or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 6 - UNESCO Monasteries, Ananuri Architectural Complex and Gudauri
Our journey through Georgia continues today as we visit the ancient capital - Mtskheta. Once a large fortified city, Mtskheta was an economical centre of the Kingdom of Iberia until the 5th century AD. The city remains one of the most important symbols of Georgia, having been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 due to several cultural monuments, while also being considered the "Holy City" by the Georgian Orthodox Church in 2014. While here we will visit the UNESCO sites of the Jvari Monastery and the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.
We continue towards the Caucasus mountains along the Georgian Military Highway. On route to our final destination, we will make a stop at the Ananuri Architectural Complex, a 16th century compound that includes various ancient fortifications, churches and towers. From here we will continue through the mountains until we reach Gudauri. This will be our base for exploring the fantastic mountains that surround us.
Included Excursions
Visit to Jvari Monastery & Svetitskhoveli cathedral in Mtskheta Town,Visit to Ananuri Fortess
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels At Alpina Hotel or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast(s), 1 Dinner(s)
Day 7 - Caucasus Mountains, Holy Trinity Church and return to Tbilisi
After breakfast today we will start a full day excursion of the Caucasus mountains. As well as seeing some fantastic scenery on our drive we will make stops to taste mineral waters, view waterfalls on our hike and experience the snowy peaks of the mountain range. We will view Mount Gergeti and visit the 14th century Holy Trinity Church located under the Kazbegi glacier. The image of the lonesome church perched beneath the soaring mountains is a mesmerizing experience and one of the best views in Georgia.
After our journey through the mountains we return back to Tbilisi where we spend the night before continuing our tour of Georgia.
Included Excursions
Off road 4X4 adventure on Gergeti mountain,Visit the Holy Trinity Church
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at ZP Hotel or Brigitte Hotel or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 8 - Gori, Uplistsikhe Caves, Borjomi and Akhaltsikhe
After breakfast we will drive through the Kartli region, making several stops at points of interest. Upon arrival to Gori, we will visit the Stalin Museum where you will see a collection of his personal belongings and learn more about the dark history that surrounds him. Joseph Stalin was born in this region.
Next we will visit the impressive Uplistsikhe Cave complex. It's one of the oldest urban settlements in Georgia and comprises various caves, tunnels, chambers and halls all connecting through the rock. It's a fascinating site and provides wonderful insight into the ancient settlement.
Moving onto Borjomi, we will taste the famous mineral sparkling water that the town is known for. We will walk through the beautiful Kharagauli National Park - covering an impressive 5300 square kilometres and home to wildlife, historic sites and various ecological zones.
After a packed day experiencing many different facets of the Kartli region, we reach Akhaltsikhe where we spend the night.
Included Excursions
Entrance to Stalin house and museum & Borjomi Central Park,Visit to Uplistskhe rock-hewn town
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Tifilis or Almi Hotel or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 9 - Akhaltsikhe Castle and Vardzia Caves Excursion
After breakfast we embark on our first excursion of the day - Akhaltsikhe Castle (also known as Rabati Castle). Built in the 9th century the complex consists of an amphitheatre, fountains, gardens, a museum and of course the castle. The structures are impressively restored and intact and the huge complex is a simply beautiful place to explore. Between the ancient architecture and the verdant surrounding landscape, you'll start to fall a little more in love with Georgia with each turn!
After taking in the views we continue onto Vardzia Cave Town. Perched along the left bank of the Mtkvari River, the complex became a monastery under the reign of Giorgi III and Queen Ramar in the 12th century. It played a significant role in the political, cultural and spiritual life of Georgia. We will explore the area along rocky steps and observe the beautifully painted main cave hall as well as various tunnels. Much like the Uplistsikhe Caves, the structure gives a wonderful overview of these ancient settlements.
We will then return to Akhaltsikhe for the evening.
Included Excursions
Guided excursion to Rabat fortress,Visit to Vardzia Cave Town
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Tifilis or Almi Hotel or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 10 - Enter Armenia and overnight in Gyumri
Today we continue our tour into Armenia. We will head towards the Bavra border crossing, making a short stop at the Khertvisi Fortress situated along the Mtkvari River. The fortress is one of the oldest in Georgia and is thought to have been built in the 2nd century BC. Legend states that Khertvisi was destroyed by Alexander the Great. After this stop we continue towards the border where we will change vehicles and meet our local Armenian guide who will accompany us for the rest of the trip. Our first stop is Gyumri, the second largest city in Armenia and boasting some of the most unique architecture dating back to the 18th century.
Included Excursions
Visit Khertvisi Fortress
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Alexandrapol Hotel or Kars Hotel or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 11 - Gyumri, Ejmiatsin, Zvartnoc & Yerevan
This morning we continue sightseeing in Gyumri. Walk the historical centre, also known as Alexandropol, and see many of the traditional 19th century houses. We then continue onto Echmiadzin and visit the Armenian Apostolic Church, which is largely considered one of the oldest cathedrals in the world and the first to be built in ancient Armenia.
Our next stop is the capital of Yerevan. Overshadowed by the beautiful Mount Ararat, the city is filled with culture, architecture both old and new and some of the finest food in the region.
Included Excursions
Walking tour in Gyumri,City Museum and Cathedral
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Ani Central Inn or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 12 - Yerevan, Garni & Geghard
Today we explore the capital of Armenia which is also known as "The Pink City" for the colour of stone used on its buildings. Spend the day exploring its spacious streets and bustling city square where we will also enter the city's history museum to learn more about the history and culture of Armenian people.
After this, wander over to the Geghard Monastery (whose name came from the legendary Lance that was used to pierce the body of Christ) which was built in the 13th Century. We also cross the 9th Century stone bridge over the Azart River to visit the pagan temple of Garni.
Included Excursions
Walking tour of Yerevan & Visit the Yerevan History Museum,Monastery of Geghard and the Upper Azat Valley
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Ani Central Inn or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 13 - Yerevan, Khor, Virap, Areni & Noravak
Today we continue our historical journey through Armenia as we take a trip to Khor Virap Monastery. The Monastery is said to have been built between the 4-18th Century and is prominent for its particular historical background. Here you can also catch spectacular views of the sacred snow-capped Ararat Mountain - an immortal symbol of Armenia.
Prepare to taste some of the finest red wine as we make our way to the Armenian wine village of Areni where we visit a local wine factory before making our way to Noravank - a 12th Century Monastery situated among amazing sheer rocks on the bench of a twisty gorge.
Included Excursions
Khor Virap Monastery & Noravank monastery,Wine tasting in Armenian Village Areni
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Ani Central Inn or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 14 - Lake Sevan, Sanahin & Haghpat Monasteries
Come face-to-face with one of the largest high-altitude lakes in the world on our morning visit to Lake Sevan. The lake itself is known for its deep blue colour and surrounding mountain ranges, which is why it's often nicknamed by locals as the "blue-eyed beauty". We then drive on to the town of Dilijan, which is dubbed the "Switzerland of Armenia". As we pass through the city, we visit the Sharaberyan Street which is considered the symbol of "The old Dilijan" for its artistic workshops and small rustic shops selling souvenirs and traditional objects.
We then visit two more prominent monasteries in the area, Sanahin and Haghpat. The medieval Sanahin Monastery comprises several churches and chapels and was founded in the 10th century. When literally translated from Armenian, Sanahin means 'this one is older than that one' presumably because of the assumption it is older than the nearby monastery of Haghpat. They are both masterpieces of religious architecture and are therefore both listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
We then make our way back to the border and are reunited with our Georgian guide, before returning to Tbilisi for a final night.
Included Excursions
Visit Lake Sevan & Tour of Dilijan,Monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at ZP Hotel or Brigitte Hotel or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 15 - Depart Tbilisi
Your adventure of a lifetime comes to an end today. If you have a late flight or have lengthened your stay by adding post tour accommodation you will have more time to explore the sights.
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Select Dates
Dates
Availability
Price
Tue 18 May
Tue 01 Jun
Available
30% off
US$3,989
US$ 2,792
Tue 18 May
Tue 01 Jun
Your Savings:
30% off
US$3,989
US$2,792
Your Savings:
US$1,197
Tue 01 Jun
Tue 15 Jun
Available
35% off
US$4,059
US$ 2,638
Tue 01 Jun
Tue 15 Jun
Your Savings:
35% off
US$4,059
US$2,638
Your Savings:
US$1,421
Tue 15 Jun
Tue 29 Jun
Available
35% off
US$4,059
US$ 2,638
Tue 15 Jun
Tue 29 Jun
Your Savings:
35% off
US$4,059
US$2,638
Your Savings:
US$1,421
Tue 29 Jun
Tue 13 Jul
Available
35% off
US$4,059
US$ 2,638
Tue 29 Jun
Tue 13 Jul
Your Savings:
35% off
US$4,059
US$2,638
Your Savings:
US$1,421
Tue 13 Jul
Tue 27 Jul
Available
35% off
US$4,059
US$ 2,638
Tue 13 Jul
Tue 27 Jul
Your Savings:
35% off
US$4,059
US$2,638
Your Savings:
US$1,421
Tue 27 Jul
Tue 10 Aug
Available
35% off
US$4,059
US$ 2,638
Tue 27 Jul
Tue 10 Aug
Your Savings:
35% off
US$4,059
US$2,638
Your Savings:
US$1,421
Tue 10 Aug
Tue 24 Aug
Available
35% off
US$4,059
US$ 2,638
Tue 10 Aug
Tue 24 Aug
Your Savings:
35% off
US$4,059
US$2,638
Your Savings:
US$1,421
Tue 24 Aug
Tue 07 Sep
Available
35% off
US$4,059
US$ 2,638
Tue 24 Aug
Tue 07 Sep
Your Savings:
35% off
US$4,059
US$2,638
Your Savings:
US$1,421
Tue 07 Sep
Tue 21 Sep
Available
35% off
US$3,989
US$ 2,593
Tue 07 Sep
Tue 21 Sep
Your Savings:
35% off
US$3,989
US$2,593
Your Savings:
US$1,396
Tue 21 Sep
Tue 05 Oct
Available
35% off
US$3,989
US$ 2,593
Tue 21 Sep
Tue 05 Oct
Your Savings:
35% off
US$3,989
US$2,593
Your Savings:
US$1,396
Essential Information
What's Not Included
- Visas and travel insurance
- Spending money – budget for meals, snacks, drinks, limited souvenirs, laundry, tips and any extras
- International flights to/from the start/end of your tour and departure taxes
- Tips on excursions, visas, travel insurance, personal items and single rooms.
- Optional excursions - On each trip, you may find there are some excursions that are not included. This might be because they are not to everyone's taste or there may be various options of differing value to choose from. More information on the excursions we recommend is listed under each day of your itinerary though prices may vary. If you are after something in particular, don't hesitate to ask your tour leader.
Joining your tour in Baku
Arriving in Baku
When arriving in Baku we recommend you obtain some local currency, the Azerbaijani manat, as soon as you arrive. There are international ATMS inside the airport. Please note International debit and credit cards are widely accepted however most places in Azerbaijan do not accept American Express.
Getting from the airport
To get from the airport to the city centre you can take the airport express bus. This takes around 30 minutes and costs 1.3 AZN. Taxis are readily available and should cost around 25 AZN.
Joining Hotel
Your joining hotel is Central Baku Hotel, Mirza Ibrahimov St, Baku 1009, Azerbaijan. However please check your final tour voucher as hotels are subject to change.
Emergency Contact Details
In the case of an emergency before you meet your tour leader, please contact our Tucan Travel Europe Manager:
Tel:+44 (0) 7887 498617
Please note that this number is a service for emergency calls only. We respectfully request that you consider the urgency of your enquiry. Non-urgent enquiries should be made during office hours. Visit contact us page for office hours.
Tucan Travel London office: +44 (0)208 896 1600
Accommodation on tour
This tour uses a variety of hotels. You can find a breakdown of your accommodation in the "About this Tour" section.
Where possible Tucan Travel try and use local accommodation on the majority of tours. The accommodation is picked based on their location to the main sites.
Alternative Accommodation
The type of accommodation indicated in the trip notes is a guideline. If for any reason, we need to change the accommodation listed on the itinerary, a similar standard of accommodation will be used instead. You can find the list of hotels or similar used on your itinerary under each day.
Solo Travellers
If you are a solo traveller there is a compulsory single supplement.
Check-in Time
Although we endeavour to have hotel rooms ready in time for arrival, sometimes this is not possible especially if we arrive early in the morning. In this instance we will store our luggage and enjoy the destination before checking in later in the day.
Transport
This tour uses private vehicles to get between destinations.
It is your responsibility to carry luggage on and off transport. We therefore ask that you keep your luggage to 1 piece per person plus one day bag.
Approximate distances covered on this trip
The below information provides approximate distances for your Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan tour. Please note that timings may vary depending on the season and border crossing on the day. Travel days are broken up with various interesting stops and toilet breaks.
- BAKU – SHEKI - 299km
- SHEKI – SIGHNAGHI - 157km
- SIGNAGI – TSINANDALI – SHUMI – TELAVI – TBILISI - 157km
- TBILISI – MTSKHETA – ANANURI – GUDAURI - 130km
- GUDAURI – KAZBEGI – TBILISI - 186km
- TBILISI – GORI – UPLISTSIKHE – BORJOMI – AKHALTSIKHE - 250km
- AKHALTSIKHE – RABATI CASTLE – AKHALTSIKHE - 130km
- AKHALTSIKHE – BAVRA – GYUMRI - 161km
- GYUMRI – ETCHMIADZIN – ZVARTNOTS – YEREVAN - 159km
- YEREVAN – GARNI – GEGHARD – YEREVAN - 80km
- YEREVAN – KHOR VIRAP – ARENI – NORAVANK – YEREVAN - 242km
- YEREVAN – SEVAN – SANAHIN – HAGHPAT – SADAKHLO – TBILISI - 321km
Roads in Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia can be quite winding at times. If you are prone to motion sickness please bring appropriate medication.
Luggage and Packing
Luggage
You will be carrying your own luggage on tour. Please limit this to one piece per person plus one day bag.
It is important to bring luggage you can carry and lift comfortably, potentially up several flights of stairs in hotels where elevators are not available and between bus/train stations and hotels.
Packing List
Please consider which season you are travelling in and pack appropriately. All clothes should be lightweight, durable and easily washable. Please do not bring any military or camouflage-style clothing as it can be dangerous to wear and occasionally illegal. Nights can be cold, so it is a good idea to bring at least one pair of warm trousers or jeans plus several thinner sweaters / fleeces which you can layer.
Good, comfortable walking shoes are essential. There can either be comfortable trainers or walking shoes. You will find you walk a lot in Europe, sometimes on uneven and cobbled streets.
In general, Europe is not as conservative as other regions, and you do not have to worry about keeping your legs or shoulders covered on a day to day basis. However, when visiting religious sites, you will need to cover up. We recommend having long trousers or a sarong to cover up for this.
Clothing
- A lightweight and waterproof jacket
- Jeans/trousers
- Underwear and pyjamas
- T-shirts/tops/shirts
- Shorts/dresses/skirts - depending on season
- Trainers or walking shoes
- Sandals
- Jumper/cardigan/fleece
- Swimwear/sarong/coverup
Electronics
- Phone and charger
- Camera and charger
- Worldwide adaptor
- Portable battery pack
- Ipad/tablet/e-reader (great for long journeys!)
Toiletries
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Small medical kit with paracetamol/plasters
- Antibacterial hand gel
- Insect repellent and bite cream
- Sun cream and lip balm
- Shampoo/conditioner/body wash - ideally in bar form
- Antiperspirant/deodorant
Other
- One small day bag
- Sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle
- Cloth bag for shopping
- Ear plugs and sleep mask
Documents
- Passport
- Visas
- Insurance
- Printed copy of your passport
- Printed copy of your emergency contacts numbers
Laundry
Depending on the time spent in each destination, your Tour Leader will be able to advise on laundromats or laundry services in or near our hotels. Hotel services can be pretty costly however your tour leader will be able to recommend cheaper options. If you wash clothes yourself take care not to be too obvious where you hang them as most hotels do not like guests washing and drying their clothes in the hotel rooms.
Meals and Dietary Requirements
On a Tucan Travel tour you will experience a huge variety of amazing food in each location. Meals included are listed on the day to day itinerary and the "about this tour" section. On this trip, most breakfasts are included but lunch and dinner are at your own cost unless included in the itinerary. Your tour leader will suggest restaurants in each location, and arrange evening group meals for those who wish to join.
If you have a specific dietary requirement it is important you advise us at the booking stage. We also recommend re-iterating this information to your tour leader on day 1. While we endeavour to assist as much as possible, it is ultimately your responsibility to research and arrange meals that suit your dietary preferences.
For information on what kind of food you can expect in Georgia please click this link.
Money and Budget
Currency
This tour uses the Georgian lari, Armenian dram and Azerbaijani manar.
Cards
The majority of shops, restaurants, hotels and other establishments in Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan will accept credit and debit cards. American Express is not as widely accepted, so do not rely on this as your primary card. It is always suggested to have a small supply of cash should you require it, especially if you are visiting remote areas.
Spending Money
We know how easy it is to lose track of your spending on holiday! That’s why it’s essential to thoroughly read your trip notes so that you understand what is and what isn’t included on each day. Lunches and dinners are at your own cost, which gives you the flexibility to spend as little or as much as you like. Remember to budget for things like laundry, tipping, souvenirs and optional activities. In general, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan are not expensive holiday destinations.
Take note of how long you will be spending in each country and don’t take out or exchange too much money. Unless you’re a big spender, you won’t need thousands just for two days in a country! We recommend checking your international withdrawal and exchange fees with your bank, as sometimes it is cheaper to withdraw money in your location rather than exchanging it beforehand.
Tipping
Tipping is a big part of European culture, and while it is much more prominent in Western Europe it is still expected in most of the Eastern Europe countries. While it is not compulsory, if you have enjoyed the service it is appropriate and highly appreciated. You should add 10% to your bill in restaurants (make sure service isn’t already included), round up taxi fares and tip local excursion guides.
Budget
Your budget should include additional meals, transport within cities, optional excursions, shopping and an emergency fund.
Backup Funds
Travel can be unpredictable. While we endeavour to plan for every situation there are some instances where it is out of our control, such as severe weather, strikes, civil unrest or natural disasters. If these result in unavoidable itinerary changes, you should have access to enough funds for you to return home unexpectedly.
Health and Safety
Emergency Contact
If you require urgent assistance prior to meeting your tour please call (+44) 788 7498 617.
Safety in Europe
Europe is generally very safe, even more so in a group. There are a few precautions which you should always take.
- Do not travel with valuables. While phones and cameras are inevitable, leave the expensive jewellery and watches at home.
- Make sure your handbag/daypack has a zip and is closed at all times.
- When in crowded areas and on metros keep your bag on your front.
- Do not walk alone after dark.
- Only use registered taxis and if possible have the hotel phone one for you.
- Do not take out large sums of cash at once and avoid keeping it all in the same place. Only take what you need for the day and leave the rest in a safe. Ideally, take more than one credit/debit card in case one is lost or stolen.
Scams in Europe
Unfortunately there are many common scams occurring regularly across Europe. While these are normally harmless to your personal safety, they can leave you losing money. The most common are people approaching you seemingly offering a gift, to then turn around and ask for money, children distracting you while someone goes through your bag, people pretending to be stranded/lost/mugged and asking you for money or people asking you to sign a fake charity petition, while someone else dips into your pocket. Pickpocket gangs often work in teams, so while one bumps into you and fumbles around apologising, another might be searching for a wallet. These scams are easily avoided by keeping your bag zipped at all times and on your front in crowds, and using your common sense when someone approaches you.
Traffic and crossing the road
Traffic is Europe can be hectic. You should always look both ways before crossing the road, depending on the country they might drive on the other side of the road. Rules on jaywalking can vary between countries, so we suggest always using pedestrian and zebra crossings.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory on all Tucan Travel tours. Your tour leader will request your travel insurance details at the pre departure meeting which are immediately submitted to the office. Failure to produce these details will mean you cannot join the tour.
Age Restrictions
Our tours are perfectly designed for those aged between 18 and 65 years old. They are fast-paced and sometimes tiring, while packed with adventure, new experiences and feel-good moments. With customers from around the world, of different ages, backgrounds and nationalities, some groups can be more boisterous than others. As a result, we ask that anyone wanting to travel under the age of 18 or over 65 carefully consider whether a group tour is right for them. We may ask that you fill in our tour suitability form found here to guarantee your enjoyment of the trip. Please read through our Tour Suitability page or contact a member of our Reservations Team if in doubt. Please note that we do not accept children under the age of 16 on our group tours.
Responsible Travel
As a global tour operator, we understand the importance of running sustainable tours that have as low an impact on the environment as possible. Please read our comprehensive guide here before you travel.
Physical Rating
Physical rating on your tour
The about this tour section will advise you on the physical rating of your chosen tour. This is scored from 1 to 5.
- Relaxing: Sit back and relax on this trip! There are no physically demanding excursions included. You will have to carry your own bags.
- Easy: Some easy physical activities are required on this trip though you won't need to prepare in advance. There may also be more strenuous optional excursions available which may require advanced preparation depending on your level of fitness. You will have to carry your bags, enjoy short walking tours in the heat or at altitude or perhaps travel on cramped public transport.
- Moderate: This trip will get your heart racing with tough one-day or easy multi-day hikes included. A good level of fitness is required to get the most out of the trip. You will have to carry your own bags and travel on cramped public transport.
- Serious: Preparing in advance for this trip will allow you to get the most out of it. Tough multi-day hikes at altitude, having to carry your own bags and travel on public transport all feature but this rating may relate to the length of your tour and the mental endurance needed to get to the end.
- Heart-pumping: Our most difficult physical rating. This trip will get your body moving and heart pumping. Prepare to be challenged both physically and mentally.
Gallery
Extra Services
Tbilisi Departure Transfer per vehicle (max 3 persons)
From US$50.00
Baku Arrival Transfer per vehicle (max 3 persons)
From US$50.00
Compulsory Single Supplement
From US$689.00
Single Room (post tour)
From US$111.00
Twin Room (post tour per person)
From US$76.00
Double Room (post tour per person)
From US$76.00
