AZERBAIJAN & GEORGIA 13 DAYS

Early in the morning, we drive along the ancient Silk Road and visit Uplistsikhe. It is a cave town, known since the 1st century and which was inhabited until the 19th century. Today, you can see the old market, old pharmacy and breathtaking pagan worship site. The next point of our program is Gori. The city has gone down in history as the birthplace of the bloodthirsty dictator Josseb Dshughashwilli, known under the pseudonym Joseph Stalin. Thus, we will visit the Stalin Museum, where the Soviet exoticism is shown pretty good. Then, we reach our hotel in Batumi and enjoy our delicious Georgian dinner.

Batumi, port city on the Black Sea, coast in the autonomous region of Adjara. We will have a small walk in the downtown, which has been almost completely renovated in the recent years. The  city greets  guests with the  Medea statue, which  reminds travelers that  they are on the territory  of the prehistoric Colchis. But even in the present day emerge new sights in the city – the moving statue of love or Alphabetic Tower that is similar to DNA – that symbolizes the uniqueness of Georgian alphabet and people. The city of Batumi is associated with the words “sun”, “beach”, “sea”. Obviously, we will take a walk through the quay to enjoy not   only the beauty of Georgian city but also the Georgian nature. The impression remains also during the tour in the Botanical Garden with its exotic plants. Of course, do not forget to try here the famous Adjaran khachapuri. Here in Batumi they taste most delicious.

In the morning, we will move in the direction of Kutaisi. Not far from Kutaisi we will visit a karst cave – Kumistawi, also  known as Prometheus cave. Prometheus Caves, one of Georgia’s natural wonders providing visitors with breathtaking examples of stalactites, stalagmites, curtains, petrified waterfalls, cave pearls, underground rivers, and lakes. The colorful lighting creates a stunning bizarre picture. Even fossilized bones of the dinosaurs can be found in thecave. Then, we will visit the marvelous city of Kutaisi itself, the Bagrati Cathedral – a masterpiece in the history of modern and medieval Georgian architecture, explore the ruins of the fortress city and the Royal Palace. After that, we still have some time for a rambling through the city. In the evening, you will share your impressions of the trip during dinner and enjoy the mountain sky.

In the morning we are going to visit the monastery Gelati. It is dated from the 12th century and located not far from Kutaisi. Well-known is the Gelati Academy, functioning at the Monastery. In history, it played a major role in the development of the Georgian elite. After  midday, we  explore the  cradle of Georgian  culture – the oldest  city in Georgia – Mtskheta. Mtskheta is the most religious city of Georgia as it has been the shrine of pagan idols since times immemorial and it is where Christianity in Georgia takes its origin. Today the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its many archaeological and historical monuments, it resembles an inhabited open air museum. We drive along the Georgian Military Road through a very scenic area. This is the historical name of a road in the Greater Caucasus that runs between Tbilisi, Georgia and Vladikavkaz, Russia. The route was even known to ancient Greek geographers. It was improved in the second half of the 18th century during the 5th Russo-Turkish War. The road offers many sites that are worth seeing. We make a stop not far from Ananuri and visit the fortified church from the 17th century, which also is the UNESCO World Heritage Site. A wonderful view over the river opens up before you from the place. After two hours ride, we reach Gudauri that is also called Kazbek gate. The resort town has been funded by the Swiss and French and turned into one of the best and most famous ski resorts. We stay in Gudauri overnight.

For many tourists, Kazbeg is the destination itself. Many people would either climb this mountain or at least immortalize it on the pictures. We take a walk in the village of Gudauri and enjoy morning coolness. 2400 meters above sea level, we make a stop and continue to the Tegri River. Our next point is the the highland alpine-land- scape settlement Stepansminda. From Stepansminda we take a walk to Gergeti Trinity Church, beautifully situated on the flank of the mountain. Our final stop for today is picturesque Dariali Gorge.  From the mountainous region, we come to Kakheti, birthplace of Georgian wine. In the evening we arrive in Telavi.

In the morning we explore the downtown of Telavi.   Then we set off to a small town Tsinandali, known outside Georgia.You will have a little excursion and will be invited to taste the local cuisine. Right after we will explore the family residence of the princes Tschawtschawadze. We are also invited to be guests of a farmer’s family in Nafareuli.

Afterwards  we visit the  famous church of  Gurjaani and drive  to Sighnaghi – city  of love. On the way visit  the Bodbe Monastery of the Holy Nino. In the evening we reach the border of Azerbaijan in Lagodechi. Our path leads through picturesque villages with its beautiful panoramic view to the Sheki. This ancient city was long known as a silk center.

In the morning we visit the historical museum and the local and oriental-style bazaar. The most popular here are the spices, which turn out to be quite unusual to the western taste. Do not forget to try halva, which is made here according to traditional recipes.

Then, we visit the legendary Palace of Shaki Khans built in the end of the 18th c. It was built in the Ottoman style and is distinguished by its stunning frescoes and stained glass windows. We finish our excursion in Shaki visiting the workshop of the stained glass craftsman. In the late afternoon we arrive in the mountain village of Kish where is situated the legendary oldest church in the Caucasus. In the evening we come back to Sheki and spend one more night in this beautiful city.

After breakfast we set off to Gabala. On our way we make a stop in the village Nic we explore the former center of the Albanian Christian church. Before we arrive to Gabala city, we explore the ruins of the ancient city of Gabala the history of which dates back  to the 4th c BC. The ruins of the ancient city of Gabala from the 4th c. BC lie 15 km away. Up to  the 12th c. before Persian conquest Qabala used to be the capital of the ancient kingdom of Caucasian Albania. Gabala was located in the middle of the Silk Road, and was mentioned by Pliny the Younger as “Kabalaka”, Greek geographer Ptolemy as “Khabala”, Arabic historian Ahmad ibn Yahya al-Baladhuri as “Khazar”. In terms of political, economic and trade importance the ancient town of Gabala can compared for its importance as a political, economic and trade center to such eminent cities as Babylon, Troy, Pompei, Carthage etc. As a result of years of archeological studies here in Gabala on a 25-acre site were discovered the ruins of big buildings, fortress walls dating back to the ancient period, material-cultural monuments connected to the manufacturing and handicraft trade and cemeteries. Thus, you will have a possibility to explore this ancient site and to feel on your own the atmosphere of the ancient times. In the evening you will have time to discover the downtown of Gabala. We stay overnight here.

Right after breakfast we make our way to Baku. On the way back we still have for you a few highlights at hand. We start our way to the village of Lanich – a traditional centre of copper forged art connoisseurs. Afterwards, we drive to the former capital of Shirvan Khanate – Shamakhi.

Here we visit the Juma Mosque and the impressive seven mausoleums situated on the cemetery. In Märäzä the place of former milkmensettlements we see a century-old Muslim cemetery and two-storey white cave mausoleum to honour Diri Baba. In the evening we reach Azerbaijani capital Baku and stay overnight there.

For the Western visitor Baku is a sensational city. Large parks, smartly renovated old town, illuminated fountains. The contrasts here have always been impressive, now the city is also a real showcase of the contemporary imposing architecture. First we will visit the legendary Zoroastrian Maiden Tower from the 5th c. Then we walk to the old bazaar.

The entire old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also, our program involves visiting the oldest Multani Caravanserai, the Haj Banu-Hammam from the 15th c, c with the tower from the 11th c, the Tezepir Mosque as well as the Shirvan Palace and the Jewish district. Impressive is of course also the modern quarter with the three Flame Towers towering over the city. In the evening you will have a few hours for yourself to enjoy the atmosphere of the evening city.

Early in the morning, when the air is still fresh after the night hours, we will take a boat tour. You will have the possibility to take photos of the beautiful city from the sea. After our cruise we head for Elat to see one more landscape peculiarity – mud volcanoes.

Also, in the semi-desert in Qobustan there is a centuries-old Stone Age rock signs. Despite their number they were found only in the 30-s of 20th c. Eventually, National Park has been set up here and in 2007 this place was announced as UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening we come back to Azerbaijani capital Baku and we will have the last opportunity to gather at the dinner table and enjoy together the farewell dinner.

Early in the morning we start our way to the airport. You have spent your time very intensively and eventfully, learnt about new cultures, traditions and nature. We hope we have managed to persuade you to come here one more time in the future. We always welcome you here!