Georgia & Armenia – Cultural Discovery and Natural Beauty of the Caucasus

Welcome to Georgia! Upon arrival at Tbilisi International Airport, you will be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, set out on an immersive tour of Georgia’s vibrant capital. Start with a visit to the majestic Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba), followed by the Metekhi Church and its scenic view over the Mtkvari River. Board the cable car to reach the ancient Narikala Fortress for panoramic views of the city.

Explore the charming district of Abanotubani, famous for its historic sulfur baths and colorful balconies. Visit the Sioni Cathedral and Anchiskhati Basilica—two of the city’s oldest churches. Cross the striking glass Bridge of Peace and wander down Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi’s main cultural thoroughfare. Discover landmarks like the Parliament, National Museum, Opera House, and the unique Rezo Gabriadze Puppet Theater.

Overnight in Tbilisi.

After breakfast, travel to the picturesque hilltop town of Sighnaghi, often called the “City of Love.” Admire its 18th-century city walls, cobbled streets, and stunning views of the Alazani Valley and Caucasus Mountains.

Next, visit the nearby Bodbe Monastery, the final resting place of St. Nino, the woman who brought Christianity to Georgia. In the afternoon, enjoy a wine tasting experience in Kakheti—Georgia’s premier wine region—renowned for its ancient winemaking traditions in clay qvevris.

Overnight in Tbilisi.

Today’s adventure takes you to the spectacular Dashbashi Canyon, a natural wonder known for its dramatic cliffs, lush waterfalls, and thrilling glass skybridge. Enjoy a scenic walk, or take part in optional activities such as ziplining, nature photography, and a short boat ride through the canyon, offering a unique view of the dramatic rock formations and crystal-clear waters.

Return to Tbilisi in the afternoon and unwind at Turtle Lake, a tranquil retreat in the hills above the city, popular with locals for picnicking and lakefront walks. Enjoy free time in the evening to explore or dine at a traditional Georgian restaurant.

Overnight in Tbilisi.

After breakfast, drive to the Georgia-Armenia border at Sadakhlo and continue to the Lori region to visit the UNESCO-listed Haghpat Monastery. This 10th-century monastic complex is a masterpiece of Armenian medieval architecture.

Next, explore the resort town of Dilijan, nestled in forested hills and known as “Armenia’s Switzerland.” Visit the historic Sharambeyan Street with its local crafts and artisan shops. Then, travel to Lake Sevan, one of the largest high-altitude freshwater lakes in the world, and visit Sevanavank Monastery, perched on a peninsula with sweeping lake views. Arrival in Yerevan in the evening.

Overnight in Yerevan.

Start the day with a panoramic city tour of Yerevan, Armenia’s pink-stone capital. Enjoy sweeping views over Yerevan before visiting major landmarks: Republic Square, Northern Avenue, the Opera House, Swan Lake, and the Cascade Complex, home to the Cafesjian Center for the Arts.

Continue past the Parliament, Presidential Residence, and Mother Armenia Monument, then visit Tsitsernakaberd, the Armenian Genocide Memorial and Museum — a powerful tribute to the 1.5 million victims of 1915.

In the evening, enjoy the magical Singing Fountain Show at Republic Square, where music, water, and light create a captivating open-air performance.

Overnight in Yerevan.

Start your day with a scenic drive through the fertile Ararat Valley, offering panoramic views of the legendary Mount Ararat shining with it two snow-capped peaks.

Visit the historic Khor Virap Monastery, one of Armenia’s most sacred pilgrimage sites, that holds deep historical significance. Beneath the chapel lies the underground cell where Saint Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years for preaching Christianity. His eventual release in 301 AD marked the moment Armenia became the first nation to adopt Christianity as a state religion. Today, pilgrims can still descend into the original dungeon and walk in Gregory’s footsteps.

Continue to the peaceful Azat Reservoir, a scenic stop where the mirrored surface of the lake reflects clouds and sky in a mesmerizing natural display.

Next, travel to the village of Garni to explore the Temple of Garni, Armenia’s only surviving pagan structure and a unique example of Greco-Roman architecture in the region. Built in 77 AD and dedicated to the sun god Mithra, it stands as a proud symbol of Armenia’s pre-Christian era. Nearby, visit the ruins of the Royal Palace and bathhouse, where beautifully preserved mosaics hint at royal life in antiquity.

Take a short detour into Garni Gorge, home to the surreal Symphony of Stones—a natural formation of towering basalt columns resembling a grand organ, offering a rare glimpse of Armenia’s geological wonders.

Optional: Experience true Armenian hospitality with a traditional home-cooked lunch in a local village. Watch the preparation of lavash, the country’s beloved flatbread, as it’s baked in a tonir oven using ancient methods passed down through generations.

Your final destination is the majestic Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site carved into the mountainside. Dating back to the 12th–13th centuries, Geghard is named after the legendary Holy Spear once kept here. With part of the complex hewn directly from the rock, this masterpiece of medieval Armenian architecture seamlessly blends spiritual devotion with raw natural beauty.

Overnight in Yerevan.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure flight. End of the tour.