14 Days The Essence of Caucasus

Bound by the Caspian Sea and the Caucasus Mountains, the former Soviet republic of Azerbaijan is known as the Land of Fire, in reference to its ancient fire worshipping inhabitants. Historically part of the Great Silk Road, it is a country with a rich heritage and unmatched culture, boasting a plethora of natural, architectural, archaeological, and historical monuments. Visitors can look forward to exploring a diverse variety of attractions including the city of Baku, the country’s cosmopolitan capital; the charming town of Seki, featuring the ornate palace of Xan Sarayi; and the Unesco-listed Qobustan Petroglyph Reserve, which protects thousands of stone engravings dating back as far as 12 000 years.

Currency

The currency of Azerbaijan is the Azeri New Manat (AZN) = 100 gopik. Notes are in denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 AZN. Coins are in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5, 3 and 1 gopik.

US Dollars, Pounds Sterling and Euros are the preferred currencies and can be exchanged at the airport, bureaux de change, all hotels, some restaurants and major banks. However, many local hotels, bureaux de change and restaurants will not accept dollar bills dated before 1992 or those which are torn or in any way disfigured. Travellers are advised to take banknotes in small denominations and change small amounts of money as required. Rates offered by banks and bureaux de change are unlikely to vary significantly.

Banking: 

Banking hours: Monday - Friday 09h30-17h30

Some major credit cards are accepted in Baku, at large hotels, restaurants and banks. However, generally, Azerbaijan is a cash-only economy. Credit cards can be used to purchase tickets at the airport. 

Travellers cheques are generally accepted.

Azerbaijan Airlines operates several flights a day between Baku and the Azeri 'exclave' of Nakhchivan, which is cut off from the rest of Azerbaijan by Armenia. There are also connections from Baku to Ganja, Gabala, Yevlakh, Zaqatala and Lankaran.

Azerbaijan's recent prosperity means that the number of cars on the road is in danger of exceeding the road capacity, although new highways are under construction throughout the country. Self-drive is only recommended to seasoned motorists, but alert and confident drivers may relish the freedom to visit those out-of-the-way beauty spots. Traffic police are numerous and keen to fine visitors and locals alike for speeding offences.

Public transport is very safe. Taxis and coaches are good options. Trains are slow but affordable.

Azerbaijani food combines Turkish and central Asian elements. While Baku has an excellent selection of international restaurants, from Japanese fusion to Italian, in most rural restaurants the kebab is most definitely king. Other specials include Dograma (a milky potato, cucumber and onion soup served cold); Piti (Mutton and chickpea soup – a Sheki speciality) and Qutab (pancakes stuffed with spinach, herbs or meat).

All water should be regarded as a potential health risk. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Some parts of Baku have their own water supply from natural mineral springs. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

A tip of 10 percent is expected at most restaurants.

Although temperatures along the Caspian coastline remain mild throughout winter (November-February), the mercury dip well below freezing further inland. The mountains at this time of the year are covered in snow and very treacherous. Though downpours do occur throughout the country, most of the rainfall is confined to the west.

Light-weight clothing is fine for low-lying destinations in the summer months, but coats and sweaters are advised at other times. Bring warm clothing if you are heading to the mountains, which remain chilly throughout the year.

Light-weight clothing is fine for low-lying destinations in the summer months, but coats and sweaters are advised at other times. Bring warm clothing if you are heading to the mountains, which remain chilly throughout the year.

Electrical sockets in Azerbaijan are one of two electrical socket types: the ‘Type c’ (CEE 7/16 Europlug) and ‘Type F’ (CEE 7/4 Schuko). If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. If it's crucial to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for all types.

Electrical sockets in Azerbaijan usually supply electricity at 220-240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliance isn’t compatible with 220-240 volts, a voltage converter will be necessary.

Georgia is a tiny country of immense scenic beauty. The majestic Caucasus Mountains stretch from the Caspian Sea to the Black Sea coast, taking in fertile valleys, wildflower-studded meadows and snow-capped peaks. The capital, Tbilisi, has a picturesque old quarter and a diverse cultural heritage - here, you will find mosques alongside Victorian villas, ancient churches and quaint sidewalk cafes. Northwest of the city lies the hilltop Jvari Monastery and the ancient capital of Mtskheta - both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This age-old town is home to a medieval church where Christianity was officially adopted as the country's religion in the 4th century. Further north lies the nation's stellar attraction - the Caucasus Range - with its web of exquisite hiking routes. Georgia also has fascinating cultural and archaeological attractions and ancient cave cities where religious minority groups sheltered to avoid persecution.

Currency 

Local currency: Georgian Lari 
Symbol: ₾ 
ISO code: GEL 
Subunit: Tetri (1/100) 
Banknotes: ₾5, ₾10, ₾20, ₾50, ₾100 
Coins: 1 Tetri, 2 Tetri, 5 Tetri, 10 Tetri, 20 Tetri, ₾1, ₾2 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Limited acceptance 
Diner’s club: Limited acceptance 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 09:00-17:00 
Weekends: Limited hours 
Public Holidays: Yes (varies) 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 
Main airlines: Georgian Airways, Airzena Georgian Airways 
International Airports: Tbilisi International Airport (TBS), Kutaisi International Airport (KUT), Batumi International Airport (BUS) 
Domestic Airports: Yes 

Road: 
Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes (in rural areas) 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 
Railway system: Limited 
Subway System: No 

Water: 
Ferries: Limited 
Water taxis: No 
Leisure cruises: No 

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: Georgian cuisine is flavorful and diverse, featuring dishes like khachapuri (cheese-filled bread), khinkali (dumplings), and pkhali (vegetable pâté). Wine is an integral part of Georgian culture, with notable local drinks including Georgian wine and chacha (grape brandy). 

Tipping: Generally 10-15% 

Annual rainfall: Varies by region 
Average temperature: 15-25 °C 

Summer: 
Average highs: 25°C 
Average lows: 15°C 

Winter: 
Average highs: 10°C 
Average lows: 0°C 

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Georgia is during the spring and autumn months (April to May and September to October), when the weather is mild and pleasant, and tourist attractions are less crowded. 

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes 

Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes 

General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Internet cafes: Limited 
Accommodation options: Yes 
Restaurants: Yes 
Cafes: Yes 
Shopping malls: Yes 
Public parks: Yes 
Libraries: Limited 

Plug Type: Type C, Type F 
Voltage (V): 220 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances. 

Armenia is a landlocked country lying between Asia and Europe. The capital, Yerevan, is dotted with green, leafy spaces and drenched in history that goes back 2800 years. You can take a guided tour of the city or pop in to the History Museum of Armenia to find out more about the nation’s ancient past, while the Armenian Genocide Museum provides sobering insight into the tragic events of the Armenian genocide. Beyond the metropolitan area lie glittering lakes and mountains blanketed with alpine forests, cascading waterfalls and ancient hilltop churches. Don’t miss taking the planet’s longest cable car ride through the striking landscapes of Vorotan Canyon to the clifftop Tatev Monastery. Another must-visit destination is Dilijan, with its emerald hills and woodlands that have earned it the sobriquet of the ‘Switzerland of Armenia’. The Armenians pride themselves on their unique cuisine and a wine-making tradition that goes back 600 years, so visitors can look forward to excellent food and vino!

Currency

The currency of Armenia is the Armenian Dram (AMD) = 100 luma. Dram notes are printed in denominations of AMD50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 1,000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of AMD500, 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10.

Foreign currencies can be exchanged at the airports, banks and most hotels and shops during normal opening hours. US Dollars are the most widely recognised foreign currency. Visitors using the national currency are advised to carry plenty of small change as some shops and, particularly markets, may be unable to accept large denominations.

Banking 

Monday -Friday 09h00 - 15h00. Exchange offices are open until midnight and also operate on weekends and on public holidays.

Major credit cards are accepted in most major cities. 

There are ATMs in major cities. 

Travellers’ cheques are accepted in a few shops and hotels. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars.

Drive on the right-hand-side of the road. Road quality is generally quite poor.

There is a small underground system in Yerevan (0630-2300). Buses and trolleybuses run in the city.

Taxis are available in the city centre or can be ordered by telephone. Private cars can be flagged down as well as official taxis. Taxi fares should always be negotiated before starting a journey, and visitors should be aware that rates proposed initially are likely to be unreasonably high, in the expectation that foreigners will have unlimited cash and little idea of how much they ought to be paying. It is therefore advisable to make enquiries about 'going rates' per kilometre of travel before entering into negotiations with taxi drivers.

Chauffeur-driven cars are available but are expensive. It is advisable to obtain them through official channels, such as hotels or travel agencies in Yerevan.

The main railway station is the Sasuntsi Davit Station on Tigran Mets Avenue. Trains to places such as Sevan, Gyumri and Vanadzor are slow, overcrowded and poorly maintained. Make sure you secure all belongings.

Yerevan has a booming restaurant scene, with cuisine available from every corner of the globe. Along Paronyan Poghots (Barbeque Street) you'll find a number of places that serve the famed Armenian dish, khoravats (grilled meats). Crawling between cafes is a popular local activity; many are located in parks and along sidewalks. Much Armenian cooking is based on lamb, either grilled and served as shashlik with flatbread, or prepared as soup (the most popular being bozbash, a dish which exists in infinite variations) or stew, often in combination with fruit or nuts. A meal usually starts with a large spread of hors d'oeuvres, which may include peppers and vine leaves stuffed with rice and meat, pickled and fresh vegetables and various kinds of cured meat (basturma).

All water should be regarded as a potential health risk. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products should be safe for consumption, however, the incidence of communicable diseases among livestock is increasing because of a breakdown in vaccination programmes.

Tipping is expected by waiters and doormen in restaurants - sometimes in advance to ensure service.

Springs are short with mild temperatures. Temperatures range from 7°C to 19°C in the capital Yerevan in April. Rains are scarce, but they do fall in springs.

May to June and September to October are good times to visit Yerevan, as the weather is warm but mild. If you are travelling to Lake Sevan, June to September are your best bet.

Electrical sockets in Armenia are one of two electrical socket types: The ‘Type C’ (CEE 7/16 Europlug) and ‘Type F’ (CEE 7/4 Schuko). If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. If it's crucial to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for all types.

Electrical sockets in Armenia usually supply electricity at 220-240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliance isn’t compatible with 220-240 volts, a voltage converter will be necessary.