11 Day Caucasus Tour: Azerbaijan & Georgia – Baku, Kakheti, Kazbegi, Vardzia

Meet your guide in Baku and start exploring Azerbaijan’s capital.
Visit Mountain Park, offering panoramic views of the Caspian Sea and Baku skyline. Continue to the historic Old City (Icherisheher) and explore:
Palace of the Shirvanshahs
Maiden Tower (UNESCO)
Medieval mosques, caravanserais, and bathhouses
Overnight in Baku.

Driving distance: approx. 297 km
Travel north toward Sheki, stopping along the way to visit:
Diri-Baba Mausoleum (15th century) in Gobustan
Juma Mosque (8th century) in Shamakhi
Arrive in the scenic mountain town Sheki and explore:
Sheki Khan’s Palace
Sheki Fortress
Caravanserai
Overnight in Sheki.

Driving distance: approx. 169 km
Visit Kish village and the historic Kish Church, believed to stand on an ancient religious site.
Cross the Azerbaijan–Georgia border at Lagodekhi, where your Georgian guide will meet the group.
Continue to Sighnaghi, a charming hilltop town in the Kakheti wine region.
Explore Sighnaghi Museum and stroll through the cobbled streets with views of the Alazani Valley.
Overnight in Sighnaghi.

Driving distance: approx. 157 km
Visit Tsinandali Estate, the former residence of Prince Alexander Chavchavadze.
Enjoy wine tasting and explore the estate gardens and museum.
Continue to Shumi Winery for wine tasting of traditional Qvevri wines.
Visit Telavi, the capital of Kakheti, and explore Batonis Tsikhe Fortress.
Drive to Tbilisi via the scenic Gombori Pass.
Overnight in Tbilisi.

Explore Georgia’s capital with a full-day sightseeing tour.
Visit:
Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba)
Metekhi Church & statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali
Narikala Fortress (cable car ride)
Abanotubani sulfur bath district
Bridge of Peace
Shardeni Street and Meidan Square
Continue sightseeing along Rustaveli Avenue, passing the Opera House, Parliament, and Freedom Square.
Overnight in Tbilisi.

Driving distance: approx. 142 km
Visit the ancient capital Mtskheta, including:
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
Jvari Monastery
Antiokh Basilica
Continue along the Georgian Military Highway, stopping at Zhinvali Reservoir and Ananuri Fortress.
Arrive in Gudauri Ski Resort.
Dinner and overnight in Gudauri.

Driving distance: approx. 208 km
Travel through Jvari Pass (2395 m) and visit the Friendship Monument viewpoint.
Arrive in Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) and hike to the famous Gergeti Trinity Church overlooking Mount Kazbegi (5054 m).
Continue to Dariali Gorge near the Russian border and visit the Dariali Monastery.
Return to Tbilisi. Overnight in Tbilisi.

Driving distance: approx. 250 km
Visit Gori, birthplace of Joseph Stalin, and explore the Stalin Museum.
Continue to the ancient cave city Uplistsikhe, carved into the rock during the 1st millennium BC.
Drive to Borjomi, famous for its mineral water springs and national park. Overnight in Akhaltsikhe.

Driving distance: approx. 60 km
Visit Rabati Castle in Akhaltsikhe, a restored medieval fortress complex.
Continue to Vardzia, a spectacular rock-cut monastery complex from the 12th century. Overnight in Vardzia.

Driving distance: approx. 223 km
Travel through the scenic Javakheti Plateau, stopping at:
Sagamo Lake
Paravani Lake
Phoka Nunnery, known for local cheese, jam, and handmade chocolate.
Return to Tbilisi.
Overnight in Tbilisi.

Breakfast at the hotel.
Check-out before 12:00 PM.
End of services.