Georgia & Armenia: Heartlands Of The Caucasus

Georgia & Armenia: Heartlands Of The Caucasus

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12 Days From

$3760

Georgia & Armenia: Heartlands Of The Caucasus

12 Days Starting in Tbilisi, Georgia and ending in Yerevan, Armenia

Visiting: Tbilisi, Davit Gareja, Kazbegi, Mtskheta, Dilijan, Goris, Yerevan

Tour operator:

Wild Frontiers

Tour code:

GEA1

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 12

Physical rating:

Low

From: $3760

NB: Prices correct on 18-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

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

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heartlands of the Caucasus with our "Georgia & Armenia: Heartlands Of The Caucasus" tour. Discover the rich heritage and history of Yerevan and Tbilisi on foot, savor traditional Georgian cuisine and qvevri-made wines, and explore Armenia's ancient monasteries. Marvel at the breathtaking views over Armenia's Lake Sevan and enjoy invigorating walks through the majestic Caucasus Mountains. This cultural adventure offers a chance to admire architectural wonders, from ancient cave towns to UNESCO World Heritage Sites. With a maximum group size of 12, you'll enjoy personalized attention from expert guides. The tour includes premium and superior accommodations, meals, and all entrance fees, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience. Join us for a journey that combines history, culture, and stunning landscapes in one of the world's most captivating regions.

Highlights

  • Explore the heritage and history of Yerevan and Tbilisi on foot.

  • Enjoy traditional Georgian cuisine and qvevri-made wines.

  • Discover Armenia's monasteries and learn about the world's first Christian nation.

  • Admire the views over Armenia's 1900m high Lake Sevan.

  • Experience walks through the heart of the Caucasus Mountains.

  • Visit architectural wonders, from ancient cave towns to UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Tour Starts In Tbilisi

Location: Tbilisi

Accommodation Name: Taberne Boutique Hotel

Rooms will be available in Tbilisi from this afternoon. Those arriving on the suggested group flights will arrive in the early hours of tomorrow morning.

Day 2: Tbilisi Old Town & Café Culture

Location: Tbilisi

Accommodation Name: Taberne Boutique Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our introductory meeting will take place this morning at the hotel, after which we will have a city tour including all of Old Tbilisi. From the Metekhi Church (13th century) overlooking the river Mtkvari to the Narikala Fortress (4th century), one of the oldest fortifications in the city, we’ll also pay a visit to the Sulphur Baths, the synagogue, the Anchiskhati Church (6th century) and Sioni Cathedral (6/7th century). In this cathedral the cross of St. Nino – the woman who brought Christianity to Georgia – is preserved. All these sights are in close proximity and it’s a pleasant walk. You then have the rest of the day to soak up the café culture of Tbilisi, relax and shop.

Day 3: Tbilisi - Davit Gareja – Telavi: Wine Making & Home-Cooked Lunch

Location: Davit Gareja

Accommodation Name: Kviria Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning we travel to David Gareja cave complex (6th century) located in a stark, semi-desert landscape. Here we will see the Lavra Monastery and dramatic views across to Azerbaijan. On the way to Telavi we will have lunch with a local family, providing the chance to sample some delicious homemade Georgian dishes many of which will have been made using fresh ingredients from our host's garden. We will also visit a traditional Georgian wine cellar to learn more about Georgia's millenia-old love affair with wine-making and have the chance to sample several Kakhetian wines including the distinctive natural Zhghia wine.

Day 4: Telavi – Kazbegi: Alaverdi Monastery And Ananuri Church

Location: Kazbegi

Accommodation Name: Intourist Kazbegi or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we will visit the local market in Telavi before starting our journey towards Kazbegi. Our first stop on the route will be the Alaverdi monastery and cathedral, which has a long and rich history as a place of worship. From here, we drive further into the Khevi region, dominated by alpine meadows and mountain passes. Our next visit is to the two fortified churches at Ananuri, beautifully situated on the Jinvali Reservoir, before following the Georgian Military Highway north to our hotel and taking in the stunning views of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. Approx. 4 hours driving.

Day 5: Around Kazbegi: Trinity Church, Dariali Gorge And Felt Making

Location: Kazbegi

Accommodation Name: Intourist Kazbegi or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today we set out on foot from Kazbegi for a three-hour walk up through beautiful valleys and woodland to Gergeti Trinity Church (14th century) located at 2170m. Weather permitting, you may catch a glimpse of one of the highest glaciers in the Caucasus on Mt Kazbegi (5047m). If you prefer to skip the hike, local taxis are available. After lunch in Kazbegi we visit a local master and learn about Georgian 'Teka' - felt-making and have an opportunity to taste some local teas. This afternoon we drive through the Dariali gorge, taking some time to stop at viewpoints to and admire the impressive mountain views before visiting the spectacular Sno valley and the Giant Stone Head Sculptures, created by local artist Merab Piranishvili to help immortalise Georgia's great poets.

Day 6: Kazbegi - Mtskheta – Gori: Via Uplistsikhe Cave Town

Location: Mtskheta

Accommodation Name: Gori Inn or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we will drive to the ancient capital and religious centre of Georgia, Mtskheta, where we will visit Jvari Monastery (6th century) and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century), both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. After spending some time here we will then visit the nearby Uplistsikhe Cave Town (1st millennium BC), once one of the main points along the Great Silk Road. Our final stop for the day will be the town of Gori, located in the heart of the Kartli region and the birthplace of the most famous Georgian of all time – Josef Stalin. This evening we will have dinner in a local restaurant. Approx 3.5 hours driving. 

Day 7: Gori – Tbilisi: Stalin Museum & Free Afternoon In Tbilisi

Location: Tbilisi

Accommodation Name: Taberne Boutique Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning we will visit the surreal Stalin Museum, his house and private carriage. Afterwards we will return to Tbilisi to allow you a free afternoon and evening to discover at your own pace the many museums, markets and hidden corners of the enchanting Georgian capital.

Day 8: Tbilisi – Dilijan (Armenia): Debed Canyon & Haghpat Monastery

Location: Dilijan

Accommodation Name: Tufenkian Old Dilijan Complex or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After an early breakfast we will drive to the border and cross into Armenia. We will then drive via the stunning Debed Canyon to the Haghpat monastery, built between the 10th and 13th century, before reaching the alpine town of Dilijan.

Day 9: Dilijan – Goris: Lake Sevan, Sevanavank Monastery & Karahunj

Location: Goris

Accommodation Name: Mirhav Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Travelling further into this ancient land, we will take a spectacular drive via Lake Sevan, one of the world’s largest high altitude lakes (1900m) to the medevial Sevanavank Monastery. En route we will visit the Selim Caravanserai, dating from 1332 and reputed to be the best preserved of its type in the country. Finally we will stop off at the prehistoric site of Karahunj, described as the ‘Armenian Stonehenge’, before arriving in Goris.

Day 10: Goris – Yerevan: Tatev Monastery, Noravank Monastery

Location: Yerevan

Accommodation Name: Opera Suite Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we will head to one of the highlights of Armenia – the 9th century Tatev monastery - which is reached by the longest cable car in the world, known as the Wings of Tatev. This is Armenia’s most sacred site, and the clifftop location of this still-operating church is breathtaking. On our way to Yerevan we will stop at Noravank Monastery, which was founded in the 13th Century.

Day 11: Yerevan: City Sightseeing & Afternoon Free Time

Location: Yerevan

Accommodation Name: Opera Suite Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we will enjoy the morning sightseeing around the Armenian capital, Yerevan. We will head to the Matenadaran Manuscript museum and also visit the Memorial to the 1915 Genocide, before heading to the Cascades, a giant stairway made of limestone, which houses a contemporary art gallery hosting local and international exhibits. After lunch we will have some free time to explore this pleasant city at our own pace, before heading out for our farewell dinner.

Day 12: Tour Ends In Yerevan

Location: Yerevan

Meals Included: Breakfast

The tour ends this morning at the hotel. Rooms will be available until midday.

What's Included

  • Meals

    The tour includes 11 breakfasts, 10 lunches, and 8 dinners.

  • Transport

    Transportation is provided using coasters and/or minibuses.

  • Group Size

    The maximum group size for the tour is 12 participants.

  • Carbon Contributions

    Contributions to climate and community projects are included for all bookings.

  • Expert Team

    The tour includes the full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation includes 4 nights in Premium and 7 nights in Superior accommodations.

  • Entrance Fees

    All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary are included.

  • Fitness Rating

    The tour has a low to moderate fitness rating.

What's Not Included

  • Visas & Travel Insurance

    Visas are tour
    ationality dependent and travel insurance is mandatory but not included.

  • Tips

    Tips are optional and not included, but guidance will be provided in the pre-departure information documents.

  • International Flights

    International flights are not included, but an obligation-free quote for flights originating in the UK can be provided.

  • Airport Transfers

    Complimentary transfers are included only if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights.

  • Beverages & Personal Costs

    Beverages and any costs of a personal nature, such as laundry and souvenirs, are not included.

  • ExcludedItem

    We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras.

    As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.



    Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour
    ationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
    Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
    International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
    Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
    Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs

Responsible Travel

With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.

When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats. 

Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.

Visas

VISAS

Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact a reputable visa agency. More details can be found here - https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/visa

For this tour UK passport holders currently do not require a visa for Georgia or Armenia.

Passports should ideally be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the end of your tour.

Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.

VACCINATIONS & ADDITIONAL TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

There are no mandatory vaccination requirements for travellers to Armenia or Georgia.

For all destinations, please make sure you are up-to-date with any standard vaccinations (e.g. MMR, Hepatitis A, Tetanus) as recommended by your local health care provider. 

For the most up-to-date information on all vaccination requirements and the most suitable anti-malarial tablets, we strongly suggest that you seek advice from your local travel centre or consult an official travel health website such as www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.travelhealthpro.org.uk

Covid Testing: No mandatory testing is currently required for vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers.

If necessary further details will be sent out to you upon booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas & vaccinations are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.

Key Aspects to Consider

Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour. On Day 5, anyone wishing to opt out of the 3hr walk to Gergeti Trinity Church will be able to hire a local taxi instead. Please be advised that on this trip vegetarians can be catered for but the selection and variety at times may be limited.

Travelling Solo and single supplements

As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!

Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip. On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour. 

Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.

Insurance

Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.

Travelling Solo

As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!

Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip. On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour. 

Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.

Mode of Transport

Travel comfortably throughout the tour with coasters and/or minibuses, ensuring a smooth journey as you explore the stunning landscapes and cultural sites of Georgia and Armenia.

Accommodation

Enjoy 4 nights in premium accommodations and 7 nights in superior accommodations, including stays at the Taberne Boutique Hotel, Kviria Hotel, Intourist Kazbegi, Gori Inn, Tufenkian Old Dilijan Complex, Mirhav Hotel, and Opera Suite Hotel or similar.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes 11 breakfasts, 10 lunches, and 8 dinners.

  • What type of transportation is used during the tour?

    The tour uses coasters and/or minibuses for transportation.

  • What is the maximum group size for this tour?

    The maximum group size for this tour is 12 people.

  • Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour price?

    Yes, all entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary are included in the tour price.

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?

    The tour includes 4 nights in premium accommodation and 7 nights in superior accommodation.

  • Is there a fitness requirement for this tour?

    The tour has a low to moderate fitness rating.

  • What is the policy on single supplements for solo travelers?

    Single supplements are not compulsory, and if you prefer not to pay, you will be paired with someone of the same sex. If you choose to pay for a single supplement, it covers all nights of the tour.

  • Is travel insurance required for this tour?

    Yes, travel insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours.

  • What are some of the key highlights of the tour?

    Key highlights include exploring the heritage and history of Yerevan and Tbilisi, enjoying traditional Georgian cuisine and wines, discovering Armenia's monasteries, and admiring the views over Lake Sevan and the Caucasus Mountains.

  • What activities are available for those who do not want to participate in the hike to Gergeti Trinity Church?

    For those who prefer not to hike to Gergeti Trinity Church, local taxis are available as an alternative.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub

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

    Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte

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

    Yes

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 2002

  • Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?

    In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Iona Joy  

Iona Joy

Georgia's hinterland is enchanting orchards nestling between steep craggy mountains, stunning churches always in a spectacular position

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Monday - Friday

Oct 05, 2026 - Oct 16, 2026
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    Wild Frontiers requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.