Georgia – Azerbaijan

Arrival in Tbilisi

You’ll start your day with learning more about the Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi. You’ll be able to visit some of its iconic landmarks, such as a 4th century Narikala Fortress, famous sulfur bath neighborhood Abanotubani, the Freedom Square, the oldest Basilica - Anchiskhati, Metekhi Church, walk on pedestrian bridge called the Peace Bridge, and visit Rike Park. You’ll listen to the history of the city, how it came to be and why it’s called Tbilisi.

Gori is the hometown of the Soviet Leader Joseph Stalin, therefore, the tour includes visiting his house-museum in order to learn more about his childhood spent in Georgia. Afterward, we will drive to one of the cave towns of the country - Uplistsikhe. The name of this rock-hewn town translates into English as Lord’s Fortress. The area played a significant role in Georgia history and features architectural marvels of different periods including, pre-Christian, Anatolian, and Iranian. The final stop of the third day will be a ski resort Bakuriani, famous for coniferous forests. Located in Borjomi, at the elevation of 1,700 meters above the sea level, Bakuriani is characterised by transitional climate moving from humid maritime to relatively humid continental.

On this day, you’ll visit one of the most magnificent cave towns of Georgia - Vardzia. This man-made town dates back to the 13 century and was built by the order of Queen Tamar to serve as a fully functioning town during the various invasions Georgia was facing back then. From here, you’ll continue your way to Akhaltsikhe and visit the famous Rabati Fortress. This newly renovated castle complex played an important part in Georgian history. Originally built in the 9th century with a different name, the area was completely rebuilt by Ottomans and most of the buildings you’ll see today, date back to the 17th-18th centuries.

The day will start with visiting Borjomi Park to try the mineral water in its original form before it gets bottled. From here, you’ll continue your way to Zhinvali Dam, one of the most picturesque reservoirs in Georgia with its emerald green waters. You’ll stop by Ananuri Castle, which was a seat for Dukes of Aragvi, a feudal family ruling the area in the 13th century, as well as see the confluence spot of white and black Aragvi rivers. Finally, you’ll arrive at one of the ski resorts of the country - Gudauri to overnight.

From Gudauri the road continues to Stepantsminda town through the Georgia Military Road. On the way to Stepantsminda, you’ll stop at Friendship Monument dedicated to Russian-Georgian friendship and overlook the picturesque valley from here. You’ll also visit Jvari point before arriving in Stepantsminda. From here, you’ll take a Delica car to visit Gergeti Trinity Church, one of the most beautiful landscapes in the area. The church sits at the root of Mount Kazbegi offering stunning views of the surrounding Caucasus Range. Then, you’ll visit villages of Sno and Juta before going back to Gudauri.

From Gudauri, you’ll continue the way back to Tbilisi, but before arriving in the capital, you’ll stop in the former capital of Georgia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site - Mtskheta. Here, you’ll visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, one of the most important religious buildings in the country. In addition, it’s the architectural masterpiece of Early Middle Ages. Then, you’ll continue your way to Jvari Monastery, sit at the top of the hill overlooking Mtskheta and junction of Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers. Jvari Monastery is one of the oldest religious buildings in Georgia. . It is believed that when St. Nino, the evangelist who brought Christianity to the country, made the citizens believe in her religion, King Mirian put a wooden cross here. The name “Jvari” means “cross” in English. Once you get to the capital, you’ll have an evening tour of the important sights of Tbilisi.

You’ll start the day with driving to Kakheti region to visit its famous town Sighnaghi and Kvareli. Sighnaghi town, known as the city of love, is a beautiful town with its red rooftops, colorful houses, and narrow cobblestone streets overlooking the picturesque Alazani Valley. Then, you’ll drive to Nekresi, a historic town to visit one of the ancient churches of the country, which became a refuge of Abibus, one of the Assyrian Fathers that came to Georgia to spread Christianity.

From Kvareli, you’ll continue your way to the border through Lagodekhi. After crossing the border, you’ll drive to Shaki and stay overnight.

The day starts with exploring the Shaki town. You’ll visit the Royal Palace, or the Palace of Shaki Khans, a summer residence of former Shaki Khans built in 1797. Then you’ll isit Shaki Museum with more than 5000 exhibits showcasing the culture, history, ethnography, and cuisine of Shaki. Afterward, the tour will take you to the Shaki Fortress and Kish Village to visit Caucasian Albanian church of 12th or 13th centuries.

From Shaki, you’ll drive towards Baku, but stop in Shamakha to visit the fire temple - Ateshgah of Baku. This castle-like religious temple was built as a Sikh, Hindu, and Zoroastrian place of worship according to Indian and Persian inscriptions on it.

On this day, you’ll have the possibility to explore the city and visit its iconic landmarks such as its Old Town featuring Maidan Tower, Shirvanshah Palace, Muhammad's mosque, a bath, examples of residential buildings, Market Square, Caravan Serays Bukhara and Multani, National State Carpets Museum, Museum of History, and Aliyev Center.

On your last day, you’ll take a day trip to Gobustan State Reserve, a national historic landmark of Azerbaijan and explore more than 600,000 rock paintings of primitive men lifestyle of the ancient period, visit mud volcanoes and gas-stones.

Departure