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Peregrine Travel Centre

Azerbaijan & Georgia Experience

Azerbaijan & Georgia Experience

From $ 5,715 AUD

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Description

Visit two countries that have taken a big leap into the 21st century, where small towns and monasteries sit comfortably alongside towering skyscrapers. Stop by one of Europe’s largest open-air rock museums, walk through the gardens of a local Kakheti family and talk about provincial life over a hearty lunch. Uncover the centuries-old recipe for producing Georgian wine and learn how to make your own yogurt. Hike in the shadows of the Caucasus Mountains and visit the highest village in Europe, Ushguli. This all-encompassing trip takes you from eccentric Baku to the green slopes of Georgia’s Mestia valley and through the ancient alleyways of Tbilisi.

Trip Name
Azerbaijan & Georgia Experience
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
18
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Explore Azerbaijan's cosmopolitan capital of Baku, which is often referred to as the 'new Dubai'. Take a guided walking tour around the city's World Heritage-listed Old Town.
  • Connect with locals and gain insight into everyday life in Azerbaijan– you'll visit Kish village and learn about the Caucausian Albania, experience the traditional methods of copper craftsmanship in Lahij and appreciate stained-glass artistry in Sheki.
  • Mingle with the locals in markets, learn the secret of Georgian Cheese and indulge in the national cheese bread of khachapuri and stop at a traditional Georgian wine producer where the ancient, UNESCO-listed qvevri method is still used.
  • Hike to the 14th-century Gergeti Trinity Church, and journey to the Svaneti region – a remote and alluring land of snow-capped mountains. Discover the region’s tower houses dotted in the mountain valleys and visit one of Georgia's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Ushguli.
  • Visit Georgia’s former capital of Mtskheta and listen to the survival and revival stories at Ikorta – an organisation supporting women and youth in the Tserovani Refugee Settlement.

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 may be 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 Sheki and stop on the way to visit Kish village. When you arrive, you’ll see the pointed spires of the 12th-century Church of Kish, a stunning monument to the ancient state of Caucasian Albania, Then continue to Sheki and visit the Palace of Sheki Khans. 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. Settle into your hotel afterwards and enjoy a relaxed evening.
Day 5 - 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 6 - 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 7 - 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 8 - Tbilisi
Leave for Tbilisi today, the capital of Georgia. Stop first at Ananuri Fortress Complex. This fortress complex dates back to the 17th century and was originally the seat of the Dukes of Aragvi. Overlooking the Aragvi River, it has survived many battles in the history. Then before reaching Tbilisi, stop to visit the magnificent sculpture on Keeni Hill near the Tbilisi Sea - The Chronicles of Georgia. Sculpted in the Soviet Era, this monument was never finished but now has become one of the most popular spots near Tbilisi. Arrive in Tbilisi mid-afternoon, and follow your leader on a short orientation walk. Maybe regroup in the evening 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 9 - Tbilisi
After breakfast, head out on a sightseeing walking tour of Tbilisi. Explore the Old Town and pass by the Baratashvili Bridge, Gabriadze Leaning Tower, the Peace Bridge and the Sioni Cathedral. After your tour, you have free time to further explore the capital city at your own pace. Maybe visit the Narikala Fortress or the Sulphur Baths or learn about Tbilisi's lively theater scene at the Tbilisi Opera or take a visit to the Open Air Museum of Ethnography. In the evening, why not find a local restaurant and head out to dinner with your group to celebrate the last night of your trip.
Day 10 - Tbilisi
Today is a free day to explore Tbilisi until your next welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, where you’ll meet your new local leader. Maybe visit the Georgian National Museum and learn about the country’s history or walk through the Dry Bridge Flea Market and browse the various artworks and handicrafts for sale. Tonight, maybe celebrate the beginning of a new adventure over dinner with your group, trying classic dishes like khachapuri (cheese bread) or khinkali (dumplings).
Day 11 - Kutaisi
This morning you’ll travel to Georgia's former capital city, Mtskheta. When you arrive, visit the medieval Jvari Monastery and the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Then, continue to the Tserovani Refugee Settlement – a neighbourhood built for over 8000 people displaced by the 2008 Russo-Georgian War. Continue to the Ikorta enamel jewellery workshop – a social enterprise supporting women and youth. Here, you’ll meet the artists, hear their stories over a coffee with some snacks. Then, drive to the historic city of Kutaisi. When you arrive, take a walking tour to see City Hall, the Opera House, Mon Plaisir Arch, Golden Marquee Palace and Mtsvane Bazari Market. Later, you’ll have some free time to continue exploring the city. Maybe visit the Gelati Cathedral or the Bagrati palace ruins or find a local restaurant for dinner – your leader will have the best recommendations.
Day 12 - Mestia
Today, travel to the remote Svaneti region, the highest inhabited area in the Caucasus. As today is a bit of a long travel day, it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcasts. When you arrive in Mestia, take some time to explore the area known for its dramatic mountain scenery, medieval villages and tower houses built between the 9th and 13th centuries. This evening, learn how to make traditional Georgian cheese and enjoy the traditional dish, khachapuri (cheese-filled bread). Then, settle into a local guesthouse for the night.
Day 13 - Mestia
Today, immerse yourself in the stunning Caucasus mountains with a hike from Mulakhi to Mestia. You'll be transferred to the start of your hike in Mulakhi village and hike through alpine meadows, forests and medieval towers with great views of Mounts Ushba and Tetnuldi. Arrive in Mestia in the afternoon and take a well-deserved rest.
Day 14 - Mestia
Drive to Ushguli this morning. Known for its medieval watchtowers and views of Mount Shkhara, Ushguli is one of Goergia’s four UNESCO World Heritage sites and one of the highest permanent settlements in Europe. When you arrive, visit the Lamaria Church before setting off on a leisurely walk through the village and enjoy a picnic lunch with beautiful views.
Day 15 - Batumi
This morning, set off on a scenic drive to Batumi. On the way, stop at a local winery and learn about Georgia’s winemaking traditions, which are among the oldest in the world. Enjoy a wine tasting here before continuing to Batumi on the Black Sea coast. When you arrive, settle into your accommodation. This evening, you’re free to epxlore at your own pace or relax and find a good dinner spot.
Day 16 - Batumi
Spend the morning on a short walking tour around Batumi. Then, the rest of the day is yours to relax. Maybe walk along the boulevard, cool off in the musical fountains on the square or see the Ali and Nino statue light up at night. You could also visit one of the city’s art and ethnographic museums or jump in a cable car for panoramic views over the city. If you’re unsure what the city has to offer, your local leader is always on hand with great local suggestions.
Day 17 - Tbilisi
Today, join the the locals on public transport (long distance bus or train) as you travel back to Tbilisi. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the nation’s capital. When you arrive, maybe spend the afternoon walking through Rike Park, then find a local restaurant and head out to dinner with your group to celebrate the last night of your trip.
Day 18 - Tbilisi
As there are no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end today. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Day 19 - Tbilisi
Today we'll make use of the regular public bus or train connections (depending on availability) to get to Tbilisi from Batumi (approximately 6.5 hours).. Enjoy the rest of the day in the nation's capital, perhaps with group dinner and night out together.
Day 20 - Tbilisi
Your trip comes to an end today and your are free to depart at any time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
21-09-202608-10-2026AUD $ 7,430-
06-05-202723-05-2027AUD $ 6,055-
10-05-202727-05-2027AUD $ 6,055-
17-05-202703-06-2027AUD $ 5,885-
24-05-202710-06-2027AUD $ 6,175-
31-05-202717-06-2027AUD $ 5,935-
21-06-202708-07-2027AUD $ 5,815-
05-07-202722-07-2027AUD $ 5,715-
19-07-202705-08-2027AUD $ 5,715-
02-08-202719-08-2027AUD $ 5,885-
09-08-202726-08-2027AUD $ 5,885-
16-08-202702-09-2027AUD $ 6,055-
23-08-202709-09-2027AUD $ 6,055-
30-08-202716-09-2027AUD $ 6,170-
06-09-202723-09-2027AUD $ 6,170-
13-09-202730-09-2027AUD $ 6,170-
28-09-202715-10-2027AUD $ 6,170-
04-10-202721-10-2027AUD $ 6,055-
04-05-202821-05-2028AUD $ 6,355-
08-05-202825-05-2028AUD $ 6,355-
15-05-202801-06-2028AUD $ 6,180-
22-05-202808-06-2028AUD $ 6,180-
29-05-202815-06-2028AUD $ 6,180-
05-06-202822-06-2028AUD $ 6,000-
19-06-202806-07-2028AUD $ 6,000-
03-07-202820-07-2028AUD $ 6,000-
10-07-202827-07-2028AUD $ 6,000-
17-07-202803-08-2028AUD $ 6,000-
31-07-202817-08-2028AUD $ 6,000-
07-08-202824-08-2028AUD $ 6,180-
14-08-202831-08-2028AUD $ 6,355-
21-08-202807-09-2028AUD $ 6,355-
28-08-202814-09-2028AUD $ 6,480-
04-09-202821-09-2028AUD $ 6,480-
11-09-202828-09-2028AUD $ 6,480-
26-09-202813-10-2028AUD $ 6,480-
02-10-202819-10-2028AUD $ 6,355-

Accommodation

Hotel (11 nights), Guesthouse (6 nights)

Transport

Private Vehicle, Public Bus, Train, Taxi, 4WD

Map

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