"LEISURE 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, Tbilisi, Gudauri , Akhaltsikhe, Kutaisi, Batumi, Svaneti. 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: 19 nights

3 Nights in Baku, 1 Night in Sheki, 1 Night in Kakheti, 4 Nights in Tbilisi, 1 Night in Gudauri, 2 Nights in Bakuriani, 2 Nights in Kutaisi, 2 Nights in Batumi, 3 Nights in Mestia 

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 caravanserais "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). (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.
• On the way to Sheki: visiting the Diri Baba mausoleum in Maraza, in Shemakha - visiting the Juma Mosque and complex of mausoleums “Yeddi Gumbez” – Seven Domes, the ruins of Gulistan fortress (XI – XII c.), mausoleum of Shahihandan (XV век), Gulustan Fortress (XI-XII c.).
• Sheki is one of the most famous and ancient places of Azerbaijan. Situated 700 m (2297 ft.) above sea level like an amphitheatre surrounded by the mountains and forests of oak trees, this ancient city was long famed as a silk centre and an important stop on the Great Silk Route. Visiting Khan's summer Palace (dated back to 18th century) with magnificent frescos and exquisite stained glass work. (Overnight in Sheki).
• 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.
• Your Guide will help with border crossing procedures, change the vehicle & guide, continue to travel to Georgia. 
• First drive to visit a Farmer’s house to see a unique wine-cellar. We will taste several sort of Georgian homemade wine and chacha (vodka). Enjoy your lunch with homemade delicious food and wine . The housewife will cook for us delicious Georgian traditional cuisine and you also will have a chance to participate in cooking process_master classes on making Churchkhela and baking Georgian bread “Shoti”. Host will explain a wine making technology, which is the one of the oldest in the world.
• Visit Town Sighnaghi- “the city of Love” one of the most beautiful and oldest town in Georgia, which is located on the east part of Georgia. Walls of Sighnaghi fortress miraculously survived and now  surround the old part of the city. The wall has 28watchtowers, with a magnificent view over Alazani Valley and Caucasian mountains.
• Visit Monastery Bodbe – The monastery now functions as a nunnery and is on of the major  piligrimage sites in Georgia, due to its association  with St. Nino, the 4th century female evangelist who preached Christianity in Georgia.
• Transfer to Telavi. Check-in and have a free evening. (Overnight in Telavi).
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, wine tasting & cooking class at the winery in Kvareli

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

• Breakfast at the hotel. check out. The first stop of the day will be the Tsinandali Museum of Alexander Chavchavadze – a Georgian aristocrat of 18-th century, 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 

 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. (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 a medieval castle that 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 over 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).
• Finally, we will go up the mountain and enjoy the breath-taking views from the Gergety Trinity Church –built in medieval time the church is located on the slope of Mount Kazbek with the Caucus mountains rising in the background.
• 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.
• Transfer to 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 consisted of more than 700 underground premises, but only 150 have reached our days. 
• Transfer to Borjomi. This is a popular health resort, famous for its mineral water springs, mild climate, and fresh air. The small cozy town lies on the banks of the Kura River. It was beloved by the aristocracy in 19-th 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 incredibly fresh air. (Overnight in Borjomi or Bakuriani).
• Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

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

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Transfer to the  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 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 the 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 Borjomi or Bakuriani).
•  Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 11. Borjomi - Kutaisi (approx. 160 km)

• Breakfast at the hotel and check out. 
• Drive to Kutaisi - the legislative capital of Georgia and capital of the western region of Imereti - via Rikoti Pass. Historically one of the major cities of Georgia, it served as the capital of the Kingdom of Georgia in the Middle Ages, and later as the capital of the Kingdom of Imereti.
• Visit the Sataplia Karst Caves and Natural Reserve. Though rather small, the cave is famous for fine specimens of speleothem cave formations, as well as dinosaur footprints nearby. The tour enters the through-cave on one hillside, crosses the hill underground, and then surfaces near the dinosaur footprints.
• The cave is named after Mt. Sataplia (494m), an extinct volcano, which is now the nature reserve. The reserve was intended to protect the five karst caves of the area and the dinosaur footprints. At present there are 200 known footprints found in two different layers of the Cretaceous limestone. The 30cm long footprints of the lower layer belong to an unknown predator, while the 48cm long footprints of the upper layer belong to an ornithopter herbivore. Sataplia has been renovated in recent years and turned into a Jurassic Theme Park.  (Overnight in Kutaisi)
• Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 12. Kutaisi - Martvili canyon - Mestia (approx.250km)

• After breakfast, drive to Martvili, a small town home to the uniquely beautiful Martvili Canyon, a magnificent gorge carved through limestone rocks by the Abasha River. View the beautiful creations of nature with the surrounds of canyons, caves and waterfalls. There are stretches of quiet water where you can take the opportunity to swim, climb on the surrounding rocks, and stand beneath the spectacular waterfalls. In the upper part of the canyon, you will take a short boat trip with a few stops along the way.
• Head to the beginning of the canyon where you will see the powerful waterfall (approx. 7m high).  Enjoy a 3 -3,30 hour drive through spectacular mountain scenery before arriving at the picturesque mountain town of Mestia, capital of the Svaneti Region, where you will be transported to the hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure and an included dinner this evening. (Overnights in Mestia)
• Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 13. Mestia - Ushguli - Mestia

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Today you will explore the beautiful Svaneti Region, which is surrounded by mountains, glaciers, high peaks and waterfalls. Be driven in 4x4 vehicles to Ushguli Village which is a community of four villages at the head of Enguri Gorge. It’s considered one of the highest continuously inhabited settlements in Europe at 2100m above sea level and due to its particularly inaccessible location, it has kept a timeless feel.
• The road to Ushguli travels through the villages of Ipari and Kala. The small churches in these villages contain beautiful frescos and murals dedicated to the history of the region.
• From here you will enjoy a walk towards Shkhara Glacier. Surrounding villages contain old Svan Towers and buildings that make Ushguli part of the UNESCO World Heritage listed sites in Upper Svaneti. In the evening you will return to the hotel (approx. two hours) where you will spend the rest of the evening at your own leisure, with dinner included. (Overnights in Mestia)
• Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 14. Mestia & Surroundings

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Enjoy a tour to see the Svan Towers, the symbol of Svaneti and many of which date back to medieval times. These defensive structures were built as protection from invaders and natural disasters. Afterward continue to the Svaneti Museum, where you will find unique icons and manuscripts from the 4th – 6th centuries, as well as ethnic artifacts associated with Svaneti and its people. After your visit to the museum, you will travel back to the hotel where you can enjoy the rest of the evening to explore at your own leisure, with dinner included. (Overnights in Mestia)

 Optional: Hatsvali Cable Car - $2-3 USD (approx. $4 AUD)

• Ride the Hatsvali Cable Car to enjoy magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding area (weather dependant). 
• (Overnights in Mestia)
• Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 15. Mestia - Zugdidi - Batumi (approx. 290 km)

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Drive to Zugdidi to visit beautiful Dadiani Palace. This museum was established in the middle of the 19th century by Prince David Dadiani of Samegrelo and still functions as an exhibition, where important findings from the Nokalakevi Archaeological Site are presented.
• Visit the Enguri Dam - the highest reservoir in the world.
• Continue the way to Batumi, the most beautiful city in Georgia. One of the oldest cities in Georgia, Batumi was founded in the 8th century, but the initial settlement, Batus, is mentioned in texts that date back to the 4th century BC. Batumi's interesting historical past has considerably influenced the architectural diversity of city (a number of projects were completed by European architects during the Porto Franco period). Old Batumi's most historical part is stretched between the seaport and the Boulevard and features distinctive building facades and balconies.
• City Tour in Batumi includes: Walking through the narrow streets of the old town, Batumi Drama Theatre, tower of Georgian Alphabet, Batumi Boulevard, Statue of Ali and Nino, dancing fountains, (offering of beautiful show), a new boulevard with sculptures of contemporary art, status of Medea, which is associated with the myth of Argonauts and Golden Fleece. Night Batumi, which is especially beautiful with its dancing fountains and shows.
• Evening tour to Amusement park "Firefly" -which operates 36 amusement ride including 8 children, 17 and 11 Family extreme. (Overnights in Batumi)
• Meals included: Breakfast

 DAY 16. Batumi

• Breakfast at the hotel. 
• Free day in Batumi

Optional: Mountain Ajara-Gonio fortress (included Wine degustation & Lunch) ( Approx. 120 km.)

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Visit the waterfall of Makhuntseti and the bridge of Queen Tamara where the beauty of nature calls. Being located near the town of Keda, at 335 meters above sea level. Near the waterfall several picnic sites are available for visitors. While visiting the waterfall it is also possible to visit nearby tourist attractions, including the ancient arched stone Makhuntseti Bridge, Adjara wine houses, and private wine cellars scattered throughout Keda Municipality.
• Visit Adjarian wine house _ a small winery with a beautiful location 15-minute drive from the capital of Adjara, Batumi. It was built on the ruins of an 18th-century historical winery in Adjara. Have a Lunch and Wine degustation.
• Visit Gonio fortress, One of Georgia's most ancient settlements was located around this fortress. Due to its strategic location, Gonio-Apsaros became a supporting citadel first for the Romans and later to the Byzantines and Ottomans along the eastern Black Sea coastline. (Overnights in Batumi)
• Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 17. Batumi - Kutaisi (approx. 160 km)

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Drive to Kutaisi.
• Visit: Gelati Academy and Monastery, a medieval monastic complex near Kutaisi. A masterpiece of the Georgian golden age, Gelati was founded in 1106 by King David IV of Georgia in the 12th century. It was one of the first monasteries in Georgia and adds great value to the Georgian culture and beauty. The next stop is the Bagrati Cathedral, built in the early years of the 11th century. Conservation and restoration works, as well as archaeological studies at the Cathedral began in the 1950s under the leadership of a Georgian architect Vakhtang Tsintsadze, and concluded in 2012.
• Check-in at the hotel and have e free evening to walk yourself in Kutaisi city center. (Overnights in Kutaisi)
• Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 18. Kutaisi - Mtskheta – Tbilisi (approx. 280 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 11 th 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. (Overnight in Tbilisi).
• Meals included: Breakfast

 DAY 19. Tbilisi – Free day 

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Free day in Tbilisi.

Optional: Georgian dance classes

• Entertaining, informative, cheerful, dynamic, and emotional Georgian Dance Masterclasses for you, dear guests, so you can be prepared for an exciting and unexpected engagement with Georgian music.
• The class is one and a half hours full of positive energy, awesome discipline and impeccable dance education, beginning with the basic elements. There is a perfect blend of love, bravery, durability, competition and beauty into one astonishing performance.
• 19:30 Farewell dinner at the restaurant with show program of Georgian national dances. (Overnight in Tbilisi).
• Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner with show-program

DAY 20. 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 the whole tour 
• Local off-road jeeps in Kazbegi & Ushguli 
• Entrance fees  in Georgia: Tsinandali, Stalin’s Museum, Uplistsikhe, vardzia, Rabath,  Borjomi park, 
• Narikala camble tickets 
• Entrance fees in Azerbaijan: (Shaki Khan Palace & Boat tour) 
• Lunch, Wine degustation & master class in Wine Cellar (baking bread, making churchkhela/ degustation desk (cheese, churchkhela, Georgian sweets, walnut) 
• 1 Dinner at the hotel in Gudauri, 2 Dinners at the hotel in Bakuriani, 3 Dinners at the hotel in Mestia 
• 1 Lunch at the  restaurant in Azerbaijan 
• 1 Dinner at the  restaurant in Azerbaijan 
• 1 Farewell dinner at the restaurant in Tbilisi with Georgian dishes and show program; 
• Accommodation at 4/5  Star  hotels  with Breakfast according the program

PRICES NOT INCLUDE:

• Early check-inn or late check-out 
• Flight tickets 
• Visa fee 
• Entrance tickets:  Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre - 9 USD pp; Shirvanshah Palace - 9 USD pp; Maiden Tower - 9 USD pp 
• Entrance tickets: Martvili canyon- 15 USD pp; Sataplia 9 USD pp; Dadiani palace – 5 USD pp
• Master classes of Georgian dance – 30 USD pp 
• *Optional : Mountain  Ajara-Gonio fortress  $80 per person ( included Wine degustation & Lunch)
  
• Travel & Medical insurance