Azerbaijan & Georgia Experience

20 Days
From CAD 5,415
Best Rate
Guarantee
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Average

Rating


(8 reviews)

Experience Overview

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

Highlights

  • 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.

Trip Details

Product CodeProduct Code: 2216

Tour TypeTour Type: Small Group

AccommodationAccommodation: Moderate

TransportTransport: Private Vehicle,Public Bus,Train,Taxi

Guide LanguageGuide Language: English

Supplier CodeSupplier Code: KFSGC

StartStarts: Baku, Azerbaijan

FinishFinishes: Tbilisi, Azerbaijan

DurationDuration: 20 days

DeparturesDepartures: Guaranteed

Physical RatingPhysical rating: Average

Includes

Meals: Breakfasts (19), Lunch (5), Dinner (6)
Accommodation: Hotel (12 nights),Guesthouse (7 nights)

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 5415 (CAD 271 /day)

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Baku

Welcome to Azerbaijan! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. Why not seek some traditional local fare with the group after the meeting and join your leader for a night walk around Baku.

Included Activities:

  • Baku - Leader-led night city walk

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

2
Day 2: Qobustan/ Baku

In the morning, drive to Qobustan, a national reserve and World Heritage site that functions as an open-air archaeological museum. Stop on the way to check out the bubbling mud volcanoes first and then continue to Qobustan. Here lie some well-preserved rock petroglyphs dating back as far as BC 12th century, as well as a Roman inscription notable as the easternmost of its kind. Return to Baku in the afternoon and explore Baku’s UNESCO World Cultural Site - the walled old Town and learn about its history and legends on a guided walking tour. Finish in the Old Market Square and enjoy exploring the old city of Baku. The evening is yours to spend. If you’re searching for somewhere to eat, ask your leader to point you in the direction of Nizami Street, where local restaurants line this busy boulevard. Perhaps order some lavangi – walnuts, dried fruit and onions stuffed inside chicken and roasted to create a tantalising fusion of flavours.

Included Activities:

  • Qobustan - Petroglyphs
  • Baku - Old City Walking Tour

Optional Activities:

  • Baku - National Carpet Museum (10 AZN)
  • Baku - The Heydar Aliyev Centre (15 AZN)
  • Baku - National Museum of History of Azerbaijan (10 AZN)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

3
Day 3: Caucasus Mountains / Lahij

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.

Included Activities:

  • Lahij - Yoghurt Making Demonstration
  • Lahij - Copper workshop visit
  • Shamakhi - Juma Mosque

Accommodation:

  • Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)

4
Day 4: Sheki

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.Take a stroll in the village with your leader and visit an unassuming site of a significant church. 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.

Included Activities:

  • Nij - Udin village and museum visit

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

5
Day 5: Sheki

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).

Included Activities:

  • Kish - Albanian Church
  • Kish - Village Visit
  • Sheki - Shebeke workshop visit
  • Sheki - Khan's Palace

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

6
Day 6: Telavi

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.

Included Activities:

  • Sheki - Bazaar Visit
  • Kakheti - Lunch with a Local Family
  • Kakheti- Gremi Complex

Optional Activities:

  • Telavi - Telavi Historical Museum (5 GEL)
  • Telavi – Batonis Castle (2 GEL)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

7
Day 7: Gudauri

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.

Included Activities:

  • Kakheti - Tsinandali Estate Visit
  • Kakheti - Telavi Fresh Produce Market
  • Telavi - Alaverdi Cathedral

Accommodation:

  • Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)

8
Day 8: Gudauri / Stepantsminda

Follow the Tergi River on a drive to Stepantsminda (formerly known as Kazbegi). Explore this mountain village then take a 2.5-hour hike through beautiful valleys and woodlands to the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church (2170 m). This 14th-century church sits at the base of the second-highest volcanic summit in the Caucasus – Mt Kazbegi (5047 m) – and weather permitting you may catch a glimpse of this frosty behemoth. The image of the pointed spires of the isolated church against the mountains is truly breathtaking, and a great place to practice your photography skills. Drive back to Gudauri for an included dinner.

Included Activities:

  • Stepantsminda - Gergeti Trinity Church Hike

Accommodation:

  • Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)

9
Day 9: Tbilisi

Make the drive to the capital of Tbilisi (approximately 3 hours), sure to be a slight shock to the system after the peace of the mountains. Get into the swing of things with an orientation walk with your leader. Spend the rest of the daytime as you wish, perhaps grabbing a khachapuri (bread stuffed with salty cheese) to snack on while you wander. In the evening, regroup and head out for dinner with your fellow travellers and leader. This is a good chance to munch down on khinkali, Georgia’s famous dumplings. Make sure to ask your leader about the polite way to eat them – it involves sucking out the juice and leaving the pinched bit of dough where the edges of the delicious parcel have joined on the plate.

Included Activities:

  • Tbilisi - Orientation Walk
  • Tbilisi - Dry Bridge

Optional Activities:

  • Tbilisi - Metekhi Church - Free

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

10
Day 10: Tbilisi

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.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

11
Day 11: Tbilisi

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.

Included Activities:

  • Tbilisi - City tour

Optional Activities:

  • Tbilisi - Open Air Museum of Ethnography (20 GEL)
  • Tbilisi - The National Gallery (25 GEL)
  • Tbilisi – Old Town Walking Tour with Local Guide - Free
  • Tbilisi - Thermal Bath House Visit - from (70 GEL)
  • Tbilisi - Aerial Cable Car One Way (2 GEL)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

12
Day 12: Kutaisi

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.

Included Activities:

  • Kutaisi - Leader-led city walking tour
  • Kutaisi - Golden Marquee Palace
  • Kutaisi - Farmers Market

Optional Activities:

  • Kutaisi - Bagrati Cathedral & Gelati Monastery - Free
  • Kutaisi - Pub Crawl (60 GEL)
  • Kutaisi - State Historical Museum (5 GEL)
  • Kutaisi - Aerial Tramway (1 GEL)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

13
Day 13: Mestia

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.

Accommodation:

  • Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)

14
Day 14: Mestia

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!

Included Activities:

  • Mestia - Cooking class
  • Mestia - Lakhiri Village Hike
  • Mestia - Georgian cheese making

Accommodation:

  • Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)

15
Day 15: Ushguli

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.

Included Activities:

  • Ushguli - Village hike
  • Ushguli - Lamaria Church
  • Ushguli - Queen Tamar`s Tower

Optional Activities:

  • Ushguli – Ethnographical Museum (10 GEL)

Accommodation:

  • Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)

16
Day 16: Mestia

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.

Included Activities:

  • Ushguli - Shkhara Glacier hike & picnic

Accommodation:

  • Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)

17
Day 17: Batumi

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.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

18
Day 18: Batumi

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.

Included Activities:

  • Batumi - Leader-led city walking tour

Optional Activities:

  • Batumi - Botanic Garden (20 GEL)
  • Batumi - Cable car (30 GEL)
  • Batumi – Wine Tasting (30 GEL)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

19
Day 19: Tbilisi

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.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

20
Day 20: Tbilisi

Your trip comes to an end today and your are free to depart at any time.

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Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

Reviews

 

Stephen   -  Traveled, August 2023

Intrepid Travel always take you to the most interesting places The Country can offer.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 09/15/2023

 

Aly   -  Traveled, August 2023

This was one of the best tours I have been on - the itinerary and tour leader were fantastic and it was a great way to learn and see different areas of Azerbaijan and Georgia. I only wish it had been longer!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 09/14/2023

 

Laura   -  Traveled, July 2023

This was such a varied and interesting trip. Our tour leader was so brilliant - really attentive and well organised. This area of the world was new to me and I’m so glad I explored it with Intrepid.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 08/20/2023

 

Grant   -  Traveled, May 2023

Awesome food and wine mixed with a rich history and hiking in the Caucus. Such an interesting part of the world .

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 06/03/2023

 

Grant   -  Traveled, August 2022

Following one traveller having a voluntary positive covid result, Intrepid introduced new mid-tour conditions by demanding 2 of the 3 remaining travellers including me take a covid test. I was told that if I tested positive that I would be removed from the tour for seven days (which would have ended my trip). This episode ruined the tour for me.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 09/21/2022

 

Nina   -  Traveled, May 2022

Lovely trip with room for some adjustments. This was my first group trip ever, and it was a pleasant surprise. I rated this trip 4 - an average of my separate rating of Azerbaijan and Georgia accordingly with 3 stars and 5 stars. This was the first trip post Covid and the Leader went in blind for the region, which she handled like a pro! The activities on the Azerbaijan leg felt a bit dated. There is only focus on history centuries ago. I had no feel of what’s currently going on in the country - culturally for example. I did very much like the Lahic village visit. The activities on the Georgian leg were excellent and the hiking in Mestia was beautiful. I LOVED all cities in Georgia. I wished for more time in Kutaisi though. Apart from the Homestays, which were very nice (Lahic, Mestia, Gudauri) and the nice hotel in Batumi, the hotels unfortunately were a bit depressing.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 06/27/2022

 

Katrin  -  Traveled, June 2024

Amazing experience exploring two completely different countries. Great mix of cities and nature. Trip Info about the hikes (elevation range etc) was very accurate and helped to decide in advance if you want to join a hike or not. Our Tour Leader Giorgi showed great passion and gave us an excellent insight into culture, lifestyle and history and was very attentive and well organized. I can definitely recommend this interesting region of the world and would also join an Intrepid Trip again.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 07/10/2024

 

Anne  -  Traveled, June 2024

Most people would never consider this region for travel but they are missing out. It is a fascinating area with so much historical and geographical interest.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 07/12/2024

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