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Welcome to Georgia and Azerbaijan: Embark on a journey where Europe, Asia, and the Middle East converge! Our Georgia & Azerbaijan tour awaits, promising to immerse you in a melting pot of cultures and flavors. Explore the rich tapestry of architecture, delve into ancient histories, and savor the exquisite culinary treasures of these former Soviet republics nestled amidst the majestic Caucasus mountains, Caspian Sea, and Turkey. Begin in Azerbaijan, a land bridging two continents, with its fusion of Central Asian and Persian-inspired cuisine. Then, venture into Georgia, famed for its culinary prowess and millennia-old winemaking.
Day One
OVERNIGHT: BAKU, AZERBAIJAN
East meets West in Baku Baku city tour showing off a very eclectic combination of different styles both Eastern and Western influences such as baroque, classicism and modern. Visit Flag Square, the eye-opening Carpet Museum and modern Flame towers before exploring the old town with preserved walls & narrow cobbled streets. Welcome dinner.
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Day Two
OVERNIGHT: BAKU, AZERBAIJAN
Fire Temples and Mud Volcanoes Explore the UNESCO site of Gobustan Rock Paintings Museum, showcasing ancient Neolithic settlements. Witness active mud volcanoes’ surreal landscape. Discover more on the Absheron Peninsula at the Zoroastrian Fire Temple, Ateshgah, and Yanar Dag burning mountain, experiencing the mystique of Ateshgah, where natural gas outlets ignite, creating a mesmerizing display.
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Day Three
OVERNIGHT: BAKU, AZERBAIJAN
Leisure, Explore, Discover Baku All day at leisure to explore Baku. Climb the 12th century Maiden Tower, explore Shirvanhahs’ Palace, browse the very unique Miniature Book Museum, taste your way around Azeri flavors at the local bazaar. We’ll meet in the early evening for an intro tasting on local wines.
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Day Four
OVERNIGHT: SHEKI, AZERBAIJAN
Villages, wineries and mosques Departing from Baku, we head to Shemakha, home to the grand Juma Mosque and Shirvan Shahs’ tomb. We’ll learn traditional butter and yogurt making from a local family. At Chabiant Winery, enjoy lunch and wine tasting amidst the Great Caucasus mountains. Arrive in Sheki, renowned for its Silk Route history.
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Day Five
OVERNIGHT: SHEKI, AZERBAIJAN
Khan’s Palace and Local Culinary Delights Tour the Palace of Sheki Khans showcasing unique architecture. Explore the local bazaar and marvel at the shebeke, crafted without nails using Venetian glass. Journey to Kish village to see the Caucasus’ oldest church and savor homemade khalva, a local sweet, with a tea break hosted by a traditional khalvachi.
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Day Six
OVERNIGHT: SIGHNAGHI, GEORGIA
Welcome to Georgia! Depart Azerbaijan and enter into Georgia. Lunch next to Lagodekhi national park with a winemaker. The first of many Georgian feasts. Continue on to Sighnaghi, a walled hill town a bit reminiscent of something you might find in Tuscany except for the wall of snow capped Caucasus mountains behind it.
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Day Seven
OVERNIGHT: TELAVI, GEORGIA
Georgian Feast Visit to 11th century Alaverdi Monastery to see winemaking in qvevri (traditional Georgian clay vessels buried in the ground) that Georgian monks have used for centuries. Introduction to native Georgian varietals such as Saperavi, Mtsvane and Rkatsiteli. Dinner and traditional polyphonic singing and music at winery hotel.
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Day Eight
OVERNIGHT: TELAVI, GEORGIA
Sights of Kakheti region Visit to the Gremi citadel, which was the royal seat of the Kingdom of Kakheti in the 16th century and explore into a 6th century monastery from Late Antiquity. Lunch with local winemaker- so skimp on breakfast. Optional spa time in late afternoon (there’s Wine Therapy along with more traditional massages/treatments)
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Day Nine
OVERNIGHT: STEPANTSMINDA, GEORGIA
Majestic Caucasus Mountains Depart Kakheti region. Head north to the high Caucasus mountains. Visit to the 17th century Ananuri fortress, situated along the Aragvi River and home to numerous battles and revolts. Scenic drive along Georgian Military Highway to town of Stepantsminda, nestled amongst the spectacular surroundings of the Caucasus mountains.
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Day Ten
OVERNIGHT: STEPANTSMINDA, GEORGIA
Mountains, legends and secrets of the Georgian kitchen Take in the sight of Mt. Kazbegi, where the legend of Prometheus was set. Drive through prehistoric looking landscape including the Dariali Gorge to taste wines with the monks who made them. Cooking class for Khinkali (delicious Georgian dumplings) with a local family.
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Day Eleven
OVERNIGHT: TBILISI, GEORGIA
Cave Cities and Cradle of Georgian culture Depart the Caucasus and visit to the 3,000 year old cave city of Uplistsikhe (meaning the Lord’s Fortress), filled with rock-hewn structures. Visit to the birthplace of Stalin and tour the museum. Visit to Mtskheta, the cradle of Christianity and religious center of all Georgia.Arrival into Tbilisi, the capital city.
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Day Twelve
OVERNIGHT: TBILISI, GEORGIA
Touring Tbilisi Full day tour of Georgia’s funky, vibrant and artsy capital. We will explore many different neighbourhoods and grab lunch along the way.
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Day Thirteen
OVERNIGHT: TBILISI, GEORGIA
Explore Tbilisi Full day at leisure time in afternoon to explore the city. Take a walk up to the Narikala fortress, symbol of Tbilisi’s defense or pay a visit to the National Museum for the works of famous Georgian artist Pirosmani. Farewell dinner with traditional folklore show.
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Day Fourteen
Tour Over
Our Georgia & Azerbaijan tour ends after breakfast. Your guide will be on hand to help with transfers to the airport or wherever your adventures take you. Thank you and good-bye!
MEET YOUR GUIDE: Andrew Villone
Twenty-five years ago, Andrew got bit hard by the travel bug when he took his first trip abroad, backpacking around Europe for 6 months. Eventually, he took the big plunge and in 2014 he moved to Slovenia, the charming Alpine/Balkan/Mediterranean country where east meets west.
Andrew has been leading & organizing tours for the past 20 years. He loves to champion countries and regions that many travelers have yet to explore. His three favorite aspects of traveling are sampling the local cuisine and wine, sharing travel escapades with other travelers and hanging out with the locals.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Price: $5795 (International air not included) per person for a double occupancy room. Single Supplement is $600. We welcome singles and if you do not have a travel partner, please sign up for a single spot. In the event that a roommate is found, your booking can be changed to a double before final payment is due.
Click the Book Now button to start the booking process. Remember, you can save yourself the credit card fees (2.9%) by choosing US Checking Account/ACH instead as your payment method on our booking system.
What’s included: 13 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners, 4 wine tastings and 13 nights lodging in a boutique hotels. All admissions and fees for group activities. Transport within the tour and private guides, tips included.
Deposit Policy: A non-refundable deposit of $600 per person is due upon booking.
Georgia & Azerbaijan tour begins in Baku, Azerbaijan (GYD) and ends in Tbilisi, Georgia (TBS).
If you have additional questions please email us at info@adventureswithsarah.net