Jewels of the Caucasus - Between Eternal Fires and Ancestral Vineyards
An 8-day getaway combining the best of Azerbaijan and Georgia, from the mystical fires of the Absheron Peninsula to the amber wines of Kakheti, with the mountains of Kazbegi as the grand finale.
Itinerary
DAY 1: Arrival in Baku
Transfer from Baku Airport to hotel with guide assistance. 20 km
DAY 2: Baku - Absheron - Baku
Exploration of the Shirvanshahs' Palace, a World Heritage Site. Visit to the Zoroastrian fire temple Ateshgah and Yanardag, the eternally burning mountain. In the afternoon, the avant-garde Heydar Aliyev Center by Zaha Hadid and the vibrant Yashil Bazaar. 43 km
DAY 3: Baku - Gobustan - Baku
Excursion to Gobustan Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with petroglyphs dating back 40,000 years. Visit to the Mud Volcanoes and Baku's Carpet Museum. 204 km
DAY 4: Baku - Shamaki - Sheki
Visit to the 15th-century Diri Baba Mausoleum and the Seven Domes Mausoleum in Shemakha. Arrival in Sheki to discover the Khan's Summer Palace with its famous Shebeke stained glass and the 1st-century Albanian Church of Kish. 347 km
DAY 5: Sheki - Lagodekhi - Winery - Tbilisi
Border crossing at Lagodekhi into Georgia. Visit to Khareba Winery with its 7.7 km of "Gvirabi" tunnels carved into rock and wine tasting. Arrival in Tbilisi. 297 km
DAY 6: Tbilisi - Guided Tour
Tour of Rustaveli Avenue with the Parliament, Opera House, and Rustaveli Theatre. Visit to Metekhi Square, cable car ride to Narikala Fortress. Stroll through Abanotubani district with its sulfur baths and visit to Anchiskhati Basilica, the city's oldest church. 2 km
DAY 7: Tbilisi - Ananuri - Kazbegi - Tbilisi
Excursion to Ananuri Fortress by the Zhinvali Reservoir. Ascent to the Gergeti Trinity Church at 2,170 meters, beneath Mount Kazbegi. 321 km
DAY 8: Departure
Transfer to Tbilisi airport. 18 km
About this trip
Admire the Jewels of the Caucasus on an 8-day getaway that combines the best of Azerbaijan and Georgia. This concentrated journey allows you to discover the essence of both countries, from the mystical fire of the Absheron Peninsula to the amber wines of Kakheti.
Azerbaijan: Land of Fire
Starting in the "Land of Fire," we will visit the Ateshgah temple and the burning mountain of Yanar Dag. We will explore Baku and its surroundings before traveling to Sheki.
Georgia: Cradle of Wine
In Georgia, we will focus on the Kakheti region, visiting wineries and enjoying local hospitality. We will explore Tbilisi thoroughly, with its sulfur baths and Narikala fortress. We will take an excursion to the mountains of Kazbegi to see Mount Kazbek. This trip is perfect for those with a week to spare who want to see the contrasts between the Islamic and Christian cultures of the Caucasus, as well as enjoy its unique landscapes and rich gastronomy.
Included
- Accommodation: 7 nights in 4* hotels
- Meals: Bed and breakfast
- Transport: Private vehicle with A/C and fuel
- Guide: Professional English-speaking guide
- Logistics: Staff expenses (guide/driver)
- Water: 1 bottle per person/day
- Taxes: Local taxes
- Entrances: Monuments as per itinerary
Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Lunches and dinners
- Alcoholic beverages and tips
- Personal expenses