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
Tsaghkadzor - 2 nights
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 and rock-carved churches. In Georgia colour and character in country towns contrast modern edifices in the vibrant capital; scenic landscapes are dotted with hilltop towers, rural churches and ancient cave cities; all enhanced by a rich culture of hospitality.
The country has an abundance of superb wines with over 8,000 years of wine culture and was labelled the vineyard of the Soviet Union. Owing to their strategic location both countries have suffered many invasions, including Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Persian, Ottoman and Russian. There is a colourful history to explore.
Cultural & Countryside Tour
Jules Verne Sightseeing
4 UNESCO Heritage Sites
Local Expert Guides
Central Hotels
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 Warsaw and transfer to the old town for some free time followed by a walking tour before return to airport for flight to Tbilisi. Transfer to 4-star Mercure Tbilisi Old Town for two nights.
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 Suatis Resort. (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 monastery of Haghpat. Visit a local house of the Molokan community, enjoy a cup of tea and some homemade sweets. Continue to Dilijian for a walk through the old town. Spend two nights at the 4-star Tsaghkadzor Marriott Hotel. (B, D)
Day 7 Travel to Lake Sevan, the largest body of water in the Caucasus. Enjoy a cruise on the lake. Explore Sevanavank monastic complex. Return to Tsaghkadzor and ride up on the chair lift of Mount Teghenis for a stunning view of the forested mountains and Lake Sevan. (B, D)
Day 8 Visit 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 Warsaw. (B)
Notes
This is a full itinerary with most visits on foot including several sites with steps.
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 hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
A modern 4-star hotel in Kazbegi with fantastic views. Restaurant, gym, sauna and WiFi (free). 40 rooms with hairdryer, safe, 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.
Azerbaijan - Pre-Tour Extension
Complete your Caucasus tour with a visit to the Land of Fire. Spend five 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 Heathrow via Warsaw to Baku.
Day 2 Transfer to 4-star Park Inn Baku for five nights. Afternoon orientation tour on the boulevard. (B)
Day 3 Visit to National History Museum. Tour of Old Baku including Maiden Tower and Shirvan Shah's Palace. (B)
Day 4 Travel to Absheron Peninsula to explore the Fire Worshipper Temple – Ategash and visit to the medieval Mardakan Castle. (B)
Day 5 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 6 Visit Shamakhi and the ancient Juma Mosque. Travel via Muganly Pass to Sheki to explore the Khan's Palace and the medieval fortress. Overnight at the 4-star Sheki Saray Hotel (Macara Sheki Hotel for 2023). (B)
Day 7 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)
Modern 4-star hotel close to Baku's Old Town and the Caspian Sea. Restaurants, bar, gym, WiFi (free) and 248 air-conditioned rooms with 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 hairdryer, mini-bar, satellite TV and balcony/terrace.
A traditional, stylish 4-star hotel in the centre of Sheki. Restaurant and WiFi (free). 30 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
2022
Thursdays
per person in a twin/double room
LOT Polish Airlines from Heathrow
| October 13 | £1925 |
2023
Thursdays
per person in a twin/double room
LOT Polish Airlines from Heathrow
Thursdays
per person in a twin/double room
LOT Polish Airlines from Heathrow
Thursdays
per person in a twin/double room
LOT Polish Airlines from Heathrow
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
Single supplement £535 (2023 £565)
Flight Options
LOT Polish Airlines Business Class – On request
Extension Options
Pre-Tour Extension Azerbaijan (not available 4 May 2023)
6 nights £845 (2023 £965)
Single supplement £315 (2023 £355)
Extra nights - Tbilisi
Mercure Old Town
(per night) £75 (2023 £85)
Single supplement £55 (2023 £65)
Extra nights - Yerevan
Tufenkian Historic Hotel
(per night) £70 (2023 £75)
Single supplement £50 (2023 £55)
Privately Guided
Add £1145 per person
Tour Only
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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VAT No. 805146159
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