Wine culture, breath-taking mountain scenery, and cultural immersion await in the lesser-traveled countries that lie between the Caspian and Black Sea

Jacada Travel, the luxury travel company on a mission to create a positive impact through tourism, announces new bespoke journeys deep into the lesser-explored nations of the Caucasus: Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. The latest expansion of Jacada’s global destinations into Central Asia promises rich cultural immersion for discerning and adventurous travelers, with journeys centered on history, culinary discovery, and the country’s breathtaking beauty, each adventure curated with creative passion by dedicated travel designers.

Taking travelers from magnificent mountain landscapes in Armenia to private cooking lessons in Georgia, Jacada Travel’s bespoke and individually tailored itineraries are designed with respect for local communities and the environment.

Travelers may opt to try their hand at batik painting or sample fine wine in Georgia, where grapes have been cultivated and wine produced since 6000 BCE. Oenophiles and casual aficionados alike will delight in tracing the origins of winemaking techniques that produce amber-colored wines in the picturesque Kakheti Wine Region.  Travel to the emerald green peaks and blooming meadows of Kazbegi National Park, whose lowest point is 1,400 meters above sea level, for hikes to the isolated Gergeti Trinity Church, one of the country’s most recognizable symbols. Relaxation beckons along the Black Sea coast, while the capital, Tbilisi, the country’s largest city, fascinates with its eclectic architecture and opportunities to visit artists in their studios.

To the south, Armenia boasts its own rich heritage. The origins of the country’s capital, Yerevan, date back further than Rome, while the remains of what’s thought to be the world’s oldest winery can be visited in the Vayots Dzor region. Hiking opportunities abound; treks across stunning mountain landscapes and leisurely lakeside trails offer the chance to visit hidden monasteries and soak up incredible views of Mount Ararat, the national symbol of Armenia.

And then there is Azerbaijan – the ‘land of fire’ – with dramatic burning mountains and mud volcanoes on the doorstep of the brilliant capital, Baku, on the Caspian coast.  The UNESCO-listed Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape, world-famous for its rock paintings, is just outside the city center. Travelers can also visit Yanar Dag, the ‘burning mountain’ believed to have been lit by an eternal fire that’s been burning for the last 5,000 years.

Following last year’s expansion into the Middle East, Jacada Travel is among the first luxury travel operators to offer bespoke private journeys in this endlessly fascinating region.

“We are thrilled to turn our focus to the Caucasus for the first time and to open the door for travelers to experience the stunning natural beauty and age-old cultures of the countries at the crossroads of Europe and Asia,” said Alesha Walton, Head of Middle East and Silk Route Travel Design. “As at every destination we explore, we’ve worked with local experts to create tours that provide our clients with privileged access to places and experiences that will give them a deep understanding of the region while creating a positive impact on the people and places they visit.”

Among the highlights of Jacada Travel’s new tailored offerings in Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan:

• Go off-roading to a wild dining location deep in the thick forests of Armenia’s Dilijan National Park, where a three-course meal will be prepared and served in the forest using local, seasonal ingredients.

• Settle in for a private polyphonic singing performance in Georgia. Sung at ceremonies and festivals, and protected by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage, these songs date back to the 8th century.

• Privately guided wild foraging and cooking experiences will delight those interested in exploring new culinary cultures. These gastronomic adventures reveal Georgian and Armenian cuisine’s rich heritage and long-preserved local traditions.

• Delve into the ancient art of winemaking in Georgia, one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world. Learn the traditional qvevri aging technique and mark the travel calendar for late September and early October while lively rtveli harvest celebrations are in full swing.

• Explore the little-visited and rewarding capital of Armenia, Yerevan. The easily walkable city center is dotted with parks, galleries, and fascinating public artworks.

• Under the tutelage of local artisans, a carpet-weaving masterclass in the heart of Baku’s Old City brings an ancient art form to life. Each hand-woven carpet is as unique as the experience, a one-of-a-kind souvenir and memory to treasure back home.