Essential Georgia and Armenia

Welcome to Georgia! Your transfer from TBS awaits for a smooth ride to your hotel in Tbilisi. Enjoy some free time before 5 pm, then meet in the hotel lobby with our leader and ask any questions you may have. Afterward, a short evening walk through the atmosphere of Old Tbilisi’s illuminated landmarks, lively narrow streets, and stories of the capital. Join a delicious welcome group dinner “supra” together. It’s a great chance to get to know each other and fellow travelers a little, this is going to be special.

After breakfast, join your tour leader for an excursion to see Tbilisi from a completely different perspective! The city route provides a good chance to stretch our legs. Exploring the old town starts by visiting enormous landmarks like Narikala, Metekhi, enjoy breath-taking views from Mtatsminda and hear stories of 6th-century cathedral Sioni, the most important religious landmark. explore hidden gems, an impressive botanical garden and Hear the story of the city’s 5th-century founding, connected to its legendary hot springs. We began to explore the magical old town of Tbilisi. At the break enjoy a lunch at a local authentic restaurant with a view of the old town and much more!  In the afternoon you can take an optional cooking class and experience a food coma full of Shkmeruli and Khachapuri. The afternoon is spent relaxing in a sulfur bath like a local.

Leave Tbilisi behind and travel to experience the magic of a desert sunrise!  Journey to Georgia’s stunning Udabno region, known for its volcanic landscapes painted in vibrant colors and early middle age David Gareja Monastery Complex. Hike to a spectacular viewpoint overlooking the Georgia-Azerbaijan border as the sun paints the sky. Next stop is Sighnaghi, a cozy historical town perched atop a hill, offering stunning views of the Alazani Valley and the Greater Caucasus Mountains. Later, we’ll drive through the heart of Kakheti wine country. Discover the ancient craft of Qvevri, where wine is fermented in large clay vessels buried underground. After a workshop and tasting of homemade spirits, we’ll visit another local winery.  Your day culminates with a delicious supper amidst the vineyards. Tonight, foodies will savor an abundance of homemade Georgian dishes paired with unique natural wines.

Today, we are going to travel from Telavi to Stepantsminda via Georgian Military road. on the way stop at small fortress Ananuri famous with views, towers and two churches of unique monumental paintings and facade decorations, also on the way enjoy cooking master class of mountain food, enjoying breathtaking sceneries, and at the evening hike to Gergeti Trinity Church from Stepantsminda.

Wake up, sleepyheads! Today, time to continue your journey to the Gudauri Panorama viewpoint, offering 360-degree views of the mountains and the dramatic Devil’s Valley. Take one last deep breath of crisp mountain air before descending to the 6th-century Jvari Monastery.  This UNESCO-listed masterpiece boasts stunning hilltop views overlooking Georgia’s ancient capital, Mtskheta, at the confluence of two rivers. After that drive to explore this beautiful town with your expert guide, admire the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, browse souvenir shops, and relax with a coffee. Capture memorable photos.Then an optional stop in Gori. Here, you can choose to visit the Museum of Joseph Stalin (visit is an optional, due to its controversial nature), an infamous figure in Georgian history.  Our journey continues to the Uplistsikhe Cave complex, an ancient city carved into the sandstone cliffs.Our next stop is the Ateni Gorge, known for its lush fruit orchards, rich history, and cliffside vineyards. Your day culminates at a family-owned winery guest house nestled amidst the vineyards and the 7th-century Ateni Church.  Tonight, foodies will feast on delicious homemade dishes paired with local natural wines.

Look forward to more Georgia adventures today and travel towards Armenia. The first stop will be at the small town Borjomi, famous with national parks and mineral springs. We head towards Javakheti, known as the historic southern region of the Georgian Medieval Kingdom. Here, castles and monasteries still hold an enormous cultural and historical legacy. At Vardzia complex you can explore caves with your guide. It’s been sweet, but we’re saying goodbye to Georgia and passing the border with Armenia this afternoon. We’ll drive to the 10th-century Marmashen Monastery in Shirak Province. Afterwards, we’ll enjoy a city tour of Gyumri. 

Journey through the rugged beauty of lori towards the UNESCO-listed Haghpat Monastery. On the way first we will visit the hidden jem Kobayr Monastery Complex. After exploring these two historic treasures, we’ll arrive at the Sevan Lake. Enjoy free time for lunch and capture breathtaking views of surrounding landscapes. Prepare for a final experience to cement our Armenia love affair: the chance to explore the iconic Garni Temple, a symbol of pre-Christian Armenia. Our journey then concludes in Yerevan.

Breakfast in a hotel. Pick up in the hotel by your Driver and transfer to Yerevan airport according to your flight departure time. Usually 3 hours before the flight.