From the Caspian Sea to the Black Sea - Azerbaijan and Georgia
A spectacular 10-day journey connecting the two coasts of the South Caucasus, from the modernity of Baku to the Black Sea pearl of Batumi, featuring ancient petroglyphs, alpine mountains, and medieval monasteries.
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. 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. 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 into rock and wine tasting. Arrival in Tbilisi. 297 km
DAY 6: Tbilisi - Ananuri - Kazbegi - Tbilisi
Excursion to Ananuri Fortress by the Zhinvali Reservoir. Ascent to the Gergeti Trinity Church at 2,170 meters, beneath Mount Kazbegi. 321 km
DAY 7: Tbilisi - Mtskheta - Uplistsikhe - Gori - Kutaisi
Visit to Mtskheta, the ancient capital and World Heritage Site: Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Exploration of Uplistsikhe, an Iron Age rock-hewn city, and the Stalin Museum in Gori. Arrival in Kutaisi. 267 km
DAY 8: Kutaisi - Bagrati - Gelati - Prometheus - Batumi
Visit to Kutaisi's Farmers' Market, Bagrati Cathedral, and Gelati Academy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Exploration of Prometheus Cave with possible underground river boat ride. Arrival in Batumi. 197 km
DAY 9: Batumi and surroundings
Visit to the Batumi Ethnographic Museum and Gonio Fortress, a 1st-century Roman bastion. Stroll through the old town and Batumi's coastal Boulevard. 30 km
DAY 10: Departure
Transfer to Batumi airport. 6 km
About this trip
Travel From the Caspian Sea to the Black Sea on a spectacular 10-day journey connecting the two coasts of the South Caucasus. This itinerary is designed for those who wish to witness the evolution of landscape and culture from the Islamic east to the Christian and subtropical west.
We begin in Baku, exploring the modernity of its skyscrapers and the antiquity of its walls. We will visit the Gobustan Reserve to see petroglyphs and mud volcanoes, unique phenomena in the region.
Georgia: Heart and Coast
After a brief stop in Sheki to admire its palace, we will cross into Georgia. Rather than lingering extensively in the wine region, we head to Tbilisi to explore the capital thoroughly. From there, we take an excursion to the mountains of Kazbegi, enjoying alpine views and visiting the Ananuri fortress. The journey continues westward, exploring the ancient capital Mtskheta and Stalin's birthplace, Gori.
The Green West
The final stage takes us to the Imereti region, where we visit the Gelati and Bagrati monasteries in Kutaisi. Finally, we arrive at Batumi, the pearl of the Black Sea. Here, avant-garde architecture blends with subtropical vegetation. We will have time to enjoy the sea, visit Europe Square, and relax before ending our journey. A perfect linear crossing to understand the geography of the Caucasus.
Included
- Accommodation: 9 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