Full Kafkas Pearls Tour Baku & Tbilisi Route

Tour details

HOTELS (or similar)

BAKU

Wyndham Baku 4* or similar

SHEKI

Gakh El Resort 4* or similar

TBILISI

Astoria Tbilisi 4* or similar

This tour is organized with a minimum participation requirement of 35 people.  If sufficient participation is not achieved, the final cancellation notice date is 20 days before the tour start date. The canceled tour due to insufficient participation will be notified to you through your agency

Ordinary Passport                        No visa required               

Green Passport                             No visa required

Service Passport                      No visa required

You must have a passport valid for 6 months from the end date of travel and not older than 10 years.

For destinations requiring a visa, the visa application must be made with the documents specified in the “Required Documents for Visa” list that your agency will send to you for the visa application.

To avoid problems with customs police at the border of the country to be visited due to torn, worn, wet and/or similarly damaged passports; such passports must be renewed, and if the country applies a visa to Turkish citizens, the relevant visa must be in the new passport. Otherwise, responsibility belongs to the traveler. 

Since our guests under 18 may be asked for a document showing the mutual consent of the parents by the police officer on duty at the country’s entry and exit points when traveling alone or with only one of their parents, we recommend that our guests under 18 and their parents pay attention to this matter.

There is no vaccination requirement for entry into Georgia. We do not think there will be any health-threatening issue with meals taken at the region’s good restaurants and hotels. However, when you are not with the group, we recommend that you be careful about food and drink, definitely consume bottled water, avoid ice, milk and dairy products, eat meat and fish products that you are sure are well cooked, and choose fruits whose skin can be peeled, such as bananas and pineapples.

Istanbul              Q           Baku                2 hr 30 min

Tbilisi                      Q           Istanbul            2 hr

Optional tours and activities are organized by the local agency we work with, with a minimum participation requirement of 20 people, and participation is not mandatory. If sufficient numbers cannot be reached, the excursions cannot be carried out, or the prices, content, and vehicle used for optional tours/activities may vary depending on the number of participants. In addition, the days and times of optional tours/activities may be changed by the guide depending on whether museums, ruins, or venues at the destinations are open or closed, and according to weather conditions.

During periods such as fairs, congresses, concerts, events, sports tournaments, etc., hotels may be used at a distance greater than the stated km.

Triple rooms can be provided depending on hotel availability, and the bed offered to the 3rd person in such rooms may be smaller than standard beds. Triple rooms consist of 1 large bed and 1 extra bed. Since extra beds are foldable beds or coach beds, participants booking for a 3rd person and/or child are deemed to have accepted the possible cramped conditions in the room and the bed type.

Child discounts are valid for only one (1) child staying with 2 adults and matching the age group specified in the pricing section

Breakfasts included among the services in the tour program and taken at the hotel are served in accordance with the breakfast culture of the country visited, and generally as a limited menu called continental breakfast consisting of butter, jam, bread, tea or coffee, and may be served for groups in a separate hall allocated to the group.

The currency of Georgia is the Georgian Lari (GEL).

It is useful to have Euro (EUR) and US Dollar (USD) with you.

Georgia is 1 hour ahead of Turkey.

For example, when it is 18:30 in Turkey, it is 19:30 in Italy.

It can be used if your mobile phone line is open to international calls (roaming).

If traveling in the summer season, we recommend bringing T-shirts, short- and long-sleeved shirts that can be easily put on and taken off, cotton trousers, shorts, comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket for the evenings, and a light sweater.  In addition, you may also bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, earplugs for possible noise, a camera, a video camera, and their chargers and spare memory cards. In the winter period, we recommend clothes that allow you to move comfortably and keep you warm.

 Georgian cuisine, which varies by region, is among the richest and most distinctive cuisines in the world with its unique blend of Caucasian and Silk Road influences. From appetizing varieties of pkhali prepared with fresh walnuts, pomegranate molasses, and local spices, to the world-famous cheese bread khachapuri, juicy and spicy khinkali dumplings, and meat dishes prepared in stone ovens, it offers guests a wide and filling range of options.

Electrical outlets are the same as in Turkey.

Shopping is available at shopping centers in city centers and small stalls selling souvenirs.

Having a valid passport and/or a visa obtained (for destinations/passports requiring a visa) does not mean that entry into the country is guaranteed. The passport police have the authority to deny you entry into the country. Bin Rota is not responsible for this situation; responsibility belongs to the traveler. 

BinRota is an intermediary institution between the airline and the passenger and is subject to the Hague Protocol dated 28.09.1955. There may be a risk of delays on scheduled and special flights, or times may change before the current trip and flight. BinRota is obliged to notify these changes as soon as possible. Our passengers have purchased the tour knowing and accepting that flight details may change. Children aged 0-2 do not pay airport tax and airport service fees

Panoramic city tours included in the tour package are tours organized for the general introduction of cities and lasting at most 2-3 hours, conducted panoramically from within the vehicle with guide narration and not including museum or site entrance fees. Bin Rota is not responsible for the inability to carry out panoramic tours, including other tours specified in the program, if they do not take place on the day and time of the tour due to being prohibited from visiting or entering by local authorities, or due to closed roads caused by any event, or when the tour becomes impossible due to weather conditions. Some tours may be conducted by public transportation or on foot where possible in areas with closed roads or where vehicle entry is not permitted.

What's included
  • Round-trip flights from Istanbul to Baku with Turkish Airlines and airport taxes
  • 2 nights of bed and breakfast accommodation in Baku
  • 1 night of bed and breakfast accommodation in Sheki
  • 2 nights of bed and breakfast accommodation in Tbilisi
  • Airport – hotel – airport transfers
  • All tours and excursions specified in the program
  • All transfers specified in the program
  • 5 lunches
  • 1 dinner
  • Breakfast on the day of arrival
  • Entrance fees to museums and historical sites included in the program
  • Turkish-speaking local guide service with regional meet-and-greet
  • Travel Health Insurance
Not included
  • Exit fee for overseas travel
  • Driver fees and tips are excluded
  • Lunch and dinner not specified in the program
  • All kinds of personal expenses and hotel extras
  • Entrance fees to museums and archaeological sites not explicitly stated as visited in the program
  • Services not specified in the included services
Tour Program
Istanbul - Baku
We depart from Istanbul Airport’s International Terminal on a Turkish Airlines scheduled flight to Baku. Upon arrival, after completing passport and baggage procedures, we meet our local guide and then take a panoramic city tour of Baku by private vehicle. With your arrival in Baku, we begin to explore this special city where modern lines and a deep-rooted past intertwine. Our first stop is Highland Park, one of the most impressive spots where you can admire Baku from a bird’s-eye view. From here, the Caspian Sea, Baku Bay, and the city’s modern skyline come together in a single frame. The Flame Towers, one of the city’s icons, add a strong character to this view. During this visit, we also see Martyrs’ Lane, which hosts important memories of Azerbaijani history, and the Turkish Martyrs’ Memorial located there. This stop, with both historical and emotional significance, is one of the most meaningful points of the program. We continue our tour along the Baku Boulevard (Seaside National Park), stretching along the Caspian coast. As we move along the shore, you will have the chance to observe the city’s modern face, wide walking areas, and pleasant views. Afterwards, we take a walk along Nizami Street (Torgovy), one of the city’s liveliest and most popular spots. Restored historic buildings, shops, and cafés create a delightful atmosphere. The final and most impressive stop of the day is Baku’s historic center, Old City – Icherisheher. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its stone walls and preserved heritage, is like an open-air museum. In this area, we see the Shirvanshahs’ Palace, Maiden Tower, historic caravanserais, century-old mosques, and traditional bathhouses. Toward sunset, Icherisheher’s stone streets take on a different atmosphere and offer visitors unforgettable moments. Lunch will also be served during our tour. At the end of the tour, we transfer to our hotel in Baku for rest and overnight stay.
Baku
After breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we will continue our Baku city tour. We begin with a photo stop at the Heydar Aliyev Center, which symbolizes Baku’s modern face. Bearing the signature of the renowned architect Zaha Hadid, this extraordinary structure stands out with its fluid and wave-like form, far from sharp lines. Since its opening, it has become one of the city’s landmarks and is regarded among the world’s most beautiful buildings for its architectural design. We will also make a short photo stop in front of the “I LOVE BAKU” sign located near the center. We then visit the Atashgah Fire Temple, one of the most important historical sites on the Absheron Peninsula (entrance included). Considered sacred in the past for Zoroastrians and Silk Road travelers, this structure has preserved its mystical atmosphere for centuries with its eternally burning natural gas flames. Our next stop is Yanar Dag (entrance included), an interesting gift of nature. The continuously burning natural flames rising from the hillside create an impressive view, especially in clear weather, giving the area a unique character. After this experience, we explore Balakhani Village, which has attracted attention in recent years after being renovated. Once known for oil production, this settlement has now become a center of attraction distinguished by its colorful streets and artistic touches. During our visit, you will have the opportunity to see important points such as streets decorated with murals, restored historic buildings, the 17th-century Shah Sefi Caravanserai, the 14th-century Gum Hamam, and the traditional “ovdan” water system. We will also have lunch during the tour. At the end of the tour, transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Baku.
Baku - Shamakhi - Sheki
After having breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we begin an enjoyable overland journey through Azerbaijan’s natural beauty. The mountain views, lush valleys, and changing landscapes along the way turn your trip into a visual experience. As we head toward Shamakhi, we will see from a panoramic view the monument dedicated to the Caucasian Islamic Army soldiers who fell during the liberation of Baku in 1918. This meaningful stop is one of the important symbols of the historical ties between Turkey and Azerbaijan. Our first visit is to Shamakhi, one of Azerbaijan’s oldest settlements. Once the capital of the Shirvanshahs State, this city stood out as an important center of trade and culture on the Silk Road. Here, we visit the Juma Mosque, considered one of the oldest places of worship in the Caucasus and an important part of Azerbaijan’s religious heritage. We then continue our journey to the city of Sheki, located at the foothills of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. With its historical texture listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sheki attracts attention with its unique architecture and deep-rooted craft tradition. As part of our city tour, we visit the 18th-century Sheki Khan’s Palace. This impressive structure is especially famous for its shebeke art, made of colorful glass and assembled without nails. During the tour, we also visit Sheki Fortress, the Historic Upper Caravanserai, and a traditional handicrafts workshop. At these stops, you will have the opportunity to closely observe the handmade products of local masters. One of the most enjoyable moments of the day will be tasting the famous local dish Piti. This traditional delicacy, made with lamb and chickpeas and slow-cooked over low heat in clay pots, stands out with its unique presentation. Here, you will experience the special way of eating Piti and enjoy a different gastronomic experience. Today, during our tour, we will have both lunch and dinner. At the end of the tour, transfer to the hotel and check-in. We will stay overnight at our hotel in Sheki at the end of the tour.
Sheki - Sighnaghi - Tbilisi
After breakfast, we begin our pleasant journey to Georgia and transfer to the Lagodekhi border crossing. Following the border procedures, we arrive in Sighnaghi, known as the pearl of the Kakheti region and having earned the title of the “City of Love” for its romantic atmosphere. Here, as you walk through the narrow cobblestone streets, you will feel as if you are traveling back in time. You will explore the walls that have largely preserved their historic character and have the opportunity to admire the breathtaking panoramic views of the Alazani Valley from the city’s highest points. We then visit the KTW Winery to get acquainted with the region’s famous wine culture and enjoy a tasting of local wines. This delightful experience will be an unforgettable moment, allowing you to feel the richness of Georgian wine tradition. Later in the day, we continue on to Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. Lunch will also be taken during our tour. After checking into the hotel, the evening is left free for you to spend at your leisure. Guests who wish may explore Tbilisi’s lively streets, relax in its cafés, or enjoy the city’s enchanting atmosphere. Overnight in Tbilisi.
Tbilisi
After breakfast at the hotel, we set off north along the famous Georgian Military Highway, one of Georgia’s most impressive routes. A pleasant journey awaits you, accompanied by mountain views and natural beauty. Our first stop is the Ananuri Fortress, which stands out for its location overlooking the Jinvali Reservoir from above. This complex, with its historical atmosphere and scenic views, is one of the most striking places in the region. We then continue toward the Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) region, located at the foothills of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. Here, we have lunch at a local family-run establishment. During this experience, we also take part in a fun master class where you can learn how to make khinkali, one of the most beloved flavors of Georgian cuisine. After lunch, we travel by 4x4 vehicles up to one of the region’s most iconic spots, Gergeti Trinity Church. Situated on a high hill, this historic structure offers a unique view with the magnificent Mount Kazbek rising behind it. During the free time we will have here, you can take photos and enjoy nature. After the tour, we return to Tbilisi. Overnight stay at our hotel in Tbilisi.
Tbilisi - Istanbul
After the breakfast served at the hotel, we begin our city tour to explore Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. This city, remarkable for its historical texture and modern architecture, offers traces of different cultures together. Our first stop is Metekhi Church, located on a hill overlooking the Mtkvari River. After a short photo break here, we take the cable car up to Narikala Fortress, one of the city’s most important landmarks. At this point, you will have the opportunity to take photos in front of the “Mother of Georgia” (Kartlis Deda) statue, considered one of Tbilisi’s symbols, while also enjoying impressive panoramic views of Old Town and its surroundings. We then walk through the narrow and characteristic streets of Old Town to reach the famous Sulfur Baths district. Right next to these historic baths, known for their domed brick structures, we see the building that resembles Central Asian mosques in its architecture and holds the distinction of being Tbilisi’s only mosque. In this area, you will also have the chance to discover a small waterfall, a hidden natural beauty within the city. During our tour, we also see the Peace Bridge, one of the symbols of modern architecture that unites Tbilisi’s old and new faces. This structure, made of glass and steel, reflects the city’s contemporary identity. After the city tour, we head to Mtskheta, Georgia’s ancient capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This city, one of the country’s most sacred settlements, stands out with its deep history and spiritual atmosphere. Here, Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral are visited. From Jvari Monastery, the unique view where the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers flow in different shades and merge before your eyes welcomes you. This natural contrast leaves one of the most impressive sights of the region in memory. Afterwards, we will meet and transfer to Tbilisi Airport. After completing our ticketing and baggage procedures at the airport, we will take our Turkish Airlines scheduled flight to Istanbul. Following our arrival in Istanbul in the evening, our tour comes to an end.