Georgia & Armenia Explorer

Gamarjoba! Welcome to Georgia. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, explore Tbilisi at your own pace. With its picturesque architecture, inviting cafes and wine bars dotted around the downtown area, there’s plenty to keep you occupied! After your meeting, why not head out with your group for a welcome dinner and sample the local cuisine – your leader will always have some great recommendations.

Today, you’ll head to Kutaisi by train. The third largest city in the country, Kutaisi is more than 3000 years old and connected to the legend of Jason and the Argonauts, with his mythical Golden Fleece. When you arrive, follow your leader for an orientation walk around the city, passing City Hall, the Opera House, Mon Plesier Arch and Mtsvane Bazari (a local market) known for its fresh vegetables, fruits, natural dairy products and variety of spices. Later, jump on the Soviet Aerial tramway for some great views of the city. You'll have a free afternoon and evening to maybe visit another significant historical site – the Gelati Cathedra. Or, explore the cobbled streets as you make your way up to the ruins of Bagrati Palace and Citadel. (B)

This morning, you’ll travel like the locals and hop on a public bus to Tskhaltubo – the Soviet ghost town home to some abandoned sanatoriums. Wander some of the empty halls and rooms that seem straight out of an apocalyptic movie, featuring decorated ceilings, grand pillars, huge staircases and lots of graffiti. This atmosphere also makes for some great photos! After, you’ll visit a family winery to learn about the traditional way of making Georgian wine – one of the oldest wine-making countries in the world. Sit down to a hearty home-cooked Georgian lunch, complete with a wine tasting. This afternoon, return to Kutaisi for some free time. (B/L)

Drive to Akhaltsikhe today, stopping along the way in Borjomi – famous for its naturally fizzy mineral water. Take a short walk with your leader to the mineral springs and maybe grab some lunch while you’re here. Continue the journey to Akhaltsikhe, arriving in the mid-afternoon. When you arrive, you’ll get your bearings with your local leader on an orientation walk. Then, you have a free afternoon to explore at your own pace. Maybe see the Rabati Fortress and Castle – the massive 9th-century fortification gives the surrounding settlement (‘New Castle’ in Georgian) its name. (B)

Take a private transfer to the once mighty cave city of Vardzia, which stretches over half a kilometre along the Mtkvari River and has 19 tiers of winding cobbled streets. Within the complex, there’s a rock-hewn church with 12th-century frescos, dwelling quarters, small, hall-type churches, refectories and wine cellars. You’ll take a tour of the site with a local guide who will give some historical context and explain the rise and fall of the city, which now serves as a working monastery. Then, continue across the border into Armenia, arriving in Gyumri around lunchtime. Head out for a walking tour of the city with your leader and visit a local bakery – the first inclusive café in Armenia to employ young adults living with disabilities and mothers with special needs children. Maybe grab some lunch here before a free afternoon and evening. (B)

After a relaxing morning, take a train to Yerevan – Armenia's capital, Yerevan is known for its grand Soviet-era architecture and mountainous backdrop. After check-in this afternoon, you’ll head out on an orientation walk with your leader. Visit the ethnographic house that showcases Armenian traditions and culture, founded by local women who aim to preserve and educate. Meet your hosts and take part in a cooking demonstration to learn how the signature dish of Dolma (stuffed vegetables) is made, with the Armenian twist! After learning the tricks of the trade from local masters, you’ll sit down to enjoy the dish for dinner. Soak up the local flavours, get to know the local women and toast to a great evening! (B/D)

This morning, meet with a local guide who will introduce you to the sights and sounds of Yerevan on a tour of the city. Established in 782 BC, Armenia’s capital is one of the oldest cities in the world. Nowadays, the city’s liveliness comes from its ancient culture mixed with a modern lifestyle. See Republic Square, then head to the Cafesjian Center – an open-air museum of modern art. Continue on to Freedom Square – a lively city hub with its ornate Opera House sitting at the centre. The rest of the day is free. Maybe visit Matenadaran – The Museum of Ancient Manuscripts – or wander around Vernissage Market. (B)

Head to Khor Virap Monastery – over 1000 years old, this is the most sacred monastery in Armenia and makes for a stunning view, backdropped by the towering Mt Ararat. Wander the monastery with your leader, which has been repeatedly rebuilt since the 5th century. Legend says King Trdat III imprisoned St Gregory the Illuminator here for 12 years and these days, pilgrims climb down a metal ladder into the well where the saint was incarcerated. Continue to Areni – this old village on the banks of the Arpa River is probably the most important region for winemaking in Armenia. Believed to have been founded by Noah and his sons, who planted the first grapes here, excavations have revealed several findings from the Bronze and Iron Ages, including large clay jars used in winemaking and a 6100-year-old winery! When you arrive, you’ll visit a modern winery and learn about life in the countryside from the locals. See the Armenian way of making wine and what makes it different from Georgian wines, then enjoy a delicious traditional lunch with some paired wines. Head back to this village this afternoon for a free evening. (B/L)

Drive to the northeast shore of Lake Sevan today, stopping along the way at Noravank Monastery – a 13th-century complex and once a spiritual and educational center. After driving through Gnishik Canyon, you’ll arrive at the monastery and maybe even see a few birds of prey soaring above! After wandering the complex, continue to the Arpa Protected Landscape. This is Armenia’s first community-managed protected area, run by a foundation representing the Khachik and Areni villages. Learn how the locals protect the flora and fauna, including the rare Caucasian leopard, Armenian mouflon, European lynx, brown bears and bezoar goats. You’ll head out on a hike with the rangers to find some of the friendly goats. Then continue to visit Orbelian Caravanserai before getting to tonight’s accomodation. Your accommodation is a lodge set up by a local NGO, whose mission it is to encourage inclusivity and accessibility for people living with disabilities to experience and enjoy nature. When you arrive, you might want to kayak out onto the scenic lake or simply relax outside and enjoy the view. (B)

Say goodbye to the glittering blue of Lake Sevan and take your private transfer back to Yerevan, stopping to visit the Sevanavank Monastery along the way. Explore the monastery with your leader and learn about how this ancient monastery complex was transformed from an island to a peninsula, when the lake was partially drained. Hear about the local legends tied to this site, then carry on to Yerevan. You’ll arrive at around midday, and have a free afternoon to explore at your own pace. Tonight, maybe head out for a farewell dinner with your group and toast to an amazing adventure. (B)

With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end this morning after breakfast. If you’d like to extend your adventure, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time. (B)