Day 1 – Arrival in Baku, Azerbaijan

Welcome to Baku, the dazzling capital of Azerbaijan, beautifully situated on the shores of the Caspian Sea. Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by your Silk Road Treasure Tours guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, relax after your journey or enjoy a leisurely stroll along Baku’s elegant seaside boulevard, where modern architecture blends seamlessly with the city’s rich history. This evening, gather for a special welcome dinner as we introduce the remarkable journey ahead exploring the textile traditions, artistic heritage, ancient Silk Road history, local craftsmanship, and warm hospitality of the Caucasus.

Day 2 – Baku: Old City, Carpet Heritage and Silk Road Traditions

Today we begin our exploration of Baku’s UNESCO-listed Old City (Icherisheher), where narrow stone streets, ancient caravanserais, historic mosques, merchant houses, and medieval monuments transport visitors back to the great Silk Road era. Visit the magnificent Palace of the Shirvanshahs and admire the iconic Maiden Tower, two of Azerbaijan’s most treasured historical landmarks.

A highlight of the day is a visit to the world-renowned Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum, home to one of the finest collections of handwoven carpets in the world. Discover the regional weaving traditions, symbolic motifs, natural dyes, and centuries-old techniques that have made Azerbaijani carpets famous worldwide. When available, enjoy a private presentation by a carpet specialist or master artisan, offering fascinating insights into one of the country’s most celebrated artistic traditions.

Day 3 – Baku: Kelaghayi Silk, Embroidery, Fashion and Artisan Workshops

This morning is devoted to Azerbaijan’s beautiful traditions of silk, fashion, and decorative arts. Learn about the creation of the famous Kelaghayi, the elegant silk scarves recognized by UNESCO as part of Azerbaijan’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. Visit a silk workshop or artisan studio to discover the traditional processes of silk preparation, natural dyeing, and intricate woodblock printing that transform fine silk into colorful works of art.

Continue your exploration with visits to embroidery studios, jewelry workshops, and contemporary fashion boutiques where talented designers blend centuries-old traditions with modern creativity. There will be opportunities to meet local artisans, observe demonstrations, and browse an impressive collection of handcrafted scarves, embroidery, jewelry, textiles, and unique souvenirs that beautifully reflect Azerbaijan’s artistic heritage.

Day 4 – Baku and the Absheron Peninsula: Fire Temples, Local Crafts and Cultural Traditions

Today we venture to the Absheron Peninsula, where ancient fire worship, dramatic landscapes, and the Caspian Sea have shaped the region’s culture for thousands of years. Visit the remarkable Ateshgah Fire Temple, once an important pilgrimage site for traders and travelers along the Silk Road, and learn about Azerbaijan’s fascinating spiritual and cultural history.

Returning to Baku, continue with visits to local artisan workshops that may include pottery studios, jewelry makers, carpet galleries, designer ateliers, or traditional craft centers. These encounters offer wonderful opportunities to appreciate the creativity and craftsmanship that continue to flourish throughout Azerbaijan. This evening, enjoy a memorable cultural dinner accompanied by traditional music, storytelling, or a small fashion and textile presentation celebrating the country’s rich artistic heritage.

Day 5 – Baku – Lahij: Mountain Villages and Master Copper Craftsmen

Leaving the capital behind, travel through spectacular mountain scenery into the foothills of the Greater Caucasus toward the charming village of Lahij, one of Azerbaijan’s oldest and most celebrated artisan settlements. Famous for its narrow stone streets, historic architecture, and generations of master copper craftsmen, Lahij has preserved traditional skills for centuries.

Visit family-run workshops where skilled artisans demonstrate the shaping, engraving, and polishing of beautifully handcrafted copperware using techniques passed down through generations. Enjoy traditional Azerbaijani tea with a local family while learning about village life and the importance of craftsmanship in preserving cultural heritage. There will also be time to browse artisan workshops offering handmade copperware, textiles, embroidery, ceramics, and locally produced souvenirs.

Day 6 – Lahij – Sheki: Silk Road Heritage, Caravanserais and Shebeke Art

After breakfast, continue through the breathtaking mountain landscapes to the historic Silk Road town of Sheki, one of Azerbaijan’s cultural treasures. For centuries, Sheki flourished as an important center of silk production and international trade, welcoming merchants from across Asia and Europe.

Explore the town’s beautifully preserved caravanserai, traditional neighborhoods, and artisan workshops before discovering the remarkable art of Shebeke—the intricate stained-glass windows crafted entirely without nails or glue. Meet local artisans preserving this centuries-old technique and, where possible, observe demonstrations of shebeke craftsmanship, woodcarving, embroidery, pottery, or the preparation of Sheki’s famous sweets. The day offers countless opportunities to experience the artistic traditions that continue to define this remarkable Silk Road town.

Day 7 – Sheki: Silk, Embroidery, Palace Architecture and Regional Crafts

Our final day in Azerbaijan is dedicated to Sheki’s extraordinary artistic and architectural heritage. Visit the magnificent Sheki Khan’s Palace, renowned for its colorful shebeke windows, exquisite frescoes, and elegant design that beautifully combines architecture with decorative art. The palace stands as one of the finest masterpieces of the Caucasus and reflects the wealth and sophistication of the historic Silk Road.

Continue exploring the region’s celebrated traditions of silk weaving, embroidery, costume making, and decorative arts through visits to local workshops and artisan studios. When available, meet embroidery masters or women artisans who continue to preserve techniques handed down through generations. Enjoy time to browse shops filled with silk scarves, embroidered textiles, handcrafted ceramics, jewelry, sweets, and unique souvenirs before gathering for dinner to celebrate the unforgettable experiences of Azerbaijan and prepare for tomorrow’s journey into Georgia.

Day 8 – Sheki – Kakheti, Georgia: Wine Country and Silk Road Hospitality

After breakfast, we bid farewell to Azerbaijan and travel toward the Georgia border. Following border formalities, we enter the beautiful region of Kakheti, Georgia’s renowned wine country, where rolling vineyards, historic monasteries, charming villages, and breathtaking mountain views create one of the country’s most picturesque landscapes. Along the way, enjoy a traditional Georgian lunch and an introduction to qvevri wine-making, the ancient UNESCO-recognized method of fermenting wine in large clay vessels buried beneath the earth.

Continue to the charming hilltop town of Sighnaghi, famous for its cobbled streets, colorful balconies, defensive walls, and spectacular views over the Alazani Valley. Enjoy time to stroll through the town before dinner and experience the warm hospitality that has made Georgia famous throughout the world.

Day 9 – Sighnaghi and Kakheti: Women Artisans, Traditional Cooking and Georgian Hospitality

Today offers an authentic glimpse into rural Georgian life through its crafts, cuisine, and traditions. Visit local villages where talented women continue to preserve traditional weaving, embroidery, felt-making, carpet weaving, and other regional handicrafts. Meet artisans in their workshops to learn about techniques that have been passed from one generation to the next.

Later, participate in a hands-on culinary experience where you may prepare traditional Georgian bread, khachapuri, churchkhela, or seasonal regional specialties alongside a local family. Enjoy a leisurely Georgian feast accompanied by homemade wine, heartfelt toasts, and stories that celebrate the country’s rich cultural heritage and legendary hospitality.

Day 10 – Kakheti – Akhmeta / Telavi: Wool Traditions, Felt Making and Mountain Villages

Travel deeper into eastern Georgia toward the picturesque Akhmeta and Telavi region, where mountain communities have preserved traditional lifestyles for centuries. Visit women’s cooperatives or family workshops specializing in wool processing, felt-making, spinning, natural dyeing, carpets, and handcrafted household textiles. Observe skilled artisans at work while learning about the importance of these traditions in everyday Georgian life.

Enjoy lunch in a welcoming village setting, featuring fresh local cheeses, homemade breads, mountain herbs, and regional specialties prepared using recipes handed down through generations. Surrounded by beautiful landscapes and genuine hospitality, today’s experiences offer a memorable introduction to Georgia’s rural traditions.

Day 11 – Akhmeta – Mtskheta – Tbilisi: Sacred Heritage and Georgia’s Creative Capital

Leaving Kakheti behind, travel toward Mtskheta, one of Georgia’s oldest cities and its spiritual heart. Explore magnificent churches and historic landmarks where centuries of architecture, sacred art, intricate stone carving, and religious traditions reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Continue to Tbilisi, Georgia’s vibrant capital, where old and new blend harmoniously. Wander through charming streets lined with colorful wooden balconies, art galleries, cafés, wine bars, boutiques, and historic buildings before enjoying an evening walk through the atmospheric Old Town. Dinner introduces you to the city’s lively culinary scene and creative spirit.

Day 12 – Tbilisi: Silk Traditions, Textile Arts and the Dry Bridge Market

This morning begins with a visit to the fascinating State Silk Museum, one of the few museums in the world dedicated entirely to the history of sericulture and silk production. Discover Georgia’s long connection with silk cultivation and learn about the techniques, traditions, and cultural significance of this remarkable craft throughout the Caucasus.

Continue with a private textile experience exploring Georgia’s famous blue tablecloth traditions, celebrated for their distinctive indigo colors, symbolic patterns, and block-printing techniques. Later, meet local textile artists and designers working to preserve these historic crafts while introducing contemporary interpretations. In the afternoon, browse the famous Dry Bridge Market, a treasure trove of vintage textiles, jewelry, paintings, ceramics, silver, antiques, Soviet memorabilia, and handcrafted souvenirs.

Day 13 – Tbilisi: Fashion, Art Studios, Ceramics and Contemporary Design

Today is devoted to Tbilisi’s thriving creative community. Visit private art studios, jewelry workshops, ceramic ateliers, fashion boutiques, concept stores, and textile galleries where talented Georgian designers combine traditional craftsmanship with modern design. Learn how ancient symbols, regional materials, and centuries-old artistic techniques continue to inspire contemporary fashion, wearable art, and home décor.

Throughout the day there will be opportunities to meet artists, browse exclusive collections, and shop for handcrafted scarves, ceramics, jewelry, textiles, clothing, and one-of-a-kind pieces that beautifully reflect Georgia’s creative identity.

Day 14 – Tbilisi – Ateni / Gori: Rural Traditions, Monasteries and Village Hospitality

Depart Tbilisi for the historic Ateni and Gori region, an area celebrated for its vineyards, monasteries, rural landscapes, and traditional way of life. Visit historic churches and cultural landmarks while admiring beautiful frescoes, decorative stone carvings, and centuries-old architecture that illustrate Georgia’s remarkable artistic heritage.

Depending on availability, enjoy visits with local artisans, winemakers, ceramic artists, or family workshops before sitting down for a traditional village lunch. Experience the famous Georgian supra, where delicious regional cuisine, homemade wine, heartfelt toasts, music, and conversation create an unforgettable celebration of friendship and hospitality.

Day 15 – Ateni / Gori – Vardzia: Cave Monasteries and Queen Tamar’s Legacy

Continue south through some of Georgia’s most dramatic scenery toward the extraordinary cave monastery of Vardzia. Carved into the cliffs during the reign of the legendary Queen Tamar, this remarkable complex remains one of the country’s greatest architectural and historical treasures. Explore its ancient chapels, tunnels, living quarters, and breathtaking mountain setting while learning about Georgia’s Golden Age and the remarkable engineering achievements of the medieval period.

Along the journey, enjoy scenic mountain landscapes, traditional cuisine, and opportunities to experience village life through local food, wine, or small artisan encounters that showcase the cultural richness of southern Georgia.

Day 16 – Vardzia – Tbilisi: Rural Crafts, Traditional Cuisine and Farewell to Georgia

Spend a relaxed morning enjoying the peaceful beauty of southern Georgia before beginning the return journey to Tbilisi. Along the way, experience authentic village life through traditional bread baking, cheese making, wine tasting, or visits with local craftspeople, depending on seasonal availability. These intimate encounters provide wonderful insight into the customs and hospitality that define rural Georgian culture.

Arrive back in Tbilisi in the afternoon with time to relax or enjoy a final walk through the city’s charming streets. This evening, gather for dinner as you reflect on the unforgettable experiences of Georgia before continuing your journey into Armenia the following day.

Day 17 – Tbilisi – Dilijan, Armenia

After breakfast, depart Tbilisi and travel toward the Georgia–Armenia border, where your Armenian Silk Road Treasure Tours guide will warmly welcome you and assist with border formalities. Continue through the scenic landscapes of northern Armenia, where forested mountains, deep valleys, medieval monasteries, and traditional villages introduce the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Depending on the route and timing, visit one of Armenia’s beautiful UNESCO-listed monasteries, renowned for its remarkable stone carvings, sacred architecture, and peaceful mountain setting. Continue to Dilijan, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Armenia,” a charming town celebrated for its artists, traditional wooden architecture, and vibrant craft community. After checking into your hotel, enjoy a leisurely walk through the restored Old Town before gathering for a traditional Armenian welcome dinner featuring local specialties and warm hospitality.

Day 18 – Dilijan – Lake Sevan – Yerevan

This morning, discover the natural beauty and artistic traditions of the Tavush region. Visit a local artisan workshop, embroidery studio, ceramic workshop, woodcarver, or community craft center to learn about Armenia’s rich traditions of handmade textiles, decorative arts, and contemporary craftsmanship. Meet local artisans and gain insight into the preservation of centuries-old techniques.

Continue to the spectacular Lake Sevan, one of the world’s largest high-altitude freshwater lakes. Visit the historic Sevanavank Monastery, dramatically situated on a peninsula overlooking the sparkling blue waters and surrounding mountains. After enjoying a leisurely lakeside lunch featuring regional Armenian cuisine, continue to Yerevan, Armenia’s vibrant capital. The evening is yours to relax or enjoy a stroll through Republic Square and the city’s lively cafés.

Day 19 – Yerevan and Echmiadzin: Sacred Heritage, Carpets and Creative Traditions

Begin the day exploring Yerevan, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Discover its elegant pink-stone architecture, lively squares, tree-lined boulevards, and cultural landmarks, including Republic Square, the Opera House, Cascade Complex, and panoramic viewpoints overlooking Mount Ararat.

Continue to Echmiadzin, the spiritual heart of the Armenian Apostolic Church, where magnificent churches, ancient manuscripts, sacred art, carved khachkars (cross-stones), and centuries of religious tradition tell the story of Armenia’s enduring faith and culture. Returning to Yerevan, browse the famous Vernissage Market, where local artists and craftspeople offer handmade embroidery, carpets, ceramics, jewelry, paintings, woodwork, textiles, lace, and traditional souvenirs. Later, visit the renowned Megerian Carpet workshop to learn about Armenia’s celebrated carpet-weaving traditions, natural dyes, and intricate regional designs before enjoying a special dinner featuring Armenian cuisine and cultural entertainment.

Day 20 – Garni – Geghard – Yerevan

Today’s excursion explores two of Armenia’s most remarkable historical treasures. Travel to the magnificent Garni Temple, the country’s only surviving Greco-Roman pagan temple, dramatically overlooking the spectacular Azat River Gorge. Continue to the nearby Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site partly carved into the surrounding cliffs and renowned for its extraordinary architecture, medieval carvings, and peaceful atmosphere.

One of today’s highlights is participating in a traditional lavash bread-making masterclass, where local women demonstrate the centuries-old technique of preparing Armenia’s famous flatbread in a traditional clay tonir oven. Enjoy a delicious homemade lunch featuring freshly baked lavash, local cheeses, herbs, seasonal vegetables, and regional specialties before returning to Yerevan. This evening, gather for a memorable farewell dinner celebrating the remarkable cultures, traditions, friendships, and experiences shared throughout the Caucasus journey.

Day 21 – Yerevan: Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Zvartnots International Airport for your onward flight. As your unforgettable journey comes to an end, depart with lasting memories of the Caucasus—its magnificent carpets and textiles, ancient monasteries, mountain villages, master artisans, colorful markets, exceptional cuisine, and the genuine hospitality that has welcomed travelers along the Silk Road for centuries.

We hope you leave inspired by the rich artistic heritage and cultural traditions of Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia, and we look forward to welcoming you again on another Silk Road Treasure Tours adventure.