Georgia and Armenia
Caucasus Discovery Tour

Arrive in Tbilisi and transfer to hotel accommodation near the city’s Old Town. Depending upon flight arrival schedules there may be time to explore independently. Overnight Hotel Kalasi or similar. No meals are included today.

(Approximate driving time: three-and-a-half-hours)

Today we drive from Tbilisi to the border with Armenia. After completing border formalities, we continue through beautiful countryside to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Haghpat Monastery. Dating from the 10^th century, Haghpat used to be the region’s spiritual, cultural and educational centre and is one of the masterpieces of Armenian medieval architecture. Afterwards we visit neighbouring Sanahin Monastery, another UNESCO World Heritage Site dating from the same century. For those that wish, it is possible to walk between the two monasteries. Later we take a walk in the adjacent village and then drive to the night’s accommodation, blessed with fantastic views over Debed Gorge. Overnight Qefo Hotel or similar. (BLD)

(Approximate driving time: three-and-a-half-hours)

After breakfast we drive through rural landscapes to Dilijan, known as the Little Switzerland of Armenia. En route we visit a village inhabited by minority Molokan ‘milk drinkers’ people, an Orthodox sect exiled from Russia in the 19th Century. In Dilijan we have a short stop to look around the old part of town before heading to the nearby 13th century Haghartsin Monastery, located in the heart of the forest. Afterwards we drive to picturesque Lake Sevan and the 9th century Sevanavank Monastery at the tip of a lakeside peninsula. Later we continue Yerevan, checking-in to hotel accommodation before enjoying dinner of traditional Armenian cuisine at local restaurant. Overnight Royal Plaza Hotel or similar. (BLD)

We start at around 08:30am this morning and enjoy a city tour of Yerevan including visits to a high-scale view point over the city, City Park, Abovyan Street, and Republic Square. Visit the Genocide Memorial and also the museum dedicated to the victims of the Great Genocide that took place in 1915 and the memorial with eternal fire. Then we visit the interesting cascade and the Gafeschian Centre of Art, dedicated to bringing the best of contemporary art from all over the world to Armenia and presenting the best of Armenian culture to the world. Inspired by the vision of its founder, Mr. Gerard L. Cafesjian, this establishment offers a wide variety of exhibitions, the majority of which are derived from Mr. Cafesjian’s own extensive collection of contemporary art. We also have short visit of Matenadaran – a Museum and Scientific Institute of ancient manuscripts, hosting the treasures of Armenian science and around 20.000 ancient manuscripts – the largest collection in the world. The short tour in Matenadaran will be exclusively guided by the most prominent specialists of the Institute. Visit the Yerevan Brandy Factory for a guided excursion to the cellars and a degustation of 2 types of local brandy. Lunch will be at your own leisure and this afternoon is yours to further explore Yerevan. Overnight Hotel Royal Plaza or similar. (B)

There’s an early start today, travelling south to the spectacular Khor Virap Monastery, an important place of pilgrimage for Armenians, and from where there are excellent views to Mt Ararat, across the border in Turkey. After a tour of the monastery we return to Yerevan and discover Etchmiadzin, home of the mother cathedral and the spiritual centre of the Armenian Church. On the way back to Yerevan we attend an Armenian gastronomic masterclass followed by lunch. The afternoon is free to relax or explore Yerevan independently. Overnight Hotel Royal Plaza or similar. (BL)

This morning we drive to Kotayk province for Geghard Monastery and Garni Pagan temple. From Garni there are breath taking views into the canyon and to the strategically located Geghard Monastery below. Garni dates from the 1^st century and is the only pagan temple to remain after Armenia’s adoption of Christianity. In the nearby village we attend a lavash-baking masterclass at a local house where we’ll also have lunch. Later, we return to Yerevan where the rest of the day is free to relax or explore the city independently.  Overnight Hotel Royal Plaza or similar. (BL)

(Approximate driving time: four-hours)

After breakfast we drive to Amberd fortress situated at 2,300m and affording fine views of Mt Ararat. Here we may meet some of the minority Yazidi people who inhabit the area. Afterwards we continue to Gyumri known for its excellent examples of 19^th century Tsarist architecture. The town suffered greatly in the 1988 earthquake and though subject to concerted restoration efforts some areas still show evidence of destruction. Later we cross the border into Georgia at Bavra and travel on to Vardzia, arriving at sunset. Overnight Valodia Cottages or similar. (BLD)

(Approximate driving time: three-hours)

This morning we travel to the oldest fortress in Georgia at Khertvisi. Originally built in the 2^nd century legend suggests this first construction was destroyed by Alexander the Great. Afterwards we explore the fascinating cave town of Vardzia, dating from the 12^th century, continuing to the restored Rabati Castle, dating from the 13th century, before finally arriving in Georgia’s second city of Kutaisi. Overnight at a family run guesthouse with private bathroom. (BLD)

(Approximate driving time: six-hours)

Today we drive to Zugdidi, passing through the villages of the Colkhida lowlands. We visit Dadiani Palace, once home of the Mingrelian Princess of Samegrelo, and its associated museum noted for some fine exhibits of Georgian culture. From Zugdidi the road climbs through the Enguri River valley, past the immense Enguri hydroelectric dam, to Mestia, situated at 1,400m, provincial capital of the Svaneti region. On arrival we visit some characteristic Svan defensive towers, known for their unique architectural style. Overnight at a family run guest house with private bathrooms. (BLD)

(Approximate driving time: four-hours)

After breakfast we drive to Ushguli village, claimed to be the highest permanently inhabited village in Europe at 2,400 metres. On the way we visit the frescoed 11^th century church of Saint George at the hamlet of Nakipari. Arriving in Ushguli, we explore on foot, visiting more mediaeval Svan defensive towers as well as Lamaria Church. Subject to weather conditions, those who wish can take an easy hike along the valley leading to the foot of 5,201m Mt Shkhara on the frontier with the Russian Federation. In the afternoon we return to Mestia. Overnight at a family run guesthouse with private bathroom. (BLD) 

Please note: The road today is of a very poor quality and as such it is necessary to drive very slowly to avoid damage to the vehicle. However, the scenery is worth the effort! The overall driving time is around four-hours for a total distance of only 90km.

This morning we return via Zugdidi to Kutaisi, again driving through the Colkhida lowlands. Kutaisi itself was the capital of the ancient Georgian territory of Colchis, dating from the 13^th to 1^st century BC, home to the legend of Jason’s Argonauts and the Golden Fleece. On arrival we visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gelati Monastery, founded in the 12^th century by King David the Builder. Here King David’s monastery and academy became the foremost centre of education in Georgia. Unique murals of saints and Georgian monarchs may be viewed inside the main cathedral building. Overnight in Kutaisi at a family run guesthouse private bathroom. (BLD)

(Approximate driving time: three-hours)

After breakfast we drive to Gori, a town whose notoriety is entirely down to it being the birthplace of Ioseb Besarionis dzе Jughashvili, better known as Stalin. At the town’s Joseph Stalin Museum we explore the Soviet leader’s personal train carriage, and also see the small house where he spent his early years. Afterwards, we drive a short distance to Uplistsikhe, a cave town dating from the 7^th century BC. Later we join the Georgian Military Highway and snake our way up into the Caucasus Mountains. Here we visit the castle complex of Ananauri, situated on the Aragvi River, before continuing the climb through dramatic scenery to Gudauri, our destination for the evening. Overnight Hotel Alpina or similar. (BLD)

(Approximate driving time: three-and-a-half-hours)

Today we drive across the 2,395m Jvari Pass to the town of Stepantsminda, itself situated at 1,700m and surrounded by 5,000m peaks of the Caucasus. Subject to weather conditions, there’s an opportunity to walk up to the Sameba Church, set below 5,054m Mt Kazbek. For those not wanting to walk, it’s possible to hire jeeps for an extra charge and take an alternate track. Later we drive to the city of Mtskheta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and ancient Georgian capital. Among numerous historic sights, we explore the 11^th century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and the 6^th century Jvari Monastery, finally returning to Tbilisi. Overnight Hotel Kalasi or similar. (BL)

The cost for the optional jeep to Sameba Church is USD 30 per vehicle (max. 4 persons per vehicle)

Today we take a guided walking tour around Old Tbilisi. Highlights include the National Museum, home to treasures that inspired the legend of the Golden Fleece, the Narikala citadel, Metekhi Temple and the Sioni Cathedral. A walk across the modern pedestrian Bridge of Hope offers great a perspective of the Tbilisi’s mix of old and new. Dinner tonight is traditional Georgian cuisine at a local restaurant. Overnight Hotel Kalasi or similar. (BLD)

This morning we drive to Kakheti, due east from Tbilisi and a landscape dotted with fine old churches and characterised by the vineyards of Georgia’s famous wine producers. We first visit Signaghi, a beautiful hilltop town that provides panoramic views of the Alazani Valley and the Eastern Caucasus Mountains. We continue to a local farmer’s house to taste home-made wines and enjoy a lunch of delicious home-made food. Afterwards we return to Tbilisi. Overnight Hotel Kalasi or similar. (BL)

Today the tour ends after breakfast when airport transfers depart to meet onward flights. (B)

Tusheti 5 Day 4 night Optional Extension (post tour itinerary for June and early September) – contact us for pre tour option for the late season departure)

Important Information 

Tusheti is a wild and remote destination. Weather conditions are unpredictable even in summer. The itinerary below is our goal but it may be necessary to change the itinerary at little or no notice due road conditions and/or adverse weather.

Day 15 – Kakheti – Telavi

After lunch we return to Tbilisi. Those taking the tour extension travel to Alaverdi and visit the beautiful cathedral of St George, built in the 11th century in an idyllic setting among vineyards overlooking the lower slopes of the Caucasus Mountains. If time allows, we can visit a local winery before continuing the short distance to Telavi. Overnight Old Telavi or similar. (BL)

(Approximate driving time: six-hours) 

This morning we drive into the spectacular Greater Caucasus range. Before climbing into the mountains, we visit the magnificent 11^th century Alaverdi Cathedral, noted for its glorious high dome. Continuing into the foothills, the route to Tusheti quickly becomes incredibly scenic, passing first through lush forests, via waterfalls, then through gorges and canyons carved by raging torrents. We’ll stop at various points to stretch our legs, soak up the views and enjoy a picnic lunch. In Spring the landscape is covered by endless carpets of myriad wildflower species. After crossing the spectacular and vertiginous 2,927m Abano Pass we continue down into Tusheti. Approaching Omalo, the sheer beauty of this wild region is overwhelming. On arrival in Upper Omalo we check-in to our guesthouse and visit the nearby villages of Diklo and Shenako before returning to Upper Omalo for an evening meal of traditional Georgian fare prepared by our local hosts. Overnight guesthouse. (BLD)

Kindly note that the guesthouse in Omalo is comfortable but phone reception is patchy and at the time of inspection in 2018 there is no WiFi. 

(Driving time approximately 2.5 hours)

Today we visit the village of Dartlo in a neighbouring valley, situated at 1,900m. Here we admire the interesting architecture of the watchtowers and local houses. The village’s small café, set by a picturesque stream, makes a great place to sit and take in the surroundings. We continue by car to the next village of Chesho from where we take a scenic walk through the valley to the village of Parsma. The walk follows a clear mountain river and affords great views of the many medieval watchtowers built to warn of invaders from the Northern Caucasus. At Parsma we enjoy a picnic lunch before returning on foot to Dartlo. Back in Dartlo, it’s possible to visit an abandoned village clinging to the mountainside above, where an eerie watchtower teeters precariously over an abyss. The views from here are mesmerising. Afterwards we return to Omalo. Overnight guesthouse. (BLD)

(Driving time approximately 7-8 hours)

There’s an early departure today for the drive back to Tbilisi. Depending on road conditions, we expect to be back in the Alazani Valley for lunch at a local restaurant, before continuing over the Gorombori Pass to Tbilisi. Overnight Kalasi Hotel or similar. (BL)

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight or perhaps choose to spend some extra time in delightful Tbilisi. (B)