Caucasus Explorer

Once you have arrived at Tbilisi International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day will be at your leisure to relax or start exploring.

Tbilisi – Mtskheta – Tbilisi. This morning, you will head to Mtskheta, the former capital of Georgia. Here, you will visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, a key religious landmark associated with the legend of Christ’s robe. From Jvari Monastery, set above the town, you will observe the surrounding landscape before spending time walking through Mtskheta’s historic centre.

Later, you will return to Tbilisi for a guided city tour. You will visit Narikala Fortress, cross the Bridge of Peace, and walk through the Abanotubani district, famous for its sulphur baths. In the Old Town and Sharden area, you will see the Clock Tower of Rezo Gabriadze and explore the network of traditional streets. You will also visit Sioni Cathedral and Anchiskhati Basilica and view historical exhibits presenting Georgia’s cultural heritage.

Tbilisi – Ananuri – Gudauri – Stepantsminda – Tbilisi. Today, you will travel north along the Georgian Military Highway, a historic route linking Georgia with Russia. Your first stop is the Ananuri Fortress Complex, located beside the Zhinvali Reservoir. Here, you will see the 17th century church within the complex, known for its detailed stone carvings influenced by Persian and pagan traditions.

Continuing towards the mountain resort of Gudauri, you will stop at the Gudauri viewpoint for views over the Caucasus Mountains. You will then proceed to Stepantsminda, also known as Kazbegi, where 4WD vehicles will take you through forested slopes to Gergeti Trinity Church. This 14th century church stands on a hilltop allowing you to take in views with Mount Kazbegi rising behind it. After spending time in the area, you will return to Tbilisi in the evening.

Please note:
During the colder months (from 01 Nov - 15 May), travel along the Georgian Military Highway may be affected by weather and road conditions, particularly in the Gudauri and Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) regions. In the event that access to these areas is restricted, the itinerary will be adjusted accordingly and an alternative programme will be offered, visiting Mtskheta, Chateau Mukhrani and Gori.

Tbilisi – Telavi – Alaverdi – Tsinandali – Tbilisi. After breakfast, you will drive to the Kakheti region, known as Georgia’s main wine-producing area. You will visit the historic Telavi bazaar, where you can observe a traditional market and see locally produced goods. In Telavi, considered the centre of Kakheti, you will pass Batonis Tsikhe, a medieval architectural complex, and see the Giant Plane Tree, believed to be around 900 years old and an important part of local tradition.

You will then continue to Alaverdi Cathedral, founded in the 11th century and historically an important religious and educational centre. The cathedral is set within a scenic landscape characteristic of the region.

In Tsinandali, you will visit the manor house museum of Prince Alexander Chavchavadze, a 19th-century Georgian aristocrat, poet, and military figure. Afterwards, you will continue to Shumi Winery for a guided wine tasting, where you will learn about local winemaking traditions and sample regional wines. After you will return to your hotel for the evening,

Tbilisi – Sadakhlo (Georgia) – Haghpat (Armenia) – Dilijan – Yerevan. Today, you will drive to Sadakhlo, the border between Georgia and Armenia. After crossing the border, you will meet your Armenian guide and driver and continue your journey in Armenia.

Your first visit will be Haghpat Monastery, dating from the 10th to 13th centuries and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The complex reflects the distinctive character of Armenian medieval architecture, set in harmony with its surrounding landscape.

You will then travel to Dilijan, located on the banks of the Aghstev River and surrounded by forested mountains. Known as a resort town, Dilijan is recognised for its natural setting and fresh mountain air. You will then be taken to your hotel in Yerevan.

Yerevan – Ejmiatsin – Yerevan. After breakfast, you will begin your tour of Yerevan, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. You will visit Republic Square, known for its distinctive stone design, and see the Opera and Ballet Theatre, designed by architect Aleksander Tamanyan, who shaped much of modern Yerevan. At the Cascade Monument, you will have panoramic views of the city with Mount Ararat visible in the distance, and visit the Cafesjian Museum of Modern Art.

You will then travel to Ejmiatsin, the spiritual centre of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Built between 301 and 303 AD, the Mother Cathedral is one of the earliest Christian churches in the world and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Afterwards, you will visit the 7th-century Zvartnots Temple. Although now in ruins, the site is notable for its circular architectural design, uncommon in medieval Armenian construction.

Yerevan – Khor Virap – Areni – Yerevan. This morning, you will visit Khor Virap Monastery, an important pilgrimage site in Armenian Christianity. Set on a rocky outcrop near the Turkish border, the monastery offers clear views of Mount Ararat. The site is closely linked to the story of St Gregory the Illuminator, who was imprisoned here for 13 years before Armenia adopted Christianity as a state religion.

You will then travel to the Vayots Dzor region, known for its winemaking traditions, to visit Areni-1 Cave. Archaeological excavations uncovered the world’s earliest known winery, dating back around 6,100 years, as well as a 5,500-year-old leather shoe.

You may choose to take part in an optional wine tasting at a local winery in the region.

Afterwards, you will continue to Noravank Monastery, a 13th-century complex set within a narrow gorge. The surrounding red rock formations rise steeply above the valley and form part of the site’s distinctive setting. You will then return to Yerevan.

Yerevan- Garni – Geghard - Yerevan. Today, you will visit Garni Pagan Temple, dating back to the 1st century AD. Originally dedicated to the sun god Mihr, the temple stands on a hill overlooking the Azat River gorge and is the only surviving Greco-Roman collonaded structure in the region.

You will then see the Symphony of Stones, a natural formation of basalt columns shaped by volcanic activity. The vertical rock formations resemble the pipes of an organ and are located within the gorge below Garni.

Afterwards, you will continue to Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also known as Ayrivank, meaning ‘church carved from rock’, the complex is partly hewn into the surrounding cliffs. According to local tradition, a spring within the monastery is believed to have healing properties.

After your final breakfast, depending on your departure flight time. You may have time for some last-minute shopping, exploring or relaxation before taking your transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Safe travels!