The secrets of ancient Derbent and the charm of the Caspian Sea

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Feel the former power of the Caspian Gate and enjoy the unsolvable mystery of the Sarykum dune (the highest in the world).

You will visit the Chirkey Reservoir, the largest body of water in the North Caucasus, as well as the Sulak Canyon, which can only be compared to the Grand Canyon in America. On the shore of the Caspian Sea, you will see examples of traditional decorative and applied arts and, of course, taste dishes of national cuisine.

And your trip will end in the small town of Izberbash, where you will spend several days on the shores of the Caspian Sea.

The tour is conducted in an individual format from 2-3 people or in organized groups. Leave a request to receive the tour program for your group.

Location

the city of Makhachkala

Sightseeing tours

from

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

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Tour highlights

The deepest canyon in Europe

Fully appreciate the beauty of the Sulak Canyon and feel its impressive size

In the footsteps of cinema

You will walk along the Sarykum sand dune, where the famous film "White Sun of the Desert" was filmed

Beach holidays

Relax on the best sandy beaches of Dagestan under the rays of the warm southern sun

The Caspian Monster

Admire the power of the Soviet Lun rocket-carrying ekranoplane, located on the shores of the Caspian Sea

Treasures of the Kaitag Embroidery Museum

Get acquainted with the real national treasure of the republic — ancient, almost lost art

The oldest city in Russia is Derbent

Take a walk through the ancient fortress, which preserves the former power of the Caspian Gate

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Makhachkala. Excursion to the museum of Kaitag embroidery
Arrival by morning flights to the airport or railway station of Makhachkala.
12:30 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 (there can be no other way in Dagestan - be prepared), you will stop in the village of Majalis, founded in 1581 by Sultan Ahmad Khan, ruler of the Kaytag region, 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.
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).

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Day 2 - Getting to know Derbent: excursion to the 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 definitely be given time to have lunch and taste local national dishes (not included in the price of the tour).
After refreshment, go to another interesting place — the Kubachi ethnodome, where you can 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.
After taking a lot of gorgeous photos from different angles, you can return to the hotel and relax.
Dinner (on your own).

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Day 3 - 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.
After all, the Sulak Canyon itself is waiting for you today – 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.
Check-in to the rooms (meals are not included in this part of the tour).
Dinner (on your own).

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Day 4 - Holidays on the Caspian coast
Free day on the Caspian coast.
Day 5 - Holidays on the Caspian coast
Free day on the Caspian coast.
Day 6 - Holidays on the Caspian coast
Free day on the Caspian coast.
Day 7 - Holidays on the Caspian coast
Free day on the Caspian coast.
Day 8 - Departure
You must check out of the hotel before 12:00.
Due to the lack of a time frame for choosing a return flight, you will get to the airport on your own.

Difficulty

Suitable for everyone

Accommodation

Hotel

7 nights

Comfort

Upscale

The tour includes accommodation in a hotel.

The cost of the tour is calculated individually and depends on the size of the group and the accommodation options.

Possible accommodation options are presented, and alternative options are possible.

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.

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Tour conditions

Group

From 6 to 30 tourists

Minimum age

10 years old

Duration

8 days 7 nights

Group meets at

the city of Makhachkala

Included in price

2-bed accommodation in 3-4 hotels*;
transportation services, including group transfers "airport or railway station — Makhachkala — hotel in Derbent — hotel in Izberbash";
guide services;
entrance tickets to museums according to the program;
meals included in the program (breakfast at the Derbent hotel, lunch on day 3);
water 0.5 l/person/day.

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Makhachkala and back;
private transfers;
Izberbash airport or railway station transfer;
additional payment for 1-bed accommodation;
meals not included in the program (lunches and dinners, breakfasts at the Ocean Hotel);
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 too open clothes.

As for visiting the mosque, it is better for men to wear trousers or trousers, shirts (T–shirts) with long sleeves, women - a dress below the knees, headscarves (at the entrance to the mosque, you can wear special dresses that are in common use).

Dates and Prices

The tour dates are not confirmed yet. Please, for clarification

Individual dates available on request

11 Jun – 4 Sep

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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