Tbilisi

Our tour to Georgia starts in the charming city of Tbilisi. After settling into our hotel, we are taken to a cooking class. There we learn how to make Georgian dumplings and pizza. Dinner and wine tasting are included for this evening.

Kakheti Region

We are going on a daytrip today through Georgia’s Kakheti wine region. Our journey begins with a drive to Sighnaghi, the “City of Love,” known for its sweeping valley views, 18th-century fortress walls, cobblestone streets, colorful balconies, and local wines. A guided walking tour is provided. We then visit Khareba Winery, formerly a bomb shelter and now home to the impressive Kvareli Wine Cave, featuring underground wine-aging tunnels, tasting rooms, and a cave restaurant overlooking the valley. A guided tour and wine tasting are included. Next, we explore the Gremi architectural complex, featuring a 16th-century church with frescoes, a royal tower with panoramic views, and a museum showcasing Silk Road artifacts, all within a renowned wine region. A guided tour is provided. We end the day at Shumi Winery, home to Georgia’s first wine museum and over 2,000 grape varieties, with a guided wine tour, tastings, and dinner included.

Dashbashi Canyon

We are making another daytrip today, beginning with a drive to Dashbashi Canyon, known for its lush greenery, waterfalls, dramatic cliffs, and the iconic Diamond Bridge—a glass-bottomed structure with a cliffside café offering breathtaking views. We then visit the Chronicle of Georgia on the outskirts of Tbilisi, where massive pillars depict Georgian history and Christian themes while offering panoramic views over the Tbilisi Sea. Next, we visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the largest cathedral in the country. Later, we head to Rustaveli cable car station and ride to a viewing platform at Mtatsminda Park. Upon return, we enjoy a guided walking tour past the Opera and Ballet Theatre, Rustaveli Theatre, Youth Palace, and Parliament building, ending at Freedom Square, home to the iconic Saint George monument. We walk back to the hotel, with the evening free to explore the nightlife along Chardeni Street and nearby Bamba Street.

Ananuri

We are making another daytrip today, starting with a visit to Jinvali Dam, famous for its striking turquoise reservoir. We then explore Ananuri Castle, a scenic medieval complex overlooking the reservoir and mountains, known for its well-preserved fortifications and ornate Orthodox churches with beautiful frescoes. Afterward, we enjoy a rafting tour, available from early June through August. Next, we continue to the mountain resort of Gudauri, where we take a buggy ride and may see locals selling honey along the way. We then ride the cable car from New Gudauri to the summit for panoramic views (available from early June through August). Upon descent, we visit the Russian–Georgian Friendship Monument, built in 1983 to commemorate 200 years of friendship between the two nations. We also enjoy horseback riding, with optional year-round paragliding available at an additional cost, before returning to our hotel.

Metekhi Cathedral

We explore the capital today, beginning with a drive to Metekhi Church, dramatically set on a cliff with panoramic views of the old town. We then take a cable car from European Square to a viewing platform near the Mother of Georgia statue, followed by a walk to the nearby botanical gardens, highlighted by a scenic waterfall. Next, we visit Jumah Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in the country. We continue on foot to the historic bath district, passing traditional hammams before enjoying a sulphur bath in a local bathhouse. Afterward, we explore Chardeni Street and the parallel Bamba Street, for their cafés, wine shops and designer boutiques. Next, we visit the Great Synagogue and Sioni Cathedral, which houses the cross that introduced Christianity to Georgia, followed by Anchiskhati Church, the city’s oldest church. We then cross the modern Bridge of Peace into Rike Park to enjoy the surrounding scenery. We return to European Square to see a preserved section of the Berlin Wall.

Yanar Dag

We fly from Tbilisi to Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku. After settling in, we visit Yanar Dag, a natural gas fire that has burned continuously on a hillside for centuries. Next, we stop at the iconic Heydar Aliyev Centre, celebrated for its flowing, futuristic architecture and excellent photo opportunities, with the nearby “I Love Baku” sign. We then visit the Holy Myrrhbearers Cathedral, a significant cultural monument of Azerbaijan’s Russian Orthodox community, before passing the Baku Eye Ferris wheel en route to the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera & Ballet Theater, known for its art nouveau design. We continue to the National Museum of History of Azerbaijan, housed in the ornate Palace of Zeynalabdin Taghiyev, featuring ancient jewelry, weapons, and richly decorated interior rooms. Afterward, we recommend dinner at a venue combining traditional music, local crafts, and historical displays. The evening ends with a visit to the illuminated Baku Crystal Hall on the Caspian waterfront.

Ismailiyya Palace

We explore Baku beginning at the Double Gates of the old town, then walk to the Ismailiyya Palace and climb the Quadrangular Tower for panoramic views. We continue to the Aliagha Vahid Monument and the UNESCO-listed Palace of the Shirvanshahs, followed by a stop at the Azerbaijan State Academic Philharmonic Hall set in a garden. Walking through the old city, we visit historic mosques, Bazar Square, and the iconic Maiden Tower, offering sweeping views of the old town, Caspian Sea, and modern skyline. Nearby highlights include the Isa Bek Hajinski House and the historic Bukhara and Multani Caravanserais. By car, we head to Highland Park via the Alley of Martyrs Mosque, walk along Martyrs’ Lane, and view the Flame Towers. We then visit the National Art Museum and the Carpet Museum before enjoying dinner and evening leisure time at Fountain Square near Nizami Street.

Bibi-Heybat Mosque

Today we are exploring Baku further. Firstly, we are taken by car to Deniz Mall. It is known for lotus (a specific type of flower)-inspired architecture and offers great sea views and a mix of international and local shops. Deniz Mall serves as a unique spot for shopping, dining and leisure. Next, we are taken to Bibi-Heybat Mosque. It is an example of reconstructed Islamic architecture, blending traditional design with modern aesthetics, offering beautiful Caspian Sea views and serving as a significant cultural landmark. Next, we are taken to a bathhouse. There we experience the steam baths, a deep-body scrub, a foamy soap massage and rinsing. Afterwards, we are taken back to the old town, specifically to a local’s home. There we take a cooking class. Dinner is included this evening.

Baku

Transportation will be arranged for you to reach the airport in Baku.