Land of Fire and Wine: 15 Days in Azerbaijan & Georgia

Upon your arrival at Baku’s Heydar Aliyev International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our professional driver who will assist you with your transfer to the hotel. The journey from the airport to the city center covers approximately 30 kilometers, allowing you to catch your first glimpses of this vibrant capital. After check-in at 14:00, the rest of the day is yours to relax and acclimate to the city’s atmosphere at your own pace. Whether you choose to unwind in your comfortable hotel surroundings or take a gentle stroll nearby, this free day offers a perfect opportunity to prepare for the exciting adventures ahead. Overnight accommodation is provided at the hotel in Baku.

Driving distance: 30 km

Your sightseeing adventure begins at 9:30 AM with a visit to Martyrs’ Lane, locally known as Shehidler Khiyabany. This solemn memorial site honors those who sacrificed their lives and offers sweeping panoramic views of Baku’s picturesque coastline. From here, you will step into the ancient heart of the city, Icheri Sheher (Old City), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through its narrow alleys to explore landmarks such as the Shirvan Shahs’ Palace, the historic Caravanserai, and the enigmatic Maiden Tower. The bustling main market square invites you to browse local art studios and handicraft stalls, perfect for unique souvenirs. After immersing yourself in the old city’s charm, your tour continues to modern Baku, strolling along Nizami Street and the lively Fountain Square, hubs of contemporary culture and shopping. The day culminates with a visit to the architectural marvel of the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre, designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid. Inside, discover Azerbaijan’s rich cultural heritage through displays of traditional costumes, musical instruments, and exquisite carpets. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, sampling authentic Azerbaijani cuisine. Return to the hotel for overnight. 

Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Driving distance: 20 km
Meals: dinner

Today’s journey takes you beyond the city to explore the fascinating natural and historical sites surrounding Baku. Begin at Yanardag, or Burning Mountain, where natural gas has been burning continuously for centuries, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Next, visit the Ateshgah Fire Temple in Surakhany village, a sacred Zoroastrian site historically visited by pilgrims from as far as India to worship the eternal flames. After a delicious lunch, proceed to Gobustan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient petroglyphs dating back over 12,000 years. Explore the Petroglyph Museum and marvel at these prehistoric rock carvings that depict early human life. Weather permitting, venture further into the Gobustan Reserve to witness the unique mud volcanoes, which make up nearly half of the world’s total and create an extraordinary lunar-like landscape. 

Duration of sightseeing tour: 8-9 hours
Driving distance: 220 km

Depart Baku early in the morning for a scenic drive towards Sheki, a historic town nestled in the foothills of the Greater Caucasus. En route, stop at the Diri Baba Mausoleum in Maraza village, an impressive medieval tomb built into a cliff face. Continue to Shamakhi, once the capital of the Shirvan region, to visit the recently restored Juma Mosque, an architectural gem dating back centuries. If road conditions allow, enjoy a picturesque drive through the Girdimanchay River Canyon to visit the ancient village of Lahij (Lagich). This 5th-century mountain settlement is renowned for its cobbled streets, medieval water systems, and traditional crafts including jewelry making, copperware, carpet weaving, pottery, and blacksmithing. The village’s rich heritage and charming atmosphere offer a unique glimpse into Caucasian mountain life. After this cultural immersion, proceed to Sheki, arriving in the evening. Overnight accommodation is arranged in Sheki. 

Duration of sightseeing tour: 10-11 hours
Driving distance: 340 km

Begin your day with a visit to the colorful Sheki Bazaar, a lively market bursting with local produce such as fresh fruits, berries, spices, honey, cheeses, and traditional sweets. Then explore the Sheki Khans’ Palace, an exquisite example of 18th-century architecture surrounded by ancient fortress walls. Nearby, visit a local handicrafts workshop and the historic Caravanserai, once a vital stop for Silk Road travelers. After soaking in Sheki’s cultural treasures, embark on a 2-hour drive (approximately 115 km) to the border crossing into Georgia. Upon entering Georgian territory, you will be warmly welcomed at a family-run winery, where you can enjoy a homemade lunch paired with exquisite local wines, experiencing Georgia’s famed viticulture firsthand. After this delightful culinary experience, continue to Telavi, the capital of the Kakheti region, known for its wine-making heritage. Overnight is arranged in Telavi.

Duration of sightseeing tour: 9-10 hours
Driving distance: 200 km
Meals: lunch, wine tasting

After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll through Telavi’s charming historic streets, stopping to admire the monument dedicated to King Erekle II, a revered Georgian monarch. Next, visit Tsinandali, the elegant former estate of Georgian nobility, featuring beautifully maintained English-style gardens, a museum, and a historic wine cellar once owned by the poet and public figure Prince Chavchavadze. The tour continues with a visit to Shumi Winery, where you will enjoy a guided tour and wine tasting session showcasing the region’s best vintages. Complementing the wine experience, you will visit a boutique family cheese factory and cellar, where you can sample five distinctive types of Georgian cheeses paired with a delicious lunch. This immersive day highlights the rich gastronomic heritage of Kakheti. Return to your hotel in Telavi for overnight. 

Duration of sightseeing tour: 5-6 hours
Driving distance: 20 km
Meals: cheese tasting, lunch, wine tasting

Set out after breakfast for an exciting journey northward towards the majestic Mount Kazbek. The first stop is Alaverdi Cathedral, one of Georgia’s tallest and most impressive churches, surrounded by vineyards and the towering peaks of the Greater Caucasus. This architectural masterpiece is renowned for its centuries-old frescoes dating from the 11th to 17th centuries. Continuing along the famous Georgian Military Highway, you will visit the Ananuri fortress complex, a historic residence of the Argveti dukes featuring well-preserved churches and towers from the 16th and 17th centuries, overlooking the scenic Jinvali Reservoir. En route, witness the fascinating natural phenomenon where two mountain rivers of different colors merge yet retain their distinct hues. A brief stop is planned at the Soviet-era “People’s Friendship” viewpoint, offering spectacular vistas over a deep gorge. The journey ascends through the Cross Pass at 2,394 meters above sea level, culminating in arrival at Kazbegi, a quaint mountain town offering stunning views of Mount Kazbek, the seventh highest peak in the Caucasus at 5,033 meters. Overnight accommodation is provided in Kazbegi. 

Duration of sightseeing tour: 8-9 hours
Driving distance: 200 km

After enjoying a hearty breakfast at your hotel, meet your guide for a short drive to one of the region’s most iconic landmarks—the Gergeti Holy Trinity Church. Perched at an elevation of 2,170 meters on a hilltop overlooking the majestic Mount Kazbek, this 14th-century church offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Caucasus mountains and valleys. The journey to the church is a highlight itself, with scenic roads that reveal breathtaking alpine landscapes. For those feeling adventurous, there is an option to hike down to the village of Gergeti along a well-marked trail approximately 3 kilometers long, which takes about an hour and allows you to immerse yourself in the pristine natural environment. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax or explore Kazbegi town independently, perhaps visiting local cafés or strolling through the peaceful mountain surroundings. Overnight accommodation is provided at your hotel in Kazbegi.

Duration of sightseeing tour: 2-3 hours
Driving distance: 15 km

Depart Kazbegi in the morning and begin your journey westward toward Kutaisi, one of Georgia’s oldest cities. Along the way, stop at a family-owned winery where you will be warmly welcomed with a traditional homemade lunch accompanied by local wines, offering a genuine taste of Georgian hospitality and viticulture. After this delightful culinary experience, visit the remarkable cave city of Uplistsikhe, an ancient rock-hewn town dating back to the Hellenistic era. Here, you will explore a fascinating blend of pagan and early Christian architectural styles carved directly into the rock, including dwellings, temples, and tunnels. Next, continue to Gori, the birthplace of Joseph Stalin, where you can visit the Stalin Museum. This extensive museum houses over 60,000 artifacts, including Stalin’s modest childhood home and the bulletproof train he used during significant wartime conferences such as Yalta and Potsdam. After a day filled with history and culture, proceed to Kutaisi for overnight accommodation.

Duration of sightseeing tour: 9-10 hours
Driving distance: 345 km
Meals: lunch, wine tasting

Begin your day with a visit to the spectacular Prometheus Cave, located near Kutaisi. Venture into a stunning 1.5-kilometer-long underground tunnel adorned with magnificent stalactites, stalagmites, petrified waterfalls, and crystal-clear underground rivers and lakes. The cave is illuminated by a sophisticated LED lighting system that bathes the formations in vibrant colors, enhancing the natural beauty and creating a magical atmosphere. In the afternoon, embark on a scenic drive to the mysterious region of Svaneti, known as the “land of a thousand towers.” As you pass through the dramatic Inguri Gorge, you enter the homeland of the Svans, an ancient ethnic group with a unique culture and traditions. Svaneti is renowned for its medieval stone defensive towers and charming villages, many of which feature churches dating from the 10th to 14th centuries. Upon arrival in Mestia, the region’s cultural center, visit a traditional Svan house, known as a ‘machubi,’ and the iconic defensive tower called ‘koshki.’ These structures showcase the distinctive architecture and lifestyle of the Svans. Overnight stay is arranged in Mestia. 

Duration of sightseeing tour: 9-10 hours
Driving distance: 240 km

Following breakfast, set out for Ushguli, one of Europe’s highest continuously inhabited settlements, situated at 2,200 meters above sea level. This remote village is famed for its exceptional medieval architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With around 70 families living here, Ushguli offers a rare glimpse into a traditional mountain lifestyle preserved over centuries. Wander through its narrow, cobblestone streets and visit the Lamaria Church complex, notable for its well-preserved 12th-century frescoes. Local legend holds that Queen Tamar, a revered medieval Georgian monarch, was buried beneath this church. Take in the breathtaking views of Mount Shkhara, the highest peak in Georgia, dominating the skyline. On your return journey to Mestia, stop at the Heshkili Swings, a popular viewpoint where you can enjoy panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys while experiencing the thrill of traditional wooden swings. Return to Mestia for overnight accommodation. 

Duration of sightseeing: 7-8 hours
Driving distance: 105 km

Start the morning with a visit to the Mestia Ethnographic Museum, established in 1936 and home to one of the richest collections of regional artifacts. The museum offers deep insight into the history, culture, and daily life of the Svan people. Afterward, depart from Svaneti and head toward the impressive Enguri Dam, renowned for its massive scale as the world’s second-highest concrete arch dam. This engineering marvel stands as a testament to modern Georgian infrastructure amidst the rugged mountain landscape. Continue your journey to Martvili Canyon, a natural wonder characterized by turquoise waters and lush greenery. Here, enjoy a peaceful boat ride through the canyon’s narrow waterways, observing the vibrant colors of the water and the dramatic rock formations. After disembarking, take a leisurely walk along the canyon’s trails, appreciating the serene environment before heading to Kutaisi. Arrive in the evening for overnight accommodation.

Duration of sightseeing tour: 9-10 hours
Driving distance: 225 km

Today’s exploration begins at the Gelati Monastery, a 12th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site founded by King David the Builder. This monastery was once a major center of spiritual, educational, and scientific activity during the Georgian Golden Age and remains a symbol of the country’s rich medieval heritage. Next, visit the nearby Motsameta Monastery, perched above the picturesque gorge of the Tskhenistskali River. This site is steeped in legend and history, offering beautiful views and a tranquil atmosphere. Proceed to Mtskheta, one of Georgia’s oldest cities and its spiritual heart. Once the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Iberia, Mtskheta is home to significant religious monuments, including the Jvari Monastery, an architectural masterpiece of early medieval Georgia overlooking the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers. Also visit the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, a sacred site believed to house the robe of Christ and a focal point of Georgian Orthodox Christianity. After this enriching day of cultural discovery, travel onward to Tbilisi, the vibrant Georgian capital, where you will spend the night. The day covers roughly 260 kilometers and lasts 9 to 10 hours.

Duration of sightseeing tour: 9-10 hours
Driving distance: 260 km

Begin your day with a guided tour of Tbilisi, starting at the historic Metekhi Church, which overlooks the Mtkvari River and the statue of Vakhtang Gorgasali, the city’s legendary founder. Next, ascend to the ancient Narikala Fortress, offering breathtaking panoramic views over Tbilisi’s old town and surrounding landscapes. Descend into the district famous for its sulfuric bathhouses, and pass by Tbilisi’s only mosque. Wander through the atmospheric Sharden district, known for its narrow cobblestone streets lined with cozy cafés, wine bars, and artisan shops, perfect for soaking in the local vibe. Visit important religious sites including Sioni Cathedral and Anchiskhati Basilica, two of Tbilisi’s oldest churches. Don’t miss the whimsical Rezo Gabriadze Puppet Theater clock tower, a beloved cultural landmark. Finally, cross the modern Bridge of Peace to Rike Park, a popular recreational area. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner featuring traditional Georgian cuisine accompanied by a lively folklore performance, celebrating the end of your unforgettable journey. Overnight stay is arranged in Tbilisi.

Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
Driving distance: 5 km
Meals: dinner

After breakfast, complete your check-out formalities by noon. You will then be transferred to Tbilisi International Airport for your onward flight. This marks the conclusion of your comprehensive 15-day tour through the captivating landscapes and rich cultures of Azerbaijan and Georgia, leaving you with lasting memories of this remarkable region. 

Driving distance: 20 km