Georgia and Armenia Tour 17 days

Welcome to one of the most colorful and authentic cities in the world, Tbilisi. After arrival at the airport, your driver will meet you and drive to the hotel for check-in, which is at 2:00 pm. Enjoy your free time in Tbilisi.

After breakfst be at the lobby at 8:30 am for the start of the tour. We start our day by visiting Tsinandali, the historic estate of a Georgian duke, beautifully set within an English-style garden. This property, featuring a museum and an old wine cellar, was once the home of Prince Alexander Chavchavadze, a notable 19th-century statesman and cultural figure. Next, we head to the charming hilltop town of Sighnaghi, famous for its red-tiled roofs and romantic, winding cobblestone streets. As you wander through its labyrinthine alleys, you’ll appreciate the town’s rich history and its impressive defensive walls, which boast 23 towers. Our journey continues to the peaceful Bodbe Convent, dedicated to Saint Nino, the saint who brought Christianity to Georgia. From this tranquil site, enjoy stunning views of the majestic Caucasus Mountains.

We start at Vakhtang Gorgasali’s statue with great views of the old city. Visit Metekhi Church and Narikala Fortress for panoramic city views. Walk down to the sulfur baths and Tbilisi’s only mosque. Stroll through the cozy old town filled with cafés, wine bars, and shops. See landmarks like Sioni Cathedral, Anchiskhati Basilica, Gabriadze Theatre’s clock tower, and the Bridge of Peace. In the evening, enjoy a traditional welcome dinner and show.

After breakfast, we head to Mtskheta, one of Georgia’s oldest towns and its cultural and religious heart. Once the capital of the Kingdom of Iberia, it features the hilltop Jvari Monastery with panoramic views of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers. Next, we visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, a sacred site believed to house Christ’s robe. Then, we continue to the Ananuri Complex, a fortress and church set by the scenic Zhinvali Reservoir. Following the Georgian Military Highway, we pass breathtaking mountain landscapes and stop at a natural mineral spring before reaching its highest point at 2,394 meters. By late afternoon, we arrive in Kazbegi (Stepantsminda), a mountain town framed by majestic Mount Kazbek. We’ll visit the iconic Gergeti Holy Trinity Church at 2,170 meters, offering unforgettable views.

After breakfast, we travel to Gori, the birthplace of Joseph Stalin. Visit the Stalin House Museum, home to over 60,000 artifacts, including his childhood house and the bulletproof train he used for trips to Yalta and Potsdam. Next, explore Uplistsikhe, an ancient cave town from the Hellenistic period, showcasing a fascinating mix of pagan and early Christian rock-cut architecture.

In the evening, return to Tbilisi for an overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, we explore Kutaisi, one of Georgia’s oldest and most historic cities. Visit key landmarks like Bagrati Cathedral and the UNESCO-listed Gelati Monastery, fine examples of medieval architecture. Take a stroll through the local market to experience the city’s authentic charm.

Later, visit Prometheus Cave, famous for its stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and underground lakes.

Return to Kutaisi for an overnight stay and enjoy the city’s relaxed atmosphere.

After an overnight stay in Kutaisi, we begin a scenic drive to Mestia, the heart of Georgia’s Svaneti region. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of mountains, rivers, and remote villages as the landscape transforms into the dramatic beauty of the Greater Caucasus. Mestia greets us with snow-covered peaks and its famous Svan towers — ancient defensive stone structures unique to the region. We’ll visit one of these towers to explore its interior and uncover its historical significance.

After rural breakfast and refreshing coffee or herbal tea we take a 4-wheel ride to Zemo Svaneti (upper Svaneti) to Ushguli village perhaps the highest inhabited rural settlement in Europe at 2200 m above sea level. Enjoy the breathtaking landscapes and tranquility of this small village surrounded by mountains. If we are lucky enough we will observe the snow-covered peak of Mount Shkara 5163m.  We will visit the Ushguli Architectural Complex listed in UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a stroll in the pebbled narrow streets of Ushguly, and enjoy the fresh air. Evening we will take a ride back to Mestia, In The first months of summer the 4-wheel ride takes us through rivers and snowmelt springs. 

This day we will leave the mountainous region and drive to Martvili Canyon. Here we will have a boat ride in crystal clear waters in the deep canyon where the sun reaches hardly. The leisurely ride goes through high cliffs and small waterfalls, providing an excellent experience. We will stop at a small bridge to observe fish in the crystal clear waters and take some nice photos and selfies. After we will drive to Kutaisi for another calm evening. Evening free time for your own explorations. 

Today, we begin with a visit to Borjomi, renowned for its mineral water and lush national park. Take a short walk through Borjomi Central Park and sample the naturally carbonated spring water straight from the source. Next, we head to Akhaltsikhe to explore Rabat Castle, a beautifully restored medieval fortress showcasing a blend of Georgian, Ottoman, and European styles. Wander through its towers, gardens, mosque, and museum. After the visit, we cross into Armenia and continue to Gyumri, the country’s second-largest city, known for its distinctive architecture, lively arts scene, and warm hospitality.

This day is dedicated to Gyumri, the second largest city in Armenia, with its unique architecture and atmosphere. En route, we will visit Mikoyan Museum, the designer of the Russian fighter jet MIG. We continue to Gyumri, where we will visit to Aslamazyan sisters’ gallery to observe the bright and colorful art pieces of these painters. We will take a stroll in the old town with narrow streets, and historical houses made of local black stone tufa. Then we will continue to the 19th century Black Fortress on the hill on the border with Turkey. Free evening in Gyumri to enjoy the local atmosphere in numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars, and take a chance to taste local beer. 

Welcome to Yerevan, we will have a city tour, and start from the Mother Armenia statue, where the best view opens over the city. The next stop is Matenadaran Museum, one of the world’s three biggest depositories of ancient manuscripts. We will continue the walking tour in the city center, will visit Cascade Complex, Stare Opera, and Ballet Theatre, and walk through Abovian Street and Northern Avenue to Republic Square. We continue our trip to Echmiadzin town, to the Machanents Cultural Center for lunch and a traditional Armenian sweets participatory master class. After we will continue to Echmaidzin Cathedral and Museum, which holds important relics of Christianity. In the evening we will be back in Yerevan.

Moring off to Garni Pagan Temple, which is dedicated to Mihr, the Armenian god of the sun. This Rectangular Columnized Hellenistic structure was built in the 1st century AD. Garni Temple is located on an impressive triangle plateau and surrounded by fortress walls.  Here, some parts of the Garni fortress are well preserved, as well as a Roman-style bath with a mosaic floor. After we will continue to the medieval Geghard Cave Monastery, another masterpiece of Armenian architecture and a UNESCO site. Geghard amazes with its cave churches dug in a single cliff. After Geghard, we will drive back to Yerevan for another peaceful evening in Yerevan.

The Southwest of the country awaits us with excellent views of Biblical Mount Ararat. We will visit Khor Virap Monastery and Royal Prison, where Saint Gregory was kept for 13 years for spreading Christianity in Armenia in the third century. We will continue to another jewel of Armenian Spiritual Architecture, Noiravank Monastery amidst the ref cliff valley. We will continue to Yeghegnadzor to check in at the hotel. Dinner will be enjoyed in the local gastro yard, where you will taste Armenian BBQ and local wines. Here it is possible to observe how local fruit vodkas are made. This day we will have a regional overnight in the remote town of Yeghegandzor. 

Today we will pass a part of the Great Silk Road and see the Selim Caravanserai of the 12th century unchanged like frozen in time. The Vardenyats Pass with the highest point of 2400 m. provides stunning views of the endless mountain chains. After we continue to Noratus cemetery, which holds the biggest amount of cross-stones a unique piece of Armenian architecture. Later we will visit a family cheese farm to taste cheeses aged in wine and brandy. The tour continues along Lake Sevan, one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world 1900 m above the sea.  We continue to the Cozy town of Dilijan and visit the Old Dilijan complex, with traditional houses with wooden decorated balconies, and will visit artisan shops, to see their working process. We will stay overnight in Dilijan. Moring off to Garni Pagan Temple, which is dedicated to Mihr, the Armenian god of the sun. This Rectangular Columnized Hellenistic structure was built in the 1st century AD. The temple stands on an impressive triangle plateau surrounded by a deep gorge and impressive mountains from 3 sides. Here some parts of the Garni fortress are well preserved as well as a Roman-style bath with a mosaic floor. After Garni we will continue to Geghard Cave Monastery, which got its name from the Holy Spear (Geghard) kept here. Geghard amazes with its cave churches dug in the single cliff. After Geghard we will drive back to Yerevan for another peaceful evening.

We will end our tour with a gastronomic experience, a cooking class from one of the most honored chefs in Armenia. After breakfast, we will drive to Tsaghkunq Chef House and enjoy herbal tea with a peach baked in the oven. Later we will prepare Armenian fish from Lake Sevan with the chef’s recipe and enjoy the self-made lunch. We will continue the trip to Levon’s Cave a unique man-made cave of 21 meters in depth a nice artwork with labyrinth stairs, and nice halls. After the cave visit, you will have a free evening in Yerevan. 

The morning after breakfast, enjoy your time before your flight. Check-out is at noon, if your flight is in the evening you can leave your luggage at the hotel till airport transfer time. Your private airport transfer will be organized for you according to your flight time.