Walking tour of Azerbaijan-14N/15Days

Salam eleykim !!! Welcome to Azerbaijan.

On arrival at Baku Airport, you’ll be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel. Baku certainly is a city where old meets new – ancient fortified buildings standing next to Russian imperial-style squares and ultra-modern architectural wonders. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at the lobby level, in the evening, where you will meet your local leader and fellow travelers joining you for this adventure. If you arrive with time to spare, perhaps suggested taking a walk down the charming Nizami Street and observe its Baroque, Neo-Gothic, and Neo-Renaissance architecture. After your meeting, enjoy a local dinner with your leader and small group. In Azerbaijan, sharing bread is thought to seal a bond of friendship, so perhaps break some bread with your new travel companions.

Pay a visit to the fortified Old City, once the Medieval capital, where your guide will weave together the history of Baku, from the rule of the Shirvanshahs to the cosmopolitan city you see today. Stop by the Shemakha Gate, Maiden Tower (visit optional), Caravanserai, Old Market Square, and end outside the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. Be sure to bring your camera as there will be some panoramic views of Baku’s varied skyline to enjoy. The rest of the day is free to explore – perhaps suggested to enter the Palace of the Shirvanshahs to uncover more of its history, or visit the much-loved carpet museum.

This morning, head out of the city on a day trip to the Absheron Peninsula and Qobustan. Visit the Ateshgah Fire Temple, Mardakan Medieval Fortress, and the eternally burning Yanar Dag (Fire Mountain). Continue to Qobustan, located around 60 kilometers south of Baku. Stop off along the way to view old oil rigs and learn how Azerbaijan was one of the birthplaces of the oil industry. On arrival to Qobustan National Park, visit one of the world’s largest open-air archaeological museums where a local guide will share the stories of ancient rock art dating back some 40,000 years. The prehistoric carvings depict scenes of hunting, fishing, and gathering. Return to Baku in the afternoon. This evening you may like to take a walk along the waterfront to find a restaurant for dinner, keeping an eye out for the famous Baku Eye and Flame Towers that light up the city skyline at night.

Leave Baku and head for the Caucasus Mountains in the northwest of Azerbaijan. Watch arid landscapes slowly give way to densely forested mountains. En route to Sheki, there will be stops at Diri Baba Mausoleum in Maraza (subject to operations), the Yedid Gumbaz Mausoleum, and the Juma Mosque in Shamakhi. Make a special stop to visit a family to learn traditional yogurt-making methods and enjoy some local snacks. On arrival in Sheki, visit a local craft workshop where the famous shebeke – stained-glass windows with intricately carved frames – are made by hand. You will also visit the acclaimed Palace of Shaki Khans to see its magnificent frescoes and stained glass. Arrive in Sheki and enjoy a final evening of Azerbaijani cuisine with an included dinner at a local restaurant.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and visit the local Sheki bazaar before driving to Lagodeckhi – a town at the Azerbaijan–Georgia border – where you will change transportation. From here, travel to Georgia’s Kakheti region, known for its winemaking. There will be a visit to the Gremi Architectural Complex and its museum, followed by a wonderful lunch with a local family, which includes delicious homemade cuisine, wine, and chacha, a local brandy. Discover the importance of bread in the Georgian diet and learn how they bake this staple. There will also be time to listen to unique Georgian polyphonic songs – a traditional style of music prevalent in the Kakheti region. Afterward, travel to your feature stay accommodation in Telavi:- Tucked into the foothills of the Tsiv-Gombori mountains, the Svaneti Hotel offers a chic aesthetic in a calm serene location. Enjoy the lovely swimming pool, a marvelous on-site restaurant, and unbeatable views of the Alazani Valley and Caucasus mountains.

Following your breakfast, journey to the beautiful 18th-century town of Sighnaghi, known for its quaint stone walls, small houses with terracotta roofs, and decorated balconies. Here you will meet with an expert local guide who will explain the history of the intriguing town. After some time to admire the picturesque views of Alazani Valley and the Great Caucasus Mountains, drive to Tbilisi with your leader and local guide. Once arrived perhaps wander the old districts of Georgia’s capital, which are structured like terraces, and walk through the narrow streets to appreciate the colorful houses, patterned balconies, and revamped modern architecture. Enjoy a free afternoon – your leader will have some wonderful recommendations for local restaurants while you head for dinner.

This morning uncover the secrets of the city on a walking tour with your local guide, beginning from the 13th-century Metekhi Church, which offers magnificent views over old Tbilisi. You will take a cable car to the ancient Narikala Fortress, a former Persian citadel with a history stretching back to the 4th century. Here your guide will share the layered history of the fortress while you take in sweeping views across Tbilisi. Then make your way to a historic part of the city where you will learn a little more about Tbilisi’s past. The name Tbilisi translates to ‘warm place’ which is thought to be after the bubbling hot springs that the city was built around. This afternoon you may like to visit one of the local bathhouses for a dip in the therapeutic waters, or would like to visit the stunning treasury of the Golden Fund at the Natural History Museum (closed on Mondays), where you’ll learn why Georgia is called the land of the Golden Fleece.

This morning uncover the secrets of the city on a walking tour with your local guide, beginning from the 13th-century Metekhi Church, which offers magnificent views over old Tbilisi. You will take a cable car to the ancient Narikala Fortress, a former Persian citadel with a history stretching back to the 4th century. Here your guide will share the layered history of the fortress while you take in sweeping views across Tbilisi. Then make your way to a historic part of the city where you will learn a little more about Tbilisi’s past. The name Tbilisi translates to ‘warm place’ which is thought to be after the bubbling hot springs that the city was built around. This afternoon you may like to visit one of the local bathhouses for a dip in the therapeutic waters, or would like to visit the stunning treasury of the Golden Fund at the Natural History Museum (closed on Mondays), where you’ll learn why Georgia is called the land of the Golden Fleece.

Today, drive to the magnificent and once-mighty cave city of Vardzia, with a stop en-route at the 10th-century Khertvisi Fortress. Vardzia stretches over half a kilometer along the river Mtkvari and has 19 tiers of winding cobbled streets. There is a church hewn out in rock with amazing 12th-century frescos, and the complex also includes dwellings quarters, small hall-type churches, refectories, and wine cellars. You will tour the site with a local guide who will provide historical context and explain the rise and fall of this magical city, which now serves as a working monastery. In the afternoon, stop by the city of Akhaltsikhe and visit the multicultural complex of Rabat (closed on Mondays). Head back to Borjomi and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. As you’ll have discovered by now, eating in Georgia is a truly joyous occasion. At tonight’s included dinner, perhaps ask your leader to recommend the tastiest local dishes. Here you might like to try some khinkali, which are spicy dumplings, or chakapuli, a herby and flavorsome stew.

In the morning visit the town of Gori, home to the historic Uplistsikhe Cave Town. Explore Uplistsikhe with an expert local guide. Once a stop on the Great Silk Road, your guide will lead you around this fascinating complex with dwelling quarters, wine cellars, bakeries, a three-nave basilica church hewn out in the rock, and even a theatre! Gori was the birthplace of Joseph Stalin, so you may like to pay a visit to the Stalin museum while here. Afterward, drive up the renowned Georgian Military Highway, which eventually leads to the Georgia–Russia border. On the way, you’ll visit the Ananuri architectural complex – two churches and a fortress that overlook Zhinvali water reservoir. Your leader will explain how the carvings on the churches are some of the best surviving examples of Georgian art. Take a scenic drive through the Caucasus Mountains, and arrive at your hotel in Gudauri. Enjoy a pre-included dinner at a fantastic local restaurant.

Enjoy a stunning drive from Gudauri along the Tergi River before arriving in Kazbegi. From here, head into the heart of the Caucasus Mountains and take the mountain road to Gergeti Trinity Church, located at 2170 meters above sea level. Weather depending, you may catch a glimpse of Mt Kazbegi – one of the highest glaciers in the Caucasus. Better yet, it may be possible to return part of the way by cable car – your driver can drop you at the station in Kobi and you can travel 7.5 kilometers to Gudauri in a gondola to get a bird’s eye view of this landscape. Return to Gudauri this afternoon for time to relax in your hotel. This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the mountain air and views. Your hotel has many facilities including a bowling alley and a wellness center, to pamper yourself.

Enjoy a final breakfast in Gudauri before driving to Sadakhlo – a village at the Georgia–Armenia border. Here, your group will have to change transportation. Begin the Armenian leg of your adventure with a visit to Haghpat Monastery, listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site. Haghpat stands as an example of one of the most outstanding works of medieval Armenian architecture – your leader will give you an introduction to the country’s history and design. Continue to the picturesque resort town of Dilijan where you will spend the evening, often referred to as the ‘Little Switzerland of Armenia’. Dilijan’s central Sharambeyan Street has been preserved and maintained as a charming old town, accomplished with craftsman’s workshops, a gallery, and a museum.

After breakfast, drive to the reflective waters of Lake Sevan, nicknamed ‘The Pearl of Armenia’. Sevan is one of the largest fresh-water high-altitude lakes in the world. Visit Sevanavank Monastery, which overlooks the water on the Peninsula. Move on to the village of Garni to visit the first century Garni Temple, where your leader will explain how it was built by the Armenian King Tiridates and dedicated to Mithra, the God of the Sun. Be treated to a special local performance in the temple and hear the magnificent sounds of the Duduk – a flute-like instrument originating to Armenia, and currently listed on the UNESCO in-tangible Cultural Heritage List. Travel northeast of Garni, higher up the gorge of the Azat River, to the magnificent Geghard Monastery. This World Heritage-listed site is partly carved out of a mountain and surrounded by cliffs. In the afternoon, drive to Armenia’s capital, Yerevan, where you will be spending your next two evenings.

This morning your local guide will introduce you to the sights and sounds of Yerevan on a tour of the city. Established in 782 BC, Armenia’s capital is one of the oldest cities in the world. Nowadays, the city’s liveliness comes from its ancient culture mixed with a modern lifestyle. Visit the Matenadaran – home to ancient manuscripts that contain historical documents from all over Europe and Asia. The building also holds the first copy of the Bible in Armenian. Swing past the fruit market to watch the locals going about their business, then enjoy a free afternoon. Tonight, join your group for a final day dinner at a local restaurant. Armenian cuisine is built on a foundation of fresh local produce and meat. Perhaps try some khorovats – a barbecued kebab, or spas – a refreshing yogurt soup.

our adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you would like to spend some more time in Yerevan, we would be happy to arrange additional accommodation ahead of time (subject to availability).