Highlights of Azerbaijan & Georgia

Intrepid Travel · 10 days
Highlights of Azerbaijan & Georgia
Highlights of Azerbaijan & Georgia
Highlights of Azerbaijan & Georgia
Highlights of Azerbaijan & Georgia
Highlights of Azerbaijan & Georgia
Highlights of Azerbaijan & Georgia
Highlights of Azerbaijan & Georgia
Highlights of Azerbaijan & Georgia
Highlights of Azerbaijan & Georgia
Highlights of Azerbaijan & Georgia
Highlights of Azerbaijan & Georgia
Highlights of Azerbaijan & Georgia
Highlights of Azerbaijan & Georgia
Highlights of Azerbaijan & Georgia
10 Days
From AUD $3690
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Average

Rating


(20 reviews)

Highlights of Azerbaijan & Georgia

Highlights of Azerbaijan & Georgia

Intrepid Travel · 10 days
Duration

10 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Spend 10 days exploring Azerbaijan and Georgia, where historic Old Towns and monasteries sit comfortably alongside skyscrapers and the Caucasus mountains.

Highlights

  • Walk through Azerbaijan's Old Town, where views of the Palace of the Shirvanshahs are made even more spectacular by the modern skyscrapers in the background.
  • Hike to the 14th-century Gergeti Trinity Church, which sits in splendid isolation at 2170 m in the heart of the Caucasus Mountains.
  • Be treated to Azerbaijan's national dish Piti and stop at a traditional Georgian wine producer where the ancient, UNESCO-listed qvevri method is still used.
  • 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.
  • Connect with locals and gain an insight into everyday life in this part of the world – you'll visit the Udi community in Nij, learn the traditional methods of copper craftsmanship in Lahij, appreciate stained-glass artistry in Sheki and share a meal with locals in Kvareli.

Trip Details

Duration

10 days

Transportation

Private Vehicle,Public Bus,Taxi

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Baku, Azerbaijan

Finishes

Tbilisi, Azerbaijan

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

1
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)
2
Day 2: Qobustan/ 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)
3
Day 3: Caucasus Mountains / 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 moquests 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)
4
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)
5
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)
6
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 - Lunch with a Local Family
  • Kakheti- Gremi Complex

Optional Activities:

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

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
7
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 Tsinandalia, 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)
8
Day 8: Gudauri / Stepantsminda
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)
9
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)
10
Day 10: Tbilisi
Your trip comes to an end today after breakfast. If you'd like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.

Optional Activities:

  • Tbilisi - Open Air Museum of Ethnography (20 GEL)
  • Tbilisi – Old Town Walking Tour with Local Guide - Free
  • Tbilisi - The National Gallery (25 GEL)
  • Tbilisi - Thermal Bath House Visit - from (70 GEL)
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 willdo 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. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

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 $3,690
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 10 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Spend 10 days exploring Azerbaijan and Georgia, where historic Old Towns and monasteries sit comfortably alongside skyscrapers and the Caucasus mountains.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 13 Oct 2025

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
5.0
Penny
Traveled, September 2023

10/10/2023

The Highlights of Azerbaijan and Georgia does exactly what it says and provides an overview of the two countries from the cities to the mountain villages. Plenty of food and wine experiences are included and there is opportunity to interact with the locals. Accommodation was more than adequate and the transport was comfortable. Our tour leader, Shalva, was excellent but the local guides failed to add anything to the tour. I recommend adding additional days in Baku and Tbilisi to explore independently as these cities have a great deal to offer and are easy to explore.

4.0
Timothy
Traveled, September 2023

10/11/2023

Unexpected brilliance. Baku so modern yet so old. Wonderful mountain villages. Snow capped vistas. Tbilisi hustle and bustle.

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