26-Day Caucasus Tour

Set off on a captivating 26-day journey through the heart of the Caucasus with our "26-Day Caucasus Tour." This expertly curated adventure takes you through the stunning landscapes and historical treasures of Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia. From the modern vibrancy of Baku, the ancient petroglyphs of Gobustan, to the charming streets of Lahij and the architectural wonders of Sheki in Azerbaijan; to the verdant vineyards of Telavi, the historical depth of Ananuri, the mysterious beauty of Uplistsikhe, and the highland serenity of Mestia, alongside immersive wine tastings at various wineries throughout the journey and the bustling streets of Tbilisi in Georgia; and finally, to the tranquil retreats of Dilijan, the sacred Sevanavank, the rugged beauty of Goris, and the ancient marvels of Garni and Geghard in Armenia – each destination offers a unique glimpse into the soul of the Caucasus. Accompanied by local professional guides and drivers, this tour promises a comprehensive exploration of the region's most significant sights and attractions, weaving together a tapestry of cultural, historical, and natural beauty that is sure to leave an indelible mark on your heart.

Tour itinerary:

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Day 1: Baku – arrival

Arrival in Baku. You will be greeted by our driver at the airport. Transfer to the hotel. Check-in at 14:00.
Free day. Overnight at the hotel.
Driving distance: 30 km

Day 2: Baku city tour – Gobustan – Baku

At 09:00, start the sightseeing tour in Baku. Visit Martyrs Lane, known as ‘Shehidler Khiyabany’ among locals. When you walk through the Alley of the Martyrs, you will find a beautiful view overlooking Baku’s coastline. Move to Icheri Sheher, the old part of the city. Visit Shirvan Shahs’ Palace, Caravanserai, Maiden Tower, and the main market square, which has numerous art studios and souvenir stalls. Continue touring new Baku by exploring Nizami Street and Fountain Square. After lunch break, the tour continues to Gobustan National Park. Pay a visit to the Petroglyphs Museum and explore petroglyphs dating back to 10,000 BC. Visit mud volcanoes.
Return to Baku and have a welcome dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 9-10 hours
Driving distance: 80 km
Meals: dinner

Day 3: Baku – Absheron – Nakhichevan

After breakfast, check out from the hotel. The first stop of the day is at the iconic Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre, which is a quirky building designed by Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid. The Centre showcases examples of a wide spectrum of Azerbaijani culture, with national costumes, musical instruments, and carpets providing a good insight into local craftsmanship. We will then visit Ateshgah – temple of fire worshippers located in Surakhany village. Zoroastrians from India travelled thousands of kilometers to Ateshgah to worship fire coming out of the earth. Drive to Yanardag Mountain with natural gas burning for several thousands of years.
Drop off at the airport to take an evening flight to Nakhichevan. On arrival, you will be met by a local driver to transfer you to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Driving distance: 60 km

Day 4: Nakhichevan – Baku

In the morning, start the tour with a visit to the Momine-Khatun Monument, a 12th-century architectural masterpiece that stands as a symbol of Nakhchivan's heritage. Continue to the train station to enjoy a scenic train journey along the Aras River. Our driver will meet you at Julfa railway station and transfer to Ordubad village. Wander through the winding streets of Ordubad adorned with ancient buildings, each echoing stories of bygone eras. The tour continues to the awe-inspiring Alinja Fortress which is also known as ‘The Machu Picchu of Azerbaijan’. If we have time before the flight, we will visit salt mines Duzdag which have long been used for the treatment of lung diseases. After the tour, you will be transferred to the airport to take an evening flight to Baku. On arrival in Baku, you will be met by a driver and transferred to the hotel for overnight.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 8-9 hours
Driving distance: 180 km

Day 5:Baku – free day

Breakfast. Free day in Baku (guide and transportation are not provided).

Azerbaijan National History Museum - the perfect place to learn about the everything from the ancient history to the modern era of the country. The museum occupies the former home of an oil billionaire who lived there at the beginning of XX century;
Azerbaijan State Carpet Museum. A beautiful museum in the shape of rolled carpet, this is the richest bank of Azerbaijan carpets and provides a look into the world of intricate designs and natural dyes;
Sea Boulevard is a favorite place for locals since 1909, making it one of the best people watching spots in Baku;
Funicular ride to the iconic trio of Flame Towers. Travel tip: the towers are best seen in the evening when they are beautifully lit up;
Ganjlik Mall offers the best shopping facilities;
Opera and Ballet Theater usually offers performances on weekend. To see what is on and book tickets please visit https://iticket.az/en

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6: Baku – Shamakhi – Lahij* – Sheki

In the morning, depart Baku and drive to Sheki. On the way, stop at Diri Baba Mausoleum in the village of Maraza. Continue to Shamakhi to visit the historical Juma Mosque, which was restored in 2013. Weather permitting, a scenic drive through Girdimanchay River Canyon to visit Lahij* (Lahich) will follow. Lahich, an ancient village with charming cobbled sidewalks, is famous for its medieval water supply and sewage systems, as well as its traditional jewelry, copperware, carpets, pottery, daggers, and iron tools workshops. This quaint, 5th-century corner of the Caucasus Mountains is rich in historical and architectural value. Continue driving to Sheki for an evening arrival. Overnight at the hotel.
Driving distance: 340 km
Duration of sightseeing tour: 10-11 hours
*Lahij will not be reachable during 2024 due to the road construction.

Day 7: Sheki – Sighnaghi – Telavi

Check out from the hotel and start a new day by visiting the colorful Sheki Bazaar. You can find virtually everything you may want to eat: local fruits and berries, spices, freshly baked bread, honey, cheeses, and Sheki sweets. Continue to Sheki Khans Palace surrounded by medieval fortress walls. Visit the handicrafts workshop and Caravanserai. Depart Sheki and head towards the border with Georgia (115 km, ~2 h.). Cross the border and start exploring the Eastern part of Georgia, which is famous for its viticulture and winemaking traditions. A warm welcome awaits you in a local family which will host us for lunch. After lunch, we will reach Sighnaghi, the city of love and the Royal Town, one of the crossroads of the Great Silk Road surrounded by defensive walls with 23 towers from which a panoramic view to the Alazani Valley and the Greater Caucasus Mountains will unfold in front of you. Continue to Telavi for overnight.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 9-10 hours
Driving distance: 230 km
Meals: lunch

Day 8: Telavi – Tsinandali – Shumi – Telavi

After breakfast, explore Telavi, the administrative and historic center of the region. Have a short walk through the charming streets of old Telavi and have a photo stop at the monument to Erekle II.
During the tour of Telavi, visit the family boutique cheese factory and cellar. We will indulge in the world of Georgian cheeses and then taste five types of unique local cheeses accompanied by lunch.
Continue to Tsinandali, the residence of dukes of Georgia with a beautiful English garden, a museum and a wine cellar that belonged to prince Chavchavadze, a 19th-century public figure and poet.
Our final stop for today will be at Shumi Winery, where you will have a wine tour and tasting. Return to your hotel for overnight.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 5-6 hours
Driving distance: 20 km
Meals: cheese tasting, lunch, wine tasting

Day 9: Telavi – Alaverdi – Ananuri – Kazbegi

After breakfast, we will embark on a long journey towards the Mount Kazbek. Our first stop on the way is Alaverdi Cathedral, one of the tallest churches in Georgia. Standing amid vines and the range of the Greater Caucasus on its back, this architectural masterpiece features unique frescoes dating back to 11-17 centuries. Then, our route will take over the Georgian Military Highway up North towards the border with Russia. We will make a stop at the Ananuri architectural complex, a former residence of Argveti Dukes. The complex featuring churches and towers dating back to the 16-17th centuries is beautifully overlooking Jinvali reservoir. On the way we will see the conjunction of two small mountain rivers famous for the fact that being different in color they keep their colors even after merge. We will make a short stop at the Soviet-era ‘People’s Friendship’ mountain viewpoint overlooking a deep gorge.
We will keep climbing on the Georgian Military Highway passing through the Cross Pass at 2394 m above sea level. Arrive at Kazbegi, a small town with views of Mount Kazbek (or Mkinvari) 5033 m, the seventh highest peak in the Caucasus Mountains. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Driving distance: 200 km

Day 10: Kazbegi – Gergeti Trinity Church – Kazbegi

After breakfast, meet your guide and take a 4WD to drive to Gergeti Holy Trinity Church located on the altitude of 2170 m to enjoy breathtaking views to the Mount Kazbek. If you wish, you can hike down to the village on a well-trodden path (~3 km, 60 min). The rest of the day is free. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 2-3 hours
Driving distance: 15 km

Day 11: Kazbegi – Wine cellar – Gori – Uplistsikhe – Kutaisi

In the morning, depart Kazbegi and drive to Kutaisi. Visit a local family winery offering its visitors a warm welcome with a home-cooked lunch and homemade wine. After lunch and wine tasting drive to the cave town of Uplistsikhe, which dates back to the Hellenistic Period and is notable for its unique combination of various styles of rock-cut architecture, including both pagan and Christian. Continue to Stalin’s hometown of Gori. Visit the Stalin Museum, which includes more than 60,000 artifacts, the tiny house where Stalin was born, and an impressive bulletproof train that Stalin used to travel to Yalta and Potsdam. Drive to Kutaisi for overnight.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 9-10 hours
Driving distance: 345 km
Meals: lunch, wine tasting

Day 12: Kutaisi – Prometheus Cave – Mestia

In the morning, drive to the Prometheus Cave, where you will walk in a 1.5 km long tunnel and enjoy breath-taking views of stalactites, stalagmites, petrified waterfalls, underground rivers, and lakes along the cave. The underground light system is filled with LED lights of all the colours of the rainbow, marvellously highlighting the natural beauty of the Prometheus Cave. In the afternoon, head to mysterious Svaneti, passing through the Inguri Gorge. This region is the birthplace of the Svans, a unique ethnic group, who are distinguished by their amazing old culture and traditions. Svaneti is also famous for its original and authentic architecture and is dubbed “the land of thousand towers”. Those towers used to play an important economic and defensive role in the history of Svaneti. There are still dozens of the towers – stone houses from the Middle Ages with fire watchtowers, and churches from the 10-14th centuries. On arrival in Mestia, visit Svan original house ‘machubi’ and tower ‘koshki’. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 8-9 hours
Driving distance: 230 km

Day 13: Mestia – Ushguli – Heshkili – Mestia

After the hotel breakfast, drive to Ushguli village, the highest standing settlement in Europe (2200 m). The Ushguli architectural complex is a valuable architectural and historical monument, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List for its exclusiveness. There are about 70 families (around 200 people) living in Ushguli. Spend time in Ushguli strolling through the old narrow streets. Visit Lamaria Church complex, with impressive 12th century wall frescoes. Locals believe that Queen Tamar was buried under this church. Enjoy picturesque view of the Mount Shkhara. Return to Mestia and stop en route at Heshkili Swings to enjoy beautiful mountain views and have a picnic. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing: 6-7 hours
Driving distance: 95 km
Meals: picnic with wine

Day 14: Mestia – Enguri Dam – Martvili Canyon – Kutaisi

In the morning, we will visit the Mestia Ethnographic Museum. The museum was established in 1936 and has one of the richest collections of artifacts in the region. Depart Svaneti and drive to Enguri Dam famous for its sheer dimension and immense capacity. One of Georgia's most distinguished cultural heritage sights, Enguri Dam, is the world's second-highest concrete arch dam. Later, continue to Martvili Canyon. We will take a small boat trip inside the canyon, and after that enter the gorge's another side to stroll over the canyon's waters watching it changing its colors on every turn and stone. We will arrive in Kutaisi in the evening for overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 8-9 hours
Driving distance: 225 km

Day 15: Kutaisi – free day

Today you will have a free day to explore Kutaisi, the second biggest city in Georgia, which according to the legend was the ultimate destination of the Jason and Argonauts searching for the Golden Fleece.

Day 16: Kutaisi – Gelati – Motsameta – Borjomi

The first stop for today is Gelati Academy (12th century) built by King David the Builder. Gelati was the center of the spiritual and scientific life of the Middle Ages and the cult place for pilgrims. It is under UNESCO protection as an object of cultural and historical legacy. Visit Motsameta Monastery overlooking a beautiful gorge of the river Tskhenistskali (Horse Waters). Our tour continues to Borjomi, a town famous for its mineral water reserves. We will take a walk in Central Park and taste the local mineral water.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Driving distance: 140 km

Day 17: Borjomi – Akhaltsikhe – Vardzia – Borjomi

After breakfast, take an hour-long drive to Akhaltsikhe and visit the Rabat fortress standing on a small hill on the very shores of the Potskhovi River. Its name comes from Arabic meaning ‘fortified place’. Head to Vardzia, a multi-storied complex with streets, tunnels, and stairs leading to monasteries, temples, fortresses, baths, libraries dwelling houses, and so forth. Drive back to Borjomi. En route, short photo-stop at Khertvisi fortress (10-11th century). Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 8-9 hours
Driving distance: 220 km

Day 18: Borjomi – Mtskheta – Tbilisi

After breakfast, drive to Mtskheta, one of the oldest towns and the cultural and religious center of Georgia. Mtskheta was the capital of the Eastern Georgian Kingdom of Iberia from the third century BC. Visit Jvari, a true architectural masterpiece of the early Medieval Period overlooking the confluence of Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers from the top of the hill, and Svetitskhoveli, the main cathedral of Mtskheta and a sacred place where the robe of Christ is kept. Continue driving to Tbilisi. Have a free evening in the city. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
Driving distance: 165 km

Day 19: Tbilisi city tour

After the meeting with your guide, we will start a sightseeing tour. Start at Metekhi Сhurch and the monument to Vakhtang Gorgasali, the legendary founder of Tbilisi. Visit Narikala Fortress to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. Walk down to the district of sulfur and pass by the only mosque in Tbilisi. Stroll through the Sharden area, full of narrow streets with cozy cafés, wine-tasting bars, and souvenir shops, and breathe in the history of Old Tbilisi. Also visit Sioni Cathedral, Anchiskhati Basilica, and the famous Rezo Gabriadze Theatre’s clock tower, before crossing the Bridge of Peace to Rike Park.
Have a welcome dinner in Tbilisi with a folklore show. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
Driving distance: 5 km
Meals: dinner

Day 20: Tbilisi – free day

Breakfast. Free day in Tbilisi (guide and transportation are not provided). We suggest the following activities and places to visit in Tbilisi:

National Gallery on Rustaveli Avenue – to see the works of the famous Georgian artists Niko Pirosmani, David Kakabadze, and Lado Gudiashvili;
Georgian National Museum on Rustaveli Avenue – to visit the ‘Archaeological Treasury’ exhibition;
Tbilisi flea market at Dry Bridge – where you can find antiquities (many of which are from the Soviet era), paintings by local artists, and handmade Georgian souvenirs;
Dezertirebi Bazaar – which sells local, natural products including Georgian sweets (such as churchkhela); various types of dried fruits, nuts, and spices; and Georgian cheeses;
David Agmashenebeli Avenue – a recently-renovated pedestrian street full of historical buildings that have beautiful facades in the art nouveau, pseudo gothic, and classicist styles with a mix of typical Georgian ornamentation and balconies. All along the street there are plenty of cozy art cafés, galleries, shops, and wine bars;
Funicular railway to Mtatsminda Mountain – which offers a beautiful view of Tbilisi;
Wander in Sololaki – a neighborhood full of art nouveau houses;
For nature lovers, we offer a day hike to Birtvisi Canyon and Fortress. Contact us to find out more.
In the evening, you can visit the famous Tbilisi sulphur bath houses to relax in the hot, naturally sulphur-enriched water after a long day of exploring (both public and private rooms are available, but private ones should be booked in advance).
For those who are interested in culture, we suggest visiting the State Opera House of Georgia to enjoy a ballet or opera performance (opera.ge). You can find out what other cultural events are on in Tbilisi, and book tickets, at tkt.ge.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 21: Tbilisi – Haghpat – Sanahin – Dilijan

In the morning, we will say goodbye to Georgia and drive to Armenian border. Cross the border, meet Armenian guide and driver. Visit Haghpat and Sanahin monasteries built during prosperous the Kiurikian dynasty (10th to 13th century). Both monasteries were very important educational centers. Sanahin (meaning ‘this one is older than that one’) was famous for its calligraphy and illumination school. There are numerous khachkars (Armenian cross-stones) on their territory dating back to 1273. Being UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Haghpat and Sanahin represent bright example of traditional Armenian religious architecture. Reach Dilijan for overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Driving distance: 215 km

Day 22: Dilijan – Sevanavank – Selim pass – Goris

After breakfast, continue exploring Armenia with Sevanavank Monastery standing on a narrow rocky peninsula in the northwest part of the Lake Sevan, one of the largest freshwater alpine lakes in Eurasia. The road passes through the coastline of the lake, surrounded by beautiful nature. Lake Sevan attracts many locals and tourists throughout the year. Continue to Selim Pass Caravansary, also known as Orbelian's Caravanserai, located at a height of 2410 meters above sea level. The Caravansary was built in 14th Century and was one of the major stops of the Great Silk Road part which went through Armenia. After crossing the pass, head to Goris for overnight.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 9-10 hours
Driving distance: 275 km

Day 23: Goris – Tatev – Noravank – Areni – Khor Virap – Yerevan

In the morning, drive to Tatev Monastery (9-13th centuries). Approaching the jewel of medieval Armenian architecture on the longest aerial tramway in the world you will see the monastery, the powerful impregnable stronghold towering on a rock. The remote location of the monastery was strategically favorable as it played the role of religious and political centre of the region. Standing on the edge of the rock, the monastery takes your breath away. We will then drive to the Noravank complex situated on a ledge of a deep, winding gorge. Noravank stands among bizarrely shaped, precipitous red cliffs. Later we will visit the Areni Cave complex where in 2008 the world’s oldest leather shoe was found. On the way to Yerevan, we will visit Khor Virap Monastery.
According to the legend, St. Gregory the Illuminator (who is credited with converting Armenia to Christianity) had been kept in the basement here for 13 years for disseminating of Christianity, until King Tradt decided to adopt the new religion. The monastery’s location allows you to enjoy superb views of Mount Ararat. Reach Yerevan for overnight.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 7-8 hours
Driving distance: 150 km

Day 24: Yerevan city tour

After breakfast meet your guide and start exploring Yerevan, one of the world’s oldest cities. Yerevan is often referred to as the ‘Pink City’ and impresses visitors with its grand Soviet architecture. Our first stop in Yerevan will be at the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex on Tsitsernakaberd Hill. Next, we will visit the modern symbol of Yerevan – Cascade Monument, a giant stairway (572 steps) linking downtown Yerevan with Monument neighborhood. From the top of the monument, you can capture the best panorama of Yerevan and Mount Ararat. Continue exploring the city with a walk down its beautiful streets, passing the Opera House, Republic Square and Abovyan Avenue. Visit Matenadaran, the world's largest storage of ancient Armenian manuscripts. Have welcome dinner in Yerevan. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
Driving distance: 10 km
Meals: dinner

Day 25: Yerevan – Geghard – Symphony of Stones – Garni – Etchmiadzin – Yerevan

Depart Yerevan and drive to Geghard Monastery (meaning ‘spear’ in Armenian), a complex founded in the 4th century by Gregory the Illuminator near a sacred spring inside a cave. Next stop is Garni, the only pagan temple in Armenia that survived the Christianization of the land in the 4th century.
Descend Garni Gorge to explore a monumental rock formation called Symphony of Stones.
Continue to Echmiadzin*. According to many scholars, it was the first cathedral built in ancient Armenia. We will visit the main Cathedral (the residence of the Catholicos, the supreme head of the Armenian Apostolic Church) and a museum filled with Christian relics. Drive back to Yerevan. Overnight at the hotel.
*The site is currently under conservation works. Observation of the Cathedral is possible from the outside
Duration of sightseeing tour: 8-9 hours
Driving distance: 115 km

Day 26: Yerevan – departure

Check out of the hotel till noon. Transfer to the airport. End of the tour. ch went through Armenia. After crossing the pass, head to Goris for overnight.
Driving distance: 15 km

Inclusions
Exclusions

All transfers (1-2 pax by sedan, 3-4 pax by Mercedes Vito or similar, 5-10 pax by Mercedes Sprinter passenger van);
Accommodation based on double/twin room sharing, breakfasts included;
Sightseeing tour program in each country with local English-speaking guides;
Entrance tickets to sights as per itinerary;
Economy class flight ticket Baku – Nakhichevan – Baku;
Meals: 25 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, 2 wine tastings, cheese tasting; picnic;
Azerbaijan e-visa;
Bottled drinking water.

Full board (lunches and dinners);
Hotel charges for additional services;
Personal travel insurance;
Tips are not included, but would be appreciated.

Prices per person

Economy

Comfort

Luxe

1 person

US$ 9,415

US$ 10,420

US$ 11,880

Request

2 persons

US$ 5,295

US$ 5,865

US$ 6,680

Request

3 persons

US$ 4,360

US$ 4,895

US$ 5,680

Request

4 persons

US$ 3,780

US$ 4,280

US$ 5,045

Request

Single supplement

US$ 755

US$ 1,105

US$ 1,460

Prices are for 2024 in US$ per person, with discounted prices for larger groups available on request.

Accommodation

Baku - 4 nights

Economy:
Boutique Hotel Baku / City Park / Grand Midway
Comfort:
Sultan Inn Hotel / Molokan Inn / Midtown
Lux:
Radisson Hotel Baku / Sapphire City / Courtyard by Marriott

Nakhichevan - 1 night

Economy:
Grand Nakhchivan / Nakhchivan Palace / Tebriz Nakhchivan / Saat Meydani / Duzdag
Comfort:
Grand Nakhchivan / Nakhchivan Palace / Tebriz Nakhchivan / Saat Meydani / Duzdag
Lux:
Grand Nakhchivan / Nakhchivan Palace / Tebriz Nakhchivan / Saat Meydani / Duzdag

Sheki - 1 night

Economy:
Sheki Palace / MinAli Boutique Hotel / Macara Sheki City Hotel / Ruma Qala
Comfort:
Sheki Palace / MinAli Boutique Hotel / Macara Sheki City Hotel / Ruma Qala
Lux:
Sheki Palace / MinAli Boutique Hotel / Macara Sheki City Hotel / Ruma Qala

Telavi - 2 nights

Economy:
Seventeen Rooms / Chateau White Flags / Hotel & Wine Cellar ARGE
Comfort:
Holiday Inn Telavi / Chateau Mere / Kviria / Château Mosmieri Hotel & Winery
Lux:
Schuchmann Wines Chateau / Esquisse Design Hotel / Panorama Kakheti Resort / Qvevrebi

Kazbegi - 2 nights

Economy:
Sunshine Kazbegi / Horizon Kazbegi / Best View / NOA Kazbegi / Alpenhaus Kazbegi
Comfort:
Intourist Kazbegi / Memoir Kazbegi / Mountain House / Northgate Kazbegi / Capra Hotel
Lux:
Rooms Hotel

Kutaisi - 3 nights

Economy:
Solomon Kutaisi / Magnolia / Memoir Hotel / Terrace Kutaisi / Family Hotel 1887
Comfort:
Best Western Kutaisi / Grand Opera / Newport
Lux:
Best Western Kutaisi / Grand Opera / Newport

Mestia - 2 nights

Economy:
Elite House / Mestia Inn / Chubu / Mestia Plaza / Villa Mestia
Comfort:
Lahili / Chalet Mestia / Sunset Terrace / Old Seti
Lux:
Posta / Gistola Mestia

Borjomi - 2 nights