Georgia & Armenia: A Cultural Getaway through the Caucasus

Spectacularly set within the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Georgia and Armenia are two intensely dynamic destinations, teeming with intriguing architecture, centuries of heritage and breathtaking backdrops. Our nine-night trip will transport you as far back as the fourth-century, weaving through hidden streets and up to hilltop monasteries with a historian, experiencing traditional cooking masterclass with local chefs and discovering the ancient winemaking techniques in Kakheti. Have your cameras ready – you’re in for one jaw-dropping journey.

Fortresses, churches and heritage in Tbilisi

Touch down in Tbilisi, Georgia’s enchanting capital and relax as we take care of the rest, whisking you across to Stamba Hotel, your home for the next three nights. Your adventure begins the following morning, with our expert guide acquainting you with Tbilisi during a private walking tour. Hear the stories of the Old Town and Sololaki district, see the ancient churches of Metekhi, Sioni and Anchiskhati and see the Narikala Fortress dominating the Tbilisi’s skyline. Appetite ready, we’ll pause for lunch at our favourite courtyard restaurant, charmingly set behind a 19^th century Georgian writer’s house. Khachapuri devoured, you’ll continue onto the bustling Dry Bridge before an evening experiencing more of Georgia’s delicious gastronomy.

Cooking masterclass and traditional winemaking in Kakheti

Georgia is the world’s oldest wine producer and the nation has been cultivating grapes to perfection for thousands of years. Today you’ll head out to the vineyards of Kakheti, first briefly stopping at the Bodbe convent, the burial site of St. Nino, the woman who converted the country to Christianity back in 337 AD. Prepare for a simply breathtaking view as you reach the hilltop town of Signagi before continuing to the exclusive Château Svanidze. Test your skills with a private Georgian cooking masterclass with a local chef before getting under the skin of ancient Georgian wine making techniques with a private tasting. Your evening rounds up back in Tbilisi with an immersive folk show performance during dinner.

Mtskheta, Mount Kazbek and the slopes of Gudauri

Tomorrow, it’s onto Mtskheta, the ancient capital of eastern Georgia and one of Georgia’s most important religious centres. Discover Svetitskoveli Cathedral and the picturesque cliffside Jvari Monastery, before learning about the Georgian royal family on a private tour of Château Mukhrani. For the next two nights, you’ll experience the remarkable vistas of the Caucasus Mountains at Rooms Hotel Kazbegi. Don’t miss a hike up to Gergeti Trinity Church, for views of the glacier-covered Mount Kazbek and tales of the legend of Prometheus, as well as time spent hiking, cycling or paragliding on the slopes of Gudauri.

The ancient cave town of Uplistsikhe

A new day – a new place to discover. Checking out after breakfast, your next destination is Uplistsikhe, an exceptional cave town dating back to the first millennium BC. See the rock-hewn town carved out of the cliffs and learn about the hidden temples that archaeologists unearthed before returning to Tbilisi. Here we’ve arranged an in-depth tour of the Georgian State Museum followed by traditional spa treatments at an authentic Georgian Sulphur bath house. Tomorrow – Armenia awaits.

Armenia’s Lake Sevan, Lavash baking and medieval concerts

Your first impression of Armenia comes courtesy of Haghpat Monastery. Surrounded by pristine landscapes, many consider it the jewel of Armenia. After a private tour, you’ll then continue onto Dilijan for the night. Tomorrow, you’ll visit Lake Sevan, one of the greatest freshwater mountain lakes of Eurasia. With your private guide, you’ll walk along its vast waters before visiting the majesty of Savanavank Monastery, the history of Garni Temple and the sacred moodiness of Geghard Monastery. For something truly unique, you’ll also visit a traditional underground ‘tonir’ to learn the methods of lavash baking before experiencing a medieval vocal concert within its stone walls.

The pink-stoned walls of Yerevan

As the sun sets, you’ll reach Yerevan for a final two nights at The Alexander hotel. Get to know the city the next morning with a guided walk through Armenia’s pink-stoned capital, taking in everything from bespoke jewellery galleries to the cultural delights of the Opera and Ballet House and the towering Cascade Monument. As the night closes in, the colourful singing and dancing fountains of Yerevan come alive to bid you farewell.