From Tbilisi to Yerevan

Welcome to Georgia, a country where ancient traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality create unforgettable travel experiences. Upon arrival at Tbilisi International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the capital. Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to take a short walk through the city and enjoy your first impressions of Georgia’s vibrant atmosphere. The rest of the day is at leisure, allowing you to relax after your journey or explore the nearby streets independently. Overnight stay in Tbilisi.

After breakfast, meet your guide and begin your exploration of Kakheti, Georgia’s most famous wine-producing region. Known as one of the oldest winemaking areas in the world, Kakheti combines fertile valleys, picturesque villages, and magnificent views of the snow-capped Greater Caucasus Mountains.

The first destination is the charming hilltop town of Sighnaghi, often called the “City of Love.” Surrounded by impressive defensive walls and watchtowers dating from the eighteenth century, the town preserves its historic character with cobbled streets, wooden balconies, and panoramic views over the Alazani Valley.

A special highlight of the day is an authentic lunch hosted by a local family. Guests are welcomed into a traditional Georgian home and invited to enjoy dishes prepared using fresh ingredients grown on the family farm. Beyond the delicious meal, this experience offers valuable insight into rural life, local customs, and the legendary hospitality for which Georgia is famous.

Later, visit a traditional winery where you will discover the ancient qvevri method of winemaking. Large clay vessels buried underground have been used for centuries to produce wine, and this unique tradition has been recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Enjoy a tasting of regional wines before returning to Tbilisi for overnight stay.

Today is dedicated to exploring Tbilisi, one of the most fascinating capitals in the Caucasus. Situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, the city has absorbed influences from many civilizations, creating a unique cultural and architectural mosaic.

The sightseeing begins at the historic Metekhi Church, beautifully positioned above the Mtkvari River and offering wonderful views of the old town. Continue through the atmospheric streets of the historic district, where colorful balconies, traditional houses, and narrow alleys reveal the city’s rich past.

The tour proceeds to the ancient Narikala Fortress, one of Tbilisi’s oldest landmarks. From its elevated position, visitors enjoy breathtaking panoramas over the city skyline. Nearby lies the famous sulphur bath district, recognizable by its distinctive brick-domed bathhouses built over natural hot springs that have attracted visitors for centuries.

The walk continues along Rustaveli Avenue, the city’s elegant central boulevard lined with theatres, museums, cafés, and impressive public buildings. The remainder of the evening is free to enjoy Tbilisi at your own pace. Overnight stay in the capital.

After breakfast, depart for one of Georgia’s most culturally significant regions. The day begins in Mtskheta, the ancient capital and spiritual heart of the country. With a history spanning more than three millennia, this UNESCO World Heritage Site remains one of Georgia’s most important religious centers.

Visit the hilltop Jvari Monastery, a masterpiece of early medieval architecture overlooking the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers. Continue to the magnificent Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, regarded as one of Georgia’s holiest churches and believed to house the Robe of Christ.

The journey continues to the remarkable cave city of Uplistsikhe, an ancient settlement carved directly into the rock. Once an important stop on the Silk Road, the site features streets, halls, temples, wine cellars, tunnels, and residential chambers that provide a fascinating glimpse into life thousands of years ago.

A brief stop in Gori allows for photographs near the museum dedicated to Joseph Stalin, who was born here. In the afternoon, travel north along the legendary Georgian Military Highway, passing dramatic mountain scenery and deep valleys before arriving in Gudauri, a popular mountain resort located high in the Caucasus. Dinner and overnight stay in Gudauri.

Following breakfast, continue deeper into the Greater Caucasus Mountains. A scenic drive along the Tergi River leads to Stepantsminda, a picturesque mountain town dominated by the imposing peak of Mount Kazbek.

From Stepantsminda, begin a rewarding hike through beautiful alpine landscapes toward the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church. Situated at an elevation of 2,170 meters, the church occupies one of the most spectacular settings in the entire Caucasus region. The route passes through peaceful valleys and forested slopes before reaching the monastery, where unforgettable views await. On clear days, the snow-covered summit of Mount Kazbek rises dramatically above the church, creating one of Georgia’s most famous panoramas.

Guests who prefer not to hike may arrange a four-wheel-drive vehicle locally for the ascent.

After returning to Stepantsminda, begin the drive back toward Tbilisi. Along the way, stop at the impressive Ananuri Fortress overlooking the turquoise waters of the Jinvali Reservoir. The combination of medieval architecture and mountain scenery makes this one of the most photogenic sites in Georgia.

Arrival in Tbilisi in the evening and overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, leave Georgia behind and travel south toward the Georgian-Armenian border. Following border formalities, meet your Armenian guide and continue the journey through the scenic landscapes of northern Armenia, a region famous for its medieval monasteries, forested mountains, and rich cultural heritage.

Your first major stop is the magnificent Haghpat Monastery, one of Armenia’s most important religious and architectural monuments. Founded in the 10th century and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the monastery complex is a masterpiece of medieval Armenian architecture. Surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery, Haghpat played a crucial role as a center of education, religion, and manuscript production for centuries. Explore its churches, chapels, bell tower, and historic monastic buildings while learning about Armenia’s Christian heritage.

Continue to the charming town of Dilijan, often referred to as the “Armenian Switzerland” because of its lush forests, rolling hills, and fresh mountain air. The region is renowned for its natural beauty and traditional architecture, making it one of the country’s most beloved destinations.

The journey then leads to Lake Sevan, one of the largest high-altitude freshwater lakes in the world. Situated at approximately 2,000 meters above sea level, this vast blue lake is often called the “Pearl of Armenia.” Enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and shimmering waters before continuing to Yerevan, Armenia’s vibrant capital. Overnight stay in Yerevan.

After breakfast, discover Yerevan, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on Earth. Founded in 782 BC, the Armenian capital combines ancient history with modern urban life, offering visitors an intriguing blend of traditions, architecture, and culture.

Begin with a panoramic city tour featuring some of Yerevan’s most important landmarks. Visit Republic Square, the city’s elegant heart, surrounded by impressive government buildings constructed in traditional Armenian architectural style. Continue to the famous Cascade Complex, a monumental staircase and open-air art center that offers wonderful views across the city toward the majestic silhouette of Mount Ararat.

You will also see the Opera House, Victory Park, and the iconic Mother Armenia statue, which overlooks the city from a prominent hilltop location.

Later, travel to Ashtarak, one of Armenia’s oldest settlements. This picturesque town is known for its historical churches and attractive setting along the Kasagh River Gorge. Visit the small but beautiful Karmravor Church, one of the best-preserved medieval churches in the country.

Continue to the impressive Saghmosavank Monastery, dramatically perched above the deep Kasagh Canyon. The monastery’s name translates as “Monastery of Psalms,” reflecting its historical role as a center of religious scholarship. Before returning to Yerevan, stop at the Armenian Alphabet Monument, created to celebrate the 1,600th anniversary of the unique Armenian script. Overnight stay in Yerevan.

Today is dedicated to some of Armenia’s most important Christian landmarks.

The first destination is Khor Virap Monastery, one of the most iconic sites in the country. Located near the Turkish border, the monastery enjoys extraordinary views of Mount Ararat, the legendary mountain traditionally associated with Noah’s Ark. Khor Virap occupies a central place in Armenian history because it was here that Saint Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned before converting Armenia into the first Christian nation in the world.

Continue to Etchmiadzin, the spiritual center of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Often regarded as one of the oldest Christian cathedrals in existence, the cathedral was founded in the early fourth century after Armenia adopted Christianity as a state religion. The site remains the residence of the Catholicos, the head of the Armenian Church.

The final stop of the day is the archaeological site of Zvartnots. These impressive ruins belong to a seventh-century cathedral that once stood among the finest examples of medieval Armenian architecture. Despite being partially destroyed by an earthquake, the surviving remains still convey the grandeur of the original structure. Both Etchmiadzin and Zvartnots are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Return to Yerevan for overnight stay.

After breakfast, travel east of Yerevan to explore two of Armenia’s most famous historical monuments.

The first visit is to the remarkable Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO-listed masterpiece partially carved into the surrounding cliffs. Nestled within a dramatic mountain gorge, the monastery complex was founded near a sacred spring and became one of Armenia’s most important pilgrimage destinations. Its rock-cut chapels, intricate stone carvings, and peaceful atmosphere create a truly unforgettable experience.

Next, continue to the nearby village of Garni to visit the Temple of Garni, the only surviving Greco-Roman colonnaded temple in the Caucasus. Built during the first century AD, the temple stands above a scenic river gorge and provides a fascinating contrast to Armenia’s Christian monuments.

Back in Yerevan, visit the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex, dedicated to the victims of the Armenian Genocide. The memorial and museum provide important insight into one of the most significant chapters of Armenian history.

The day concludes with visits to two popular local markets. Explore Vernissage, Yerevan’s famous open-air arts and crafts market, where local artisans display handmade jewelry, carpets, ceramics, wood carvings, paintings, and souvenirs. Afterwards, stroll through the colorful fruit market, where visitors can sample dried fruits, nuts, spices, sweets, and other traditional Armenian products.

Overnight stay in Yerevan.

After breakfast, enjoy some free time depending on your flight schedule. At the appropriate time, transfer to Yerevan International Airport for your departure flight.

Your journey through Georgia and Armenia comes to an end, leaving you with lasting memories of ancient monasteries, spectacular mountain landscapes, fascinating cultural traditions, renowned wines, delicious cuisine, and the legendary hospitality of the South Caucasus.