Flavors of the Caucasus - From Spices to Vineyards
A 9-day gastronomic journey exploring the culinary richness of the Caucasus, from Baku's spice markets to the vineyards of Kakheti, with wine tastings at traditional wineries and the hospitality of a Georgian supra.
Itinerary
DAY 1: Arrival in Baku
Transfer from Baku Airport to hotel with guide assistance. 20 km
DAY 2: Baku - Absheron - Baku
Exploration of the Shirvanshahs' Palace, a World Heritage Site. Visit to the Zoroastrian fire temple Ateshgah and Yanardag, the eternally burning mountain. In the afternoon, the avant-garde Heydar Aliyev Center by Zaha Hadid and the vibrant Yashil Bazaar with its spice aromas. 43 km
DAY 3: Baku - Gobustan - Baku
Excursion to Gobustan Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with petroglyphs dating back 40,000 years. Visit to the Mud Volcanoes and Baku's Carpet Museum. 204 km
DAY 4: Baku - Shamaki - Sheki
Visit to the 15th-century Diri Baba Mausoleum and the Seven Domes Mausoleum in Shemakha. Arrival in Sheki to discover the Khan's Summer Palace with its famous Shebeke stained glass and the 1st-century Albanian Church of Kish. Tasting of the famous local halva. 347 km
DAY 5: Sheki - Lagodekhi - Kvareli - Alaverdi - Telavi
Border crossing at Lagodekhi into Georgia. Visit to Khareba Winery with its "Gvirabi" tunnels carved into rock and wine tasting. Visit to the majestic 11th-century Alaverdi Cathedral. Arrival in Telavi, historic capital of Kakheti. 230 km
DAY 6: Telavi - Signagi - Bodbe - Tbilisi
Visit to Signagi, the "City of Love," with its cobblestone streets and views of the Alazani Valley. Visit to Bodbe Monastery with the tomb of Saint Nino. Arrival in Tbilisi. 181 km
DAY 7: Tbilisi - Guided Tour
Tour of Rustaveli Avenue with the Parliament, Opera House, and Rustaveli Theatre. Visit to Metekhi Square, cable car ride to Narikala Fortress. Stroll through Abanotubani district with its sulfur baths and visit to Anchiskhati Basilica, the city's oldest church. 2 km
DAY 8: Tbilisi - Mtskheta - Uplistsikhe - Gori - Tbilisi
Visit to Mtskheta, the ancient capital and World Heritage Site: Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Exploration of Uplistsikhe, a rock-hewn city over 3,000 years old with pagan temples and a Roman theater. Visit to the Stalin Museum in Gori. 190 km
DAY 9: Departure
Transfer to Tbilisi airport. 18 km
About this trip
Let yourself be carried away by the Flavors of the Caucasus on a 9-day journey that is a delight for the senses. This itinerary explores the gastronomic and cultural richness of the region, beginning in the bustling markets of Baku and ending in the sun-drenched vineyards of Georgia.
Azerbaijan: Spices and Silk
In Azerbaijan, we will discover the heritage of the Silk Road. We will stroll through the streets of Baku, where the aroma of saffron and spices fills the air. We will visit the Absheron Peninsula and the Gobustan petroglyphs. In Sheki, we will marvel at the Palace of the Khans and taste the famous local "halva," a traditional sweet.
Georgia: The Art of Wine
Upon crossing into Georgia, we will immerse ourselves in wine culture in the Kakheti region. We will visit traditional wineries and learn about the qvevri winemaking method, recognized by UNESCO. We will enjoy Georgian hospitality at a "supra" (traditional banquet) with local dishes. The journey includes visits to the walled city of Signagi, the vibrant capital Tbilisi, and the ancient religious capital Mtskheta. We will finish with a visit to the rock-hewn city of Uplistsikhe, combining history, culture, and gastronomy in an unforgettable experience.
Included
- Accommodation: 8 nights in 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 as per itinerary
Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Lunches and dinners
- Alcoholic beverages and tips
- Personal expenses