Explore ancient cultural heritage, the capitals, the glorious countryside and the spectacular scenery of Georgia and Armenia
Tbilisi - 2 nights
Kazbegi - 1 night
Tbilisi - 2 nights
Dzoraget - 1 night
Tsaghkadzor - 1 night
Yerevan - 3 nights
At the crossroads between Europe and Asia sits the mountainous Caucasus region, flanked by the Black and Caspian seas. In the southern part, known as Transcaucasia, lie two neighbouring countries that only regained their independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Armenia is home to verdant valleys and rugged mountain peaks, a green capital city and a heavenly collection of medieval monasteries. Colour and character in country towns contrasts modern edifices in the vibrant capital; scenic landscapes are dotted with hilltop towers and rural churches; all enhanced by Georgia’s culture of hospitality.
Explore Georgia’s and Armenia’s rich, colourful history and undiscovered wonders. Due to their strategic location they have suffered numerous invasions, including Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Persian, Ottoman and Russian. The visitor will marvel at the diversity – from Georgia’s ancient cave cities, to the rock-carved churches, Hellenistic temple and stunning mountainous landscapes of Armenia.
Cultural & Countryside Tour
Jules Verne Sightseeing
4 UNESCO Heritage Sites
Local Expert Guides
Central Hotels
Group Size: 6 - 25
Enjoy a performance of Armenian choral music in the cave mausoleum at Geghard Monastery. Taste a range of Georgian wines at a winery in Sighnaghi.
Day 1 Fly to Tbilisi via Kiev. Stay two nights at the 4-star Mercure Tbilisi Old Town.
Day 2 Afternoon walk around Tbilisi’s old town, visit Metekhi Church, Sioni Cathedral, the Soviet Occupation Museum and Simon Janashia Museum of Georgia. (B)
Day 3 Visit Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta. Travel to Kazbegi to view the striking Mount Kazbek, drive by 4WD up a mountain trail to visit Gergeti Trinity Church. Enjoy a khinkali making demonstration and tasting. Overnight at the 4-star Rooms Hotel. (B, D)
Day 4 Visit the cave town of Uplistsikhe and Stalin’s Museum in Gori. Return to Tbilisi for two nights. (B)
Day 5 Visit Bodbe Monastery. Lunch at a local village home and learn how churchkhela is made. Proceed to Sighnaghi for a walking tour and wine tasting. (B, L)
Day 6 Cross the border to Armenia and visit the monasteries of Akhtala, Haghpat and Sanahin. Overnight at the 4-star Avan Dzoraget Hotel in Dzoraget. (B, D)
Day 7 Visit Haghartsine Monastery close to Dilijan and travel to Lake Sevan, the largest body of water in the Caucasus. Overnight at the 4-star Tsaghkadzor Marriott Hotel. (B, D)
Day 8 Explore Sevanavank monastic complex and Noraduz cemetery with its 900 khachkars. Drive over Selim Pass to view one of the best pre-served caravanserais on the Silk Road. Continue to Noravank and then Khor-Virap, one of the holiest sites in Armenia. Spend three nights at the 4-star Tufenkian Historic Hotel in Yerevan. (B)
Day 9 Visit Geghard Monastery and the temple of Garni. Lavash demonstration. Tour of Yerevan including the History Museum of Armenia and an ancient manuscript repository. (B, L)
Day 10 Travel to Echmiatsin to visit its cathedral. Later, visit the Genocide Museum and Memorial. Armenian Brandy tasting. (B)
Day 11 Return flight via Kiev. (B)
Notes
This is a full itinerary with most visits on foot including several sites with steps.
For 23rd April, 14th May, 11th Jun, 10th September, 17th September, 24th September, 1st October, 8th October 2020 departure the hotel in Tbilisi will be the 4-star Courtyard by Marriott.
For 14th May 2020 departure the hotel on day 6 will be the 4-star Paradise Dilijan in Dilijan.
A modern 4-star hotel in the centre of Tbilisi, five minutes' walk from Metekhi Cathedral. Restaurants, bar, gym, spa, sauna and WiFi (free). 102 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
A 4-star hotel at the base of Kazbek Mountain in Stepantsminda Village. Restaurant, bar, indoor pool, gym, sauna and WiFi (free). 120 rooms with private facilities, balcony/terrace and TV.
This 4-star hotel features a historic castle façade and is located on the banks of the River Debed. Restaurant, bar, indoor pool, gym, sauna and WiFi (free). 54 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-fridge, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
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A 4-star hotel located at the base of the Tsaghkunyats Mountains. Restaurant, bar, gym, pool, sauna and WiFi (free). 100 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-fridge, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
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A contemporary 4-star boutique hotel with historic features, located in the very heart of Yerevan. Restaurant, bar, outdoor pool (seasonal) and WiFi (free). 84 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-fridge, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
A comfortable 4-star hotel on Freedom Square in the heart of Tbilisi, a five-minute walk from the old town. Restaurant, bar, gym, pool, sauna and WiFi (free). 112 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-fridge, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
Azerbaijan - Pre-Tour Extension
Complete your Caucasus tour with a visit to the Land of Fire. Spend four nights in Baku with a city tour and a visit to Absheron Peninsula and to Gobustan to view the rock paintings. Travel via Muganly Pass to Sheki for overnight and Khan’s Palace. Cross into Georgia for the Nekresi Monastery. Breakfast daily and one Azeri dinner.
Itinerary:
Day 1 Fly from London Gatwick to Baku via Kiev. Spend four nights at the 4-star Hotel Park Inn.
Day 2 Visit to National History Museum. Tour of Old Baku including Maiden Tower and Shirvan Shah's Palace. (B)
Day 3 Travel to Absheron Peninsula to explore the Fire Worshipper Temple – Ategash and visit to the medieval Mardakan Castle. (B)
Day 4 Travel along the Caspian Sea shore to Gobustan, famous for its archaeological monuments. Over 4000 rock drawings by artists of the Neolithic period have been left. Visit to mud volcanoes. (B, D)
Day 5 Visit the mausoleum of Diri Baba. Travel via Muganly Pass to Sheki to explore the Khan's Palace and the medieval fortress. Overnight at the 4-star Sheki Saray Hotel. (B)
Day 6 Cross the border to Georgia and stop at Nekresi Monastery. Visit the Gremi citadel and the Church of Archangels. Travel via the Gombori Pass to Tbilisi to join the main tour. (B)
Note:
The Azerbaijan pre-tour extension is not available for tours departing on:
11th June 2020 due to Forumla 1 event in Baku
18th June 2020 and 9th July 2020 due to the UEFA event
This modern 4-star hotel is close to Baku's Old Town and the Caspian Sea. Restaurants, bar, gym, WiFi (free) and 248 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
A 4-star hotel close to Sheki City Park with uninterrupted views of the Caucasus Mountains. Restaurant, bar, WiFi (free) and 34 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, mini-bar, satellite TV and balcony/terrace.
Kiev - Post-Tour Extension
For the opportunity to explore the fascinating capital of the Ukraine, one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe. Stay two nights in Kiev at the 4-star Alfavito Hotel, a modern hotel close to the Olympic Stadium. Breakfast daily and a city tour including the breathtaking frescoes in St. Sophia Cathedral.
Day 1 Transfer to 4-star Alfavito Hotel for two nights. Tour of Kiev including a visit to St. Sophia Cathedral.
Day 2 Day at leisure. (B)
Day 3 Return flight. (B)
A modern 4-star hotel close to the Olympic Stadium and a short walk from an underground station. Restaurant, bar, gym and WiFi (free). 229 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV.
2020
Thursdays
per person in a twin/double room
Ukraine International Airlines from Gatwick
Thursdays
per person in a twin/double room
Ukraine International Airlines from Gatwick
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
Single supplement £525
Extension Options
Extra nights - Tbilisi
Mercure Old Town, Tbilisi (per night) £90
Single supplement £65
Courtyard by Marriot, Tbilisi (per night) £90
Single supplement £65
Extra nights - Yerevan
Tufenkian Historic Hotel (per night) £70
Single supplement £50
Pre-Tour Extension Azerbaijan
5 nights £745
Single supplement £295
Post-Tour Extension Kiev
2 nights £385
Single supplement £115
Privately Guided
Add £1145 per person
Independent Arrival
Save £400
Arrival transfer add £30
Departure transfer add £15
Price Includes
Air travel and taxes, transfers, 10 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 3 dinners, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, visa procurement (if extending in Azerbaijan), optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
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