Tour Transcaucasian Trail - Azerbaijan & Georgia

Accommodation

Overnight at the 4* hotel

Guide

Professional Licensed English /or other (on 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, Seven Beauties Waterfall & Kish Albanian church Additional transport 4 x 4 WD Jeep service to Gergeti mount-on day 3 Excursions in accordance with the program Cable Car in Gabala

Transport

Private air-conditioned vehicle Professional Driver service

Not included:

Flights

Meals

Only breakfast is included

Others

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

Insurance

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Arrival In The Airport & Baku City Tour
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Arrival In The Airport & Baku City Tour

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

– Baku city tour:

For orientation we start in Highland Park with its sweeping panoramas of the city and Baku Bay laid before us. This is also the best spot for photographing Baku’s 21st-century icons - the astonishing trio of sinuous skyscrapers, appropriately nicknamed the ‘Flame Towers’. Contrast this modernity with our next stop, a guided walk through the medieval heart of the Old City. Ringed by impressive stone walls, pierced by massive double gates, the timeless, low-rise buildings here include classic caravanserais, antique bath-houses and traditional mosques with calligraphic facades. Above a colourful trading street, oozing unique atmosphere, we climb to the top of Baku’s oldest and most historically mysterious structure, the Maiden Tower famous for its many stories and legends. The last Old City stop is the Shirvanshahs Palace, mostly built in the 14th & 15th centuries by a dynasty of rulers who shaped the whole medieval history of Baku. We will finish the tour at Baku Seaside Boulevard, passing by the Little Venice with emerald green waters, bridges, Venetian-inspired colonnades and the unique Carpet Museum. The Azerbaijan Carpet Museum presents different schools and techniques from around the entire country, as well as covering various historical states and the development of carpet weaving. We will continue our excursion visiting Cultural Center named after Heydar Aliyev. Return to the hotel.

Overnight in Baku.
Day 2 Day 2: Shahdag Tour
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Shahdag Tour

After breakfast at the hotel, the tour will begin with a journey the Shahdag Mountain Resort Complex, located in Gusar region of Azerbaijan. Across the centuries, the north-east corner of Azerbaijan has served as the gateway between Europe and the Middle East. Here, in the shadow of the majestic Caucasus Mountains, hides untold natural beauty. Pristine glaciers and deep ravines, stunning mountain lakes and canyons, and an ecological treasure trove of plants and animals. This is Shahdag in all its splendor. With a climate favoring year-round sports and leisure, Shahdag ranges from winter lows of -20°C to pleasant summer evenings of 20°C. An incomparable location for one of the world’s largest national parks, and within it, one of the region’s largest ski resorts. Breathtakingly beautiful, a haven hidden from time, Shahdag is an experience not soon forgotten. Shahdag – is a mountain peak of the Greater Caucasus range, the elevation of the peak is 4243 meters. “The Shahdag Mountain Resort Complex” was open to the public in 2012. It is located in the Greater Caucasus range of Azerbaijan, the site is located near Shahdag National Park, which is known for having an intact ecological system and an untouched flora and fauna. It is the first and largest ski resort in Azerbaijan. Visitors will be able to choose from a variety of accommodation distributed throughout the complex ranging from luxury hotels, individual chalets and cottages through to camping.

During the winter season there will be 19 ski slopes available for skiers of all levels. A professional ski school and a ski hire shop will offer a wide range of ski equipment and advice to cater for guest’s every need. In the warmer summer months the mountain will come alive with activities such as Mountain Biking, Trotinettes, Zip lining, Horse riding, Quad biking, Paintballing and Bob Karts. Younger children will also be catered for with a children’s club and bouncy castle as well as other activities.Drive back to Baku.

Overnight at the hotel in Baku.
Day 3 Day 3: Mud Volcanoes & Gobustan
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Mud Volcanoes & Gobustan

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 4 Day 4: Shamakhi - Gabala - Sheki Tour
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Shamakhi - Gabala - Sheki Tour

After breakfast at the hotel your 4-day Azerbaijan tour starts with the morning transfer from your Baku hotel to Sheki city . On the way, stop in Shamakhi and see the historical Juma Mosque, Yeddi Gumbez Mausoleum and the Shirvan Shah’s family grave yard. Diri Baba mausoleum stands in a square located on a cliff. Architecture of Diri Baba mausoleum harmonically fits into picturesque surroundings of the building – view against the background of rocks and greenery of trees. Then we will visit fascinating Nohur Lake locates near the village of Nohurqishlag. The quiet atmosphere and bird sounds will create an ideal relaxation environment. In the afternoon, continue driving to our final destination for the evening the city of Qabala. On the city’s northeastern outskirts, the Tufandag Winter–Summer Mountain Resort offers ski runs. Tufandag Winter-Summer Tourist Complex is located 4 kilometers far from Gabala city. The resort allows visitors to enjoy different extreme sports and tourism activities in the harmony with nature. Tufandag complex provides skiing in winter, going up to the mountains by cable cars in summer, mountain climbing by ATV quad bikes and other types of entertainment. The ski slopes of the Tufandag complex provide visitors with unforgettable moments with its a 1000-meter vertical downhill, 15-kilometer ski slopes and 4 rope lines. Here are green and blue ski slopes for beginners and moderate skiers, and red and black ski slopes for professional skiers. Along with the natural snow, there are snowmobiles that provide unforgettable skiing experience in snow-covered slopes throughout the season. It is possible to rent the skiing equipment of the skiing center inside the resort. It is also possible to take ski lessons from professional instructors. Extreme lovers will have a chance for being amazed with the Cable Car in the Resort. Later, we visit our last destination - Sheki for today. You will be transferred to the Sheki and dropped to the Hotel.

Overnight at the hotel in Sheki.
Day 5 Day 5: Sheki City Tour
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: 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 6 Day 6: Sheki -Lagodeki-Signagi- Bodbe -Tbilisi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Sheki -Lagodeki-Signagi- Bodbe -Tbilisi

Breakfast at the Hotel. 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 7 Day 7: Tbilisi Full Day City Tour
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: 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 8 Day 8: Tbilisi - Ananuri -Kazbegi - Gergeti - Tbilisi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: 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 9 Day 9: Departure Time - Tbilisi Airport
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Departure Time - Tbilisi Airport

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, your 9-day Caucasus Adventures come to an end!

Transfer to Tbilisi Airport & Departure.

9 days tour

Transcaucasian Trail - Azerbaijan & Georgia

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Transcaucasian Trail - Azerbaijan & Georgia

Day 1: Arrival In The Airport & Baku City Tour

Day 2: Shahdag Tour

Day 3: Mud Volcanoes & Gobustan

Day 4: Shamakhi - Gabala - Sheki Tour

Day 5: Sheki City Tour

Day 6: Sheki -Lagodeki-Signagi- Bodbe -Tbilisi

Day 7: Tbilisi Full Day City Tour

Day 8: Tbilisi - Ananuri -Kazbegi - Gergeti - Tbilisi

Day 9: Departure Time - Tbilisi Airport

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