Georgia & Armenia Explorer
Georgia & Armenia Explorer
$2635
Georgia & Armenia Explorer
11 Days Starting in Tbilisi, Georgia and ending in Yerevan, Armenia
Visiting: Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Tskhaltubo, Borjomi, Akhaltsikhe, Vardzia, Gyumri, Yerevan, Khor Virap Monastery, Areni, Arpa Protected Landscape, Noravank Monastery, Lake Sevan
Tour operator:
Tour code:
KFSE
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Georgia and Armenia with the "Georgia & Armenia Explorer" tour. Discover the haunting beauty of Tskhaltubo's abandoned Soviet sanatoriums and delve into the 12th-century history of Vardzia's Cave Town. Experience the rich wine traditions of Georgia with a visit to a local family winery, and savor a home-cooked lunch. In Armenia, hike with rangers in the Arpa Protected Landscape, and explore the vibrant city of Yerevan, renowned for its grand Soviet-era architecture. Visit the inclusive bakery in Gyumri, supporting people with disabilities, and take in the breathtaking views of Khor Virap and Sevanavank Monasteries. Travel comfortably through diverse landscapes using a mix of private vehicles, public buses, taxis, and trains, and enjoy varied accommodations throughout your adventure. This cultural tour promises a rich tapestry of history, nature, and local flavors.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Tbilisi
Location: Tbilisi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 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
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 Cathedral. Or, explore the cobbled streets as you make your way up to the ruins of Bagrati Palace and Citadel.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 3: Tskhaltubo/ Kutaisi
Location: Tskhaltubo, Kutaisi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
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 and enjoy a wine tasting. This afternoon, return to Kutaisi for some free time. Your dinner tonight will be at your family-owned hotel to enjoy some fantastic local flavors. Included Activities:-Tskhaltubo - Soviet sanatoriums visit-Kutaisi - Winery visit & tastingOptional Activities:-Kutaisi - Pub Crawl
Day 4: Borjomi/ Akhaltsikhe
Location: Borjomi, Akhaltsikhe
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 5: Vardzia/ Gyumri
Location: Vardzia, Gyumri
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 explore the site with your leader 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 a local guide 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:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 6: Yerevan
Location: Yerevan
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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. The rest of the day is free for your own discoveries.You may like to head out to notable Armenian Opera and Ballet Theatre for a perfornance or try local brandy at a famous brandy factory – ask your leader for recommendations.
Included Activities:
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Day 7: Yerevan
Location: Yerevan
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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. Later 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 lunch. Soak up the local flavours, get to know the local women and toast to a great adventure!The rest of the day is free. Maybe visit Matenadaran – The Museum of Ancient Manuscripts – or wander around Vernissage Market.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 8: Areni
Location: Khor Virap Monastery, Areni
Accommodation: Guest House
Accommodation Name: Guest House
Meals Included: Breakfast, 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: Arpa Protected Landscape, Noravank Monastery, Lake Sevan
Accommodation: Lake Cottage
Accommodation Name: Lake Cottage
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Early in the morning, drive 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 friendly goats. Later head 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 visit Orbelian Caravanserai before getting to tonight’s accommodation. Your accommodation is a lodge set up by a local NGO, whose mission 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 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: Lake Sevan, Yerevan
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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:
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Day 11: Yerevan
Location: Yerevan
Meals Included: Breakfast
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
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Accommodation
Hotel (8 nights), Guest House (1 night), Lake Cottage (1 night) -
Meals
10 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinners -
Kutaisi - Leader-led city walking tour
Enjoy a guided walking tour of Kutaisi led by a knowledgeable leader.
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Kutaisi - Aerial Tramway
Experience a ride on the Soviet Aerial Tramway in Kutaisi.
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Tskhaltubo - Soviet sanatoriums visit
Visit the abandoned Soviet sanatoriums in Tskhaltubo.
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Kutaisi - Winery visit & tasting
Visit a family winery in Kutaisi and enjoy a wine tasting session.
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Borjomi - Leader-led walking tour
Take a guided walking tour in Borjomi with a local leader.
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Vardzia - Cave Town Visit
Explore the historic cave town of Vardzia with a leader.
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Gyumri - Inclusive bakery visit
Visit an inclusive bakery in Gyumri that employs people with disabilities.
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Gyumri - City Tour with Local Guide
Enjoy a city tour of Gyumri with a local guide.
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Yerevan - Leader-led Orientation Walk
Participate in an orientation walk in Yerevan led by a leader.
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Yerevan - City Tour with Local Guide
Explore Yerevan on a city tour with a local guide.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as visits to museums and other attractions are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs and additional meals are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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.
Mode of Transport
Travel through Georgia and Armenia using a mix of private vehicles, public buses, taxis, and trains, ensuring a comfortable and diverse transportation experience throughout the journey.
Accommodation
Accommodation throughout the tour may vary, with alternative arrangements made if preferred options are unavailable. Rooms are requested to be ready upon arrival, but immediate check-in isn't always possible. Luggage storage and shared day rooms are available until rooms are ready.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation will be used during the tour?
The tour will use a mix of private vehicles, public buses, taxis, and trains to ensure a comfortable and diverse transportation experience throughout the journey.
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What can I expect from the accommodation during the tour?
Accommodation throughout the tour may vary, with alternative arrangements made if preferred options are unavailable. Rooms are requested to be ready upon arrival, but immediate check-in isn't always possible. Luggage storage and shared day rooms are available until rooms are ready.
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Will there be any opportunities to learn about local food and wine traditions?
Yes, you will visit a family winery in Kutaisi for a wine tasting session and also visit a winery in Areni Village where you will enjoy a home-cooked lunch. Additionally, there will be a Dolma cooking demonstration and dinner in Yerevan.
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Are there any unique cultural experiences included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes visits to historic sites such as the Vardzia Cave Town, Khor Virap Monastery, and Sevanavank Monastery. You will also visit an inclusive bakery in Gyumri that employs people with disabilities and participate in a Dolma cooking demonstration in Yerevan.
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What kind of activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes a variety of activities such as guided city tours, visits to historic sites, a hike with local rangers in the Arpa Protected Landscape, and a wine tasting session. There are also opportunities for cultural experiences like a Dolma cooking demonstration.
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Is there any hiking involved in the tour?
Yes, there is a hike with local rangers in the Arpa Protected Landscape, where you will learn about the local flora and fauna and search for bezoar goats.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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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.
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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Terms and Conditions