"WONDER TOUR" (Azerbaijan+Georgia)

Combined group tour to two South Caucasus countries – Azerbaijan and Georgia. You start the journey from Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, and continue the way to Georgia, visiting Sighnaghi, Kvareli, Telavi, Tbilisi, Kazbegi, Gori, Borjomi, Bakuriani, Gudauri , Akhaltsikhe, Mtskheta. Two highly-qualified and friendly guides will work for you. They will take you to the most remarkable historical and architectural monuments, UNESCO World Heritage Sights, special highlights, they will help you to choose delicious food and finest wines. Get acquainted with two different cultures, see diversity of the traditions and visit the most unique and spectacular sights of these countries. The group is “Guaranteed to Run” after two people book the tour.

ACCOMMODATION: 11 nights

3 Nights in Baku, 1 Night in Sheki, 1 Night in Telavi, 1 Night in Gudauri, 2 Nights in Bakuriani, 3 Nights in Tbilisi

PERIOD: ALL YEAR ROUND

TOUR PROGRAM:

DAY 1. Welcome to Baku

• Arrival to Baku. Transfer to hotel and check in.   (Overnight in Baku).
• Meals included: None

DAY 2, Baku city tour

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Baku city tour:
• Icheri Sheher (Old City), known as a “fortress” – is a unique historical and architectural conservation area in the center of Baku. This is one of the ancient and densely populated places of the country and even of the Middle East. Archaeological excavations revealed burial vaults of the Bronze Age. The Maiden Tower (the 12th century) and the Shirvanshah palace (the 13th-16th century) are well-known historical monuments also locate in Old City. Besides them there are a lot of other unique monuments of Icheri Sheher: mosques, minarets, the remnants of Caravansary "Multani" and "Bukhara", ancient baths. There are a lot of souvenir shops where you can purchase national clothes, kerchiefs, scarves and caps, dishes and handmade carpets.
• Walking down to Nizami Street (old trading zone with lots of shops and boutiques), Fountain Square, shopping center “Park Boulevard”, etc. Baku Boulevard is the second largest one in Europe where tourists can get a boat to make a trip along Baku Bay and to be introduced to the interesting facts and legends of the largest lake in the world better known as Caspian Sea.
• Baku panorama viewing from the Upland Park, and have the opportunity to have a look at Baku hotel complex «Flame Towers Baku» – a new business card of the city (Overnight in Baku).
• Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

DAY 3. Baku free day

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Today is free at leisure, alternatively, you may take part in an optional tour (not included).

 Optional: Gobustan, Ateshgah, Yanardag - (approx. 90km)

• Gobustan is a historical and art reserve where the ancient places of primitive people were found, which left behind more than 6,000 petroglyphic paintings
• Mud Volcanoes
• Excursion in Ateshgah - Temple of the Eternal Flame (XVII - XVIII centuries)
• Ateshgah is a fire temple in Azerbaijan, on the Absheron peninsula, 30 km from the center of Baku, on the outskirts of the village of Surakhani, at various times revered by Zoroastrians, Hindus and Sikhs. It arose in the XVII - XVIII centuries in place of the “eternal” unquenchable fires - burning outlets of natural gas, which is why the temple is called “Ateshgah”, which means “House of Fire”, “Place of Fire”
• Yanardag, - is one of the most amazing natural attractions of the Absheron Peninsula. It is a mountain slope engulfed in flames that cannot be extinguished by rain or sand, burning for several millennia.
• Transfer  to Baku. (Overnight in Baku).
• Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 4. Baku - Maraza Village - Shamakhi - Sheki (approx. 330km)

• Breakfast at the hotel.  Check-out and travel onwards to Sheki.
• Along the way, you will visit Diri Baba Mausoleum in Maraza village and the ancient Juma Mosque in Shamakhi, the medieval capital city. You will also cross a river canyon through the beautiful Muganly mountainous pass.
• Upon arrival in Sheki enjoy a short city tour. See the city fortress, Sheki Khan Palace, Caravanserai, artisans’ stalls including stained glass – Shebeke, silk, and embroidery shops, potters, confectioners, hatters, and numerous souvenir shops.
• Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 5. Sheki – Signaghi - Kvareli - Telavi (approx. 320km)

• Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out and continue onward to the neighboring country of Georgia. Along the way visit the village of Kish and observe the ancient temple called “the mother of churches”.
• Drive to the Azerbaijan-Georgia border Lagodekhi( approx.. 1h. & 40 min). Your Guide will help with border crossing procedures, change the vehicle & guide, continue to travel to Georgia. 
• Transfer to the town of Kvareli. Upon arrival visit, a wine cellar located in a tunnel dug out of the flank of the Caucasus Mountains and taste some amazing Georgian wines. The temperature in the tunnel stays at 12-14 degrees throughout the year. It consists of two main tunnels, which are linked by 13 galleries. The total length of the tunnel is 7.7 km.  
• After the wine cellar visit continues onwards to the hotel and check-in for an evening at leisure.  Here you will enjoy a Georgian wine tasting, Lunch and cooking class at the wine cellar.
• Visit the picturesque town of Sighnaghi, famous for its pastel houses and narrow cobblestone streets. The town serves as a popular tourist destination thanks to its location at the heart of Georgia's wine-growing region. Set on a steep hill, Sighnaghi overlooks the vast Alazani Valley, with the Caucasus Mountains in the distance. 
• Here you will visit the Bodbe Monastery, originally built in the 9th century. 
• Transfer to Telavi. 
• Check-in and have a free evening. (Overnight in Telavi).
• Meals included: Breakfast, wine tasting & cooking class at the winery “Khareba” in Kvareli

DAY 6. Telavi - Tbilisi (approx. 120km)

• After breakfast check out from the hotel. Today you will travel onwards to Telavi. The first stop of the day will be the Tsinandali Museum of Alexander Chavchavadze – a Georgian aristocrat of 18-th sentury, military figure and poet.  Nowadays Chavchavadze’s residence, garden and wine cellar functions as a museum and attracts lots of visitors.
• Next you will visit the Shumi Winery which is located close to the museum. Here the visitors can taste local wine and snacks.
• Finish the day in Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia where you will check-in and enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure. (Overnight in Tbilisi).
• Meals included: Breakfast, wine tasting in Shumi winery

DAY 7. Tbilisi city tour

• After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a full-day tour of this historic capital city.
• Holy Trinity Cathedral ‘Sameba’, which is the main Christian Orthodox cathedral in Georgia. Continue onwards to see the Metekhi Church of Assumption which rests upon the top of the hill. The church was built by the Georgian king St Demetrius II between 1278-1284.
• Narikala Fortress by aerial cable car and take in magnificent panoramic views over Tbilisi and the Kura River. Comprised of two walled sections on a steep hill between the sulfur baths and the botanical gardens of Tbilisi, Narikala Fortress dates back to the 4th century. Enjoy a stroll to the Legvtakhevi Waterfall, located in the center of Tbilisi, and also take a walk through the luscious botanical gardens.
• Shardeni Street and Meidan Square, which are known for their outdoor cafes, galleries and souvenir shops where you can enjoy a refreshing drink before continuing on to Rustaveli Avenue. The avenue starts at Freedom Square and extends for about 1.5 km. Rustaveli is often considered the main thoroughfare of Tbilisi due to a large number of governmental, public, cultural, and business buildings located along and near the avenue.
• Tbilisi Funicular to Mtatsminda Park, which is located at the top of Mount Mtatsminda and overlooks the city. The park has carousels, water slides, a roller-coaster, funicular and a big Ferris Wheel at the edge of the mountain which offers splendid views. (Overnight in Tbilisi).
• Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 8. Tbilisi - Ananuri - Kazbegi - Gudauri (approx. 250km)

• After breakfast check out from the hotel.
• Our first stop will be at the Ananuri fortress. This is the medieval castle which was constructed to protect the trade route. The place is well-known not only for its reach history but also for the breathtaking views of the Zhinvali water reservoir. Ananuri castle was a scene of many battles through the centuries. It was protecting the surrounding lands from the numerous invaders, coming from the Darial gorge. Now it is a peaceful place, famous for its outstanding views on the surrounding mountains.
• We will prolong our way along the Georgian Military Road, pass through the Gudauri Ski resort (one of the most popular in Georgia).
• Transfer to the small town of Stepantsminda. This place is known as a best observation point giving a fantastic view of the gorgeous Kazbegi mountain, Caucasus and emerald alpine meadows. The height of Kazbegi is 5033 meters. We will go up to the Gergeti Trinity church on the 4x4 cars. The church is situated on the right bank of the river Chkheri, at an elevation of 2170 meters (7120 feet), under Mount Kazbegi. The church, lonely staying of the top of the mountain, surrounded with a breathtaking landscape, is one of most famous Georgian landmarks.
• Transfer to Gudauri. Check in at the hotel and have a free evening.  (Overnight in Gudauri).
• Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 9. Gudauri – Gori - Uplistsikhe - Borjomi (approx. 280 km)

• Breakfast at the hotel and Check out.
• Our first stop will be at the Gori city. This town is known as the place where Stalin was born and studied.
• There is also a museum dedicated to this historical figure. The museum collection boasts many personal belongings of the leader, including his personal railway carriage.
• Then we’ll prolong our way to the ancient cave city Uplistsikhe.
• This mysterious place is called Uplistsikhe. Its history dates back to the II-I millennium BC.
• In the era of Late Antiquity, it was a thriving and influential religious, political and cultural center. We will walk along the streets carved into the rock, pass magnificent cave temples, halls, dwellings and utility rooms.
• People finally abandoned this settlement only in the 19th century AD. Ages ago this amazing city was consisted of more than 700 underground premises, but only 150 have reached our days.
• Transfer to Borjomi. This is popular health resort, famous for its mineral water springs, mild climate and fresh air. Small cozy town lies on the banks of Kura river. It was beloved by aristocracy in 19th century already, the summer residences of noble people can still be found here. The ancient stone baths were discovered in Borjomi, which means that even many centuries ago the inhabitants knew about the healing properties of Borjomi natural water.
• We will enjoy the mysterious silence of the coniferous forest in the National Park and taste the famous mineral water.
• In Borjomi we will be surrounded by the breathtaking views of the emerald mountains and incredible fresh air. (Overnight in Bakuriani).
• Meals included: Breakfast , Dinner

DAY 10. Bakuriani - Akhaltsike - Vardzia - Borjomi - Bakuriani (approx. 200 km)

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Today the first stop we have in Vardzia Cave city.
• The fortress was built to protect the Borjomi gorge from enemies who tried to conquer these territories from the south. First the rocks covered the inside part of the building from the enemy’s eyes. The monastery by itself was connected to the surface by several secret passages — tunnels. The whole settlement was hiding behind a huge rock. That time Vardzia consisted of about 600 rooms.
• There were temples, living cells, food warehouses, and a library. And once even the little Queen Tamar was lost (and successfully found) in that labyrinth.
• The fortress was designed in such a way that it was completely invisible from the outside. However, the earthquake that shook the area in the 13th century, exposed the fortress-monastery, dropping a large block of rock down to the gorge.
• From that moment Vardzia lost her defensive assignment. But its story did not end there. And the details of this amazing legend you will learn during the tour.
• Next we are going to the city of Akhaltsikhe.
• It is situated on the both banks of a small river Potskhovi, which separates the city to the old city in the north and new in the south.
• We are going to the old part of the city, where one can see the great Rabati Castle, built by the Ottomans around a mosque, and St. Marine's Church.
• The fortress was rebuilt and renovated not so long ago, and boast its picturesque city views. From the castle wall one can enjoy the view of amazing mountain landscapes.
• The first military fortifications in Akhaltsikhe was erected by Ottoman empire in XVI - XVII centuries. Once powerful walls protected the peace of the Pasha and preserved one of the richest libraries of the Muslim East. (Overnight in Bakuriani)
• Meals included: Breakfast , Dinner

DAY 11. Borjomi - Mtskheta – Tbilisi (approx. 200 km)

• Breakfast at the hotel and check out.
• Transfer to Tbilisi.
• On the way – excursion in Mtkheta & Jvari monastery.
• Mtskheta is an ancient city, it can be also called the open air museum, and many centuries ago it was a former capital of Easten Georgia. It is a spiritual heart of the entire country.
• Jvari Monastery. It is considered to be the first monastery in Georgia. According to the historians it was built in V-VI century. Exactly here St. Nino set up the cross from a grapevine and began to preach Christianity. The monastery stands on the top of the hill. The slope of this hill goes down, straight to the place where two rivers, Kura and Aragvi, meet, to prolong they way together. The place is famous not only for its cultural and historical roots, but also for the spectacular, unforgettable view on the surrounding mountains and valleys.
• Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, built in the 11th century. Though the site itself is even older dating back to the early 4th century and is surrounded by a number of legends associated primarily with the early Christian traditions. Svetitskhoveli, known as the burial site of Christ's mantle, has long been the principal Georgian church and remains one of the most venerated places of worship to this day. The church counts UNESCO world heritage sites.
• Departure to Tbilisi. 
• Check-in at the hotel.
• 19:30 Farewell dinner at the restaurant with show program of Georgian national dances. (Overnight in Tbilisi).
• Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 12. Tbilisi – Transfer to the Airport

• After breakfast, enjoy your last morning in Tbilisi at leisure before to be transferred to the airport for your trip back home.

ALL PRICES ARE GIVEN FOR ONE PERSON IN ROOM IN USD.

PRICES INCLUDE:

• Professional  Guide Service;
• Transportation during whole tour & Jeep Tour in “Gergeti” 
• Entrance fees to all Museums in Georgia
• Narikala cable car tickets 
• Entrance fees in Azerbaijan: Shaki Khan Palace 
• Lunch, Wine degustation & master class in Wine Cellar (baking bread, making churchkhela/ degustation desk (cheese, churchkhela, Georgian sweets, walnut) 
• 1 Dinner in Gudauri, 2 Dinners in Bakuriani 
• 1 Lunch at the restaurant in Azerbaijan  
• 1 Farewell dinner at the restaurant in Tbilisi with Georgian dishes and show program; 
• Accommodation at hotels 4/5* with Breakfast 
• 2 Bottle of water per person per day

PRICES NOT INCLUDE:

• Early check-inn or late check-out 
• Flight tickets 
• Visa fee 
• Travel & Medical insurance 
• Entrance tickets:  Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre - 9 USD pp; Shirvanshah Palace - 9 USD pp; Maiden Tower - 9 USD pp