Day 1: Ankara-Baku
We recommend you to be at Ankara Esenboğa Airport at 09:15…
At 12:20, we depart for the fire city of Baku, which is captivating with its history and architecture, on AJET Airlines flight VF 577.
Arrival at 15:35 in Baku and transfer to the hotel. Check-in to the rooms.
Day 2: Baku- Ateşgah- Absheron- Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center
After breakfast, free time. We start the day with a visit to Ateşgah (Fire Temple), a significant Zoroastrian temple, one of the three that have survived to this day, originally constructed in the 3rd century AD. This religious structure, resembling a fortress, has been famous for its eternal flame since ancient times and was reconstructed in the 17th century by Zoroastrian pilgrims who visited the region. After our visit here, we proceed to Absheron Yanar Dag to watch the dancing flames. Following that, we continue our tour with a visit to the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center, designed by the UK-born Iraqi futurist architect Zaha Hadid, which made headlines around the world with its construction over an area of 101 thousand square meters. The complex, representing the rise of the Caspian Sea in Azeri mythology, consists of a theater, conference halls, a museum, and art galleries. (IMPORTANT NOTE: The cultural center may not accept visitors on certain days. Our company cannot be held responsible for this situation as the timings are not announced in advance. In such cases, we will view the center from the outside, and entry will be allowed if it is open.) After the free time given, transfer to the hotel. Overnight at our hotel.
Day 3: Baku (Dinner with Azeri Night)
After breakfast, we depart from our hotel for our Full Day Baku City Tour. The new investments made in recent years have added a modern touch to the traditional and historical aspects of Baku. During this comprehensive tour, we will first go to Martyrs' Lane to Highland Park, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Baku city and the Baku Bay and take plenty of photos. Next, we will go to the Old City or Inner City, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. In this part of our tour, you will see and learn about Baku's historical and traditional features. Here and in the nearby areas, we will visit the Maiden Tower, built in the 12th century, the Friday Mosque from the 15th century, the historically significant Siniggala Minaret, and the Mohammed Mosque, the world's only Miniature Book Museum, the Shirvanshahs' Palace, which is considered one of the pearls of Azerbaijan's historical architecture, the Ismail Palace, which now serves as the Academy of Sciences, the heart of the city Independence Avenue, the Fountain Square named after the historical fountain located there, the Philharmonic Fountain, and the famous Municipality Park with its valuable handicrafts. After that, we will head to Baku Boulevard, where you will see the city's modern aspect, including many futuristic architectural works among which are the world-renowned Flame Towers. This area consists of pedestrian paths parallel to the coastal area, known as ‘’Little Venice’’, built over a century ago, where the Oil Barons built their mansions. At the end of our tour, we head to a local venue for our Dinner and Folkloric Show with Azeri Night. After enjoying the traditional Mugham music and local delicacies at one of the city’s historical sites, we will transfer back to the hotel. Overnight at our hotel.
Day 4: Baku- Shamakhi- Gabala- Sheki
After breakfast and checking out of the rooms, we depart towards Shamakhi (approximately 125 km). This city, known for its significance during the Ottoman-Safavid War as the location of the Shamakhi Siege, is also famous for winemaking and carpet weaving. Here, we will see the old city center, the Yeddi Gumbez Tombs located at the foothills of Gulistan Castle, and the Friday Mosque. Following that, we head towards Gabala, famous for its natural beauty (approximately 95 km). Surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of National Park, we will have free time by the shores of Nohur Lake; Gabala, which appears like heaven on earth with its mountains, forests, and waterfalls, will refresh your energy. After our pleasant break, we continue on to our last stop of the day, Sheki (approximately 90 km). Once we arrive, we will explore Sheki, the oldest, most authentic, and beautiful city in Azerbaijan. Sheki, a classic mountain town, is known for its soft-natured people with unique culture and cuisine. We will see the historic stone and wooden buildings spread across narrow cobblestone streets, the Upper and Lower Sheki Caravanserais, which are now partly hotels, the magnificent Sheki Khans' Palace from the Persian era, enlisted as a significant member of the UNESCO World Heritage list, Sheki Fortress, composed of buildings like the Sheki Khan Palace that was specially constructed for the Khan's relatives, the city’s most significant religious buildings, including Han and Friday Mosques, and the Artisan Workshop of Sheki, Ethnographic Museum, Art Gallery, Art House. In the market, we will have free time to taste the famous Sheki Halva along with Azeri Tea and buy various handicraft art pieces, especially the world’s finest silk products. At the end of the tour, transfer to our hotel and check into the rooms. Overnight at our hotel.
Day 5: Sheki- Bodbe Monastery- Signaghi- Tbilisi
After breakfast and checking out of the rooms, we head towards the Azerbaijan/Georgia Border (approximately 90 km). According to the rules, the vehicle will change at the border. After completing the necessary procedures, we continue towards Bodbe Monastery, one of the most significant religious monuments in Georgia, appreciated for its architecture and surrounding nature (approximately 60 km). After our visit here, we proceed towards ‘’Love City Signaghi’’ (approximately 15 km). This charming location, known for its natural beauty and restored cute stone buildings, is a true tourist attraction. During our tour here, we will see Signaghi Fortress, referred to as the ‘’Georgia Wall’’ with its more than 4 km long walls and breathtaking natural views, St. George’s Church known for its architecture and beautiful surroundings, and the historically preserved city center with charming and well-maintained historical structures. We will visit the ‘’Doctor on a Donkey’’ Statue, dedicated to the local doctor who was beloved for reaching patients in every village during his time. During our city tour, we will travel using special electric vehicles and take photo breaks at spots like Kakheti Panorama point, Signagi Panorama point, and St. George watchtower, allowing for a scenic walk along the city walls. During our free time, guests have the opportunity to explore, shop, and enjoy their lunches in this delightful place. After that, we head towards Tbilisi (approximately 10 km). Upon arrival, we check into our rooms. Overnight at our hotel.
Day 6: Tbilisi (Dinner with Caucasian Night)
After breakfast, we begin our Full Day Tbilisi Tour. This beautiful city, which always surprises visitors with what it has to offer, will primarily host the Narikala Fortress, Bridge of Peace, Rike Park, Meidan, Ethnography Museum, Agmashenebeli Boulevard, City Hall, Rustaveli National Theater, Viceroy Palace, National Bank of Georgia, Mtatsminda Hill, Mother Georgia Statue, the main square of the city Liberty Square, the Parliament Building where the country is governed, the Archaeology Museum, which houses the country's important historical treasures, the Fine Arts Museum with over 3500 works, the replica of the Sampavisi Cathedral built in the 11th century, the National Museum of Georgia with its important artifacts, the Opera and Ballet Theater, which hosts important performances, the MoMa Museum famous for its statues and temporary exhibitions, the Historical Book Museum known for its ancient books and manuscripts, the Fine Arts Academy famous for its Mirror Hall, Sameba Holy Trinity Cathedral, the largest church in contemporary Georgia, visible from almost everywhere in Tbilisi, and the sculpture of Vakhtang Gorgasali, also known as The Horseback King located on Metekhi Hill, and the Metekhi Virgin Mary Church, whose foundations date back to 455 AD, panoramically. Then, on our walking tour, we will visit Orbeliani Park famous for Flower Market and Covered Market, as well as the Atoneli Street renowned among the country’s cultural heritage. We will see Europe Square, Kura River and Rike Park, Avlabari District, and the Georgian Patriarchate, along with the Sioni Cathedral. Next, we will visit the Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theater and Angel Clock Tower, Anchiskhati Basilica, Jan Shardeni Street. During the free time in this beautiful square, you will have the chance to taste local flavors in authentic cafes. We will visit Bethlehem Street, the center of the Georgian Jewish community, which houses many artifacts. We then move to the Fortress Area, where the symbol of the city Narikala is located. After a short journey by cable car, we will reach the Mother of Georgia Monument - Kartvlis Deda, built to celebrate Georgia's 1500th anniversary in 1958, from where you can take panoramic photos of the city. We will return down by cable car and proceed to Abanotubani, home to the historic sulfur baths that have given the city its name since the 4th century BC. We will see the Friday Mosque, built by the Ottomans in 1724, also known as Double Mihrab Mosque, and the Chreli Abano Sulfur Baths. We will walk down the famous Winding Staircase and cross the Bridge of Love to visit the Market Underground Bazaar where we will have free time. Later, we will head to a venue where you can also watch breathtaking Caucasian folk performances while enjoying a menu of Georgian delicacies. At the end of this wonderful day, we will transfer back to the hotel. Overnight at our hotel.
Day 7: Tbilisi- Chronology Monument- Gori- Uplistsikhe- Jvari- Mtskheta- Tbilisi
After breakfast, we take a short journey to the Georgia Chronology Monument (approximately 15 km). Located on Keeni Hill, this monument, which began construction in 1985, will never be completed due to the constant addition of significant current events, making it a rare piece of art in the world.
We then continue our journey towards Gori (approximately 85 km). Upon arrival, we visit the Stalin Museum, showcasing many artifacts and photographs from the time of Stalin, who transformed the Soviet Union into an industrial and military giant. After exploring Gori, you will have free time to wander around this charming town. Following that, we head to Uplistsikhe, known for its cave-carved houses reminiscent of Cappadocia, (approximately 15 km). Our next stop will be Jvari (approximately 65 km), built in the 6th century at the confluence of the Aragvi and Kura Rivers, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site is one of the most important historical and religious treasures of Georgia. The monastery has played a central role in many significant events throughout its history, impressing visitors with its architectural beauty and breathtaking views. After this visit, we proceed to Mtskheta, Georgia’s former capital before Tbilisi (approximately 20 km). In this city, one of the oldest settlements in the world, our tour will include visiting the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, considered one of the country’s most sacred religious monuments. During our free time, you can complete your shopping for the world-famous Georgian wines and souvenirs, and explore this fairytale-like city. After the tour, we return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 8: Tbilisi- Ankara
Transfer to the airport at the time determined by our guide.
At 05:05, we depart to Istanbul on the AJET Airlines flight VF 616.
At 05:25 Arrival. Until we meet again on another trip…
* International Departure Fund
* Citizens of Azerbaijan and Georgia do not require a visa; however, since there will be a land border crossing, you must participate in the tour with a passport. Otherwise, you will not be able to cross the border.
* Extra Tours
* Local Service Fees (covers city accommodation taxes, permit fees, crossing fees, and other service fees collected upon arrival with a receipt; payment is mandatory) (70 Euro)
* Tips (Turkish Guide and Local Staff)
* Beverages at meals unless explicitly stated otherwise
* Personal expenses
* Any service not explicitly stated as included