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Medicine in Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia: Historical and Contemporary

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Tour leader
Chet Pager
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Dates
8 Sep
24 Sep
2027

Take an unforgettable journey along the ancient Silk Route, where trade, culture, and medicine once flowed between East and West.

From Baku's flame towers and fire-worshipping shrines to Georgia's monastery-studded mountains and on to Armenia, the world's first Christian nation. This is a region shaped by Persian, Russian and Ottoman influence, where caravanserais once sheltered Silk Road traders and vineyards now cling to valleys beneath the Caucasus peaks.

Meet local doctors and folk healers, sample wine from the birthplace of viticulture, and hear sacred chanting echo through rock-hewn churches. Along the way, savour home-cooked feasts, brandy tastings and the haunting sound of the duduk.

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Price (room to yourself)
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Reference:
AZB0927-1
At a glance
What you need to know
Type of tour
Professional
Profession
Medicine
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Nights
16
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Countries
3
Tour grade
Moderate
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Remaining places
0
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Dates and places

Itinerary at a glance

1
Baku
Wednesday
,
8
September
Arrive at the hotel and enjoy a welcome dinner at a traditional restaurant.
2
Baku
Thursday
,
9
September
Visit Upland Park, which offers panoramic views across the city and the Caspian Sea, then continue exploring the Old Town, where many of the buildings date back to the 11th century. Visit Railway Polyclinic №2 to learn about community healthcare in Azerbaijan today. Continue to the Azerbaijan State Carpet Museum.
3
Baku
Friday
,
10
September
Drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gobustan National Park, famous for more than 6,000 rock paintings, before continuing to Yashil Bazaar, a vibrant indoor market. Drive to the settlement of Mehemmedi to see the legendary eternal flames, where natural gas-fed flames have burned continuously for many years. Visit an iodine spring used for therapeutic bathing and meet a traditional healer.
4
Baku / Sheki
Saturday
,
11
September
Drive to Shamakhi, the former capital of the Shirvan Empire, and visit the Yeddi Gumbez Mausoleum. Continue to the village of Kish to see a centuries-old Albanian church and an ancient cemetery with numerous human remains. Explore Sheki, one of the oldest cities in Azerbaijan and a former silk-trading hub on the Silk Road. Enjoy a culinary masterclass at a local family home.
5
Sheki / Telavi
Sunday
,
12
September
Cross into Georgia and drive to Telavi, the heart of the Kakheti region and the home of Georgia’s ancient wine industry. Transfer to a local family home for a home-cooked lunch and Shoti bread-baking experience. Visit a local winery for a tour and wine tasting. Continue to the picturesque Gremi Monastery. Overnight at Agarani Estate.
6
Telavi
Monday
,
13
September
Tour Telavi, including King Erekle II Palace and an agricultural market, before learning about local healthcare at a community clinic in Gurjaani and the former Soviet sanatorium. Visit Bodbe Nunnery and walk through the fortified town of Sighnaghi, built high on a ridge overlooking the Alazani Valley, with breathtaking views of the Caucasus Mountains.
7
Telavi / Kazbegi
Tuesday
,
14
September
Drive to Kazbegi, stopping en route to visit the Ananuri fortified castle complex and the Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument at Gudauri Panorama. Enjoy a lunch of tasty khinkali dumplings. Check in to the hotel and at leisure before dinner.
8
Kazbegi
Wednesday
,
15
September
Visit Gergeti Trinity Church, perched high on a ridge above the town. Continue to Dariali Gorge for a beautiful walk to the Gveleti Waterfalls and look out for local birdlife. Return to the hotel for dinner.
9
Kazbegi / Tbilisi
Thursday
,
16
September
Stop in the ancient capital of Mtskheta and hear traditional Georgian chanting at the extraordinary 11th-century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Continue to Tbilisi. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
10
Tbilisi
Friday
,
17
September
Discover Tbilisi, a blend of Europe and Asia, on a half-day walking tour through the Old Town. Walk across the striking contemporary Peace Bridge, visit Freedom Square and its monument, see the beautiful Writers’ House of Georgia, and stroll along elegant Rustaveli Avenue. Take in the views from the 4th-century Narikala Fortress. Visit the fascinating Golden Treasury at the State Museum.
11
Tbilisi
Saturday
,
18
September
Visit the largest hospital in Georgia. At leisure to enjoy Tbilisi with the option to attend opera or ballet.
12
Tbilisi
Sunday
,
19
September
Drive to Gori and visit the Stalin Museum. Continue to Uplistsikhe, an ancient rock-hewn town, before returning to Tbilisi.
13
Tbilisi / Dilijan
Monday
,
20
September
Cross the Selim Pass, which has been used since medieval times, and explore the Selim Caravanserai. Admire Lake Sevan – the ‘blue eye of Armenia’ – before continuing to the spa town of Dilijan. Drive to Khorvirap Monastery near Mount Ararat, where Armenia adopted Christianity in 301 AD. Sample the renowned red wine produced in the village of Areni and visit Noravank Monastery.
14
Dilijan / Yerevan
Tuesday
,
21
September
Enjoy a walking tour of Yerevan, with its fine Soviet architecture and lovely 19th-century Russian edifices, including Republic Square, the magnificent 1930s Opera House and Victory Park. Check in to the hotel before visiting the famous brandy factory for a tasting before dinner.
15
Yerevan
Wednesday
,
22
September
Meet with Armenian doctors at the Soldiers’ Home, a unique rehabilitation centre in Armenia. Visit the Cascade Complex, a Soviet-era structure that houses a modern art museum and the Memorial Complex of Armenian Genocide. Visit the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, home to one of the largest collections of ancient manuscripts in the world.
16
Yerevan
Thursday
,
23
September
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed cave monastery at Geghard, built into a cliff in a dramatic gorge with excellent acoustics. This makes an unforgettable setting for hearing sacred choral singing. Visit the stunning Temple of Garni, Armenia’s only Greco-Roman-style building. Enjoy a farewell dinner.
17
Yerevan
Friday
,
24
September
Depart hotel after breakfast.
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Tour map

Plot your journey

Take an unforgettable journey along the ancient Silk Route, from Baku's flame towers and fire-worshipping shrines to Georgia's monastery-studded mountains and on to Armenia, the world's first Christian nation.

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What to expect

Tour highlights

Geghard Monastery
Armenia

Listen to Armenian sacred choir singing at the spectacular World Heritage Cave Monastery at Geghard, known for its rock cut architecture.

Experience Baku
Baku, Azerbaijan

A striking city of dramatic contrasts, blending futuristic architecture, Soviet history, and an ancient walled old town along the Caspian Sea.

Fine dining
Tbilisi, Georgia

Savour the flavours of a region celebrated as the birthplace of wine and immerse yourself in the rich traditions of folk and sacred music.

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Beautiful landscapes

Tour gallery

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Tour exertion grading

Is this tour right for me?

Moderate
Level 3

Some walking between destinations, more time spent standing, and increased travel distances. Requires a reasonable level of fitness.

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Your expert companions

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If you have some questions about this particular tour, you can contact the Jon Baines Tours team by phone or email.

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