Treasures of the Caucasus - From the Caspian Shores to the Mountains of Georgia
A 9-day journey full of contrasts, from the skyscrapers of Baku to the defensive towers of Ananuri, exploring the wine region of Kakheti, the peaks of Kazbegi, and the cave city of Uplistsikhe.
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: Sheki - Lagodekhi - Kvareli - Alaverdi - Telavi
Border crossing into Georgia at Lagodekhi. Visit to Khareba Winery with its tunnels carved into rock and wine tasting. Continuation to the majestic 11th-century Alaverdi Cathedral. Arrival in Telavi surrounded by the vineyards of the Alazani Valley.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Telavi 4* or similar
DAY 6: Telavi - Ananuri - Gergeti - Gudauri
Journey along the Georgian Military Highway to the fortified complex of Ananuri by the Jinvali Reservoir. Ascent to the Gergeti Trinity Church beneath Mount Kazbek. Accommodation at Gudauri ski resort.
Accommodation: Marco Polo 4* or similar
DAY 7: Gudauri - Uplistsikhe - Gori - Tbilisi
Visit to the Stalin Museum in Gori with his birthplace and personal armored train car. Exploration of Uplistsikhe, a fascinating cave city carved in rock with pagan temples, Christian basilicas, and secret tunnels. Arrival in Tbilisi.
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Tbilisi Center 4* or similar
DAY 8: Tbilisi - Guided Tour
Tour of Rustaveli Avenue with Parliament, Opera House, and Rustaveli Theater. Metekhi Square with views of the Mtkvari River. Cable car ride to Narikala Fortress. Walk through Abanotubani with its sulfur baths and visit to Anchiskhati Basilica.
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Tbilisi Center 4* or similar
DAY 9: Departure from Tbilisi
Transfer to Tbilisi airport according to flight schedule.
About this trip
Discover the Treasures of the Caucasus on a 9-day journey full of contrasts. From the skyscrapers of Baku to the defensive towers of Ananuri, this trip is a walk through the history and geography of the region, highlighting the cultural and natural wealth of two neighboring countries.
Azerbaijan: Ancient History
After visiting the petroglyphs of Gobustan and the palace of Sheki in Azerbaijan, we will cross into Georgia. We will explore the wine region of Kakheti, visiting Alaverdi Cathedral and the Gremi citadel.
Georgia: Snow and Stone
The itinerary includes a stay at the Gudauri ski resort, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, and a visit to Kazbegi. We will finish in Tbilisi, after visiting Stalin's birthplace, Gori, and the ancient cave city of Uplistsikhe. An ideal trip for those seeking a complete vision of the Caucasus' diversity in a short time, combining the modernity of Baku with the traditions of Georgian mountain villages.
Included
- Accommodation: 8 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