Wonders of the Caucasus - From the Walled City to the Cave City
A 9-day journey highlighting architectural contrasts, from Baku's walled Old City to the impressive cave city of Vardzia, passing through Signagi, Tbilisi, and Georgia's medieval fortresses.
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 in the walled Old City. 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 - Signagi - Tbilisi
Border crossing at Lagodekhi into Georgia. Visit to Signagi, the "City of Love," with its cobblestone streets, wooden balconies, and 18th-century walls. Panoramic views of the Alazani Valley. Arrival in Tbilisi. 267 km
DAY 6: 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 7: Tbilisi - Mtskheta - Gori - Uplistsikhe - Borjomi - Akhaltsikhe
Visit to Mtskheta, the ancient capital and World Heritage Site: Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Stalin Museum in Gori and exploration of Uplistsikhe, an Iron Age rock-hewn city. Stroll through Borjomi park to taste its mineral water. Arrival in Akhaltsikhe with its Rabati fortress. 245 km
DAY 8: Akhaltsikhe - Vardzia - Khertvisi - Tbilisi
Exploration of Vardzia, a 12th-century cave monastery city with medieval frescoes and ancient wine cellars. Visit to Khertvisi Fortress, one of the oldest in Georgia. Return to Tbilisi crossing the Lesser Caucasus mountains. 287 km
DAY 9: Departure
Transfer to Tbilisi airport. 18 km
About this trip
Discover the Wonders of the Caucasus on a 9-day journey that stands out for its architectural contrasts. We begin in Baku, exploring the walled Old City (Icherisheher), a World Heritage Site. We travel to Sheki to see the Palace of the Khans before crossing into Georgia.
Georgia: Fortresses and Caves
In Georgia, we visit the walled city of Signagi and the capital, Tbilisi. The itinerary takes us south to explore the impressive cave city of Vardzia and the Rabati fortress in Akhaltsikhe. We also visit the ancient capital Mtskheta and the cave city of Uplistsikhe. A journey that showcases the diversity and historical richness of two fascinating countries, with a focus on defensive and rock-hewn architecture.
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