Introduction to Azerbaijan & Georgia

(8 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Baku & environs, Tbilisi & environs

This private tour is an ideal introduction to Azerbaijan and Georgia’s fascinating history, unique landscapes and more. It includes in-depth private touring with your own expert guides and private drivers, as well as accommodation at the best hotel in each destination.

Begin in Baku, the seaside capital of Azerbaijan. During flexible city touring, explore the Old Town, see the Maiden Tower, tour the 15th-century Palace of the Shirvanshahsand and visit the Muhammad Mosque. Sample Azerbaijani baklava and shop for handmade carpets or other locally made handicrafts. Also visit the Heydar Aliyev Center, designed by architect Zaha Hadid.

One day, enjoy a private excursion to a unique mud volcano landscape and the Gobustan National Historical Artistic Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with more than 6,000 petroglyphs. Another day, take an excursion to the Absheron Peninsula and see Yanar Dag (Fire Mountain) and Ateshgah State Historical Architectural Reserve, where flames spontaneously burst from the ground.

Continue to Tbilisi, the riverside capital of Georgia. During flexible private touring, visit the Old Town, and walk winding streets past colorful traditional houses. See the impressive ramparts of Narikala Fortress and the monumental Mother of Georgia statue in the hills above. Visit the Abanotubani bath district, where bathhouses have provided access to Tbilisi’s natural hot springs for centuries. See revered religious sites such as Sioni Cathedral, the Juma Mosque and the Great Synagogue. Visit Freedom Square, and stroll along tree-lined Rustaveli Avenue past elegant historical buildings that house the Parliament of Georgia and major cultural institutions. Tour the archaeological highlights of the Georgian National Museum. See bold recent architecture such as the Bridge of Peace and Holy Trinity Cathedral. Also visit a bustling food market and top local boutiques. If desired, ride the funicular up Mount Mtatsminda or the gondola to Narikala Fortress for panoramic views.

One day, enjoy a private excursion to the beautiful Kakheti wine region, the most important wine region in Georgia. Among the vineyard-draped hills and river valleys, learn about the 8,000-year history of winemaking in Georgia, including the traditional use of qvevri (giant clay amphorae) for fermenting and aging. During private wine tastings, sample wines made from indigenous grapes such as Saperavi and Rkatsiteli. Visit Kakheti’s most interesting villages, such as Sighnaghi, a charming hill town with traditional architecture and panoramic views of the rural Alazani Valley and the peaks of the Caucasus Mountains. At Tsinandali Estate, sample local wines and tour the restored house of a 19th-century Georgian aristocrat. Upon request, we can arrange additional touring in the region such as driving over scenic Gombori Pass, touring rock-hewn Davit Gareji Monastery, and visiting the 11th-century Alaverdi Monastery and its winery.

Another day, take a private excursion to Kazbegi National Park in the Caucasus Mountains. Drive on the scenic Georgian Military Highway to the village of Stepantsminda, and take in breathtaking views of Gergeti Trinity Church (Tsminda Sameba), an iconic 14th-century church in a dramatic hilltop setting framed by high Caucasus peaks. Also enjoy a private cooking demonstration to learn to make Georgian specialties such as khinkali (dumplings). Depending on timing, stop at other sites along the way, such as the picturesque 17th-century Ananuri castle complex and the Gudauri Viewpoint, which has memorable mountain panoramas. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange this day excursion by private helicopter.

Also enjoy a private excursion to Uplistsikhe and Mtskheta. First, visit Uplistsikhe, a centuries-old cave city with rock-cut churches, residences and other structures carved into a stone mountain overlooking the Kura (Mtkvari) River. If desired, also visit the nearby town of Gori, birthplace of Joseph Stalin, to see the Stalin Museum and the historic Gori Fortress. Continue to Mtskheta—the ancient capital of Georgia, an important Christian pilgrimage destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Jvari Monastery, a landmark sixth-century structure that sits high atop a hill with commanding views. Also tour the venerated 11th-century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, which is deeply connected to the Georgian Orthodox Church and contains the tombs of renowned Georgian kings and religious patriarchs.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Baku, Azerbaijan VIP fast-track arrival assistance. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 3 nights. Afternoon private city tour Day 2 Baku & Gobustan National Historical Artistic Reserve Full-day private excursion Day 3 Baku & Absheron Peninsula Full-day private excursion Day 4 Baku – Tbilisi, Georgia Private transfer to airport for VIP departure assistance (flight to Georgia not included). VIP airport assistance on arrival. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 4 nights. Afternoon private walking tour of the Old Town Day 5 Tbilisi & Kakheti wine region Full-day private excursion, including private wine tours and tastings Day 6 Tbilisi & Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) Full-day private excursion, including private Khinkali (dumpling) making demonstration. Upon request, we can arrange this excursion by private helicopter Day 7 Tbilisi, Uplistsikhe & Mtskheta Full-day private excursion Day 8 Depart Tbilisi Private airport transfer for departure assistance

Hotels

Baku: Four Seasons Hotel Baku Tbilisi: Stamba Hotel

Cost

Upon request