Contrasts of the Caucasus - From the Caspian Sea to Mount Kazbek
An 8-day journey showcasing the differences and similarities between Azerbaijan and Georgia, combining the modernity of Baku with the traditions of Tbilisi and the nature of the Great Caucasus.
Itinerary
DAY 1: Arrival in Baku
Transfer from Baku airport to hotel with guide assistance.
Accommodation: Baku Midtown Hotel 4* or similar
DAY 2: Baku - Absheron - Baku
Exploration of historic Baku visiting the Shirvanshahs' Palace, World Heritage Site. Visit to Ateshgah, the ancient Zoroastrian fire temple, and Yanardag, the perpetually burning mountain. In the afternoon, the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center, Zaha Hadid's masterpiece, and the vibrant Yashil Bazaar.
Accommodation: Baku Midtown Hotel 4* or similar
DAY 3: Baku - Gobustan - Baku
Excursion to Gobustan Reserve, UNESCO World Heritage, with petroglyphs dating back 40,000 years. Visit to the Mud Volcanoes, a unique geological phenomenon. Return to Baku to visit the iconic Carpet Museum.
Accommodation: Baku Midtown Hotel 4* or similar
DAY 4: Baku - Shamakhi - Sheki
Route to Sheki visiting the 15th-century Diri Baba Mausoleum. In Shamakhi, the Seven Domes Mausoleum. In Sheki, the exquisite Khan's Summer Palace with its famous Shebeke stained glass and the Albanian Church of Kish, one of the oldest Christian temples in the Caucasus.
Accommodation: Sheki Macara Hotel 4* or similar
DAY 5: Transfer to Tbilisi and Old Town
Transfer to Georgia. Tour of Metekhi Square with views of the Mtkvari River. Cable car ride to Narikala Fortress. Walk through Abanotubani, the historic sulfur bath district. Visit to Anchiskhati Basilica, Tbilisi's oldest church.
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Tbilisi Center 4* or similar
DAY 6: Tbilisi - Ananuri - Kazbegi - Tbilisi
Excursion along the Georgian Military Highway. Visit to Ananuri Fortress by Zhinvali Reservoir. Ascent to Gergeti Trinity Church at 2,170 meters, beneath majestic Mount Kazbek. Return to Tbilisi.
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Tbilisi Center 4* or similar
DAY 7: Tbilisi - Mtskheta - Uplistsikhe - Gori - Tbilisi
Visit to Mtskheta, ancient capital and UNESCO Heritage, with Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Exploration of Uplistsikhe, a rock-carved city over 3,000 years old. Visit to the Stalin Museum in Gori with his birthplace and armored train car. Return to Tbilisi.
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Tbilisi Center 4* or similar
DAY 8: Departure from Tbilisi
Transfer to Tbilisi airport according to flight schedule.
About this trip
Experience the Contrasts of the Caucasus on an 8-day journey designed to showcase the differences and similarities between Azerbaijan and Georgia. This itinerary minimizes road transfers to maximize time in the capitals and their most spectacular surroundings.
Azerbaijan: The Caspian Capital
Starting in Baku, we will explore the city and its surroundings, including Gobustan. After the transfer to Georgia (by land or air depending on the option), we will focus on the north-south axis.
Georgia: The Capital and the Mountain
In Georgia, we will visit the capital, Tbilisi, and climb to the mountains of Kazbegi. The itinerary also includes visits to Mtskheta, Gori, and Uplistsikhe. An ideal option for those who prefer an urban and mountain vision, combining the modernity of Baku with the tradition of Tbilisi and the nature of the Great Caucasus.
Included
- Accommodation: 7 nights in selected 4* hotels
- Meals: Bed and breakfast
- Transport: Private vehicle with air conditioning and fuel
- Guide: Professional English-speaking guide throughout
- Logistics: Staff expenses (guide and driver)
- Water: 1 bottle per person per day
- Taxes: All local taxes included
- Entrances: Access to all monuments as per itinerary
Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Lunches and dinners (unless specified)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips
- Personal expenses