Treasures of the Caucasus - A Journey from Georgia to Armenia in 10 Days
A 10-day journey from Tbilisi to Yerevan discovering ancient vineyards in Kakheti, the majestic Gergeti church beneath Mount Kazbek, the cave city of Vardzia, and Armenian monasteries designated as World Heritage Sites.
Itinerary
DAY 1: Arrival in Tbilisi
Transfer from Tbilisi airport to the hotel with guide assistance.
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Tbilisi Center 4*
Distance: 18 km
DAY 2: Tbilisi - Guided Tour
Cultural immersion on vibrant Rustaveli Avenue, admiring Parliament, the Opera Theater, and Kashveti Church. Visit to Metekhi Square with privileged views over the Mtkvari River. Cable car ride to Narikala Fortress from the 4th century with the best panoramic views of the capital. Tour through the Abanotubani district with its historic sulfur baths. Visit to Anchiskhati Basilica, the city's oldest church.
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Tbilisi Center 4*
DAY 3: Tbilisi - Alaverdi - Nekresi - Kvareli - Telavi
Journey to the Kakheti region crossing Gombori Pass. Visit to the majestic Alaverdi Cathedral from the 11th century, 50 meters high. Ascent to Nekresi Monastery with panoramic views of the Alazani Valley. Wine tasting at Khareba Winery and its famous tunnels carved in rock. Arrival in Telavi, historic capital of the region.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Telavi 4*
Distance: 191 km
DAY 4: Telavi - Ananuri - Gergeti - Gudauri
Journey along the historic Georgian Military Highway. Visit to the fortified complex of Ananuri with its medieval churches reflected in the Jinvali reservoir. Climb to Gergeti Trinity Church in the shadow of Mount Kazbek. Accommodation at Gudauri ski resort.
Accommodation: Marco Polo 4*
Distance: 198 km
DAY 5: Gudauri - Gori - Uplistsikhe - Akhaltsikhe
Visit to the Stalin Museum in Gori, including his birthplace and personal armored train car. Exploration of Uplistsikhe, a fascinating cave city over three millennia old with pagan temples, Christian basilicas, and secret tunnels. Panoramic views over the Mtkvari River.
Accommodation: Hotel Gino Wellness Rabath 4*
Distance: 312 km
DAY 6: Akhaltsikhe - Vardzia - Khertvisi - Bavra - Gyumri
Visit to Vardzia, impressive 12th-century rock-hewn monastery-city with medieval frescoes and the iconic representation of Queen Tamar. Border crossing at Bavra into Armenia with vehicle and guide change. Arrival in Gyumri.
Accommodation: 21 Rooms Hotel 4*
Distance: 193 km
DAY 7: Gyumri - Echmiadzin - Yerevan
Journey to Echmiadzin, the "Armenian Vatican." Visit to Echmiadzin Cathedral, considered the world's oldest Christian church. Exploration of Saint Gayane Church and Saint Hripsime Church, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Arrival in Yerevan.
Accommodation: Hotel Ani Plaza 4*
Distance: 134 km
DAY 8: Yerevan - Garni - Geghard - Yerevan
City tour of Yerevan: Republic Square and the Cascade art complex. Visit to Garni Temple, a 1st-century Hellenistic gem, and the basalt formations "Symphony of Stones." Exploration of Geghard Monastery, UNESCO World Heritage Site, partially carved into rock with breathtaking acoustics.
Accommodation: Hotel Ani Plaza 4*
Distance: 62 km
DAY 9: Yerevan - Sevanavank - Dilijan - Goshavank - Haghartsin - Yerevan
Visit to Lake Sevan, the "Pearl of Armenia," and Sevanavank Monastery with panoramic views of turquoise waters. Tour through Dilijan, the "Switzerland of Armenia." Visit to Goshavank Monastery, an ancient cultural center with carved stones. Exploration of Haghartsin Monastery from the 10th century, hidden in a forested valley.
Accommodation: Hotel Ani Plaza 4*
Distance: 185 km
DAY 10: Transfer to Zvartnots Airport
Transfer from hotel to airport according to scheduled flight time, with guide assistance.
Distance: 13 km
Embark on an unforgettable journey with "Treasures of the Caucasus," a 10-day itinerary designed to unveil the best-kept secrets of Georgia and Armenia. This trip is not a simple transfer between capitals; it is a deep exploration of the cultural, architectural, and landscape transition between two sister nations that are profoundly different. From the sunny vineyards of eastern Georgia to the volcanic highlands of Armenia, every kilometer traveled is a history lesson.
Georgia: From the Cradle of Wine to Cave Cities
The adventure begins in Tbilisi, a city that seduces with its carved wooden balconies and historic sulfur baths. We will head immediately east to the Kakheti region, where the 8,000-year-old winemaking tradition fills the air. We will visit the walled city of Signagi and enjoy views over the Alazani Valley. The contrast arrives as we climb north along the Georgian Military Highway, facing the majesty of the Greater Caucasus in Kazbegi and the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church.
What makes this itinerary special is its foray into southern Georgia. We will travel through history visiting Stalin's birthplace in Gori and the ancient pagan city of Uplistsikhe. The highlight will be the impressive cave city of Vardzia, a 12th-century monastic labyrinth carved into the mountain, and Khertvisi fortress. We will cross the border at Bavra pass, entering Armenia via a less-traveled and more authentic route.
Armenia: The Land of Stone and Faith
Our first stop on Armenian soil will be Gyumri, the country's second city, famous for its black and orange tuff architecture and cultural renaissance. In Yerevan, the vibrant capital, we will immerse ourselves in Armenian spirituality visiting Echmiadzin, the administrative center of the Apostolic Church, and the ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral. The journey culminates with exploration of the pagan temple of Garni and the rock-hewn monastery of Geghard, where acoustics and mysticism provide the perfect finale to ten days of constant discoveries.
Included
- Accommodation: 9 nights in selected 4* hotels
- Meals: Bed and breakfast
- Transport: Private vehicle with air conditioning and fuel
- Guide: Professional English-speaking guide throughout
- Logistics: Staff expenses (guide and driver)
- Water: 1 bottle per person/day
- Taxes: Local taxes included
- Entrances: Access to all monuments per itinerary
Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Lunches and dinners (unless indicated)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips
- Personal expenses