Armenia & Georgia: Crossing the Caucasus
15 Days of Wine, Food & Timeless Traditions
Highlights
Armenia
Georgia
Trip Details
| Dates | Price (per person shared room) |
|---|---|
|
|
|
$997 USD
Private room: +$310
|
Trip length
15 days, 14 nights
Price
- A 30-day cancellation window applies.
- Lifetime Deposit. If you need to cancel, your deposit is transferable to other trips.
- Private supplement available.
See our full payment terms for more information.
Meeting point
Tufenkian Historic Hotel, Yerevan, Armenia
Ending point
Philharmonic by Mercure, Tbilisi, Georgia
Group size
Maximum 14 people
Included
- Arrival and departure transfer
- Meals: 14 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 9 dinners
- Private road transport throughout. 4×4 vehicles on day 12
- 14 nights boutique and premium accommodation
- A top-rated and English-speaking Trip Leader in each country
- Bottled drinking water throughout the trip
- All listed activities and more!
Not included
- International Flights and travel insurance (necessary)
- Visa: At the time of publishing, Americans and Canadians do not require a visa for this trip
- Additional hotel nights & late checkouts
- Drinks and other personal expenses
- Tip kitty (See FAQs for more information)
Have a group?
Contact us and we can arrange a private departure.
Overview
Accommodation Preview
Tufenkian Historic Hotel, Yerevan, Armenia
Kabadoni Boutique Hotel, Sighnaghi, Georgia
Philharmonic by Mercure, Tbilisi, Georgia
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Armenia!
Welcome to Armenia! From the second your feet hit the tarmac in Yerevan, we’ve got you covered – our driver will be waiting to whisk you straight to your hotel. No stress, no hassle—just sit back and take in your first glimpses of this lesser-visited country as you zip through its streets. Despite being wedged between Europe and Asia, Yerevan has a surprisingly European vibe that’ll instantly put you at ease and soothe those new-trip jitters.
Once you’ve had a chance to settle in, it’s time to meet your Hattie squad over a welcome dinner. It’s normal to feel a little bit nervous, but there’s really no need to be. By the time you’re raising glasses and sharing your excitement for the journey ahead, you’ll feel like a tight-knit team who’ve been traveling together for years.
Accommodation: Tufenkian Historic Hotel (or similar), Yerevan, Armenia
Included: Dinner
Day 2: Yerevan
Here’s your first full day in Yerevan, and it’s ready to knock your socks off! Known as the Pink City, Yerevan’s volcanic stone buildings cast a rosy glow that makes the whole place look like you’re strolling around with rose-tinted glasses.
After an intro tour of the highlights (Republic Square, we’re looking at you) it’s time to tackle the famous Cascade, a massive staircase meets open-air museum. Reach the top, and boom – you’re hit with 360-degree views of the city and Mount Ararat in the distance. This afternoon is all about getting hands-on, diving into a carpet-weaving workshop and learning how to work the loom like a local. Who knew making carpets could be such a workout?
To truly kick off your expertise in Armenian history, you’ll spend a curiosity-fuelled afternoon exploring two important museums.
Dinner tonight is a special one, as you’ll get to know Armenia in two amazing ways: through traditional food and music.
Accommodation: Tufenkian Historic Hotel (or similar), Yerevan, Armenia
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3: Zvartnots
Today’s your crash course in Armenian history, but don’t worry, we’re keeping it fun and soon you’ll be looking, googly-eyed, at ancient ruins and medieval masterpieces. First stop: Zvartnots. Even as ruins, this 7th-century temple still oozes grandeur and it’s easy to see why it’s earned a spot on the UNESCO list. Then, it’s off to Etchmiadzin, the mother church of the Armenian Apostolic faith, built way back in 303 AD. Phew, what a whirlwind of a morning!
There’s only so much exploring you can do before it’s time to get your hands dirty again – this time, with a dolma masterclass. You’ll see these yummy stuffed grape leaves all over the Caucasus, and soon, you’ll be rolling them like a pro. And just when you think the day’s peaked, we’ve got a little surprise for you in the afternoon. We’ll just say this: Armenia’s wine scene is seriously overlooked, and you’re about to find out why…
Afterwards, you’ll sate your newly found curiosity about Armenian winemaking alongside one local family. In their winery, you’ll learn about the techniques passed down through generations. This is when you get to ask them all your questions!
Accommodation: Tufenkian Historic Hotel (or similar), Yerevan, Armenia
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: Geghard Monastery
Kick off the day at Geghard Monastery, where the views aren’t the only things that’ll leave you speechless – just wait ‘til you hear the acoustics! You see, this cliffside monastery is home to mysterious echoes that bounce around like a natural sound system. These sounds are known to last up to 40 seconds long, and nobody quite knows why. It’s a mystery you’ll need to experience to believe.
Ready for some doughy goodness? Good, because lunch comes with a side of lavash-making, as you’ll learn to make this UNESCO-listed bread under the careful tutelage of a master. It’s soft, stretchy and oh-so-satisfying. And because we’re all about that DIY life this afternoon, you’ll finish the day by crafting your own tsamtel, a traditional Armenian hairpiece. It’s a way cooler souvenir than a postcard, that’s for sure!
Your afternoon is bound to be a-maze-ing. Here’s the story. Levon Arakelyan, a local from the village of Arinj, spent over twenty years digging deep beneath his home, using simple tools. You’ll explore his dream-turned-reality – a wow-worthy hand-carved labyrinth, full of rooms, winding passages, stairways… his dedication and imagination are truly inspiring!
Accommodation: Tufenkian Historic Hotel (or similar), Yerevan, Armenia
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5: Khor Virap Monastery
Good morning, Khor Virap! Today, you’ll stand at the closest point to the legendary Mount Ararat, the mountain where Noah’s Ark is said to have landed. With the biblical mountain towering in the background, you’ll explore Khor Virap Monastery, where Saint Gregory the Illuminator spent 14 years imprisoned in a deep underground pit. Yikes!
From there, it’s off to Noravank, an awe-inducing 13th-century monastery tucked against fiery red cliffs. This place takes it up a notch – literally. This two-story monastery was designed by the architect and national treasure Momik, and that’s made it a superstar attraction in Armenia.
You had a taste of Armenia’s winemaking heritage a couple of days ago, but, today, we have something even better up our sleeves. This afternoon, you’ll head to the world’s oldest winery at Areni. Dating back to 6100 BC, this place is where winemaking began. Cheers to that!
Accommodation: Tufenkian Historic Hotel (or similar), Yerevan, Armenia
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6: Lake Sevan
Get ready for a day jam-packed with Armenia’s underrated gems, with a side of head-spinning views! Things kick off at the Gumi Shuka – where else to live like the locals than at a local fruit market?
Next you’re cranking up the altitude at Lake Sevan, the eye-popping “Blue Pearl of Armenia”. Climb the monastery stairs and brace yourself: here, the sky and lake flirt in a dance of blues, making it hard to tell where one ends and the other begins.
You’ll wrap up the day in Dilijan, also known as “Armenian Switzerland”. Tomorrow, you’ll find out why – or, if time allows, your love story with Dilijan National Park will start today! After breathing in that fresh mountain air all day long, we bet you’ll sleep like a log in the true-to-the-region boutiquey hotel we’ve picked out for you. Sleep well!
Accommodation: Armenia GuestHouse (or similar), Dilijan, Armenia
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7: Dilijan
It’s time to unlock the secrets of “Armenian Switzerland” – Dilijan is ready for you! First up, you’ll get to wander through its historic center, where old-world-vibes meet forest-fringed-streets. You won’t be able to resist snapping a thousand selfies as you explore. It’s been a couple of days without any crafty encounters now, so let’s change that! We’ve lined up a jewelry-making session at Made Dilijan Center for you, where you’ll get to try out traditional techniques and walk away with another one-of-a-kind Armenian souvenir.
Next stop: Lake Parz, the kind of place that makes you want to whisper, just to keep the peace. This spot is loved among the locals, so some people-watching is in order. As the sun hits the lake just right and your Hattie squad’s laughter echoes through the trees, you’ll close your eyes and think, “Yep, this is the life!”.
Accommodation: Armenia GuestHouse (or similar), Dilijan, Armenia
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Hello Georgia!
It’s your last hurrah in Armenia and it’s going to feel almost impossible to tear yourself away from this expectation-shattering country, but it’s Georgia’s time to shine! On the way to the border, you’ll make a quick stop in Fioletovo, a Russian village in Armenia where the locals will share the head-spinning story of how they hold on to their customs and live their daily lives over cups of steaming tea.
Wave goodbye to your Armenian guide and gear up for a seamless tag-team at the border, where your Georgian guide will pick you up. Then, it’s straight off to Tbilisi with no time to dwell. This is a city that’s been reborn time and time again, and, as you explore, you’ll feel yourself falling instantly, dizzyingly, breathlessly in love with its infectious energy. Dive in headfirst, because Georgia waits for no one!
Accommodation: The Philharmonic by Mercure (or similar), Tbilisi, Georgia
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9: Signaghi
It’s your first full day in Georgia; you better fuel up at breakfast and hit the road – Sighnaghi awaits!
It’s the so-called city of love, where the old-school cobbled streets and balcony-lined houses offer up gasp-worthy views of the Caucasus Mountains. After a knowledge-rich visit to the Sighnaghi Museum, you may think this place is almost too charming to be true.? But the real love story here is with the food. You’ll dig into Georgian classics like churchkhela (candle-shaped candy) and khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) and trust us – you’ll probably be going back for seconds.
Accommodation: Kabadoni Boutique Hotel (or similar), Signaghi, Georgia
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Wine Time
Today’s all about discovering Georgia’s best-kept secret: their wines! Forget everything you thought you knew about vino, because Georgians would claim that their country is where winemaking actually began, and it’s been perfecting the craft for over 8,000 years.
After a hearty guesthouse breakfast, you’re off to Shumi Winery, just minutes from Tsinandali. Stroll through their wine exhibits, soak in Georgian winemaking traditions, and sip on Shumi’s finest bottles, paired with light snacks.
At Rtveli, the harvest that happens around late September, you’ll see that in some vineyards, locals still stomp grapes the old-fashioned way – barefoot and full of joy.
Lunch brings a hands-on bread-baking masterclass at Shumi, followed by a farm-fresh feast.
Accommodation: Hotel & Wine Cellar ARGE (or similar), Ruispiri, Georgia
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11: Monasteries & Fortresses
Today, you and your Hattie squad will channel your inner royals as you explore the 17th-century royal residence of Batonis Tsikhe. Built by King Archil, today it houses medieval artifacts and paintings by artists from all over the world.
But that’s just the warm-up – wait ‘til you see Ananuri Fortress! Perched above the eye-popping Zhinvali Reservoir, this is a fortress straight out of a medieval fantasy, complete with turrets, stone walls and views that’ll have you snapping pics every five seconds.
Accommodation: Marco Polo Gudauri (or similar), Gudauri, Georgia
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12: Dariali Complex
Another day, another adventure… this time kicking off at the Dariali Complex, a fortress-monastery clinging to the edge of the dramatic Dariali Gorge. This ancient stronghold once guarded the gateway to the Caucasus, but now it’s your turn to roam its rugged ruins and see how it stacks up against the Armenian monasteries you’ve already checked off. Spoiler alert: it holds its own!
You won’t let the day go by without visiting the Gudauri Viewpoint, perched above the infamous Devil’s Valley. But don’t let the name fool you – the only thing sinful here is how ridiculously good the views of the mountains are!
Next up, the adrenaline spikes as you hop into a 4WD and rumble down unpaved roads to Gveleti Waterfall, one of Georgia’s jaw-droppers. The real challenge is trying not to get soaked as you take in the view. You’ll wrap up the day with a feast of succulent Georgian dumplings. Fair warning: these bad boys are messy, with dumpling juices guaranteed to dribble down your chin – definitely not the most ladylike of foods to devour, but totally worth it!
Accommodation: Marco Polo Gudauri (or similar), Gudauri, Georgia
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 13: Kutaisi
Strap on your adventure boots – today, you’re heading to Uplistsikhe, an ancient cave town straight out of an action movie. Carved into the cliffs and once a major stop on the Silk Road, this 2nd-millennium BC settlement will have you channelling your inner Indiana Jones as you duck through tunnels and chambers.
The ones with a history-tooth are in for an eye-opener. In the town of Gori, you’ll visit the Stalin Memorial Museum, which houses Stalin’s personal belongings and offers a glimpse into another era.
Next, it’s Kutaisi time! Tourists and Georgians simply can’t get enough of this city, so it’s time to explore it from top to bottom to decide whether or not the hype is real.
As the sun sets, you’ll wrap up the day at Tina’s Ethno Winehouse, where she and her family will treat you to heaping platefuls of the most lip-smacking Georgian food you’ve ever tasted, complete with fabulous wine that’ll have you raising glasses with your Hattie squad. Here’s to the incredible memories you’ve already made together!
Accommodation: Hotel Memoire (or similar), Kutaisi, Georgia
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 14: Tbilisi
Today will be a choose-your-adventure kind of day, time permitting. It’s your last full day in Georgia (boo!) but there’s no hitting the brakes yet!
You may want to kick things off at the Kutaisi Green Bazaar where the chaos of haggling locals, fresh produce and spice-packed smells will smack you from every angle. It’s a full sensory overload and you’re right in the thick of it!
With all that chaos, you might think it’s time to get away to somewhere quieter. The spa town of Tskaltubo is just the ticket. Back in its heyday, this place was the peak of luxury. Nowadays, though, it’s full of eerie, overgrown ruins that’ll get under your skin and have you hooked. Faded mosaics, creeping vines and cracked facades all add to the haunting mish-mash of Soviet glamour and wild overgrowth…
It’s your final night in Georgia, which means it’s time for one final hurrah! Gather your Hattie squad for a Georgian farewell dinner packed with belly laughs, raising glasses and stories from your two-country adventure.
Accommodation: The Philharmonic by Mercure (or similar), Tbilisi, Georgia
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 15: Farewell, Friends!
Your final morning has finally arrived, and it’s time to say your goodbyes. Over breakfast, be sure to swap contact details with your Hattie friends and maybe even make a few plans for that next adventure together. When it’s time to head out, our driver will get you to the airport with plenty of time to spare, so no rushing through security. See you on your next adventure, Hatties!
Included: Breakfast
Trip Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Prior to the payment of your full balance, the final price may change if there is significant variation in the USD:EUR exchange rate. Our trip pricing is determined by what the exchange rates are at the time of publishing the trip.
The pricing on this trip is based on an exchange rate of 1 USD:0.88 EUR.
A deposit of 25% of the total trip price is required to secure your spot. Payment can be made by credit card (fees apply) or wire transfer.
There is a cancellation window of 30 days. (Applicable to all bookings made at least 120 days before trip departure.)
We have implemented a ‘lifetime deposit’ guarantee. Deposits are not refundable, but they are transferable at any time, right up until the first day of the trip.
The final balance of the trip is required 120 days in advance of the departure date. Our suppliers require upfront payment well in advance to guarantee availability.
Please refer to the full terms and conditions for further information.
Level 1
So long as you have a general level of health and fitness, you’ll be okay. However, to enjoy this trip, you’ll need to be able to spend time on your feet and regularly walk for 2-3 hours. Daily activities will include:
- Walking on uneven and hilly ground,
- Getting on and off various forms of transportation and
- Occasionally, climbing some stairs.
You may also encounter over-the-bath showers in some of the accommodations.
You may be required to use a squat toilet – we do our best to accommodate what you’re used to (all hotel rooms have sit-down toilets), but when you’re on the road, sometimes it’s the only choice available.
Americans and Canadians do not need a visa to visit Armenia and Georgia.
Most of our trips have a tip kitty because many cultures have interesting and diverse rules when it comes to tips. We’ve found it to be the easiest way to combat over-tipping, under-tipping or having the tip fall into the wrong hands. Our goal is for guests to relax and know that the complexities of tipping are taken care of, on their behalf.
We’ll be updating this section with the tipping amount and how it’s distributed, soon.
This trip starts in Yerevan, Armenia, and finishes in Tbilisi, Georgia.
Most North American travelers fly to Armenia via Europe or the Middle East, connecting through major hubs such as Paris, Frankfurt, Doha, Istanbul, or Dubai.
Will we be picked up at the airport?
Yes! One of our friendly team will be waiting for you in the public arrivals area of the airport. You’ll transfer directly to the hotel. The transfer is free and in a private and air-conditioned vehicle, which you will only share if there is anyone else on your flight joining the trip. NB: Transfers from central capital city train stations can also be arranged.
When should we arrive?
Try to arrive before midday on the start day, although earlier would be recommendable. If possible, come one day early to settle in. We can organize additional hotel nights for you at cost.
The opportunity to do laundry during your trip is possible and best left for stays that are for more than one night. Your guide will be able to assist with recommendations during your trip.
They share spectacular mountain landscapes and deep-rooted hospitality, but each country has its own language, alphabet, food and traditions. One of the joys of this trip is experiencing the contrasts between them.
Road conditions vary. Highways between major cities are generally good, but mountain roads can be winding, narrow and distances can take longer to travel than you’d expect. Travel days are part of the adventure, but if you find travel sickness a challenge, you should consider bringing your regular medication with you.
These two countries sit at the crossroads of Europe and Asia and have long been overlooked by mainstream travelers. That’s part of their appeal. Rather than big-name attractions, you’ll discover ancient monasteries, family-run wineries, mountain villages and genuine hospitality in places many travellers have never considered. It feels refreshingly undiscovered without being difficult to explore.
You’ll cross the Armenia – Georgia border by road as a group. Everyone leaves the bus with their passport to clear immigration before hopping back on for the journey into Georgia. The process is generally straightforward, but border crossings can be unpredictable, so don’t be surprised if it takes a little while.
In the unlikely event of a health- or security-related incident during a trip, we’ve engaged a local partner to assist. From our experience, there is not one framework that fits all, and every incident is unique and requires a different approach.
With all trips, your guides are your day-to-day support. While behind the scenes, there is an active line of communication between your guide, the on-ground support team, and Ops.
The local currency of Armenia is the Armenian dram (AMD), and the currency of Georgia is the Georgian lari ( GEL)
This is one of the most frequently asked questions we get!
Most of our guests are in their 40s to 60s, with some a little younger and some older—everyone is welcome. Many Hatties travel solo and are paired with a roommate, so there’s no need to pay a single supplement. We’ll match you with someone of a similar age.
The typical Hattie is a well-traveled, seasoned adventurer who takes things in stride. That said, many tell us this is their very first group trip. A lot of our guests have avoided traditional tours in the past, as they’re not drawn to large, impersonal group experiences.
And one last thing:
Hatties are warm, generous, and kind. We always hoped it would be this way, but the reality has exceeded our expectations. We feel incredibly lucky to have such wonderful guests.
