Ancestral Legacy - From the Mud Volcanoes to Imperial Georgia
A 9-day journey from the mysterious mud volcanoes of Azerbaijan to the imperial cathedrals of Georgia, exploring Baku, Sheki, the Kakheti region, Tbilisi, Mtskheta, and Kutaisi.
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 - Sighnaghi - Tbilisi
Border crossing into Georgia at Lagodekhi. Visit to Sighnaghi, the "City of Love," with its cobblestone streets, carved wooden balconies, and panoramic views of the Alazani Valley. Transfer to Tbilisi.
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Tbilisi Center 4* or similar
DAY 6: 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 7: Tbilisi - Mtskheta - Uplistsikhe - Gori - Kutaisi
Visit to Mtskheta, ancient capital and UNESCO Heritage: Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Exploration of Uplistsikhe, Iron Age cave city. Stop in Gori for the Stalin Museum. Arrival in Kutaisi.
Accommodation: Best Western Kutaisi 4* or similar
DAY 8: Kutaisi - Bagrati - Gelati - Prometheus - Tbilisi
Visit to Bagrati Cathedral with panoramic views of the city. Exploration of Gelati Academy, UNESCO Heritage. Adventure in Prometheus Cave with its stalactites and boat ride on the underground river. Visit to Kutaisi Agricultural Market. Transfer to Tbilisi.
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Tbilisi Center 4* or similar
DAY 9: Departure from Tbilisi
Transfer to Tbilisi airport according to flight schedule.
About this trip
Explore the Ancestral Legacy of the Caucasus on a 9-day journey. From the mysterious mud volcanoes in Azerbaijan to the imperial cathedrals of Georgia, this itinerary is a window to the past. After visiting Baku and Sheki, we will cross into Georgia to discover the Kakheti region and the capital, Tbilisi. The trip includes visits to Mtskheta, the ancient religious capital, and the cave city of Uplistsikhe.
The Historic West
We will travel west to visit Kutaisi, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Colchis. Here we will explore Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati Monastery, symbols of Georgia's Golden Age. We will also visit Prometheus Cave. This concentrated journey offers a deep insight into the history and geology of the region, ideal for travelers interested in heritage.
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