Day 1 Istanbul - Baku
We suggest you arrive at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport at 20:30…
Departure at 23:25 with Pegasus Airlines flight PC 854 to the historical and architectural charm of the city of fire, Baku.
Note: Your hotel reservation is made starting today to ensure you can immediately check into your rooms upon arrival.
Day 2 Baku Ateshgah - Absheron - Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center
Arrival in Baku at 03:05 and transfer to the hotel. Check into rooms. After breakfast, we will start our tour a bit later so you can refresh from the journey. After breakfast, free time. We begin the day with a visit to Ateşgah (Fire Temple), one of the three Zoroastrian temples that have survived to this day and is the most important, built in the 3rd century AD. This religious building, with its castle appearance, has been known throughout the world for its burning flame since antiquity and was rebuilt by Zoroastrian pilgrims who came to the region in the 17th century. After our visit here, we go to see the lively dance of flames at Absheron Fire Mountain. Next, we continue our tour with a visit to the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center, designed by Iraqi-born English futurist architect Zaha Hadid, covering an area of 101,000 square meters and making headlines worldwide upon its completion. The complex represents the rise of the Caspian Sea in Azeri mythology and consists of theaters, 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 if not previously announced. If it is open, we will enter, otherwise, it will be viewed from outside.) After the free time, transfer back 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. The traditional and historical features of Baku have recently been complemented by numerous investments, giving it a very modern look architecturally and culturally. In this comprehensive tour, we will first travel via Martyrs’ Lane to Highland Park. Here, you will be able to capture panoramic views of the city of Baku and the Baku Bay. Next, we head to the Old City or Inner City, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In this section of our tour, you will see and learn about Baku’s historical and traditional features. Among the places we will visit nearby are the Maiden Tower, built in the 12th century, the Friday Mosque dating back to the 15th century, the historically significant Siniggala Minaret and Mohammed Mosque, the world’s only Miniature Book Museum, the Shirvan Shah Palace considered one of Azerbaijan’s architectural gems, the Ismail Palace, currently serving as the Academy of Sciences, the city’s heart Independence Avenue, the Fountain Square which takes its name from the historic fountain located there, the Philharmonic Fountain, and the famous Municipal Park, home to many valuable handicrafts, such as the National Carpet and Kilim Museum . Following this, we will explore the modern face of the city with various futuristic architectural masterpieces, including the globally renowned Flame Towers, before heading to Baku Boulevard. This area consists of a promenade along the sea parallel to the “Little Venice” district, where oil barons built their mansions a century ago. After the tour, we will head to our local venue for a Dinner with Folkloric Show. In one of the city’s historical venues, we will enjoy traditional Mugham music and local delicacies before transferring back to our hotel. Accommodation at our hotel.
Day 4 Baku - Shamakhi - Gabala - Sheki
After breakfast and the check-out process, we set out towards Shamakhi. (approximately 125 km) Known from the Siege of Shamakhi, an important phase in the Ottoman-Safavid War, this city is also famous for being one of the key places for winemaking and carpet weaving in the Caucasus. Here we will see the old city center, the Yeddi Gumbez Tomb located at the foot of Gülistan Fortress, which houses the Grave of the Shirvan Khan, and the Friday Mosque. Next, we will continue on to the renowned Gabala (approximately 95 km), famous for its natural beauties. On the shores of Nohur Lake, we will have some free time amidst the breathtaking views of mountains, forests, and waterfalls, which give Gabala the appearance of paradise on earth. After a pleasant break, we will continue our journey to our final stop, Sheki (approximately 90 km). Upon arrival, we will explore Sheki, Azerbaijan's oldest, most authentic, and most beautiful city. Known for its gentle and unique culture and cuisine, Sheki is a classic mountain town. We will visit the Upper and Lower Sheki Caravanserais, portions of which are currently used as hotels, historical stone and wooden buildings scattered across narrow, stony streets, the magnificent Han Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site from the Persian period, the Sheki Fortress consisting of Sheki Handicraft Workshop, Ethnography Museum, Art Gallery, Art House, and the beautiful Sheki Han Palace, built for the Khan's relatives, as well as the city’s important religious sites, including the Han and Friday Mosques. We will have free time at the bazaar to sample the famous Azeri Tea accompanied by Sheki Halva and shop for many handicraft artworks, especially the beautiful silk products. After the tour, we will transfer to our hotel and check into our rooms. Accommodation at our hotel.
Day 5 Sheki - Bodbe Monastery - Signaghi - Tbilisi
After breakfast and the check-out process, we move towards the Azerbaijan/Georgia Border (approximately 90 km). Due to rules, there will be a vehicle change at the border. After completing the necessary procedures, we continue heading towards the Bodbe Monastery, one of the most significant religious sites in Georgia, known for its architecture and surrounding nature (approximately 60 km). After our visit here, we proceed to the “City of Love, Signaghi” (approximately 15 km). This picturesque area, with its restored charming stone buildings and natural beauty, is a tourist attraction filled with 4 km long walls called “Georgian Wall”, and the Signaghi Fortress, which boasts exceptional views of the surrounding nature and the St. George Church, along with the historic city center preserved with a pristine ambiance, and the statue of the beloved town doctor known for helping many people in every village, the “Doctor on the Donkey” Sculpture will be among the places we visit. During our city tour, we will use special electric vehicles and stop for photo opportunities at various sites such as the Kakheti panorama point and Signagi panorama point. In our free time, guests can explore this lovely town, shop, and enjoy their lunch. Afterward, we head to Tbilisi (approximately 10 km). Upon arrival, we check into our rooms at the hotel. Accommodation 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, will showcase; Narikala Fortress, Bridge of Peace, Rike Park, Meidan, Ethnographic Museum, Agmashenebeli Boulevard, City Hall, Rustaveli National Theatre, Viceroy Palace, National Bank of Georgia, Mtatsminda Hill, Mother Georgia statue, the main square Liberty Square, the Parliament House, the Archaeological Museum housing many of the country’s notable historical treasures, the Art Museum with over 3,500 exhibits, the replica of Samtavisi Cathedral built in the 11th century, Kashueti St. George Church, the National Museum of Georgia housing significant national treasures, the Opera and Ballet Theater, MoMa Museum known for its sculptures and temporary exhibitions, Historical Books Museum known for its ancient books and manuscripts, the Art Academy famous for its Hall of Mirrors, the largest religious structure in Georgia today, the Sameba Holy Trinity Cathedral, and the statue of Vakhtang Gorgasali, known as “The Horseman King” at Metekhi Hill, and the historic Metekhi Mary Church dating back to 455 AD, which we will see from a panoramic view. Then, during our walking tour, we will see places renowned for their cultural heritage such as Flower Market and Covered Market located in Orbeliani Park, the Atoneli Street transformed into a center of attraction with the restoration of 13 important buildings. After exploring Europe Square, Kura River and Rike Park, Avlabari Community, Georgian Patriarchate, and Sioni Cathedral, we will visit Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Puppet Theater and Angels Clock Tower, Anchiskati Basilica, Jan Shardeni Street. During the free time in this lovely square, you will have the opportunity to taste local flavors in authentic cafes. We will visit Bethlehem Street, the center of the Jewish community in Georgia with numerous historic sites. Then we proceed to the Fortress District, home to the iconic Narikala. Using the cable car, we will make a short journey to the top to see the Mother of Georgia Statue which was built to celebrate the 1500th anniversary of Georgia in 1958. You can take panoramic photos of the city from here. After returning via cable car to the lower city, we head to the historic Abanotubani area, known for its sulfur baths since the 4th Century BC. Here we will view the historic Friday Mosque, built by the Ottomans in 1724 and known as “Double Mihrab”, and the Chreli Abano Sulfur Baths. We will descend through the historical Spinning Staircase and cross the Bridge of Love to give you some free time at the Underground Bazaar. Later, we will head to a venue where you can enjoy breathtaking Caucasian Folklore performances while enjoying a menu of Georgian delicacies. At the end of this wonderful day, we transfer back to our hotel. Accommodation at our hotel.
Day 7 Tbilisi - Chronology Monument - Gori - Uplistsikhe - Jvari - Mtskheta - Tbilisi
After breakfast, we provide some free time for you to rest. We will check out at the time specified by our guide and set off. We will head to the Chronology Monument in Georgia (approximately 15 km). Located on Keeni Hill, this monument, which started construction in 1985 and is never finished due to the continuous addition of contemporary significant events, is a rare piece around the world. Next, we continue towards Gori (approximately 85 km). Upon arrival, we visit the Stalin Museum, showcasing numerous artifacts and photographs related to the Georgian-born leader who transformed the Soviet Union into an industrial and military giant. Afterward, you will have some free time to explore this charming town. Then, we head to Uplistsikhe, which reminds us of Cappadocia with its homes carved into caves (approximately 15 km). Our next stop is Jvari, famous for its high scenic location over the confluence of the Aragvi and Kura Rivers, built in the 6th century and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of Georgia’s significant historical and religious treasures. After visiting here, we continue to Mtskheta, Georgia’s capital before Tbilisi (approximately 20 km). This ancient city, one of the oldest settlements in the world still standing today, will reveal the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, one of Georgia’s most sacred places. During free time, you can complete your shopping for globally renowned Georgian wines and souvenirs and freely explore this fairytale-like city. Before our transfer to the airport, we recommend enjoying dinner in one of the nice restaurants located here. At the designated time from our guide, we will transfer to Tbilisi Airport. (approximately 50 km)
Day 8 Tbilisi - Istanbul
Departure at 03:50 with Pegasus Airlines flight PC 327 to Istanbul.
Arrival at 05:25. We hope to see you on another trip…
NOTE 1: On certain dates, flight times may vary due to airline schedules. The tour may occur with different flight routes, provided the content is fulfilled completely. Different airlines may be used on certain dates. Our company cannot be held responsible for any issues that arise if you do not purchase your domestic flight tickets through us. Please confirm your flight times 48 hours before the tour departs.