Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Highlights of the Caucasus A Georgia and Armenia Adventure
Armenia – Georgia – Yerevan – Tbilisi – Kazbegi – Mestia
Begin in Yerevan, the Armenian capital, where you’ll sample your first taste of the country’s culture on a guided tour. From here, it’s monasteries, monasteries and more monasteries, with visits to Khor Virap, Geghard and Garni, before heading down for a hike around the breathtaking alpine Lake Sevan.
Armenian adventures complete, it’s time to cross the border into Georgia, where Tbilisi awaits. Hop between the capital’s bohemian restaurants and historic buildings before venturing into the country’s lesser-trodden areas – we’re talking UNESCO-listed architecture in Mtskheta, scenic gorges in Kazbegi and the fascinating cave city of Vardzia.
Finally, round things off in the secluded mountain region of Svaneti, where breathtaking views and rural life are the name of the game. Off the beaten track doesn’t come much cooler than this.
Itinerary
100% customisable for you
History hats at the ready: your trip to Georgia and Armenia begins today. Head to the airport, whizz through security and enjoy a few pre-plane nibbles in the lounge before boarding your flight to Yerevan, Armenia’s capital. Depending on the route, you’ll either fly direct or via Paris, with journeys taking approximately five and seven hours, respectively.
When you land, you'll be met and whisked off to your hotel, just a short drive away in the city centre. Check in, drop your bags and spend the rest of the day settling in before heading out for dinner – our clued-up Concierge is on hand to recommend a restaurant and reserve the best table in the house.
Most trips to Armenia begin in the capital – and quite rightly, too. This morning, we’ve arranged for you to dive headfirst into Yerevan on a private tour, so tuck into a hearty breakfast before setting off to meet your knowledgeable guide.
Begin in Republic Square, the heart of the city, before wandering down the Cascade Complex, an architectural wonder boasting intricate sculptures, grand staircases and breathtaking views over the city.
Next, pay a visit to Memorial Park, a poignant tribute to those lost during the Armenian Genocide, before driving on to Echmiadzin, just half an hour from Yerevan. The city is a spiritual hub for both Armenians and Christians worldwide, and you’ll have the chance to visit its sacred Cathedral and Treasury Museum.
This afternoon, return to Yerevan – stopping en route at the UNESCO-listed Zvartnots Cathedral – for some exploring of your own. There’s plenty to do here, whether you’d rather marvel at the Kond district’s ancient architecture, savour local brandy at Ararat distillery or head to the central food market for some regional specialities. Khorovats (Armenian barbecue), anyone?
Continue your Armenian adventures this morning with a visit to the Vayots Dzor region, the agricultural centre of Armenia.
Begin at Khor Virap, a historic monastery in the Ararat Valley. Built during the reign of the Arshakids dynasty – from 54AD to 428AD – this monastery boasts both incredible views over the mountains and a fascinating insight into the country’s religious heritage. Your guide will fill you in on its history as you venture down into the monastery’s pit dungeon, said to be where the Christian saint Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 14 years.
Next, continue to Noravank, another monastery nestled in a narrow gorge carved by the Amaghu River. Once a hub for Armenia’s artistic production, Noravank is backdropped by an impressive set of ruby-red cliffs, so be sure to keep cameras at the ready.
Later, return to Yerevan for another tasty dinner and relaxing evening.
Another day, another monastery. This morning, meet your driver-guide to transfer to the next stop on your Armenian agenda: the cave monastery of Geghard, a religious monument carved into the rocks of the Upper Azat River gorge.
After marvelling at Geghard’s historic St. Gregory Chapel, it's on to Garni Temple, a pagan structure comprised of grey basalt and Greek-style columns. The temple was originally dedicated to Mithra (Mihr in Armenian), god of the sun, and sits on a breathtaking bluff surrounded by mountains and blossom trees. While you’re here, why not take a short hike down into Garni Gorge to see the extraordinary Symphony of Stones basalt rock formations?
Suitably wowed, enjoy lunch at a traditional house in Garni village, where friendly local women bake fresh lavash bread (yes, please). Then, transfer back to Yerevan to visit Matenadaran, an Armenian archive containing historical documents from across Europe and Asia. Consider yourself thoroughly educated…
Wave goodbye to the Armenian capital this morning and meet your private driver for the journey towards the border with Georgia. It takes just over three hours, but don’t worry: there’ll be plenty of opportunities to pause along the way.
Your first stop is Lake Sevan, one of the largest freshwater alpine lakes in the world. If the weather’s on your side, why not take a refreshing dip in the crystalline waters? Or, if it’s a little too chilly, snap a few postcard-perfect shots of your surroundings.
Next, visit Dilijan, often referred to as Armenia's 'Little Switzerland' thanks to its lush woodlands, forests and gorges. Potter down Sharambeyan shopping street, then pull on your walking boots for a scenic hike to Parz Lich, a picturesque lake nestled in the Dilijan highlands. Along the way, explore beautiful green valleys and dense woods before rounding off your day at yet another lake in the pretty village of Gosh.
Sightseeing complete, continue on to your next hotel, where you'll be staying for the night.
We’ve left your last morning in Armenia free for you to spend as you wish, whether you’d rather relax with a leisurely breakfast or hop in the car to Sanahin village for a scenic hike up to Haghpat Monastery. This monastery-to-monastery walk follows the same historic route taken by medieval monks and pilgrims, passing through the rural villages and crossing the historic Haghpat Bridge. Once you've racked up an impressive step count, enjoy a tasty lunch at a local restaurant.
This afternoon, it's time to say goodbye to your Armenian driver-guide and cross the border into Georgia, where a new driver will be waiting to meet you. From here, it’s just a 40-minute private transfer to your hotel in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi.
Drop your bags and settle in for a lazy afternoon before heading back out for your first evening in this bustling city – our detailed destination Dossier is packed with recommendations, from quiet restaurants to lively bars.
The next two days are all about exploring Tbilisi.
To help you find your feet, we’ll arrange a tour of the city on your first day. Alongside an expert guide, wander through the Old Town and along Rustaveli Avenue before heading further afield to discover Tbilisi’s most iconic landmarks, from Sioni Cathedral to the Sulfur bathhouses. You’ll also have the chance to visit Narikala Fortress, which offers fantastic views over the city, and the National and Art Museums.
The second day is yours for the taking, whether you’d rather set off solo or head out on another insider tour with a local. If you’re stuck on where to go, we’d recommend starting in the Old Quarter, a charming maze of cobbled streets, restaurants and religious architecture. Take some time to soak in the city’s surroundings, too – Tbilisi boasts mountains on three sides, with the River Mtkvari meandering lazily through it, making it both beautiful and easy to navigate.
Come evening, head out for delicious dinners and wine-tasting tours, then catch a polyphonic choir concert – a Georgian skill so beautiful it earned itself UNESCO World Heritage status.
Leave the city buzz behind this morning as you head into the half-desert to visit David Gareja, a rock-hewn monastery complex in the southern Kakheti Region. The monastery itself is cut into the majestic Mount Gareja, a towering peak that, in spring, becomes surrounded by a carpet of colourful wildflowers.
Keen to keep things active? After exploring David Gareja Lavra, the complex’s main monastery, you could also take on the hike to Udabno, another monastery located higher up. The two-hour walk is worth it for the views over the Azerbaijan Valley alone, but when you make it to the top, you’ll also be rewarded with magnificent frescoes dating from the ninth to the 14th century – and a tasty picnic lunch, of course.
After your adventure, head back to Tbilisi in the late afternoon and spend the evening as you please – perhaps with a plate of khinkali (pillowy dumplings filled with spiced meat and savoury broth).
Bid Tbilisi a fond farewell this morning as you grab your bags and meet your driver for the one-hour journey west from the capital to Mtskheta, Georgia’s cultural and religious centre.
Located at the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers, UNESCO-listed Mtskheta has long been a crossroads of historic trade routes, complete with well-preserved architecture and impressive monuments. While you’re here, be sure to visit the Medieval Jvari Church, the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, the Shiomghvine Monastery and the Samtavro complex, home to the tombs of King Mirian III and Queen Nana, the first Christian rulers of Georgia.
After exploring these historic sites, journey north up the Georgia Military Highway and into the Shida Kartli region to Kazbegi, where you'll be staying for the next two nights. You’ll arrive in the early evening, so check in, drop your bags and head straight down for dinner backdropped by dramatic mountains.
Home to a pocket-sized population of just over 5,000 people, the Kazbegi region is one of Georgia’s most beautiful and unspoiled landscapes, with rugged mountains, a beautiful nature reserve and an abundance of birdlife and blooms.
Today, venture out to explore Kazbegi with a friendly local guide. If you have a hankering for a hike, we could also arrange a trek to the 14th-century Gergeti Trinity Church, one of Georgia's most renowned landmarks. The hike takes two to three hours and is reasonably demanding, but in our opinion, it’s well worth it – think iconic architecture followed by a picnic overlooking the wild landscapes. If you’d prefer to stay warm indoors, we can also arrange for you to try making khinkali dumplings with a local family – talk about authentic.
After your mountain lunch, head back to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day however you like, from relaxing with your holiday read to exploring your stunning surroundings on horseback.
Today, meet your driver and depart Kazbegi, making your way back down the Georgian Military Highway to Tbilisi.
En route, stop at Khada Gorge, set just below the ski resort of Gaudari. Take some time to explore this beautiful valley, wandering past old towers, interesting cemeteries and beautiful waterfalls.
Tuck into another tasty picnic lunch here before hopping back in the car bound for the Ananuri complex. The former residence of the Dukes of Aragvi, Ananuri boasts incredible architecture, including a 16th-century church and stone towers, as well as a stunning view of the lake below.
After your journey through the countryside, arrive in Tbilisi in the early evening and check into your hotel for the night. The rest of the evening is yours for the taking, so feel free to reach out to your Concierge for a few fab eateries.
It’s time for the final leg of your holiday to begin. Say goodbye to Tbilisi (again) this morning as you begin the three-hour transfer to Vardzia, another of Georgia’s storied cave complexes. En route, stop at Samtavisi Cathedral, an 11th-century Orthodox cathedral complete with an impressive dome and ornate facades.
From here, continue to the city of Gori – infamously known as the birthplace of Stalin – and visit the museum dedicated to the Soviet leader, as well as the house he grew up in.
Finally, continue to the seventh-century Ateni Sioni Church for another dose of religious history before reaching Vardzia, your home for the night.
You might think you’ve seen caves on this trip – but Vardzia isn’t quite like the rest. This morning, lace up your walking boots and meet your guide for a visit to this medieval cave city, cut into the mountainside overlooking the Mtkavari River.
Built in 1185, Vardzia’s cave system is incredibly complex, featuring narrow entrances that delve deep underground, a jaw-dropping bell tower and approximately 6,000 apartments spread over 13 floors. As if that wasn’t enough, ancient engineers also crafted terraces with an intricate built-in irrigation system to promote cultivation and settlement. Unfortunately, an earthquake and foreign raids rendered the city uninhabitable, but – luckily for us – it’s now a renowned tourist site, maintained by a group of monks.
The sightseeing doesn’t stop here; there’s still time to explore the nearby Kumurdo Cathedral, Castle of Khertvisi, Akhaltsikhe and the Monastery of Sapara. Rest your weary legs with a tasty lunch before hopping back in the car to Kutaisi, where you'll be staying for the night.
Leave Kutaisi in the rearview today as you’re privately transferred to the beautiful Gelati complex. Founded by King David IV, also known as David the Builder, Gelati was once one of the country’s main educational centres and still contains manuscripts dating back to the 12th century.
Next, it’s back on the road for the five-and-a-half-hour drive into the Svaneti region in western Georgia. It might sound like a long time, but you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views, cruising through mountainside tunnels and crossing roaring rivers. Combine these pretty panoramas with the tunes on our destination-specific playlist, and the drive will fly by in no time…
In the late afternoon, you’ll arrive in Mestia, your home for the next three nights. Nestled beneath the jagged peaks of Mount Ushba, this remote town is dominated by a forest of ninth-century defensive towers and is home to the Svan people, a traditional Georgian mountain community. Spend the rest of the evening soaking up the region’s peace and quiet – you deserve it after all that driving.
Spend the next two days basking in Mestia’s secluded scenery. On day one, we’ll arrange a tour of the small, mountainous town, allowing you to delve into local culture and daily life by exploring narrow alleyways, discovering photo-worthy views and visiting small museums, such as the excellent Ethnographical and History Museum.
Come evening, sample local khachapuri – a warm, cheesy bread sure to have you hooked from bite one – before wandering to the Svan towers, which illuminate the town at night and make for seriously atmospheric photographs.
Spend your second day here visiting Ushguli, a two-hour drive away. One of Europe's highest continuously inhabited settlements, the community contains five villages, each of which offers an insight into mountain life and picturesque panoramas over the rugged landscapes.
Take one last mental picture of Mestia’s mountain views over breakfast before beginning the journey back down the winding road towards Kutaisi. On the way, you'll pass through Becho Valley, one of the most beautiful areas in Svaneti, where pigs and cows roam against a backdrop of pretty houses.
Enjoy a tasty lunch en route, then check into your hotel in Kutaisi for your last night in Georgia. There are some excellent restaurant choices in Kutaisi for your last Georgian meal, so contact your Concierge and you’ll be toasting to your trip in no time.
It’s sadly time for your adventure to come to an end. This morning, check out and meet your driver for the two-hour transfer to the airport in Batumi, where you’ll board your flight home. With a quick stopover in Istanbul, the journey will take around eight hours, and you’ll arrive back in the UK in the afternoon, ready to wow your friends and family with your newfound knowledge of these lesser-explored countries.
Why visit Armenia with Original Travel ?
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire nowA few of the benefits of travelling with us to Armenia
- Our local Concierges
- The Original Travel app
- Destination Dossier
- 24-hour helpline
- Expert guides
- 100% carbon absorption
Why visit Georgia with Original Travel ?
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire nowA few of the benefits of travelling with us to Georgia
- Our local Concierges
- The Original Travel app
- Destination Dossier
- 24-hour helpline
- Expert guides
- 100% carbon absorption
