The Best of Georgia and Armenia

16 days
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Small Group Tour
Straddle two continents on a fascinating journey through the Caucasus region. Travel from the capital of Armenia to the capital of Georgia, ticking off UNESCO-listed sites and areas of unique natural beauty. See how religions and cultures collide across these two iconic countries, witnessing relics from the Soviet period and beyond. Along the way, tuck into d...
19%
$3,924
From$3,190
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous

Highlights

    • A two week journey through the wonders of Armenia and Georgia where Europe and Asia meet
    • Stay in the shadow of Mount Ararat and uncover Armenia's tempestuous history
    • Visit Georgia's diverse cultural sites from churches to cave cities

What's this trip about?

    Straddle two continents on a fascinating journey through the Caucasus region. Travel from the capital of Armenia to the capital of Georgia, ticking off UNESCO-listed sites and areas of unique natural beauty. See how religions and cultures collide across these two iconic countries, witnessing relics from the Soviet period and beyond. Along the way, tuck into delicious delicacies from cheese-stuffed breads to natural wines. Explore captivating capitals - Discover two striking capital cities, Tbilisi and Yerevan and all of the history and culture they have to offer. Walk through history - From monasteries to cave towns, get an in-depth guide to the history of these two fascinating countries. Indulge the senses - From hiking in the mountains to tucking into khachapuri, dipping into sulphur baths to sipping natural wine, immerse yourself in the local culture.

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityYerevan
End CityTbilisi

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

  • Asia

Attractions

  • Amberd Fortress
  • Georgia
  • Tbilisi
  • Yerevan

Activities

  • Hiking

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join tour in Yerevan

Our tour starts today in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. Here, grand Soviet-era architecture rubs shoulders with traditional coloured-stone buildings, against the dramatic backdrop of the fabled Mount Ararat. For those arriving in time, we'll meet in the hotel re...

Day 2 Visit the Holy City of Echmiadzin and Genocide Museum

This morning, we'll travel out of the city to visit the 7th-century ruins of the UNESCO-listed Zvartnots. Its remaining columns are set against a magnificent backdrop of the snowy peaks of Mount Ararat. We'll continue on to the \ Holy City\ of Echmiadzin, Armenia's f...

Day 3 Visit sites of Garni and Geghard

Today, we'll once again leave the city behind us as we drive east through a landscape of alpine meadows to the Hellenistic temple at Garni. This pagan monument, dedicated to the worship of the sun, was built in AD77 and is an extraordinary site to be found in Armenia,...

Day 4 Visit Amberd Fortress

Today we'll head northwest to visit the Amberd Fortress, a 10th-century fortress on the slopes of Mount Aragats. En route, we'll stop to visit Alphabet Park, a tribute to the complexity and uniqueness of the Armenian language. Finally, we'll arrive at the fortress, wh...

Day 5 Drive to Lake Sevan via monasteries and winery

We'll depart Yerevan today and travel south through the vast plains of Ararat to visit the Khor Virap Monastery. Mount Ararat is a constant companion on the horizon and as we start approaching the mountains, the plains give way to undulating hills. We'll pass through ...

Day 6 Drive to Tbilisi via Monastery of Haghpat

Today we'll head to the Armenia/Georgia border at Sadakhlo, driving via hills and valleys covered in pine trees. In the picturesque town of Dilijan, we'll walk through a museum street, which has preserved houses dating back to the 18th century with typical fretwork wo...

Day 7 Guided exploration of Tbilisi, free time to explore

After breakfast, we'll set off on foot to explore the eclectic Georgian capital. Tbilisi is both an ancient and cosmopolitan city; you can find a synagogue, a mosque, a Georgian basilica, an Armenian church, and a Zoroastrian Fire-Worshipper's temple all within a 15-m...

Day 8 Drive via Mtskheta to Kutaisi

Leaving the capital this morning, we'll drive to picturesque Mtskheta, the spiritual heart of Georgia. Here, we'll visit the 6th-century hilltop Jvari Monastery where we'll have spectacular views of Mtskheta and the confluence of two rivers below. We'll make our way d...

Day 9 Full day visit to the Black Sea town of Batumi

We'll set off for Batumi this morning, Georgia's attractive summer capital that sits on the shores of the Black Sea. A renovation and regeneration project at the turn of the century transformed the city's skyline, now a kaleidoscope of skyscrapers and sculptures, ...

Day 10 Drive to UNESCO monastery at Gelati, continue to Akhaltsikhe via Borjomi Mineral Water Park

Today starts with a visit to the local farmer's market. We'll then drive to the magnificent UNESCO-listed monastery complex at Gelati, which includes an Academy that employed some of Georgia's greatest thinkers. It was founded in 1106 by King David the Builder in grat...

Day 11 Visit the cave town of Vardzia

Today we'll head towards one of Georgia's most significant sites, the cave town of Vardzia. On route we'll stop off at Khertvisi Fortress, dramatically situated on a cliff above the confluence of two major rivers. It's one of the oldest fortresses in Georgia, dating b...

Day 12 Drive to Gori, visit Stalin’s birthplace. Continue to Gudauri

This morning we'll set off for our journey to Gudauri. We'll stop at the Soviet-style town of Gori, where Georgia's most famous son, Stalin, was born. Here, we'll visit the museum and learn about his life. Interestingly, Stalin initially began training as a priest in ...

Day 13 Gudauri: Walk in the Kazbegi Mountains and visit Gergeti Trinity Church

North of Gudauri, the Kazbegi region is a picturesque area, with alpine meadows and towering snow-capped mountains. We'll make an early start this morning as we plan to hike from Stepantsminda town through Gergeti village and up to the iconic 14th-century Church of th...

Day 14 Drive to Telavi (in the Kakheti wine region)

This morning we'll leave the mountains behind and drive to the Kakheti region which is famous for its wineries as well as its warm hospitality. Our first stop is Vardisubani village. Here, we'll learn all about the unique wine making technique that Georgians have ...

Day 15 Visit the farmer’s market and Alaverdi Cathedral, home-cooked lunch, finally drive back to Tbilisi

Today our first stop will be Telavi's farmer's market. We'll then move on to the 11th-century Alaverdi cathedral, the tallest monastery in Georgia, surrounded by a beautiful cypress grove, and finally to the 16th-century monumental Gremi Fortress. For lunch we'll ...

Day 16 Trip ends in Tbilisi

There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Tbilisi at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer, you'll need to depart from Tbilisi Internat...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,190
Price per day$199
Last Updated: 4/24/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
07 May 2024
22 May 2024
$3,190
$540
10 spots left
11 May 2024
26 May 2024
$3,460
$540
9 spots left
14 May 2024
29 May 2024
$3,460
$540
10 spots left
25 May 2024
09 Jun 2024
$3,630
$540
8 spots left
01 Jun 2024
16 Jun 2024
$3,360
$540
9 spots left
08 Jun 2024
23 Jun 2024
$3,630
$540
6 spots left
22 Jun 2024
07 Jul 2024
$3,260
$540
7 spots left
31 Aug 2024
15 Sep 2024
$3,360
$540
10 spots left
03 Sep 2024
18 Sep 2024
$3,670
$530
4 spots left
07 Sep 2024
22 Sep 2024
$3,260
$540
12 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Explore!.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
6,561
Great
2,178
Average
375
Disappointing
116
Terrible
56
T

Trusted Customer

Oct 2023

Written on

The Best of Georgia and Armenia

Visiting the cave dwellings at Vardzia and walking up to Stepantsminda, both spectacular locations. Watching life going on in the churches in Armenia, including bapt...

A

Alan

Oct 2023

Written on

The Best of Georgia and Armenia

The itineraries for both countries were good and both leaders were very good, especially Alex in Georgia who was excellent. The High Caucasus were a highlight but, ...

C

Christina

Oct 2023

Written on

The Best of Georgia and Armenia

More time in Armenia needed. Too much time travelling in the mini bus. N...

T

Trusted Customer

Oct 2023

Written on

The Best of Georgia and Armenia

Highlight: Gergeti Trinity Church. Unexpected church service, with singing and much devotion.

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Tour Operator

Explore!

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About Explore

We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.


Why we love this operator
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
What they’re known for
Famous for our expert local guides that help ease the unknowns of adventure travel while bringing a unique richness and spontaneity to each and every

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Logistics

Transportation & Flights

Bus,

Transportation & flights

Bus
Guides
Explore Tour Leader, Driver(s), Local Guide(s)
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Armenia: Visas are not required for EU nationals, US & UK citizens. Georgia: Visas are not required for EU nationals, UK, Canadian or US citizens. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
Health & Safety
Nothing compulsory but we recommend protection against malaria, typhoid, tetanus, infectious hepatitis and polio. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 15
  • Dinner : 6
  • Lunch : 5
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
Trip ID
explore-GF

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