5 days
Fixed dates
10 people
from 7 years old
Basic
Hotel
Russian
Gastronomy, Sightseeing Tours
Dagestan is a land of poetic tales, great achievements, and gifted artists. On this journey, you'll discover how the fates of famous writers and artists are connected to Dagestan, the stories behind the mountainous country's most beautiful myths, and the secrets kept by local artisans. All this, set against the backdrop of fantastic landscapes.
This tour is a unique combination of a well-thought-out excursion program through Dagestan's most beautiful locations, interactive entertainment, and workshops. In just a few days, you'll have time to gather an incredible collection of impressions. You'll stroll the streets of vibrant, atmospheric Makhachkala and the ancient quarters of tranquil Derbent, visit the breathtaking Sulak Canyon, descend into the underground labyrinth of the Nokho Caves, take a boat ride on the Chirkey Reservoir, and visit the amazing village of Gunib.
Beautiful landscapes, ancient cities, and villages are just part of Dagestan's unique atmosphere. The region is inextricably linked with centuries-old traditions and is populated by unrivaled artisans, so you can enjoy fascinating workshops on Balkhar ceramics, Untskul wood carving, carpet weaving, and the creation of national dishes. You'll also hear captivating stories of these lands, legends of courage, war, and love, and learn about Dagestan's connections with Alexandre Dumas, Konstantin Aivazovsky, and other great cultural figures. Before your eyes, like a masterful mosaic, a complete image of the Land of Mountains will emerge, where the destinies of generations are intertwined, where majestic fortresses rise in the mountains and ancient villages are hidden.
*Hotels may be replaced with equivalent ones depending on availability on the dates of your tour.
The hotel is located within walking distance of the city center, near Makhachkala's main attractions, and on the second line from the Caspian Sea coast. Decorated in a calm, classic style, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, and rooms are equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable stay. The hotel also features a restaurant serving European cuisine and karaoke.
This beautiful new hotel, built in 2022, is just 2 km from Derbent's city center and less than 500 meters from the coast. The simple, ergonomic rooms are decorated in bright colors. Each one features air conditioning, a hairdryer, refrigerator, iron, TV, and tea/coffee making facilities. The reception is open 24 hours a day. Free Wi-Fi is available on site. The restaurant serves a buffet breakfast to all guests.
The group will meet at the airport in Makhachkala before 1:00 PM. The famous Caucasian hospitality is inseparable from the delicious local cuisine, so we'll first enjoy a traditional lunch. After a hearty feast, we'll explore Makhachkala, a vibrant and colorful city where modernity and history are closely intertwined. We'll definitely visit the Juma Mosque, the city's central religious building, built in the traditional Ottoman style. For a deeper immersion in Dagestani culture, in the afternoon we'll attend a master class where you'll learn about the unique ceramics from the village of Balkhar and discover the secrets of painting, passed down from generation to generation for centuries.
We'll head to the mountains to fully appreciate the breathtaking Dagestani landscapes! You'll see the ancient Gimry Tower, towering menacingly amid rugged cliffs, and drive through the longest road tunnel in our country. We'll then visit the Untsukul artisans who create stunningly beautiful woodwork—tableware, jewelry, and utensils adorned with exquisite patterns. You'll participate in a master class and learn how the wood for these masterpieces is selected and how the designs are applied using delicate metal incisions. After the master class, we'll head to the Irganay Reservoir, where we'll enjoy the tranquil views and dine on Avar cuisine. Our final stop for the day is the village of Gunib, where you'll stroll through a natural park, visit the Local History Museum, and learn the story of the famous Imam Shamil and the Caucasian War.
It's impossible to visit Dagestan without seeing the legendary Sulak Canyon—a true natural wonder, where a narrow emerald ribbon of a river winds along the bottom of a picturesque gorge. You'll gaze out over Europe's deepest canyon from the best vantage point and take incredible photographs. You'll also visit the Chirkey Reservoir, formed by the construction of a hydroelectric power station. Beneath its waters lies a flooded village, and the landscapes are both inspiring and harmonious. After lunch with fresh trout baked to a crispy crust or aromatic shashlik, we'll head to the Nokho Cave Complex. Here, you can walk across a suspension bridge suspended 60 meters above the river and explore mysterious underground labyrinths. Please note: a cave tour is an additional fee.
We'll spend the last active day of the tour in Derbent, Russia's oldest city. First, we'll visit the monumental Naryn-Kala fortress, built in the 6th century and to this day serving as a monument to the courage of the Caucasian people. You'll also enjoy a fascinating stroll through the city's narrow, ancient streets, where an incredible atmosphere reigns and numerous beautifully preserved architectural monuments await. We'll also make a stop at the majestic Juma Mosque, one of the five oldest mosques in the world. In the afternoon, we'll enjoy an immersive Dagestani meal, followed by a culinary masterclass and a carpet-weaving workshop. Finally, you'll enjoy a stroll along the embankment and a visit to a beautiful multimedia fountain, the largest in the country.
After breakfast at the hotel, you'll have free time to spend as you wish—for example, heading to Derbent's beach to relax after a thrilling journey. We'll then arrange a transfer to the airport. See you soon!
Children aged 7 and up can participate in the program. Discounts are available for travelers under 12.
We recommend choosing a flight arriving no later than 1:00 PM. If you arrive the day before, please let us know—we'll book an extra night at a Makhachkala hotel.
Breakfasts at the hotel and lunches as specified in the program. Dinners are on your own.
Additional (and optional) fees apply for entrance tickets to the cave complex (500 rubles per person), a boat ride on the Chirkey Reservoir (300 rubles), and admission to the Gunib Nature Museum (100 rubles). All tourists are also required to purchase travel insurance, which costs from 500 rubles.
Ask your tour coordinator questions
Tour from an official tour operator listed in the Rostourism register
