Azerbaijan & Georgia Cultural Odyssey

Upon your arrival in Baku, the vibrant capital of Azerbaijan, you will be greeted by our driver and transferred to your hotel. If your room is not yet ready, you’ll be able to leave your luggage and take a short break before starting your exploration. Official hotel check-in is at 12:00 noon.

Your Baku adventure begins with a guided sightseeing tour showcasing the fascinating contrasts of the city. First, visit Martyrs’ Lane, also known as Shehidler Khiyabani, a serene memorial honoring those who lost their lives in the struggle for independence. From this solemn place, you’ll enjoy sweeping views over the Caspian Sea and Baku’s futuristic skyline.

Next, delve into the historical heart of the city at Icheri Sheher (the Old City), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you’ll visit key landmarks including the Shirvanshah’s Palace, a fine example of medieval Azerbaijani architecture, the ancient Caravanserai, the iconic Maiden Tower, and the bustling main square with its collection of charming art galleries, carpet shops, and souvenir stalls.

The tour continues into modern Baku with a walk along Nizami Street and through Fountain Square, where elegant boutiques and cafés line the lively pedestrian zone. Conclude your tour at the visually stunning Heydar Aliyev Center, designed by world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid, whose flowing, futuristic design has become a symbol of modern Azerbaijan.

In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a traditional Azerbaijani restaurant where you’ll sample local cuisine and toast the start of your journey. Overnight at the hotel in Baku.

After breakfast, leave Baku and begin your journey towards Sheki, one of the most picturesque towns in the country. En route, stop in Maraza village to admire the Diri Baba Mausoleum, an architectural monument carved into a rock face, blending seamlessly with the surrounding cliffs and cliffs.

Your next stop is Shamakhi, once the capital of the Shirvan region and a center of trade and poetry in medieval times. Visit the restored Juma Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in the Caucasus. Continue to Yeddi Gumbez (Seven Domes), the royal mausoleum where the Shirvan Shah dynasty was laid to rest, offering insights into medieval funerary traditions.

Weather permitting, take a scenic detour through the dramatic Girdimanchay River Canyon to reach Lahij (Lahich), a charming mountain village known for its cobbled streets, stone houses, and centuries-old artisan traditions. This ancient settlement is famous for its handicraft workshops, where you can observe traditional techniques in copper engraving, carpet weaving, pottery, and jewelry making—a living museum of Azerbaijani folk art. (Note: Lahij may not be accessible in 2025 due to road construction.)

Continue your drive through forested slopes and mountain passes toward Sheki, a delightful medieval town nestled in the lush foothills of the Greater Caucasus. Along the way, make a stop at the village of Kish, home to the first Christian church in the Caucasus, dating back to the 1st century AD—a testament to the region’s early adoption of Christianity.

Arrive in Sheki by evening and check in at your hotel. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this historically rich town. Overnight in Sheki.

Start the morning with a visit to Sheki Bazaar, a vibrant local market where you’ll find an abundance of fresh produce, fragrant spices, local cheeses, honey, and the region’s celebrated Sheki baklava, a sweet delicacy layered with nuts and syrup.

Next, explore the splendid Sheki Khans’ Palace, a dazzling 18th-century royal residence renowned for its intricate stained-glass windows (shebeke), hand-painted frescoes, and finely carved wooden interiors. Afterwards, stop by the Caravanserai, once a roadside inn for traders along the Silk Road, now a restored architectural complex.

Depart Sheki and head west towards the Georgian border (approximately a 2-hour drive). After clearing customs and crossing the neutral zone on foot, meet your Georgian guide on the other side.

Your journey now continues through the Kakheti region, Georgia’s renowned wine country. You’ll drive past vineyard-covered hills and quaint wine villages, soaking in the rural charm of the region. Stop at the unique “Khareba” Wine Tunnel, an underground complex originally dug for military use, now transformed into a wine storage and tasting center. Explore the cool tunnels where local wines age in optimal conditions, then enjoy a guided wine tasting of Kakheti’s celebrated vintages.

Arrive in Telavi, a historic town at the heart of Georgian winemaking, for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, depart Telavi and begin a scenic drive through the Gombori Mountain Pass, offering panoramic views of lush valleys and remote villages. Your first stop is Mtskheta, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and the spiritual capital of Georgia. Visit Jvari Monastery, an early medieval masterpiece perched on a hill with commanding views of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers’ confluence.

Then proceed to Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site revered as the burial site of Christ’s robe and considered one of the most sacred places in Georgia. Its monumental architecture and frescoes reflect centuries of Georgian faith and resilience.

Continue to Gori, the birthplace of Joseph Stalin. Visit the Stalin Museum, which includes his childhood home, personal train carriage, and a collection of photographs and memorabilia from his controversial life.

Your next destination is the cave town of Uplistsikhe, a fascinating rock-hewn city carved into the sandstone cliffs. Dating back to the early Iron Age, this site once thrived as a religious and political center. Walk through ancient halls, temples, wine cellars, and dwellings that reflect both pagan and Christian influences.

In the evening, arrive in the vibrant Georgian capital, Tbilisi, and settle in at your hotel. Overnight in Tbilisi.

Enjoy breakfast before embarking on a comprehensive city tour of Tbilisi, a city where East meets West in a blend of ancient traditions and modern flair. Begin at the grand Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba), one of the largest Eastern Orthodox churches in the world, standing proudly atop Elia Hill.

Then head to Metekhi Church, set dramatically above the Mtkvari River, and the statue of Vakhtang Gorgasali, the legendary king credited with founding Tbilisi. Take a cable car ride to the Narikala Fortress, a 4th-century citadel offering commanding views over the old town’s rooftops and the rolling hills beyond.

Descending from the fortress, pass through the Abanotubani district, famous for its domed Sulphur bathhouses, and visit Tbilisi’s only mosque, symbolizing the city’s historic tolerance and diversity.

Stroll along the narrow cobblestone lanes of Sharden Street, lined with cozy wine bars, art galleries, and artisan shops. Visit Sioni Cathedral, the Anchiskhati Basilica—the oldest surviving church in Tbilisi—and the whimsical Rezo Gabriadze Clock Tower, a fairytale-like landmark that charms every passerby.

After a day full of discovery, relax in your hotel. Overnight in Tbilisi.

After breakfast, enjoy some leisure time to explore Tbilisi at your own pace—perhaps picking up a few last-minute souvenirs, visiting a local café, or taking a final stroll through the old town streets.

Check-out from your hotel is by 12:00 noon. At the appropriate time, our driver will transfer you to Tbilisi International Airport for your departure.

This concludes your enriching journey through Azerbaijan and Georgia, filled with ancient history, vibrant culture, mountain vistas, and unforgettable experiences.