Azerbaijan-Georgia

After breakfast, you will begin your exploration of the capital of Azerbaijan, often referred to as the “Emerald of the Caspian Sea”. The tour starts with panoramic views of the city and the Bay of Baku from the Upper Park. On the way there, you’ll pass Martyrs’ Alley and have the opportunity to view Baku’s three most famous skyscrapers, known as the “Flame Towers”.

Later, you’ll head to the city’s Old Town, steeped in history: you’ll see the gates of Old Baku, the defense tower, the Karavansaray ensemble – “Bukhara” and “Multan”, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Maiden Tower. You’ll also see old mosques and baths as you walk along narrow cobbled streets, and visit the world’s only miniature book museum, which boasts an impressive private collection of miniature books from around the world (sometimes the museum is closed). Finally, you’ll reach Shirvanshahs Palace, a unique architectural ensemble in Baku, also protected by UNESCO. If you wish, you can visit the palace museum (at an extra cost: ticket price approx. €11).

The tour continues along the wide, shop-lined Nizami Street before ending at the most prominent landmark in the city’s modern history: the world-famous Haydar Aliyev Centre. This architectural masterpiece, designed by Zaha Hadid—one of the world’s most renowned architects—features a unique and innovative style. Those who wish can visit the interior of the centre (for an additional fee, approximately 11 euros). Overnight in Baku.

After breakfast, continue exploring the unique sights of Baku and its surroundings. First, take an hour-long drive to a mud volcano: mud volcanoes, which do not emit hot lava, are hill-shaped terrains formed by the eruption of mud, water and gas. Their formation is the result of various geological processes. This mud volcano near Gobustan continuously oozes a mud-like substance. Access to the volcano’s ridge is off-road, so suitable vehicles will take you to the volcano (on a rainy day, ascent may not be possible).
You will then continue your journey by visiting another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Gobustan Historical and Artistic Reserve. This archaeological reserve, set on rocky hills, is like an open-air museum. More than 6,000 petroglyph rock carvings dating back as far as the Palaeolithic have been preserved here, carved by primitive peoples as if to tell the stories of their lives.

You will then drive to the Ateshgah Temple, also known as the Temple of the “Fire Worshippers”. This temple was built on a natural gas field, so for the fire-worshipping Zoroastrians, it was a place of worship of the “eternal fire”.
Continuing the day’s exciting program, you will head to Yanar Dagh, another natural monument to fire. Yanar Dagh, which translates literally as “Mountain of Fire” is named for the natural gas fires that continuously burn on the hill. Located on the Absheron Peninsula near Baku, the flames on this revered mountain can reach up to 3 meters high.
For those seeking a more unique experience, there is an option to explore Yanar Dagh in an original electric three-wheel drive vehicle, known as “EZRaider scooters”. This 50-minute excursion offers a fantastic way to see the area’s unique landscape on an electric scooter. The tour is guided by a professional, is completely safe, and costs approximately 30 euros.

Finally, in the evening, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to savor Azerbaijan’s delicious traditional cuisine at one of Baku’s excellent restaurants. Overnight in Baku.
Driving distance/time: ~ 230 km/~4 h

After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel and, after saying goodbye to Baku, head towards Sheki.
On the way, you will visit a unique historical site – the Diri Baba Mausoleum. This small but impressive 15th-century temple, carved out of the rocks, captivates not only with its extraordinary architecture but also with its intriguing legends.

Continuing your journey, you will stop at the impressive Juma Mosque in the small town of Shemakhi, considered to be the first mosque in the Caucasus.

As you drive on, you’ll stop for another exceptional gourmet experience. Probably few people have ever heard of winemaking in Azerbaijan, after all, this Muslim country is certainly not famous for it. So you might be a little surprised to hear that you can stop at the Savalan winery to learn about the history of the wines produced here. Founded in 2007, the winery has already become one of the most popular producers of high-quality wine in Azerbaijan in its first decade of existence. The vineyards, which are cultivated on land about 400 meters above sea level, absorb a lot of daylight and are therefore ideal for growing heat-loving grape varieties. The company’s international winemaking team is currently working on around 20 different wines, combining Italian and Azerbaijani expertise. Here you will enjoy a wine tasting, an insight into the modern wine-making process, a walk around the winery grounds and, finally, a delicious lunch served at the winery.

In the evening, arrive in Sheki, check-in and overnight at the hotel.
Driving distance/time: ~ 360 km/ ~5 h

Today will be dedicated to exploring one of the oldest cities, over five hundred years old. Sheki, located at the southern foot of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, was once an important stop on the legendary Silk Road, known for its silk, textiles, and embroidery art. Today, you’ll stroll through the streets of the exceptionally beautiful Old Town, full of brick architecture and greenery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and learn about its rich history.

First, after breakfast, you’ll have less than an hour to visit the oriental-style Sheki Market. Following that, you’ll visit a local factory that produces the traditional regional sweet, halva, made from rice flour.

Next, you’ll head to the village of Kish, home to one of the first Christian Orthodox churches in the Caucasus region, founded by St. Elisha on the site of a pagan temple dedicated to the moon.

The day continues with a tour of Sheki’s Old Town, including the medieval fortress, the UNESCO-protected Sheki Khan Palace (the summer residence of the Sheki Khan), and the Round Temple.

Later, you will visit another significant historical site, the Sheki Caravanserai. Here, you’ll have time to explore and see the crafts created by talented local artisans, as well as what local traders have to offer. You may even find a treat to take home. Overnight in Sheki.

After breakfast, you will depart for Georgia, bidding farewell to Azerbaijan, your guide, and your driver. You will then independently cross the border between the two countries (the process is very simple). On the Georgian side, your local guide and driver will meet you, and your journey through Georgia’s famous wine region, Kakheti, will begin.

Your first stop will be the Bodbe Monastery, a popular pilgrimage site associated with Saint Nino, who brought Christianity to Georgia in the 4th century. It is believed that she lived in the area until her death. According to legend, a spring at the foot of the monastery complex—now the site of the monastery—was the source of Saint Nino’s death. The spring, which is said to have emerged after St. Nino’s fervent prayers, is still considered by many pilgrims to have healing powers.

Next, you will travel to the nearby town of Sighnaghi, known as the “Pearl of Kakheti” and the “City of Love.” Here, you will stroll through charming streets lined with colorful wooden balconies, climb the defensive wall that once encircled the city, and enjoy a panoramic view of the lush landscape.

Following that, you will drive through the fertile, vineyard-filled lands of Kakheti to the Kvareli Wine Cave. Carved into a Caucasian ridge, the cave took six years to build, starting in 1959. Today, it is one of the largest wine vaults in the world, consisting of 15 tunnels—2 main tunnels and 13 connecting tunnels—with a total length of 7.7 km. Part of this cave, which maintains the ideal temperature for wine storage, is open to the public. You’ll have the opportunity to walk through this special structure and taste the wines produced by Khareba, the current owner of the cave.

In the evening, you will arrive in Telavi, the administrative center of the Kakheti region. Overnight in Telavi.
Driving distance/time: ~ 250 km/~4.5 h

After breakfast, you will continue your exploration of the Kakheti region. Your first stop will be the Telavi Food Market, a vibrant place famous not only for its local fruits, vegetables, spices, and wine, but also for its natural sunflower oil. You’ll also see the monument to Erekle II, who ruled Kakheti for two decades in the 18th century, and visit the remarkable Telavi Grand Tree, which is over 900 years old, 12 meters wide, and 46 meters tall.

Next, you will visit the Tsinandali House-Museum of Alexander Chavchavadze (1786-1846), a noble figure, military leader, poet, winemaker, and wine collector. The museum is surrounded by a private botanical park, and you will also tour an old winery that houses a collection of vintage wines once gathered by Chavchavadze, with the oldest bottle dating back to 1841.

You will then head to another of the region’s iconic landmarks, the Alaverdi Cathedral. Surrounded by vineyards where Alaverdi monks still produce wine, this cathedral dates back to the 6th century. It captivates visitors not only for its unique frescoes but also for its impressive height: until 2004, when the Holy Trinity Church was built in Tbilisi, the 55-meter Alaverdi Cathedral was the tallest temple in the country.

Later, you will discover more of the region’s wines with a visit to a cozy, family-run winery. Here, you will learn about Georgia’s distinctive wine-making method, explore the “marani” (a room where wine matures in special containers), taste the wines produced by the family, and enjoy a warm, welcoming lunch featuring traditional Kakhetian dishes.

Finally, you’ll head to Tbilisi via the picturesque Gombori Pass, with its highest point at 1,620 meters above sea level. Overnight in Tbilisi.
Driving distance/time: ~ 150 km/~3 h

After breakfast, you’ll begin your exploration of Tbilisi, the current capital of Georgia, a city with a rich history dating back to the 5th century. Today, it is an ever-evolving metropolis where the spirit of antiquity blends with modernity. During your tour, you’ll visit the country’s largest and most important church, the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity (known as “Sameba”), visible from almost every hill around Tbilisi. This impressive cathedral, which opened its gates in 2004, is a central symbol of the city.

Next, you’ll pass through the recently established Rike Park and cross the modern Peace Bridge, before taking a lift up to the Narikala Fortress, which has stood guard over Tbilisi for centuries. Here, you’ll also see the modern statue of Mother Tbilisi, a powerful symbol of the city.

Later, you’ll pass by the Tbilisi Mosque, representing the city’s multicultural heritage, before descending to the famous sulphur baths of the Abanotubani district. (Those who wish to experience the baths can do so later in the evening for an additional fee).You’ll then have some free time to explore Tbilisi on your own.

Finally, you’ll enjoy a delicious taste of traditional Georgian cuisine at a local restaurant, and the evening will be rounded off with a vibrant performance of folk dances and music. Overnight in Tbilisi.

After breakfast, you will begin your journey to the mountains, which form an integral part of the landscape of Georgia. As you leave Tbilisi, your first stop will be the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Jvari Monastery. This monastery is not only fascinating for its architecture and its association with Saint Nino, but also for its historical significance. From here, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers, as well as the town of Mtskheta.

After descending the hill, you’ll visit the town of Mtskheta, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mtskheta holds great religious significance for the people of Georgia, as it is home to one of the country’s most important churches, Svetitskhoveli.

Continuing your journey along the famous Georgia’s Military Road, you will stop at the picturesque ruins of the Ananuri Fortress, located on the shores of the Zhinvali Reservoir. Once belonging to the noble Aragvian Eristavi dynasty, this fortress offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history.

Finally, you will ascend a breathtaking mountain road, with a stop at the Gudauri viewpoint to take in the stunning scenery. Afterward, you’ll arrive in Stepantsminda, also known as Kazbegi. Overnight in Stepantsminda.
Driving distance/time: ~ 180 km/~4 h

After early breakfast, you will transfer to a local driver’s car and, for an additional fee (~ 4-6 euros), drive to the Gergeti Orthodox Church, the most famous landmark in the region. Situated at the foot of Mkinvartsveri (Kazbek) Mountain, the third-highest peak in the country (5,054 meters), and perched 2,170 meters above sea level, the Gergeti Church has become not only a symbol of the region but also a popular wedding destination. After exploring the church and taking pictures of the stunning views, you’ll descend and return to your tour vehicle to continue your journey towards Kutaisi.

Once you reach the main highway, your first stop will be in Gori, a town primarily associated with Joseph Stalin. If you wish, you can briefly visit the museum area, which includes Stalin’s birthplace and the train carriage in which he traveled to the Yalta and Tehran conferences (entrance to the museum is not included in the tour).

Next, you will visit the Uplistsikhe Caves, an intriguing historical site that dates back to ancient times. Archaeologists have identified Uplistsikhe as the oldest settlement in Georgia, making it a fascinating glimpse into the country’s past.

After the tour, you’ll head towards Borjomi. Overnight in Borjomi.
Driving distance/time: ~ 300 km/~5.5 h

After breakfast, you’ll have some time to explore Borjomi, a charming green town surrounded by hills and famous for its mineral water. You’ll visit the town park and have the opportunity to taste the natural Borjomi water, which springs directly from the earth.

Next, you’ll head towards Kutaisi, with a stop at another spectacular natural attraction on the way – Prometheus Cave. Discovered by Georgian speleologists more than forty years ago and opened to the public in 2011, this cave is a stunning natural wonder. You’ll walk along a 1,600-meter-long trail, taking in the impressive stalagmites and stalactites, underground lakes, and a cool river. For an additional fee (~€7), you can also take a boat ride through part of the cave.

Finally, you’ll arrive in Kutaisi, where the rest of the day will be spent strolling through the Old Town of one of the world’s oldest cities. If time permits you’ll also visit the iconic 11th-century Bagrati Cathedral, which proudly overlooks the entire city and offers panoramic views for all who visit. Overnight in Kutaisi.
Driving distance/time: ~ 300 km/~5.5 h