Wonders of the Caucasus: Azerbaijan and Georgia in 12 Days
A dynamic 12-day journey connecting the shores of the Caspian Sea with those of the Black Sea, ideal for seeing the most of Azerbaijan and Georgia in under two weeks.
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 - Winery - Tbilisi
Border crossing at Lagodekhi into Georgia. Visit to Khareba Winery with its 7.7 km of rock-carved tunnels and wine tasting. Arrival in Tbilisi.
DAY 6: 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 7: Tbilisi - Ananuri - Kazbegi - Tbilisi
Visit to Ananuri Fortress with views of Zhinvali Reservoir. Ascent to Gergeti Trinity Church at 2,170 meters beneath Mount Kazbegi.
DAY 8: Tbilisi - Mtskheta - Gori - Uplistsikhe - Borjomi - Akhaltsikhe
Visit to Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta. Exploration of the Stalin Museum in Gori and the cave city of Uplistsikhe. Walk through Borjomi park to taste the mineral water. Arrival in Akhaltsikhe.
DAY 9: 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 10: Kutaisi - Bagrati - Gelati - Prometheus Cave - Batumi
Visit to Kutaisi Agricultural Market. Exploration of Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati Academy, UNESCO Heritage. Descent into Prometheus Cave with underground boat ride. Arrival in Batumi.
DAY 11: 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 12: Departure
Transfer to Batumi airport according to flight schedule.
About this trip
Discover the "Wonders of the Caucasus" on a dynamic 12-day journey connecting the shores of the Caspian Sea with those of the Black Sea. This itinerary is ideal for those who want to see as much as possible of Azerbaijan and Georgia in under two weeks, without sacrificing the most important visits.
Starting in Baku, we will visit the must-sees of the Azerbaijani capital and its surroundings, including Gobustan and the Absheron Peninsula. We will quickly cross into Georgia, making a stop in Sheki to admire its palace.
In Georgia, a classic and complete route awaits us. We will visit Tbilisi, the ancient capital Mtskheta, and climb to the mountains of Kazbegi. Despite its concentrated duration, the trip does not skimp on spectacular visits: we will go south to see the cave city of Vardzia and west to explore the monasteries of Kutaisi and Prometheus Cave. We will end on the coast of Batumi, enjoying its modern atmosphere. It is a perfect option for a quick but complete immersion in the cultural and natural diversity of these two neighboring countries.
Included
- Accommodation: 11 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