Highlights of Azerbaijan & Georgia

Welcome to Azerbaijan! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. Why not seek some traditional local fare with the group after the meeting and join your leader for a night walk around Baku.

In the morning, drive to Qobustan, a national reserve and World Heritage site that functions as an open-air archaeological museum. Stop on the way to check out the bubbling mud volcanoes first and then continue to Qobustan. Here lie some well-preserved rock petroglyphs dating back as far as BC 12th century, as well as a Roman inscription notable as the easternmost of its kind. Return to Baku in the afternoon and explore Baku’s UNESCO World Cultural Site - the walled old Town and learn about its history and legends on a guided walking tour. Finish in the Old Market Square and enjoy exploring the old city of Baku. The evening is yours to spend. If you’re searching for somewhere to eat, ask your leader to point you in the direction of Nizami Street, where local restaurants line this busy boulevard. Perhaps order some lavangi – walnuts, dried fruit and onions stuffed inside chicken and roasted to create a tantalising fusion of flavours. (B)

This morning, leave Baku and drive through a dry landscape that gives way to a densely forested mountain area, stopping en route in Shamakhi to check out one of the oldest Mosques of Azerbaijan - Juma (Friday) Mosque, then continue to your destination today, the village of Lahij, a stunning traditional village of Tats people. Explore its cobbled streets, stone houses and visit a copper workshop and get to know some local folk over a cup of tea. Enjoy a yogurt master class later on and bunk down in a guesthouse in Lahij tonight. (B)

After breakfast, head to Nij village, a settlement of the Udi people who are the direct descendants of ancient Caucasian Albanians. Most the world’s surviving Udi people call Nij home, giving the community a unique culture. Take a stroll in the village with your leader and visit an unassuming site of a significant church. The Albanian Church (as it’s known colloquially) is a source of pride and heritage for the local Udi community. Continue to Sheki afterwards and enjoy a free evening. (B)

Visit the Palace of Shaki Khans first in the morning. The walls inside the palace are painted with scenes of hunting and war and feature impressive stained glass. Afterwards, check out a workshop where shebeke – stained glass windows made with no glue or nails – are produced by masters. Then get on a local public bus to Kish to visit the pointed spires of a church that is among the oldest in Christendom, believed to be around 1700 years old. Try Azerbaijan’s national dish – Piti for lunch – a stew made of lamb, sheep fat, chickpeas, onions, chestnuts, saffron and spices, and is guaranteed to be full of exciting flavors. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to discover Sheki. Why not explore the impressive traditional architecture on foot. It’s easy enough to stop for tea and some local halva (made with sugar, hazelnuts, coriander and rice flour grinned in a watermill) if you get tired. (B/L)

After breakfast at the hotel, take a walk with your leader through the Sheki market. It’s a good idea to stock up on snacks for the journey to come, so maybe grab some halva, nuts and dried fruit. Continue to Lagodekhi on the Azerbaijan-Georgia border. Travel through the beautiful green valleys of the Kakheti region to Gremi, a complex that includes a castle and church from the 16th century. Spend some time here and then hit the road again, stopping at a traditional Georgian wine producer where the ancient, UNESCO-listed qvevri method is still used and enjoy lunch here. Continue to Telavi to your accommodation for the evening – a locally-owned family hotel. (B/L)

In the morning, wander through the raucous local farmers market in Telavi, where butchers carve up fresh meat and vendors offload piles of spices, then visit Tsinandalia, a historic estate and winery once owned by noted Georgian poet Alexander Chavchavadze. In 1814, aristocrat Chavchavadze was the first to bottle wine produced using the qvevri method. Tour the complex, which consists of a memorial house, European-style landscaped garden, a traditional winery, wine cellar, hotel and cafe. Continue to UNESCO listed Alaverdi Cathedral that dates back to 6th century. Afterwards, a stunning drive into the mountains up the renowned Georgian Military Highway, which eventually leads to the Georgia–Russia border. Tonight, enjoy an included dinner and spend the night in lofty Gudauri. (B/D)

Follow the Tergi River on a drive to Stepantsminda (formerly known as Kazbegi). Explore this mountain village then take a 2. 5-hour hike through beautiful valleys and woodlands to the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church (2170 m). This 14th-century church sits at the base of the second-highest volcanic summit in the Caucasus – Mt Kazbegi (5047 m) – and weather permitting you may catch a glimpse of this frosty behemoth. The image of the pointed spires of the isolated church against the mountains is truly breathtaking, and a great place to practice your photography skills. Drive back to Gudauri for an included dinner. (B/D)

Make the drive to the capital of Tbilisi (approximately 3 hours), sure to be a slight shock to the system after the peace of the mountains. Get into the swing of things with an orientation walk with your leader. Spend the rest of the daytime as you wish, perhaps grabbing a khachapuri (bread stuffed with salty cheese) to snack on while you wander. In the evening, regroup and head out for dinner with your fellow travellers and leader. This is a good chance to munch down on khinkali, Georgia’s famous dumplings. Make sure to ask your leader about the polite way to eat them – it involves sucking out the juice and leaving the pinched bit of dough where the edges of the delicious parcel have joined on the plate. (B)

Your trip comes to an end today after breakfast. Want to spend more time in this gorgeous city? We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). (B)