Explore Armenia & Georgia

Discover the treasures of two of the Caucasus republics on this private tour from the fashionable boulevards of Yerevan to the winding alleyways of Tbilisi’s Old Town. Travel past towering mountain ranges and through fertile valleys where the relics of early Christianity watch over the timeless landscape. Taste delicious Georgian wines and uncover a fascinating social history spanning over 2,000 years from early pagan worshipers to 20th century Soviet leaders.

Tour Itinerary

DAY 1

FLY TO YEREVAN

Arrive in Yerevan and check in to the hotel for four nights.

DAY 2

YEREVAN

Get to know Armenia’s vibrant capital on a full day tour. Visit Victory Park, Mother Armenia Monument and Republic Square before wandering past the Opera House and Cascade. Visit the Genocide Memorial Complex and the Matenadaran, an ancient repository holding one of the world’s richest collections of medieval manuscripts. (B,L)

DAY 3

YEREVAN

Enjoy a free day in Yerevan to explore at leisure. Perhaps take a tour of the Yerevan Brandy Company or discover the National Gallery of Armenia’s huge collection of Russian, Armenian and European works. (B)

DAY 4

ETCHMIADZIN

Take an excursion to Etchmiadzin, one of the oldest towns in Armenia. Visit the country’s first official church as well as the restored temple at Garni dating from the 1st century. Before returning to Yerevan, discover the Geghard Cave Monastery where the rock-hewn buildings are famed for their incredible acoustics. (B,L)

DAY 5

YEREVAN TO DILIJAN

Drive to picturesque Lake Sevan and visit the 9th century monastery of Sevanavank. Continue through the rolling valleys of the Lesser Caucasus to see the Cross-Stones of Goshavank Monastery. In Dilijan, enjoy a stroll along Museum Street with its well-preserved 19th century buildings. (B,L,D)

DAY 6

DILIJAN TO SIGHNAGHI

Drive through the twisting gorges of Lori province to the UNESCO-listed monasteries of Hagphat and Sanahin, spectacularly located on either side of a deep gorge. Cross the Georgian border and travel through the Kakheti region to Sighnaghi Royal Town for dinner and a wine tasting at the Pheasant’s Tears - a famous producer of traditional Georgian wines. (B,L,D)

DAY 7

SIGHNAGHI TO TBILISI

Visit Nekresi monastery complex as well as the stunning Gremi complex where beautiful views of the valley unfold. In Alazani valley, visit the grand 12th century Alaverdi Cathedral before travelling to the former residence of Alexandre Chavchavadze with its wonderful 19th century house and garden. Continue to Tbilisi and check in to the hotel for four nights. (B,L)

DAY 8

TBILISI

Enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Georgia’s capital including a walking tour of the beautiful Old Town. Visit the 12th century Metechi church, Sulfur bathhouses, Sioni Cathedral and modern Holly Trinity Cathedral, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world. Discover the treasures of either the Museum of Georgian Fine Arts or the Janashia Museumof Georgia. (B,L)

DAY 9

KARTLI PROVINCE

Travel into the scenic heart of the country and visit the incredible UNESCO-listed churches of Mtskheta before continuing to the ancient cave town of Uplistsikhe where the rock-carved theatres and pagan temples date from the 1st century BC. Discover Jvari Church, a masterpiece of the early medieval period, and the fascinating Stalin Museum in Gori before returning to Tbilisi. (B,L)

DAY 10

TBILISI

Enjoy a free day to discover Tbilisi at leisure. Perhaps pay a visit to the Museum of the Soviet Occupation or opt to explore the Open-Air Museum of Ethnography. In the evening why not catch a performance at the Opera and Ballet State Theatre. (B)

DAY 11

FLY TO THE UK

Transfer to the airport for the flight back to the UK.