Secrets of ancient Derbent

10 more

Feel the former power of the Caspian Gate and enjoy the view of the Sarykum dune, the tallest in the world! You will visit the Chirkey Reservoir, the largest body of water in the North Caucasus, and the Sulak Canyon, which can only be compared to the Grand Canyon in America.

On the shores of the Caspian Sea, you will not only explore the most important sites in this area, but also see examples of traditional decorative and applied arts, as well as taste dishes of national cuisine.

Location

the city of Makhachkala

Sightseeing tours

from

Contact the tour coordinator

Weekdays: 8am - 8pm
Weekends: 8am - 7pm (GMT +3)

Or text us in messengers

Tour highlights

The deepest canyon in Europe

Enjoy the beauty of the Sulak Canyon and feel its enormous size

By filming location

You will see the place where the cult film "White Sun of the Desert" was shot

An artistic monument

You will be able to take interesting photos against the background of the Lun ekranoplane

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Makhachkala, Kaitag Embroidery Museum
The time in the program is approximate, the exact time will be indicated in the memo before the start of the tour.
Arrival on morning flights to the airport / railway station in Makhachkala no later than 12:00.
Group transfer to Derbent.
Along the way, near the town of Izberbash, you will have a view of Mount Pushkin-Tau: you will notice the amazing similarity of the mountain with the profile of the great poet.
You will stop for lunch (not included in the price of the tour) to refresh yourself after the flight.
After a delicious and hearty lunch, you will stop at the village of Majalis, founded in 1581 by Sultan Ahmad Khan, ruler of the Kaytag Khanate, as a new capital and his own residence.
Here, at the Kaitag Embroidery Museum, local women, employees of this museum, will introduce you to the real national treasure of the republic — an ancient, almost lost art.
Just imagine — 16 different seams are used in Kaitag embroidery! The work of local craftsmen is so laborious that it takes from three months to six months to create one canvas.
You will arrive in Derbent in the evening.
Here you will take a short walk along the Caspian Sea embankment, after which you will stay in a 4* hotel and relax.
You can have dinner at one of the local cafes (on your own).

1 more photo
Day 2 - Exploring Derbent: Naryn-Kala Citadel and museums
After having breakfast in the hotel (buffet), full of strength and energy, go on a sightseeing tour of the most ancient city of Russia — Derbent.
You will definitely begin your acquaintance with the city and its history with its main attraction, the Naryn—Kala citadel, an ancient fortress that preserves the former might of the Caspian Gate.
After a walk through the fortress and the magals (the ancient part of the city), you will be given time to have lunch and taste local national dishes (not included in the price of the tour).
After refreshment, you will visit another interesting place — the Kubachi ethnodome, where you will see hundreds of exhibits from different eras, carefully selected by the owner, and visit the museum of carpets and Decorative and Applied Arts, located in the Armenian-Gregorian Church.
At the end of the educational day, you will have a trip to the well—known Lun ekranoplane, a new attraction in the suburbs of Derbent. This "Caspian monster" truly makes a deep impression.
After taking a lot of gorgeous photos from different angles, you can return to the hotel and relax.
Dinner (on your own).

1 more photo
Day 3 - Wonders of Dagestan: Sulak Canyon and Sarykum dune
After breakfast, you vacate the rooms and, without delay, set off on your way. Departure for the tour is early today, because there is a lot to do.
Today, the Sulak Canyon itself is waiting for you — the calling card of Dagestan. Its height is 1,920 meters, which is why it is often compared to the Grand Canyon in America — its Dagestani counterpart looks no less impressive and even has a greater depth.
From the viewing platforms, you will fully appreciate the beauty of the canyon and feel its impressive size.
Today's lunch will be held at the Glavryba trout farm (included) — here you will definitely taste local fish dishes.
On the way to Makhachkala, you will see the Sarykum dune, one of the highest in the world. Its height is more than 250 meters, its age is estimated at hundreds of thousands of years, and the size and shape of the peaks are constantly changing according to the will of the winds.
Transfer to the airport / railway station of Makhachkala for evening flights departing after 20:00.

1 more photo

Difficulty

Suitable for everyone

Accommodation

Hotel

2 nights

Comfort

Upscale

The tour includes hotel accommodation.

The cost of the tour for 1 person, depending on the accommodation, RUB.:

Placement

2-bed accommodation

1-local accommodation

Additional place

Europa Hotel 4*

Standard room

41 000

49 500

-

Europa Hotel 4*

Junior Suite Room

43 500

under the request

37 000

For children aged 10-12 years, a 5% discount is provided in the main seat.

The hotel is located in the most interesting part of the old town. The central street with boutiques and restaurants is 50 meters away, within walking distance of the Caspian Sea.

The hotel offers cozy rooms with comfortable furniture and private bathrooms.

A Wi-Fi network is available. The reception is open 24 hours a day.

The nearest airport is about 99.6 km away, and the train station is 122 km away.

3 more photos

Tour conditions

Group

From 4 to 10 tourists

Minimum age

10 years old

Duration

3 days 2 nights

Group meets at

the city of Makhachkala

Included in price

hotel accommodation 4*;
transportation services, including group transfers "airport / railway station of Makhachkala — hotel in Derbent — airport / railway station of Makhachkala";
guide services;
entrance tickets to museums according to the program;
Meals: breakfast at the hotel, lunch on day 3;
water 0.5 l/person/day.

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Makhachkala and back;
private transfers;
Meals: 2 lunches and dinners;
luggage tray;
souvenirs;
additional services at the hotel.

It's important to know

Comfortable clothes for hiking and seasonal recreation, including warm clothes in case of cool weather.
It is not recommended to appear on the streets in clothes that are too open.
It is not recommended for women to wear miniskirts, tight jeans, see-through clothes, low necklines, short T-shirts, tight sweatshirts. The length of the skirt should not be higher than the shin, preferably at the ankle. If you still decide to wear trousers or jeans, then you need to put on a long tunic or a shirt below the knee.
As for visiting the mosque, it is better for men to wear trousers or trousers, long—sleeved shirts, for women - a dress below the knees, headscarves (at the entrance to the mosque, you can wear special dresses that are in common use).
Also, women should have a headscarf with them, since in some establishments they may not be allowed without it.
Tips for men: Don't wear shorts. It's best if you wear regular trousers or ankle-length jeans. It is also not recommended to wear sleeveless T-shirts.

Dates and Prices

$560

12 – 14 Jun 3 days 2 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now
$560

17 – 19 Jul 3 days 2 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now
$560

14 – 16 Aug 3 days 2 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now
$560

4 – 6 Sep 3 days 2 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now
$560

16 – 18 Oct 3 days 2 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now
$560

2 – 4 Nov 3 days 2 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now
$560

4 – 6 Dec 3 days 2 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now

Reviews Leave a review

E
Evgeni

about provider

10 Mar, 2026

Overall, everything was fine. The only downside was that there was a bit too much repeated information in the chat, so it was sometimes hard to remember which file contained the information I needed. Otherwise, everything was great
M
Maksim

about provider

28 May, 2025

Great team of guides and well-organized accommodation