Georgia & Armenia Explorer

Georgia & Armenia Explorer

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11 Days From

$2635

Georgia & Armenia Explorer

11 Days Starting in Tbilisi and ending in Yerevan

Visiting: Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Tskhaltubo/ Kutaisi, Borjomi/ Akhaltsikhe, Vardzia/ Gyumri, Yerevan, Areni, Lake Sevan

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

KFSE

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

15-99 years

From: $2635

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

With this eleven-day adventure, you’ll travel overland from Georgia to Armenia to experience off-the-beaten-track highlights, natural landscapes and welcoming, local people. Wander the streets of 3000-year-old Kutaisi, see some iconic monasteries like Khor Virap and Sevanavank and veer off the tourist trail to explore an old Soviet spa town, abandoned and atmospheric. Go on a hike in search of bezoar goats in a protected wildlife area, meet local wine makers with two wine tastings in both Georgia and Armenia and try your hand at Dolma making with a local cooking demonstration. With a night on the shores of gorgeous Lake Sevan and a range of diverse experiences and destinations, why not take an adventure that will surprise, delight and inspire?

Highlights

  • Visit the first café in Armenia to focus on the employment of people living with disabilities, stay by Lake Sevan with a local NGO committed to inclusivity and attend a cooking workshop founded by local women who aim to preserve Armenian culture.

  • Veer off the tourist track and explore the lesser visited 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.

  • Hike with rangers in search of bezoar goats with the country’s first community-managed protected area – the locals here aim to preserve the environment and educate the community about the local flora and fauna.

  • Learn about Georgia’s proud wine traditions with a visit to a local family winery and sit down to a hearty home-cooked lunch with a paired wine tasting. Then, enjoy another wine tasting on a farm visit 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

Expand All

Day 1: Tbilisi

Location: Tbilisi

Accommodation: Hotel

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

Location: Kutaisi

Meals Included: breaksfast

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. You'll have a free afternoon and evening to maybe visit another significant historical site – the Gelati Cathedra. Or, explore the cobbled streets as you make your way up to the ruins of Bagrati Palace and Citadel.

Included Activities:
-Kutaisi - Leader-led city walking tour
-Kutaisi - Aerial Tramway

Optional Activities:
-Kutaisi - Bagrati Cathedral & Gelati Monastery - Free
-Kutaisi - State Historical Museum

Day 3: Tskhaltubo/ Kutaisi

Location: Tskhaltubo/ Kutaisi

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

This morning, you’ll travel like the locals and hop on a public bus 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 – one of the oldest wine-making countries in the world. Sit down to a hearty home-cooked Georgian lunch, complete with a wine tasting. This afternoon, return to Kutaisi for some free time.

Included Activities:
-Tskhaltubo - Soviet sanatoriums visit
-Kutaisi - Winery visit & home-cooked lunch

Optional Activities:
-Kutaisi - Pub Crawl

Day 4: Borjomi/ Akhaltsikhe

Location: Borjomi/ Akhaltsikhe

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

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 with your local leader on an orientation walk. Then, you have a free afternoon to explore at your own pace. Maybe see the Rabati Fortress and Castle – the massive 9th-century fortification gives the surrounding settlement (‘New Castle’ in Georgian) its name.

Included Activities:
-Borjomi - Leader-led walking tour

Optional Activities:
-Akhalstikhe - Rabati Castle Entrance
-Akhalstikhe - Samtskhe-Javakheti History Museum

Day 5: Vardzia/ Gyumri

Location: Vardzia/ Gyumri

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Take a private transfer to 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 take a tour of the site with a local guide 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 for a walking tour of the city with your leader and visit a local bakery – the first inclusive café in Armenia to employ young adults living with disabilities and mothers with special needs children. Maybe grab some lunch here before a free afternoon and evening.

Included Activities:
-Vardzia - Cave Town Visit with Local Guide
-Gyumri - Inclusive bakery visit

Optional Activities:
-Gyumri - Museum of National Architecture and Urban Life
-Gyumri - The Gallery of Mariam and Eranuhi Aslamazyan Sisters

Day 6: Yerevan

Location: Yerevan

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

After a relaxing morning, 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. 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 dinner. Soak up the local flavours, get to know the local women and toast to a great evening!

Included Activities:
-Yerevan - Dolma cooking demonstration & dinner

Day 7: Yerevan

Location: Yerevan

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

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. See Republic Square, then head to the Cafesjian Center – an open-air museum of modern art. Continue on to Freedom Square – a lively city hub with its ornate Opera House sitting at the centre. The rest of the day is free. Maybe visit Matenadaran – The Museum of Ancient Manuscripts – or wander around Vernissage Market.


Included Activities:
-Yerevan - City Tour with Local Guide

Optional Activities:
-Yerevan - Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex - Free
-Yerevan - Brandy Factory visit & Tasting
-Yerevan - Museum of Armenian History

Day 8: Areni

Location: Areni

Accommodation: Guest House

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

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 with your leader, which has been repeatedly rebuilt since the 5th century. 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 Areni – this old village on the banks of the Arpa River is probably the most important region for winemaking in Armenia. Believed to have been founded by Noah and his sons, who planted the first grapes here, excavations have revealed several findings from the Bronze and Iron Ages, including large clay jars used in winemaking and a 6100-year-old winery! When you arrive, you’ll visit a modern winery and learn about life in the countryside from the locals. See the Armenian way of making wine and what makes it different from Georgian wines, then enjoy a delicious traditional lunch with some paired wines. Head back to this village this afternoon for a free evening.

Included Activities:
-Yerevan - Khor Virap Monastery
-Areni Village - Winery visit & home-cooked lunch

Day 9: Lake Sevan

Location: Lake Sevan

Accommodation: Lake Cottage

Meals Included: breaksfast

Drive to the northeast shore of Lake Sevan today, stopping along the way at Noravank Monastery – a 13th-century complex and once a spiritual and educational center. After driving through Gnishik Canyon, you’ll arrive at the monastery and maybe even see a few birds of prey soaring above! After wandering the complex, continue to the Arpa Protected Landscape. This is Armenia’s first community-managed protected area, run by a foundation representing the Khachik and Areni villages. Learn how the locals protect the flora and fauna, including the rare Caucasian leopard, Armenian mouflon, European lynx, brown bears and bezoar goats. You’ll head out on a hike with the rangers to find some of the friendly goats. Then continue to visit Orbelian Caravanserai before getting to tonight’s accomodation. Your accommodation is a lodge set up by a local NGO, whose mission it is to encourage inclusivity and accessibility for people living with disabilities to experience and enjoy nature. When you arrive, you might want to kayak out onto the scenic lake or simply relax outside and enjoy the view.

Included Activities:
-Lake Sevan - Noravank Monastery
-Arpa - Hiking with local ranger
-Lake Sevan - Orbelian Caravanserai

Day 10: Yerevan

Location: Yerevan

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

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.

Included Activities:
-Lake Sevan - Sevanavank Monastery

Day 11: Yerevan

Location: Yerevan

Meals Included: breaksfast

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.

What's Included

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

  • Meals
    10 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinners

  • Kutaisi - Leader-led city walking tour

  • Kutaisi - Aerial Tramway

  • Tskhaltubo - Soviet sanatoriums visit

  • Kutaisi - Winery visit & home-cooked lunch

  • Borjomi - Leader-led walking tour

  • Vardzia - Cave Town Visit with Local Guide

  • Gyumri - Inclusive bakery visit

  • Yerevan - Dolma cooking demonstration & dinner

  • Yerevan - City Tour with Local Guide

  • Yerevan - Khor Virap Monastery

show more

Transport

  • Private vehicle , Public bus , Taxi , Train

Accommodation

  • The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
  • Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.

Important Information

  • 1. A single supplement is bookable for this trip, excluding Day 8&9, and is subject to availability. Please consult with your booking agent if you are interested.
  • 2. Please be advised that due to current border crossing restrictions for different Caucasus nationalities, your Trip Leader may be from nearby region. Your leader will have in-depth knowledge and extensive travel experience throughout the Caucasus. Local guides from Georgia & Armenia are represented throughout the itinerary to ensure you receive a diverse and uniquely local range of perspectives.

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    This trip has a couple of long travel days with a few stops along the way to break up the journey.

    You’ll spend a night at a local lodge where the facilities maybe be humble and shared. Your support for the local NGO and the great location so close to Lake Sevan will more than make up for the lack of modern amenities and you’re sure to have a memorable stay.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

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Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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