Tailor-made The Caucasus: Introduction

With imposing neighbours such as Russia, Turkey and Iran, the Caucasus region once seemed destined to be a perpetual “gap on the map” – overlooked, unvisited and unknown. But given the rich histories and sublime scenery of Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan, this cannot remain the case for much longer.

These three diminutive countries comprise one of the world’s most diverse areas – termed Jebel Al Alsine (“Mountain of Languages”) by the Arabs, with historical links to the Silk Road cultures of Central Asia, the Slavs to the north, the Persians to the south and the Greeks and Turks to the west. The Caucasus is also a cradle of religion. The first Christian countries in the world were here, and the fire in Baku’s Zoroastrian temple still burns, as it has done for 1,500 years. For those looking even further back, the Caucasus plays a key role in ancient mythology – as the location of Jason’s Golden Fleece, the place where Zeus imprisoned Prometheus and, according to the Greeks, one of the pillars supporting the world.

Whether exploring just one of these countries or taking the time to combine all three, the visitor is guaranteed to return home impressed by the sublime and dramatic scenery, which offers great hiking and walking opportunities, as well as the rich cultural history, delicious cuisine and warm hospitality of this remarkable region.

Selected Highlights

Our specialists have travelled the length and breadth of the country to research the best places to stay and things to do. Here they list a few of their favourite “unmissables”.

Enjoy the surprising café culture in Yerevan

Join the young Yerevanis at one of the city's bustling street side cafes for coffee and watch the world go by. Yerevan is awash with open-fronted...  [more]

Get lost in the old streets of Baku's Icheri Shahar

Baku's ancient hub, the old city or Icheri Shahar as it is known in Azeri, remains a maze of narrow streets, forgotten mosques and overhanging metal...  [more]

Visit the monastery at David Gareja

One our favourite places in all of Georgia is David Gareja. To visit the monastery here is to follow in the footsteps of the 6th century monk, David...  [more]