Caucasian Crossing - Between Azerbaijan and Georgia
A 12-day journey connecting the shores of the Caspian Sea with the beaches of the Black Sea, from futuristic Baku to vibrant Batumi, through the vineyards of Kakheti and the peaks of the 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, a 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 and arrival in Telavi.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Telavi 4* or similar
DAY 6: Telavi - Sighnaghi - Bodbe - Tbilisi
Visit to Sighnaghi, the "City of Love," with its cobblestone streets and views of the Alazani Valley. Exploration of Bodbe Monastery with St. Nino's tomb. Transfer to Tbilisi.
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Tbilisi Center 4* or similar
DAY 7: 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 8: 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 Mount Kazbek. Return to Tbilisi.
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Tbilisi Center 4* or similar
DAY 9: 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 10: Kutaisi - Bagrati - Gelati - Prometheus - Batumi
Visit to Kutaisi Agricultural Market. Ascent to Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati Academy, UNESCO Heritage. Exploration of Prometheus Cave with its stalactites and underground river. Transfer to Batumi.
Accommodation: Best Western Premier Batumi 4* or similar
DAY 11: Batumi and Surroundings
Visit to Batumi Ethnographic Museum with its impressive wood carvings. Exploration of Gonio Fortress, ancient 1st-century Roman bastion. Walk through the old town and iconic Batumi coastal Boulevard.
Accommodation: Best Western Premier Batumi 4* or similar
DAY 12: Departure from Batumi
Transfer to Batumi airport according to flight schedule.
About this trip
Experience an unforgettable Caucasian Crossing on this 12-day journey connecting the shores of the Caspian Sea with the beaches of the Black Sea. Starting in futuristic Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, we will immerse ourselves in a city of contrasts. We will stroll along the Baku Boulevard, admire Zaha Hadid's architecture at the Heydar Aliyev Center, and lose ourselves in the medieval alleyways of Icherisheher. We will visit the mysterious mud volcanoes of Gobustan and the fire temple of Ateshgah, witnesses to the ancient Zoroastrian religion.
The Silk Road and Wine
We will travel west following the ancient Silk Road to Sheki, famous for its Khan's Palace and stained glass windows. Upon crossing into Georgia, the landscape transforms into vineyards and green valleys. We will explore the Kakheti region, visiting traditional wineries and learning about the qvevri winemaking method. In Tbilisi, the Georgian capital, we will discover a vibrant city full of history, sulfur baths, and carved wooden balconies.
From Mountains to Sea
The journey continues north, climbing the spectacular Georgian Military Highway to Kazbegi, where the Gergeti Trinity Church stands before the majestic Mount Kazbek. Then, we will cross the country westward to visit historic Kutaisi and its UNESCO monuments. The grand finale is the Black Sea coast in Batumi, where we will relax strolling along its famous boulevard and visiting the Botanical Garden. A complete journey uniting two seas and two fascinating cultures.
Included
- Accommodation: 11 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