Full-Featured Caucasus Pearls Tour: Baku & Tbilisi Route V3

15 May 2027 – 20 May 2027 | 5 Nights, 6 Days
Tour details

EXAMPLE (e.g.) HOTELS

BAKU

Wyndham Baku 4* etc.

SHAKI

Gakh El Resort 4* etc.

TBILISI

Spark by Hilton Tbilisi Biography 4* etc.

PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENT

This tour is organized with a minimum participation requirement of 20 people. If sufficient participation is not achieved, the final cancellation notification date is 20 days prior to the tour start date. Tours cancelled due to insufficient participation will be notified to you through your agency.

VISA

Ordinary Passport (Red) – Visa not required

Special Passport (Green) – Visa not required

Service and Diplomatic Passports – Visa not required

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the end date of travel and not older than 10 years.

In destinations requiring a visa, the visa application must be submitted using the documents specified in the "Documents Required for Visa" list provided by your agency.

To avoid issues with customs police at the border of the country to be visited due to torn, worn, wet, or otherwise damaged passports; such passports must be renewed, and if the destination country requires a visa for Turkish citizens, the relevant visa must be on the new passport. In case of non-compliance, responsibility lies with the traveler. Since police officers at entry/exit points may request a document showing joint parental consent when guests under 18 years old travel alone or with only one parent, we recommend that guests under 18 and their parents exercise caution in this matter.

HEALTH

We do not anticipate any health-threatening issues with meals served at good restaurants and hotels in the region. However, when you are not with the group, we advise you to be careful with food and drink, strictly consume bottled water, avoid ice, milk, and dairy products, consume meat and fish products only if you are sure they are well-cooked, and eat fruits that can be peeled like bananas and pineapples. Current vaccination/PCR rules must be followed at country entry and upon return.

FLIGHT DURATIONS

Istanbul              Baku                   2 hrs 30 min

Tbilisi                    Istanbul              2 hrs

OPTIONAL TOURS & ACTIVITIES

Optional tours and activities are organized by our local partner agency with a minimum participation requirement of 20 people, and participation is not mandatory. If the required number is not met, tours may not take place, or optional tour/activity prices, content, and vehicles used may vary depending on the number of participants. Additionally, the dates and times of optional tours/activities may be changed by the guide based on whether museums, historical sites, or venues are open/closed and weather conditions.

 

ACCOMMODATION   

During periods such as fairs, congresses, or official events, hotels outside the city center may be used.

Extra beds in triple rooms may be foldable or small-sized. It is assumed that this condition is accepted at the time of reservation. Child discounts apply only to one (1) child staying in the same room with two adults within the specified age range. Breakfasts are served in continental style or local style, consistent with hotel culture in Azerbaijan, and may be presented in a separate hall for group guests.

CURRENCY

The currency of Azerbaijan is the Azerbaijani Manat (AZN).

However, USD or EUR are accepted in many places. It is recommended to carry USD or EUR. Currency exchange can be done at hotels or currency exchange offices in the city center.

TIME ZONE

Azerbaijan is 1 hour ahead of Turkey.

(When it is 12:00 in Turkey, it is 13:00 in Baku.)

 

PHONE USAGE

If your mobile phone line is enabled for international calls (roaming), it can be used.

 

CLOTHING AND ESSENTIAL ITEMS

For summer season: Light clothing, t-shirts, cotton trousers, sunscreen, hat, comfortable walking shoes, and a light jacket/sweater for cool evenings are recommended.

For winter season: A coat, sweater, scarf, gloves, and thick shoes to protect against cold are recommended.

 

FOOD CULTURE

Azerbaijani cuisine is very close to Turkish cuisine. Meat-heavy dishes, various kebabs, stuffed dishes, and pilafs are very common. Among local specialties, unique flavors such as "plov", "dushbere", "kutab", and "shah plov" stand out. Drinks like salgam and kefir are also consumed locally.

ELECTRICITY

Electrical outlets are the same as in Turkey.

 

SHOPPING

In Baku, besides modern shopping malls, traditional handicrafts, carpets, and souvenirs can be found on Nizami Street and in Icheri Sheher. Bargaining is common in local markets.

 

IMPORTANT NOTES           

Having a valid passport and visa does not guarantee entry into the country. The final decision-making authority at border crossings lies with the Azerbaijan passport police officials. Bin Rota cannot be held responsible in such cases.

BinRota acts as an intermediary between the airline and the passenger and is subject to the Hague Protocol dated 28.09.1955. Schedule changes and delays may occur on scheduled flights. Passengers are deemed to have purchased the tour with full knowledge of this possibility. Panoramic city tours included in the tour package are external sightseeing tours conducted by vehicle with a guide, typically lasting 2-3 hours. Entrance fees to museums and historical sites are not included. Bin Rota is not responsible if tours cannot be carried out due to local authorities' bans, road closures, or weather conditions at the destinations. Some tours may be conducted on foot or via public transport due to transportation restrictions.

What's included
  • Airline tickets and airport taxes for Istanbul – Baku outbound flights with Turkish Airlines and Tbilisi – Istanbul return flights
  • 2 nights accommodation in Baku with room and breakfast
  • 1 night accommodation in Sheki with room and breakfast
  • 2 nights accommodation in Tbilisi with room and breakfast
  • Airport – hotel – airport transfers
  • All tours and excursions specified in the program
  • All transfers specified in the program
  • 4 lunches
  • 2 dinners
  • Museum and historical site entrance fees included in the program
  • Turkish-speaking local guide service with regional reception
  • Travel Health Insurance
Not included
  • Fees for personal and official items such as exit tax, visa, etc.
  • All types of personal expenses and hotel extras
  • All services not explicitly stated in the program and included services
  • Optional tours / activities if available in the program
  • Museum and historical site entrance fees not explicitly stated as "visited" in the program
  • Alcoholic / non-alcoholic beverages consumed during included meals if available in the program
  • Domestic connecting flights and domestic transportation fees
  • Tips and driver gratuities are excluded.
Tour Program
Istanbul – Baku
We are departing for Baku from the International Terminal of Istanbul Airport on a Turkish Airlines scheduled flight. Upon arrival, we will complete passport and baggage procedures, meet our local guide, and embark on a panoramic tour of Baku in our private vehicle. As soon as we arrive in Baku, we begin exploring this unique city where modern lines blend seamlessly with a deep-rooted history. Our first stop is one of the most breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the city: Mountain Park. From here, the Caspian Sea, Baku Bay, and the city's modern skyline converge in a single frame. The Flame Towers, iconic symbols of the city, add powerful character to this view. During this visit, we will also see Martyrs' Lane, which hosts significant moments in Azerbaijani history, along with the Turkish Cemetery located within it. This stop holds both historical and emotional significance, making it one of the most meaningful points of our itinerary. The day's final and most captivating stop is the Old City – Icherisheher, Baku's historic center. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this area resembles an open-air museum with its stone walls and preserved atmosphere stretching from the past to the present. Within this district, we will view externally the Shirvanshahs' Palace, the Maiden Tower, historic caravanserais, centuries-old mosques, and traditional hammams. As sunset approaches, the stone streets of Icherisheher take on a different ambiance, offering visitors unforgettable moments. We will enjoy dinner during our tour. After the tour concludes, we will be transferred to our hotel in Baku to rest and spend the night. Overnight stay at our hotel in Baku.
Baku
After breakfast at our hotel, we will continue with our Baku city tour. We begin with a photo stop at the Heydar Aliyev Center, which symbolizes the modern face of Baku. Designed by the renowned architect Zaha Hadid, this extraordinary building stands out with its fluid and wavy form, free from sharp lines. Since its opening, it has become one of the city's iconic landmarks and is recognized as one of the most beautiful structures in the world due to its architectural design. Additionally, we will take a short photo break in front of the "I LOVE BAKU" sign located near the center. Continuing our tour, we visit the Atashgah Fire Temple, one of the most significant historical sites on the Absheron Peninsula (entrance included). Once considered sacred by Zoroastrians and Silk Road travelers, this site has preserved its mystical atmosphere through natural gas flames that have burned continuously for centuries. Our next stop is Yanar Dağ (Flaming Mountain), another fascinating gift of nature (entrance included). The natural flames that constantly emerge from the hillside and never extinguish create a striking visual spectacle, especially in the open air, giving the area a unique character. Following this experience, we explore Balakhani Village, which has recently gained attention through renovation. Once known for oil production, this settlement has transformed into an attractive destination today, highlighted by its colorful streets and artistic touches. During our visit, you will have the opportunity to see key landmarks from outside, including streets adorned with murals, restored historic buildings, the 17th-century Shah Safi Caravanserai, the 14th-century Gum Hamam, and the traditional "ovdan" water system. Lunch will be served during our tour. We then proceed along the Baku Boulevard (Caspian Sea National Park), stretching along the Caspian coast. As we walk along the seaside, you will have the chance to observe the city's modern side, spacious walking areas, and pleasant views. Next, we take a stroll down Nizami Street (Torgovy), one of the city's busiest and most popular spots. A lively atmosphere awaits you, lined with restored historic buildings, shops, and cafes. Upon completion of the tour, we transfer back to the hotel. Overnight stay in Baku.
Baku – Shamakhi – Sheki
After enjoying breakfast at our hotel, we embark on a pleasant road journey through Azerbaijan's natural beauty. The mountain vistas stretching along the route, lush green valleys, and ever-changing landscapes transform your travel into a visual experience. As we head toward Shamakhi, we view in panoramic fashion the monument erected in memory of the soldiers of the Caucasus Islamic Army who fell during the liberation of Baku in 1918. This meaningful stop is one of the key 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 was a prominent trade and cultural center along the Silk Road. Here, we visit the Juma Mosque, considered one of the oldest places of worship in the Caucasus and holding an important place in Azerbaijan's religious heritage. Next, we continue our journey to Sheki, located at the foothills of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. With its historic fabric listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sheki stands out for its unique architecture and deep-rooted craft traditions. As part of the city tour, we explore the Sheki Khan Palace, dating back to the 18th century. This impressive structure is particularly famous for its stained-glass lattice work, crafted without nails. During the tour, we also visit Sheki Fortress, the Historical Upper Caravanserai, and traditional handicraft workshops, where you will have the opportunity to closely discover products handmade by local artisans. One of the most enjoyable moments of the day is tasting Piti, a famous regional dish. This traditional delicacy, slow-cooked over an open fire with lamb and chickpeas in clay pots, is distinguished by its unique presentation. Here, you will experience the special way of eating Piti and enjoy a distinctive gastronomic experience. Today, both lunch and dinner will be served during our tour. Upon completion of the tour, we transfer to the hotel and check in. Overnight stay at our hotel in Sheki.
Shaki – Sighnaghi – Tbilisi
After breakfast, we begin our pleasant journey towards Georgia and transfer to the Lagodekhi border crossing. Once border formalities are completed, we arrive in Sighnaghi, known as the pearl of the Kakheti region and crowned with the title "City of Love" for its romantic atmosphere. As you stroll through its narrow cobblestone streets, you will feel as though you are traveling back in time. You will explore the city walls, which have largely preserved their historic character, and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Alazani Valley from the city's elevated points. Next, we visit KTW Winery to immerse ourselves in the region's renowned wine culture and sample local wines. This delightful experience will offer an unforgettable glimpse into the richness of Georgian winemaking traditions. Later in the day, we depart for Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. Lunch will be served during our tour. After checking into the hotel, the evening is free at your leisure. Guests who wish may explore Tbilisi's vibrant streets, spend time in cafes, or simply savor the city's enchanting atmosphere. Overnight stay in Tbilisi.
Tbilisi
After breakfast at the hotel, we head north along the famous Georgian Military Highway, one of Georgia's most breathtaking routes. Along the way, you'll enjoy a pleasant journey surrounded by stunning mountain views and natural beauty. Our first stop is Ananuri Fortress, perched above Jinvali Reservoir and offering panoramic vistas. This historic complex, renowned for its architectural charm and scenic setting, is among the region's most captivating sites. Next, we continue toward Stepantsminda (Kazbegi), nestled at the foot of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. Here, we enjoy lunch at a local family-run establishment. As part of this experience, we also join an engaging cooking class where you can learn to make Hinkali, one of Georgia's most beloved culinary delights. Afterward, we ascend in 4x4 vehicles to Gergeti Trinity Church, one of the area's most iconic landmarks. Perched atop a high hill, this historic church offers a unique panorama with the majestic Mount Kazbek rising majestically behind it. During the free time here, you can take photos and immerse yourself in nature's splendor. Following the tour, we return to Tbilisi and spend the night at our hotel in the city.
Tbilisi - Istanbul
After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our city tour of Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. This city, known for its historic charm and modern architecture, offers a unique blend of diverse cultural influences. Our first stop is the Metekhi Church, perched above the Mtkvari River. After a brief photo break, we take the cable car up to Narikala Fortress, one of the city's most iconic landmarks. From here, you will have the opportunity to take photos in front of "Kartlis Deda" (Mother of Georgia), another symbol of Tbilisi, while enjoying breathtaking panoramic views of the Old Town and its surroundings. Next, we stroll through the narrow, characteristic streets of the Old Town to reach the famous Sulfur Baths district. These historic baths, recognized for their domed brick structures, are located right next to the only mosque in Tbilisi, whose architecture evokes Central Asian mosques. In this area, you will also have the chance to discover a hidden natural gem—a small waterfall nestled within the city. During our tour, we also pass by the Peace Bridge, a symbol of modern architecture that blends Tbilisi's old and new faces. Constructed from glass and steel, this structure reflects the city's contemporary identity. Following the city tour, we head to Mtskheta, Georgia's ancient capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As one of the country's holiest settlements, Mtskheta stands out with its deep history and spiritual atmosphere. Here, we visit Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. From Jvari Monastery, you will be greeted by a stunning view where the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers flow together in different shades, creating an unforgettable natural contrast that leaves a lasting impression. Finally, we gather for transfer to Tbilisi International Airport. After completing check-in and baggage procedures at the airport, we will board our Turkish Airlines scheduled flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival in Istanbul in the evening, our tour concludes.