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South Caucasus
South Caucasus
South Caucasus2026-01-04T15:34:47+00:00
About the Region

The South Caucasus, also known as Transcaucasia, is an ancient region bordered by the Caucasus Mountains to the north, the Black and Caspian Seas to the west and east, and the Armenian Highlands to the south.

On these very slopes, humanity first domesticated the grapevine, became the first to embrace Christianity as a state religion, and elevated hospitality to an art form. Such unique and vibrant rituals are perhaps unmatched anywhere else in the world.

Here, the traces of ancient civilizations are concentrated—etched in stone as petroglyphs; fragments of the Middle Ages tower as mountain fortresses and churches; remnants of empire linger in beautiful streets lined with mansions; and brushstrokes of the Soviet era appear in the form of gigantic cities and brutalist structures...
Today, the region is a vibrant crucible where new ideas and knowledge actively blend with ancient traditions, creating a uniquely local expression in everything from art, design, and architecture to fashion, winemaking, and cuisine. Here, you can do more than just witness this transformation—you can become a part of it.

Here, within a compact region, you can visit five strikingly different countries—each offering a unique world. In just a short trip, you can witness an incredible tapestry of peoples, delve into distinct historical chapters, and embark on a culinary journey through vastly different flavors.
Map
BLACK SEA
CASPIAN SEA
Today, the region is a vibrant crucible where new ideas and knowledge actively blend with ancient traditions, creating a uniquely local expression in everything from art, design, and architecture to fashion, winemaking, and cuisine. Here, you can do more than just witness this transformation—you can become a part of it.

Here, within a compact region, you can visit five strikingly different countries—each offering a unique world. In just a short trip, you can witness an incredible tapestry of peoples, delve into distinct historical chapters, and embark on a culinary journey through vastly different flavors.
Interesting Facts
01 The cultural history of the South Caucasus is deeply intertwined with the Silk Road. In Azerbaijan, ancient caravanserais still stand today, while the very existence of many cities in Georgia, Armenia, and Abkhazia is owed to the trade flows between China and Byzantium.
02 Respect for elders is an important part of Caucasian identity. The two most famous longevity hotspots of the Soviet era were both located in the South Caucasus – in Azerbaijan's Talysh region and in Abkhazia.
03 The South Caucasus is a multicultural territory. Despite being home to only three UN-recognized states, at least 15 indigenous ethnic groups reside within their borders.
04 Georgians, traditionally considered a single ethnicity, speak several mutually unintelligible languages: Kartvelian (official Georgian), Mingrelian, Svan, and Laz.
05 The South Caucasus is the birthplace of winemaking, where viniculture began approximately 10,000 years ago.
06 Abkhazia is not recognized by most of the UN members as a sovereign country but de facto possesses its own state institutions. Despite its complex status, it has a developed tourism sector and is open to visitors from China.
07 South Ossetia is likewise not recognized bymost of the UN members as a sovereign country and also de facto maintains its own governing bodies. While obtaining permission to enter is not straightforward, travel here is safe and offers a truly unique experience.
Our Tours
5-day tour from Sochi to Abkhazia
In just 5 days, you’ll be able to see not only the most famous sites of the seaside, but will also get a glimpse into authentic local villages, meet amazing people, and walk among the beautiful mountains of Abkhazia.
17 — 21 October
5 days
From $1300
South Ossetia 5-days tour
You'll see not only Tskhinval but also remote villages and ancient churches. You'll be able to communicate with locals and visit the best winery of the country. Also you'll visit Vladikavkaz — the center of Ossetian culture. Each day we’ll stay at cozy hotels and even highland glamping in the mountains...
22 — 26 October
5 days
From $1700
North Caucasus tour: Ossetia, Ingushetia, Chechnya & Dagestan
This 9-day tour offers a deep dive into the North Caucasus, a region of layered history and stunning landscapes. This itinerary is designed for travelers interested in authentic cultural experiences and understanding the complex history of the Caucasus.
26 October — 03 November
9 days
From $2650
Horseback Ethnographic Expedition to South Ossetia
This expedition is a unique opportunity to visit hardest-to-reach places of the Caucasus. In the places we are going to visit, you don’t get to see tourists, even local ones, let alone foreigners. On this route, we cannot guarantee anything beyond the sincere hospitality and welcoming spirit of the highlanders and experience of venturing into a real mountain expedition…
10 days
From $2300
Private tour to South Ossetia
We developed this tour for those who want to grasp the essence of South Ossetia’s most recent history in a short period of time. Two days are not enough to see all of this country’s tourist attractions, but enough to meet a diverse group of people, all of whom live in South Ossetia, and to hear their personal stories...
365 days
From $1150
South Ossetia 6-days tour
This tour is for those who’d like to know South Ossetia in details, but is not ready for mountain trekkings. We’ll visit the main gorges of the country and have enough time to visit all of the most outstanding sights, will meet so many different people on the way and take part in traditional feasts. And each day we’ll come back to a cozy hotel...
6 days
From $1490
Ethno & wine tour in deep south of Russia
This pleasant days in warm south of Russia will be filled by cognitive walks and communication with locals. We will also spend some time tasting the masterpieces of new Russian winemaking...
9 days
From $2400
Trekking in the Western Caucasus. From Lago-naki plateau to the Black sea
You will visit the territory of the Western Caucasus protected by UNESCO - is one of the few large mountain areas of Europe that has not experienced significant human impact. There is a rather varied landscape - a plateau covered with wildflowers, green mountains, gorges, rocks and even a glacier.
9 days
From $1700
Expedition to untouched mountains of the Western Caucasus
We'll visit the mountains of the Western Caucasus, where tourists rarely appear. In some valleys, bison, deer and bears are more likely to be seen than people. That's gonna be a real expedition to wild mountains with flowering valleys and rocky highlands! At the same time, we will spend time with pleasure - the horses will carry the backpacks, the food will be prepared by a team of guides, in the evenings there is good wine from glasses overlooking the sunset.
9 days
From $1400
Private tours to the Caucasus
Private tours to the Caucasus
If you've reviewed our travel plans and haven't found the perfect fit for you—please write or call us.

We will craft a customized itinerary that takes all your wishes into account. With our extensive experience, proven expertise, and deep network of contacts across the Caucasus, we can organize any journey you envision.

By submitting an application, you agree to the terms of the processing of personal data

Useful Information
  • By Air

    Air travel is the simplest and fastest way to reach the South Caucasus.

    Major International Hubs: The primary gateways to the region are the capital cities: Tbilisi (Georgia), Yerevan (Armenia), and Baku (Azerbaijan).

    Regional Airports: Each country also has regional international airports with scheduled flights:

    Georgia: Batumi, Kutaisi.

    Azerbaijan: Ganja, Gabala, Lankaran, Nakhchivan.

    Armenia: Gyumri.

  • By car

    From Iran, Turkey, and Russia

  • By sea

    To Georgia and Azerbaijan

  • By train

    To Baku

Caucasus Explorer Magazine
4 reasons to travel to South Ossetia
Shortly after the events of 2008 we decided to conduct a detailed survey of the then new Caucasian republics and Nagorno-Karabakh with a similar status. But as we had already been in Abkhazia and Karabakh, South Ossetia was a genuine “white spot on the map”, and for many it still remains one…
August 23 2013
Useful
7 reasons to visit Abkhazia
Did you know that there is an exquisite little country located just ten kilometers from Sochi or Zugdidi?
August 26 2017
Useful
Abkhazia: anykhs, priests and Chichba family
Abkhazia is a Christian country, but traditional religion is no less important here. Abkhazians from ancient times believe that their land is guarded by sanctuaries-anykhs. There are seven of them, they are located on seven holy peaks. Seven stars on the Abkhazian flag are in honor of these anykhs.
January 26 2022
Culture
Entry permit for the South Ossetia
South Ossetia does not issue visas. Moreover, the region has yet to establish an accurately operating procedure for obtaining entry permits. Visitors are required to get an entry permit, which is not a document, but a phone call from the ministry of Foreign Affairs to the checkpoint in Upper Ruk village. The KGB (Committee of State Security) controls all visits to South Ossetia by foreign tourists, that is why tourists can visit South Ossetia only when accompanied by a local guide at all times.
February 2 2016
Useful
On the Abkhaz Cattle Husbandry: the Share of the Sylvan Deity
The Abkhaz regarded the forest as an animate creature. It was particularly revered by shepherds who would exclaim upon driving their herds into the forest: “O, Forest, give us the warmth of your eyes!” No special sacrifices were offered to the spirit of the forest, however, the shepherds used to observe one singular ritual related to the forest cult.
July 1 2018
Culture
Special permits in different Caucasian Areas
Since we started to explore the Caucasus, we’ve visited almost every corner of each country. Of course, we were also interested in the most remote and less popular places, where we sometimes came face to face with restrictions. Be it a region affected by war or just an area with closed borders, you usually have to have special permits from local authorities to get in...
August 9 2017
Useful
Travel with art critics to South Ossetia
It was one of the most important trips for us in 2021. Tour to South Ossetia (plus North Ossetia and Ingushetia) for professional art critics, historians and religious scholars.
January 4 2022
Our news
Talysh
Talysh is one of Azerbaijan’s most densely populated rural regions. Dotted with traditional villages full of kind-hearted and hospitable people, it’s the perfect place to experience village life-style and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.
April 11 2020
Culture
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