Experience Overview
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.
Highlights
- 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 meet the Udi community in Nij and learn the traditional methods behind yogurt making, copper craftsmanship and stained-glass artistry.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2211
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private Vehicle,Public Bus,Taxi
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: KFSB
Starts: Baku, Azerbaijan
Finishes: Tbilisi, Azerbaijan
Duration: 10 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (9), Lunch (2), Dinner (2)Accommodation: Hotel (6 nights),Guesthouse (3 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 2885 (CAD 288 /day)
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).
Included Activities:
- Baku - Leader-led night city walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
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)
Learn about Azerbaijan’s relationship with fire during a tour of the Absheron Peninsula. Visit the Ateshgah fire temple first, which is built on top of a natural gas reserve, creating ‘eternal’ flames. Then, stop off at the Mardakan Fortress. The 12th century watchtower was once used to guard against invaders from the Caspian Sea – a testament to the region’s vital role along the ancient Silk Road. Continue to Yarnardagh Fire Mountain, where natural gas seeping through the ground fuels the constantly burning hillside. Try your hand at yogurt making – a traditional practice in Azerbaijan and an important part of the local cuisine – in a local home in Shamakhi. After, head to a copper workshop in the village of Lahij and learn about this traditional folk art from locals over a cup of tea. Wrap up your day with a group dinner, then settle in for the night at a local guesthouse.
Included Activities:
- Lahij - Yoghurt Making Master Class
- Lahij - Copper workshop visit
- Shamakhi - Juma Mosque
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
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 the 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. After, continue to Sheki and stop off at Sheki Khans Palace – an 18th century masterpiece constructed entirely without nails or glue, using traditional woodworking techniques. Enjoy a free evening in Sheki – maybe walk the cobbled streets of the Old Town and try Azerbaijan’s national dish Piti (a lamb stew).
Included Activities:
- Nij - Udin village visit
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, visit one of the oldest churches in the Caucasus – a steepled Christian church in the nearby village of Kish. Believed to be around 1700 years old, the church is among the oldest in Christendom. After, check out a workshop where shebeke – stained glass windows made with no glue or nails – are produced by masters. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to wander Sheki as you wish. Whether you opt to hike to Sheki Waterfall, see the Shakikhanovs’ house or shop for local handmade crafts, be sure to treat yourself to 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)
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 locally owned family 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)
In the morning, wander through the 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. After, drive into the mountains through the Gombori Pass – a scenic route for travelling within eastern Georgia. Tonight, enjoy dinner with your group and spend the night in the popular mountain resort Gudauri.
Included Activities:
- Kakheti - Tsinandali Estate Visit
- Kakheti - Telavi Fresh Produce Market
- Telavi - Alaverdi Cathedral
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Stepantsminda - Gergeti Trinity Church Hike
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Tbilisi - Orientation Walk
- Tbilisi - Anchiskhati Church
Optional Activities:
- Tbilisi - Metekhi Church - Free
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Your trip comes to an end today after breakfast. If you'd like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.
Optional Activities:
- Tbilisi - Open Air Museum of Ethnography (20 GEL)
- Tbilisi - Georgian National Museum (30 GEL)
- Tbilisi - The National Gallery (25 GEL)
- Tbilisi - Thermal Bath House Visit - from (70 GEL)
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
Penny - Traveled, September 2023
The Highlights of Azerbaijan and Georgia does exactly what it says and provides an overview of the two countries from the cities to the mountain villages. Plenty of food and wine experiences are included and there is opportunity to interact with the locals. Accommodation was more than adequate and the transport was comfortable. Our tour leader, Shalva, was excellent but the local guides failed to add anything to the tour. I recommend adding additional days in Baku and Tbilisi to explore independently as these cities have a great deal to offer and are easy to explore.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/10/2023
Timothy - Traveled, September 2023
Unexpected brilliance. Baku so modern yet so old. Wonderful mountain villages. Snow capped vistas. Tbilisi hustle and bustle.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/11/2023
Lindsay - Traveled, September 2023
A great trip with great leader and tour guides when visiting different sights. Good insight into Azerbaijan and really seeing a big difference between the very rich in Baku and then the quite poor Azerbaijani people in the villages. The food was delicious! It was fabulous to get an insight into Azerbaijan! Zurab made the trip run very smoothly, in a timely manner, he was truly an excellent representative of Intrepid. You are lucky if you get Zurab as your leader.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/15/2023
Krys - Traveled, August 2023
Every aspect of this trip was amazing and our guide Anton Bruskov was very informative and very patient!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/23/2023
Charles - Traveled, August 2023
Both Georgia and Azerbaijan are fascinating countries. The Intrepid trip provided great information and wonderful experiences to give you a better understanding of both cultures. Home stays were particularly enjoyable. Everyday was a new adventure. Many thanks
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/27/2023
Karen - Traveled, July 2023
A great trip giving an overview of the two very interesting countries. Our tour leader Ksenia was excellent and made the experience even more enjoyable.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/09/2023
Jennifer - Traveled, June 2023
An excellent trip to a new part of the world for me. Our tour guide, Pavel, was superb...nothing was too much trouble to him. The food and wine were great. Hiking to the Gergeti church was a wonderful experience, as was the stay in the guesthouses at Gudauri and and Lahij.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/12/2023
Helen - Traveled, June 2023
What a super trip. Perfect for the traveller who wants a bit of everything in a short time frame.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/11/2023
Heather - Traveled, May 2023
Great trip in a part of the world that I never considered visiting before. Loved the mud volcanoes. The pace of the trip was good. The last day or day and a half in Azerbaijan needs a bit of tweaking to break up the drive to the border. Pavel, our leader, was fantastic and kept things fun. Accommodations were good for this part of the world and the level of trip. If you have time at the end of the trip, I suggest taking an excursion to the rainbow hills and monastery.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/08/2023
Carolyn - Traveled, May 2023
This trip is a fantastic introduction to the Caucasus Mountain region. Georgia feels like a European country. Azerbaijan is an eclectic mix of oil wealth in the glitz of Baku, yet has fantastic unique mud volcanos and ancient petroglyphs from 12th BC in Qobustan. The true highlight of this area are the majestic mountains. These can be seen in all their wonder in the small town of Lahij as well as the stunning vistas of Gudauri. I fell in love with Georgia and the kindness of the people there. Highly recommend and if you want to go somewhere truly unique and off the beaten path.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/04/2023
Wendy - Traveled, May 2023
Great introduction to Azerbaijan and Georgia with an enthusiastic and friendly team leader. Visits to places that would be difficult to do by oneself. Fantastic trip, great scenery and lovely people.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/30/2023
Fiona - Traveled, September 2022
This is a short and excellent introduction to two fascinating countries which are very different. The scenery, food, history and peoples are amazing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/25/2022
Garrett - Traveled, July 2022
This was a great way to get to know the Caucasus and a really diverse trip in terms of activities. The guide Manya was amazing and she handled things like a pro.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/02/2022
Gail - Traveled, July 2022
Baku is an architectural gem. Its many iconic creations are stunning. People are friendly and outstandingly helpful. The promenade along the. Caspian Sea is pleasant t and nourishes the soul.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/19/2022
Robyn - Traveled, June 2022
The Azerbaijan & Georgia experience was amazing! The landscape and people of these countries are both beautiful and inspiring. Not to mention the food and wine are pretty amazing as well!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/13/2022
Rebecca - Traveled, July 2024
This was an excellent trip and great value for money. The hotels were all to a great standard and the home stays were a favourite. The activities included were excellent and there were great optionals to add on. Amazing tour leader for the duration or the tour. The cuisine was delicious in both countries. Highly recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/23/2024
Benjamin - Traveled, July 2024
Georgia is a very easy and enjoyable country to visit. The intrepid tour was a fun mix of metropolitan action and mountain serenity. Shalva was an amazing tour guide who tried hard to make sure we all had a great time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/14/2024
Elizabeth - Traveled, June 2024
This is a great introductory trip to the region. Giorgi was a fantastic leader, and all the guides are so knowledgable and passionate about their countries and their history. I had so much fun, although definitely would recommend checking the seasonal temperatures before booking, it gets hot, especially in the summer months.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/11/2024
Kathryn - Traveled, June 2024
This is an amazing tour! The itinerary is well thought out, the experiences are authentic and you learn so much about the region in just a short time. Both countries are unique and interesting and full of friendly, helpful people. The food is wonderful (this is true for vegetarians as well) and the wine is exceptional. Our tour leader Giorgi was everything you could ever want in a tour leader. I feel very lucky to have been on this tour and highly recommend this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/30/2024
Michelle - Traveled, July 2024
Was looking forward to this trip a lot and it turned out to be even better than expected. Georgia is a welcoming, easy country to travel in with many highlights, especially the stunning scenery. Thanks to Shalva, a great tour leader and a great guy!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/13/2024
Share a personalized trip brochure!
Why book with us?
Best Rate Guarantee
Mytours.Travel makes sure you always have the best available rate
Best Selection
The best operators from around the world
Trusted Payments
Secure payments with Stripe
Expert Advice
Our expert agents will assist you in booking the perfect experience