Mountain Path - From the Caspian Sea to the Great Caucasus
A 9-day journey from the shores of the Caspian Sea to the peaks of the Great Caucasus, exploring Baku, Sheki, Sighnaghi, Tbilisi, and ascending the spectacular Georgian Military Highway to Kazbegi.
Itinerary
DAY 1: Arrival in Baku
Transfer from Baku airport to hotel with guide assistance.
Accommodation: Baku Midtown Hotel 4* or similar
DAY 2: Baku - Absheron - Baku
Exploration of historic Baku visiting the Shirvanshahs' Palace, World Heritage Site. Visit to Ateshgah, the ancient Zoroastrian fire temple, and Yanardag, the perpetually burning mountain. In the afternoon, the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center, Zaha Hadid's masterpiece, and the vibrant Yashil Bazaar.
Accommodation: Baku Midtown Hotel 4* or similar
DAY 3: Baku - Gobustan - Baku
Excursion to Gobustan Reserve, UNESCO World Heritage, with petroglyphs dating back 40,000 years. Visit to the Mud Volcanoes, a unique geological phenomenon. Return to Baku to visit the iconic Carpet Museum.
Accommodation: Baku Midtown Hotel 4* or similar
DAY 4: Baku - Shamakhi - Sheki
Route to Sheki visiting the 15th-century Diri Baba Mausoleum. In Shamakhi, the Seven Domes Mausoleum. In Sheki, the exquisite Khan's Summer Palace with its famous Shebeke stained glass and the Albanian Church of Kish, one of the oldest Christian temples in the Caucasus.
Accommodation: Sheki Macara Hotel 4* or similar
DAY 5: Sheki - Lagodekhi - Sighnaghi - Tbilisi
Border crossing into Georgia at Lagodekhi. Visit to Sighnaghi, the "City of Love," with its cobblestone streets, carved wooden balconies, and panoramic views of the Alazani Valley with the Great Caucasus as backdrop. Transfer to Tbilisi.
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Tbilisi Center 4* or similar
DAY 6: Tbilisi - Guided Tour
Tour of Rustaveli Avenue with Parliament, Opera House, and Rustaveli Theater. Metekhi Square with views of the Mtkvari River. Cable car ride to Narikala Fortress. Walk through Abanotubani with its sulfur baths and visit to Anchiskhati Basilica.
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Tbilisi Center 4* or similar
DAY 7: Tbilisi - Jvari - Svetitskhoveli - Kazbegi - Gudauri
Visit to 6th-century Jvari Monastery with views of the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers. Exploration of Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta, UNESCO Heritage. Route along the Georgian Military Highway to Kazbegi and ascent to Gergeti Trinity Church facing Mount Kazbek. Night in Gudauri.
Accommodation: Marco Polo 4* or similar
DAY 8: Gudauri - Uplistsikhe - Gori - Tbilisi
Visit to the Stalin Museum in Gori with his birthplace and personal armored train car. Exploration of Uplistsikhe, a fascinating cave city carved in rock with pagan temples, Christian basilicas, and secret tunnels. Return to Tbilisi.
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Tbilisi Center 4* or similar
DAY 9: Departure from Tbilisi
Transfer to Tbilisi airport according to flight schedule.
About this trip
Follow the Mountain Path on a 9-day journey that will take you from the shores of the Caspian Sea to the peaks of the Great Caucasus. Starting in Baku, we will discover the beauty of Sheki before crossing into Georgia. In Georgia, we will visit the walled city of Sighnaghi and the capital, Tbilisi. The highlight of the trip will be the climb to the mountains of Kazbegi and Gudauri via the spectacular Georgian Military Highway. We will also explore the ancient cave city of Uplistsikhe and the city of Gori. An ideal trip for nature lovers and mountain landscape enthusiasts.
Included
- Accommodation: 8 nights in selected 4* hotels
- Meals: Bed and breakfast
- Transport: Private vehicle with air conditioning and fuel
- Guide: Professional English-speaking guide throughout
- Logistics: Staff expenses (guide and driver)
- Water: 1 bottle per person per day
- Taxes: All local taxes included
- Entrances: Access to all monuments as per itinerary
Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Lunches and dinners (unless specified)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips
- Personal expenses