Azerbaijan
Day 01: Embark on the Baku sightseeing adventure at 10:00 A.M., starting with a breathtaking view of the city and Baku Bay from Mountain Park.
Stroll through charming alleys and venture into the historic town, exploring its ancient architecture dating back from the 11th to the 19th centuries. Highlights include the magnificent Shirvanshakh Palace, sturdy fortifications, and the atmospheric Karavansaray. Immerse yourself in the history of mosques, old bathhouses, and vibrant artisanal shops. Conclude the day with an enlightening excursion to the iconic Maiden Tower. Enjoy a relaxed evening and stay overnight in Baku.
Day 02: Following breakfast at the hotel, embark on a journey to explore the town of Sheki. Experience the captivating beauty of the Diri-Baba Mountain Mausoleum and the historic Mosque of Shemakha along the way. In the evening, discover Sheki’s rich heritage with visits to the Sheki fortress, Khan Palace, caravanserai, and mosque. Rest overnight in Sheki, immersing yourself in its cultural tapestry.
Day 03: Following breakfast, embark on a delightful excursion to Kish village, where the Alban Church awaits exploration.
Subsequently, head towards Balaqani, the border between Azerbaijan and Georgia leading to Lagodekhi. Your guide will assist with border procedures before transitioning to a new vehicle and a local Georgian guide, will accompany you to Signagi.
Signagi, known as “the shelter,” is encircled by impeccably preserved 18th-century city walls boasting 23 defensive towers. This quaint medieval town offers panoramic views of the Alazani River Valley and Kakheti province. Renowned as the “City of Love,” Signagi’s wedding registry operates 24/7, adding to its charm.
Kakheti, renowned for its wine production, is replete with cultural and architectural treasures. Be sure to explore the Sighnaghi Museum, featuring a remarkable balcony and diverse collections ranging from archaeology to art, including works by Niko Pirosmani. Take a leisurely stroll amidst the town’s towers and parks, immersing yourself in Signagi’s serene ambiance.
Enjoy an overnight stay in Signagi, soaking in the beauty and tranquility of this enchanting destination.
Day 04: Celebrate Georgian wine culture! Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a journey to Tsinandali village. Explore the historic home of Alexander Chavchavadze, a prominent figure in Georgian winemaking, and enjoy a glass of exquisite Tsinandali white wine amidst the charming setting of his estate’s gardens and wine cellar.
Continue your wine adventure at the nearby Shumi winery, where the “Vazioni” wine museum awaits with tantalizing wine tastings and delightful snacks.
Afterward, a short 10 km drive brings you to Telavi, the heart of Kakheti and the former capital of East Georgia. Discover the majestic Batonistsikhe fortress, once home to King Erekle II, and take a leisurely stroll along the town’s central avenue. As evening falls, journey back to Tbilisi through the scenic Gombori Pass for a restful overnight stay in the capital.
Day 05: Celebrate Georgian Wine Day by starting your morning with breakfast at the hotel, then embark on a journey to the village of Tsinandali. Explore the house museum of Alexander Chavchavadze, a prominent figure in Kakheti, where you can discover the origins of Georgia’s first enoteca. Immerse yourself in the charm of the residential house, stroll through the picturesque English-French garden, and indulge in a glass of exquisite white Tsinandali wine in the historic wine cellar.
Continue your wine adventure with a visit to the nearby Shumi winery and the captivating wine museum “Vazioni,” where you can savor a variety of wines paired with delectable snacks.
Afterward, a short 10 km drive will lead you to Telavi, the heart of Kakheti and the former capital of East Georgia. Explore the majestic Batonistsikhe fortress, once the residence of King Erekle II, and take a leisurely stroll along the central avenue.
As the day winds down, depart for Tbilisi via the scenic Gombori Pass, arriving in the evening for a restful overnight stay in the capital city.
Day 06: After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we embark on a journey to Mtskheta, a charming town nestled 20 km to the North, where two rivers converge. This historic town, once the capital of the East Georgian Kingdom, boasts two UNESCO sites: the 6th-century Jvari church and the 11th-century Svetitskhoveli cathedral. Narrow streets bustling with handicrafts, souvenir shops, and wine cellars characterize Mtskheta’s vibrant atmosphere.
Continuing our adventure along the Silk Road, now known as the Georgian Military Highway, we traverse through the majestic Great Caucasus range en route to Russia. Along the way, we pause at the Jinvali reservoir, a remarkable man-made water reserve, and explore the Ananuri castle, a 16th-17th century architectural gem showcasing the residential building of the Aragvi Eristavi.
As the day draws to a close, we reach the scenic ski resort of Gudauri, nestled at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level, where we unwind with a delightful dinner and settle in for the night.
Day 07: Embark on an exhilarating journey through the majestic Caucasus Mountains after breakfast, ascending to the Cross Pass summit at 2395m. Savor the pure mineral water sourced from the travertine hill and marvel at the towering peak of Kazbegi glacier at 5033m. Switch to rugged 4×4 WD vehicles to explore Mount Gergeti’s summit, home to the ancient Holy Trinity Church from the 14th century. Venture into the picturesque village of Stepantsminda, surrounded by stunning alpine landscapes. Conclude the day with a scenic drive back to Tbilisi, where you’ll spend the night.
Day 08: Start your day with a visit to the Samtskhe-Javakheti region. Begin by exploring Gori, known as the birthplace of Soviet leader Joseph Stalin. The museum complex comprises a memorial house, an exposition building with a tower, and even Stalin’s personal coach. It’s a treasure trove of artifacts including his study room, manuscripts, personal belongings, and gifts.
Just 14 km from Gori lies the village of Uplistsikhe, boasting ancient inhabited caves dating back to the Early Iron Age. Excavations have revealed temples, residential areas, an outdoor amphitheater, marketplaces, jails, secret tunnels, and more.
Continue your journey to Borjomi Spa Resort, famous for its natural artesian spring waters renowned for their healing properties. After sampling the refreshing Borjomi sparkling water, take a leisurely stroll through Borjomi Park.
End the day with an overnight stay in Akhaltsikhe.
Day 09: Start your day with a delightful breakfast before embarking on an exploration of Akhaltsikhe, famously known as the “New Castle”. Begin your journey by immersing yourself in the captivating ambiance of Rabati medieval castle, one of the region’s most extraordinary landmarks. Your excursion will encompass visits to the museum, Jakeli Castle dating back to the 14th century, the Fortress church constructed in the 18th century, and the Saint Marine church from the 19th century. In the afternoon, venture towards the awe-inspiring Vardzia caves, established during Georgia’s Golden Age under the reign of King Giorgi III and Queen Tamar. Vardzia stands as a testament to meticulous planning, serving as a well-fortified 13th-level monastery and town fortress. Spend the night in either a 3-star accommodation in Akhaltsikhe or a 4-star hotel in Vardzia, subject to availability.
Day 10: Following breakfast, embark on a scenic drive towards Tbilisi, passing by the picturesque lakes of Saghamo, Paravani, and Tsalka. Spend the night in Tbilisi.
Day 11: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and ensure checkout by noon. Our services conclude thereafter. If your travels extend beyond, feel free to reach out to us.