Exploration of the Caucasus: Azerbaijan and Georgia in 15 Days
A 15-day route full of contrasts from the Gobustan desert to the subtropical forests of Georgia. Includes wine tasting, spectacular canyons, cave cities and the Black Sea coast.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Baku
Transfer from Baku airport to the hotel with guide assistance.
Accommodation: Baku Midtown Hotel 4* | 20 km
Day 2: Baku - Absheron - Baku
Exploration of Baku visiting the Shirvanshahs Palace, the Ateshgah fire temple, the burning mountain of Yanardag, the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center designed by Zaha Hadid, and the vibrant Yashil Bazaar.
Accommodation: Baku Midtown Hotel 4* | 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 in Baku.
Accommodation: Baku Midtown Hotel 4* | 204 km
Day 4: Baku - Shamakhi - Sheki
Visit to Diri Baba Mausoleum (15th c.), the Seven Domes Mausoleum in Shamakhi, Khan's Summer Palace in Sheki with its Shebeke stained glass, and the Albanian Church of Kish.
Accommodation: Sheki Macara Hotel 4* | 347 km
Day 5: Sheki - Lagodekhi - Winery - Tbilisi
Border crossing at Lagodekhi into Georgia. Visit to Khareba Winery with its 7.7 km of tunnels carved in rock and wine tasting. Arrival in Tbilisi.
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Tbilisi Center 4* | 297 km
Day 6: Tbilisi - Guided Tour
Tour of Rustaveli Avenue, Metekhi Square, cable car ride to Narikala Fortress, Abanotubani district and Anchiskhati Basilica.
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Tbilisi Center 4* | 2 km
Day 7: Tbilisi - Ananuri - Kazbegi - Tbilisi
Excursion to Ananuri Fortress by Zhinvali Reservoir, and ascent to Gergeti Trinity Church at 2,170 meters beneath Mount Kazbegi.
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Tbilisi Center 4* | 321 km
Day 8: Tbilisi - Mtskheta - Gori - Uplistsikhe - Borjomi - Akhaltsikhe
Visit to Mtskheta (UNESCO Heritage) with Jvari and Svetitskhoveli, Stalin Museum in Gori, rock-hewn town of Uplistsikhe, Borjomi spa resort and arrival in Akhaltsikhe.
Accommodation: Hotel Gino Wellness Rabath 4* | 245 km
Day 9: Akhaltsikhe - Vardzia - Khertvisi - Rabati - Kutaisi
Visit to the cave monastery city of Vardzia (12th c.), Khertvisi Fortress with its suspension bridge, and Rabati Fortress. Arrival in Kutaisi.
Accommodation: Best Western Kutaisi 4* | 299 km
Day 10: Kutaisi - Bagrati - Motsameta - Gelati - Nikortsminda - Kutaisi
Visit to Bagrati Cathedral, Motsameta Monastery, Gelati Academy (UNESCO Heritage) and Nikortsminda Cathedral in the Racha region.
Accommodation: Best Western Kutaisi 4* | 191 km
Day 11: Kutaisi - Sataplia - Prometheus Cave - Kutaisi
Visit to Sataplia Nature Reserve with dinosaur footprints and glass viewing platform, and Prometheus Cave with possible underground boat ride.
Accommodation: Best Western Kutaisi 4* | 58 km
Day 12: Kutaisi - Okatse - Martvili - Kutaisi
Walk along the 700-meter suspended walkway of Okatse Canyon, and Martvili Canyon with possible boat ride through its emerald waters.
Accommodation: Best Western Kutaisi 4* | 128 km
Day 13: Kutaisi - Dendrological Park - Batumi
Stop at Shekvetili Dendrological Park with giant trees, bamboo, lemurs and flamingos. Arrival in Batumi and stroll along the seaside Boulevard.
Accommodation: Best Western Premier Batumi 4* | 165 km
Day 14: Batumi and surroundings
Visit to Batumi Ethnographic Museum, Gonio Fortress (1st c. Roman) and walk through the historic center and coastal Boulevard.
Accommodation: Best Western Premier Batumi 4* | 30 km
Day 15: Transfer to Batumi Airport
Transfer from hotel to airport according to flight time.
End of trip | 6 km
About this trip
Exploration of the Caucasus offers a 15-day route full of contrasts, designed to showcase the diversity of landscapes that characterizes the region. From the Gobustan desert in Azerbaijan to the subtropical forests of western Georgia, this journey is a feast for the senses.
Azerbaijan: The Land of Fire
In Azerbaijan, we will focus on history and architecture. We will explore Baku thoroughly, visiting the Maiden Tower and the Shirvanshahs Palace. We will travel to Sheki to see the caravanserai and the Khan's Palace, witnesses to the ancient Silk Road.
Georgia: Complete Crossing
Upon arriving in Georgia, the journey becomes greener and more mountainous. We will explore Tbilisi and travel along the Military Highway to the Greater Caucasus in Kazbegi. The itinerary includes a complete crossing of the country, visiting the Samtskhe-Javakheti region with its fortresses and cave cities like Vardzia, and the Imereti region with its World Heritage monasteries.
The journey culminates on the Black Sea coast, offering a complete view of Georgian geography, from snow-capped peaks to the pebble beaches of Batumi. A unique opportunity to thoroughly know two fascinating cultures.
Included
- Accommodation: 14 nights in selected 4* hotels
- Meals: Bed and breakfast
- Transport: Private vehicle with A/C and fuel
- Guide: Professional English-speaking guide
- Logistics: Staff expenses (guide/driver)
- Water: 1 bottle per person/day
- Taxes: Local taxes
- Entrances: Monuments according to itinerary
Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Lunches and dinners (unless indicated)
- Alcoholic beverages and tips
- Personal expenses