10 Days | Travel off the beaten path, to where East meets West
Spend 10 days exploring Azerbaijan and Georgia, where historic Old Towns and monasteries sit comfortably alongside skyscrapers and the Caucasus mountains. Discover the ancient history hidden among Azerbaijan's futuristic architecture, then cross into Georgia to enjoy medieval ruins and traditional wines. Visit one of Europe's largest open-air rock museums, savour a hearty home-cooked lunch with a local Kakheti family and hike to the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church. From cities to mountains, this trip promises unforgettable encounters at every turn.
Trip overview
- 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
- Walk through Azerbaijan's Old Town, where views of the Palace of the Shirvanshahs are made even more spectacular by the modern skyscrapers in the background.
- Hike to the 14th-century Gergeti Trinity Church, which sits in splendid isolation at 2170 m in the heart of the Caucasus Mountains.
- 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.
- Connect with locals and gain an insight into everyday life in this part of the world – you'll visit the Udi community in Nij, learn the traditional methods of copper craftsmanship in Lahij, appreciate stained-glass artistry in Sheki and share a meal with locals in Kvareli.
- 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) or 'Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia Adventure' (trip code:KFSBC).
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2023 - 31 December 2024
Itinerary
Inclusions
9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
Private Vehicle, Public Bus, Taxi
Hotel (6 nights), Guesthouse (3 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
- 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 – Old Town Walking Tour with Local Guide - Free
- Tbilisi - The National Gallery - GEL25
- Tbilisi - Thermal Bath House Visit - from - GEL70
Dates and availability
Important notes
1. A single supplement is bookable on this trip, excluding day 7&8, 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.
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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