Day 1 Ankara- Baku
09:15 We recommend being at Ankara Esenboğa Airport…
12:20 Departing with AJET Airlines flight VF 577 to the city of fire Baku known for its history and architecture.
15:35 Arrival in Baku and transfer to the hotel. Check into rooms.
Day 2 Baku- Ateşgah- Absheron- Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center
After breakfast, free time. We begin the day with a visit to Ateşgah (Fire Temple), one of the three Zoroastrian Temples preserved to this day, which is considered the most important. This religious structure, resembling a castle, was first built in the 3rd century AD. It became famous for the fire that has been burning since antiquity, especially during the period when the Silk Road was active, and it was rebuilt by Zoroastrian pilgrims who came to the region in the 17th century. After our visit here, we will go to Absheron Yanardagh to watch the lively dance of flames. Following this, we will continue our tour with a visit to the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center, designed by the Iraqi-born British futurist architect Zaha Hadid and covering an area of 101,000 square meters, which made a significant impact worldwide upon its construction. The complex represents the rise of the Caspian Sea in Azeri mythology and consists of a theater and conference halls, a museum, and art galleries. (IMPORTANT NOTE: The cultural center does not accept visitors on certain days. Our company cannot be held responsible for changes that are not announced in advance regarding these days and hours. If closed, the center will be viewed from the outside. If open, entry will be allowed.) After the free time provided, transfer to the hotel. Accommodation at our hotel.
Day 3 Baku (Dinner with Azeri Night)
After breakfast, we depart from our hotel for our Full Day Baku City Tour. Traditional and historic Baku, recently enhanced with numerous investments, also showcases a very modern appearance architecturally and culturally. During this comprehensive tour where you will get to know the most important areas of New and Old Baku, we will first go via Martyrs' Lane to Highland Park. Here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city of Baku and Baku Bay and take plenty of photos. Then, we will head to the Old City or Inner City, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. You will see and learn about Baku's historical and traditional features in this segment of our tour. Among the sights here and nearby are the Maiden Tower, built in the 12th century, the Friday Mosque from the 15th century, the historically significant Siniggala Minaret and Mohammed Mosque, the world's only Miniature Book Museum, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs regarded as one of the pearls of Azerbaijani historical architecture, the Ismail Palace which currently operates as the Science Academy, the city’s heart Independence Avenue, the Fountain Square named after the historic fountain here, the famous Philharmonic Fountain and the Municipality Park with valuable handicrafts, all of which we will visit. Then, we will explore the areas with a modern face of the city, including many futuristic architectural works, among which are the world-famous Flame Towers, heading to Baku Boulevard. This area was built along the parallel pedestrian walkway to the coastal region known as ‘Little Venice’, where oil barons constructed their mansions a century ago. After the tour's completion, we proceed to a local venue for our Azeri Night with Dinner and Folklore Show. In one of the city's historical locations, along with traditional Mugham music, you will enjoy local delicacies. After a lovely evening, transfer back to the hotel. Accommodation at our hotel.
Day 4 Baku- Shamakhi- Gabala- Sheki
After breakfast and room check-out, we set off towards Shamakhi. (approximately 125 km) This city, known from the historic Ottoman-Safavid War stage as the Shamakhi Siege, is also one of the most important places renowned for viticulture and carpet weaving in Caucasus. Here we will visit the old city center, Yeddi Gumbez Mausoleum located at the foothills of Gulistan Castle which houses the Shirvan Khan Tombs, and the Friday Mosque. Then, we are traveling to Gabala, known for its natural beauty (approximately 95 km). Amid the unique views of the Nature National Park, during our free time by Nohur Lake, Gabala with its mountains, forests, and waterfalls will be a delightful sight to refresh your energy. After our enjoyable break, we will continue our journey to Sheki (approximately 90 km). Upon arrival, we explore Sheki, Azerbaijan’s oldest, most authentic, and beautiful city. Known as a classic mountain town, Sheki is famous for its gentle people and unique culture and cuisine. We will visit the Upper and Lower Sheki Caravanserais, which are currently partly functioning as a hotel, the historic stone and wooden buildings scattered across narrow, cobbled streets, the stunningly beautiful Sheki Palace dating back to the Persian period, the Workshop of Sheki Crafts, Ethnography Museum, Art Gallery, Art House, and the Sheki Fortress made up of buildings such as the Han Palace which was exclusively built for the Khan's relatives and the city's major religious structures including Han and Friday Mosques. Strolling through the market, you can taste the famous Azeri Tea with Sheki Halva, and buy numerous handicraft artworks, especially the world’s best silk products. At the end of the tour, transfer to your hotel and check in.
Day 5 Sheki- Bodbe Monastery- Signaghi- Tbilisi
After breakfast and check-out, we are heading towards Azerbaijan/Georgia Border (approximately 90 km). Due to regulations, there will be a vehicle change at the border. After necessary procedures, we continue to Bodbe Monastery, one of the most important religious sites in Georgia, notable for its architecture and surrounding nature (approximately 60 km). Following our visit here, we proceed to ‘Love City Signaghi’ (approximately 15 km). This beautiful place, known for its natural beauty and restored charming stone buildings, is a tourist attraction point. During our tour here, we will visit the Signaghi Fortress, nicknamed the ‘Georgia Wall’ with its long wall stretching over 4 km, St. George Church which stands out for its architecture and surrounding nature, the pristine historical town center, and the ‘Doctor on Donkey’ Statue, dedicated to the lovable town doctor who helped many while reaching the sick in every village with his donkey. In this city tour, we will ride in special electric vehicles and take photo breaks at points like Kakheti panorama point, Signagi panorama point, and St. George’s Tower while making a walking tour along the city walls which offers unique views. During the free time provided, guests can stroll freely in this charming town, shop, and enjoy their lunch. We then continue towards Tbilisi (approximately 10 km). Upon arrival, check in to your rooms. Accommodation at our hotel.
Day 6 Tbilisi (Dinner with Caucasian Night)
After breakfast, we start our Full Day Tbilisi Tour. This beautiful city astonishes its visitors with what it offers; we start with checking out; Narikala Fortress, Bridge of Peace, Rike Park, Meidan, Ethnography Museum, Agmashenebeli Boulevard, City Hall, Rustaveli National Theater, Viceroy’s Palace, National Bank of Georgia, Mtatsminda Mountain, Mother Georgia Monument, the main square of the city Freedom Square, the building of the country administration Parliament, Archaeological Museum which houses important historical treasures of the country, the Art Museum containing over 3500 pieces, Kashueti St George Church which is a replica of the 11th-century Samtavisi Cathedral, the Georgian National Museum containing significant artifacts, Opera and Ballet Theater hosting major performances, MoMa Museum known for its statues, hosting temporary exhibitions, Historical Books Museum known for its ancient books and manuscripts, Art Academy which is famous for its Mirror Hall, and the Sameba Holy Trinity Cathedral being the biggest religious structure in Georgia visible from almost everywhere in Tbilisi, and ‘Rider King’ statue referring to Vakhtang Gorgasali at Metekhi Hill along with the Metekhi Virgin Mary Church with parts dating back to the 4th century BC panoramically. Following that, during our walking tour, we will cover Orbeliani Park, famous for its Flower Market and Covered Market, Atoneli Street which has become an attraction center with the restoration of 13 important historical buildings among the country’s cultural heritages, and Gabriadze District. We will see the Europe Square, Kura River and Rike Park, Avlabari Area, Georgian Patriarchate, Sioni Cathedral. Then we will visit Rezo Gabriadze’s Marionette Puppet Theater and Angels Clock Tower, and Anchiskhati Basilica, along with Jan Shardeni Street. During the free time provided in this beautiful square, you will have the opportunity to taste local delights at authentic cafes. We will also visit Bethlehem Street, the center of the Jewish Community of Georgia housing numerous artifacts. We will then head to the Fortress Area dominated by Narikala, where we take a cable car for a short ride to the top, from where we can admire and take photos of the Mother Georgia Monument - the statue commemorating the 1500th anniversary of Georgia built in 1958. We will return to the city via cable car and head to Abanotubani, the historical sulfur baths that have given the city its name since the 4th century BC. We will also see the historical ‘Double Mihrab Mosque’ built by the Ottomans in 1724 and the Chreli Abano Sulfur Baths. We will walk down the Spinning Staircase and cross the Love Wooden Bridge to give free time in the Underground Market located in the heart of the city. Afterwards, we will go to a venue where you can enjoy breathtaking Caucasian folklore performances and have a menu of Georgian dishes. At the end of this wonderful day, transfer back to the hotel. Accommodation at our hotel.
Day 7 Tbilisi- Chronology Monument- Gori- Uplistsikhe- Jvari- Mtsheta- Tbilisi
After breakfast, we head to the Chronology Monument of Georgia located at Keeni Hill (approximately 15 km). This monument, which began construction in 1985 but has never been completed due to continuous additions of current significant events, is a rare example worldwide.
Then, we continue towards Gori. (approximately 85 km) Upon arrival, we will visit the Stalin Museum, showcasing many items and photos from the time of Joseph Stalin, who transformed the Soviet Union into an industrial and military powerhouse. Afterwards, during our free time in Gori, you can stroll around this charming city as you wish. Next, we will go to Uplistsikhe, which is reminiscent of Cappadocia with homes carved into caves. (approximately 15 km) Our next stop is Jvari (approximately 65 km), built in the 6th century on a hill overlooking the confluence of the Aragvi and Kura Rivers, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Jvari Monastery is considered one of Georgia's most important historical and religious treasures. With its architectural beauty and breathtaking views, the monastery has been the center of numerous significant events throughout history. After finishing our visit here, we will head to Mtskheta, the previous capital of Georgia, also known as ‘UNESCO City’ (approximately 20 km). In this historical city, we will see the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, which is regarded as one of the holiest religious sites in Georgia. During our free time, you can complete your shopping for world-renowned Georgian wines and souvenirs and freely explore this fairy-tale-like city. After the tour is finished, we will return to the hotel and accommodation.
Day 8 Tbilisi- Ankara
Transfer to the airport at the time determined by our guide.
05:05 Departing with AJET Airlines flight VF 616 to Istanbul.
05:25 Arrival. We hope to see you on another journey…