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ACROSS the CAUCASUS
GEORGIA & ARMENIA, 12 days | 11 nights
Discover the hidden gems of the South Caucasus, from the snow-capped peaks of the Greater Caucasus Mountains to the serene shores of Lake Sevan and the rolling vineyards of Kakheti. Wander through the winding streets of Tbilisi’s Old Town, marvel at the rock-hewn monasteries of Geghard and Vardzia, and stand in awe before Mount Ararat, a timeless symbol of the region.
Together, Georgia and Armenia form one of the world’s most captivating crossroads, where Europe meets Asia. Travelers are welcomed with legendary Caucasian hospitality, where guests are treated as family. Both countries are considered safe for visitors, with tourism a proud and growing tradition.
Currency in Georgia is Georgian Lari (GEL / ₾), while in Armenia is Armenian Dram (AMD / ֏). Credit and debit cards are accepted in major cities, but cash is useful in smaller towns and rural areas.
SIM Cards are widely available at airports and in cities. Main providers in Georgia are Magti, Geocell, Cellfie, and in Armenia are Viva-MTS, Ucom, Beeline. eSIM options are also available.
Time zone for both Georgia and Armenia is GMT +4
Visa: Many nationalities (EU, US, Canada, UK, etc.) enjoy visa-free entry for both Georgia and Armenia. No visa needed when traveling between the two countries.
Best Time to Visit: spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) are ideal, with mild weather, blooming landscapes, and harvest festivals. Summer is excellent for trekking in Caucasus Mountains and leisure on Black Sea seashore, while winter offers skiing opportunities in Gudauri, Mestia, Bakuriani and Tsakhkadzor.
Day 1 Arrival and Sacred Capital
Upon arrival in Kutaisi International Airport, we drive to the ancient capital of Georgia – Mtskheta. Here, you will visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th c.), one of the most sacred churches in the country, and Jvari Monastery (6th c.), standing on a hilltop with breath-taking views of the confluence of two rivers. In the evening, we arrive in Tbilisi for dinner and overnight.
Day 2 Discovering Tbilisi,
the City of Contrasts
A full day dedicated to Georgia’s capital. We explore the National Museum of Georgia, take a cable car ride up to Narikala Fortress, and wander through the charming Old Town with its narrow streets, colourful houses, and famous sulphur bath district. The day ends with free time to enjoy Tbilisi’s vibrant atmosphere, followed by dinner.
Day 3 Georgian Mountains
We follow the dramatic Georgian Military Highway north. Our first stop is Ananuri Fortress (16th–17th c.), overlooking the turquoise waters of Jinvali Reservoir. Continuing to Stepantsminda (Kazbegi), we switch to 4x4 jeeps and climb to Gergeti Trinity Church (14th c.), standing at 2170 m with Mt. Kazbek as its backdrop. Return to Tbilisi for dinner and overnight.
Day 4 Tradition of Winery and Supra
Today we travel east to Georgia’s wine heartland – Kakheti. We visit the peaceful Bodbe Monastery, the resting place of St. Nino, and then stroll through Sighnaghi, the “City of Love,” surrounded by defensive walls and overlooking the Alazani Valley. In the afternoon, we enjoy a traditional Georgian supra with wine tasting at a local winery before returning to Tbilisi.
Day 5 Crossing into Armenia
Leaving Georgia behind, we enter Armenia and explore one of its medieval treasures – Haghpat Monastery (10th c., UNESCO) or Goshavank (12th c.), known for their stone-carved khachkars. We continue to the “Pearl of Armenia” – Lake Sevan, where we visit Sevanavank Monastery perched on a peninsula. In the evening, we arrive in Yerevan.
Day 6 Exploring the Pink city of Yerevan
Yerevan is one of the world’s oldest capitals, older than Rome. We visit the Parajanov Museum, the Matenadaran manuscript collection with priceless ancient texts, and the modern Cascade complex with its open-air art displays. After some free time to stroll Republic Square or the local market, we enjoy dinner in Yerevan.
Day 7 In the Ararat Valley
This day takes us to Khor Virap Monastery, where Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned – with a spectacular view of Mount Ararat. We continue to Areni, the cradle of winemaking, where archaeologists discovered the oldest winery in the world (6,000 years old) inside Areni-1 Cave. Later, we visit the stunning Noravank Monastery (13th c.), dramatically set among red cliffs. Return to Yerevan for dinner.
Day 8 From Paganism to early Christianity
We visit the pagan temple in Garni (1st c.), the only Greco-Roman colonnaded temple in the Caucasus, followed by Geghard Monastery (UNESCO), partly carved into the surrounding rock. In the afternoon, we travel to Gyumri, Armenia’s cultural capital, known for its 19th-century black tufa stone houses. Dinner and overnight in Gyumri.
Day 9 The Black Town and Cave Town
After a short city tour of Gyumri, we return to Georgia. On the way, we stop at Khertvisi Fortress (10th c.) for photos, and continue to Vardzia Cave Town (12th c.), a spectacular rock-hewn settlement founded by Queen Tamar. Dinner and overnight in Akhaltsikhe.
Day 10 From Castles to Forests
We explore Rabati Castle, a multicultural fortress complex blending Georgian and Ottoman influences. Next, we stop in Borjomi, famous for its healing mineral waters, before heading to Kutaisi. Dinner and overnight in Kutaisi.
Day 11 Ancient Kutaisi and the Underground World
In Kutaisi, one of Georgia’s oldest cities, we visit the lively bazaar, Bagrati Cathedral, and Colchis Fountain. Later, we descend into the magical Prometheus Cave, full of stalactites, stalagmites, and underground rivers.
To conclude, we visit either Gelati Monastery (UNESCO, founded by King David the Builder) or the picturesque Motsameta Monastery. Farewell dinner in Kutaisi.
Day 12 Departure from Kutaisi
Transfer to Kutaisi Airport for your departure flight.