Explore Georgia & Azerbaijan on a fantastic Small Group Tour

Arrival in Baku

Arrival in Baku International Airport. Hotel accommodation and overnight stay in Baku. (Optional: Transfer to the hotel) (-/-/-)

Baku - Gobustan - Baku [City Tour] (120 km)

After breakfast at the hotel, we drive to Gobustán (Unesco), situated 60 km south of Baku which has outstanding universal value for the quality and density of rock engravings bearing testimony to 40,000 years of rock art, for the substantial evidence the collection of rock art images presents for hunting, fauna, flora and lifestyles in pre-historic times. Then head to visit the most famous Mud Volcanos area of Azerbaijan which have formed above some of these reserves which belch out gases causing eruptions of water, sand, gas and oil. Drive back to Baku. Visit to the Bibi-Heybat Mosque, the spiritual center of Muslims in the region and one of the key landmarks of Islamic architecture in Azerbaijan. Lunch at local restaurant. Proceed to see the old town of the capital. We will visit the most important historical caravanserais, the remains of St. Bartholomew's Church, the ancient Hammam, the famous Virgin's Tower, the ancient mosques and the Shirvanshah Palace. Then, panoramic tour of Baku. We will walk on Martyrs Street. From where we can see the beautiful Baku Bay along with towers of flames. Return to hotel. Hotel accommodation and overnight stay in Baku. (B/L/-)

Baku - Absheron - Baku (80 km)

After breakfast drive to the Absheron peninsula arriving at Atashgah, the fire temple, in the village of Sarukhan, a religious site that remains a reference point for fire worshipers. The structure of the temple features a combination of Persian, Indian and Caucasian architectural elements where we can find the inscriptions in several languages, including Persian and Sanskrit, and tell the story of the pilgrims and visitors who came to the temple over the centuries. Next, we will visit Yanardag (burning mountain), one of the incredible natural beauties of Azerbaijan. The fire in Yanar Dag comes from an accumulation of natural gas that escapes from the underground layers of the earth and ignites spontaneously. Throughout history, this natural phenomenon has been known and worshiped by various cultures that considered fire as a sacred element and a divine manifestation. Drive back to Baku. Photo stop at the beautiful cultural center designed by Zaha Hadid to admire its architecture in the futuristic style. Lunch at local restaurant. Walking along Nizami Street (shopping street). Hotel accommodation and overnight stay in Baku. (B/L/-)

Baku - Shemakha - Kish - Sheki (380 km)

After enjoying breakfast, we will drive to Sheki. Along the route, we will make a stop at Shamakhi, a city steeped in historical significance. In the Middle Ages, Shamakhi served as the capital of the Kingdom of Shirvan, fostering of literature, poetry, and artistic flourishing. Our first visit will be to the 8th-century Juma Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in not only Azerbaijan but the entire Caucasus region. This architectural marvel bears the influences of both Islamic and Persian styles, showcasing intricate design elements. Then head to visit Diri Baba Mausoleum, a remarkable architectural gem dating back to the 15th century. The façade of this mausoleum boasts geometric and decorative motifs reflecting Islamic influences, while certain aspects of its structure bear resemblance to ancient pagan temples that once graced the region. Lunch at local restaurant. In the afternoon, we will arrive in Sheki, where our journey continues with a visit to the village of Kish. Here, we will find an invaluable relic of the past: an important Christian church dating back to the 1st to 5th centuries AD. This period coincides with the spread of Christianity in the region, during a time when Azerbaijan was known as Caucasian Albania. Hotel accommodation and overnight stay in Sheki (B/L/-)

Sheki - Lagodekhi (entry to Georgia) - Signagi - Tbilisi (270 km)

After breakfast, start our excursion in Sheki which is one of the most ancient cities of Azerbaijan and is located on the picturesque hillsides of the Caucasus Mountains in the background of snowy peaks. Visit the Sheki Khan Palace (Unesco), often referred to as the "Pearl of Azerbaijan," One of the palace's most distinctive features is its stained-glass windows, which filter the sunlight into a mesmerizing array of colors. The Sheki Khan Palace is renowned also for its intricate wooden ceilings, adorned with geometric patterns and vibrant paintings that depict scenes from daily life and historical events. After the visit, we will drive to the Georgian-Azerbaijan border. Here, we will complete necessary border formalities, change transportation and guide, and then continue our journey into Georgia. Along the way, Lunch at restaurant. Then head to visit Signagi, often called the "City of Love," is a charming Georgian town nestled in the heart of the Kakheti region. This quaint town is celebrated for its well-preserved 18th-century architecture, offering picturesque streets lined with vibrant flowers. The town's hilltop location provides breathtaking views of the Alazani Valley and the Caucasus Mountains. Arrival in Tbilisi, capital of Georgia. Hotel accommodation and overnight stay in Tbilisi. (B/L/-)

Tbilisi - City Tour

Start a few unforgettable hours of familiarization with the capital. A charming town built in the 5th century along the twisting valley of Mtkvari River. All the places of interest are very close to each other, within a few minutes’ walk. Start our excursion from Metekhi (13th century) plateau, before reaching to Narikala Fortress (4th century) which dominates the skyline of the Old Town. Continue to explore brick-domed underground sulphur baths (17th century) – the district of naturally hot mineral waters, cafe street Shardeni, Synagogue, Sioni Cathedral and the most ancient Basilica Anchiskhati (6th century) in Tbilisi. Walk across the Bridge of Peace which is a stunning design as well as convenient crossing between the newly constructed Rike Park and the Old Town. It also provides superb views over the city. Free time for lunch. Then proceed to see the National Museum of Georgia, visiting the "Golden Treasure" exposition, an extraordinary journey through Georgia's rich history and cultural heritage. This captivating exhibition showcases a dazzling array of golden artifacts, jewelry, and relics that span millennia. Hotel accommodation and overnight stay in Tbilisi. (B/-/C)

Tbilisi - Mtskheta - Uplistsikhe - Tbilisi (240 km)

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Mtskheta – an ancient capital of Georgia, important religious centre and city-museum which is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Along the way we will stop to visit the Jvari Monastery (6th century). This well-known monastery is located on the top of the mountain, at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers. Then head to Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century) which is known as a place where Christ’s robe was buried. Walk along the narrow streets of Mtskheta with souvenir shopping possibility. Then drive to Gori – the birthplace of the Soviet leader Stalin. Photo-stop at the museum of Stalin and proceed to the cave town Uplistsikhe (1st millennium BC) - one of the first cities in Georgia carved into the rock. The caves were the site of pagan rituals, before Georgia became a Christian country. Drive back to Tbilisi. Hotel accommodation and overnight at the hotel in Tbilisi. (B/L/-)

Tbilisi - Ananuri - Gudauri - Gergeti - Stepantsminda - Tbilisi (320 km)

After breakfast start our very scenic drive up through the high Caucasus Mountains along the Georgian Military Highway towards Kazbegi region. In route visit Ananuri architectural complex (17th century) overlooking a reservoir on the Aragvi River. On the way we will drive across the Jvari Pass (2 395m.) and along the Tergi River that brings us to Stepantsminda – main town in this region. From the centre of Stepantsminda travel by 4x4 car through beautiful valleys and woodland that leads us to Gergeti Holy Trinity church (14th century), stunningly located on a hilltop (2170 m.) both overlooking the surrounding snowy peaks of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. Here we will enjoy unique nature with beautiful panoramic views of Caucasus, including mount Kazbegi (5047m.). Lunch at local restaurant. In the evening drive to Tbilisi. Hotel accommodation and overnight at the hotel in Tbilisi. (B/L/-)

Salida

(Optional: Transfer to the Airport). Departure from Tbilisi international airport. (B/-/-)