Date: 12th May 2026
Travelled: 200kms from Sheki in Azerbaijan to Telavi in Georgia
Visited: Kish and the Khareba wine cellar
Stayed: Holiday Inn Telavi
Pam and I enjoy a final walk around Sheki in the morning despite the call to prayer at 4am. Didnโt realise the mosque was so close to the hotel, whilst walking we found two of them within a hundred metres or so of each other.
After breakfast where back on the coach for our final half day in Azerbaijan as we head for the border with Georgia.
10 minutes later we arrive on the outskirts of the village of Kish. Here we transfer to a fleet of ancient Russian ladas for the trip through the narrow cobbled streets to the ancient temple called โThe Mother of Churchesโ.
If I havenโt already stated Azerbaijan is a majority Muslim country, however Kish is a Christian village and has been since it was settled. Our guide give us the history of the temple and points out the highlights.
Best described as a Caucasian Albanian Temple. The Christian temple was actually built on top of another religious temple reflecting the pre-Christian religious beliefs of the Caucasian Albanians.
From the temple grounds we enjoy some wonderful views of the Caucus Mountains, pictured above.
Looking down instead of up the crypt graves demonstrate being very tall can have it hazards after death.
Back in the Lada we rattle and shake our way back to the coach, before continuing another 100 kms to the border.
Our itinerary for the trip stated the Azerbaijan Georgia can be difficult and time consuming. Azerbaijan citizens cannot cross as pedestrians. Foreign Nationals can cross but you need to cross the 700m frontier by foot with your bags.
After our passports and Azerbaijan visas are checked three times in 50m we start the long walk with our bags, did I mention the 300 steps ? Thankfully there are ramps to pull the bags up.
On the Georgian side our passports and travel insurance documents are checked, stamped and weโre free to enter.
We meet our guide and a new, smaller coach and where off.
Our first stop in Georgia theย Khareba wine cellar.
We get a tour of the cellars and an explanation of how Georgian wine is created, then a demonstration of making Georgian Shoti bread and local sweet Churchkhela. All a bit touristy but the wine was nice according to Pam.
Back on the coach we go on to our hotel in Telavi. Once settled, we go out exploring and have a wonderful dinner in a traditional restaurant just a block away. Another days slips through to the keeper.
Michael and Pam
One thought on “Telavi, Georgia ๐ฌ๐ช 2026”
Hi guys, wow…. I bet that border crossing wasn’t in the brochure ๐ Hope you’ve got good travel insurance !!!