fbpx

Highlights of Azerbaijan & Georgia

Sale!

Highlights of Azerbaijan & Georgia

Was From $ 3,570 AUD
Now From $ 2,856 AUD
Sale!

Description

Spend 10 days exploring Azerbaijan and Georgia, where historic Old Towns and monasteries sit alongside skyscrapers and the Caucasus mountains. Discover the ancient history hidden among Azerbaijan’s futuristic architecture, then cross into Georgia to explore medieval ruins and sample traditional wines. Visit one of the world’s largest open-air museums at UNESCO World Heritage-listed Qobustan, savour a hearty home-cooked lunch with a local Kakheti family and hike to the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church. From cities to mountain villages and mud volcanoes, this trip promises unforgettable encounters and authentic local experiences at every turn.

Trip Name
Highlights of Azerbaijan & Georgia
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
10
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Walk through Azerbaijan's Old Town, where views of the Palace of the Shirvanshahs are made even more spectacular by the modern skyscrapers in the background.
  • Hike to the 14th-century Gergeti Trinity Church, which sits in splendid isolation at 2170 m in the heart of the Caucasus Mountains.
  • Stop at a traditional Georgian wine producer where the ancient, UNESCO-listed qvevri method is still used, then enjoy a hearty home-cooked lunch.
  • Navigate the organised chaos of the farmers markets in Telavi. Your expert local leader will be there to help you order as much fresh fruit, nuts or pigs’ heads as you desire.
  • Connect with locals and gain insight into everyday life in this part of the world – you'll visit the Udi community in Nij, learn the traditional methods of copper craftsmanship in Lahij and appreciate stained-glass artistry in Sheki.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk., There is a chance of potential changes to the itinerary due to heavy rain, flooding and snow at higher elevations, which often affect roads and bridges, making travel difficult or impossible (particularly in remote areas). Your tour leader will advise of the revised itinerary in such unexpected situations.

Day 1 - Baku
Salam! Welcome to Azerbaijan. Your adventure begins in Baku with a welcome meeting at 6 pm this evening. If you arrive early, maybe walk along Baku Boulevard, a promenade that stretches along the Caspian Sea – the world’s largest inland body of water. After the meeting, join your leader for an evening walk around Azerbaijan’s capital, where they’ll point out the best spots for dinner. Maybe get your group together for some traditional Azerbaijani dishes, like plov (spiced rice with meat, chestnuts and dried fruits, cooked in layers) or dolma (vine leaves stuffed with rice and vegetables).
Day 2 - Baku
This morning, drive to Qobustan – also known as Gobustan National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s famous for its ancient rock carvings and mud volcanoes. Make a stop along the way to check out these geological formations as they spew mud and gas. Azerbaijan has more mud volcanoes than anywhere else in the world, so you’re in the right place for spotting them! The rock carvings in Qobustan date back to the Stone Age, giving humans today an insight into daily life all those years ago. With more than 6000 petroglyphs on display, Qobustan is often referred to as one of the largest open-air museums in the world. Return to Baku in the afternoon and visit the walled Old Town with your leader, who’ll bring its legends and history to life. Enjoy a free evening to explore the city at your own pace. Maybe eat at a restaurant on Nizami Street – a busy boulevard with lots of authentic Azerbaijani cuisine.
Day 3 - Lahij
Leave Baku this morning and enjoy the change of scenery as the dry landscape gives way to densely forested mountains. Stop in Shamakhi and check out one of the oldest mosques in Azerbaijan – Juma (Friday) Mosque. Continue to your final destination for today – the traditional village of Lahij, home to the Tat people. Explore the cobbled streets and stone houses, visit a coppersmith workshop and get to know some local folk over a cup of tea. Then, try your hand at making yogurt the traditional way – an important part of Azerbaijani cuisine.
Day 4 - Sheki
After breakfast, head to Nij village – a settlement of the Udi people who are the direct descendants of ancient Caucasian Albanians. Most the world’s surviving Udi people call Nij home, giving the community a unique culture. Visit a local church and museum of Udi culture. The Albanian Church (as it’s known colloquially) is a source of pride and heritage for the local Udi community. After, continue to Sheki, where you’ll have a free evening.
Day 5 - Sheki
Visit the Palace of Sheki Khans this morning. The walls of the palace are painted with scenes of hunting and war and feature impressive stained glass. After, check out a workshop where shebeke – stained-glass windows made with no glue or nails – are produced by local masters with skills passed down through generations. Then, board a local public bus to Kish. When you arrive, you’ll see the pointed spires of the 12th-century Church of Kish. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to discover Sheki. Why not explore the impressive traditional architecture on foot, maybe stopping along the way for tea and some local halva (a traditional confectionery made with sugar, nuts, coriander seeds and rice flour).
Day 6 - Telavi
After breakfast, take a walk with your leader through the Sheki market. This is a great opportunity to stock up on snacks for the journey ahead, so maybe grab some halva, nuts and dried fruit. Continue to the town of Lagodekhi, located on the Azerbaijan-Georgia border. Travel through the beautiful green valleys of the Kakheti region to Gremi – a complex that includes a castle and church from the 16th century. Spend some time here before hitting the road again, stopping at a traditional Georgian wine producer that still employs the ancient, UNESCO-listed qvevri method. Enjoy lunch here and then travel on to Telavi, where you’ll stay in a local hotel for the evening.
Day 7 - Gudauri
Spend this morning wandering through the vibrant local farmers market in Telavi, where butchers carve up fresh meat and vendors offload piles of spices. Then, visit Tsinandali – a historic estate and winery once owned by Georgian poet Alexander Chavchavadze. In 1814, aristocrat Chavchavadze was the first to bottle wine produced using the qvevri method. Tour the complex, which consists of a memorial house, European-style landscaped garden, a traditional winery, wine cellar, hotel and cafe. Continue to UNESCO World Heritage-listed Alaverdi Monastery, which dates back to the 6th century. After, drive into the mountains up the renowned Georgian Military Highway. Tonight, have dinner with your group and spend the night in lofty Gudauri.
Day 8 - Gudauri
Follow the Tergi River on a drive to Stepantsminda, formerly known as Kazbegi. Explore this mountain village, then hike through beautiful valleys and woodlands to the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church. This 14th-century church sits at the base of the second-highest volcanic summit in the Caucasus – Mt Kazbegi – which you might catch a glimpse of if weather permits. The view of the pointed spires of the isolated church against the mountains is truly striking and is a great place for a photo. Drive back to Gudauri for dinner with your group.
Day 9 - Tbilisi
Drive to Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, located along the banks of the Kura River. Get the lay of the land on an orientation walk with your leader. Spend the rest of the day as you wish, maybe grabbing a khachapuri (bread filled with salty cheese) to snack on. In the evening, regroup and head out for dinner with your fellow travellers and leader. This is a good chance to sample some khinkali (Georgia’s famous soup-filled dumplings). Make sure to ask your leader about the polite way to eat them – it involves sipping the broth and leaving the pinched bit of dough where the edges of the delicious parcel have joined on the plate.
Day 10 - Tbilisi
With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end after breakfast today. If you'd like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
08-06-202617-06-2026AUD $ 4,160-
15-06-202624-06-2026AUD $ 3,591-
18-06-202627-06-2026AUD $ 4,030-
22-06-202601-07-2026AUD $ 3,627-
29-06-202608-07-2026AUD $ 3,717-
06-07-202615-07-2026AUD $ 3,717-
13-07-202622-07-2026AUD $ 3,416-
16-07-202625-07-2026AUD $ 2,856-
20-07-202629-07-2026AUD $ 3,086-
27-07-202605-08-2026AUD $ 3,830-
03-08-202612-08-2026AUD $ 4,260-
10-08-202619-08-2026AUD $ 4,260-
17-08-202626-08-2026AUD $ 3,860-
24-08-202602-09-2026AUD $ 3,930-
27-08-202605-09-2026AUD $ 4,190-
31-08-202609-09-2026AUD $ 4,190-
03-09-202612-09-2026AUD $ 4,285-
05-09-202614-09-2026AUD $ 4,095-
07-09-202616-09-2026AUD $ 4,285-
10-09-202619-09-2026AUD $ 4,260-
12-09-202621-09-2026AUD $ 3,960-
14-09-202623-09-2026AUD $ 4,130-
17-09-202626-09-2026AUD $ 4,260-
19-09-202628-09-2026AUD $ 3,990-
21-09-202630-09-2026AUD $ 4,190-
01-10-202610-10-2026AUD $ 3,995-
05-10-202614-10-2026AUD $ 4,260-
08-10-202617-10-2026AUD $ 4,160-
10-10-202619-10-2026AUD $ 3,430-
12-10-202621-10-2026AUD $ 4,060-
15-04-202724-04-2027AUD $ 3,775-
17-04-202726-04-2027AUD $ 3,775-
19-04-202728-04-2027AUD $ 3,775-
22-04-202701-05-2027AUD $ 3,775-
24-04-202703-05-2027AUD $ 3,775-
26-04-202705-05-2027AUD $ 4,000-
29-04-202708-05-2027AUD $ 4,000-
03-05-202712-05-2027AUD $ 4,000-
06-05-202715-05-2027AUD $ 4,000-
10-05-202719-05-2027AUD $ 4,000-
13-05-202722-05-2027AUD $ 4,000-
17-05-202726-05-2027AUD $ 4,000-
20-05-202729-05-2027AUD $ 4,000-
24-05-202702-06-2027AUD $ 4,000-
31-05-202709-06-2027AUD $ 4,000-
03-06-202712-06-2027AUD $ 4,000-
07-06-202716-06-2027AUD $ 4,000-
10-06-202719-06-2027AUD $ 3,885-
14-06-202723-06-2027AUD $ 3,885-
17-06-202726-06-2027AUD $ 3,885-
21-06-202730-06-2027AUD $ 3,885-
24-06-202703-07-2027AUD $ 3,885-
28-06-202707-07-2027AUD $ 3,885-
05-07-202714-07-2027AUD $ 3,885-
08-07-202717-07-2027AUD $ 3,775-
12-07-202721-07-2027AUD $ 3,775-
19-07-202728-07-2027AUD $ 3,775-
22-07-202731-07-2027AUD $ 3,775-
26-07-202704-08-2027AUD $ 3,775-
02-08-202711-08-2027AUD $ 3,885-
09-08-202718-08-2027AUD $ 3,885-
12-08-202721-08-2027AUD $ 3,885-
16-08-202725-08-2027AUD $ 3,885-
19-08-202728-08-2027AUD $ 3,885-
23-08-202701-09-2027AUD $ 3,885-
26-08-202704-09-2027AUD $ 3,885-
30-08-202708-09-2027AUD $ 3,885-
02-09-202711-09-2027AUD $ 4,075-
04-09-202713-09-2027AUD $ 4,075-
06-09-202715-09-2027AUD $ 4,075-
09-09-202718-09-2027AUD $ 4,075-
11-09-202720-09-2027AUD $ 4,075-
12-09-202721-09-2027AUD $ 4,075-
13-09-202722-09-2027AUD $ 4,075-
16-09-202725-09-2027AUD $ 4,075-
28-09-202707-10-2027AUD $ 4,075-
30-09-202709-10-2027AUD $ 4,075-
04-10-202713-10-2027AUD $ 3,775-
07-10-202716-10-2027AUD $ 3,775-
11-10-202720-10-2027AUD $ 3,775-
14-10-202723-10-2027AUD $ 3,775-
18-10-202727-10-2027AUD $ 3,775-
21-10-202730-10-2027AUD $ 3,775-
25-10-202703-11-2027AUD $ 3,775-

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights), Guesthouse (3 nights)

Transport

Private Vehicle, Public Bus, Taxi

Map