Caucasus Route - Azerbaijan and Georgia in 12 Days
A 12-day journey combining wine culture in Kakheti, historical treasures of Azerbaijan, the mountains of Kazbegi and the Black Sea coast in Batumi.
Itinerary
DAY 1: Arrival in Baku
Transfer from Baku airport to hotel with guide assistance. 20 km
DAY 2: Baku - Absheron - Baku
Visit to the Shirvanshahs Palace, Ateshgah fire temple, Yanardag burning mountain, Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center and the vibrant Yashil Bazaar. 43 km
DAY 3: Baku - Gobustan - Baku
Excursion to Gobustan Reserve (UNESCO Heritage) with 40,000-year-old petroglyphs, mud volcanoes and visit to the Carpet Museum. 204 km
DAY 4: Baku - Shamakhi - Sheki
Route to Sheki visiting Diri Baba Mausoleum, Seven Domes Mausoleum in Shamakhi, Khan Summer Palace with its famous Shebeke stained glass windows and Kish Albanian Church. 347 km
DAY 5: Sheki - Lagodekhi - Kvareli - Alaverdi - Telavi
Border crossing to Georgia via Lagodekhi. Visit to Khareba Winery with wine tasting in tunnels carved into rock. 11th-century Alaverdi Cathedral. Arrival in Telavi. 230 km
DAY 6: Telavi - Signagi - Bodbe - Tbilisi
Visit to charming Signagi, the "City of Love", with views of the Alazani Valley. Bodbe Monastery with the tomb of Saint Nino. Transfer to Tbilisi. 181 km
DAY 7: Tbilisi - Guided Tour
Tour of Rustaveli Avenue, Metekhi Square, cable car ride to Narikala Fortress, Abanotubani district with its sulfur baths and Anchiskhati Basilica. 2 km
DAY 8: Tbilisi - Mtskheta - Uplistsikhe - Gori - Kutaisi
Visit to Mtskheta (UNESCO Heritage): Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Rock-hewn city of Uplistsikhe, Stalin Museum in Gori. Arrival in Kutaisi. 267 km
DAY 9: Kutaisi - Bagrati - Motsameta - Gelati - Nikortsminda - Kutaisi
Exploration of Bagrati Cathedral, Motsameta Monastery, Gelati Academy (UNESCO) and Nikortsminda Cathedral in the Racha region. 191 km
DAY 10: Kutaisi - Prometheus - Martvili - Batumi
Prometheus Cave with boat navigation (if water level permits). Martvili Canyon with subtropical landscapes and waterfalls. Arrival in Batumi. 178 km
DAY 11: Batumi and surroundings
Batumi Ethnographic Museum, 1st-century Roman Gonio Fortress, walk through the old town and the coastal Boulevard. 30 km
DAY 12: Departure from Batumi
Transfer from hotel to Batumi airport. 6 km
About this trip
Follow the "Caucasus Route" on a 12-day journey that delves deep into history and wine culture. This itinerary includes a detailed visit to the Kakheti wine region in Georgia, plus the cultural treasures of Azerbaijan.
Culture and Wine
After exploring Baku and Sheki, we will cross the border to enter the birthplace of wine. We will visit traditional wineries in Kakheti, learn about the qvevri winemaking method and stroll through the walled city of Signagi. The route continues westward, passing through the capital, Tbilisi, and the mountains of Kazbegi.
Heritage and Coast
We will finish the journey crossing the country to the Black Sea. We will visit the UNESCO sites of Kutaisi, such as the Gelati monastery, and explore Prometheus Cave. The trip ends in Batumi, offering a perfect combination of gastronomic pleasure, cultural discovery and coastal relaxation. It is the ideal trip for those seeking to enjoy the good life while exploring two fascinating countries.
Included
- Accommodation: 11 nights in selected 4-star hotels
- Meals: Bed and breakfast
- Transport: Private vehicle with A/C and fuel
- Guide: Professional English-speaking guide throughout the tour
- Logistics: Staff expenses (guide/driver)
- Water: 1 bottle per person/day
- Taxes: Local taxes included
- Entrances: Monuments according to itinerary
Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Lunches and dinners (unless indicated)
- Alcoholic beverages and tips
- Personal expenses