The Great Caucasus: Azerbaijan and Georgia in 18 Days
An 18-day journey to thoroughly explore Azerbaijan and Georgia without rushing, dedicating time to discover their best-kept secrets and less-traveled regions, from Baku to Batumi.
Itinerary
DAY 1: Arrival in Baku
Transfer from Baku airport to the hotel with guide assistance.
DAY 2: Baku - Absheron - Baku
Exploration of the Shirvanshahs Palace, World Heritage Site. Visit to the Zoroastrian fire temple Ateshgah and the burning mountain of Yanardag. Discovery of the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center, designed by Zaha Hadid. Immersion in the vibrant Yashil Bazaar.
DAY 3: Baku - Gobustan - Baku
Excursion to Gobustan Reserve, UNESCO Heritage, with 40,000-year-old petroglyphs. Exploration of the Mud Volcanoes and visit to the Carpet Museum in Baku.
DAY 4: Baku - Shamakhi - Sheki
Visit to the 15th-century Diri Baba Mausoleum. Exploration of the Seven Domes Mausoleum in Shamakhi. Discovery of the Khan Summer Palace in Sheki with its famous stained glass. Visit to the Albanian Church of Kish.
DAY 5: Sheki - Lagodekhi - Kvareli - Alaverdi - Telavi
Border crossing at Lagodekhi into Georgia. Visit to Khareba Winery with its rock-carved tunnels and wine tasting. Exploration of the 11th-century Alaverdi Cathedral. Arrival in Telavi.
DAY 6: Telavi - Sighnaghi - Bodbe - Tbilisi
Visit to Sighnaghi, the "City of Love", with its cobblestone streets and views of the Alazani Valley. Exploration of Bodbe Monastery with the tomb of Saint Nino. Arrival in Tbilisi.
DAY 7: Tbilisi - Guided Tour
Tour along Rustaveli Avenue admiring the Parliament, Opera House and Rustaveli Theatre. Visit to Metekhi Square and cable car ride to Narikala Fortress. Exploration of Abanotubani district and Anchiskhati Basilica.
DAY 8: Tbilisi - Jvari - Svetitskhoveli - Kazbegi - Gudauri
Visit to the 6th-century Jvari Monastery with views of the river confluence. Exploration of Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, UNESCO Heritage. Ascent to Gergeti Trinity Church beneath Mount Kazbek. Accommodation in Gudauri.
DAY 9: Gudauri - Gori - Uplistsikhe - Akhaltsikhe
Visit to the Stalin Museum in Gori. Exploration of the Iron Age cave city of Uplistsikhe. Arrival in Akhaltsikhe.
DAY 10: Akhaltsikhe - Vardzia - Khertvisi - Rabati - Kutaisi
Exploration of Vardzia, 12th-century cave monastery city. Stop at Khertvisi Fortress with views from the suspension bridge. Visit to Rabati Fortress. Arrival in Kutaisi.
DAY 11: Kutaisi - Bagrati - Motsameta - Gelati - Nikortsminda - Kutaisi
Visit to Bagrati Cathedral and Motsameta Monastery. Exploration of Gelati Academy, UNESCO Heritage. Discovery of Nikortsminda Cathedral in the Racha region.
DAY 12: Kutaisi - Sataplia - Prometheus Cave - Kutaisi
Visit to Sataplia Nature Reserve with dinosaur footprints and glass viewing platform. Exploration of Prometheus Cave with its rock formations and underground boat ride.
DAY 13: Kutaisi - Okatse - Martvili - Kutaisi
Walk along the 700-meter suspended walkway at Okatse Canyon. Visit to Martvili Canyon with its emerald waters and boat ride among waterfalls.
DAY 14: Kutaisi - Ushguli - Mestia
Ascent to Ushguli, one of the highest inhabited settlements in Europe (2,200m), UNESCO Heritage. Views of Mount Shkhara. Accommodation in Mestia.
DAY 15: Mestia - Chalaadi - Hatsvali - Mestia
Hike to Chalaadi Glacier through forests and moraines. Cable car ascent to Hatsvali with panoramic views of Mount Ushba and Tetnuldi.
DAY 16: Mestia - Zugdidi - Dendrological Park - Batumi
Descent from the Greater Caucasus. Stop at Shekvetili Dendrological Park with its unique biodiversity. Arrival in Batumi.
DAY 17: Batumi and surroundings
Visit to the Batumi Ethnographic Museum. Exploration of Gonio Fortress, 1st-century Roman bastion. Tour of the historic center and Batumi's coastal Boulevard.
DAY 18: Departure
Transfer to Batumi airport according to flight schedule.
About this trip
For those who wish to delve deep into two countries without the rush of a multi-destination tour, "The Great Caucasus: Azerbaijan and Georgia" is the perfect choice. Over 18 days, we will thoroughly explore these two neighboring nations, dedicating the necessary time to discover their best-kept secrets and less-traveled regions. Starting in Azerbaijan, we will visit Baku, the Gobustan Reserve and historic Sheki, immersing ourselves in its Islamic heritage and its past on the Silk Road.
Upon crossing into Georgia, the journey expands to cover the entire country. We will start in the east in the wine region of Kakheti, visiting Telavi and its surroundings. Then, we will cross westward, visiting the ancient capital Mtskheta and ascending to the mountains of Kazbegi and Gudauri.
We will visit the historic city of Kutaisi and its monasteries of Gelati and Bagrati. The itinerary also includes a visit to the south of the country to explore the immense cave city of Vardzia and the restored fortress of Rabati in Akhaltsikhe. The trip includes a foray into the high mountains of Svaneti and a relaxing finale on the Black Sea coast in Batumi. It is a total immersion in the geographic and cultural diversity of Georgia and its eastern neighbor.
Included
- Accommodation: 17 nights in selected 4-star hotels
- Meals: Bed and breakfast
- Transport: Private vehicle with air conditioning and fuel
- Guide: Professional English-speaking guide throughout
- 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