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Discovery of Caucasus Holiday Planner Cross-border tours Best of Georgia and Azerbaijan - 12 days (CT-03)

Best of Georgia and Azerbaijan - 12 days (CT-03)

Group size
2-10 people
Season
All year
Duration
12 days
Departs
Saturday
Starts
Tbilisi
Ends
Baku
Countries
Azerbaijan, Georgia
Cities
Akhaltsikhe, Alaverdi Monastery, Baku, Borjomi, Gobustan, Gori, Gremi, Kutaisi, Mtskheta, Napareuli, Shamakhi, Sheki, Sighnaghi, Tbilisi, Uplistikhe, Vardzia, Yanar Dag
Akhaltsikhe - 2 nights
Baku - 3 nights
Kutaisi - 1 night
Sheki - 1 night
Sighnaghi - 1 night
Tbilisi - 3 nights
Price
from £2,195
Reservation
View dates and prices
Neighbours Georgia and Azerbaijan are very different but each is compelling in its own right. This 12 day tour begins in Georgia, where you’ll be blown away by the wonderful hospitality of the Caucasus. You’ll tour hilltop monasteries, imposing fortresses, fascinating museums and ancient cave cities, as well as learn how an 8000 year tradition of viticulture produces some very fine wine. Crossing the border, you’ll discover the sights of the “fire country” Azerbaijan. From Baku’s Flame Towers to the burning hillside of Yanar Dag, Azerbaijan wows visitors. But the secrets of an ancient nation are waiting to be uncovered, as you’ll see in Sheki, Shamakhi and Gobustan.
 

Tbilisi
Day 1
Transfer from the airport to the hotel
Welcome to Georgia! Our representative will be waiting for you at the airport for your transfer to your city centre hotel in the capital Tbilisi. Overnight in Tbilisi. (Dinner)
Day 2
Tbilisi City Tour
With its compact old town and friendly residents, getting to know Tbilisi is a cinch. Our guide will show you some of the historic highlights of the capital, beginning with the 13th century Methekhi church. Tbilisi has long been fortified and we shall ascend by cable car to the hilltop fortress of Narikala, from where it is a short stroll to the imposing Mother Georgia statue. Next up, we’ll visit Antchiskhati Church (6th century), Sioni Cathedral (12th century) and an ancient synagogue. We’ll round off your introduction to this fascinating city with a look around the Georgian National Museum and a stroll along Tbilisi’s main thoroughfare, Rustaveli Avenue. Overnight in Tbilisi. (Breakfast, Dinner)
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Mtskheta - Kutaisi
Day 3
Transfer by car / minibus: Tbilisi - Mtskheta
Walking Tour. Visit Jvari Church and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
Transfer by car / minibus: Mtskheta - Kutaisi
Visit Prometheus Cave
You’ll depart Tbilisi this morning, but we won’t travel far before our first stop of the day. Mtskheta was the capital city long before Tbilisi and it remains one of Georgia’s most important religious centres to this day. You’ll enjoy a guided tour of Djvari Church (6th century) and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century), both of which feature on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. Moving on, we’ll head in the direction of the second largest city in the country, Kutaisi, making a slight detour to admire the stalactites and stalagmites of Prometheus Cave. Overnight near Kutaisi. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 265 km / 166 ml.
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Gelati - Bagrati - Akhaltsikhe
Day 4
Bagrati Cathedral Guided Tour
Gelati Monastery Guided Tour
Transfer by car / minibus: Kutaisi - Akhaltsikhe
The energy and passion invested in the sale of livestock throughout the Caucasus makes a trip to an animal bazaar a highlight of any trip. We’ll look on as the farmers haggle to get the best price for what they’ve reared. Then it’s time to move on, and we have another pair of UNESCO sites lined up. The Gelati Monastery and Academy Complex dates from the 12th century and was constructed on the edge of a steep gorge overlooking the Tskaltsitela River. Its many murals, mosaics and mediaeval works of art make this an extraordinary destination for anyone with an interest in Georgia’s rich heritage. After a visit to Bagrati Cathedral we’ll make our way to Akhaltsikhe where we will spend the next two nights. Overnight in Akhaltsikhe. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 213 km / 133 ml.
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Vardzia - Akhaltsikhe
Day 5
Rabati Fortress Guided Tour
Transfer by car / minibus: Akhaltsikhe - Vardzia
Cave Town Guided Tour
Transfer by car / minibus: Vardzia - Akhaltsikhe
One of the many delights of a visit to Georgia is to explore its vast subterranean cities. This underground world is best represented by the cave city of Vardzia, which was excavated from the slopes of Mount Erusheti on the bank of the River Kura. There, around 300 caves were once purposed for churches, refectories, wine cellars and private dwellings. After we’ve explored, we’ll drive to Rabati Fortress. Inside we’ll look around its fascinating Ethnographic Museum before returning to Akhaltsikhe. Overnight in Akhaltsikhe. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 122 km / 76 ml.
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Borjomi - Gori - Uplistikhe - Tbilisi
Day 6
Transfer by car / minibus: Akhaltsikhe - Borjomi
Borjomi Walking Tour
Transfer by car / minibus: Borjomi - Gori
Stalin Museum Guided Tour
Transfer by car / minibus: Gori - Uplistikhe
Uplistikhe Cave Town Guided Tour
Transfer by car / minibus: Uplistikhe - Tbilisi
Gala Dinner & Folklore Show
Some of Georgia’s most interesting historical events took place in the last two hundred years. Driving via Borjomi and its pretty park, the city of Gori is the star of today’s itinerary. It’s claim to fame is that it was the birthplace of Joseph Stalin, the Soviet leader known for taking a hard line on political matters. The museum devoted to his life offers an insight not only into key events but also into how the Georgians view their infamous compatriot. Near Gori lies one of the most interesting places on the ancient Silk Road - Uplistikhe. A guided tour has been arranged of this cave city, after which we’ll drive back to Tbilisi. Tonight, a special performance of folk dancing and a traditional meal awaits. Overnight in Tbilisi. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 240 km / 150 ml.
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Alaverdi - Napareuli - Gremi - Signagi
Day 7
Transfer by car / minibus: Tbilisi - Alaverdi Monastery
Alaverdi Monastery Guided Tour
Transfer by car / minibus: Alaverdi Monastery - Napareuli
Wine Tasting at Twins Wine Cellar
Transfer by car / minibus: Napareuli - Gremi
Gremi Complex Guided Tour
Transfer by car / minibus: Gremi - Sighnaghi
Georgia boasts an 8000 year tradition of viticulture and the techniques used are quite different to those favoured in France, Germany or Italy. Today you’ll explore the region of the country most associated with wine growing, Kakheti. There are visits to Alaverdi Monastery and the royal citadel and the Church of the Archangels which form the Gremi complex. A wine tasting has been arranged at the Twins Wine Cellar in Napareuli. This afternoon, we’ll continue on to the picturesque town of Sighnaghi. Its cobbled streets, fortified walls and views across lush valleys make it one of the prettiest towns in the country. Overnight in Sighnaghi. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 219 km / 137 ml.
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Bodbe - Azerbaijan border - Sheki
Day 8
Walking Tour in Sighnaghi
Bodbe Monastery of St Nino Guided Tour
Transfer by car / minibus: Sighnaghi - Sheki
Visit Church of Kish
Today’s the day we cross the border into Azerbaijan. But we can’t leave without seeing Bodbe Monastery, just a couple of kilometres down the road from Sighnaghi. It’s dedicated to St Nino, who preached Christianity here in the 4th century. At Lagodekhi you’ll cross the border and meet your Azeri guide. Taking the road to Sheki, you’ll stop at the village of Kish. The main monument is an Albanian church whose history can be traced back to at least the 6th century, perhaps even as early as the 1st century. Under glass, you can see the bones of people buried here many centuries ago. These people would have looked very different to those who live in the Caucasus today, with blonde hair and a tall physique, giving rise to the village’s nickname “land of Atlantis”. Overnight in Sheki. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 157 km / 98 ml.
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Shamakhi - Baku
Day 9
Guided Tour of Sheki
Transfer by car / minibus: Sheki - Shamakhi
Shamakhi City Tour
Transfer by car / minibus: Shamakhi - Baku
Sheki is the oldest city in Azerbaijan and was founded as a Silk Road city. It’s worth looking around the history museum to learn a little about how the place has developed and altered over the years. You’ll also pay a visit to the Khan’s summer palace. With floral motifs on its elaborate façade and beautiful frescoes adorning the interiors, this is an insight into the lavish world of the rich and powerful. No expense was spared to create mirrored balconies, decorations of Venetian glass and paintings of hunting scenes. A casualty of time is the garden, however, as only two trees remain. Our second stop is at Shamakhi. Once the capital of the Shirvan Empire, it’s now more famous as a centre for wine-making. You’ll visit the Yeddi Gumbez mausoleum and also the Diri Baba tomb. From there we’ll drive to Baku. Overnight in Baku. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 298 km / 186 ml.
Day 10
Baku City Tour
The capital of Azerbaijan has changed dramatically in recent years, its booming economy and 21st century architecture built on the profits from oil. From a lofty vantage point, you’ll take in the views over the city and Baku Bay. You’ll easily spot the capital’s best known trio: the recognisable shapes of the Flame Towers. We’ve arranged a guided tour of Baku’s old town, the Icheri sheher, bounded on three sides by thick walls and on the fourth by the Caspian Sea. This city within a city is crammed full of historic monuments and noteworthy buildings, including the Shirvanshah Palace, home of the Shahs and the Maiden Tower, which predates the palace. Silk route trade from Russia to Iran brought great wealth and with it the construction of mosques, caravanserais and bathhouses, many of which remain to this day. Overnight in Baku. (Breakfast, Dinner)
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Gobustan - Yanar Dag - Baku
Day 11
Transfer by car / minibus: Baku - Gobustan
Excursion to Gobustan National Park
Transfer by car / minibus: Gobustan - Yanar Dag
Visit Yanar Dag Flames
Transfer by car / minibus: Yanar Dag - Baku
Today’s sightseeing takes us to Gobustan where you’ll see petroglyphs and other ancient sites. Over 6000 rock carvings depict primitive people, animals, battles, ritual dances, camel caravans and even bullfights, dating back 5,000 to 20,000 years. The area is also home to many mud volcanoes. You’ll also visit Yanar Dag, continuously burning thanks to the gases which escape from the rocks. No wonder Azerbaijan is often called “the fire country”. Overnight in Baku. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 152 km / 95 ml.
Day 12
Transfer from the hotel to the airport
Sadly, your Caucasus adventure draws to a close today. A driver will have you at the airport in good time for your flight home. (Breakfast)
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Dates and prices
Please read notes at the bottom of the table to learn more about the meaning of each pricing section
Travel package
Year of travel
2024
Travel dates Flights Excluding / Including Single / Solo supplement Book
23/03/2024 - 03/04/2024 £2,195 / £2,595 £275 / £895 book now
30/03/2024 - 10/04/2024 £2,195 / £2,595 £275 / £895 book now
06/04/2024 - 17/04/2024 £2,195 / £2,595 £275 / £895 book now
13/04/2024 - 24/04/2024 £2,195 / £2,595 £275 / £895 book now
20/04/2024 - 01/05/2024 £2,195 / £2,595 £275 / £895 book now
27/04/2024 - 08/05/2024 £2,195 / £2,595 £275 / £895 book now
04/05/2024 - 15/05/2024 £2,195 / £2,595 £275 / £895 book now
11/05/2024 - 22/05/2024 £2,195 / £2,595 £275 / £895 book now
18/05/2024 - 29/05/2024 £2,195 / £2,595 £275 / £895 book now
25/05/2024 - 05/06/2024 £2,195 / £2,595 £275 / £895 book now
01/06/2024 - 12/06/2024 £2,195 / £2,595 £275 / £895 book now
08/06/2024 - 19/06/2024 £2,195 / £2,595 £275 / £895 book now
15/06/2024 - 26/06/2024 £2,195 / £2,595 £275 / £895 book now
22/06/2024 - 03/07/2024 £2,195 / £2,595 £275 / £895 book now
29/06/2024 - 10/07/2024 £2,195 / £2,595 £275 / £895 book now
06/07/2024 - 17/07/2024 £2,195 / £2,595 £275 / £895 book now
13/07/2024 - 24/07/2024 £2,195 / £2,595 £275 / £895 book now
20/07/2024 - 31/07/2024 £2,195 / £2,595 £275 / £895 book now
27/07/2024 - 07/08/2024 £2,195 / £2,595 £275 / £895 book now
03/08/2024 - 14/08/2024 £2,195 / £2,595 £275 / £895 book now
10/08/2024 - 21/08/2024 £2,195 / £2,595 £275 / £895 book now
17/08/2024 - 28/08/2024 £2,195 / £2,595 £275 / £895 book now
24/08/2024 - 04/09/2024 £2,195 / £2,595 £275 / £895 book now
31/08/2024 - 11/09/2024 £2,195 / £2,595 £275 / £895 book now
07/09/2024 - 18/09/2024 £2,195 / £2,595 £275 / £895 book now
14/09/2024 - 25/09/2024 £2,195 / £2,595 £275 / £895 book now
21/09/2024 - 02/10/2024 £2,195 / £2,595 £275 / £895 book now
28/09/2024 - 09/10/2024 £2,195 / £2,595 £275 / £895 book now
05/10/2024 - 16/10/2024 £2,195 / £2,595 £275 / £895 book now
12/10/2024 - 23/10/2024 £2,195 / £2,595 £275 / £895 book now
19/10/2024 - 30/10/2024 £2,195 / £2,595 £275 / £895 book now
26/10/2024 - 06/11/2024 £2,195 / £2,595 £275 / £895 book now
02/11/2024 - 13/11/2024 £2,195 / £2,595 £275 / £895 book now
09/11/2024 - 20/11/2024 £2,195 / £2,595 £275 / £895 book now
16/11/2024 - 27/11/2024 £2,195 / £2,595 £275 / £895 book now
23/11/2024 - 04/12/2024 £2,195 / £2,595 £275 / £895 book now
30/11/2024 - 11/12/2024 £2,195 / £2,595 £275 / £895 book now
07/12/2024 - 18/12/2024 £2,195 / £2,595 £275 / £895 book now
14/12/2024 - 25/12/2024 £2,195 / £2,595 £275 / £895 book now
Travel dates Flights Excluding / Including Single / Solo supplement Book
23/03/2024 - 03/04/2024 £2,295 / £2,695 £395 / £895 book now
30/03/2024 - 10/04/2024 £2,295 / £2,695 £395 / £895 book now
06/04/2024 - 17/04/2024 £2,295 / £2,695 £395 / £895 book now
13/04/2024 - 24/04/2024 £2,295 / £2,695 £395 / £895 book now
20/04/2024 - 01/05/2024 £2,295 / £2,695 £395 / £895 book now
27/04/2024 - 08/05/2024 £2,295 / £2,695 £395 / £895 book now
04/05/2024 - 15/05/2024 £2,295 / £2,695 £395 / £895 book now
11/05/2024 - 22/05/2024 £2,295 / £2,695 £395 / £895 book now
18/05/2024 - 29/05/2024 £2,295 / £2,695 £395 / £895 book now
25/05/2024 - 05/06/2024 £2,295 / £2,695 £395 / £895 book now
01/06/2024 - 12/06/2024 £2,295 / £2,695 £395 / £895 book now
08/06/2024 - 19/06/2024 £2,295 / £2,695 £395 / £895 book now
15/06/2024 - 26/06/2024 £2,295 / £2,695 £395 / £895 book now
22/06/2024 - 03/07/2024 £2,295 / £2,695 £395 / £895 book now
29/06/2024 - 10/07/2024 £2,295 / £2,695 £395 / £895 book now
06/07/2024 - 17/07/2024 £2,295 / £2,695 £395 / £895 book now
13/07/2024 - 24/07/2024 £2,295 / £2,695 £395 / £895 book now
20/07/2024 - 31/07/2024 £2,295 / £2,695 £395 / £895 book now
27/07/2024 - 07/08/2024 £2,295 / £2,695 £395 / £895 book now
03/08/2024 - 14/08/2024 £2,295 / £2,695 £395 / £895 book now
10/08/2024 - 21/08/2024 £2,295 / £2,695 £395 / £895 book now
17/08/2024 - 28/08/2024 £2,295 / £2,695 £395 / £895 book now
24/08/2024 - 04/09/2024 £2,295 / £2,695 £395 / £895 book now
31/08/2024 - 11/09/2024 £2,295 / £2,695 £395 / £895 book now
07/09/2024 - 18/09/2024 £2,295 / £2,695 £395 / £895 book now
14/09/2024 - 25/09/2024 £2,295 / £2,695 £395 / £895 book now
21/09/2024 - 02/10/2024 £2,295 / £2,695 £395 / £895 book now
28/09/2024 - 09/10/2024 £2,295 / £2,695 £395 / £895 book now
05/10/2024 - 16/10/2024 £2,295 / £2,695 £395 / £895 book now
12/10/2024 - 23/10/2024 £2,295 / £2,695 £395 / £895 book now
19/10/2024 - 30/10/2024 £2,295 / £2,695 £395 / £895 book now
26/10/2024 - 06/11/2024 £2,295 / £2,695 £395 / £895 book now
02/11/2024 - 13/11/2024 £2,295 / £2,695 £395 / £895 book now
09/11/2024 - 20/11/2024 £2,295 / £2,695 £395 / £895 book now
16/11/2024 - 27/11/2024 £2,295 / £2,695 £395 / £895 book now
23/11/2024 - 04/12/2024 £2,295 / £2,695 £395 / £895 book now
30/11/2024 - 11/12/2024 £2,295 / £2,695 £395 / £895 book now
07/12/2024 - 18/12/2024 £2,295 / £2,695 £395 / £895 book now
14/12/2024 - 25/12/2024 £2,295 / £2,695 £395 / £895 book now

Note on pricing:

  1. All prices are per person, in British Pounds. All included services are listed in the tour dossier and the section "Included" in the tour description.
  2. Price "Including flight" is subject to airfare availability and will be reconfirmed upon your booking. We advise not to delay with booking your tour as airfares may go up.
  3. Price "Excluding flight" does not cover airfare, you are free to book your own flights.
  4. Single supplement goes towards single room accommodation.
  5. Solo supplement is payable in the unlikely event when you are the only person on the tour. It will be refunded if other people join the same tour.
See what our clients say about our company
We are very happy to have served thousands of happy customers who travelled with us.
All tour guides were excellent, very knowledgable and friendly.
The entire holiday was excellent. The organisation of the whole experience was excellent.
It was a fantastic trip. Your representatives were helpful knowledge and very nice from start to finish.
We had wonderful guides and drivers. Everything with transfers worked great! Maybe I would use you again, after I rest up a bit after this trip!!!
Important to get the two standard trips as offered, back to back plus bespoke extras of travel, transfers and hotel plus flights.
Especially good- reliability, guides, flawless organisation, promptness of all staff
The transfers were excellent, the accommodation was superb, we had a wonderful time, thank you.
Fantastic knowledge of the guides, made the trip much more enjoyable.

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