From Baku to Tbilisi in 12 Days

Upon your arrival at Baku’s international airport, a professional driver will be waiting to warmly welcome you and assist with your transfer to the hotel. Settle into your comfortable accommodation and take some time to relax after your journey. This evening is yours to unwind or take a gentle stroll nearby, preparing for the exciting days ahead in Azerbaijan’s vibrant capital. Overnight stay in Baku.

After a hearty breakfast, begin your full-day exploration of Baku. Your first stop is Martyrs’ Lane, locally known as ‘Shehidler Khiyabany,’ a solemn memorial park honoring those who sacrificed their lives. As you walk along the Alley of Martyrs, enjoy sweeping views over the Caspian Sea coastline and the cityscape.

Next, enter Icheri Sheher, Baku’s ancient walled city and UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, you will visit the majestic Shirvan Shahs’ Palace, explore the historic Caravanserai, admire the iconic Maiden Tower, and wander through the bustling main market square filled with artisan workshops and souvenir stalls. Transition to the modern side of Baku by strolling along Nizami Street, a lively pedestrian avenue lined with shops and cafes, and relax at Fountain Square, a popular social hub. Cap off the day with a visit to the architectural masterpiece of the Heydar Aliyev Center, renowned for its fluid, futuristic design. In the evening, enjoy a traditional welcome dinner at a local restaurant, sampling authentic Azerbaijani cuisine. Overnight in Baku.

Today’s journey takes you beyond the city to the fascinating Absheron Peninsula. Your first visit is to Yanardag, or ‘Burning Mountain,’ where natural gas vents have been aflame for centuries, creating a mesmerizing natural phenomenon. Continue to the Ateshgah Fire Temple in Surakhany village, a historic Zoroastrian site where fire worshippers, including pilgrims from India, once gathered to honor the eternal flames emerging from the earth. After lunch, head to Gobustan National Park, famed for its prehistoric rock carvings dating back 10,000 BC. Explore the Petroglyphs Museum and marvel at the ancient petroglyphs etched into stone. Weather permitting, visit the nearby mud volcanoes, a rare geological feature with nearly half of the world’s mud volcanoes concentrated here. Experience the bubbling mud and unique landscape before returning to Baku for overnight.

Depart Baku in the morning for the scenic drive to Sheki, a charming town nestled in the foothills of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. En route, stop at the Diri Baba Mausoleum in Maraza village, an architectural marvel seemingly suspended on a cliff face. Continue to Shamakha, the ancient capital of the Shirvan region, to visit the recently restored Juma Mosque and the Yeddi Gumbez Mausoleum, the resting place of Shirvan’s ruling family. Weather allowing, take a detour through the picturesque Girdimanchay River Canyon to visit Lahich (Lahij), a historic mountain village dating back to the 5th century. Lahich is renowned for its cobbled streets and traditional crafts, including copperware, jewelry, pottery, and carpet weaving. After this cultural immersion, proceed to Sheki, known for its medieval architecture, lush surroundings, and famous local sweet baklava. Spend the night in Sheki.

Following breakfast, explore the vibrant Sheki Bazaar, where local vendors offer fresh fruits, spices, honey, cheeses, and traditional sweets. Visit the Sheki Khans’ Palace, a beautifully preserved example of 18th-century architecture surrounded by fortress walls, and explore nearby artisan workshops and the historic caravanserai. Afterward, depart Sheki and drive approximately two hours to the Azerbaijan-Georgia border. Upon crossing into Georgia, begin your exploration of the Kakheti wine region. Enjoy a traditional Georgian lunch with a local family, experiencing genuine hospitality and home-cooked flavors. Visit Khareba Winery near Kvareli, famous for its unique wine cellar carved into a rock tunnel originally designed for military use. Here, you will enjoy a guided tour of the cellar and sample some of Kakheti’s finest wines. Continue to your hotel for an overnight stay in the region.

Start your day with a leisurely walk through the quaint streets of Old Telavi, stopping to photograph the monument to King Erekle II and the majestic plane tree, believed to be over 900 years old. Visit Tsinandali Palace, the historic estate of the Georgian noble family Chavchavadze, featuring a beautifully landscaped park, a museum honoring the poet Alexander Chavchavadze, and a wine cellar showcasing regional vintages. Next, journey to Sighnaghi, the “City of Love,” a charming town encircled by well-preserved defensive walls and towers, once a vital trading hub on the Silk Road. Continue to Bodbe Monastery, believed to be the burial site of St. Nino, who brought Christianity to Georgia in the 4th century. Since the late 19th century, Bodbe has functioned as a convent and a place of pilgrimage. In the afternoon, arrive in Georgia’s vibrant capital, Tbilisi, and check into your hotel for overnight.

After breakfast, embark on a comprehensive city tour of Tbilisi. Visit Metekhi Church, perched on a cliff overlooking the Mtkvari River, and see the statue of Vakhtang Gorgasali, the city’s legendary founder. Explore the ancient Narikala Fortress, offering panoramic views over Tbilisi’s rooftops and winding streets. Walk through the city’s only mosque and descend into the sulfur bath district, renowned for its therapeutic baths dating back centuries. Wander the atmospheric Sharden neighborhood, filled with narrow alleys, cozy cafés, boutique wine bars, and handicraft shops. Visit significant religious sites including Sioni Cathedral and Anchiskhati Basilica, Tbilisi’s oldest church. Don’t miss the whimsical clock tower of the Rezo Gabriadze Puppet Theater. Cross the modern Bridge of Peace to relax in Rike Park, a contemporary urban space blending nature and architecture. In the evening, savor a traditional Georgian dinner accompanied by a lively folklore performance. Overnight in Tbilisi.

Begin your day with a visit to Jvari Monastery, an outstanding example of early medieval Georgian architecture situated on a hilltop overlooking the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers. Proceed to Mtskheta, Georgia’s ancient capital and spiritual heart, where you will tour the impressive Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, believed to house Christ’s robe. Continue to the Ananuri fortress complex, a picturesque site featuring churches and defensive towers from the 16th and 17th centuries, overlooking the Jinvali Reservoir. Drive along the scenic Georgian Military Highway, stopping at the Soviet-era “People’s Friendship” monument that offers spectacular views over a deep Caucasus gorge. In Kazbegi (Stepantsminda), transfer to a 4×4 vehicle to ascend to the iconic Gergeti Holy Trinity Church, perched at 2,170 meters with breathtaking vistas of Mount Kazbegi. End the day in the mountain resort town of Gudauri for overnight.

Depart Gudauri after breakfast and visit a family-run winery where you will enjoy a warm welcome, a delicious homemade lunch, and a tasting of local wines. Continue to Uplistsikhe, a remarkable ancient rock-hewn town that blends pagan and Christian architectural styles, dating back to the Hellenistic period. Explore its labyrinthine caves, temples, and tunnels carved into the rocky cliffs. Next, visit Gori, the birthplace of Joseph Stalin. Tour the Stalin Museum, which houses thousands of artifacts, including Stalin’s childhood home and his bulletproof train used during World War II conferences. Afterward, drive to Kutaisi, the historical capital of western Georgia, crossing the Rikoti Pass and passing through Georgia’s longest tunnel, which marks the division between eastern and western Georgia. Overnight in Kutaisi.

After breakfast, explore the magnificent Prometheus Cave, renowned for its dazzling stalactites, stalagmites, underground rivers, and waterfalls. Continue to Okatse Canyon, a stunning natural gorge offering a suspended walkway through ancient forest and dramatic cliffs, providing spectacular views and photo opportunities. Walk a 780-meter hanging trail through the Dadiani Forest, immersing yourself in the serene beauty of the Georgian wilderness. Return to Kutaisi, where you can enjoy a free evening to relax or explore the town’s cafes and shops. Overnight at your hotel.

Begin the day by visiting Bagrati Cathedral, an 11th-century masterpiece of medieval Georgian architecture that dominates the Kutaisi skyline. Next, explore Gelati Monastery and Academy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site founded by King David the Builder, which was once a major center of learning, spirituality, and culture in medieval Georgia. After this cultural immersion, embark on the scenic drive back to Tbilisi, approximately four hours. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy your final night in the Georgian capital.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel by noon. You will have some free time to relax, shop, or take a last stroll around Tbilisi before your transfer to Tbilisi International Airport for your onward flight. This marks the end of your memorable 12-day journey through Azerbaijan and Georgia. Safe travels!