Azerbaijan - Georgia : Exploring the Rich Heritage

Start the day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel, followed by a visit to the Alley of Martyrs, the highest point in Baku. From this stunning vantage point, gaze upon the magnificent Baku Bay, often compared to the bay of Naples. Continue your journey through the enchanting Old City, where elegant 20th-century buildings, once the homes of wealthy Azerbaijani oil magnates, stand as silent witnesses to the city’s rich history. Visit historical gems like the Shirvanshahs Palace, the Maiden Tower, and ancient mosques, each one telling a story of Azerbaijan’s vibrant past. Next, venture to Gobustan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where ancient rock paintings—more than 7,000 in total—give a glimpse into the life of prehistoric humans. Visit the contemporary museum, where modern technology brings to life scenes of hunting, feeding, and burial. Continue to admire the mud volcanoes, a natural marvel of Azerbaijan, where more than a hundred volcanoes continuously erupt with liquid mud, creating a lunar-like landscape. Conclude the day with a visit to the majestic Bibi-Heybat Mosque, before heading back to Baku for a relaxing night at the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel. UNESCO: Walled City of Baku with the Shirvanshah’s Palace and Maiden Tower; Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape.

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel, followed by a trip to the Absheron Peninsula. Here, visit the Atashgah Fire Temple in the village of Surakhani, a revered religious site of the Zoroastrians. Explore the Mardakan Fortress, a testament to the region’s ancient fortifications, and the Mirmovsum Aga Mausoleum in Shuvelan, famous for its ornate gold and silver mirror decorations. Your journey continues with a visit to Yanardag, the Burning Mountain, where natural gas erupts continuously from the ground, creating a captivating fire that has been burning for centuries. Return to Baku and marvel at the futuristic Cultural Center (exterior visit only) designed by Zaha Hadid. Later, visit the exquisite Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum, where the architecture itself is inspired by the art of carpet weaving, one of Azerbaijan’s most treasured traditions. As night falls, enjoy a Baku night excursion to the city’s stunning viewpoints. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, embark on a scenic journey to Sheki, stopping along the way to visit the Diri Baba Mausoleum, a breathtaking structure built into the rocks in 1402. Continue to Shamakhi, once the capital of the Shirvanshahs State, where you will visit the oldest mosque in Azerbaijan and the awe-inspiring Yeddi Gumbaz Mausoleum. Then, head to the Orthodox Church in Nij Village, a beautiful relic of the region’s diverse religious history. Upon arrival in Sheki, immerse yourself in the beauty of this charming city. Overnight stay. UNESCO: Walled City of Baku with the Shirvanshah’s Palace and Maiden Tower.

After breakfast, visit Kish Village to see the Paleo-Christian Church, dating back to between the 1st and 5th centuries, a testament to the ancient kingdom of Caucasian Albania. Discover the majestic Khan Palace, famous for its rich decorations, as well as the Sheki House of Artisans and the magnificent Caravanserai. Afterward, travel to Goygol, where the German Quarter reveals a fascinating piece of history with its 19th-century German houses and Lutheran Church. Continue on to Ganja, Azerbaijan’s second-largest city, and visit landmarks like the Shah Abbas Mosque, the Javad Khan Mausoleum, and the historic Alexander Nevski Church. Overnight stay at the hotel. UNESCO: Historic Centre of Sheki with the Khan’s Palace.

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before exploring the cultural and historical sites in Ganja, including the Shah Abbas Mosque, the Javad Khan Mausoleum, the Chokek Hamam, and the Nizami Mausoleum. Afterward, make your way to the border with Georgia, where you’ll complete customs formalities and transfer to a Georgian guide and vehicle. Arrive in Tbilisi, the Georgian capital, where you will be warmly welcomed. Hotel accommodation. Overnight stay.

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day discovering Tbilisi, Georgia’s captivating capital, known for its rich history and stunning architecture. Begin with the Sulphur Baths and the Botanical Garden, and explore the ancient Narikala Fortress, dating back to the 4th century. Visit the Sioni Cathedral and the Anchiskhati Basilica, two of Tbilisi’s oldest churches, and immerse yourself in the rich history of the National Museum of Georgia, home to an incredible archaeological treasure. End your exploration with a stroll along Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi’s lively main street. Overnight stay.

Breakfast. Depart for Mtskheta, Georgia’s ancient capital and spiritual heart. Visit the Jvari Church (6-7th century) and the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century), two UNESCO World Heritage Sites with deep religious significance. Continue your journey along the breathtaking Great Caucasus Mountains via the Great Georgian Military Highway, stopping at the Ananuri Complex (17th century) for incredible views of the landscape. Arrive in Gudauri, a resort town nestled in the mountains. Hotel accommodation. Overnight stay. UNESCO: Historical Monuments of Mtskheta (Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral).

Breakfast at the hotel. Embark on a scenic journey along the Tergi River to Kazbegi, a municipality known for its natural beauty. Take a peaceful, hour-and-a-half walk from Kazbegi to the Gergeti Trinity Church, located at an altitude of 2170 meters. On clear days, you can catch a glimpse of Mount Kazbegi (5047 meters), one of the highest glaciers in the Caucasus. After exploring, return to Tbilisi for some leisure time. Hotel accommodation. Overnight stay.

After breakfast, transfer to Tbilisi airport, where your unforgettable journey through the Caucasus region concludes. Take with you lasting memories of Azerbaijan and Georgia, two countries rich in history, culture, and natural beauty.