Explore Azerbaijan & Georgia: 12-Day Cultural and Historical Journey from Baku to Tbilisi

After breakfast, set off for a guided city tour. Explore the Old City, once the capital of medieval Baku, and hear tales of its past from your local guide, from the reign of the Shirvanshahs to its modern-day cosmopolitan vibe. Stop by the Shemakha Gate, Maiden Tower (optional visit), Old Market Square, and end with a guided tour of the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. Afterward, enjoy the rest of the day to explore on your own.

This morning, venture outside of the city on a half-day excursion to Gobustan, located about 60 km south of Baku. Along the way, you’ll pass old oil rigs and learn about Azerbaijan's role in the birth of the oil industry. At Gobustan National Park, visit one of the world’s largest open-air archaeological museums, where a local guide will share the stories behind ancient rock carvings that date back around 40,000 years, depicting scenes of hunting, fishing, and gathering. Return to Baku in the afternoon with free time to relax or visit the Heydar Aliyev Center, a modern architectural marvel designed by Zaha Hadid. In the evening, take a leisurely walk along the waterfront, find a restaurant for dinner, and enjoy the Baku Eye and Flame Towers.

Depart Baku and head towards the Caucasus Mountains in the northwest of Azerbaijan. Watch the landscape transform from arid plains to lush, forested mountains. Stop at the Yeddi Gumbaz Mausoleum and the Juma Mosque in Shamakhi before arriving in Sheki. Here, visit a local craft workshop where the famous shebeke (intricate stained-glass windows) are handmade. Continue to the renowned Palace of Sheki Khans to marvel at its stunning frescoes and stained-glass windows. End your day with a delicious Azerbaijani dinner at a local restaurant.

After breakfast, travel to Lagodekhi, a town on the Azerbaijan–Georgia border, where you’ll change transportation. From there, continue into Georgia's Kakheti region, famous for its wine production. Enjoy lunch in Sighnaghi, one of Georgia's most picturesque towns, offering breathtaking views of the Al-Azani Valley and the Caucasus Mountains. Then, head to your accommodation in Telavi.

Start your day with a relaxing breakfast, then head to the Telavi Food Market to discover the region’s delicacies, including specialty cheeses, wines, and sweets. Afterward, visit the well-preserved 17th-century Batonistsikhe Castle, once the royal residence of the Kakheti Kingdom. Later, take a scenic drive to the Pankisi Valley, home to the Muslim Kist community. Here, enjoy a cultural walking tour, which provides local Kists with an opportunity to develop skills and generate income. Enjoy a traditional lunch in the valley before returning to your accommodation for the evening.

After breakfast, drive to Tbilisi and check into your hotel. This hotel, overlooking Georgia’s presidential palace, has hosted aristocrats, famous writers, and public figures. Once you check in, you're free to explore Tbilisi at your own pace. Wander through the colorful old districts of Georgia's capital, with their patterned balconies and beautiful mix of modern and historic architecture. Your tour leader will also have some great dining recommendations for you.

Enjoy a guided walking tour through Tbilisi, starting with the 13th-century Metekhi Church, offering magnificent views of the old city. Take a cable car up to Narikala Fortress, a Persian citadel with roots going back to the 4th century. Your guide will share the fortress's fascinating history while you take in the sweeping views. Continue your exploration of Tbilisi, a city built around natural hot springs (hence the name "warm place"), and perhaps visit one of the local bathhouses for a rejuvenating dip in the thermal waters.

Today, visit Mtskheta, the ancient capital and religious center of Georgia. With your local guide, explore the World Heritage-listed sites and discover the rich history of this area. Then, head to the Tserovani Refugee Settlement, home to around 8,000 people displaced by the 2008 conflict between Russia and Georgia over South Ossetia. Visit the Ikorta enamel jewelry workshop, where displaced youth and women are trained and employed to create beautiful, meaningful art. After a light lunch, tour the settlement and learn about the ongoing challenges of displacement faced by many Georgians. In the afternoon, drive to Akhaltsikhe, a town in southwest Georgia known for its multicultural influences and varied architecture.

This morning, drive to Vardzia, a fascinating cave city once at the height of its power. En route, stop at the Khertvisi Fortress, a 10th-century marvel. Vardzia stretches over half a kilometer along the river and features 19 levels of cobbled streets, churches carved into rock, and stunning 12th-century frescoes. A local guide will provide insight into the city's history and its rise and fall. Later, return to Akhaltsikhe and visit the impressive Rabati Fortress, which boasts multiple watchtowers, gardens, and places of worship. Alternatively, you can enjoy a more relaxed afternoon at your accommodation.

Start the day with a visit to Gori, Joseph Stalin's birthplace. Your leader will guide you through the city's historical sites, including the Stalin Museum, the Memorial of Georgian War Heroes and Gori Fortress. You’ll also see traditional mosaics and artworks. Next, drive along the Georgian Military Highway, which runs toward the Georgia-Russia border. Stop at the Ananuri architectural complex, which includes two churches and a fortress overlooking the Zhinvali Reservoir. Your leader will explain how these carvings are some of the finest examples of Georgian art. Arrive in Gudauri, nestled in the Caucasus Mountains, and enjoy dinner.

Today, enjoy a scenic drive from Gudauri along the Tergi River to Stepantsminda. From here, take a 4WD adventure into the heart of the Caucasus Mountains to reach the stunning Gergeti Trinity Church, perched 2,170 meters above sea level. Weather permitting, you might catch a glimpse of Mount Kazbegi. On the return journey to Gudauri, stop at the village of Sno to explore a park featuring massive stone heads, similar to those found on Easter Island, representing famous figures from Georgian history. After returning to Gudauri, enjoy some free time to relax and take in the fresh mountain air.

After a refreshing breakfast, enjoy your final moments in Georgia. Depending on your flight time, you may have some time to explore Gudauri one last time or simply relax and take in the serene mountain views. At the designated time, your driver will transfer you to the airport for your departure.