Highlights of Armenia & Georgia

Start your adventure in the capital of Armenia, one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. As some flights arrive very early tomorrow morning, we have our welcome briefing at 11am on Day 2, allowing you time today to settle into the trip and embark on some solo exploration if you have time. Want more time in Yerevan? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

Ease into the adventure, beginning at 11am with our welcome briefing, a chance to get to know each a little better and ask any questions you may have. Around midday, we embark on an exploration of the city highlights led by our tour leader. We visit Republic Square, the Opera and Ballet Theatre, and the Cascade complex, where wide terraces open to city views and Mount Ararat, said to be the resting place of Noah’s Ark. We then visit the History Museum of Armenia, whose collections trace the country’s story from the Stone Age to today. Later, we enjoy a private visit with a local duduk master, who introduces Armenia’s iconic woodwind instrument through music, craftsmanship and conversation. This evening, we gather for a welcome dinner in a traditional restaurant, enjoying our first taste of local flavours and hospitality.

Begin with a transfer (50 minutes) to the medieval Geghard Monastery, where we explore the UNESCO-listed complex partly carved into the rock. We then drive (20 minutes) to the first-century Garni Temple, the only standing pagan temple in the Caucasus, set above Azat Gorge. Lunch is with a local family, where we also make lavash, a traditional flatbread. A 15-minute transfer takes us to the Symphony of Stones, a striking wall of basalt columns reached by an easy walk, before returning (one hour) to Yerevan.

We drive (one hour) to the monastery of Khor Virap. Closely tied to the birth of Christianity in Armenia, it is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the country, while also offering spectacular views of Mount Ararat. Next, we continue (1hr 45min) into the Vayots Dzor region to visit Areni-1 Cave, where archaeologists uncovered one of the oldest known wineries in the world – around 6,100 years old. At a nearby family-run winery, we enjoy a tasting and a chance to learn about the long winemaking traditions of the region, before transferring (30 minutes) to Noravank, a 13th-century monastery set among dramatic red cliffs. We then continue (three hours) to the town of Goris and settle into our hotel.

Begin with a short hike in Khndzoresk village, a former cave settlement linked by a long swinging bridge with grand gorge views. We then continue (35 minutes) to Halidzor, where we ride the Wings of Tatev cable car above the Vorotan Gorge to the ninth-century Tatev Monastery, once a major spiritual and cultural centre. After returning to Goris, the afternoon brings a choice: prepare zhingyalov hats with a local family or visit a carpet-weaving workshop in Verishen, where local women are helping keep this traditional craft alive.

Travelling north today, we stop at Karahunj, a mysterious stone site often called the Armenian Stonehenge; though at 7,500 years old, it’s much older than England’s Stonehenge. We then cross the iconic Selim Pass to the Selim Caravanserai, a reminder of Armenia’s Silk Road past. In Noratus Cemetery, we see the country’s largest collection of khachkars (stone crosses) and join a local family to make gata (a traditional pastry). After, we visit the ninth-century Sevanavank Monastery on Lake Sevan, where broad views stretch across one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world. Finally, we continue to the town of Dilijan, known for its forested landscapes and artisan traditions, where we walk through the Old Town, before continuing to the nearby village of Gosh for the night.

We drive (1hr 30min) to the city of Vanadzor to visit a sculptor’s workshop for a khachkar-carving lesson, offering a hands-on introduction to one of Armenia’s most distinctive art forms. We then continue (1hr 15min) to Haghpat Monastery, a UNESCO-listed masterpiece above the Debed Gorge. For lunch, we join a khorovats (kebab) masterclass – preparing the traditional dish and enjoying it together – before driving (1hr 45min) to the Sadakhlo border. After crossing into Georgia, we meet our Georgian tour leader and driver and continue (1hr 15min) to the capital, Tbilisi. This evening, we celebrate our arrival with dinner and a folk show.

Today, we explore the atmospheric Old Town of Tbilisi on foot. Winding lanes, carved balconies and hidden courtyards reveal a city shaped by many cultures. We visit key sights including the sulphur baths district, Sioni Cathedral, Anchiskhati Basilica, and the Metekhi area, while Narikala Fortress watches from above. Later, we stroll along Rustaveli Avenue and visit the National Museum of History. The city’s mix of churches, bath houses, theatres and everyday life is what gives it such character. There may also be time to experience a traditional sulphur bath, payable locally.

Bid farewell to Tbilisi and transfer (1hr 30min) to Gori, birthplace of Joseph Stalin, where we visit a museum about his life and legacy. After lunch at a local restaurant, we continue to Uplistsikhe, an ancient rock-hewn town above the Mtkvari River, where tunnels, chambers and cliffside views reveal its long and layered history. We then drive (1hr 45min) to Borjomi, a handsome spa town famed for its mineral waters, to explore Borjomi Central Park. We then continue (one hour) to the small city of Akhaltsikhe for the night.

Begin with a visit to Rabati Castle, where church, mosque, minaret and synagogue reflect the region’s multicultural past. We then drive (1hr 20min) to Vardzia, passing the 10th-century Khertvisi Castle en route. Carved into a cliff during Georgia’s medieval golden age, Vardzia was once a vast cave town and monastery linked to Queen Tamar. As we explore its passageways, chambers and church, the preserved frescoes help bring that story to life. After, we return to Akhaltsikhe.

Head north along the Georgian Military Highway, the historic route linking Georgia with Russia. En route, we stop at Ananuri, a fortress complex built by the dukes of Aragvi above a reservoir. Its towers and churches make it one of the route’s standout landmarks. We then continue (one hour) to Gudauri, a mountain resort surrounded by high peaks and open views. Staying here for two nights gives us time to enjoy the alpine setting properly rather than just passing through.

Continue north into the high Caucasus, travelling through dramatic mountain scenery to Dariali Gorge, a 9mi (14km) gash in the Earth. Marvel at the snow-capped Mount Kazbek (the highest mountain in Georgia), an extinct volcano that reaches to just over 16,500ft (5,047m). Then head to the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church, whose position above the valley makes it one of Georgia’s most memorable sights. Reaching it is part of the experience: you can either get there on foot or pay for a local 4x4. Later, we return to Gudauri.

Descend from the mountains to Mtskheta, the ancient capital of eastern Georgia and one of the most important religious centres in the country. Here, we visit Jvari Church – perched on a cliff overlooking the city – and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, both central to Georgia’s Christian heritage. After time to explore, we continue (30 minutes) to Tbilisi, where the afternoon is free. It is a pleasant chance to enjoy the city at your own pace, perhaps with a final wander through the old streets.

You’ve walked through Armenia’s ancient monasteries and cave settlements, ridden the Wings of Tatev above the Vorotan Gorge, and stood beneath the high Caucasus at Gergeti Trinity Church, but now it’s time to begin your return journey home. Alternatively, if you’d like to extend your adventure, speak to your sales representative to discuss our large range of extension options.