GEORGIA & ARMENIA
CONNECTED BY GEOGRAPHY, SEPARATED BY IDEOLOGY
18-27 April, 2025
9 NIGHTS/10 DAYS
Overview
This thrillingly mountainous, scenically spectacular and culturally diverse region is where Asia and Europe rub up against each other, with often unpredictable and fascinating results. Venture into the age-old towns and delightful mountain valleys of Georgia and Armenia, crisscrossed for millennia by historic trade routes. Unravel layers of history, visit medieval stone churches with jaw-dropping views and learn about some of the oldest-known hominin fossils discovered outside of Africa. Experience the vibrant culture and diverse cuisine of the South Caucasus through the eyes – and taste buds – of local historians, winemakers, artists, and chefs on this trip with Women Traveller.
Trip Schedule
Tbilisi
- Midnight Arrival at Tbilisi International Airport.
- Private Transfer & check into the Artizan Design Hotel in Tbilisi.
- Overnight in Tbilisi.
Gudauri via Mtskheta, Jvari Monastery and Ananuri
- Breakfast and Check-out.
- Transfer to Gudauri via Mtskheta, known as ‘The City Museum’. Historic Mtskheta is sometimes called “Little Jerusalem” on account of the town’s immense cultural and religious significance.
- Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
- Jvari Monastery (Monastery of the Holy Cross VI century). Jvari Monastery started the trend of building crossed-dome churches in Georgia, earning it Georgia’s first nomination on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
- Next stop is at Ananuri Fortress and Jinvali Reservoir, which are the main postcards of Georgia.
- Reach Gudauri by late evening.
- Check into the Marco Polo Hotel at the Heart of the Caucasus Mountains in Gudauri.
- Overnight in Gudauri.
Kazbegi, Gergeti Trinity Church, Dariali valley and Sno Village
- After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Kazbegi.
- Stepantsminda’s (Kazbegi) greatest draw is Kazbegi Peak, also known as Mkinvartsveri, a heaven for mountain lovers. The view is mesmerising from the highest point of the mountain.
- Afterwards, take a 4×4 car ride to Gergeti Trinity Church, which is the crown of Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) and an outstanding example of Georgian architecture. The Cathedral itself was built during the 14th century.
- Our next stop is Dariali Gorge, which is resplendent with waterfalls and lakes, including spectacular Gveleti Waterfall and a lake in the shape of a heart.
- We will continue our way to Sno Village. The Stone Heads of Sno are a set of special and distinctly Georgian Sculptures in one of the country’s most beautiful places.
- Transfer back to hotel in Gudauri.
- Overnight in Gudauri.
Transfer to Tbilisi and Tbilisi City Tour
- After breakfast at the hotel, we will Check out and transfer to Tbilisi (2 :30 hrs)
- Upon reaching Tbilisi, we will start the Tbilisi City Tour. One of Europe’s oldest capitals, Tbilisi has been the cultural, political, and economic centre of Georgia for fifteen centuries. At the heart of the city lies historic Old Tbilisi which was built during the early Middle Ages.
- Tbilisi’s cosmopolitan nature is epitomized by the religious diversity that can be found within the city. As we will wander the cobblestone streets and laneways of Old Tbilisi, we will see Georgian Orthodox Churches, Armenian Churches, Catholic Churches, a Mosque, and two Synagogues.
- Places to visit in the city are: Metekhi Temple, Narikala Fortress, Mosque, Cable Car, Glass Bridge, Bath Houses, Shardeen Street and Freedom Square.
- Next, we will take a Funicular Train ride to Mtatsminda Mountain opening to the best panoramic views over the capital.
- Transfer back to the hotel
- Overnight in Tbilisi.
Tour of Georgia Chronicles and visit Shopping Mall. Second half of the day free at leisure. Overnight in Tbilisi.
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Our day starts with our tour to Georgia Chronicles. The Chronicle of Georgia monument offers a unique perspective on Georgian history and culture. Also known as the History Memorial of Georgia or Georgian Stonehenge, this impressive structure pays homage to the nation’s imperial past, literary achievements and the role of Christianity.
- Visit Shopping Mall (1.5-2 hours)
- Transfer back to the hotel.
- Free time for leisure.
- Overnight in Tbilisi.
Tour of Tsinandali Estate and Khareba Winery Visit. Overnight in Telavi.
- After Check-out and breakfast at the hotel, drive to the direction of Kakheti – which is most developed agricultural part of Georgia (2 hours).
- Visit Tsinandali Estate – the interesting and exciting story of the Chavchavadze Estate begins at the start of the 19th century. The complex in Tsinandali embraces the memorial house, a landscape garden, a historical winery, wine cellar, hotel and a café. We will enjoy the views of the garden, the winery and also sample the “Tsinandali” Georgian Wine (first produced by the Chavchavadzes) and round off the visit at the historical hotel.
- Next, we visit Kvareli town and the Wine Tunnel of Khareba Winery – The Khareba Winery Tunnel is a unique underground winery located in the village of Kvareli, Georgia.
- Wine Tasting of locally produced wine in the middle of the tunnel.
- Transfer to your World-class Luxury Hotel – Lopota Lake Resort & Spa and check in.
- Overnight in Telavi.
Check out, Tour of Sighnaghi, Bodbe and fly to Yerevan. Overnight in Yerevan.
- After breakfast checkout.
- Our first stop is at Sighnaghi – the place is called “City of Love” by Georgians. The town was originally built in the 18th century and is one of the few remaining examples of Georgian architecture from that time.
- Next, we visit Bodbe Monastery – where the Holly figure for Georgians St. Nina is Buried. Locals believe that the place and the Spring near the Monument has curable properties therefore Bodbe is visited by numerous locals and tourists on daily bases.
- Transfer to Tbilisi Airport.
- Flight from Tbilisi to Yerevan.
- Arrive Yerevan.
- Transfer to Grand Hotel Yerevan.
- Overnight in Yerevan
The Grand Hotel Yerevan is considered to be a Living Legend of the capital of Armenia and one of the leading protagonists of the city’s history which has served as a source of inspiration for generations of Intellectuals and Artists. A Museum you can live in!!
Yerevan city tour – Megerian Carpet – Vernissage Flea Market – Overnight in Yerevan
- After breakfast at the hotel, we leave for a City Tour of Yerevan, the history of which goes back to 8th century. Built from volcanic pink stone tuff, Yerevan is the creation of the dreamer Alexander Tamanyan, who designed modern Yerevan at the beginning of the 20th century.
- The sightseeing tour includes visit to Republic Square – located in the centre of Yerevan and is considered as one of the most famous attractions of the capital. Republic Square was constructed in 1924 by the notable Armenian architect Alexander Tamanyan. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Yerevan, connecting one part of the centre to the other. The shape of Republic Square is like the unique round design of Yerevan’s city centre, formed by five masterpiece buildings:
- The National Art Gallery and History Museum of Armenia
- The Government House of the Republic of Armenia, The Central Post Office.
- The “Mariott Armenia” Hotel and The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources.
- The famous Singing Fountains are also situated in the Republic Square.
Then we will walk to Modern Part of The City – Northern Avenue, Opera House with Swan Lake and Cascade Monument.
- Visit the Ararat Brandy Factory.
No tour of Armenia would be complete without a visit to the Ararat Brandy Factory, an iconic symbol of Armenian craftsmanship. The factory, located at the foot of Mount Ararat, boasts stunning views that enhance the overall brandy-tasting experience. We will embark on a sensory journey while sampling the Ararat brandy range and appreciate the harmonious blend of age-old traditions and modern techniques that make Ararat brandy a world-class spirit. - Visit to Vernissage Flea Market which offers many kinds of national souvenirs and antiques.
- Overnight in Yerevan
Khor Virap – Garni – Geghard – Overnight in Yerevan
- After breakfast, we drive to the Ararat Valley – the historical treasures of Armenia. Today we discover some of the most important landmarks in Armenia including Mount Ararat, Khor Virap, and the Geghard Monastery complex. We start at the Khor Virap Monastery where Christianity in Armenia originates. The monastery of Khor Virap (3rd – 17th cc.) is in the ancient capital of Armenia – Artashat.
- We continue our journey to Garni Pagan Temple (1st century), the only surviving Hellenistic Temple in Armenia. The temple was built by Armenia King Tiridates and is dedicated to the God of Sun Mithra.
- Afterwards we will visit the 13th Century Geghard Monastic Complex included in the UNESCO World Heritage list – a monastery which is hewn out from a cave. The monastery had been originally named Ayrivank – The Monastery of the Cave. Next stop is at the Arch of Charents – from where we can catch a stunning view of Mount Ararat and Yerevan.
- We will also participate in the Lavash Baking Ceremony in a local house in Garni, an activity in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
- Overnight in Yerevan.
Shopping / Departures
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Shopping/ Free Time.
- Transfer to Yerevan Airport.
- Departures.