Azerbaijan & Georgia Experience





Discover the secrets of the Caucasus region, from Baku to Tbilisi in depth
Visit two countries that have taken a big leap into the 21st century, where historical old 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. Reconnect with nature on hikes through wooded forests and past the Chaladi glacier and learn the secrets of Georgian cheese making. This all-encompassing trip takes you from eccentric Baku, to the lush green slopes of Georgia's Mestia valley and ancient alleyways of Tbilisi
4.6
17 reviewsStart: Baku, Azerbaijan
End: Tbilisi, Georgia
- Duration
- 20 days
- Group size
- 1 to 12
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time
Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time
Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities
Premium: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders
- Original
- Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- Explorer
- 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
Why you'll love this trip
- Azerbaijan's cosmopolitan capital of Baku is often referred to as the 'new Dubai'. Enjoy a guided walking tour around the city's World Heritage-listed Old Town.
- Mud volcanoes, ancient mosques, lush forests and tall peaks – the Caucasus Mountains will take your breath away.
- 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.
- Journey to the Svaneti region, a remote and alluring land of snow-capped mountains, discover the iconic tower houses dotted amongst mountain valleys and learn of one of the highest settlement in Europe - Ushguli people and its fascinating culture and traditions.
- Far from a mere sightseeing tour, this trip is active and hands-on. You'll try your hand at preparing delicious local food and have plenty of chances to hike and explore.
- Get active on hikes in the shadow of magnificent snowy peaks of the Greater Caucasus, to the iconic Gergeti Trinich Church to medieval villages and one of the biggest glaciers in Georgia, Shkhara glacier.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2026 - 31 December 2026
Itinerary
Salam! Welcome to Azerbaijan. Your adventure begins in Baku, with a welcome meeting at 6 pm this evening. If you arrive early, maybe walk around 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 a night walk around Azerbaijan’s capital, where they’ll highlight the best spots for dinner. Maybe get your group together for some traditional Azerbaijani dishes, like plov (seasoned rice) or dolma (stuffed vegetables).
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Baku - Leader-led night city walk
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
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. Stop on the way to check out these geological formations as they spew mud and gas. Azerbaijan has more clay craters 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 over 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.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Qobustan - Petroglyphs
- Baku - Old City Walking Tour
- Baku - National Carpet Museum - AZN10
- Baku - The Heydar Aliyev Centre - AZN15
- Baku - National Museum of History of Azerbaijan - AZN10
Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.
Leave Baku this morning and enjoy the change of scenery as the dry landscape giving way to the densely forested mountains along the way. Stop en route in Shamakhi and check out one of the oldest moquests of Azerbaijan - Juma (Friday) Mosque, then onto your final destination for today - the stunning traditional village of Lahij for Tats people. Explore its cobbled streets, stone houses, visit a copper workshop and get to know some local folk over a cup of tea.Then try your hand at yogurt making in the traditional way, an important part of Azerbaijan cuisine. Your accommodation tonight is at a local guesthouse.
- Guesthouse (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lahij - Yoghurt Making Demonstration
- Lahij - Copper workshop visit
- Shamakhi - Juma Mosque
Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.
Driving conditions in the mountains can become treacherous in foggy or wet weather. If the drive to Lahij is considered unsafe due to these conditions, we will stay in the city of Qebele (Gabala) instead.
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 the unassuming site of a significant church and a local museum of Udi Culture. The Albanian Church (as it’s known colloquially) is a source of pride and heritage for the local Udi community. Continue to Sheki afterwards and enjoy a free evening.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Nij - Udin village and museum visit
Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.
Visit the Palace of Sheki Khans first in the morning. The walls of the palace are painted with scenes of hunting and war and it features impressive stained glass. Afterwards check out a workshop where shebeke – stained glass windows made with no glue or nails – are produced by local masters witih skills past down through generations of practices. Then get on a local public bus to Kish to visit the pointed spires of a church that is among the oldest in Christendom, believed to be around 1700 years old. Try Azerbaijan’s national dish – Piti for lunch – a stew made of lamb, sheep fat, chickpeas, onions, chestnuts, saffron and spices, and is guaranteed to be full of exciting flavors. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to discover Sheki. Why not explore the impressive traditional architecture on foot. Maybe stop for tea and some local halva (made with sugar, hazelnuts, coriander and rice flour grinned in a watermill).
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Kish - Albanian Church
- Kish - Village Visit
- Sheki - Shebeke workshop visit
- Sheki - Khan's Palace
After breakfast, take a walk with your leader through the Sheki market. It’s a great opportunity to stock up on snacks for the journey ahead, so maybe grab some halva, nuts and dried fruit. Continue to Lagodekhi 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 finish your journey in Telavi, where you’ll stay in a local hotel for the evening.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Sheki - Bazaar Visit
- Kakheti - Lunch with a Local Family
- Kakheti- Gremi Complex
- Telavi - Telavi Historical Museum - GEL5
- Telavi – Batonis Castle - GEL2
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Due to current border crossing regulations, after clearing customs (remember, you’ll need your Azerbaijan visa) you must walk unaccompanied with your luggage through a buffer zone of approximately 700 m. The walk is relatively easy and it’s possible to wheel your luggage.
In the morning, wander through the vibrant local farmers market in Telavi, where butchers carve up fresh meat and vendors offload piles of spices, then visit Tsinandalia, a historic estate and winery once owned by noted 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 listed Alaverdi Cathedral that dates back to 6th century. Afterwards, drive into the mountains up the renowned Georgian Military Highway. Enjoy a dinner together and spend the night in lofty Gudauri.
- Guesthouse (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Kakheti - Tsinandali Estate Visit
- Kakheti - Telavi Fresh Produce Market
- Telavi - Alaverdi Cathedral
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
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 – and, weather permitting, you may catch a glimpse. The image of the pointed spires of the isolated church against the mountains is truly breathtaking, and a great place for a photo. Drive back to Gudauri for a dinner with your group.
- Guesthouse (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Stepantsminda - Gergeti Trinity Church Hike
Your hiking time today will be approximately 2.5 hours, with an elevation of 2170 m. It's not an overly demanding route but it does involve a steady incline, so the fitter you are, the more you’ll enjoy it!
Make the drive to Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, located along the banks of the Kura River. Get into the swing of things with an orientation walk with your leader. Spend the rest of the day as you wish, perhaps grabbing a khachapuri (bread stuffed 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.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Tbilisi - Orientation Walk
- Tbilisi - Dry Bridge
- Tbilisi - Metekhi Church - Free
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Today is a free day to explore Tbilisi until the evening group meeting at 6pm to meet your leader and new fellow travellers and to discuss the next stage of your itinerary.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group will change at this location.
Occasionally you may need to change to a different hotel today to start the next part of your trip. Your tour leader will assist with this change and reimburse the taxi cost for going to the alternative hotel.
After breakfast take part in a sightseeing tour of Tbilisi. The locals like to call their capital the "Balcony of Europe", placing it on par with many of Europe's graceful old cities. All the sights in the Old Town are very close to each other and within a few minutes’ walk. You'll pass by Baratashvili bridge, Gabriadze Leaning Tower, the Peace Bridge and Sioni Cathedral on your guided walking tour. Afterwards, you may choose to visit Narikala Fortress and the Sulphur Baths in your free time and to further explore the capital. The evening is also free for you to enjoy. Perhaps indulge in Tbilisi's lively theater scene and witness some of the energetic and acrobatic dance that Georgia is known for.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Tbilisi - City tour
- Tbilisi - Open Air Museum of Ethnography - GEL20
- Tbilisi - The National Gallery - GEL25
- Tbilisi – Old Town Walking Tour with Local Guide - Free
- Tbilisi - Thermal Bath House Visit - from - GEL70
- Tbilisi - Aerial Cable Car One Way - GEL2
Today, head to the pretty city of Kutaisi on train, the third largest in the country (approximately 4.5 hours). Kutaisi is more than 3000 years old, connected to the legend of Jason and the Argonauts, along with his mythical (or is it?) Golden Fleece. On arrival, follow your leader on a city walking tour in this charming city, passing City Hall, Opera house and Mon plesier Arch, and visit Golden Marquee Palace and Mtsvane Bazari (market) known for its fresh vegetables, fruits, natural dairy products, meat, a variety of spices. In your free time, maybe visit another significant historical site, the Gelati Cathedral or explore the cobbled streets of the town as you make your way up to the ruins of Bagrati palace and citadel.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Kutaisi - Leader-led city walking tour
- Kutaisi - Golden Marquee Palace
- Kutaisi - Farmers Market
- Kutaisi - Bagrati Cathedral & Gelati Monastery - Free
- Kutaisi - Pub Crawl - GEL60
- Kutaisi - State Historical Museum - GEL5
- Kutaisi - Aerial Tramway - GEL1
Please note that the Golden Marquee Palace is closed temporarily due to renovation. Until its reopening, you'll see the Colchis Fountain, considered the symbol of Kutaisi by many, or visit Kutaisi Central Garden, which serves as the public square for discussion of important matters by the locals, a proud tradition kept to this day.
After a restful night, journey to the remote Svaneti region (approximately 5-6 hours). Svaneti is the highest inhabited area in the Caucasus and is divided in two parts: Upper Svaneti and Lower Svaneti. Arrive into Mestia, the centre of Upper Svaneti. Mestia is surrounded by mountains, medieval-type villages and disctinctive tower-houses. The famous tower-houses were built to accommodate villagers at times of invasion and violence during the 9th -13th centuries. Around 175 towers still stand today, although many are uninhabited. The area is home to the Svans, a proud people with a long history of survival in this isolated part of Europe, who speak their own language. Spend the night in a local guesthouse.
- Guesthouse (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
The guesthouse in Mestia has limited rooms with private facilities. You might be allocated to room with shared facilities on rare occasions for your stay in Mestia on Day 4, 5 &7.
Drive to the village of Lakhiri (approximately 20 minutes) We start our walk today from the village in the direction of Mestia. After little uphill walking we descend to the beautiful valley full with blooming flowers and enjoy an amazing view of Chalati Glacier (2300m) and of Mestia Valley with its watchtowers. The paths can be steep and the ground uneven so you will need good fitness and appropriate footwear for this walk. Those not wishing to hike can stay in Mestia.
In the evening we discover how Georgians make their beloved cheese. Cheese is found in many Georgian dishes and is a key ingredient in the famous khachapuri, a traditional Georgian dish of cheese-filled bread which you will no doubt eat plenty of during your time here!
- Guesthouse (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Mestia - Cooking class
- Mestia - Lakhiri Village Hike
- Mestia - Georgian cheese making
Hiking Information: Elevation Range = +320m / -500m; Distance about 12 km and total duration about 3 to 4 hours.
Today, visit the World Heritage-listed village of Ushguli, a town around 50 kilometres southeast of Mestia (approx 2 hours drive). The village is located at 2,200 metres above sea level, and is one of the highest inhabited villages in Europe. Ushguli is most famous for its abundance of watchtowers – this is where you'll see the famous view of the towers set to the highest mountain in Georgia, the snow capped Mt Shkhara (5,068 metres). Visit the 12th-century Lamaria Church and walk to Queen Tamar’s tower. Total walking time is 2-3 hours depending on fitness and trail conditions. Those not wishing to walk may stay and explore Ushguli - maybe visit an ethnographic museums or walk around the village and become familiar with the daily life of the local people. Spend the night in a family-owned guesthouse.
- Guesthouse (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Ushguli - Village hike
- Ushguli - Lamaria Church
- Ushguli - Queen Tamar`s Tower
- Ushguli – Ethnographical Museum - GEL10
Walking Information: Elevation Range = +250m / -250m; total duration about 2.5 hours.
Please note that the lunch included for today and tomorrow will be lunch boxes prepared by our guesthouse which will mainly consist of simple sandwiches with cheese, egg, tomato and cucumber, fruit and bottled water.
You'll leave your big luggage at Mestia and take an overnight pack with you for your stay in Ushguli.
Today's walk starts from the guesthouse. The route takes us along the river to the base of Mt Shkhara. You will cross some small streams along the way so pack your waterproof boots and fingers crossed for great weather! We will have a picnic lunch today. The walking trail ends at the Shkhara glacier, where the Enguri river originates below. In the afternoon, return to Mestia and stay overnight in the guesthouse. Approximate walking time is 5-6 hours. If you do not wish to walk, please discuss options with your leader in advance.
- Guesthouse (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Ushguli - Shkhara Glacier hike & picnic
Walking Information: Elevation Range = +320m / -320m; distance about 16km and total duration 5-6 hours.
From the mountains to the sea today with a long drive to Batumi (approximately 7-8 hours) on the Black Sea coast. While past its Soviet heyday where it was one of the premiere seaside resorts, it is still popular with holiday makers from all over the region for its waterfront parks and beaches. Stay in a hotel tonight.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
In the morning take part in a short tour around the city. The afternoon is yours to relax. Batumi has a relaxed atmosphere, great restaurants and nightlife. Stroll the boulevard, cool off in the musical fountains on the square or see the touching Ali & Nino statue lit up at night. There's also art and ethnographic museums or a cable car to panoramic views over the city.
Highly recommended is the Batumi Botanical Gardens.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Batumi - Leader-led city walking tour
- Batumi - Botanic Garden - GEL20
- Batumi - Cable car - GEL30
- Batumi – Wine Tasting - GEL30
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.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
Your trip comes to an end today and your are free to depart at any time.
- Breakfast
Inclusions and activities
19 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners
Private Vehicle, Public Bus, Train, Taxi
Hotel (12 nights), Guesthouse (7 nights)
- Baku - Leader-led night city walk
- Qobustan - Petroglyphs
- Baku - Old City Walking Tour
- Lahij - Yoghurt Making Demonstration
- Lahij - Copper workshop visit
- Shamakhi - Juma Mosque
- Nij - Udin village and museum 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 - Dry Bridge
- Tbilisi - City tour
- Kutaisi - Leader-led city walking tour
- Kutaisi - Golden Marquee Palace
- Kutaisi - Farmers Market
- Mestia - Cooking class
- Mestia - Lakhiri Village Hike
- Mestia - Georgian cheese making
- Ushguli - Village hike
- Ushguli - Lamaria Church
- Ushguli - Queen Tamar`s Tower
- Ushguli - Shkhara Glacier hike & picnic
- Batumi - Leader-led city walking tour
- 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 - The National Gallery - GEL25
- Tbilisi – Old Town Walking Tour with Local Guide - Free
- Tbilisi - Thermal Bath House Visit - from - GEL70
- Tbilisi - Aerial Cable Car One Way - GEL2
- Kutaisi - Bagrati Cathedral & Gelati Monastery - Free
- Kutaisi - Pub Crawl - GEL60
- Kutaisi - State Historical Museum - GEL5
- Kutaisi - Aerial Tramway - GEL1
- Ushguli – Ethnographical Museum - GEL10
- Batumi - Botanic Garden - GEL20
- Batumi - Cable car - GEL30
- Batumi – Wine Tasting - GEL30
This trip generates 27 kg of CO2-e per person per day
Learn more about our climate commitment.
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Before you book you should know
- The highest altitude reached on this trip is 2200 metres at the highest point. A good level of fitness is required. That said, alternative activities can often be arranged for those who would prefer not to hike.
- As we don't want you to miss anything, the itinerary is densely packed, so you'll be busy. There will, however, be plenty of free time and opportunity for independent exploration.
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
Staying in local guesthouses is an excellent way to support the economy of the communities we visit and provides greater opportunities to meet with locals. All Guesthouses on this trip are clean and comfortable, but you may on occasions have to deal with a temperamental hot water supply, please be patient. Some guesthouses may have limited rooms with private facilities and you may be allocated to rooms with shared facilities instead.
Sapphire Inn Hotel
5 Hassan Abdullayev Street
Baku
AZERBAIJAN
Phone: 00994 125051105
Description
Sapphire Inn is conveniently located in a shopping area close to Icherishekher subway station as well as the palace, the mosque and museums in Baku, only a few hundred meters to Ismailiyya Palace, Taza Pir Mosque and Fountain Square. Featuring classical architecture style, it offers great comfort and ease to guests staying there. Breakfast is included.
Instructions
If you've booked an arrival transfer with Intrepid, you’ll be met in the arrivals hall of Baku International Airport (GYD) by a transfer representative holding an Intrepid sign. In case of flight cancellations, changes, if you experience severe delays at immigration, baggage collection or customs, or if you are not able to find the driver, please call +994 7031 50022.
Public Transport: There is a direct Express bus route number 116 operating from the Airport to Baku City centre. Service runs every 20 - 30 minutes beginning from early in the morning until late night. The bus leaves outside the Airport building, across the parking area. The service terminates at S. Vurgun's park on the 28 May street. The journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes. One way ticket costs AZN1.5. To pay for the bus you need to buy Baku transport card in an automated kiosk for AZN2.
Taxi: Avoid taxi touts who approach you and instead take only licensed (purple "London Cab" style cars) taxis from outside the terminal. These are metered and a regular fare to the hotel should cost around 60 AZN.
If you are taking a taxi, you can show your taxi driver below text:
Sapphire Inn mehmanxanasi
Hesen Abdullayev kucesi 5 (Axundov parkinin yani)
Dates and prices
Important notes
1. A single supplement is bookable on this trip, excluding day 7&8, 13, 14&16 in local guest houses, subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. We’ll require correct details of your full name and passport number in order to book train tickets on this trip. You’ll need to provide these details to your booking agent no later than 30 days prior to your departure. Any incorrect details provided or delay in providing this information may result in extra expenses.
3. 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).
4. Please be advised that due to current border crossing restrictions for different Caucasus nationalities, your Trip Leader may be from nearby Ukraine or Russia. 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.
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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