Jewels of the Caucasus - Armenia and Georgia in 13 Days
Discover the best of Armenia and Georgia in 13 days: medieval monasteries, cave cities, Mount Kazbek, spectacular canyons and the rich culture of the Caucasus.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Yerevan
Transfer from Zvartnots airport to hotel in Yerevan with guide assistance.
Day 2: Yerevan - Garni - Geghard
City tour of Yerevan: Republic Square, Cascade and views of Mount Ararat. Visit to the Armenian Genocide Museum and Memorial. In the afternoon, excursion to the Hellenistic Temple of Garni and Geghard Monastery (World Heritage Site).
Day 3: Yerevan - Saghmosavank - Haghpat - Sanahin - Tbilisi
Route north visiting Saghmosavank Monastery above the Kasagh River canyon. Exploration of Sanahin and Haghpat monasteries (World Heritage Sites). Border crossing at Sadakhlo into Georgia and arrival in Tbilisi.
Day 4: Tbilisi - Guided Tour
Tour along Rustaveli Avenue, Metekhi Square, cable car ride to Narikala Fortress. Walk through Abanotubani district with its sulfur baths and visit to Anchiskhati Basilica.
Day 5: Tbilisi - Ananuri - Kazbegi - Tbilisi
Excursion along the Georgian Military Highway. Visit to Ananuri Fortress by Zhinvali Reservoir. Ascent to Gergeti Trinity Church with views of Mount Kazbek.
Day 6: Tbilisi - Mtskheta - Uplistsikhe - Gori - Kutaisi
Visit to Mtskheta: Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (World Heritage Sites). Exploration of Uplistsikhe cave city. Stop in Gori to visit Stalin Museum. Arrival in Kutaisi.
Day 7: Kutaisi - Okatse Canyon - Martvili Canyon - Kutaisi
Adventure in Okatse Canyon with its 700-meter hanging walkway. Visit to Martvili Canyon with boat ride on its emerald waters (water level permitting).
Day 8: Kutaisi - Bagrati - Gelati - Prometheus Cave - Borjomi - Akhaltsikhe
Visit to Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati Monastery (World Heritage Site). Exploration of Prometheus Cave with its millennial formations. Stop in Borjomi to discover its mineral springs. Arrival in Akhaltsikhe.
Day 9: Akhaltsikhe - Vardzia - Khertvisi - Bavra - Gyumri
Visit to Vardzia cave monastery-city with its medieval frescoes. Contemplation of Khertvisi Fortress. Border crossing at Bavra into Armenia and arrival in Gyumri.
Day 10: Gyumri - Dilijan - Lake Sevan - Yerevan
Walk through Gyumri admiring its volcanic tufa architecture. Visit to Dilijan old town, Armenia's "Little Switzerland". Stop at Lake Sevan. Arrival in Yerevan.
Day 11: Yerevan - Khor Virap - Areni Cave - Noravank - Yerevan
Visit to Khor Virap Monastery with views of Mount Ararat. Exploration of Areni Cave, where the world's oldest winery was discovered. Visit to Noravank Monastery nestled among red cliffs.
Day 12: Departure from Yerevan
Transfer from hotel to Zvartnots airport according to flight time.
Let yourself be seduced by the "Jewels of the Caucasus" on a 13-day journey that carefully selects the best that Armenia and Georgia have to offer. This trip is a masterclass in living history, art,and gastronomy, ideal for cultural travelers who want to maximize their time visiting the region's most outstanding places with comfort and style.
Armenian Treasures
The adventure begins in Yerevan, a city full of life and fascinating museums. From there, we head south to discover the impressive Noravank monastery, nestled in a canyon of red rocks that change color with sunlight. We will also visit the cradle of Armenian Christianity in Echmiadzin and the mysterious khachkars (stone crosses) in the Noraduz cemetery, on the shores of Lake Sevan.
The Magic of Georgia
We will cross the border to discover Georgian warmth. We'll start with Tbilisi, getting lost in its narrow streets and enjoying its vibrant art scene. We'll venture into the mountains along the Military Highway to see the iconic Mount Kazbek. The itinerary takes us to the heart of Georgia, visiting Kutaisi and its World Heritage monuments, as well as the underground natural wonders of Prometheus Cave, adorned with illuminated stalactites and stalagmites.
The journey culminates with the exploration of southern Georgia, an area of imposing fortresses like Khertvisi and the cave city of Vardzia, before returning to Armenia through the city of arts and crafts, Gyumri, famous for its black tufa architecture. Thirteen intense days full of unforgettable landscapes and millennial legends that will leave you wanting to return.
Included
- Accommodation: 11 nights in selected 4-star hotels
- Meals: Bed and breakfast
- Transportation: Private vehicle with air conditioning and fuel
- Guide: Professional English-speaking guide throughout the tour
- Logistics: Staff expenses (guide/driver)
- Water: 1 bottle per person/day
- Taxes: Local taxes included
- Entrances: Access to all monuments according to itinerary
Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Lunches and dinners (unless indicated)
- Alcoholic beverages and tips
- Personal expenses