Highlights of Azerbaijan & Georgia

10 Days | Encounter the warmth behind austere facades in Azerbaijan and Georgia

4.8 out of 5 based on 38 reviews submitted.
Explorer
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CHF  1,955
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Spend 10-days in Azerbaijan and Georgia, where historical old towns and monasteries sit comfortably alongside towering skyscrapers,or against draw-dropping scenery of the Caucasus mountains. Discover warmth and pride among the ostensible austerity of Azerbaijan culture, then cross into Georgia to devour medieval ruins and traditional wines alike. Visit one of Europe's largest open-air rock museums, enjoy a hearty home-cooked lunch with a local Kakheti family and hike to the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church. From cities to mountains, this trip guarantees encounters that will stay with you forever.

Trip overview

Map of Highlights Of Azerbaijan & Georgia including Azerbaijan and Georgia
Start
Baku, Azerbaijan
Finish
Tbilisi, Georgia
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
Georgia, Azerbaijan
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
KFSB
This trip generates 47 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Take a guided walking tour of Azerbaijan's Old Town, where views of the Palace of the Shirvanshahs are made even more spectacular by the modern skyscrapers in the background.
  • The Caucasus Mountains will take your breath away in more ways than one during a hike to the 14th-century Gergeti Trinity Church, which sits in splendid isolation at 2170 m.
  • Be treated to Azerbaijan's national dish Piti, and stop at a traditional Georgian wine producer where the ancient, UNESCO-listed qvevri method is still used.
  • Navigate the organised chaos of the farmers markets in Telavi. Your leader will be there to help you order as much fresh fruit, nuts or pigs heads as you desire.
  • Explore the small ethnic villages and workshops along the way - Lahij's cobbled streets, Nij's udi community, Kish's pointed church and learn about the traditional method and unique techniques in yogurt making, copper craftsmanship and stained glass making - the perfect opportunities to make local friends and gain some authentic insights to local life.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Mtskheta-Mtianeti Regional Hub. Donations help them improve their services and training hub to connect people, who’ve fled their homes due to war or political instability, with their new community in Georgia.

Is this trip right for you?
  • There’s so much to see in this part of the world and we don't want you to miss anything. The itinerary is densely packed, but there will be the odd free afternoon or evening to explore at your own pace. Please read the itinerary carefully to determine if this will suit you.
  • Some of the best scenery in the region is found on foot. So, while this trip doesn't require a high level of fitness, it’s essential to be at least moderately fit if you want to partake in all activities. Make sure you bring comfortable walking shoes with good support.
  • This trip has a strong historical focus and is perfect for anyone with an interest in the Caucasus region. Even if you know nothing about the area, you’re bound to find yourself fascinated by the various political and social machinations that have shaped the area.
  • If you enjoy experiencing new food, good wine and breathtaking scenery then this is the right trip for you, keep in mind that altitudes can be high (over 2000m) so even in summer a sweater is a good idea.
  • If you would like to further explore the region, please check out our 20-day trip 'Azerbaijan & Georgia Experience' (trip code:KFSGC).

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2023 to 31 December 2024.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025

Map of Highlights Of Azerbaijan & Georgia including Azerbaijan and Georgia

Inclusions

Meals

9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

Transport

Private Vehicle, Public Bus, Taxi

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights), Guesthouse (3 nights)

Activities
  • Baku - Leader-led night city walk
  • Qobustan - Petroglyphs
  • Baku - Old City Walking Tour
  • Lahij - Yoghurt Making Master Class
  • Lahij - Copper workshop visit
  • Shamakhi - Juma Mosque
  • Nij - Udin village visit
  • Kish - Albanian Church
  • Kish - Village Visit
  • Sheki - Shebeke workshop visit
  • Sheki - Khan's Palace
  • Sheki - Bazaar Visit
  • Kakheti - Lunch with a Local Family
  • Kakheti- Gremi Complex
  • Kakheti - Tsinandali Estate Visit
  • Kakheti - Telavi Fresh Produce Market
  • Telavi - Alaverdi Cathedral
  • Stepantsminda - Gergeti Trinity Church Hike
  • Tbilisi - Orientation Walk
  • Tbilisi - Anchiskhati Church
Add on activities
  • Baku - National Carpet Museum - AZN10
  • Baku - The Heydar Aliyev Centre - AZN15
  • Baku - National Museum of History of Azerbaijan - AZN10
  • Telavi - Telavi Historical Museum - GEL5
  • Telavi – Batonis Castle - GEL2
  • Tbilisi - Metekhi Church - Free
  • Tbilisi - Open Air Museum of Ethnography - GEL20
  • Tbilisi - Georgian National Museum - GEL30
  • Tbilisi - The National Gallery - GEL25
  • Tbilisi - Thermal Bath House Visit - from - GEL70

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is bookable on this trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. Please note there is a chance of potential changes to the itinerary due to heavy rain, flooding and snow at higher altitudes, which often affect roads and bridges, making travel difficult or impossible (particularly in remote areas).
3. Please be advised that due to current border crossing restrictions for different Caucasus nationalities, your Trip Leader may be from nearby region. Your leader will have in-depth knowledge and extensive travel experience throughout the Caucasus. Local guides from Azerbaijan and Georgia are represented throughout the itinerary to ensure you receive a diverse and uniquely local range of perspectives.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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Reviews

4.8 out of 5 based on 38 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Kirsi · Traveled September 2024
An interesting trip, but too much free time at places where there was nothing to do. I would also preciate possebility to use washingmaschine like at Fabrika in Tbilisi.
Review submitted 22 Sep 2024

Georgia · Traveled September 2024
A great trip to get insight into two countries that have adapted and evolved over many centuries. The resilience of the people in challenging political and physical landscapes whilst maintaining their culture and dignity with pride is humbling. This journey is like taking a Time Machine to the future and the past simultaneously.
Review submitted 09 Sep 2024

Eleanor · Traveled August 2024
This trip was EXCEPTIONAL. My first group trip and I will definitely go again.
Review submitted 29 Aug 2024

Ronald · Traveled August 2024
Intrepid is best at exploring a place's authentic culture, society and history; in my limited experience of organised trips.
Review submitted 02 Sep 2024

Mark · Traveled August 2024
This trip will fully awaken your senses. The cultures, the landscapes, the religious icons and the people and don’t forget the food and wine. Outstanding.
Review submitted 24 Aug 2024
Highlights of Azerbaijan & Georgia
From
CHF  1,955