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Azerbaijan & Georgia Experience

20 Days

  • TOUR DESCRIPTION
  • Itinerary
  • Dates & Prices
  • Enquire Now
  • Travel Insurance by Allianz

Tour Description

Visit two countries that have taken a big leap into the 21st century, where historical old towns and monasteries sit comfortably alongside towering skyscrapers. Stop by one of Europe's largest open-air rock museums, walk through the gardens of a local Kakheti family and talk about provincial life over a hearty lunch. Uncover the centuries-old recipe for producing Georgian wine and learn how to make your own yogurt. Reconnect with nature on hikes through wooded forests and past the Chaladi glacier and learn the secrets of Georgian cheese making. This all-encompassing trip takes you from eccentric Baku, to the lush green slopes of Georgia's Mestia valley and ancient alleyways of Tbilisi

Priced From:

$ 6905.00pp *

Valid From: 01JAN2025

Valid To: 31DEC2025

Start Location: Baku

End Location: Tbilisi

Countries: Azerbaijan, Georgia,

Tour Advisors

Tiffany McCrea-Lennon

Managing Director

Russell Mein

Travel Specialist

Caitlin Lennon

Travel Coordinator

Michelle Baldwin

Travel Specialist

Gaylyn Murdoch

Administration Manager

Holly Skene

Travel Co-ordinator

Kim Thomas

Broker

Highlights

  • Azerbaijan's cosmopolitan capital of Baku is often referred to as the 'new Dubai'. Enjoy a guided walking tour around the city's World Heritage-listed Old Town.
  • Mud volcanoes, ancient mosques, lush forests and tall peaks – the Caucasus Mountains will take your breath away.
  • Navigate the organised chaos of the farmers markets in Telavi. Your leader will be there to help you order as much fresh fruit, nuts or pigs heads as you desire. 
  • Journey to the Svaneti region, a remote and alluring land of snow-capped mountains, discover the iconic tower houses dotted amongst mountain valleys and learn of one of the highest settlement in Europe - Ushguli people and its fascinating culture and traditions.
  • Far from a mere sightseeing tour, this trip is active and hands-on. You'll try your hand at preparing delicious local food and have plenty of chances to hike and explore.
  • Get active on hikes in the shadow of magnificent snowy peaks of the Greater Caucasus, to the iconic Gergeti Trinich Church to medieval villages and one of the biggest glaciers in Georgia, Shkhara glacier.
  • Included Activities

  • Tbilisi - City tour
  • Kutaisi - Leader-led city walking tour
  • Kutaisi - Golden Marquee Palace
  • Kutaisi - Farmers Market
  • Mestia - Cooking class
  • Mestia - Lakhiri Village Hike
  • Mestia - Georgian cheese making
  • Ushguli - Village hike
  • Ushguli - Lamaria Church
  • Ushguli - Queen Tamar`s Tower
  • Ushguli - Shkhara Glacier hike & picnic
  • Batumi - Leader-led city walking tour
  • Itinerary

    Day 1 Location: Baku
    Salam! Welcome to Azerbaijan. Your adventure begins in Baku, with a welcome meeting at 6 pm this evening. If you arrive early, maybe walk around Baku Boulevard, a promenade that stretches along the Caspian Sea – the world’s largest inland body of water. After the meeting, join your leader for a night walk around Azerbaijan’s capital, where they’ll highlight the best spots for dinner. Maybe get your group together for some traditional Azerbaijani dishes, like plov (seasoned rice) or dolma (stuffed vegetables).
    Day 2 Location: Qobustan/ Baku
    This morning, drive to Qobustan – also known as Gobustan National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s famous for its ancient rock carvings and mud volcanoes. Stop on the way to check out these geological formations as they spew mud and gas. Azerbaijan has more clay craters than anywhere else in the world, so you’re in the right place for spotting them! The rock carvings in Qobustan date back to the Stone Age, giving humans today an insight into daily life all those years ago. With over 6000 petroglyphs on display, Qobustan is often referred to as one of the largest open-air museums in the world. Return to Baku in the afternoon and visit the walled Old Town with your leader, who’ll bring its legends and history to life. Enjoy a free evening to explore the city at your own pace. Maybe eat at a restaurant on Nizami Street – a busy boulevard with lots of authentic Azerbaijani cuisine.
    Day 3 Location: Caucasus Mountains / Lahij
    Leave Baku this morning and enjoy the change of scenery as the dry landscape giving way to the densely forested mountains along the way. Stop en route in Shamakhi and check out one of the oldest moquests of Azerbaijan - Juma (Friday) Mosque, then onto your final destination for today - the stunning traditional village of Lahij for Tats people. Explore its cobbled streets, stone houses, visit a copper workshop and get to know some local folk over a cup of tea.Then try your hand at yogurt making in the traditional way, an important part of Azerbaijan cuisine. Your accommodation tonight is at a local guesthouse.
    Day 4 Location: Sheki
    After breakfast, head to Nij village, a settlement of the Udi people who are the direct descendants of ancient Caucasian Albanians. Most the world’s surviving Udi people call Nij home, giving the community a unique culture. Visit the unassuming site of a significant church and a local museum of Udi Culture. The Albanian Church (as it’s known colloquially) is a source of pride and heritage for the local Udi community. Continue to Sheki afterwards and enjoy a free evening.
    Day 5 Location: Sheki
    Visit the Palace of Sheki Khans first in the morning. The walls of the palace are painted with scenes of hunting and war and it features impressive stained glass. Afterwards check out a workshop where shebeke – stained glass windows made with no glue or nails – are produced by local masters witih skills past down through generations of practices. Then get on a local public bus to Kish to visit the pointed spires of a church that is among the oldest in Christendom, believed to be around 1700 years old. Try Azerbaijan’s national dish – Piti for lunch – a stew made of lamb, sheep fat, chickpeas, onions, chestnuts, saffron and spices, and is guaranteed to be full of exciting flavors. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to discover Sheki. Why not explore the impressive traditional architecture on foot. Maybe stop for tea and some local halva (made with sugar, hazelnuts, coriander and rice flour grinned in a watermill).
    Day 6 Location: Telavi
    After breakfast, take a walk with your leader through the Sheki market. It’s a great opportunity to stock up on snacks for the journey ahead, so maybe grab some halva, nuts and dried fruit. Continue to Lagodekhi on the Azerbaijan-Georgia border. Travel through the beautiful green valleys of the Kakheti region to Gremi – a complex that includes a castle and church from the 16th century. Spend some time here before hitting the road again, stopping at a traditional Georgian wine producer that still employs the ancient, UNESCO-listed qvevri method. Enjoy lunch here and then finish your journey in Telavi, where you’ll stay in a local hotel for the evening.
    Day 7 Location: Gudauri
    In the morning, wander through the vibrant local farmers market in Telavi, where butchers carve up fresh meat and vendors offload piles of spices, then visit Tsinandalia, a historic estate and winery once owned by noted Georgian poet Alexander Chavchavadze. In 1814, aristocrat Chavchavadze was the first to bottle wine produced using the qvevri method. Tour the complex, which consists of a memorial house, European-style landscaped garden, a traditional winery, wine cellar, hotel and cafe. Continue to UNESCO listed Alaverdi Cathedral that dates back to 6th century. Afterwards, drive into the mountains up the renowned Georgian Military Highway. Enjoy a dinner together and spend the night in lofty Gudauri.
    Day 8 Location: Gudauri / Stepantsminda
    Follow the Tergi River on a drive to Stepantsminda, formerly known as Kazbegi. Explore this mountain village then hike through beautiful valleys and woodlands to the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church. This 14th-century church sits at the base of the second-highest volcanic summit in the Caucasus – Mt Kazbegi – and, weather permitting, you may catch a glimpse. The image of the pointed spires of the isolated church against the mountains is truly breathtaking, and a great place for a photo. Drive back to Gudauri for a dinner with your group.
    Day 9 Location: Tbilisi
    Make the drive to Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, located along the banks of the Kura River. Get into the swing of things with an orientation walk with your leader. Spend the rest of the day as you wish, perhaps grabbing a khachapuri (bread stuffed with salty cheese) to snack on. In the evening, regroup and head out for dinner with your fellow travellers and leader. This is a good chance to sample some khinkali (Georgia’s famous soup-filled dumplings). Make sure to ask your leader about the polite way to eat them – it involves sipping the broth and leaving the pinched bit of dough where the edges of the delicious parcel have joined on the plate.
    Day 10 Location: Tbilisi
    Today is a free day to explore Tbilisi until the evening group meeting at 6pm to meet your leader and new fellow travellers and to discuss the next stage of your itinerary.
    Day 11 Location: Tbilisi
    After breakfast take part in a sightseeing tour of Tbilisi. The locals like to call their capital the "Balcony of Europe", placing it on par with many of Europe's graceful old cities. All the sights in the Old Town are very close to each other and within a few minutes’ walk. You'll pass by Baratashvili bridge, Gabriadze Leaning Tower, the Peace Bridge and Sioni Cathedral on your guided walking tour. Afterwards, you may choose to visit Narikala Fortress and the Sulphur Baths in your free time and to further explore the capital. The evening is also free for you to enjoy. Perhaps indulge in Tbilisi's lively theater scene and witness some of the energetic and acrobatic dance that Georgia is known for.
    Day 12 Location: Kutaisi
    Today, head to the pretty city of Kutaisi on train, the third largest in the country (approximately 4.5 hours). Kutaisi is more than 3000 years old, connected to the legend of Jason and the Argonauts, along with his mythical (or is it?) Golden Fleece. On arrival, follow your leader on a city walking tour in this charming city, passing City Hall, Opera house and Mon plesier Arch, and visit Golden Marquee Palace and Mtsvane Bazari (market) known for its fresh vegetables, fruits, natural dairy products, meat, a variety of spices. In your free time, maybe visit another significant historical site, the Gelati Cathedral or explore the cobbled streets of the town as you make your way up to the ruins of Bagrati palace and citadel.
    Day 13 Location: Mestia
    After a restful night, journey to the remote Svaneti region (approximately 5-6 hours). Svaneti is the highest inhabited area in the Caucasus and is divided in two parts: Upper Svaneti and Lower Svaneti. Arrive into Mestia, the centre of Upper Svaneti. Mestia is surrounded by mountains, medieval-type villages and disctinctive tower-houses. The famous tower-houses were built to accommodate villagers at times of invasion and violence during the 9th -13th centuries. Around 175 towers still stand today, although many are uninhabited. The area is home to the Svans, a proud people with a long history of survival in this isolated part of Europe, who speak their own language. Spend the night in a local guesthouse.
    Day 14 Location: Mestia
    Drive to the village of Lakhiri (approximately 20 minutes) We start our walk today from the village in the direction of Mestia. After little uphill walking we descend to the beautiful valley full with blooming flowers and enjoy an amazing view of Chalati Glacier (2300m) and of Mestia Valley with its watchtowers. The paths can be steep and the ground uneven so you will need good fitness and appropriate footwear for this walk. Those not wishing to hike can stay in Mestia.  In the evening we discover how Georgians make their beloved cheese. Cheese is found in many Georgian dishes and is a key ingredient in the famous khachapuri, a traditional Georgian dish of cheese-filled bread which you will no doubt eat plenty of during your time here!
    Day 15 Location: Ushguli
    Today, visit the World Heritage-listed village of Ushguli, a town around 50 kilometres southeast of Mestia (approx 2 hours drive). The village is located at 2,200 metres above sea level, and is one of the highest inhabited villages in Europe. Ushguli is most famous for its abundance of watchtowers – this is where you'll see the famous view of the towers set to the highest mountain in Georgia, the snow capped Mt Shkhara (5,068 metres). Visit the 12th-century Lamaria Church and walk to Queen Tamar’s tower. Total walking time is 2-3 hours depending on fitness and trail conditions. Those not wishing to walk may stay and explore Ushguli - maybe visit an ethnographic museums or walk around the village and become familiar with the daily life of the local people. Spend the night in a family-owned guesthouse.
    Day 16 Location: Mestia
    Today's walk starts from the guesthouse. The route takes us along the river to the base of Mt Shkhara. You will cross some small streams along the way so pack your waterproof boots and fingers crossed for great weather! We will have a picnic lunch today. The walking trail ends at the Shkhara glacier, where the Enguri river originates below. In the afternoon, return to Mestia and stay overnight in the guesthouse. Approximate walking time is 5-6 hours. If you do not wish to walk, please discuss options with your leader in advance.
    Day 17 Location: Batumi
    From the mountains to the sea today with a long drive to Batumi (approximately 7-8 hours) on the Black Sea coast. While past its Soviet heyday where it was one of the premiere seaside resorts, it is still popular with holiday makers from all over the region for its waterfront parks and beaches. Stay in a hotel tonight.
    Day 18 Location: Batumi
    In the morning take part in a short tour around the city. The afternoon is yours to relax. Batumi has a relaxed atmosphere, great restaurants and nightlife. Stroll the boulevard, cool off in the musical fountains on the square or see the touching Ali & Nino statue lit up at night. There's also art and ethnographic museums or a cable car to panoramic views over the city. Highly recommended is the Batumi Botanical Gardens.
    Day 19 Location: Tbilisi
    Today we'll make use of the regular public bus or train connections (depending on availability) to get to Tbilisi from Batumi (approximately 6.5 hours).. Enjoy the rest of the day in the nation's capital, perhaps with group dinner and night out together.
    Day 20 Location: Tbilisi
    Your trip comes to an end today and your are free to depart at any time.

    Dates & prices

    Dates
    Prices
    Availability
    Departure Date :
    12MAY2025
    Return Date :
    31MAY2025
    8210NZD
    not available
    Departure Date :
    26MAY2025
    Return Date :
    14JUN2025
    8220NZD
    available
    Departure Date :
    09JUN2025
    Return Date :
    28JUN2025
    7600NZD
    available
    Departure Date :
    07JUL2025
    Return Date :
    26JUL2025
    7175NZD
    available
    Departure Date :
    21JUL2025
    Return Date :
    09AUG2025
    6960NZD
    available
    Departure Date :
    04AUG2025
    Return Date :
    23AUG2025
    7005NZD
    available
    Departure Date :
    18AUG2025
    Return Date :
    06SEP2025
    7470NZD
    available
    Departure Date :
    01SEP2025
    Return Date :
    20SEP2025
    7745NZD
    available
    Departure Date :
    08SEP2025
    Return Date :
    27SEP2025
    8390NZD
    available
    Departure Date :
    22SEP2025
    Return Date :
    11OCT2025
    8175NZD
    available

    Trip Notes

    Last modified (date)

    03 Sep 2024

    Trip title

    Azerbaijan & Georgia Experience

    Trip code

    KFSGC

    Validity

    Validity: 01 Jan 2025 to 31 Dec 2025

    Introduction

    Visit two countries that have taken a big leap into the 21st century, where historical old towns and monasteries sit comfortably alongside towering skyscrapers. Stop by one of Europe's largest open-air rock museums, walk through the gardens of a local Kakheti family and talk about provincial life over a hearty lunch. Uncover the centuries-old recipe for producing Georgian wine and learn how to make your own yogurt. Reconnect with nature on hikes through wooded forests and past the Chaladi glacier and learn the secrets of Georgian cheese making. This all-encompassing trip takes you from eccentric Baku, to the lush green slopes of Georgia's Mestia valley and ancient alleyways of Tbilisi

    Style

    Original

    Themes

    Explorer

    Transport

    Private Vehicle,Public Bus,Train,Taxi

    Physical Rating

    3

    Joining point

    Sapphire Inn Hotel

    5 Hassan Abdullayev Street

    Baku

    AZERBAIJAN

    Phone: 00994 125051105

    Joining point description

    Sapphire Inn is conveniently located in a shopping area close to Icherishekher subway station as well as the palace, the mosque and museums in Baku, only a few hundred meters to Ismailiyya Palace, Taza Pir Mosque and Fountain Square. Featuring classical architecture style, it offers great comfort and ease to guests staying there. Breakfast is included.

    Joining point instructions

    If you've booked an arrival transfer with Intrepid, you’ll be met in the arrivals hall of Baku International Airport (GYD) by a transfer representative holding an Intrepid sign. In case of flight cancellations, changes, if you experience severe delays at immigration, baggage collection or customs, or if you are not able to find the driver, please call +994 7031 50022. Public Transport: There is a direct Express bus route number 116 operating from the Airport to Baku City centre. Service runs every 20 - 30 minutes beginning from early in the morning until late night. The bus leaves outside the Airport building, across the parking area. The service terminates at S. Vurgun's park on the 28 May street. The journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes. One way ticket costs AZN1.5. To pay for the bus you need to buy Baku transport card in an automated kiosk for AZN2. Taxi: Avoid taxi touts who approach you and instead take only licensed (purple "London Cab" style cars) taxis from outside the terminal. These are metered and a regular fare to the hotel should cost around 60 AZN. If you are taking a taxi, you can show your taxi driver below text: Sapphire Inn mehmanxanasi Hesen Abdullayev kucesi 5 (Axundov parkinin yani)

    Alternate Joining point

    For trips departing on the following dates, use this joining point.

    26 May 2025 (KFSGC250526)

    Auroom Hotel

    Allahyar Nasibov 14, Nasimi, AZ1065

    Baku

    AZERBAIJAN

    Phone: +994 705952328

    Alternate Joining point description

    Auroom Hotel is situated in the vibrant neighborhood of Nasimi. All rooms have French balconies, private bathrooms, wireless Internet access, telephone, TV and hair dryer.

    Alternate Joining point instructions

    If you've booked an arrival transfer with Intrepid, you’ll be met in the arrivals hall of Baku International Airport (GYD) by a transfer representative holding an Intrepid sign. In case of flight cancellations, changes, if you experience severe delays at immigration, baggage collection or customs, or if you are not able to find the driver, please call +994 7031 50022. Public Transport: There is a direct Express bus route number 116 operating from the Airport to Baku City centre. Service runs every 20 - 30 minutes beginning from early in the morning until late night. The bus leaves outside the Airport building, across the parking area. The service terminates at S. Vurgun's park on the 28 May street. The journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes. One way ticket costs AZN1.5. To pay for the bus you need to buy Baku transport card in an automated kiosk for AZN2. Taxi: Avoid taxi touts who approach you and instead take only licensed (purple "London Cab" style cars) taxis from outside the terminal. These are metered and a regular fare to the hotel should cost around 60 AZN. If you are taking a taxi, you can show your taxi driver below text: Auroom mehmanxanasi Allahyar Nesibov 14

    Finish point

    River View Hotel

    3 a Noe Jordania Bank

    Tbilisi

    0112

    GEORGIA

    Phone: +995 322440414

    Finish point description

    River View Hotel is situated in the historic Chugureti district, within walking distance from famous Dry Bridge and Davit Aghmashenebeli Avenue, where you can discover numerous little cafes, restaurants, and wine bars. All rooms have private bathrooms, wireless Internet access, telephone, TV and hair dryer.

    Finish point instructions

    If you have pre booked a departure transfer to Tbilisi International Airport (airport code TBS), you will be collected at the hotel reception 3 hours before your flight departure time. In case of flight cancellations, changes or if you are not able to find the driver, please contact the transfer operator directly: +995 595 200 050 Alternatively, you can take public transport or a taxi. Take a licensed taxi with a meter, avoid any drivers who approach you directly. The journey takes about 30 minutes and the fare will be approximately GEL30-50. You can take public bus #337 from National Gallery station which is 1000 m away from hotel. Bus drives directly to the Airport and it takes about 1hour and 15 min to get there.

    Important information

    1. A single supplement is bookable on this trip, excluding day 7&8, 13, 14&16 in local guest houses, subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 2. We’ll require correct details of your full name and passport number in order to book train tickets on this trip. You’ll need to provide these details to your booking agent no later than 30 days prior to your departure. Any incorrect details provided or delay in providing this information may result in extra expenses. 3. Please note there is a chance of potential changes to the itinerary due to heavy rain, flooding and snow at higher altitudes, which often affect roads and bridges, making travel difficult or impossible (particularly in remote areas). 4. Please be advised that due to current border crossing restrictions for different Caucasus nationalities, your Trip Leader may be from nearby Ukraine or Russia. Your leader will have in-depth knowledge and extensive travel experience throughout the Caucasus. Local guides from Azerbaijan and Georgia are represented throughout the itinerary to ensure you receive a diverse and uniquely local range of perspectives.

    Group leader

    All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative. Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

    Safety

    TRAVEL ADVISORIES & ALERTS We recommend that you check your government's foreign travel advisory for the latest information about the destination before you travel. You will also need to ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Links to travel advisories and any current travel alerts for our trips can be found here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts PERSONAL SAFETY Ensure you have a secure method of carrying your passport, phone, credit cards and cash while travelling such as a money belt. Leave all other high value items, including jewellery, at home Use safety deposit boxes at hotels to store your valuables when available and ensure your luggage is lockable. Be aware of the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft. Exercise caution when walking at night, don’t walk alone and stick to well-lit streets wherever possible. Be vigilant on public transport and look out for your fellow travellers. Take precautions such as carrying your bag in front of you and never leaving personal items unattended. LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS Intrepid welcomes all LGBTQIA+ customers on our trips, however we operate in parts of the world that are less accepting. We support LGBTQIA+ customers to travel to these destinations and are committed to ensuring they face no discrimination on any part of the trip we control. We recommend you visit Equaldex (https://www.equaldex.com/) and your government's foreign travel advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers when choosing your trip.

    https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines

    PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing.

    Visas

    PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements

    Why we love it

    Azerbaijan's cosmopolitan capital of Baku is often referred to as the 'new Dubai'. Enjoy a guided walking tour around the city's World Heritage-listed Old Town.

    Mud volcanoes, ancient mosques, lush forests and tall peaks – the Caucasus Mountains will take your breath away.

    Navigate the organised chaos of the farmers markets in Telavi. Your leader will be there to help you order as much fresh fruit, nuts or pigs heads as you desire. 

    Journey to the Svaneti region, a remote and alluring land of snow-capped mountains, discover the iconic tower houses dotted amongst mountain valleys and learn of one of the highest settlement in Europe - Ushguli people and its fascinating culture and traditions.

    Far from a mere sightseeing tour, this trip is active and hands-on. You'll try your hand at preparing delicious local food and have plenty of chances to hike and explore.

    Get active on hikes in the shadow of magnificent snowy peaks of the Greater Caucasus, to the iconic Gergeti Trinich Church to medieval villages and one of the biggest glaciers in Georgia, Shkhara glacier.

    Is this trip right for you

    The highest altitude reached on this trip is 2200 metres at the highest point. A good level of fitness is required. That said, alternative activities can often be arranged for those who would prefer not to hike. As we don't want you to miss anything, the itinerary is densely packed, so you'll be busy. There will, however, be plenty of free time and opportunity for independent exploration.

    Health

    GENERAL HEALTH All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements. 

    Food and dietary requirements

    While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in this region. Your group leader will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat dinner together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There's no obligation to do this though. DIETARY REQUIREMENTS Please let us know your diet requirements before your trip starts. We'll try to accommodate your requests where possible but please be prepared as some dietary requirements may not be well understood in some destinations, hence you may have to miss on some food-related experiences or have access to limited food options. Generally speaking, in bigger cities/towns vegetarians can expect a reasonable range of vegetarian venues and/or vegetarian options within tourist restaurant menus. However, vegetarianism is not the norm in this part of the world so options can be limited when eating at homestays, small local restaurants, street stalls, markets, etc. More restrictive diet requirements (vegans, celiac, gluten intolerance, fructose intolerance, lactose intolerance, etc.) can also be accommodated along this trip but you should expect a lesser variety than what you can expect at home. We recommend that, if possible, to bring your own supply of snacks with you. SIMPLE BREAKFAST Some of the included breakfasts along this trip can be quite simple: toasts, spreads, juice and coffee or tea.

    Money matters

    SPENDING MONEY When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling. AZERBAIJAN The official currency of Azerbaijan is the Manat (AZN). You can use your credit/debit card in ATMs, which are common throughout Azerbaijan. USD and EUR are easily exchanged. Major hotels, restaurants and supermarkets restaurants accept credit cards. Foreign currencies aren’t accepted as payment. GEORGIA The official currency of Georgia is the Lari (GEL). Credit cards are widely used in Tbilisi, but less so in regional areas. ATMs can be found in major towns. USD and EUR are easily exchanged. Foreign currencies aren’t accepted as payment. CARRYING CASH For safety reasons, we advise against carrying large amounts of cash in this region. Only bring a small amount in with you and withdraw small amounts while travelling. TIPPING Tipping can be an appropriate way to recognise great service when travelling. While it may not be customary in your home country, it is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many of our destinations and is greatly appreciated by the people who take care of you during your travels. It is always best to avoid tipping with coins, very small denomination notes, or dirty and ripped notes, as this can be regarded as an insult rather than the goodwill gesture it is intended to be. We recommend budgeting approximately USD 70 per person to tip local service providers for activities included in this trip, in local currencies. This doesn’t include a tip for your leader. YOUR GROUP LEADER OR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE You may consider tipping your group leader or local representative for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, as a guideline, 4-7 USD or EUR per person per day (in a currency relevant to your destination), can be used. Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length and involvement of your group leader or local representative on your trip. CONTINGENCY FUNDS We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.

    What to take

    Most travellers prefer to take a small to medium wheeled suitcase, which is a great size for the packing capacity in our private vehicles. Whatever you take, be mindful that you will need to be able to carry your own luggage, handle it at airports, take it in/out of accommodation and perhaps even walk short distances. We recommend you pack as lightly as possible. If your trip includes travelling on overnight trains or primarily using public transport, the smaller your luggage, the easier it will be to store under or above bunks. Large suitcases may not be able to be taken on board. A lockable bag or small padlock for your bag will be useful, especially when travelling on public transportation as well. When you're exploring during the day, you'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, a camera, a jacket and activity-specific items like a swimsuit, a waterproof pouch/bag for your phone, or hiking shoes. Below we have listed the essentials for this trip:

    https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list

    WATER BOTTLE Please bring your own water bottle to refill. Although it can be difficult to avoid bottled water when travelling, please use the water dispensers which are provided on some of our vehicles and at some of our accommodation. When unable to avoid bottled water, it is better to buy the largest available and distribute it into your smaller bottle for the day. Some travellers like to bring a bottle with its own filtration system or water purification tablets. If you are walking or trekking as part of your trip, you will need to carry at least 2 litres of water with you.

    WARM CLOTHING: Temperatures can be low even in spring and autumn seasons, especially at altitude, so bring a set of warmer clothes including thermal underclothes and a fleece jacket.

    Climate and seasonal

    Spring and autumn are the best times to visit the Caucasus. Summers (especially July and August) can be very hot and humid with temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius. This is a great time to escape to the coast or the mountains to cool off. This is a beautiful, fertile region so bring an umbrella and expect rain at any time of year!

    A couple of rules

    Intrepid won't tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams or local communities. To ensure the wellbeing of everyone on the trip, decisions made by your group leader are final. Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip. Any behaviour that prevents your leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines may result in Intrepid denying your booking or removing you from the trip. If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your group leader immediately. Alternatively, you can contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in the Problems and Emergency Contact Information section of this Essential Trip Information.

    Feedback

    Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you. Share your experience with us at: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/

    Emergency contact

    While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip. We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager. You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time. For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below: Intrepid's Local Operator: +49 8024 4679 540

    Responsible travel

    Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. All our trip group leaders or local representatives, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel. Explore the different parts of our Responsible Travel Policy by visiting: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/responsible-travel When packing be aware that dress standards are conservative and you should dress accordingly. To respect the local culture and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. As a guideline, shoulders and knees at the minimum (and everything in between including midriff and cleavage) should be covered at all times. Wearing shorts and singlet tops is not appropriate and may well restrict your entry into sites of a religious nature, family homes, and will limit your local interaction opportunities in general. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly warm climate.

    The Intrepid Foundation

    Our non-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, gives travellers more opportunities to make a positive impact in the places they visit. We have over 50 Intrepid Foundation partners across the globe addressing four key focus areas: protecting the environment, taking a stand for wildlife, addressing inequality and empowering communities. Intrepid matches all post-trip donations dollar for dollar and takes care of the admin fees – this doubles your impact and ensures every cent goes to our partners on the ground. Visit our website for more info: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/ This trip supports Mtskheta-Mtianeti Regional Hub, who provide services and training for people who’ve fled their homes due to war or political instability – helping them live and integrate into life in Georgia. Donations help improve their hub and build an additional space that will be used for workshops, training and other activities to help displaced people connect to their new community. Intrepid will double your impact by dollar-matching post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation. To find out more or make a donation, visit https://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/t/ikorta

    Accommodation notes

    The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation. Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available. Staying in local guesthouses is an excellent way to support the economy of the communities we visit and provides greater opportunities to meet with locals. All Guesthouses on this trip are clean and comfortable, but you may on occasions have to deal with a temperamental hot water supply, please be patient. Some guesthouses may have limited rooms with private facilities and you may be allocated to rooms with shared facilities instead.

    Transport notes

    There are some long travel days and some rough travelling in areas away from main tourist routes. Windy roads, rough surfaces and cramped conditions make for some challenging travel experiences. On some long travel days we depart early in the morning to ensure we optimise our time at our next destination. If you experience travel sickness we recommend you consider medication to help ease the discomfort.

    Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services

    Your fellow travellers

    As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure. SOLO TRAVELLERS On our trips, rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender, as per the gender marker on each of their passports. We also offer an optional single supplement on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. This only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will always be on a single-room basis. On a small selection of trips some accommodation will be open-gender and multishare, such as a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam. Please review the Accommodation section of the Essential Trip Information for details about your trip. LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. If your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you.

    Itinerary disclaimer

    ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. There is a chance of potential changes to the itinerary due to heavy rain, flooding and snow at higher altitudes, which often affect roads and bridges, making travel difficult or impossible (particularly in remote areas). Your tour leader will advise of the revised itinerary in such unexpected situations.

    Accommodation

    Hotel (12 nights),Guesthouse (7 nights)

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