Tour 11 Day Azerbaijan & Georgia Experiences

Transport

Private air-conditioned vehicle Professional Driver service

Guide

Professional Licensed English /or other (upon request basis) Speaking Guide

Others

1 Bottle of Water Per Person Per Day Entrance Tickets to Shirvansahs Palace, Gobustan National Museum, Sheki Khans Palace, Sheki Albanian Church, Taxi fees to Mud Volcanoes & Kish Albanian church Additional transport 4 x 4 WD Jeep service to Gergeti mount-on day 3 Excursions in accordance with the program

Accommodation

Overnight at the 4* hotel

Not included:

Meals

Only breakfast is included

Flights

Others

Personal expenses Meals - Lunch & Dinner Alcoholic beverages Services not mentioned

Insurance

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Arrival In The Airport
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Arrival In The Airport

        Arrival in the airport.

From Airport to City Center 20-25 minute.

The representative of our company will receive guests in Baku International Airport named after Heydar Aliyev. Then take guests to their accommodation by our company car. After check-in to the rooms & having some rest, we take our guests to restaurant or short trip on depending on guest’s arrival time.

     – Relax time

    Overnight at the hotel in Baku.
Day 2 Day 2: Gobustan Rock Art & Mud Volcanoes
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Gobustan Rock Art & Mud Volcanoes

After having a good breakfast in the hotel, your private car and guide will pick you up from your hotel and we begin to discover Gobustan.

Gobustan geographical region is situated in the west-south of Baku. The meaning of the word «Gobustan» is derived from two words «gobu» – «ravine» and «stan»- «place», i.e. ravine area.

The tour will start off from Gobustan National Museum where you will see ancient human bones, work tools used in back to thousand years ago during the Mesolithic period. Gobustan - The Archeological monument is located in 56 km from the capital city, Baku. You will visit the Gobustan Museum to get the better insights to the history of the area Then, you will advance to the mountain in order to see real rock paintings in the open air museum. The artifacts and rock carvings were discovered in 1939 – 1940 years. As a result of the researchers, more than 3,500 human and animal paintings and various markings – petroglyphs were recorded and 20 suburban shelters have been identified in this place. Mesolithic monuments (medieval stone) are mostly exhibited in the reserve. There are many caves, springs, carved by primitive men on walls of caves, rocks, and stony lumps. Later on the tour will continue to the Mud Volcanoes which is not far from Gobustan National Museum. That is why the Transportation will be changed to the Soviet Lada Cars. Whoever wants can bring some strong plastic bags with them to collect some of the mud from there which has been said is good for the skin. Azerbaijan keeps the first place in the world for the number of mud volcanoes. About 300 mud volcanoes are to be found in Azerbaijan – at the shore, in the sea and on islands. During this trip you will get a great chance to see these amazing active volcanoes from very close distance.Return to Baku. Then we visit beautiful Bibiheybat mosque. After the Rock Mountain, you will visit the Mud Volcanoes. That is why the Transportation will be changed to the Soviet Lada Cars. Whoever wants can bring some strong plastic bags with them to collect some of the mud from there which has been said is good for the skin.

Overnight at the Hotel in Baku.
Day 3 Day 3: Old City Walking Tour
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Old City Walking Tour

Tour will start from the main entrance of the Old City called Double Gates. During the tour you will be able to see the Chain, Sailor and Cat Houses, Bukhara and Multani Caravanserais, Juma Mosque, Maiden Tower. Guide will explain to you the history of the Old City, and its buildings mentioned above. Shirvanshahs Palace – the pearl of the architectural heritage of Azerbaijan, the former residence of the rulers of Shirvan, located in the heart of Baku. In addition to the palace, the amazingly beautiful complex includes the Divan-Khan courtyard, tomb, mosque in 1441, as well as the bathhouse and mausoleum of court scholar Seyid Yahya Bakuvi. Later, Bukhara caravanserai constructed in late 15th century over the trade highway of Icherisheher in Baku. The caravanserai has a quadratic shape and salient portal and, its yard is octagonal. Caravanserai surrounded by balconies and personal premises – chapels along the perimeter. The octagonal comfortable yard was a special hall under open sky. There travellers and merchants were gathering after daily commercial operations. The crossing arch connected in general style along the full perimeter of the internal space of the yard within direct frame aggregates the main part of the architectural composition. The restoration works implemented in 1964 completely discharged the caravansaray building from the constructions and layers added later and it promoted to discover its large-scale structure on the background of the surrounding buildings. Maiden Tower is an Eiffel Tower of Baku.In 12th century it was used as a fortress of Shirvanshahs for defensive causes.Maiden Tower’s architectural plan, seemingly so simple, consists of walls which at the base are extraordinarily thick, beginning at five meters in depth and gradually narrowing to four meters at the top. Today, the interior contains an interesting display of old photographs and a souvenir shop, but the highlight is the superb rooftop viewpoint surveying Baku Bay and the Old City. The views from the top are worth the climb, with a sweeping panorama of the Old City, the new skyscrappers on the hills and the Caspian Sea.

Overnight in Baku.
Day 4 Day 4: Guba - Khinalug Tour
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Guba - Khinalug Tour

After the breakfast, driver will pick up you from your hotel for starting the Guba-Khinalig Tour. Guba is located 168 km away from Baku on the attitude of 600m above the sea level in the hills of Greater Caucasian Mountains. Guba due to its rich flora and fauna and soft climate is very popular among the tourists. First stop in Guba will be the Handmade Carpet Factory Called “Qadim Quba” which you will see the process of vowing carpets by the women of the city. After the factory you will take your way further to the north, Khinalig Village. a village that located in the Greater Caucasian Mountains on 2350 meters above the sea level with fascinating natural beauty and beautiful mountain slopes. The village is one of the most ancient continuously inhabited human settlements in the world that dates back to 3rd millennium BC. Many invaders who came to Azerbaijan couldn’t reach to the village because of its high attitude and strong climate. That is why Khinalig kept its architectural and cultural uniqueness. Generally, inhabitants of Khinalig have 380 houses that each of them are approximately 200 to 300 years old. In the Khinalig you will be invited to the one local house to drink tea and eat the local pastries. The houses, made of cobblestone and stretching up the hill, resemble multi-storied buildings. In his recollection of Memories on the Village of Khinalug, Rasul Rza used to compare these houses with a whole range of eagle’s nests. Khinalug has been designated as a nature reserve, and therefore construction is forbidden in the area. The inhabitants of Khynalyg have preserved their traditional way of life. Weddings and other ceremonies are held in strict conformity with the rites inherited from one generation to another. This area abounds with the richest traditions linked to rain and land cultivation coupled with a special attitude to domestic animals, weddings and funerals, as well as to celestial bodies. The rites and traditions that have become an integral part of life are linked closely to natural phenomenon. The villagers are mainly involved with sheep breeding. It is rare to find such an ecologically pure fuel. Whilst in Khynalyg, one may often notice a pile of cubes or bricks called tezek in Azerbaijani made of manure. In the past, this type of bio-fuel was widely used in Azerbaijan. The manure is piled up and mixed with hay, formed into special shapes and then pressed. The bricks formed are dried in the sun and then, used to build high walls. The bricks are the main fuel used by the inhabitants of Khynalyg: they are high-quality material and do not incur any additional costs On the way back from Khinalig you will also be able to see the Qachrash forest. After the Khinalig you will visit the 100% Jewish Settlement Called Red Village. In the village close to 1000 Mountain Jews are living in Peace since 18th century without any conflict. In the village you will see the Synagogue, Jewish Religious School and Religious Rainwater Bathhouse. You will be amazed with seeing how jews and muslims are living together and sharing the city without any conflict since 18th century. After finishing tour you will be transferred to the Baku and dropped to the Hotel.

Note: This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund

Overnight in Baku.
Day 5 Day 5: Shamakhi - Lahij - Gabala - Sheki Tour
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Shamakhi - Lahij - Gabala - Sheki Tour

After the early breakfast, your tour to the North-West of Azerbaijan will start. Car will pick you up from the hotel. The first site you will visit on the way to Shamakhi City will be the Diri Baba Mausoleum that built in th 15th Century. After the Mausoleum you will reach to the Shamakhi City-one of the most ancient cities in Azerbaijan dated back to 5th century BC. In the Middle Ages, Shamakhi was the capital of the Shirvanshahs government. In the Middle Ages Shamakhi was one of the fascinating cities in the east. City also has the biggest astrophysical observatory in the Caucasus. The city itself is not only rich with its nature and beauty but very rich with monuments that have historical significance. Inside of the Shamakhi City you will visit the Shamakhi Juma Mosque, a first mosque ever built in the territory of Azerbaijan in year 743. After the mosque you will proceed to the 7 Gumbez Mausoleum. A medieval graveyard of the Kings Family. After the Shamakhi we will drive further to the North West to the Lahij Village in Ismayilli region. Lahij – village is one of the most ancient inhabited cities in Azerbaijan that located in Ismailli region. Lahij is the best example of original architecture that preserved by villagers more than centuries. Lahij Village entered to List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO because the village was one of the best handcraft and trading centers in the Caucasus. The main fame of the village comes from handmade copper products with a magnificent design that all made in the village with traditional way. Now the village is one of the most famous touristic destinations in Azerbaijan because even today the village has dozens of workshops that are making very beautiful handmade copper products. People started to live there from III-IV centuries and even village has water and sewage systems that operate 1000 years. After visiting and doing some shopping in the village, we will continue our journey further to Qabala. On the way we will stop in the very beautiful forest of Qabala and big and blue Nohur Lake. The quiet atmosphere and bird sounds will create an ideal relaxation environment. Later, we visit our next destination - Sheki city. You will be transferred to the Hotel in Sheki.
Day 6 Day 6: Sheki City Tour
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Sheki City Tour

After your breakfast tour will start with car picking up you from your hotel and we begin our Sheki city tour. The city is rich in history and many monuments of the cultural heritage of Azerbaijan. For centuries Sheki was the center of silkworm breeding and silk production center and located on the silk road. Sheki city is also very famous for its very rich cuisine and sweets not only among the locals but tourists also. On the way, visit the first Albanian church in Caucasus, dating back to the 1st century AD. Kish Albanian Church - The brilliantly renovated round-towered Albanian church in pretty Kish village has been lovingly converted into a very well-presented trilingual museum. It’s the best place anywhere to learn about mysterious Caucasian Albania, the Christian nation that once covered most of northern Azerbaijan.

Sheki Khans Palace – The Palace itself built in 1762 as a summer residence for the Khan of Sheki. During the construction of the building, no single nails and glues were used. From inside, all the walls of the Palace are full of paintings which each painting has its own philosophical meaning. In the garden outside of the palace, you will discover 2 plane trees that both are 500 years old.The Shaki History Museum is one of the main museums, considered one of the most important for artifacts of the Khanate period. You will see the Caravanserai one of the attractions of Sheki. Caravanserais were built in the form of locks with a closed courtyard, with one gate, which closed in case of danger, resulting in an impregnable fortress. The complex consists of two caravanserais, called “Yukhary” (Upper) and “Ashagy” (Lower). Their construction dates back to the XVIII-XIX centuries. Part of the caravanserai is now used as a hotel. Then you walk along the streets of the city, admire the panorama of the city from the mountainous part. Finally, you will be transferred to the Sheki and dropped to the Hotel.

Overnight at the hotel in Sheki
Day 7 Day 7: Sheki -Local Bazaar-Lagodeki-Signagi- Bodbe -Tbilisi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Sheki -Local Bazaar-Lagodeki-Signagi- Bodbe -Tbilisi

Breakfast at the Hotel. Visiting to local bazaar in Sheki. Due to its very soft climate, the soil of Sheki is very good for different kinds of fruits and vegetables.Then you will be transferred from Sheki to the border Lagodeki.

Meet at the Lagodekhi Border. Drive to Kakheti-the region of Georgia known as a birthplace of viticulture and winemaking. Arrive in Signagi-an ancient town also called “City of Love”, encircled by beautiful 18th c. wall with 23 defensive fortifications. Signagi surroundings are home for numerous cultural and architectural monuments. Visit local small and lovely museum with archaeological, ethnographic, numismatic, photographic and paintings’ collections. Visit Bodbe – a monastic complex located near the Signagi town. Bodbe monastery was built in 9th c. and was significantly renovated in 17th c. The monastery now functions as one of the major pilgrimage sites in Georgia. Overnight in Tbilisi.
Day 8 Day 8: Tbilisi Full Day City Tour
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Tbilisi Full Day City Tour

Breakfast at the hotel. Start Tbilisi Sightseeing: First we drive towards the Tbilisi Sea, and visit the Chronicles of Georgia, a monument in Tbilisi that is sometimes called as a “modern Georgian Stonehenge”. Monument was erected in 1980 and depicts various historical and religious events that took place in the country. From this point we can enjoy panoramic views of Tbilisi city. From there we continue our tour to the Gardenia Shevardnadze, a flower garden and plant nursery, with a café located. Afterwards we drive to the Aghmashenebeli Avenue and take a walk in the renovated “New Tiflis” area. Here, we can make a stop at the Tbilisi Flea Market on Dry Bridge, where you will find vast assortment of antique, such as hand-made jewelry, old military medals from World War II, Soviet style cutlery, old enamel, vintage cameras and many more. From Dry Bridge we drive to the Tbilisi Old Town. We are going to visit Anchiskhati Basilica – the oldest church (built in the 6th century) in the city, the Residence of the Patriarch of the Georgian Orthodox Church – the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi, which is also one of the tallest orthodox churches in the world. From there move towards the Rike park, cross the glass Bridge of Peace-a modern glass bridge in high-tech style and take a cable car from the car that takes us to the Narikala fortress, a medieval fortress situated on the mountain overlooking Tbilisi. We stroll down from Narikala back to the old districts, visit Legvtakhevi canyon and waterfall and continue to Sulfur Bathhouse District (Abanotubani), Meidan square and Shardeni street. There are lots of outdoor cafes, bars, restaurants, art galleries and souvenir shops in these areas. Drive on a tram to Mtatsminda Hill, where you can have a nice walk in Mtatsminda Park, overlook the beautiful views of the city and upon wish you may ride the Ferris Wheel too. Visit the Pantheon of writers and public figures, continue to the National Museum of Georgia. The museum collection includes artifacts of natural and human history, with animal remains, and rich ethnographic and archaeological collections beginning from Paleolithic era to Middle Ages. Evening stroll down on the Rustaveli Avenue, walk along the street and see the Parliament of Georgia, Rustaveli Drama Theatre, an Opera and Ballet Theatre. Overnight in Tbilisi.
Day 9 Day 9: Tbilisi - Ananuri -Kazbegi - Gergeti - Tbilisi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Tbilisi - Ananuri -Kazbegi - Gergeti - Tbilisi

Breakfast at the hotel. Today we will explore Caucasus Mountains. Drive North to Gudauri ski resort via Georgian Military Highway. The way to Gudauri is quite picturesque with attractive views of Great Caucasus Range, serpentine roads and waterfalls. On the way, visit Ananuri fortress which was the residence of Aragvi Eristavis’ (Dukes) during 16th-17th cc. Continue to Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) – administrative center of Khevi province – via Jvari Pass (Cross Pass; 2395 m. above sea level). During the trip we will make few stops to local taste mineral waters. Arrive in Kazbegi and drive on 4 x 4 WD Jeep to Gergeti Mountain, where Gergeti Holy Trinity Church of 14th c. stands. Evening drive back to Tbilisi for overnight.
Day 10 Day 10: Tbilisi - Mtskheta - Gori - Uplistsikhe - Tbilisi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Tbilisi - Mtskheta - Gori - Uplistsikhe - Tbilisi

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Mtskheta-the former capital of the Eastern Georgia (3rd c. BC-5th c. AD.) visit the UNESCO historical monuments – Jvari Monastery of 6th c. and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral of 11th c.

Continue to Gori-a small city where you visit Stalin’s house-museum and next, explore Uplistsikhe-the most ancient caves 1st mill BC, situated seven km Southeast of Gori town on the left bank of the River Mtkvari. The history of Uplistsikhe goes back to the 2nd-1st millenniums B.C. In antiquity, the city was one of the most important centers of Kartli and in the middle Ages it stood on an important trade route that linked Byzantium with India and China. Today various kinds of halls, rooms, buildings made in different epochs still survive and amaze the visitors by its extraordinary position, refined forms and the beauty of decors. You will find huge echoing halls, long meandering corridor-streets, chambers for pagan worship and even the remains of Georgia’s oldest theatre there. Archaeologists claim that the people of Uplistsikhe had close ties with the centers of Urartu, Iran, Asia Minor and Greek-Roman countries. Overnight in Tbilisi.
Day 11 Day 11: Departure Time - Tbilisi Airport
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Departure Time - Tbilisi Airport

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, your 11-day Caucasus Adventures come to an end!

Transfer to Tbilisi Airport & Departure.

11 days tour

11 Day Azerbaijan & Georgia Experiences

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip 11 Day Azerbaijan & Georgia Experiences

Day 1: Arrival In The Airport

Day 2: Gobustan Rock Art & Mud Volcanoes

Day 3: Old City Walking Tour

Day 4: Guba - Khinalug Tour

Day 5: Shamakhi - Lahij - Gabala - Sheki Tour

Day 6: Sheki City Tour

Day 7: Sheki -Local Bazaar-Lagodeki-Signagi- Bodbe -Tbilisi

Day 8: Tbilisi Full Day City Tour

Day 9: Tbilisi - Ananuri -Kazbegi - Gergeti - Tbilisi

Day 10: Tbilisi - Mtskheta - Gori - Uplistsikhe - Tbilisi

Day 11: Departure Time - Tbilisi Airport

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