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Armenia to Georgia Caucasus Culture Tour


On this 12-day culture tour, you will have a full city tour of Yerevan and Tbilisi as well as visits to several quaint villages, sites of ancient cities, beautiful lakes, monasteries and exquisite wineries.
Overview
Embark on a spectacular journey across the Caucuses stretching from the Armenian capital of Yerevan to the Georgian capital of Tbilisi. If you are after a culture-packed holiday experience and enjoy exploring new and exciting destinations, then this is the tour for you. On this 12-day culture tour, you will have a full city tour of Yerevan and Tbilisi as well as visits to several quaint villages, sites of ancient cities, beautiful lakes, monasteries and exquisite wineries.
City tours of Tbilisi and Yerevan
Exclusive wine tasting experience in Areni
Exploring the Garni Temple
Spectacular views of the Alazani Valley from the old-Georgian city of Signagi
Stopping in the beautiful mountainous region of Dilijan
Visiting the Ancient City of Mtskheta
Visit to two Armenian UNESCO World Heritage sites Zvartnots Temple and Echmiatsin Cathedral
Itinerary


Yerevan
The capital of Armenia and its largest city, Yerevan has been occupied since the 8th century BC and is one of the oldest continuously occupied cities in the world. Although the city is known for its Soviet architecture, it has a vibrant cultural identity which it expresses through classical artistry, musical fountains, unique museums and its founding landmark, Erebuni Fortress.
Day 1
Arrival in Yerevan
Welcome to Yerevan! Your driver will meet you at your scheduled arrival point (airport or railway station) before taking you to your hotel.
After checking into your hotel, you will have some free time to explore the city by yourself or rest and relax in your hotel.
Arrival Transfer
Free Time
Scenic Surrounds
Day 2
City Tour of Yerevan
After a good night’s sleep breakfast will kick off your experience with a Yerevan city tour where you see some of the city’s most iconic landmarks including Republic Square, the Mother Armenia Monument, the President’s Palace and more.
Later, you will visit two of Yerevan’s most popular museums exploring the country’s past and present, the Genocide Memorial Museum and the Cascade Complex of modern art. After your museum tours, you will head over to the Armenian Central Market where you will find everything from hand-crafted souvenirs to locally sourced products.
Optional:
Experience a 1-hour tour around an Armenian brandy factory where you will get to learn more about how brandy is made, prepared and stored before getting the chance to try some yourself!
Breakfast
City Tour
Mother Armenia Monument
Republic Square
Scenic Surrounds
Genocide Memorial and Museum
Cascade Complex of modern art
Armenian Central Market
Optional excursions
Day 3
Visiting Ancient Temples in Garni
After having breakfast in your hotel, your driver will take you to Matenadaran, one of the largest depositories of ancient manuscripts in the world with scripts dating back as far as the 7th century.
Next, you will set out on the road to Garni, home of the mysterious Garni Temple. The temple is known to be the only remaining pagan temple in Armenia dating back to the 1st century AD and devoted to the Sun God Myrth.
The final part of today’s tour will take you the Geghard Monastery, built between the 12th and 13th centuries where you will get the option to stay for a concert of liturgical songs, before heading back to your hotel in Yerevan.
Optional:
You will stop for a family-hosted lunch where you will get to see the locals make traditional ‘Lavash’ (Armenian flatbreads) and taste a range of homemade vodkas and wines made from apricots, grapes, mulberry and apple.
Optional:
Enjoy a thriling 4×4 experience to the natural phenomenon Garni Canyon.
Breakfast
Garni Temple
Geghard Monastery
Religious Buildings & Monuments
Scenic Surrounds
Prominent Landscape
Cultural Immersive Experience
Optional Extras
Day 4
Trip to Zvartnots temple
After breakfast, you will start the day with a visit to two Armenian UNESCO World Heritage sites. The first, a journey to Zvartnots, a temple built in the 7th century displaying a unique example of Armenian architecture for the early Christian period and the Echmiatsin Cathedral. The museum of the Cathedral has a huge collection of religious artefacts made from gold, silver and precious stones along with a legendary holy spear.
Optional:
Drive to the Ara Village to visit the Nairian local bio cosmetic farm, where you will get to see cosmetics being produced from locally sourced ingredients. Your excursion will start with a walking tour through gardens rich with herbs and flowers used in the cosmetics process, followed by a tour of the laboratory and production facility with a talk from one of the researchers.
Breakfast
Zvartnots Temple
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Scenic Surrounds
Echmiatsin Cathedral
Prominent Landscape
Optional Extras
Day 5
Wine Tasting in Areni
You will start your day with breakfast at your hotel before heading out on a drive to the Ararat Valley to visit the Khor Virap Church where you will see the best views of the biblical Mt Ararat and delve into the dungeon beneath.
Next, you will come to the village of Areni, one of the main wine producing regions of Armenia, where you will enjoy an exclusive wine cellar / cave tour followed by a wine tasting experience before continuing along the scenic red-rock route to the 13th century Noravank Monastery.
After your visit to the Noravank, you will begin your journey to Southern Armenia where you will stop at the beautiful city of Goris, renowned for its unique architecture surrounded by high rock faces.
On arrival in Goris you will check into your hotel before having a bit of free time to do some exploring on your own and enjoying an evening meal.
Optional:
Enjoy a 4×4 jeep experience to Arpa (Gnishik), a protected area with the opportunity to observe the elusive bezoar goats.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Ararat Valley
Khor Virap Monastery
Prominent Landscape
Noravank Monastery
wine tasting experience
Scenic Surrounds
Optional Extras
Travel to


Sevan
A popular resort area in Armenia, Sevan is situated on the north-western shore of Lake Sevan, a natural beauty spot within the Sevan National Park. The city was founded as Yelenovka in the 19th century after Yelena Pavlovna the daughter of Tsar Paul I of Russia before being renamed in 1935 to Sevan after the nearby lake. It noted for the 9th century, Sevanavank Monastery, a unique example of medieval Armenian architecture.
Day 6
Experience Spectacular Views of Sevan Lake
After breakfast, you can start your morning with a ride on the ‘Tatever’, known for being the longest ropeway in the world, stretching over the canyons to the Monastery of Tatev. Your driver will then begin the journey to Sevan Lake via the spectacular Selim Pass. On the way, you will stop for a local lunch and visit the Selim Pass Karavansaray, which was used as a rest stop by Silk road caravans in times gone by.
After arriving at the beautiful Sevan Lake, you will have free time for a scenic nature walk to inhale that fresh mountain air before dinner.
Optional:
Drive to Shinuhayr village, where you will get a glimpse into rural Armenian life from wool washing, spinning and carpet making. Lunch will be included while visiting the village. Alternatively, you can visit a local family cheese cellar in the village of Qavar where you will get to learn about traditional cheese making methods before getting to try some for yourself.
Optional:
Visit a local family cheese cellar in the village of Qavar. You will learn more about how the cheese is prepared before taking part in the cheese making process yourself! You will get the chance to taste a spectacular selection of aged homemade cheeses with a side of traditional Armenian brandy.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Lake Sevan
Prominent Landscape
Tatever ropeway
Monastery of Tatev
Scenic Surrounds
Selim Pass Karavansaray
Optional Extras
Day 7
Walking Tour in Dilijan
After breakfast, your driver will pick you up from the hotel and take you to the beautiful region of Dilijan, known as the ‘Armenian Switzerland’. Enjoy a short walking tour of the city including a visit to the handicrafts market where you get to see souvenirs created in wood, stone and ceramics.
Your journey will continue through Armenia’s sprawling forest region onto the magical Haghartsin Monastery before driving to the north of Georgia. Also, visiting the Haghpat Monastery, a masterpiece of medieval architecture.
Your driver will continue onto the Armenian-Georgian border at Sadakhlo where you will start part two of your adventure in Georgia.
Optional:
While on the route to Georgia, you can visit the beautiful village of Moloques, set up by a Russian religious community or pass by Vanadzor, where a special workshop session led by Khachkar craftsman Mr. Bodgan Hovhanissian can be arranged.
Breakfast & Dinner
Dilijan
Scenic Surrounds
Souvenir Shopping
Haghartsin Monastery
Transfer
Armenian-Georgian border at Sadakhlo
Optional Extras
Travel to


Tbilisi
Located on the banks of the Kura River, Tbilisi, is the capital and largest city of Georgia. The city was a point of contention between many empires due to its prominent position on the Silk Road and has been under Persian and Russian rule which has contributed to its ecclectic architectural style. Tbilisi is best known for its Orthodox cathedrals, sulphur baths, and the Narikala Fortress, a reconstructed 4th-century fortress that overlooks the city.
Day 8
City Tour of Tbilisi
After breakfast, you will have a tour of the Georgian capital of Tbilisi, a significant Silk Road trading post on the crossroads of Europe and Asia. The city has a complex and unique heritage that can be seen within its architecture, and you will get to see many of the most famous attractions, including the Metekhi church, the statue of king Vakhtang Gorgasali (founder of Tbilisi), the Mshrali Khidi and more.
Next, you will get the chance to ride by cable way from Rike Park to Narilaka fortress, then walk down from Narikala fortress to Abanotubani, the ancient district of Tbilisi, known for its sulfuric baths. Your day in the city will conclude with a walking tour along Rustaveli Avenue – the main street in Tbilisi.
Breakfast & Dinner
City Tour
Tbilisi Old City
Metekhi Church
Scenic Surrounds
Narikala fortress
Rike Park
Rustaveli Avenue
Souvenir Shopping
Day 9
Visit to Signagi ‘City of Love’
After a hotel breakfast, you will drive to the Kakheti region in eastern Georgia, known exclusively its fantastic vineyards and wineries. You will first stop at the ancient city of Signagi, (known as the city of Love) where you will see the splendour of Georgian architecture from stone paved streets to old-Georgian style balconies, while overlooking magnificent Alazani Valley. While here, you will enjoy a family-hosted lunch of Shashlik followed by wine tasting in the cellar.
After your visit to Signagi, you will continue to Bodbe Monastery. The monastery was originally built in the 7th century and remodelled in the 17th century and is now regarded as a major pilgrimage site and nunnery in Georgia.
Your driver will take you back to your hotel in Tbilisi where you will get some free time to explore or go out for an evening meal.
Optional:
Visit a local family and enjoy a Georgian culinary masterclass making ‘Shurchkhela’, a famous Georgian sweet that includes a string of nuts dipped in grape juice.
Breakfast & Lunch
Kakheti region
Prominent Landscape
Signagi ‘City of Love’
Cultural Immersive Experience
Food & Drink Experience
Wine tasting
Bodbe Monastery
Scenic Surrounds
Day 10
Drive to Ananuri
Today, you will enjoy a drive around some of Georgia’s most scenic hotspots. After breakfast, your driver will pick you up from the hotel before setting off on the journey to Ananuri. This castle complex overlooks the pristine Jinvali reservoir flanked by mountain peaks and is the perfect stop for a unique photo opportunity.
You will continue to drive on the route to Kazbegi by crossing the Jvari Pass where you will enjoy spectacular views from the hillside. Next, you will be hiring 4×4 to get to Gergeti Holy Trinity Church situated under Mt Kazbegi. The church is a remarkable monument of Georgian architecture, near to the village of Gergeti.
After your visit to the church, your driver will take you back to your hotel in Tbilisi where you can spend some free time exploring or visiting a local restaurant for an evening meal.
Optional:
Visit a local family and enjoy a unique cooking masterclass where you will get to make one of the national Georgian dishes, ‘khinkali’.
Breakfast & Lunch
Ananuri castle complex
Scenic Surrounds
Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) town
Mount Kazbegi
Prominent Landscape
Gergeti Holy Trinity Church
Free Time
Day 11
Visiting the Ancient City of Mtskheta
The final day of your experience. After breakfast, your driver will take you to Mtskheta, one of the oldest cities in Georgia and the former capital of the ancient Georgian kingdom from 3rd century BC to the 5th century AD. While in Mtskheta, you will visit some more recent reminders of Georgian history in the form of the 11th century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and 6th century Jvari Monastery.
Next, your journey will take you to Gori where you will stop for a visit to the famous Joseph Stalin State Museum, where you will learn all you need to know about the man himself. Finally, you will head to Uplistsikhe, where you will get to explore this old rock-hewn city in the East of Georgia, before driving back to Tbilisi for your final evening.
Breakfast & Lunch
Mtskheta Old City
Prominent Landscape
11th century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
6th century Jvari Monastery
Joseph Stalin Museum
Scenic Surrounds
Uplistsikhe ancient rock-hewn town
Guided History Tour
Breakfast
Free Time
Scenic Surrounds
Departure Transfer
Where you can stay
A hotel can be the make or break of any experience, and we understand that choosing the right hotel is important to our travellers. Check out our range of hotels ahead of time, and learn more about our standard 3-star options and the luxury 5-star upgrades that are available in the destinations you will be visiting.
Please note that the selection of hotels included here are examples of where you may stay on your tour, we will pick the best option for you based on your travel requirements.
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Dates & Rates
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*This tour’s total cost is an estimate, based on travel costs prior to tickets being released. The price is subject to fluctation of up to 10%.† Based on 2 people sharing a twin room.
More information
What’s included
Accommodation as part of the tour
Activities (as specified in the tour itinerary)
All tours are COVID-19 secure and offer flexible booking options. Visit our Covid-19 information page to find out more
English guide and local driver
Food and drink (as mentioned in the tour itinerary)
Transport as part of the tour including airport / railway station transfers
What’s not included
4×4 experience at Garni canyon
International train / plane tickets
Optional excursions and activities
Personal costs (souvenirs, additional snacks etc)
Professional photo & video shooting in museums
Tips for drivers/guides/in restaurants
Travel / medical insurance
Visas
Travel Tips
All travellers are asked to check the vaccination requirements before travel. Visit our Vaccines and Health page to find out more
Any dietary or allergy requirements will need to be disclosed before the start of the tour
Carrying a water bottle with you is recommended
Medication should always be taken with you and kept on your person
Please ensure that you keep any personal documents and valuables on your person at all times
WIFI will be available at most of the hotels, although mobile coverage may vary in rural areas
Your local guides will recommend stops where you can go souvenir shopping during your tour
Special notes
The itinerary, prices and departure dates for this tour will be confirmed on request.
Suggested reading
Enrich your travel experience with our list of top recommended books from specialist travel guides to compelling novels. Whether you are looking for something to pass the time on the train, or want to get to grips with the local history, reading is essential to turning your trip into a fully-fledged experience.
Armenian History: A Captivating Guide to the History of Armenia and the Armenian Genocide
A magnificent guide delving into one of the worlds lesser-known regions, this book will explore the rich heritage and often tumultuous history of Armenia. The country has endured many invasions, revolutions and rebellions dating over a millennia, yet, despite being under the reign of many empires from the Romans to the Ottomans, the country has carved a unique cultural identity that can still be found within its surviving monuments and, of course, its people.
Edge of Empires: A History of Georgia
Standing at the crossroads of Europe and the Muslim world, Georgia is a country of extremes and, historically, one of the most turbulent histories known in the Christian world. Yet, despite its political and cultural significance few histories have really got to grips with the country, offering a post-Soviet focus. Rayfield works to readdress the balance covering the history of Georgia from its traces in ancient Anatolia right up to the present day and the formation of a new Georgia after the collapse of the Soviet Union. This compelling text is a must for anyone looking to learn more about Georgian history.
Georgia, Armenia & Azerbaijan
The ultimate guidebook to the Caucasus that no tourist can go without! Lonely Planet’s Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan is packed full of almost everything you need when travelling to these three spectacular Caucasus countries including the best places to eat in its most popular cities, what you need to see while you are there, cultural highlights and more. In addition to its noteworthy insider tips about key attractions such as the Sheki Palace, Narikala Fortress and the monasteries of Armenia, this guide includes regional maps that are invaluable to even the most seasoned traveller.
The Art of Armenia: An Introduction
Featuring illustrations of the fascinating artist examples from across the breath of Armenia, this introduction to the art of Armenia is perfect for those wanting to learn more about not only art, but Armenian culture as a whole. Armenia’s visual culture dates as far back as the Palaeolithic era and is diverse as it is old with influences from Byzantium, the Islamic world, Yuan-dynasty China, and 17th century Europe and beyond, and this book presents a chronological timeline of art ranging from antiquity to the early 18th century.
Yes and No Stories: A Book of Georgian Folk Tales
An incredible collection of folk tales and long held traditions from Georgia. Papashvily brings together tales from all corners of Georgia with spectacular illustrations from a Russian émigré fine artist and theatrical designer. These children’s tales are firmly cemented in the traditions of Georgian culture told with a unique voice and filled with unexpected humorous twists. As the old storyteller says himself “a story is a letter that comes to us from yesterday. Each man who tells it adds his word to the message – and sends it on to tomorrow.”
Extras & Upgrades
Extras
Sorry, we currently do not have any extras readily available for this tour. However, if you are interested in customising your travel experience, please contact our Sales team at travel@realrussia.co.uk for assistance.
Upgrades
Sorry, we currently do not have any upgrades readily available for this tour. However, if you are interested in customising your travel experience, please contact our Sales team at travel@realrussia.co.uk for assistance.
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