Azerbaijan & Georgia Experience

Intrepid Travel · 18 days

3.8

8 Reviews

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Duration

18 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Visit two countries that have taken a big leap into the 21st century, where small towns and monasteries sit comfortably alongside towering skyscrapers.

Highlights

Explore Azerbaijan's cosmopolitan capital of Baku, which is often referred to as the 'new Dubai'. Take a guided walking tour around the city's World Heritage-listed Old Town.
Hike the Caucasus Mountain and explore the region’s mud volcanoes, ancient mosques, lush forests and tall peaks.
Navigate the organised chaos of the farmers markets in Telavi. Your leader will be there to help you order as much fresh fruit, nuts or pigs heads as you desire.
Journey to the Svaneti region and learn about Ushguli’s culture and traditions firsthand as you interact with locals from the highest village in Europe.
Visit Georgia’s former capital of Mtskheta and listen to the survival and revival stories at Ikorta – an organisation supporting women and youth in the Tserovani Refugee Settlement.

Trip Details

Duration

18 days

Transportation

Private Vehicle, Public Bus, Train, Taxi

Guide Language

English

Starts

Baku, Azerbaijan

Finishes

Tbilisi, Azerbaijan

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

Day 1: Baku

Salam! Welcome to Azerbaijan. Your adventure begins in Baku, with a welcome meeting at 6 pm this evening. If you arrive early, maybe walk around Baku Boulevard, a promenade that stretches along the Caspian Sea – the world’s largest inland body of water. After the meeting, join your leader for a night walk around Azerbaijan’s capital, where they’ll highlight the best spots for dinner. Maybe get your group together for some traditional Azerbaijani dishes, like plov (seasoned rice) or dolma (stuffed vegetables).

Included Activities:

Baku - Leader-led night city walk

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Baku

This morning, drive to Qobustan – also known as Gobustan National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s famous for its ancient rock carvings and mud volcanoes. Stop on the way to check out these geological formations as they spew mud and gas. Azerbaijan has more clay craters than anywhere else in the world, so you’re in the right place for spotting them! The rock carvings in Qobustan date back to the Stone Age, giving humans today an insight into daily life all those years ago. With over 6000 petroglyphs on display, Qobustan is often referred to as one of the largest open-air museums in the world. Return to Baku in the afternoon and visit the walled Old Town with your leader, who’ll bring its legends and history to life. Enjoy a free evening to explore the city at your own pace. Maybe eat at a restaurant on Nizami Street – a busy boulevard with lots of authentic Azerbaijani cuisine.

Included Activities:

Qobustan - Petroglyphs
Baku - Old City Walking Tour

Optional Activities:

Baku - National Carpet Museum (10 AZN)
Baku - The Heydar Aliyev Centre (15 AZN)
Baku - National Museum of History of Azerbaijan (10 AZN)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Lahij

Leave Baku this morning and enjoy the change of scenery as the dry landscape giving way to the densely forested mountains along the way. Stop en route in Shamakhi and check out one of the oldest mosques of Azerbaijan - Juma (Friday) Mosque, then onto your final destination for today - the stunning traditional village of Lahij for Tats people. Explore its cobbled streets, stone houses, visit a copper workshop and get to know some local folk over a cup of tea.Then try your hand at yogurt making in the traditional way, an important part of Azerbaijan cuisine. Your accommodation tonight is at a local guesthouse.

Included Activities:

Lahij - Yoghurt Making Demonstration
Lahij - Copper workshop visit
Shamakhi - Juma Mosque

Accommodation:

Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Sheki

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. Visit the unassuming site of a significant church and a local museum of Udi Culture. 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.

Included Activities:

Nij - Udin village and museum visit

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Sheki

Visit the Palace of Sheki Khans first in the morning. The walls of the palace are painted with scenes of hunting and war and it features impressive stained glass. Afterwards check out a workshop where shebeke – stained glass windows made with no glue or nails – are produced by local masters witih skills past down through generations of practices. 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. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to discover Sheki. Why not explore the impressive traditional architecture on foot. Maybe stop for tea and some local halva (made with sugar, hazelnuts, coriander and rice flour grinned in a watermill).

Included Activities:

Kish - Albanian Church
Kish - Village Visit
Sheki - Shebeke workshop visit
Sheki - Khan's Palace

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Telavi

After breakfast, take a walk with your leader through the Sheki market. It’s a great opportunity to stock up on snacks for the journey ahead, 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 before hitting the road again, stopping at a traditional Georgian wine producer that still employs the ancient, UNESCO-listed qvevri method. Enjoy lunch here and then finish your journey in Telavi, where you’ll stay in a local hotel for the evening.

Included Activities:

Sheki - Bazaar Visit
Kakheti - Georgian winery visit and home-cooked lunch
Kakheti- Gremi Complex

Optional Activities:

Telavi - Telavi Historical Museum (5 GEL)
Telavi – Batonis Castle (2 GEL)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Gudauri

In the morning, wander through the vibrant local farmers market in Telavi, where butchers carve up fresh meat and vendors offload piles of spices, then visit Tsinandali, 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, drive into the mountains up the renowned Georgian Military Highway. Enjoy a dinner together and spend the night in lofty Gudauri.

Included Activities:

Kakheti - Tsinandali Estate Visit
Kakheti - Telavi Fresh Produce Market
Telavi - Alaverdi Cathedral

Accommodation:

Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Gudauri

Follow the Tergi River on a drive to Stepantsminda, formerly known as Kazbegi. Explore this mountain village then hike through beautiful valleys and woodlands to the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church. This 14th-century church sits at the base of the second-highest volcanic summit in the Caucasus – Mt Kazbegi – and, weather permitting, you may catch a glimpse. The image of the pointed spires of the isolated church against the mountains is truly breathtaking, and a great place for a photo. Drive back to Gudauri for a dinner with your group.

Included Activities:

Stepantsminda - Gergeti Trinity Church Hike

Accommodation:

Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Tbilisi

Make the drive to Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, located along the banks of the Kura River. Get into the swing of things with an orientation walk with your leader. Spend the rest of the day as you wish, perhaps grabbing a khachapuri (bread stuffed with salty cheese) to snack on. In the evening, regroup and head out for dinner with your fellow travellers and leader. This is a good chance to sample some khinkali (Georgia’s famous soup-filled dumplings). Make sure to ask your leader about the polite way to eat them – it involves sipping the broth and leaving the pinched bit of dough where the edges of the delicious parcel have joined on the plate.

Included Activities:

Tbilisi - Orientation Walk
Tbilisi - Dry Bridge

Optional Activities:

Tbilisi - Metekhi Church - Free

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Tbilisi

Today is a free day to explore Tbilisi until your next welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, where you’ll meet your new local leader. Maybe visit the Georgian National Museum and learn about the country’s history or walk through the Dry Bridge Flea Market and browse the various artworks and handicrafts for sale. Tonight, maybe celebrate the beginning of a new adventure over dinner with your group, trying classic dishes like khachapuri (cheese bread) or khinkali (dumplings).

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Tbilisi

After breakfast, head out on a sightseeing walking tour of Tbilisi. Explore the Old Town and pass by the Baratashvili Bridge, Gabriadze Leaning Tower, the Peace Bridge and the Sioni Cathedral. After your tour, you have free time to further explore the capital city at your own pace. Maybe visit the Narikala Fortress or the Sulphur Baths or learn about Tbilisi's lively theater scene at the Tbilisi Opera or the Ballet State Theatre.

Included Activities:

Tbilisi - City tour

Optional Activities:

Tbilisi - Open Air Museum of Ethnography (20 GEL)
Tbilisi - The National Gallery (25 GEL)
Tbilisi – Old Town Walking Tour with Local Guide - Free
Tbilisi - Thermal Bath House Visit - from (70 GEL)
Tbilisi - Aerial Cable Car One Way (2 GEL)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Kutaisi

This morning you’ll travel to Georgia's former capital city, Mtskheta. When you arrive, visit the medieval Jvari Monastery and the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Then, continue to the Tserovani Refugee Settlement – a neighbourhood built for over 8000 people displaced by the 2008 Russo-Georgian War. Continue to the Ikorta enamel jewellery workshop – a social enterprise supporting women and youth. Here, you’ll meet the artists, hear their stories and have a light lunch. Then, drive to the historic city of Kutaisi. When you arrive, take a walking tour to see City Hall, the Opera House, Mon Plaisir Arch, Golden Marquee Palace and Mtsvane Bazari Market. Later, you’ll have some free time to continue exploring the city. Maybe visit the Gelati Cathedral or the Bagrati palace ruins or find a local restaurant for dinner – your leader will have the best recommendations.

Included Activities:

Kutaisi - Leader-led city walking tour
Kutaisi - Farmers Market
Mtskheta - Jvari Monastery & Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
Tserovani - Ikorta (TIF) visit & light lunch

Optional Activities:

Kutaisi - Bagrati Cathedral & Gelati Monastery - Free
Kutaisi - Pub Crawl (60 GEL)
Kutaisi - State Historical Museum (5 GEL)
Kutaisi - Aerial Tramway (1 GEL)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 13: Mestia

Today, travel to the remote Svaneti region, the highest inhabited area in the Caucasus. As today is a bit of a long travel day, it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcasts. When you arrive in Mestia, take some time to explore the area known for its dramatic mountain scenery, medieval villages and tower houses built between the 9th and 13th centuries. This evening, learn how to make traditional Georgian cheese and enjoy the traditional dish, khachapuri (cheese-filled bread). Then, settle into a local guesthouse for the night.

Included Activities:

Mestia - Georgian cheese making
Mestia - Khachapuri Cooking class

Accommodation:

Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 14: Mestia

Drive to Ushguli this morning. Known for its medieval watchtowers and views of Mount Shkhara, Ushguli is one of Goergia’s four UNESCO World Heritage sites and one of the highest permanent settlements in Europe. When you arrive, visit the Lamaria Church before setting off on a hike through the village and enjoy a picnic lunch with beautiful views. If you’d rather stay in the village for the day, maybe visit a local museum or explore the medieval ruins like Queen Tamar’s Castle.

Included Activities:

Ushguli - Lamaria Church
Ushguli - Day trip

Optional Activities:

Ushguli – Ethnographical Museum (10 GEL)

Accommodation:

Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 15: Batumi

This morning, set off on a scenic drive to Batumi. On the way, stop at a local winery and learn about Georgia’s winemaking traditions, which are among the oldest in the world. Enjoy a wine tasting here before continuing to Batumi on the Black Sea coast. When you arrive, settle into your accommodation. This evening, you’re free to epxlore at your own pace or relax and find a good dinner spot.

Included Activities:

Adjara - Lunch & Wine Tasting at Local Winery

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 16: Batumi

Spend the morning on a short walking tour around Batumi. Then, the rest of the day is yours to relax. Maybe walk along the boulevard, cool off in the musical fountains on the square or see the Ali and Nino statue light up at night. You could also visit one of the city’s art and ethnographic museums or jump in a cable car for panoramic views over the city. If you’re unsure what the city has to offer, your local leader is always on hand with great local suggestions.

Included Activities:

Batumi - Leader-led city walking tour

Optional Activities:

Batumi - Botanic Garden (20 GEL)
Batumi - Cable car (30 GEL)
Batumi – Wine Tasting (30 GEL)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 17: Tbilisi

Today, join the the locals on public transport (long distance bus or train) as you travel back to Tbilisi. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the nation’s capital. When you arrive, maybe spend the afternoon walking through Rike Park, then find a local restaurant and head out to dinner with your group to celebrate the last night of your trip.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 18: Tbilisi

As there are no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end today. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $5,995

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 18 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Visit two countries that have taken a big leap into the 21st century, where small towns and monasteries sit comfortably alongside towering skyscrapers.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 20 Jul 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

4.0

Stephen

Traveled, August 2023

09/15/2023

Intrepid Travel always take you to the most interesting places The Country can offer.

4.5

Aly

Traveled, August 2023

09/14/2023

This was one of the best tours I have been on - the itinerary and tour leader were fantastic and it was a great way to learn and see different areas of Azerbaijan and Georgia. I only wish it had been longer!

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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