Caucasus Treasures: 11 Days in Georgia & Armenia

Upon your arrival in Tbilisi, the vibrant capital of Georgia, you will be warmly welcomed by your driver and transferred to your hotel for check-in and a brief rest. Your adventure begins with a guided tour of Tbilisi’s historic heart.

You will visit the iconic Metekhi Church, perched on a cliff overlooking the Mtkvari River, and see the monument dedicated to Vakhtang Gorgasali, the legendary founder of the city. Next, take a scenic cable car ride up to the ancient Narikala Fortress, where sweeping panoramic views of Tbilisi’s rooftops and winding streets await. Descend on foot through the Sulphur Bath district, home to traditional hammams and the city’s only mosque, immersing yourself in the multicultural fabric of the city. Wander the atmospheric Sharden neighborhood, known for its narrow cobblestone lanes lined with cozy cafés, wine bars, and artisan shops. You will also visit significant religious sites such as Sioni Cathedral and Anchiskhati Basilica, the oldest surviving church in Tbilisi. Don’t miss the whimsical clock tower of the Rezo Gabriadze Puppet Theater and the modern architectural marvel, the Bridge of Peace, linking old and new Tbilisi across the river. In the evening, indulge in a traditional Georgian dinner featuring local specialties, accompanied by folk music. Overnight at your hotel in Tbilisi.

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Mtskheta, one of Georgia’s oldest cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Iberia, Mtskheta remains the spiritual heart of Georgian Orthodoxy.

Explore the remarkable Jvari Monastery, a masterpiece of early medieval architecture, perched dramatically on a hill overlooking the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers. Visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, revered as the burial site of Christ’s robe and a center of Georgian religious life. Continue your journey to the Ananuri fortress complex, a striking ensemble of churches and towers from the 16th and 17th centuries, set beside the tranquil Jinvali Reservoir.

From here, travel along the famed Georgian Military Highway, ascending to its highest point at 2,394 meters, surrounded by breathtaking alpine vistas. Arrive in Kazbegi (Stepantsminda), a charming mountain town nestled beneath the towering 5,033-meter Mount Kazbek. Take a rugged 4×4 ride up to the Gergeti Holy Trinity Church, perched at 2,170 meters, offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. After soaking in the majestic scenery, return to Tbilisi for overnight.

Following breakfast, depart for the Kakheti region, Georgia’s famed wine country located in the east. The journey takes you through the scenic Gombori Pass, offering panoramic views of lush valleys and vineyards. Your first stop is Telavi, the administrative and cultural hub of Kakheti. Stroll through its charming streets and pause for photos at the monument honoring King Erekle II, a prominent Georgian ruler. Next, visit Tsinandali estate, once the home of the noble Chavchavadze family, featuring beautiful gardens, a museum, and historic wine cellars.

Continue to Alaverdi Cathedral, an impressive 11th-century structure and the second tallest cathedral in Georgia, exemplifying medieval Georgian ecclesiastical architecture. The day culminates at the “Twins Wine Cellar” in Napareuli village, a private winery nestled amidst expansive vineyards. Here, you will explore a museum dedicated to traditional Georgian wine-making methods using qvevri—large clay vessels buried underground. Participate in hands-on workshops where you can bake traditional Georgian bread (puri) and prepare churchkhela, a local sweet made from nuts and grape must. Conclude with a tasting of five distinctive wines crafted in the age-old qvevri style. Return to Telavi for your overnight stay.

After breakfast and hotel check-out, continue your discovery of Kakheti’s cultural and historical treasures. Visit Gremi, the former royal capital of the Kakheti Kingdom in the 16th century. The fortress complex, with its imposing citadel and church, stands as a testament to Georgia’s medieval past and is one of the region’s most frequented landmarks. Next, explore the unique Khareba Winery, renowned for its extensive underground tunnel carved into the rock, originally built for military defense. Today, this tunnel serves as a natural cellar for aging some of Georgia’s finest wines. Enjoy a guided wine tour and tasting session here.

Proceed to Bodbe Convent, a serene monastery complex that, according to legend, houses the tomb of St. Nino, the 4th-century saint credited with converting Georgia to Christianity. Since 1889, the convent has functioned as a nunnery, blessed by a decree from Tsar Alexander III. Your final destination today is Sighnaghi, often called the “City of Love.” This picturesque town is perched on a hilltop and surrounded by well-preserved defensive walls with 23 towers. Stroll its romantic streets, soak in views of the Alazani Valley, and appreciate its significance as a historic Silk Road crossroads. Overnight in Sighnaghi.

Begin the day with a departure from Sighnaghi heading back toward Tbilisi, with a remarkable detour to the semi-desert region of David Gareja. En route, stop at a local market to sample some fresh snacks and mingle with locals. Arriving at the David Gareja monastery complex, founded in the 6th century, you will explore the Lavra cave monastery—an active monastic site consisting of caves, churches, and courtyards carved into the rock. Afterward, undertake a scenic hike (approximately 1.5 to 2 hours) to Udabno, a plateau offering spectacular views across the border into Azerbaijan. Udabno is famed for its ancient frescoes dating from the late 12th century, including vivid biblical scenes like “The Last Supper” and “The Exaltation of the Cross.” After resting and absorbing the serene landscape, descend along a different path back to your vehicle. Please note that access to Udabno may vary depending on the security situation near the Georgia-Azerbaijan border. Prepare accordingly with suitable footwear, water, sun protection, and a flashlight. Return to Tbilisi for the night.

At 9:00 AM, your driver will collect you from your hotel in Tbilisi and transfer you to the Sadakhlo-Bagratashen border crossing between Georgia and Armenia. After completing customs formalities, meet your Armenian guide and driver to begin your exploration of Armenia’s rich heritage. Travel north to the Lori region to visit the UNESCO-listed Haghpat Monastery, a stunning example of medieval Armenian architecture dating from the 10th to 13th centuries. Perched on a hillside overlooking the Debed River, Haghpat was designed to provide solitude and spiritual refuge for its monks.

Continue through the lush landscapes of Dilijan National Park en route to Lake Sevan, often called the “Jewel of Armenia.” This vast high-altitude freshwater lake is surrounded by dense forests, rocky cliffs, alpine meadows, and mountain steppes. Stop at Sevanavank Monastery, located on a peninsula jutting into the lake. The complex includes two churches, Surb Arakelots and Surb Karapet, constructed from distinctive black volcanic tuff, which gives the site its nickname “the Black Monastery.” From here, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the lake framed by snow-capped mountains. Conclude the day with a drive to Yerevan, Armenia’s capital, for overnight.

Yerevan, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, is known as the “Pink City” due to the soft volcanic stone used in many buildings. Your guided city tour begins at the impressive Cascade Monument, a massive stairway of 572 steps rising 118 meters, adorned with fountains, sculptures, and gardens. Climb to the top for sweeping views of the cityscape, including landmarks such as the Opera House, Mount Ararat looming in the distance, Swan Lake, Republic Square, and Abovyan Avenue. Stroll through the city streets, absorbing the blend of Soviet-era and modern architecture. If your visit coincides with the weekend, explore Vernissage, Yerevan’s largest open-air market, offering an array of Armenian crafts, artworks, and souvenirs. The tour also includes a visit to Tsitsernakaberd, the poignant Armenian Genocide Memorial complex, dedicated to the memory of victims. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Armenian dinner accompanied by a lively folklore performance showcasing local music and dance. Overnight in Yerevan.

Depart Yerevan for Garni, a village famous for its ancient fortress, the only pagan temple in Armenia to survive the country’s conversion to Christianity in the 4th century. Explore the Greco-Roman style temple and its surrounding ruins. Then descend into the spectacular Garni Gorge to witness the natural wonder known as the Symphony of Stones—massive basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic activity, creating a striking geometric pattern. Next, visit the Geghard Monastery complex, partially carved out of towering cliffs, renowned for its rock-cut churches and intricate medieval carvings. The monastery was founded in the 4th century and is associated with a sacred spring believed to possess healing powers. Continue to the spiritual heart of Armenia, the Holy See of Etchmiadzin, where you will tour the Etchmiadzin Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in Armenia and the residence of the Catholicos, the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Return to Yerevan for your overnight stay.

After breakfast, set off for Khor Virap Monastery, famously known as the place where St. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years before Christianity was adopted as Armenia’s state religion. The monastery’s location offers unparalleled views of Mount Ararat, a symbol deeply revered by Armenians. Continue to Areni, a village celebrated for its unique wines made from pomegranates and apricots, sampling local flavors if time allows. Proceed to Tatev Monastery, a masterpiece of medieval Armenian architecture dating from the 9th to 13th centuries. Accessed via the Wings of Tatev, the world’s longest reversible aerial tramway, the monastery sits dramatically atop a cliff overlooking the Vorotan Gorge. This remote location provided strategic defense and made Tatev both a religious and political center. Take in the breathtaking scenery of the lush valley and flowing river below. Arrive in the town of Goris in the early evening for check-in and overnight accommodation.

After a leisurely breakfast and hotel check-out in Goris, embark on a scenic drive back to Yerevan with a highlight stop at Noravank Monastery. Nestled dramatically on a narrow ledge amidst towering red cliffs in the Amaghu River gorge, Noravank is one of Armenia’s most striking religious complexes. Founded in the 12th century and expanded in the 13th and 14th centuries under the patronage of the Orbelian princes, it served as a major ecclesiastical and cultural center, closely linked to the medieval University of Gladzor. The monastery’s exquisite stone carvings and architectural details showcase the pinnacle of Armenian medieval artistry. Following your visit, experience authentic Armenian hospitality with a traditional lunch hosted by a local family, where you can savor homemade dishes and learn about Armenian customs and daily life. After this enriching cultural encounter, continue your journey to Yerevan. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy some free time to explore the city at your own pace or relax before your departure. Overnight in Yerevan.

On your final day, check out from your hotel by noon. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time for last-minute shopping, sightseeing, or enjoying a leisurely coffee in one of Yerevan’s charming cafés. When the time comes, you will be transferred to Yerevan International Airport for your onward journey, concluding your immersive exploration of Georgia and Armenia’s rich history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Safe travels!