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Georgia & Armenia Adventure
Georgia & Armenia
From
This trip supports
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Esential info
- Reviews
- Packing list
Grade:
Entry Level
Type:
Cultural
Duration:
9 Nights
4 - 12
Group size
Leaders
Tour Highlights
- Explore the historic streets of Tbilisi
- Discover Georgia’s Kakheti wine region
- Visit Mtskheta’s UNESCO World Heritage sites
- Explore the remarkable cave city of Vardzia
- Experience Armenia’s rich cultural heritage
Visit Georgia and Armenia on a small group tour
On this small group trip, you will spend time in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi before heading into the countryside and crossing the border into Armenia. Along the way, you will learn to cook traditional dishes with local families, visit Georgia’s renowned Kakheti wine region and discover the traditional methods used to produce Georgian wine. You will also explore historic churches and monasteries, experience the rich history and culture of both countries and enjoy the landscapes, food and warm hospitality that make this part of the Caucasus so distinctive.
(Available as a small group tour or tailor-made holiday)
Armenia was the first country in the world to adopt Christianity as its official religion, under the rule of King Tiridates III in the early 4th century. Armenian churches have a distinctive and elegant architectural style, often featuring pointed domes said to be reminiscent of the volcanic cone of Mount Ararat. Their designs tend to emphasise height, with tall, narrow windows and carved stone vaulted ceilings. Many are set in picturesque countryside locations, adding to their sense of place and history.
Georgian medieval churches also have a distinctive character, influenced by Armenian and Byzantine architecture. They typically feature a conical dome raised on a tall drum above a rectangular or cross shaped structure. Some branches of the ancient Silk Roads passed through both Georgia and Armenia, encouraging trade and the exchange of ideas and cultures between East and West. These influences can still be seen in the architecture, traditions and everyday life of both countries.
The tour ends in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia and one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Set along the Hrazdan River, Yerevan has a long and fascinating history, which you can begin to appreciate as you explore its streets, landmarks and local neighbourhoods.
If you would like to learn more about what to expect from a visit to Georgia, read our Journal post here.
Day 1: Arrival in Tbilisi
Transfer
3 star hotel
Arrive in Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital, where our journey begins. The rest of the day is free to settle into your surroundings, explore at your own pace or simply relax after your travels.
Accommodation: Hotel Brim or similar
Day 2: Exploring Tbilisi
Breakfast
Dinner
3 star hotel
Our introduction to Georgia begins in Tbilisi, a city with a fascinating mix of architectural styles and a long history at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.
We'll explore the older districts, where narrow streets wind between traditional houses with colourful wooden balconies and intricately patterned façades. Starting at Metekhi Church, overlooking the Mtkvari River and old town, we'll make our way through the historic centre, taking in some of the city's main sights along the way.
A cable car takes us up towards Narikala Fortress, where there are panoramic views across the city. From here, we'll explore the fortress before heading down towards Abanotubani, Tbilisi's historic sulphur bath district. The city's name is closely associated with its natural hot springs, which have been part of local life for centuries.
This evening, we'll get together for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight at a hotel in Tbilisi.
Accommodation: Hotel Brim or similar
Day 3: Tbilisi to Sighnaghi, Kvareli and Telavi
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
3 star hotel
Leaving Tbilisi behind, we'll head east into Kakheti, Georgia's best known wine producing region. The landscape changes as we reach the Alazani Valley, with vineyards stretching across the countryside towards the Greater Caucasus mountains.
Our first stop is Sighnaghi, a small historic town known for its traditional houses, decorated balconies and old defensive wall. Set above the valley, it offers a good introduction to the region's history and wine making traditions.
For lunch, we'll visit a local farmer's home to enjoy homemade Georgian dishes and take part in a cooking class. We'll learn how to bake traditional bread and make Churchkhela, a popular Georgian sweet made by dipping strings of walnuts into thickened grape juice.
We'll continue to Gremi, the former royal centre of Kakheti, for a stop at its historic complex before heading towards Kondoli. Here, we'll visit a traditional Georgian wine cellar and taste locally produced wines made using the qvevri method. These large earthenware vessels are buried underground and used to ferment and age wine, a tradition recognised by UNESCO.
The day ends in Telavi, where we'll take a guided walk around the town.
Overnight at a hotel in Telavi.
Accommodation: 17 Rooms Hotel or similar
Day 4: Telavi to Mtskheta and Tbilisi
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
3 star hotel
There's time to experience another side of everyday life in Kakheti this morning with a visit to Telavi's local farmers' market. We'll browse the stalls selling seasonal produce and regional specialities, seeing some of the ingredients that feature in Georgian cooking.
We'll also meet a local craftsman who makes qvevri, the large clay vessels at the heart of Georgia's traditional wine making. We'll learn about the skill involved in shaping these vessels and why their production remains such an important part of the country's wine heritage.
From Telavi, we'll cross the Gombori Pass and continue towards Mtskheta, one of Georgia's oldest towns and its former capital. Mtskheta has an important place in Georgian history, particularly in the country's adoption of Christianity.
We'll visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, an important centre of the Georgian Orthodox Church, followed by Jvari Monastery, which stands above the town with views towards the meeting point of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers. Both form part of the UNESCO listed Historical Monuments of Mtskheta.
Later, we'll return to Tbilisi.
Overnight at a hotel in Tbilisi.
Accommodation: Hotel Brim or similar
Day 5: Tbilisi to Tsalka and Vardzia
Transfer
Breakfast
Dinner
Guest house
Today we leave the capital and travel south through the Tsalka region towards Vardzia. The landscape becomes increasingly open as we cross the high Javakheti plateau, a less visited part of Georgia with wide grasslands, volcanic terrain and scattered villages.
We'll stop at Paravani Lake, the largest lake in Georgia by surface area. Sitting at around 2,073 metres above sea level, it is an important feature of this highland landscape, with the surrounding countryside changing noticeably with the seasons.
Nearby, we'll visit Phoka Monastery, associated with St Nino, whose preaching is traditionally linked to the introduction of Christianity to Georgia.
Continuing south, we'll reach Vardzia, an extraordinary cave town and monastery complex carved into the cliffs during the 12th century, under the reign of King Giorgi III and his daughter, Queen Tamar.
At its height, the complex extended across 13 levels, with chambers, churches, tunnels and other spaces cut directly into the rock. We'll explore the site and learn about its religious and defensive role in medieval Georgia.
Dinner and overnight at a family run hotel in Vardzia.
Accommodation: Family hotel
Day 6: Vardzia to Bavra Border and Gyumri
Transfer
Breakfast
Dinner
3 star hotel
This morning we'll leave Georgia behind and travel towards the Bavra border crossing, where we'll complete the formalities to enter Armenia.
At the border, we'll meet our Armenian guide and change vehicles before continuing to Gyumri, Armenia's second largest city.
Gyumri has a long history and is particularly well known for its distinctive architecture, with many historic buildings constructed from dark volcanic stone. Its old town has retained much of its character, offering a different perspective on Armenian life and history.
We'll take a guided walk through the city, including a visit to the Museum of National Architecture and Urban Life. Housed in the former home of wealthy merchant Petros Dzitoghtsyan, built in 1872, the museum gives an insight into domestic life in Gyumri during the late 19th century. Its collection includes furniture, artwork, carpets and traditional handicrafts.
We'll also visit the Black Fortress, known locally as Sev Berd, one of Gyumri's best known historic landmarks.
This evening, we'll enjoy a welcome dinner in Armenia.
Overnight at a hotel in Gyumri.
Accommodation: Gyumri Hotel or similar
Day 7: Gyumri to Etchmiadzin, Zvartnots and Yerevan
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
3 star hotel
Leaving Gyumri, we'll travel towards Etchmiadzin, the spiritual centre of the Armenian Apostolic Church.
At the heart of the town is Etchmiadzin Cathedral, one of the earliest Christian cathedral buildings in the world. Originally built between AD 301 and 303, following Armenia's adoption of Christianity as its state religion, it remains one of the country's most important religious sites.
According to Armenian tradition, St Gregory the Illuminator had a vision of Jesus Christ descending from heaven and indicating where the cathedral should be built. The name Etchmiadzin is traditionally interpreted as 'the Only Begotten descended'.
We'll also enjoy a hands on introduction to Armenian cooking at a local home, where we'll learn how to prepare dolma before sitting down to lunch.
Later, we'll continue towards Yerevan, stopping at the ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral, a remarkable 7th century monument and part of the same UNESCO World Heritage property as Etchmiadzin Cathedral.
Overnight at a hotel in Yerevan.
Accommodation: Ani Central Inn or similar
Day 8: Exploring Yerevan
Breakfast
Dinner
3 star hotel
Today we'll explore Yerevan, Armenia's capital, getting to know its architecture, history and everyday life.
We'll start at Republic Square, the city's main central square, before continuing to the Cascade Complex. This monumental series of stairways connects the city centre with the higher residential districts and houses an extensive collection of modern art. From the upper levels, there are far reaching views across the city and, on clear days, towards Mount Ararat.
Nearby, we'll visit Victory Park and the imposing Mother Armenia monument, which overlooks the capital. We'll also see the Opera House, an important landmark in the city's architectural landscape.
Later, we'll visit the Yerevan Brandy Factory, founded in the late 19th century and closely associated with Armenia's long tradition of brandy production. A guided visit to the museum and production areas will introduce us to the history of Armenian brandy, followed by a tasting.
We'll also make time to visit Yerevan's fruit market, where stalls offer an assortment of Armenian produce and regional specialities, including dried fruits, herbs, basturma and sujukh.
This evening, we'll come together for dinner at a local restaurant accompanied by traditional folk music.
Overnight at a hotel in Yerevan.
Accommodation: Ani Central Inn or similar
Day 9: Yerevan to Garni, Geghard and Lake Sevan
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
3 star hotel
We'll head east of Yerevan this morning towards Garni, home to an impressive Hellenistic style temple dating from the 1st century AD. Set above the Azat River gorge, it is a distinctive reminder of Armenia's pre Christian history.
At a local home in Garni, we'll enjoy lunch and take part in a traditional lavash making experience. This thin Armenian flatbread is baked in a tonir, an underground clay oven, and has an important place in everyday Armenian food culture.
We'll then continue to Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site set within the Upper Azat Valley. Dating mainly from the medieval period, parts of the monastery have been carved directly into the surrounding rock. Its name, meaning 'Monastery of the Spear', comes from the Christian tradition that the spear used during the crucifixion of Jesus was once kept here.
Later, we'll travel to Lake Sevan, one of the largest high altitude freshwater lakes in Eurasia. Sitting at approximately 1,900 metres above sea level, it is an important part of Armenia's landscape and a popular place for local recreation.
Returning to Yerevan, we'll enjoy our farewell dinner at Lusik Aguletsi House Museum, the former home of a well known Armenian artist and ethnographer. Now maintained as a house museum and art café by her family, it offers an opportunity to experience traditional Armenian food and explore a personal collection of clothing, jewellery, textiles and household objects.
Overnight at a hotel in Yerevan.
Accommodation: Ani Central Inn or similar
Day 10: Departure day from Yerevan, Armenia
Transfer
Breakfast
After breakfast, we'll transfer to Zvartnots International Airport for our onward journeys, bringing our time in Georgia and Armenia to a close.
Adventure Optional Extras
Single Room Supplement
Single rooms are available on a first come, first served basis. We will charge on a pro-rata basis if a single room is only available for part of the trip.
Plant an additional 15 trees for your adventure
Carbon Compensation is not the perfect solution, and it is important to first reduce our carbon emissions as much as we can, yet trees remain an excellent natural technology to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to slow global warming.
For every client and guide who attends a YellowWood Adventure, we donate £30 to our partner charity WeForest to plant 15 trees to (over) compensate for the carbon footprint of the tour.
We also invite our clients to match this with an optional additional £30 for another 15 trees to be planted to help compensate for the carbon footprint of their international flights.
WeForest run many tree planting and tree maintenance projects such as this seedling nursery in the Amhara region of Ethiopia, the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil and many other projects in other countries including Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania & India.
Click Here to find out more about their amazing projects around the world.
Not Included
- Flights
- Insurance (compulsory)
- Transfers outside our group transfer timings
- Visas
Contents
Accommodation
We fully believe in, and practice, Responsible Tourism, using hotels run by locals. The accommodation on this adventure is comfortable and welcoming hotel accommodation offering rooms with ensuite facilities. We put time and effort into building our relationship with accommodation suppliers to ensure you have a great trip.
We choose accommodation based on cleanliness, comfort, safety, proximity to our route (to avoid unnecessary extra travel) and a warm client welcome, as well as reliability in their service to us. Wherever we can we will choose smaller, more characterful, individual hotels, but in areas where tourism is still developing, or in remote areas (like the mountains), we may not have a wide range of options. An aspect of our adventures is to escape the ‘trappings’ of modern Western lifestyles and to experience new things with are exciting and memorable and reflects the countries we are visiting.
Facilities
Unless you have booked a single room (where they are available) and paid the single room supplement for those nights, you will be sharing a twin room with another client (of the same gender).
Guiding & Your Group
Supporting you on your holiday will be a local, English-speaking, qualified guide who knows the area like the back of their hand, as well as the history & heritage of the area!
We work jointly with our Georgian and Armenian Tour Operator partners both before and during your adventure to ensure that they understand your needs and the standard that YellowWood Adventures expects. We believe that it is a very important positive aspect of Responsible Tourism, to employ the expertise of reliable and suitably qualified local suppliers, as well as offering you a much more informative and authentic experience.
Your Group
Your group will be any number from our minimum group size of 4, up to a maximum of 12 fellow travellers. This number works really well with the ratio of guides, and ensures the optimum level of service to you during your adventure.
We get clients booking alone, as couples and in small groups of friends. If you have a group of friends or family who are interested in having their own customised trip, then please let us know and we can cost it for you.
Travel
Your YellowWood adventure starts in Tbilisi.
Finding flights
Flights are not included in the cost of your holiday, and whilst we are happy to help advise you, responsibility for booking the correct flights rests with you. We recommend that you use a comparison tool when searching for flights, such as skyscanner or www.momondo.co.uk.
Foreign Travel Advice
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. As the situation in our destination countries can change, please do ensure you check regularly before your adventure.
We also receive notifications direct from the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) so we are always aware of the ‘status’ in our destination countries.
Arrival
Tbilisi Airport is a fully functioning, international airport welcoming domestic flights and those from Europe. Airport services include Duty Free, ATMs and Currency Exchange. On arrival at the airport you will go through passport control to baggage reclaim and onwards to Arrivals where you will be met by a driver / guide with a YellowWood Adventures sign.
Included in the cost of your adventure is a group transfer to and from the airport.
Group transfers are only available on the official start and end dates of the trip. Arriving or departing on any other days means group transfers will not be included. If you plan to arrive before or after the adventure dates and need assistance with transfers or accommodation, please add these services when booking, or contact us directly to make the arrangements.
Once you have made a booking, you will be prompted to complete a travel information form where you can provide us with your exact flight times and details. This will enable us to organise your private transfers accordingly. Please note that private transfers may be subject to availability.
You are also welcome to book your travel independently, and we will provide clear instructions on how to meet the group at the designated time and location at the start of your trip.
Insurance
Holiday insurance is essential for all Yellow Wood Adventures. Unfortunately, anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the holiday, so please make sure you arrange cover. We recommend arranging your insurance cover when you book so that if you have problems during the run up to your holiday, and need to cancel, you are covered.
Tourists visiting Georgia are required to possess compulsory health and accident insurance, which is subject to verification upon entry at the border.
YellowWood partners with battleface as a travel insurance provider. Click here for a quote.
battleface insurance is provided in the UK by battleface Insurance Services Limited, a UK insurance intermediary authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Details provided on this webpage are for information only. Terms, conditions, exclusions, and limitations apply. Always read the description of cover contained within your policy to ensure it is suitable for your needs.
Prior to the holiday, we will ask you to send us details of your insurer, policy number, 24 hour emergency assistance contact details and the name, address, and telephone numbers of your NOK or persons to be notified in the event of an emergency.
You must ensure the travel insurance you purchase provides you with suitable cover for the entirety of your trip. Your travel insurance must include cover in the event that you have to cancel for a reason outside your control prior to departure, for any medical expenses you may incur whilst away (including repatriation in the case of medical need) and for the activities which you may participate in during your trip.
General information on Georgia and Armenia
For general information on Georgia, such as climate, weather, language, social norms, food & drink etc, please have a head to our Country Specific Page packed full of information about Georgia and Armenia.
Reviews
Bhati Dube
It was a well planned and executed trip. We had a taste of food, history, culture, art and people in a short period of time at a comfortable pace ! Lady guides in both the countries were good and helpful. Sulphur springs Hamam in Tblisi was enjoyable and so was the yummy jam of walnut in Yerevan. Lotus carving symbol ( considered very auspicious in India) in Geghard Monastery brought back half a century old memories when while travelling Euroasia by road I had seen the same symbol on the ceiling of Baalbek temple (Lebanon) and at the entrance of Roman villas in the outskirts of Gaziantep ((Turkey). Silk Road Traders Legacy perhaps I thought.
Georgia & Armenia Adventure September 2023
Woof!
A really well put together tour. Quite a busy schedule but this is fine since it's a fairly short trip. Includes visits to homes and houses and even a trip to a supermarket (to watch traditional bread being made). The two countries are surprisingly different with their own culture and cuisine, despite being next door to one another. A different guide in each country but both great with a smooth handover at the border. A slight hiccup at the first hotel when we arrived but all sorted out quickly and satisfactorily.
Georgia & Armenia Adventure September 2023
Please take into consideration the time of year when you are travelling before making your final packing decisions.
Please bring a full first aid kit and any prescription medication with you. Consult your doctor regarding advice around inoculations and the prevention of disease contraction.
Towels and other basic amenities are provided.
Compulsory
- Passport & insurance documents
- Appropriate Visa
- US$ or £GB to exchange for local currency
- Credit / Debit card for ATMs in town
- Phone & charging cables / plugs / adaptors
- Day bag
- Money belt
- Prescription medication
- First aid kit: paracetamol, rehydration sachets, antihistamine cream, ibuprofen cream, thermometer & blister kit (eg plasters & zinc oxide tape). anti-diarrhoea tables - we recommend getting hold of some Ciprofloxacin (a quinolone antibiotic) ahead of the trip. It’s great for traveller's diarrhoea
- Washbag & usual contents
- If applicable, feminine hygiene products
- Insect repellent
- Sun cream
- Hand gel
- Fully charged power pack and cables
Clothing
- Waterproof jacket - GoreTex or similar quality
- Warm jacket & fleece - even in the summer temperatures can be low in the evenings. Down or synthetic insulated jacket & light fleece recommended - they pack small too!
- Walking trousers for trekking. Soft shell fabric is ideal
- Shorts for warmer days
- Sandals or trainers - worn in please!
- General socks / underwear
- Suitable clothes/pjs for sleeping in
- Some “smarter” outfits / evening wear
- Warm hat & gloves
Optional
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat or baseball cap
- Buff or neck gaiter for cold weather / sun protection
- For women: Light scarf useful for covering neck & shoulders in respect of religious spaces
- Flask, if you enjoy hot drinks on the go
- Camera & charging cables / plug
- Purification tablets as alternative to Water Purification Bottle
- Spare ziplock bags for dirty clothes, waterproofing phones, rubbish & general organising
- Clothing hand-washing product - biodegradable please!
- Ear plugs (in case sharing with a snorer!)
This trip supports
Need a little help?
All adventures can be tailored as private bespoke trips.
Please contact us for more information:
+44 207 846 0197
Related Adventures
Booking Process
Select dates: Choose the dates for your adventure and consider adding any extra adventures or add-ons to enhance your experience.
Check the box to agree to our Terms & Conditions.
Make Booking: Click on "Make Booking." If you're booking more than 56 days before your adventure, you'll be redirected to secure WorldPay to make your deposit. If it's 56 days or less before your adventure, you'll need to make full payment. Rest assured, your money is held securely by the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust.
Your booking will show as 'pending' in your YellowWood online account.
Confirmation: We'll be in touch as soon as possible to confirm your booking or discuss any availability limitations. Please refrain from booking transport or flights until we've emailed you to confirm your booking. (Note: Receipt of your booking form is not confirmation.)
Making payment: Once your booking is confirmed, we'll change the status of your final invoice from 'Pending Approval' to 'Outstanding,' indicating that it's ready for payment online.
You will receive a reminder email for your final payment 56 days before the departure date.
Feel free to contact us with any questions about your adventure or booking, we're here to help!
Grading
To help you choose the right adventure for you, we have given each itinerary a grading that relates to the level of Walking / Trekking you will experience during the trip. This grading can be found on the Yellow map on the adventure page of the website.
All of our trips involve a level of general activity so are designed for people who are in good health, enjoy the outdoors, and have a taste for adventure and some level of fitness. As will be clear from our destinations, the climate (and altitude) may be different to that which you are used to, so please take this into consideration when choosing the most suitable holiday.
Please read our Adventure Itinerary & Essential Information for more information and don't hesitate to contact us if you would like to chat through whether you have found a suitable adventure for you.
Grade 1-3: Entry Level
You need to be in good physical health to enjoy your active holiday, but you don’t need to be an experienced hiker. These itineraries offer a mix of sightseeing and easier walking for around 2-4hrs a day, with the emphasis on sights and cultural experiences.
Walks will be well marked or on defined pathways, and often around sites of interest. The expected amount of descent/ascent will depend on the landscapes of the destination, but will not exceed 400m/day, and will often be much less. Walks are at low altitude (below 3000m).
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack with water and essentials. Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have a pair of comfortable and worn in walking shoes/boots.
Grades 4-6: Intermediate
You need to have a good level of fitness and be a regular walker for these adventures, with ideally some trekking experience. You can expect to be walking for 3-6 hours per day, not including rest stops, normally on good trail paths but with some uneven surfaces at times.
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack. You may be walking in more challenging temperatures. You will generally be walking at low altitude (below 3000m) but may walk at altitudes up to 4000m. The amount of ascent could be up to 800m in a day but will frequently be less. You may walk on consecutive days.
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable clothing for this adventure.
Grades 7-9: Challenging
You need to have a good level of fitness with previous experience of trekking. Extra training before your trip will ensure that you get the most out of your adventure. Areas will be remote and terrain uneven.
Expect to walk for 5 – 8 hours a day, not including breaks, with some very steep ascents and descents. You will be walking at altitude (over 3000m but not higher than 5000m).
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable equipment/clothing for this adventure (see the packing list for your adventure).
Please check individual itineraries for details of what you will need to be carrying with you.
Get in touch
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