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Highlights of Azerbaijan & Georgia

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Highlights of Azerbaijan & Georgia

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Description

Spend 10 days exploring Azerbaijan and Georgia, where historic Old Towns and monasteries sit comfortably alongside skyscrapers and the Caucasus mountains. Discover the ancient history hidden among Azerbaijan’s futuristic architecture, then cross into Georgia to enjoy medieval ruins and traditional wines. Visit one of Europe’s largest open-air rock museums, savour a hearty home-cooked lunch with a local Kakheti family and hike to the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church. From cities to mountains, this trip promises unforgettable encounters at every turn.

Trip Name
Highlights of Azerbaijan & Georgia
Last Updated
2024-09-03
Days
10
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Walk through Azerbaijan's Old Town, where views of the Palace of the Shirvanshahs are made even more spectacular by the modern skyscrapers in the background.
  • Hike to the 14th-century Gergeti Trinity Church, which sits in splendid isolation at 2170 m in the heart of the Caucasus Mountains.
  • Be treated to Azerbaijan's national dish Piti and stop at a traditional Georgian wine producer where the ancient, UNESCO-listed qvevri method is still used.
  • Navigate the organised chaos of the farmers markets in Telavi. Your leader will be there to help you order as much fresh fruit, nuts or pigs heads as you desire.
  • Connect with locals and gain an insight into everyday life in this part of the world – you'll visit the Udi community in Nij, learn the traditional methods of copper craftsmanship in Lahij, appreciate stained-glass artistry in Sheki and share a meal with locals in Kvareli.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. There is a chance of potential changes to the itinerary due to heavy rain, flooding and snow at higher altitudes, which often affect roads and bridges, making travel difficult or impossible (particularly in remote areas). Your tour leader will advise of the revised itinerary in such unexpected situations.

Day 1 - Baku
Salam! Welcome to Azerbaijan. Your adventure begins in Baku, with a welcome meeting at 6 pm this evening. If you arrive early, maybe walk around Baku Boulevard, a promenade that stretches along the Caspian Sea – the world’s largest inland body of water. After the meeting, join your leader for a night walk around Azerbaijan’s capital, where they’ll highlight the best spots for dinner. Maybe get your group together for some traditional Azerbaijani dishes, like plov (seasoned rice) or dolma (stuffed vegetables).
Day 2 - Qobustan/ Baku
This morning, drive to Qobustan – also known as Gobustan National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s famous for its ancient rock carvings and mud volcanoes. Stop on the way to check out these geological formations as they spew mud and gas. Azerbaijan has more clay craters than anywhere else in the world, so you’re in the right place for spotting them! The rock carvings in Qobustan date back to the Stone Age, giving humans today an insight into daily life all those years ago. With over 6000 petroglyphs on display, Qobustan is often referred to as one of the largest open-air museums in the world. Return to Baku in the afternoon and visit the walled Old Town with your leader, who’ll bring its legends and history to life. Enjoy a free evening to explore the city at your own pace. Maybe eat at a restaurant on Nizami Street – a busy boulevard with lots of authentic Azerbaijani cuisine.
Day 3 - Caucasus Mountains / Lahij
Leave Baku this morning and enjoy the change of scenery as the dry landscape giving way to the densely forested mountains along the way. Stop en route in Shamakhi and check out one of the oldest moquests of Azerbaijan - Juma (Friday) Mosque, then onto your final destination for today - the stunning traditional village of Lahij for Tats people. Explore its cobbled streets, stone houses, visit a copper workshop and get to know some local folk over a cup of tea.Then try your hand at yogurt making in the traditional way, an important part of Azerbaijan cuisine. Your accommodation tonight is at a local guesthouse.
Day 4 - Sheki
After breakfast, head to Nij village, a settlement of the Udi people who are the direct descendants of ancient Caucasian Albanians. Most the world’s surviving Udi people call Nij home, giving the community a unique culture. Visit the unassuming site of a significant church and a local museum of Udi Culture. The Albanian Church (as it’s known colloquially) is a source of pride and heritage for the local Udi community. Continue to Sheki afterwards and enjoy a free evening.
Day 5 - Sheki
Visit the Palace of Sheki Khans first in the morning. The walls of the palace are painted with scenes of hunting and war and it features impressive stained glass. Afterwards check out a workshop where shebeke – stained glass windows made with no glue or nails – are produced by local masters witih skills past down through generations of practices. Then get on a local public bus to Kish to visit the pointed spires of a church that is among the oldest in Christendom, believed to be around 1700 years old. Try Azerbaijan’s national dish – Piti for lunch – a stew made of lamb, sheep fat, chickpeas, onions, chestnuts, saffron and spices, and is guaranteed to be full of exciting flavors. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to discover Sheki. Why not explore the impressive traditional architecture on foot. Maybe stop for tea and some local halva (made with sugar, hazelnuts, coriander and rice flour grinned in a watermill).
Day 6 - Telavi
After breakfast, take a walk with your leader through the Sheki market. It’s a great opportunity to stock up on snacks for the journey ahead, so maybe grab some halva, nuts and dried fruit. Continue to Lagodekhi on the Azerbaijan-Georgia border. Travel through the beautiful green valleys of the Kakheti region to Gremi – a complex that includes a castle and church from the 16th century. Spend some time here before hitting the road again, stopping at a traditional Georgian wine producer that still employs the ancient, UNESCO-listed qvevri method. Enjoy lunch here and then finish your journey in Telavi, where you’ll stay in a local hotel for the evening.
Day 7 - Gudauri
In the morning, wander through the vibrant local farmers market in Telavi, where butchers carve up fresh meat and vendors offload piles of spices, then visit Tsinandalia, a historic estate and winery once owned by noted Georgian poet Alexander Chavchavadze. In 1814, aristocrat Chavchavadze was the first to bottle wine produced using the qvevri method. Tour the complex, which consists of a memorial house, European-style landscaped garden, a traditional winery, wine cellar, hotel and cafe. Continue to UNESCO listed Alaverdi Cathedral that dates back to 6th century. Afterwards, drive into the mountains up the renowned Georgian Military Highway. Enjoy a dinner together and spend the night in lofty Gudauri.
Day 8 - Gudauri / Stepantsminda
Follow the Tergi River on a drive to Stepantsminda, formerly known as Kazbegi. Explore this mountain village then hike through beautiful valleys and woodlands to the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church. This 14th-century church sits at the base of the second-highest volcanic summit in the Caucasus – Mt Kazbegi – and, weather permitting, you may catch a glimpse. The image of the pointed spires of the isolated church against the mountains is truly breathtaking, and a great place for a photo. Drive back to Gudauri for a dinner with your group.
Day 9 - Tbilisi
Make the drive to Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, located along the banks of the Kura River. Get into the swing of things with an orientation walk with your leader. Spend the rest of the day as you wish, perhaps grabbing a khachapuri (bread stuffed with salty cheese) to snack on. In the evening, regroup and head out for dinner with your fellow travellers and leader. This is a good chance to sample some khinkali (Georgia’s famous soup-filled dumplings). Make sure to ask your leader about the polite way to eat them – it involves sipping the broth and leaving the pinched bit of dough where the edges of the delicious parcel have joined on the plate.
Day 10 - Tbilisi
Your trip comes to an end today after breakfast. If you'd like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
21-04-202530-04-2025AUD $ 3,486-
28-04-202507-05-2025AUD $ 3,287-
05-05-202514-05-2025AUD $ 3,287-
12-05-202521-05-2025AUD $ 3,448-
15-05-202524-05-2025AUD $ 3,278-
19-05-202528-05-2025AUD $ 3,448-
26-05-202504-06-2025AUD $ 3,382-
02-06-202511-06-2025AUD $ 3,287-
09-06-202518-06-2025AUD $ 3,154-
23-06-202502-07-2025AUD $ 3,035-
07-07-202516-07-2025AUD $ 3,035-
14-07-202523-07-2025AUD $ 3,097-
28-07-202506-08-2025AUD $ 3,164-
04-08-202513-08-2025AUD $ 3,220-
11-08-202520-08-2025AUD $ 3,154-
18-08-202527-08-2025AUD $ 3,154-
25-08-202503-09-2025AUD $ 3,154-
01-09-202510-09-2025AUD $ 3,410-
04-09-202513-09-2025AUD $ 3,278-
08-09-202517-09-2025AUD $ 3,410-
11-09-202520-09-2025AUD $ 3,278-
15-09-202524-09-2025AUD $ 3,582-
22-09-202501-10-2025AUD $ 3,477-
29-09-202508-10-2025AUD $ 3,795-
06-10-202515-10-2025AUD $ 3,278-
20-04-202629-04-2026AUD $ 3,515-
27-04-202606-05-2026AUD $ 3,650-
04-05-202613-05-2026AUD $ 3,795-
11-05-202620-05-2026AUD $ 3,795-
18-05-202627-05-2026AUD $ 3,795-
25-05-202603-06-2026AUD $ 3,795-
01-06-202610-06-2026AUD $ 3,650-
08-06-202617-06-2026AUD $ 3,650-
15-06-202624-06-2026AUD $ 3,515-
22-06-202601-07-2026AUD $ 3,515-
06-07-202615-07-2026AUD $ 3,515-
13-07-202622-07-2026AUD $ 3,515-
20-07-202629-07-2026AUD $ 3,515-
27-07-202605-08-2026AUD $ 3,515-
03-08-202612-08-2026AUD $ 3,650-
10-08-202619-08-2026AUD $ 3,650-
17-08-202626-08-2026AUD $ 3,650-
24-08-202602-09-2026AUD $ 3,650-
31-08-202609-09-2026AUD $ 3,650-
07-09-202616-09-2026AUD $ 3,795-
14-09-202623-09-2026AUD $ 3,795-
21-09-202630-09-2026AUD $ 3,795-
28-09-202607-10-2026AUD $ 3,795-

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights),Guesthouse (3 nights)

Transport

Private Vehicle,Public Bus,Taxi

Map

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