12 Day Tour of Armenia and Georgia

Details

Armenia and Georgia Tour 14 - 24 September 2025

Armenia has the remains of the oldest winery in the world. Georgia is considered the birthplace of wine and we now know that they began their wine-making tradition 8000 years ago. These caucasian countries tucked between the Black and Caspian Seas and in the shadow of Europe’s highest mountains, are not only beautiful, they have wonderful food, wine, architecture and culture.
The ancient Silk Roads passed through both these countries and this tour will explore the best that Georgia and Armenia have to offer with wine-tastings, visits to food bazaars, amazing architecture and fascinating museums, all in stunning locations.

We will visit some of the most beautiful wine regions in the world, and learn from local winemakers about the ancient tradition of making wine in qvevris, huge terracotta vessels that are buried in the ground. We will taste homemade cheese, bread and other delicious food with local families.
Day 1: 14 Sept - Arrival at Zvartnots International Airport
Transfer to the hotel (most arrivals are late in the evening or after midnight).
Day 2: 15 Sept - Yerevan City tour / mostly walking tour, possibly 1hour’ s drive/
Breakfast at the hotel.
We start the tour in the capital of Armenia, Yerevan. For ages this city has been known as “The Pink City” because of the colour of the stone used to build it. Visit Republic Square, Mashtoc Avenue, The Opera House and the Cascade Complex which houses the Cafesjian Centre for the Arts.

We finish with a tour of the Ararat Cognac factory, where we have the opportunity to taste the world-famous Armenian cognac which was Winston Churchill’s favourite drink.
Dinner at a traditional Armenian restaurant

Day 3: 16 Sept Yerevan-Garni-Geghard- Yerevan / 2 hrs drive, 110 km/
Breakfast at hotel.
Visit the Temple of Garni, a classical Hellenistic temple built in the first century BC. This temple was dedicated to Mythra, a deity popular in the Near East who became the patron goddess of the Roman Empire.
We continue our trip to Geghard Monastery which contains a number of churches and tombs cut into living rock which illustrate Armenian medieval architecture at its highest point. It is renowned for the relics housed there, the most famous being the spear (geghard) which wounded Christ on the Cross and was allegedly brought there by the Apostle Thaddeus.
For lunch, we visit a local house where we can participate in making the famous lavash bread which we will enjoy with cheese.
Return to Yerevan for a free evening.

Day 4: 17 Sept Yerevan – Kndzoresk-- Areni Cave- Momik winery - Goris 280 km
Breakfast at hotel.
Visit the Areni-1 cave complex where there is evidence that this was the first large scale winery in the world (6,100 years old).
Next we drive to nearby Noravank, a 13th century monastery located in a narrow gorge known for its tall, brick-red cliffs.
Lunch and wine tasting at the wine cube at the family run Momik Winery located in the ancient village of Areni and among the top 10 most beautiful wineries in Europe.
The historic, cave city of Khndzoresk, is our next stop. Located on the steep slope of a gorge, the city was protected from enemies and urban development. The 2000 cave dwellings were fully inhabited around the 17th and 18th centuries and remained partially inhabited until 1958.
Drive to our hotel in Goris.

Day 5: 18 Sept - Goris - Lake Sevan - Dilijan 360 km
Breakfast at hotel.
We join the pathways that were once used by the travellers of the Great Silk Road. Drive through the Selim Caravanserai, which served as an important centre of exchange, trade and lodging for Silk Road journeys.
Drive to Tatev where we take the world’s longest non-stop, double-track, cable car over the lush Vorotan Gorge to Tatev Monastery. This monastery is a masterpiece of medieval Armenian architecture and was a famous centre of learning from the 9th to the 13th century.
Lunch at a local restaurant before visiting Noravank, a 13 century monastery located in a narrow gorge known for its tall, brick-red cliffs.
Visit the Mikayelyan Family Farm and taste a variety of unique cheeses. This family run business specialises in wine-cheese, cognac-cheese and horac (parmesan style cheese).
Drive to Lake Sevan, one of the largest, freshwater, high-altitude lakes in the world and enjoy its breathtaking scenery.
We continue to Dilijian where we will check into our hotel and have free time in the evening.

Day 6: 19 Sept - Dilijan– Parz Lake – Goshavank- Ijevan – 30 mins, 130 km/
Breakfast at hotel.
We will have time to walk along the streets in the spa town of Dilijian which is known as the “Switzerland of Armenia”. Walking along Sharambeyan Street, one of the oldest streets of the city, we can see artisan workshops and buy souvenirs from local artists.
Visit the medieval Goshavank Monastery in its beautiful setting.
Visit the stunning Parz Lake in Dilijian National Park.
Drive to the Ijevan Wine-Brandy Factory where we will have lunch and taste their wines and flavoured vodkas.
Drive to border and pass through customs where our Georgian transportation will meet us.
Drive to Tbilisi (approx 1.5 hours) and check into hotel.
Tbilisi has great nightlife, jazz clubs and restaurants.

Day 7: 20 Sept Tbilisi
Breakfast at hotel
11am - Tour of Tbilisi. Georgia’s charming capital, Tbilisi, was a crossroads of the old Silk Road and you will feel this mix of Europe and Asia in the architecture and in the food. We will walk whenever possible and explore old Tbilisi’s ancient sulphur bath district and its pedestrianised streets filled with restaurants, cafes and shops. Highlights include:
Metekhi church 13th c presents one of the most important architectural monuments of old Tbilisi.
Narikala Fortress 4th c dominates the Old Town as a most impressive architectural landmark. With its inaccessible slopes, the fortress served as a main fortification and defended the city for centuries.
Legvtakhevi(“Fig Ravine”) and a little bridge across the river.
Old Sulfur Bathhouses with healing natural warm water have been praised by numerous travellers who visited the city.
Meidan square & Shardeni street neighborhood -famous for cozy cafes, bars, restaurants, souvenir shops, picture galleries.
The Bridge of Peace is the modern architectural glassy bridge in Old Town.
Anchiskhati Basilica 6th c is one of the oldest churches of Tbilisi. The first foundation dates back to 4th c and is associated with the adoption of Christianity in Georgia.

Optional dinner at Honore. This restaurant is owned by a great Georgian character who is a photographer and friend of the organiser (Jo). The huge restaurant is in a former German hospital and has great character.
Overnight in Tbilisi

Day 8 : 21 Sept Tbilisi - Kakheti
Breakfast at hotel
After breakfast we head to the wine making region, Kakheti. Here we will visit some vineyards for wine tasting.
We will also visit the Telavi Market (bazaar) where there are wonderful displays of fruit, vegetables, spices, cheese, meat and churchela (strings of walnuts and hazelnuts that are dipped in grape juice (or other fruit juices) and dried in the open air.

Overnight at Chateau Mosmieri, a wine producer’s hotel surrounded by vineyards.

In the evening we will enjoy a memorable dinner at Togonidze’s family winery, where we will taste delicious local dishes paired with their finest wines. While you dine, you’ll be treated to live performances of traditional Georgian polyphonic songs by local singers, creating a truly authentic atmosphere.

Day 9 : 22 Sept Kakhetti - Kazbegi
Breakfast at hotel.
Depart for Kazbegi mountain.
Stop at Ananuri Fortress (14-17th c). The complex consists of fortificationsand residential buildings of Aragvi Dukes. The purpose of the monument was to control the trade rout and to guard the country from North. There are also beautiful views across Zhinvali reservoir.

We will have a second stop at Gudauri viewpoint. This cylinder monument has spectacular views over Devil’s Valley and the Caucasus Mountains.

Overnight at the beautiful Rooms Hotel with views of the Kazbegi Mountains. Rooms Hotel has bars, restaurants and a spa with indoor swimming pool.

Day 10 : 23 Sept Kazbegi
Today we have two optional visits to a church and a monastery. They are both nearby. For those who wish, there is also good hiking in the area around the hotel.
Visit Gergeti Trinity Church by 4x4.
Drive to Gergeti mountain and the iconic Gergeti Trinity church overlooked by Mt. Kazbegi. Gergeti Holy Trinity Church is an important altar from the 14th century, located on the slope of Mount Kazbegi. The church facade preserves stone decorations depicting ancient rituals and beliefs.

If we are lucky with weather, we will see Mount Kazbegi (5047 m. above sea level). According to the legend Amirani – a cult hero and a prototype of Greek Prometheus, punished by Gods was chained on the mountain.

Visit Dariali Monastery
Dariali Monastic Complex is beautifully nested in Dariali Gorge, between the high mountains of the Greater Caucasus, in just 10 km from the administrative center of Khevi region - townlet Stepantsminda.
The complex is situated in picturesque Dariali – the canyon of river Tergi (Terek), at an elevation of 1300 meters above sea level.

Dinner with masterclass at Keti's Family Cafe. This is an opportunity to see how the iconic Khinkali dumplings are made in Georgia’s mountain regions.
Overnight at Rooms Hotel Kazbegi

Day 11 : 24 Sept Kazbegi - Chateau Mukrani - Mtskheta
Breakfast at hotel.
Wine-tasting and tour at Chateau Mukhrani
Drive to Château Mukhrani – former estate of the Ivane Mukhranbatoni Royal family. We will have a guided tour at the estate, gardens, stable and old wine-cellars, learn the history of Georgian royal family, visit the contemporary winery and factory and find out how Château wines are made. The excursion will be followed by tasting finest Château Mukhrani wines with snacks.

Our private coach will then take us to Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia (3rd century BC to 5th century AD), and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will visit Svetiiskhoveli Cathedral (11th c) which is one of the most sacred places in Georgia.
Then the sixth century Jvara Monastery (6th c) which is just outside of Mtskheta will provide us with beautiful views.
We will stop at a roadside restaurant famous for Lobio - a bean based stew that is topped with herbs and cornbread and served in a clay pot.
Overnight in Tbilisi

Day 12 : 25 Sept Tbilisi - Departures
Breakfast at hotel followed by departures.

Price - £2300 double occupancy. Single Supplement £450
International Flights are not included.

Included:
Accommodation in central hotels with breakfast
All ground transportation by comfortable air-conditioned minibus
Experienced 45+ Not Grumpy tour leader, Jo, who has been visiting Georgia and Armenia since 1995
Sightseeing with local, English speaking guides
Entrance tickets to the monuments and museums on all tours
Meals as mentioned
Wine/brandy tasting as mentioned
Cheese tasting as mentioned
Bottled water (one bottle per person per day)

The price does not include:
International flights
Other lunches and dinners
Any additional transportation to anywhere not listed in the schedule
Hard drinks including wine (other than at mentioned tastings)
Porter service if required
Tipping for drivers and guides
International arrival/departure transfers can be arranged for approx £25/car each way