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 worshippers to 20th-century Soviet leaders.
Arrive in Yerevan, check into the hotel, and enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
Visit the Nekresi Monastery complex, which offers insights into ancient Georgian architecture and history. Next, explore the Gremi complex, known for its striking structures and panoramic views of the surrounding valley. In the Alazani Valley, see the impressive 12th-century Alaverdi Cathedral, a significant historical and religious site.
Afterwards, visit the former residence of Alexandre Chavchavadze, featuring a well-preserved 19th-century house and its accompanying garden. Finally, travel to Tbilisi, where you will check in to your hotel for a four-night stay.
Spend a full day exploring Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi. Start with a walking tour of the Old Town, known for its narrow streets and historic buildings. Visit Metechi Church, a 12th-century structure with views over the city. Explore the Sulfur Bathhouses, famous for their distinctive domes and therapeutic waters. See Sioni Cathedral, an important religious site with significant historical artefacts. Also, visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral, a modern and expansive Orthodox church, one of the largest in the world.
In the afternoon, choose to discover the Museum of Georgian Fine Arts, which houses a collection of Georgian art, or the Janashia Museum of Georgia, known for its extensive exhibits on Georgian history and archaeology. (B,L)
Travel into the scenic heart of Georgia and visit the UNESCO-listed churches in Mtskheta. These historic sites include Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, an important religious centre, and Jvari Monastery, perched on a hill with panoramic views of the confluence of two rivers. Next, head to the ancient cave town of Uplistsikhe, where you can explore rock-carved structures such as theatres and pagan temples that date back to the 1st century BC. The site offers a glimpse into early Georgian architecture and ancient religious practices. Continue to the town of Gori to visit the Stalin Museum, which provides insight into the life and legacy of Joseph Stalin, who was born here. The museum includes personal artefacts and exhibits related to his time in power. Return to Tbilisi to conclude your day of exploration. (B,L)
Enjoy a free day to explore Tbilisi at your own pace. You might choose to visit the Museum of the Soviet Occupation, which offers a detailed look at Georgia’s experience under Soviet rule through a range of exhibits and historical artefacts. Alternatively, explore the Open-Air Museum of Ethnography, where you can see traditional Georgian architecture and crafts from various regions of the country.
In the evening, consider attending a performance at the Opera and Ballet State Theatre. The venue hosts a variety of shows, including operas, ballets, and classical music concerts, providing an opportunity to experience Georgia’s vibrant performing arts scene. (B)
Transfer to the airport for the flight back to the UK.
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Thank you Carl for the excellent arrangements. We packed a lot into a short time. Everything went very smoothly. All drivers and guides very good but top marks to your partner in Armenia, who provided us with the highlight of our trip by taking us to a colleague's for New Year's day lunch and to her family for a cooking lesson of traditional dishes on New Year's Eve and family meal. Excellent!