Azerbaijan and Georgia – The bridge between East and West

After breakfast, travel to Gobustan to visit the museum and the archaeological area of the petroglyphs. Continue to the mud volcanoes. Return to Baku for lunch and a visit to the Bibi-Heybat Mosque. Walk through Icherisheher Old City, with its historic mosques, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, the exterior of the Maiden Tower, the ruins of St Bartholomew's Church and the old hammam. Overnight in Baku. UNESCO: Walled City of Baku with the Shirvanshah’s Palace and Maiden Tower; Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape.

Breakfast and a visit to the Baku viewpoint overlooking the Caspian bay. Excursion to the Absheron Peninsula to visit the Ateshgah Fire Temple in Surakhani and Yanar Dag, the Burning Mountain. On returning to Baku, visit the Heydar Aliyev Center (exterior visit only), designed by Zaha Hadid, and Yashil Bazaar, known for fresh produce, spices and local specialities. Lunch included and overnight in Baku.

Breakfast and departure for Sheki. On the way, visit the Diri Baba Mausoleum in Maraza and the Juma Mosque in Shamakhi. Lunch during the journey. Visit the church of Kish and Sheki's historic centre, linked to the Silk Road and the region's craft traditions. Tour the Palace of the Sheki Khans, known for its coloured stained glass and wall paintings. Overnight in Sheki. UNESCO: Historic Centre of Sheki with the Khan’s Palace.

After breakfast, depart for the Lagodekhi border. Following border formalities, change guide and vehicle to continue the journey through Georgia. Lunch and a visit to Sighnaghi, with its traditional balconies, walls and views over the Alazani Valley. In the afternoon, visit the family-run Velino winery in Kakabeti and taste wines made in terracotta qvevri vessels. Arrive in Tbilisi and stay overnight. Border-crossing arrangements will be reconfirmed before travel.

Breakfast and a tour of Tbilisi: Metekhi Church, the streets of the Old Town, the synagogue, Sioni Cathedral, Anchiskhati Basilica and Narikala Fortress. Free time for lunch. Continue to Mtskheta to visit Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Return to Tbilisi, dinner at a traditional restaurant and overnight. UNESCO: Historical Monuments of Mtskheta (Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral).

After breakfast, depart for the Greater Caucasus Mountains. Stop to view the Zhinvali Reservoir and visit Ananuri Fortress. Continue to the Gudauri viewpoint and Stepantsminda. Ascend by four-wheel-drive vehicle to Gergeti Trinity Church; weather permitting, enjoy views of Mount Kazbegi. Lunch at a traditional restaurant. Return to Tbilisi, dinner at leisure and overnight.

Breakfast and departure for the Kakheti region. Visit the David Gareja monastic complex and Lavra Monastery, with its churches, chapels and rock-cut cells. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the family-run Velino winery in Kakabeti for a tasting of wines made in qvevri. Return to Tbilisi, dinner at leisure and overnight.

Optional transfer to Tbilisi airport and departure on the return flight, according to the scheduled time.