Caucasus Chronicles - From the Flame Towers to the Heart of Georgia
A 10-day journey connecting the vibrant modernity of Baku with the deep traditions of Georgia, from the Flame Towers to the wine valleys of Kakheti, the Caucasus peaks, and the monasteries of Imereti.
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 and arrival in Telavi.
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 - Kutaisi
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 and Christian basilicas. 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: 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 10: Departure from Tbilisi
Transfer to Tbilisi airport according to flight schedule.
About this trip
Write your own Caucasus Chronicles on this 10-day journey connecting the vibrant modernity of Baku with the deep traditions of Georgia. We will begin by admiring the Flame Towers of Baku, symbol of modern Azerbaijan, and exploring the alleyways of the Old City. We will visit the petroglyphs of Gobustan before crossing the country westward, stopping in Sheki to see its architectural treasures.
Central and Western Georgia
In Georgia, we will focus on the heart of the country. We will visit the wine region of Kakheti and the capital, Tbilisi. We will climb to the mountains of Kazbegi via the Georgian Military Highway, enjoying alpine landscapes. Then, we will travel west to explore the Imereti region. We will visit the historic city of Kutaisi, with its Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati Monastery, centers of medieval Georgian culture.
Natural Wonders
The journey also includes a visit to the spectacular Prometheus Cave, with its illuminated underground chambers and stalactite formations. We will return to Tbilisi to end the trip, having toured the most important regions of central and western Georgia. A visual and cultural chronicle spanning from the Caspian Sea to the fertile valleys of Colchis.
Included
- Accommodation: 9 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