Tour 11 Days Through Caucasus (Azerbaijan& Georgia)

Accommodation

Baku : Passage Boutique Hotel 4* X 03 nights Gabala: Qafqaz Thermal Hotel 4* X 01 night Sheki: Shaki Park Hotel 4* or Shaki Palace Hotel 4* X 01 night Telavi: Erekle II 4* X 01 night Gudauri: Gudauri Inn 4* X 01 night Gori: Royal House 4* X 01 night Tbilisi: Hotel David or Garnet 4* X 02 nights

Others

Entrance tickets as programme; Farewall dinner in Tbilisi

Transport

Guide

Meals

Daily breakfast in hotel One farewall dinner in Tbilisi

Not included:

Others

International Flight tickets Visa fees Lunch and dinner Personal expenses Activities unless not mentioned in inclusions list Entrance tickets to the sites out of the programme

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Arrival And Transfer To The Hotel
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Arrival And Transfer To The Hotel

Meet by our driver at airport with meeting board. Transfer to the city. Hotel accommodation. Today the wonder Baku is called a chameleon city - its appearance changes almost every hour. Especially at night: the darker on the street, the more lights. Overnight in Baku.
Day 2 Day 2: Baku City Tour
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Baku City Tour

Our tour starts from the highest pick of the city named Highland Park for amazing city panorama and photo stop. The park is located in the center of Baku. It is one of the most popular places of the local residents and tourists. In Soviet period (1920-1991), this park was named after Sergei Kirov. The most unique side of the park and the reason why it is actually, called the “Highland Park” is its impressive panorama looking over Baku city, Baku bay and Baku Boulevard stretching along the Caspian sea. In 1930s when the master plan of Baku was started, Highland park was considered as an important element of the general architectural composition of the city. The park was founded in the place of the old graveyard based on the design of architect Ilyin using the varieties of limestone found in Absheron Peninsula. Another old name of the park – the English park – is originated from the fact that in 1920s, English soldiers who sent to Baku after the fall of the Russian Emperor were buried here along with the victims of March 1918 massacre of Azerbaijan people. Azerbaijan Independence Museum, Martyrs’ Lane where lie the victims of Black January of 1990 and those who were killed in Nagorno Karabakh war are also buried in the Highland Park.

Continue out tour to the old city of Baku- Icherisheher. It covers twenty-two hectares of territory and includes hundreds of monuments; this urban complex is an outstanding testament to architecture. In Icherisheher, there are four monuments of world-class value: Icherisheher, the complex of Shirvanshah’s Palace, Maiden Tower, and Muhammed Mosque. Due to the cultural significance and uniqueness, the entire Icherisheher including Shirvanshah’s Palace and Maiden Tower are all inscribed on the World Heritage List, which is composed from twenty-six architectural and three archaeological monuments of national value and more than six hundred at regional level. Besides, there are also many magnificent samples of inhabited architecture of the late 18th and early 19th centuries in the territory. The history of Icherisheher goes back to the beginning of AD. There are hundreds of mosques from the late Middle Ages as well as caravansaries, baths and “ovdans”, mausoleums and many others. Justifiably, Old city- Icherishekher is regarded as the acropolis of Baku.

Continue to Nizami Street, which was the main trade street of Baku for decades, now one of the favorite places of tourists and local people for shopping and entertainment activities. The sound of the water is taking you away- now you are at the Fountains’ Square of Baku. Tens of fountains all around are creating breathtaking ambiance. Time for a delicious lunch served in one of the local restaurants of amazing Baku. Next pass by the Carpet Museum, a structure built in the shape of a carpet. Displayed here are exquisite carpet and rug collection of Azerbaijan demonstrating several weaving skills of the nation. And now, you are walking along one of the longest boulevards in the world, which runs parallel to Baku’s seafront more then 3,5 kilometers. The boulevard is established on 1909 and now one of the favorite places of people.

Our last stop is “Heydar Aliyev Center”- a building complex designed by Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid. The building is very distinctive for its unique architectural design and flowing, curved style that eschews sharp angles. In 2014, the Center won the Design Museum’s Design of the Year Award. This made Zaha Hadid the first woman to win the top prize in that competition.
Day 3 Day 3: Absheron Peninsula Tour
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Absheron Peninsula Tour

The day is dedicated for our breath-taking Absheron tour… Begin with a visit to Yanar Dag; One of the most famous and popular tourist places of the “eternal flame” in Azerbaijan is the mountain of Yanar Dag. It is located 25 km to the north from Baku, in Mehemmedi village. A 10m long wall of fire, that never extinguishes, is burning continuously alongside the edge of the hill, which naturally is at its most spectacular at night when tourists and locals alike view the fire from a nearby teahouse. Local lore states that it was a shepherd that accidentally ignited the fire in the 1950s by tossing a cigarette, and that it has burnt ever since. The famous French writer Alexandre Dumas also witnessed these flames. He expressed his feelings: “This is absolutely the most interesting and fascinating thing, which can be seen nowhere else,” he wrote. Even today, the flames never fail to amaze tourists and locals alike. These natural fires have always inspired humans , and played a crucial role in the creation of mystical faiths like Zoroastrianism, centered on ceremonial fire cults. According to one local, “A lot of sick people see the mountain in their dreams. And when they come here, they receive treatment. On the other hand, the health conditions of those who came here drunk, deteriorates.” Historical records are proof of this – Venetian traveler Marco Polo is said to have observed numerous flames all over the Absheron Peninsula on his visit to Baku in the 13th century. Yanar Dag is now a protected site, with extensive archeological studies being conducted in the area.

Now, we continue to other Zoroastrian site of Absheron called Ateshgakh. This fire temple, with a mixture of Indian and Azerbaijani architectural styles, is a surviving proof of age-old relationship between the two countries. A wall surrounds the pentagon shaped building with a guest room over the gate (‘balakhane’). There are still some wall inscriptions in Sanskrit and Gurumukhi, including poems. Cells for pilgrims line the wall inside and surround the the main altar in the center of the temple – a quadrangular pavilion with the fire on the altar inside. Historians, archaeologists, and theologians have argued over the construction date of the temple. Some defend that there was a Zoroastrian temple in Surakhany since the 6th century, others delay that event for another seven centuries. After Azerbaijan was Islamized some Zoroastrians escaped to India. But trade links with India in later centuries, led to renewed contacts with the fire-worshippers, who had migrated from to Northern India. During 17th and 18th Century, the site was rebuilt by Indian merchants and masons, who had established in Baku their settlement. This fire temple, with a mixture of Indian and Azerbaijani architectural styles, is a surviving proof of age old relationship between the two countries. The pentagon shaped building is surrounded by a wall with a guest room over the gate (‘balakhane’). There are still some wall inscriptions in Sanskrit and Gurumukhi, including poems. Cells for pilgrims line the wall inside and surround the the main altar in the center of the temple – a quadrangular pavilion with the fire on the altar inside.

After the Ateshgakh, we will continue our tour to forty kilometers from Baku, to Gala- a well-known open-air historical and ethnographic museum. The museum, founded in 2008 at an archaeological site located in the same-name village, is dedicated to the history of the Absheron Peninsula. There, you can see how the Azerbaijani lived, what they ate and drank and how they managed a household over the period from the XVI to XIX centuries. Many monuments and exhibits were brought to the Gala Museum from different corners of the Absheron Peninsula; they were renovated or fully reconstructed. All together, they help to get an idea of the life of the medieval people in Azerbaijan.
Day 4 Day 4: Baku- Shamakhy- Lahic- Qabala Tour
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Baku- Shamakhy- Lahic- Qabala Tour

Rise and shine to a beautiful morning and enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet. At 10. am our driver and guide will be waiting you in hotel lobby. Check out and leave the hotel for Qabala. it is approximately 3.5 hours drive to Qabala from Baku, but our journey will take longer as we will stop in many sights on the way. Our first stop is Diri Baba mausoleum in Maraza city. The building of the mausoleum is a wonderful example of Shirvan architectural school. On the building itself the construction date is mentioned as 1402 and architect’s name as “…the son of ustad Haji”. There are still many legends connected to this place. For a long time, local people believed that a sacred person- called Diribaba was buried here and remained imperishable across the centuries. Nowadays, it is still considered as one of the holy places for local residents. The monument is under protection and open to tourists. Continue to Shamakhi- one of the oldest cities of Caucasus to have a sightseeing tour around city. The city was first mentioned by Ptolemaues in the 1st century AD. Shamakhy was the most important city of the region during the Middle ages as a capital city of Shirvanshakh state of Azerbaijan from 8th to 15th century. After Shamakhy, we will continue to Qabala.

On the way we will visit Lahij village. Lahij is a small mountain village with more 2000 people and having their own language. During the Middle ages, Lahij became the main Centre of craftsmen in Caucasus. Lahij master craftsmen could create forty types of items related to Folk Art. Here you will explore a lifestyle of local inhabitants and the history about people and their village. After some meet with local people and enjoy a beautiful view we will continue the drive to Gabala city. Hotel accommodation. After check in and having rest, now it is time to visit Qabaland Amusement Park which never fails to amaze its visitors. It’s not quite Disneyland, but Azerbaijan’s first theme park is a godsend for local families and has something for all ages. All rides are paid through a precharged cash card. There are enough entertainment activities like karting, ice rink and so on. Overnight
Day 5 Day 5: Qabala- Shaki Tour
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Qabala- Shaki Tour

Explore Gabala and its surrounding. Gabala – the ancient capital of Caucasian Albania. The first we will drive till Tufandag, to climb to the highest elevated mountain resort in Azerbaijan to take a freshness of Caucasian Mountains. From here, you can watch the incredible panorama of Caucasian mountains take incredible view. On the way explore of the ancient Qabala city – which was the capital of Caucasian Albania. After exploring Qabala castle and enjoying its incredible sights, drive to Nij village. Nij – is the home of a special ethnic group among the Azerbaijani nationalities Udin, who are considered to be the descendants of the Caucasian Albanians. They have managed to preserve their traditions, language and spiritual culture. Visit to the Alban Temple, which is open to parishioners and tourists. This is one of the most ancient monuments of Christianity in Azerbaijan. Then drive to Sheki through beautiful view. Shaki city - one of the loveliest towns of Azerbaijan, dappled with tiled-roof old houses and topped off with a glittering little khan’s palace. Upon your arrival, you will have an excursion around the city. Visit to Palace of Sheki Khans (XVIII A.D.) where is the most outstanding and valuable monument of the 18th century Azerbaijan. Also we will visit the resort zone Markhal and fortress Galarsan - Gorarasan. Dinner and overnight in Hotel in Sheki.
Day 6 Day 6: Sheki- Telavi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Sheki- Telavi

Breakfast. Drive to visit the local market and then continue the way to the Georgia/Azerbaijan boundaries. Border formalities. Meet with local Georgian driver and guide to continue the trip to Georgia. You will explore Kakheti region well known for its wine producing. You will enjoy super views of Great Caucasus Mountains and valleys of Kakheti. You will get an acknowledge of the traditions and culture of the country and region, taste wines and delicious food. We visit one of the 19th century Georgian duke’s palaces in Tsinan Dali, enjoy walking in the beautiful garden, visit the museum and taste different kind of red and white wine.

Overnight in Telavi.
Day 7 Day 7: Telavi- Mtskheta- Guduari
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Telavi- Mtskheta- Guduari

Breakfast. Drive to Gudauri. On the way some stops to explore and visits. Visit to Alaverdi Cathedral (XI c), then continue to Gremi architectural complex (XVI c) and afterwards take the way via Gombori to the ancient capital and religious center of Georgia. In Mtskheta visit to the Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Both are an UNESCO World Heritage sites. Future you will head for the mountain resort of Gudauri, en route visiting Ananuri architectural complex (XI-XVII cc) through scenic as it heads up into the Great Caucasus mountains. Dinner and overnight in Gudauri.
Day 8 Day 8: Gudauri- Kazbeki- Gori
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Gudauri- Kazbeki- Gori

Breakfast. Today you will take a stunning route from Gudauri along the Tergi River will bring you to Kazbegi - the main town in the region. From Kazbegi a leisurely 1.5 or 2 hours walk up through beautiful valleys and woodland leads you to Gergeti Trinity Church, which is located at 2170m. Weather permitting you may catch a glimpse of one of the highest glaciers in the Caucasus Mt Kazbegi (5047 m). Then return by the same route back to drive to Gori city. On the way visit to Uflistsikhe the oldest cave town in Georgia (II-I millennium B.C), Gori city and Stalin’s House Museum. In the evening visit to the wine cellar of family in Gori, tasting of Georgian wine and Chacha, with the Georgian traditional dishes. Overnight in Gori.
Day 9 Day 9: Borjomi- Tbilisi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Borjomi- Tbilisi

After breakfast. Drive to Borjomi. Arrive to the Borjomi National park - Covering more than 85,000 hectares of native forest and alpine meadows, the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park is a protected area located 160 kilometres from the nation’s capital of Tbilisi in the central part of Georgia that includes 3 regions: Imereti, Samtskhe-Javakheti and Shida Kartli. One of the largest national parks in Georgia, it includes six administrative districts stretching from the resort of Borjomi to the town of Kharagauli. Together with adjacent Borjomi Nature Reserve, the total area is 851 square kilometres, more than 1 percent of the total territory of Georgia. The administrative and visitors centres of the Park are located in Borjomi and Kharagauli. The park administration manages 4 various types of protected areas – Borjomi Nature Reserve, Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, Nedzvi Managed Reserve and Goderdzi fossil forest Natural Monument. After enjoying the nature and visiting we will take a train to Tbilisi at 16:45 and arrival will be at 21:10. Transfer to the hotel. Accommodation. Dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight.
Day 10 Day 10: Tbilisi City Tour
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Tbilisi City Tour

Breakfast at hotel. Today we have Tbilisi sightseeing tour. The city offers a great variety of sights, most of them very ancient. All the places of interest in the Old Town are very close to each other, within a few minutes - walk. We start our visit to Old Tbilisi from Metekhi Church, then walk up to the brick-domed Sulphur Baths. From the Baths we head up the hill to visit Narikala Fortress - one of the oldest fortifications in the city. Afterwards we continue to the Synagogue, Sioni Cathedral and Anchiskhati Church. This marks the end of the Old Town. Visit the stunning treasury of the Georgian National Art Museum, before taking a stroll along Rustaveli Avenue - the main street in Tbilisi. After sightseeing you will have free time. Farewell dinner at local restaurant with Georgian folklore. Overnight.
Day 11 Day 11: Transfer/ Departure
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Transfer/ Departure

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to the airport. Seeing off. Departure

11 days tour

11 Days Through Caucasus (Azerbaijan& Georgia)

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip 11 Days Through Caucasus (Azerbaijan& Georgia)

Day 1: Arrival And Transfer To The Hotel

Day 2: Baku City Tour

Day 3: Absheron Peninsula Tour

Day 4: Baku- Shamakhy- Lahic- Qabala Tour

Day 5: Qabala- Shaki Tour

Day 6: Sheki- Telavi

Day 7: Telavi- Mtskheta- Guduari

Day 8: Gudauri- Kazbeki- Gori

Day 9: Borjomi- Tbilisi

Day 10: Tbilisi City Tour

Day 11: Transfer/ Departure

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