Explore | Georgia & Armenia

 

DAY 1:

Arrival and transfer from Tbilisi Airport to accommodation. Free day to rest and enjoy the city.

DAY 2:

Experience the charm of the Old Town area as we reveal the history and stories behind the landmarks. 

Visit the historic Metekhi cathedral overlooking the Mtkvari river. Head to the central Rike park boasting many modern architectural structures including the famous Peace Bridge. Ride the cable cart up to the commanding 13th century Narikala fortress for an amazing view of the city. Next stop is the Abanotubani and the sulphur baths where the city originates from. Afterwards, check out the beautiful waterfall in the heart of Tbilisi. Pay a visit to the biggest church in Georgia, the impressive Sameba church. 

After lunch visit the vast Ethnographic Open Air Museum. Learn about the different types of folk architecture and craft work from various regions of the country.

Enjoy a delicious Georgian dinner with a traditional folk show including live music and Georgian dancing to conclude the day.

Commences: 9:00 am
Concludes: After dinner
Includes: Guide, entry fees, breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Tbilisi

DAY 3:  

Following the spectacular route of the infamous Georgian Military Highway, marvel at the beautiful views of the Zhinvali reservoir. Visit the richly decorated Ananuri castle, set in a strategic yet stunning position offering fantastic views of the surrounding landscape.

Enjoy the lush green Caucasus Mountain range, making stops on the way to take in the view. Pass through the popular ski resorts of Gudauri and the Jvari Cross Path, one of the highest points in the area.

Enjoy a homemade lunch in Stepantsminda before embracing the natural beauty of the Kazbegi mountains with an optional hike from the village to reach the serene Gergeti Sameba overlooking the valley.

Commences: 9:00 am
Concludes: 8:00 pm
Includes: Guide, breakfast, Georgian “Supra” lunch and snacks
Excludes: Dinner
Note: Supportive (or hiking) shoes and jacket
Overnight: Tbilisi

DAY 4:

Sample some freshly baked local bread and cheese at Badiauri bakery, then head to the quaint cobble stoned Sighnaghi (known as the city of love). Explore the city, walking along the longest ramparts in Georgia. Visit the famous Kindzmarauli winery, where you’ll tour around the factory and enjoy tasting their speciality wines.

Discover the wonders of Georgian cuisine over lunch with a local family and experience the warmth of their hospitality.

Enjoy wine tasting at the Shumi Winery. Learn about the different grapes they harvest and the wide range of wines they produce in this region.  Head back to Tbilisi, crossing the picturesque Gombori pass, known for its gorgeous scenery.

Commences: 9:00 am
Concludes: 7:00 pm
Includes: Guide, entry fees, breakfast, lunch and wine tasting
Excludes: Dinner
Requires: Comfortable walking shoes recommended.
Overnight: Tbilisi

DAY 5:     

Visit the UNESCO listed Jvari Church known as one of the holiest of churches in Georgia. Enjoy stunning views overlooking Mtskheta, where the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers join. Appreciate the grand Svetitskhoveli cathedral, the principal Church in Georgia with its rich interior and deep history. 

Enjoy an authentic Georgian meal for lunch before continuing to the ancient cave city of Uplistsikhe. Be amazed by this once prominent and bustling city originally inhabited by a pagan society. 

Relish the spectacular ‘birds eye’ view of the beautiful resort town of Borjomi from a cable car ride. Delight in the beauty of the picturesque landscape and marvel at the splendid pine tree forests. Take a pleasant stroll in the local park and try some of the natural mineral water renowned for its healing and medicinal properties. 

Commences: 9:00 am
Concludes: 5:00 pm
Includes: Guide, entry fees, cable car ride, breakfast and lunch.
Excludes: Dinner
Requires: Comfortable walking shoes recommended. To be able to enter the churches men need to be wearing long pants and women need long skirts (Some of the churches might provide aprons to wrap around) and a headscarf.
Overnight: Borjomi

DAY 6:  

Head to the amazing Vardzia cave city complex and weave through its mysterious caves and tunnels. Be astonished by the stunning mountain panoramas as you learn about the legends and stories connected to Vardzia. 

Enjoy an authentic hosted lunch with a local family and master how to say a Georgian toast.

Be impressed by the splendid Rabati castle in Akhaltsikhe town and find out more about medieval times of Georgian history. Appreciate the breathtaking scenery from the castle and discover why Rabati castle is the symbol of tolerance.  

Enjoy Kutaisi the third largest city in Georgia and explore the fascinating Bagrati cathedral displaying a unique blend of modern and medieval architecture. 

Commences: 9:00 am
Concludes: 6:00 pm
Includes: Guide, entry fees, breakfast and lunch
Requires: Comfortable walking shoes recommended
Overnight: Kutaisi

DAY 7:

Be thrilled by the overwhelming beauty of the stalagmites in the Prometheus cave near Kutaisi. 

Head to the Martvili canyon and explore this natural wonder of the Samegrelo region. Take a boat ride on the crystal blue waters of the canyon and appreciate the natural beauty of the surrounds.

Stop at a local eatery to lunch on your own. Drive through picturesque countryside to reach Mestia known for its quaint cobbled stoned streets and its numerous tower structures.

Commences: 9:30 pm
Concludes: 8:00 pm
Includes: Guide and entry fees
Excludes: Lunch and dinner
Requires: Comfortable walking shoes recommended.
Overnight: Mestia

DAY 8:

Take a 4WD trip to visit Ushguli, known to be the highest settlement in Europe. Take in the breathtaking views of this gorgeous village nestled amongst the mountains. Enjoy lunch on your own at Ushguli before heading back to Mestia. Wander through the cobbled streets of Mestia before settling down for the night.

Commences: 10:00 am
Concludes: 6:00 pm
Includes: Guide, 4WD costs and breakfast
Excludes: Lunch and dinner
Requires: Comfortable walking shoes recommended and jacket.
Overnight: Mestia

DAY 9:

Drive south following the coastal route towards the popular seaside town of Batumi, stopping for lunch on the way. Enjoy a break by the Black Sea where you can refresh with a dip in the sea, relax on the black sand beaches and rejuvenate with fun water activities.

Departs: 10:00 am
Concludes: 7:00 pm
Includes: Guide, entry fees and breakfast
Excludes: Lunch, dinner and water activities
Requires: Swimming gear
Overnight: Batumi

DAY 10:

Discover the charming and popular beach side city of Batumi weaving through streets lined with old and new structures. Ride the cable car up the hill to enjoy a panoramic view of Batumi and the black Sea.

Lunch on your own in Batumi before enjoying a siesta on the ride home to Tbilisi.

Commences: 9:00 am
Concludes: 6:00 pm
Includes: Guide and breakfast
Excludes: Lunch and dinner
Requires: Comfortable walking shoes recommended.
Overnight: Tbilisi

Day 11: Tbilisi – Akhtala – Haghbat – Sanahin – Yerevan

Travel from Tbilisi to Yerevan and sight see on the way. Entering Armenia, delight in the ancient frescoes of the church at the Akhtala fortress-monastery. Visit two UNESCO Heritage listed sights along the Debed Canyon. Marvel at the Haghbat monastery, positioned among lush green fields. Enjoy a family-hosted traditional Armenian BBQ lunch. Then on to Sanahin with its serene and tranquil surrounds. Sample freshly baked pastry in Aparan. Arrive in Yerevan.

Commences: 9:00 am
Concludes: 8:00 pm
Includes: Guide, breakfast, lunch and pastry in afternoon
Excludes: Alcoholic beverages and visa costs (if applicable)
Requires: Comfortable walking shoes recommended
Overnight: Yerevan

Day 12:

Starting off from Yerevan visit the significant religious destinations of Armenia including St. Ejmiadzin, the head church of Armenia and also its ‘sister’ church of St Hripsime and the ruins of the ancient Zvartnots cathedral.

Continuing onwards, embark on a tour of Yerevan starting from the Armenian Genocide Memorial and the Museum.

Appreciate the local cuisine with a traditional Armenian lunch at an eatery. Sample the world-famous Armenian Brandy at the ARARAT Brandy Factory. Discover the secrets of Yerevan and learn more about the iconic landmarks such as Republic Square, the Opera House and the Cascade.

Commences: 9:00 am
Concludes: 7:00 pm
Includes: Guide, entry fees, breakfast and lunch
Excludes: Alcoholic beverages and dinner
Overnight: Yerevan

Day 13:

Heading north-east from Yerevan, be inspired by the magnificent views of Azat Valley. Explore the amazing rock-cut Geghard monastery and learn about Armenia’s pagan past at the iconic Garni temple. Visit a local family in Poqr Vedi village and enjoy lunch with them. See the breathtaking views of Mt. Ararat from Khor Virap monastery where the spark of Christianity started in Armenia.

Commences: 9:00 am
Concludes: 5:30 pm
Includes: Guide, entry fees, breakfast and lunch
Excludes: Alcoholic beverages, dinner
Requires: Comfortable walking shoes recommended
Overnight: Yerevan

Day 14:

Free day to explore the city at your leisure. Consider joining the optional Soviet Yerevan Tour to gain an alternative perspective of the city.

Optional half day Soviet Yerevan Tour (minimum 5 ppl)
Curious what life was like during the Soviet Era? To learn more about the bygone times follow one of our Comrades to discover the ‘Pink City’ according to the Soviet days. This enlightening tour will transport you back in time, exposing facts and humour, shedding light on this significant period of local history.

Day 15:

Discover the amazing two-storey structure of Noravank church. Sample the local wine at Areni winery before heading further south. Take the world’s longest reversible cableway boasting incredible views to reach the village of Tatev. Discover the secrets of Tatev Monastery and enjoy lunch in a peaceful setting.

Head to the city of Goris and enjoy a delicious meal for dinner to conclude the day.

Commences: 8:00 am
Concludes: 7:00 pm
Includes: Guide, entry fees, breakfast, lunch and dinner
Excludes: Alcoholic beverages
Requires: Comfortable walking shoes recommended
Overnight: Goris

Day 16:

Be inspired by the breathtaking beauty of Yeghegis valley on the way up to Selim Caravansary. Learn the history behind one of Armenia’s famous stops on the Silk Road. Be amazed by the sheer number of “khachkar”‘s (stone etched headstones) at the Noratus cemetery. Visit a local family and learn about life in the Noratus village over lunch. Visit Hayravank in a secluded location overlooking Sevan lake. Appreciate the serenity of Lake Sevan from Sevanavank before moving onwards to Dilijan to spend the night.

Commences: 9:00 am
Concludes: 7:00 pm
Includes: Guide, entry fees, breakfast and lunch
Excludes: Alcoholic beverages and dinner
Requires: Comfortable walking shoes recommended
Overnight: Dilijan

Day 17:

Dilijan is known as the little Switzerland of Armenia with its lush green surrounds. Start the morning with a stroll in the town. From there visit the monastery of Haghartsin, nestled away in the depth and tranquility of a forest. Enjoy the history and the fables of Gosh at Goshavank monastery. Head to Ijevan for an authentic and satisfying lunch at a family-owned guesthouse. After a filling home-cooked meal, move on towards Georgia and arrive in Tbilisi.

Commences: 9:00 am
Concludes: 6:00 pm
Includes: Guide, breakfast and lunch
Excludes: Alcoholic beverages and dinner
Requires: Comfortable walking shoes recommended
Overnight: Tbilisi

DAY 18:

Check out and transfer to Tbilisi Airport.

Price Schedule*

2599 USD per person including 17 nights in a 3* hotel twin room (breakfast included)

1909 USD per person including 17 nights in a hostel dormitory room (breakfast included) 

* Airport transfers included
* Price includes English guide service, transport and driver costs, meals as specified
* Prices are based on minimum of 6 people
* 4 & 5 star accommodation can also be arranged at request

We are happy to provide a quote for different group sizes and customised itineraries.