Georgia Armenia Azerbaijan Itinerary: Explore the Best 6-Day
Table of Contents
- Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan Itinerary Summary
- Saint Nino: Christianity in Georgia
- Accommodation in Tbilisi
- Georgia Armenia Azerbaijan Itinerary: Highlights
- Day Trips to Armenia and Azerbaijan
- Conclusion
- Reflection
If you’re looking for a life-changing journey through some of the most spiritual and historic lands in the world, this Georgia Armenia Azerbaijan itinerary might be exactly what you need.
Travel has a way of healing us, offering perspective when life feels overwhelming. At a challenging time in my life, I decided to take a solo trip through these stunning countries—a journey that healed my heart and soul.
I partnered with an amazing and affordable tour company, Real Georgia Tours, an affordable and highly recommended tour company, I enjoyed a tailor-made 6-day trip for just USD 800. The package included comfortable hotels, a dedicated driver, and visits to stunning historic sites.
This spiritual journey not only helped me escape but also gave me a new perspective on life, filling me with hope upon my return.
Join me as I take you through the highlights of this unforgettable adventure!
Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan Itinerary Summary
Day 1: Arrival in Tbilisi, Georgia. Rest.
Day 2: Tour Tbilisi City.
Day 3: Saint Nino Monastery & UNESCO Heritage Sites.
Day 4: Vardzia Cave Monastery. Overnight at Vardzia Resort.
Day 5: Cross-border day trip to Armenia.
Day 6: Cross-border day trip to Azerbaijan.
Day 7: Fly out.
Saint Nino: Christianity in Georgia
I earned my Doctorate in Theology at 23, focusing on women in church leadership. During my studies, I read extensively about Saint Nino, a phenomenal icon. Little did I know that I’d one day walk in her historical stomping grounds.
Saint Nino was instrumental in converting Georgia’s king to Christianity after healing his blindness. Her bravery led to Georgia becoming a Christian nation, and her legacy remains enduring.
The Georgian landscapes and churches were breathtaking, with traditions requiring women to cover their heads inside holy places. The drives to the UNESCO heritage sites were long but rewarding. Georgia, one of the world’s most underrated countries, is affordable and immensely beautiful—I would visit again in a heartbeat.
Accommodation in Tbilisi
Citadel Narikala Boutique Hotel
I spent 3 nights at the Citadel Narkala which sits under the fortress. It’s a unique boutique hotel that gives you a cultural feel. However, I requested to be moved to the Moxy because the rooms were too cold & the setting too dark. I wanted something more modern.
This decision was also influenced by the fact that it was during the Covid era, and I wanted to ensure I stayed healthy to avoid being stranded in a foreign country. The breakfast was excellent with cold meats, cheeses & traditional pastries. The owner’s wife will make breakfast at 6 am & it’s always made with love. She also did my laundry which only cost $3.
The Moxy
Georgia Armenia Azerbaijan Itinerary: Highlights
Tbilisi Infant House Outreach
With two friends, we donated food and a stove to an orphanage housing special needs children. Despite the red tape involved, the effort was worth it, knowing the children benefited from our gesture. This moment brought back memories of my first Mission Trip to Africa, where I witnessed firsthand how small acts of kindness could leave an indelible mark on communities.
In Georgia, the process involved completing a lot of paperwork to properly document the donation. However, witnessing the smiles on the children’s faces made all challenges seem insignificant. It was a humbling experience that strengthened my faith in the power of hope and generosity.
Saint Nino’s Fountain & Monastery
We drove a few hours from Tbilisi to Saint Nino’s Monastery, and it felt like a dream come true. My tour guide casually mentioned that if I hiked to the bottom of the church, I’d find Saint Nino’s healing fountain. The hike was challenging yet thrilling, and I couldn’t wait to see it for myself.
According to history, Saint Nino prayed at this very spot when she became extremely thirsty. She asked God for water, and miraculously, a fountain appeared. To this day, the water flows and is believed to possess miraculous powers, particularly for barren women.
There are 202 documented miracles of women who gave birth after drinking from the fountain. The priest handed me an empty bottle and encouraged me to fill it with water and take a sip. At the time, I was battling a sore throat and hoped for some relief. To my amazement, after drinking the water, all my symptoms disappeared!
White Water Rafting
I casually mentioned to my guide that I’d love to try white water rafting if the opportunity came up. To my surprise, he spontaneously stopped at a spot where rafting was available. What followed was an exhilarating adventure on the water, filled with fun and laughter.
Afterward, a rugged, beaten-up van arrived to pick me up, driven by a random driver—just one of the many unpredictable thrills of solo traveling. Despite the spontaneity and unfamiliarity of it all, I felt completely safe the entire time. Adventures like these are what make traveling alone so unforgettable!
Vardzia Cave Monastery
Visiting Vardzia Cave Monastery was the highlight of my trip. Named after Queen Tamar, Georgia’s first woman ruler, this incredible site features over 3,000 caves carved into the cliffs. Exploring the maze-like paths and taking in the stunning views was both humbling and awe-inspiring.
The hike through the caves was a mix of adventure and history, making it an unforgettable experience.
See more Vardzia Monastery photos on my Instagram
Day Trips to Armenia and Azerbaijan
We embarked on a few-hour drive to Armenia, stopping at the Althala Monastery, a site steeped in history.
The monastery carries a tragic tale—during an Ottoman invasion, Christians seeking refuge on the church roof were discovered and killed after a baby’s cry revealed their hiding place. It was a humbling experience to stand in a place that holds such a deep and sorrowful legacy.
Armenia, known as the first Christian country in the world, carries its faith and history with profound pride.
Crossing the Armenian border was a unique part of my journey along the Georgia-Armenia-Azerbaijan itinerary. My driver had to drop me off, and I crossed the border on foot. Photography was strictly prohibited, and the lines were incredibly long, with many people waiting to cross for work.
We then drove about an hour to visit Azerbaijan’s border. The atmosphere there felt distinctly different, likely influenced by the heightened Covid-era precautions in place.
Conclusion
This trip was truly a balm for my soul. Solo travel brings with it a sense of excitement and spontaneity, and for me, the theme of this journey was hope rising. It taught me invaluable lessons about hope and renewal, leaving me feeling whole and refreshed when I returned.
I wholeheartedly recommend this trip, and Real Georgia Tours will ensure you’re well taken care of every step of the way.
Reflection
This hope we have as an anchor of the soul.”
— Hebrews 6:19
Have you lived a busy life raising kids and working at the same time and wonder when in the world you will be able to take a break? I admire the parents who lead this life.
Sometimes all we need is a short break: keeping yourself grounded may take just ten minutes. Amidst all the craziness and decades of busyness, I believe that hope anchors us daily. For example, you spend 20 years of your life raising your children in the hope that they will end up being responsible adults and will be able to make a dent in the pages of history.
Today, amidst craziness, embrace hope, for it will be the compass of your soul, shepherding your daily life, navigating you through your aspirations and dreams, and one day when you look back, you will grin, having lived a fulfilling life.
Let hope guide you. Let your vision steer clear of the path before you. And when life is confusing, relax, breathe, and allow hope to speak to you again. Remind yourself of who you are and to whom you belong.
