8-Day Caucasus: Azerbaijan and Georgia Tour

Pick up from the hotel. Today we'll discover why Azerbaijan is known as "The Land of Fire." The tour begins on the Absheron peninsula with visits to two of Azerbaijan's most vivid examples of eternal fires:

• Ateshgah Temple – which translates as "the place of fire" in Azerbaijani. The temple of fire-worshippers was built in the 17th-18th centuries at Surakhani village.
• Yanardag – also known as "the burning mountain" because natural gas has been burning on its slope since ancient times.

Proceed to the Gobustan National Reserve. Visit the outdoor Petroglyph Museum and explore the cave drawings – petroglyphs from the Stone Age on a rocky massif. Visit a plateau full of mud volcanoes of Gobustan. Azerbaijan is home to more than half of the world's mud volcanoes (around 300). Return to Baku and drop off at your hotel.

In the morning, depart to Shamakhi. On the way, stop at Diri Baba Mausoleum in the Maraza settlement. The mausoleum carved into a rock was constructed in 1402. It is an impressive example of Shirvan architecture. Then, pay a visit to Shamakhi Juma Mosque, one of the most ancient mosques in Azerbaijan, built in the VIII century. Continue to the Yeddi Gumbaz mausoleum (Seven Domes) – a tomb of Shamakhi Khanate royal family members built in the 17-18th centuries. Drive to Lahich (Lahij), an ancient village founded in the third and fourth centuries B.C. that is located 1375 meters above sea level. Primarily known for its craftsmanship. Throughout the walking tour, you will come across many workshops where you can purchase handmade souvenirs, carpets, and other local products. Continue driving to Sheki, an ancient historical town located 300 kilometres northwest of Baku in a mountainous area. Spend the night at the hotel.

Begin your morning with a city tour of Sheki. Visit Sheki Khan's Palace, which was built in the XVIII century as Hussein-khan Mushtad's summer residence. It has magnificent wall paintings that are worth seeing. Proceed to Sheki Karavansaray and Sheki Bazaar. Finally, pay a visit to the ancient Albanian church in the Kish settlement, near Sheki town. Continue driving to Azerbaijan-Georgia border. Cross the border, meet your Georgian driver and guide. Begin the Georgian part of the tour by visiting the Kakheti Region, the birthplace of wine. First stop is at Khareba Winery - a unique wine cellar/tunnel carved deep within the Caucasus Mountains. Enjoy wine tour and tasting. Continue to Gremi fortress, which was built between the 15th and 16th centuries. The fortress now houses a church, a 15th-century tower palace, and a museum exhibiting site artefacts. Drive to Telavi, the largest town of Kakheti. Drop-off at the hotel.

In the morning, have a short tour around Telavi Visit Batonis Tsikhe, a museum dedicated to King Erekle II. Finally, pay a visit to the Giant Plane Tree, Telavi's one-of-a-kind attraction. Continue to Tsinandali. Visit the house-museum of Alexander Chavchavadze, a famous public figure and poet from the nineteenth century. At the time, Georgian nobles were known for their sophisticated European taste, as evidenced by the exquisite English Garden that surrounds the house. The house's wine cellar contains a unique selection of Georgian and European wines. You will be served a glass of Tsinandali white wine as a welcome gift. Drive to the Bodbe monastery, which was built in the IX century. It is currently used as a nunnery, but it also serves as a tourist attraction. The final stop for today is the famous city of love Sighnaghi, located on a hilltop with a panoramic view of the Alazani Valley. The remainder of the defensive wall, with 23 towers, is still standing around the town. Climb one of the towers and walk along the wall until you reach the next one. Drive to Tbilisi for overnight.

In the morning, begin Tbilisi sightseeing tour at Tbilisi's Holy Trinity Cathedral, Georgia's tallest church built between 1993 and 2004. It is also one of the largest religious structures in the world. Its magnificent golden dome can be seen from practically any point in Tbilisi. Continue to the old part of the city.

• Visit Metekhi Church, which stands on a cliff overlooking the Mtkvari River. It dates from the 13th century, but a smaller church was built in the 5th and 6th centuries before that.
• Continue to the Narikala fortress, which was built for defense purposes in the 4th century. Take a ropeway to get to the fortress. Take in the breathtaking vistas of Tbilisi before strolling down to Meidan Square.
• Visit Abanotubani, which is famous for its historical Sulfur Baths.
• Walk down the Legvtakhevi canyon to discover a lovely waterfall in the heart of Old Tbilisi. Carry on to Shardeni Street, famous for its charming cafes and wine bars.
• Visit Sioni Cathedral, one of Georgia's most famous landmarks, which dates back to the sixth century and houses a true cross of St. Nino.

Head up to Freedom Square, passing by the Bridge of Peace, Anchiskhati Basilica, and the famous clock tower of Rezo Gabriadze Theatre. Drop off at your hotel.

In the morning, head to Kazbegi. Along the way, stop by Jvari monastery, a UNESCO world heritage site erected in the sixth century on a hill overlooking the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers' scenic confluence. Carry on to Ananuri Fortress. A magnificent complex consists of two churches with an ornately decorated façade, several towers, and defense walls. With a view of the Zhinvali reservoir in the background, all of these structures create a stunning panorama. Continue to Kazbegi on the Georgian Military Highway. Make photo stops at the Gudauri View Point, also known as the Friendship Monument, and the Jvari Overpass Travertine Natural Monument. Reach Stepantsminda. Hike or drive to Gergeti Holy Trinity Church to take in the breathtaking views of Mount Kazbek (5033 m). Drive back to Tbilisi. Drop off at your hotel.

Transfer to the Tbilisi international airport. Departure.