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Georgia & Armenia Explorer

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Georgia & Armenia Explorer

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Description

With this 11-day adventure, you’ll travel overland from Georgia to Armenia and experience off-the-beaten-track landscapes and welcoming, local people. Wander the streets of 3000-year-old Kutaisi, see some iconic monasteries like Khor Virap and Sevanavank and leave the crowds to explore an abandoned Soviet spa town. Join a Molokan family for lunch to learn about their traditions, hike in search of medieval monasteries, meet local wine makers with two wine tastings in Georgia and Armenia, and try your hand at Dolma making with a local cooking demonstration. With a night on the shores of Lake Sevan and a range of diverse experiences that highlight the best of these two amazing destinations, you’ll be in for an adventure to remember.

Trip Name
Georgia & Armenia Explorer
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
11
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Support local communities – visit the first café in Armenia to provide employment opportunities to people living with disabilities, stay by Lake Sevan at a local NGO committed to inclusivity and attend a cooking workshop where the local women work to preserve Armenian culture.
  • Veer off the tourist track to see the lesser-known side of Georgia – see the Soviet ghost town of Tskhaltubo to wander the abandoned sanatoriums, explore Vardzia’s Cave Town to learn about 12th-century history and walk to Borjomi’s natural mineral springs.
  • Follow a peaceful forest trail to two secluded medieval monasteries in Dilijan National Park – Armenia’s tranquil escape in the heart of the mountains.
  • Learn about the region’s proud wine traditions with a visit to a local family winery in Georgia, then stop for a wine tasting in Armenia.
  • Take in the stunning views of Khor Virap Monastery and Sevanavank Monastery – the ancient buildings set against the natural backdrops of mountains and blue lakes are just as impressive as the layered histories!

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Tbilisi
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.
Day 2 - Kutaisi
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. Your dinner tonight will be at your family-owned hotel to enjoy some fantastic local flavors.
Day 3 - Kutaisi
This morning, you’ll travel 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 (this is one of the oldest wine-making countries in the world) and enjoy a wine tasting. Return to Kutaisi afterwards and you'll have a free afternoon and evening to maybe visit another significant historical site – the Gelati Cathedral. Or, explore the cobbled streets as you make your way up to the ruins of Bagrati Palace and Citadel.
Day 4 - Akhaltsikhe
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 on a leader-led orientation walk and visit Rabati Fortress and Castle – the massive 9th-century fortification gives the surrounding settlement (‘New Castle’ in Georgian) its name.
Day 5 - Gyumri
This morning, set off for 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 explore the site with your leader 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 in the afternoon and explore this charming town with your leader on an orientation walk.
Day 6 - Yerevan
Enjoy a relaxed morning and visit a local bakery in Gyumri – the first inclusive café in Armenia to employ young adults living with disabilities and mothers with special needs children. Then 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. The rest of the day is free for your own discoveries. You may like to head out to notable Armenian Opera and Ballet Theatre for a performance or try local brandy at a famous brandy factory – ask your leader for recommendations.
Day 7 - Yerevan
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. Later, 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 lunch. Soak up the local flavours, get to know the local women and toast to a great adventure! The rest of the day is free. Maybe visit Matenadaran (The Museum of Ancient Manuscripts) or wander around Vernissage Market.
Day 8 - Dilijan
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 that’ss been repeatedly rebuilt since the 5th century with your leader. 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 Fioletovo – a village home to the Molokan religious sect. Join a Molokan family for lunch to learn about their beliefs and traditions, then enjoy their Russian-influenced cuisine of hearty borscht (soup), freshly baked pirozhki (fried buns) and tea served from a samovar (kettle). Next, travel to Dilijan, where you’ll spend the night. When you arrive, join your leader for an orientation walk to explore the town’s architecture and traditional craft workshops. In the evening, visit a modern wine bar to discover the Armenian approach to winemaking and learn how it differs from its Georgian counterpart.
Day 9 - Lake Sevan
Start your day with a hike in Dilijan National Park – one of Armenia’s four national parks, known for its rugged mountains, dense forests and alpine meadows. Follow the trail that connects two 13th-century monasteries and see how this vibrant cultural centre is slowly being reclaimed by nature. After the hike, continue to Lake Sevan – one of the largest high-altitude freshwater lakes in the world. Surrounded by mountains and known for its striking turquoise waters, Lake Sevan is a popular summer retreat for locals. Your accommodation is a lodge set up by a local NGO, whose mission is to encourage inclusivity and accessibility for people living with disabilities to experience and enjoy nature. When you arrive, maybe take a swim in the scenic lake or simply relax outside and enjoy the view.
Day 10 - Yerevan
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.
Day 11 - Yerevan
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.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
18-04-202628-04-2026AUD $ 3,416-
22-04-202602-05-2026AUD $ 3,866-
25-04-202605-05-2026AUD $ 4,490-
27-04-202607-05-2026AUD $ 4,095-
29-04-202609-05-2026AUD $ 4,695-
02-05-202612-05-2026AUD $ 4,695-
06-05-202616-05-2026AUD $ 4,695-
09-05-202619-05-2026AUD $ 4,695-
13-05-202623-05-2026AUD $ 4,760-
18-05-202628-05-2026AUD $ 4,695-
20-05-202630-05-2026AUD $ 4,660-
27-05-202606-06-2026AUD $ 4,360-
30-05-202609-06-2026AUD $ 4,260-
03-06-202613-06-2026AUD $ 4,660-
10-06-202620-06-2026AUD $ 4,690-
13-06-202623-06-2026AUD $ 3,910-
17-06-202627-06-2026AUD $ 4,660-
24-06-202604-07-2026AUD $ 4,495-
27-06-202607-07-2026AUD $ 4,090-
01-07-202611-07-2026AUD $ 4,395-
04-07-202614-07-2026AUD $ 3,910-
08-07-202618-07-2026AUD $ 4,590-
15-07-202625-07-2026AUD $ 4,390-
22-07-202601-08-2026AUD $ 4,060-
25-07-202604-08-2026AUD $ 3,910-
01-08-202611-08-2026AUD $ 4,090-
05-08-202615-08-2026AUD $ 4,595-
12-08-202622-08-2026AUD $ 4,690-
19-08-202629-08-2026AUD $ 4,530-
22-08-202601-09-2026AUD $ 4,190-
26-08-202605-09-2026AUD $ 4,460-
02-09-202612-09-2026AUD $ 4,595-
05-09-202615-09-2026AUD $ 4,695-
09-09-202619-09-2026AUD $ 4,695-
12-09-202622-09-2026AUD $ 4,695-
14-09-202624-09-2026AUD $ 4,330-
16-09-202626-09-2026AUD $ 4,460-
19-09-202629-09-2026AUD $ 4,695-
21-09-202601-10-2026AUD $ 4,360-
23-09-202603-10-2026AUD $ 4,695-
26-09-202606-10-2026AUD $ 4,695-
28-09-202608-10-2026AUD $ 4,095-
30-09-202610-10-2026AUD $ 4,695-
03-10-202613-10-2026AUD $ 3,960-
05-10-202615-10-2026AUD $ 3,960-
07-10-202617-10-2026AUD $ 3,990-
10-10-202620-10-2026AUD $ 4,090-
12-10-202622-10-2026AUD $ 3,960-
14-10-202624-10-2026AUD $ 4,590-
17-10-202627-10-2026AUD $ 4,590-
19-10-202629-10-2026AUD $ 3,760-
21-10-202631-10-2026AUD $ 4,530-
24-04-202704-05-2027AUD $ 4,135-
28-04-202708-05-2027AUD $ 4,135-
01-05-202711-05-2027AUD $ 4,465-
05-05-202715-05-2027AUD $ 4,465-
12-05-202722-05-2027AUD $ 4,465-
19-05-202729-05-2027AUD $ 4,465-
26-05-202705-06-2027AUD $ 4,465-
29-05-202708-06-2027AUD $ 4,465-
09-06-202719-06-2027AUD $ 4,465-
16-06-202726-06-2027AUD $ 4,300-
23-06-202703-07-2027AUD $ 4,300-
07-07-202717-07-2027AUD $ 4,300-
21-07-202731-07-2027AUD $ 4,300-
04-08-202714-08-2027AUD $ 4,300-
18-08-202728-08-2027AUD $ 4,300-
25-08-202704-09-2027AUD $ 4,465-
01-09-202711-09-2027AUD $ 4,550-
08-09-202718-09-2027AUD $ 4,550-
11-09-202721-09-2027AUD $ 4,550-
18-09-202728-09-2027AUD $ 4,550-
22-09-202702-10-2027AUD $ 4,550-
25-09-202705-10-2027AUD $ 4,550-
02-10-202712-10-2027AUD $ 4,135-
06-10-202716-10-2027AUD $ 4,135-
13-10-202723-10-2027AUD $ 4,135-
20-10-202730-10-2027AUD $ 4,135-

Accommodation

Hotel (8 nights), Guest House (1 night), Lake Cottage (1 night)

Transport

Private vehicle, Public bus, Taxi, Train

Map

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