10-Day Tour Through the Heart of the Caucasus: Georgia and Armenia Adventure

In the morning, drive to the Kakheti region that is famous for its old winemaking traditions. Visit a traditional Qvevri workshop in Vardisubani, run by the Kbilashvili family, where you’ll observe the ancient clay vessel–making process and learn about Georgia’s 8,000-year-old winemaking tradition. Continue to Alaverdi Monastery, which was established by monk Joseph Alaverdeli, who came from Antioch and resided in Alaverdi. The first church in Alaverdi was built in the sixth century. The current Cathedral was built as part of an 11th-century Georgian Orthodox monastery. The monastery is surrounded by fortifications.

Continue to Tsinandali. Visit the house museum of Alexander Chavchavadze, a famous public figure and poet from the nineteenth century. At the time, Georgian nobles were known for their sophisticated European taste, as evidenced by the exquisite English Garden that surrounds the house. The house's wine cellar contains a unique selection of Georgian and European wines. You will be served a glass of Tsinandali white wine as a welcome gift. Drive to Telavi, the largest town of Kakheti. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, drive to the Gremi fortress, which was built between the 15th and 16th centuries. The fortress now houses a church, a 15th-century tower palace, and a museum exhibiting site artefacts. Continue to Kvareli. Visit the Khareba Winery - a unique wine cellar/tunnel carved deep within the Caucasus Mountains. Enjoy wine tour and tasting. Continue to Sighnaghi, the famed city of love located on a hilltop with a panoramic view of the Alazani Valley. The remainder of the defensive wall, with 23 towers, is still standing around the town. Climb one of the towers and walk along the wall until you reach the next one. Continue to the Bodbe monastery, which was built in the IX century. It is currently used as a nunnery, but it also serves as a tourist attraction. Drive back to Tbilisi. Spend the night at the hotel.

In the morning, depart Tbilisi for Kazbegi, stopping at the Jvari Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Ananuri Fortress, both of which offer stunning views of their surroundings. Explore the Georgian Military Highway, stopping for photos at the Gudauri View Point and the Jvari Overpass Travertine Natural Monument. Arrive in Stepantsminda, then take an optional hike or drive to the Gergeti Holy Trinity Church, which offers breathtaking views of Mount Kazbek (5033 m). Enjoy a relaxing evening at your Kazbegi hotel.

Today, your Caucasus travel itinerary takes you to Gori, the birthplace of Joseph Stalin, where you can visit Stalin's house museum and have a photo stop at Gori Fortress. The journey then continues to Uplistsikhe, an ancient cave town that has played an essential role in regional history. This breathtaking landmark, dating back to the first and second millennia B.C., features remarkable structures such as the "Theatre," the Temple of Makvliani, the Uplistsuli Church, the triple-church basilica, and a tunnel to the Mtkvari River. After the tour, return to Tbilisi for a hotel drop-off.

Your 10-day Caucasus tour in Georgia and Armenia resumes in the morning, with a departure from Tbilisi for the Georgian-Armenian border of Sadakhlo. Upon crossing, you will be welcomed by our Armenian guide and driver to begin your exploration of Armenia. The day includes visits to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Haghpat and Sanahin Monasteries in the Lori region, which are examples of Armenian religious architecture from the 10th to 13th centuries. Travel through the lush landscapes and charming town of Dilijan. Pass Lake Sevan, the "Pearl of Armenia," 1900 meters above sea level and one of the world's largest freshwater lakes. The Sevanavank Monastery complex offers spectacular panoramic views of the lake. The day ends with a drive to Yerevan for an overnight stay.

In the morning, drive to the next UNESCO World Heritage Site in Armenia, the Cathedral and Churches of Echmiatsin (Echmiadzin) and the Zvartnots Archaeological Site. Echmiadzin is recognised as the spiritual heart of the Armenian people. Constructed in the VI century, it became one of the first official Christian Churches in the world.

On the way back to Yerevan, visit the ruins of the VII-century Zvartnots temple, which was destroyed by an earthquake in the X century.

Begin your sightseeing tour of Yerevan with the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex on Tsitsernakaberd Hill.

Continue to the city's main symbol, the Cascade monument. A massive limestone stairway that provides breathtaking views of Yerevan and Mount Ararat. Wander around Yerevan's pink streets and see the Swan Lake, Republic Square, the Opera and Ballet Theater, the Northern Avenue, and so on.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at the restaurant with a folklore show.

In the morning, start the tour to Garni Temple, Armenia's only remaining pagan temple from the first century AD. It was dedicated to Mitra, the Armenian Sun God. It is now symbolized as pre-Christian Armenia. See the Symphony of Stones - a stunning natural rock formation made of perfectly shaped basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic activity, that resembles a giant stone organ.

Drive to the Geghard monastery, one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Armenia. The monastery complex is surrounded by towering cliffs and contains several churches and tombs, the majority of which are carved deep into the rock. It was the first monastery built in Armenia following the adoption of Christianity as the state religion in the early fourth century AD. Drop off at the hotel in Yerevan.

Today's journey combines stunning historical sights with Armenia's natural beauty. Drive to the Khor Virap Monastery, known for the magnificent views of Mount Ararat and the legend of St. Gregory the Illuminator. Visit the Noravank Monastery, set against brick-red cliffs and offers breathtaking scenery. Explore the Areni cave, a significant archaeological site located along the narrow canyon path, and sample local Areni wine at a nearby winery. Return to Yerevan for your final overnight stay.

Conclude your Caucasus travel itinerary with a transfer to the airport for your departure, carrying with you memories of a journey that has taken you across the Caucasus, from the historic sites of Georgia to the cultural and natural wonders of Armenia.