Baku to Tbilisi Journey - 8N-9D

ITINERARY OVERVIEW

Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Hotel in Baku

  • Arrival in Baku: Upon your arrival at Baku International Airport, you will be greeted personally with a name placard. Afterward, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Take some time to rest and refresh after your journey.

Day 2: Baku City Tour

  • Morning: Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel before starting your Baku City Tour. Baku is the capital and largest city of Azerbaijan. The tour begins with a visit to the Old City, also known as Inner City. This historic core of Baku is surrounded by ancient walls and is the oldest part of the city. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, Maiden Tower, museums, traditional markets, and more.
  • Afternoon: Continue your tour with a visit to Baku Boulevard, a picturesque park stretching along the Caspian Sea. Walk along the promenade, enjoy the cool breeze, and take in attractions such as the Ferris wheel, Little Venice, and the Baku Funicular.
  • Evening: Explore the vibrant atmosphere of the city with its cafes, restaurants, and cultural landmarks before returning to your hotel for the night.

Day 3: Gabala and Tufandag Mountain Day Trip

  • Morning: After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive from Baku to Gabala, a journey of approximately 4.5 hours (217 km). Along the way, you’ll encounter beautiful landscapes and several photo-worthy spots.
  • Afternoon: Upon arrival in Gabala, visit Nohur Lake, surrounded by lush forests, where you can relax or enjoy a boat ride. Continue to the Seven Beautiful Waterfalls for some breathtaking views. Then, head to Tufandag Mountain Resort for a cable car ride, offering stunning vistas and opportunities for skiing or summer activities.
  • Evening: After an adventurous day, return to Baku and relax at your hotel.

Day 4: Absheron Peninsula & Shopping Tour

  • Morning: Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel, followed by a visit to the Ateshgah Fire Temple, a historic pilgrimage site for Zoroastrians. Explore the complex, which is now a museum, and learn about the ancient beliefs centered around fire, air, water, and earth.
  • Afternoon: Continue to Yanardag, or Fire Mountain, a natural gas fire that burns continuously on the hillside, earning Azerbaijan its nickname, “The Land of Fire.” Afterward, visit the Heydar Aliyev Center, an architectural marvel designed by Zaha Hadid, known for its flowing, curved design.
  • Evening: Conclude your day with a shopping tour, visiting one of Baku’s prominent malls such as Deniz Mall, 28 May Mall, or Genclik Mall, where you can pick up souvenirs, clothing, and other local products. Return to your hotel for the night.

Day 5: Transfer to Lagodekhi Border & Arrival in Tbilisi

  • Morning: After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Baku. You’ll be transferred to the Lagodekhi Border, where you’ll cross into Georgia.
  • Afternoon: Upon arrival at the Georgia Lagodekhi Border, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Tbilisi for check-in.
  • Evening: Enjoy some free time to explore Tbilisi at your own pace. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 6: Tbilisi City Tour & Mtskheta

  • Morning: Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel, then set out for the ancient city of Mtskheta, often referred to as the “Second Jerusalem.” Visit the Jvary Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, two of the most revered sites in the Christian world, known for their historical and religious significance.
  • Afternoon: Return to Tbilisi for a city tour. Start with the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the largest Orthodox cathedral in the world. Visit Metekhi Church, the monument to Vakhtang Gorgasali, the legendary founder of Tbilisi, and stroll through the district of Sulfur bathhouses.
  • Evening: Explore the Sharden area, known for its narrow streets, cozy cafes, wine bars, and souvenir shops. Visit Sioni Cathedral, Anchiskhati Basilica, and the famous Rezo Gabriadze Theatre’s clock tower. Cross the Bridge of Peace to Rike Park and take a cable car to Narikala Fortress for stunning views. Return to your hotel for the night.

Day 7: Ananuri, Gudauri, and Kazbegi

  • Morning: After breakfast, drive to the Ananuri Complex, located on the banks of the Aragvi River near the Zhinvali Reservoir. This historic fortress, dating back to the 13th century, is on the UNESCO Tentative List.
  • Afternoon: Continue to Gudauri, a popular ski resort in the Caucasus Mountains, located at an altitude of 3,000 meters. Visit the Georgia-Russia Friendship Monument, offering panoramic views perfect for photography. End your day with a visit to the Kazbegi Mountains and the Gergeti Trinity Church. For adventure seekers, a 4×4 off-road trip to Gveleti Waterfall is available.
  • Evening: Return to Tbilisi for an overnight stay.

Day 8: Bodbe, Signagi, and Kakheti

  • Morning: After breakfast, depart for the Kakheti region, famous for its wine production. Visit a local winery (KTW) for a wine-tasting session, including Georgian wine, chacha, and churchkhela. Participate in a Georgian bread-making masterclass in the village of Badiauri and taste fresh bread and cheese.
  • Afternoon: Visit the St. Nino Monastery in Bodbe, followed by a tour of Signagi, known as the “City of Love.” On your return to Tbilisi, visit the Chronicles of Georgia, a monumental complex that depicts Georgian history and the life of Jesus.
  • Evening: Return to your hotel in Tbilisi for an overnight stay.

Day 9: Departure from Tbilisi

  • Morning: Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel before checking out. You’ll be transferred to the airport for your return flight, marking the end of your memorable journey through Azerbaijan and Georgia. Safe travels!