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Motsameta Monastery, Kutaisi, Georgia
Home Group Tours Georgia & Armenia: Crossroads of the Caucasus

Georgia

Georgia & Armenia: Crossroads of the Caucasus

  • EXPERT-LED GROUP TOUR
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Start date End date Days
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Single Supplement Tour Expert Group Size Status
19/06/26 01/07/26 13 days £3,875 pp £595 Ian Colvin 15 Max AVAILABLE Reserve place
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Journey through the heart of the Caucasus on this two-week itinerary, exploring the rich, intertwined heritage of neighbouring Georgia and Armenia — lands shaped by centuries of conquest, trade, and faith.

Led by historian Ian Colvin, this small group tour delves into the region’s remarkable past, from ancient civilisations and medieval kingdoms to its pivotal role on the Silk Road. Along the way, experience the region’s celebrated cuisine and hospitality — from wine tastings and traditional feasts to boutique hotels and historic stays, echoing the journeys of merchants who once crossed this land.

Starting and ending in Georgia, the trip begins in Tbilisi’s winding streets, before exploring Stalin’s birthplace, the rock-hewn town of Uplistsikhe, UNESCO-listed sites, the cave monastery complex at Vardzia, and the high Caucasus villages of Svaneti, home to Ushguli — Europe’s highest permanently inhabited settlement.

Crossing into Armenia, journey through the artistic hub of Gyumri and the alpine landscapes of Dilijan, before reaching the high altitude shores of Lake Sevan. Based in Yerevan, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, take day trips to Geghard and Khor Virap Monasteries, where the views of Mount Ararat are breathtaking.

The return to Georgia winds through the dramatic Debed Canyon, visiting the UNESCO-listed monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin.

Introducing your expert

Ian Colvin

Ian Colvin

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Ian Colvin is a historian and has previously worked as a researcher at the University of Cambridge covering the South Caucasus, Byzantium and Sasanian Iran.

Alongside work for the School Classics Project, he is Director of the Anglo-Georgian Archaeological Expedition to the important site of Nokalakevi in Samegrelo, West Georgia–a project he established in 2001 in collaboration with the Georgian National Museum. He speaks and reads Georgian and has been known to supervise for the Near East in the Age of Justinian and Muhammad course (History Faculty).

Key Highlights of this Itinerary

Turquoise tiled dome of the Blue Mosque in Yerevan, Armenia 1

Cities Unveiled

Discover Tbilisi’s hidden Art Nouveau corners and Yerevan’s Persian heritage, with exclusive access to a renowned manuscript restoration institute.

Enroute to Ushguli, Upper Svaneti, Georgia 2

High Caucasus

Explore verdant mountain landscapes, where medieval villages, stone towers, and the dramatic peaks of Ushba and Tetnuldi rise above.

Great Harvest, Grape Harvesting, Kakheti, Georgia 3

Generous Hospitality

Experience local traditions firsthand — from Georgian wine tasting and Armenian brandy to tea with a Molokan family and baking lavash.

Mosaic Altar, Gelati Monastery Complex, Kutaisi, Georgia 4

UNESCO Sites

From Gelati’s vivid 12th-century frescoes and Jvari’s early Christian simplicity to Haghpat’s dramatic plateau and Geghard’s rock-hewn chambers.

Explore our suggested itinerary

Map View List View

  • Day 1

    Arrive Tbilisi (Courtyard Marriott)

  • Day 2

    Tbilisi (Courtyard Marriott)

  • Day 3

    Tbilisi – Mtskheta – Gori – Kutaisi (Newport Hotel)

  • Day 4

    Kutaisi – Nokalakevi – Mestia (Mestia Inn)

  • Day 5

    Mestia – Ushguli – Mestia (Mestia Inn)

  • Day 6

    Mestia – Vani – Kutaisi (Newport Hotel)

  • Day 7

    Kutaisi – Akhaltsikhe – Vardzia (Vardzia Resort Hotel)

  • Day 8

    Vardzia – Bavra – (Georgian – Armenian border) - Gyumri (Shiraz Plaza)

  • Day 9

    Gyumri - Dilijan – Molokan Family - Lake Sevan – Yerevan (Tufenkian Historic Hotel)

  • Day 10

    Yerevan (Tufenkian Historic Hotel)

  • Day 11

    Yerevan – Garni – Geghard – Khor Virap – Yerevan (Tufenkian Historic Hotel)

  • Day 12

    Yerevan - Haghpat - Sadakhlo - (Georgian – Armenian border) – Tbilisi (Courtyard Marriott)

  • Day 13

    Depart Tbilisi

Day 1

Arrive Tbilisi (Courtyard Marriott)

Arrive in Tbilisi and transfer to your accommodation. If arriving early on the British Airways flight, your room will be ready for immediate check-in. After some rest, meet the group to explore Tbilisi, visiting Sameba Cathedral, a local flea market, and Agmashenebeli Avenue. Visit a former Soviet sewing factory turned creative hub, then take the funicular to Mtatsminda Park for panoramic city views.

Day 2

Tbilisi (Courtyard Marriott)

Explore Tbilisi’s Old Town on foot, visiting Metekhi Church, Narikala Fortress, the Juma Mosque, Sulphur Baths, and the Great Synagogue. Sample fresh Georgian bread before seeing Sioni Cathedral, the glass Bridge of Peace, and the Academy of Fine Arts’ Persian-inspired Mirror Hall. Finish with a drive along Rustaveli Avenue and a visit to the State Museum of Georgia, home to exquisite 6th-century BC goldwork.

Day 3

Tbilisi – Mtskheta – Gori – Kutaisi (Newport Hotel)

This morning, head to Kutaisi, stopping at the Chronicles of Georgia — an unfinished monument with 16 towering pillars depicting Georgian rulers and biblical scenes. Continue to Mtskheta, the former capital where Christianity took hold in the 4th century. Visit Jvari Church and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, both UNESCO sites. Stop for a wine tasting before reaching Gori to visit Stalin’s Museum, including his childhood home and personal railway carriage. Arrive in Kutaisi for check-in.

Day 4

Kutaisi – Nokalakevi – Mestia (Mestia Inn)

After breakfast, travel to Mestia, stopping at Nokalakevi — an ancient fortress known as Archaeopolis, with ruins dating back to the 4th–6th centuries and earlier Bronze and Iron Age settlements. The site hosts the Anglo-Georgian Expedition, training archaeology students from around the world. After a brief stop at the scenic Enguri Reservoir, arrive in Mestia, nestled at 1,400 metres in the heart of Svaneti, surrounded by the towering Caucasus Mountains.

Day 5

Mestia – Ushguli – Mestia (Mestia Inn)

Drive to Ushguli, one of Europe’s highest inhabited villages at 2,400 metres. Explore its medieval towers and the 11th-century Lamaria Church, set beneath Mount Shkhara, Georgia’s highest peak. Return to Mestia to visit the Mestia Museum, showcasing over 4,000 artefacts, from ancient Svaneti treasures to religious manuscripts and metalwork.

Day 6

Mestia – Vani – Kutaisi (Newport Hotel)

After breakfast, return to Kutaisi, stopping at the Vani Archaeological Museum to explore the ancient kingdom of Colchis. The collection features gold, bronze, silver, pottery, and coins, tracing Vani’s history from the Iron Age to the Hellenistic era. On arrival, check in to your hotel.

Day 7

Kutaisi – Akhaltsikhe – Vardzia (Vardzia Resort Hotel)

This morning, visit Gelati Monastery, a 12th-century UNESCO site founded by King David the Builder, adorned with vibrant floor-to-ceiling murals of Georgian saints and monarchs. Continue to Akhaltsikhe to explore the Rabati Castle Complex — a 12th-century fortress blending a mosque, madrasa ruins, synagogue, Armenian, and Catholic churches. Nearby, traditional Georgian darbazebi houses cluster around the castle. Arrive in Vardzia for check-in.

Day 8

Vardzia – Bavra – (Georgian – Armenian border) - Gyumri (Shiraz Plaza)

This morning, visit the 13-story cave town of Vardzia, built between 1186–1189 by Queen Tamar. Partially revealed by rockfalls, it showcases Georgia’s medieval renaissance with a network of caves and tunnels. Stop at Khertvisi Fortress for photos before crossing into Armenia at Bavra, where you’ll meet your Armenian guide. Continue to Gyumri, in the heart of the Shirak Valley, and stroll through its lively streets, known for 19th-century architecture, museums, and a thriving arts and crafts scene.

Day 9

Gyumri - Dilijan – Molokan Family - Lake Sevan – Yerevan (Tufenkian Historic Hotel)

Start early and head north to Dilijan, a scenic alpine region of forests and fresh mountain air. Visit a local Molokan family for tea from a samovar, learning about this Russian religious minority’s blend of traditions. Stroll along Sharambeyan Street, known for its artisan shops, before continuing to Lake Sevan — one of the world’s largest high-altitude lakes. Climb to the Sevan Peninsula for panoramic views of the lake and mountains before arriving in Yerevan for check-in.

Day 10

Yerevan (Tufenkian Historic Hotel)

Begin today with a stroll through Yerevan’s historic Kond district, where 17th-century streets reflect the spirit of old Yerevan. Visit the Blue Mosque, showcasing Persian influence, and Republic Square, known for its grand architecture and Singing Fountains. Continue to the Cascade complex, a sweeping staircase with city views and Mount Ararat. Explore Matenadaran Museum, home to ancient manuscripts, with exclusive access to its restoration department. Finish at the Yerevan Brandy Factory for a guided tour and tasting of Ararat brandy, crafted since 1887.

Day 11

Yerevan – Garni – Geghard – Khor Virap – Yerevan (Tufenkian Historic Hotel)

After breakfast, visit Khor Virap Monastery, set against Mount Ararat, where St. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned before leading Armenia’s conversion to Christianity. Return to Yerevan for the Genocide Memorial and Museum, then continue to Garni, home to Armenia’s only surviving Hellenistic temple. Take in canyon views before stopping at a local home for lunch and a lavash-making lesson. End the day at UNESCO-listed Geghard Monastery, a stunning medieval complex carved into the mountainside.

Day 12

Yerevan - Haghpat - Sadakhlo - (Georgian – Armenian border) – Tbilisi (Courtyard Marriott)

After breakfast, drive to Alaverdi to visit Haghpat Monastery, a hillside complex of churches, chapels, and khachkars overlooking the Debed River valley. After lunch, head to the Bagratashen/Sadakhlo border, where you’ll clear Georgian immigration and walk through passport control. Meet your Georgian guide and continue to Tbilisi, arriving in around 1 hour 15 minutes. Check into your accommodation and gather for a farewell dinner this evening.

Day 13

Depart Tbilisi

Transfer to the airport for your onward travel.

Mestia, Upper Svaneti, Georgia
Mestia, Georgia
Georgia's Mountain Heartland

Svaneti - Ushguli and Mestia

The remote, mountainous landscapes of Svaneti are both dramatic and historic. Venturing to Ushguli, one of Europe’s highest inhabited villages at 2,400 metres, feels like stepping into a living medieval world. Towering mountains, including Mount Shkhara — Georgia’s highest — rise above its ancient defensive structures and the 11th-century Lamaria Church. Nearby Mestia, Svaneti’s cultural heart, offers insight into the region’s rich history through its museums and unique mountain architecture. This rugged land embodies an isolated culture that has fiercely preserved its traditions and language for centuries.

Cave City Monastery, Vardzia, Samtskhe Javakheti, Georgia
Vardzia cave city
Georgia’s Cliffside City

Caves of Vardzia

Vardzia is one of Georgia’s most dramatic historical sites—a 13-story cave monastery built into the cliffs of the Erusheti Mountains. Constructed during the reign of Queen Tamar in the 12th century, this remarkable complex was once home to monks, warriors, and traders, with tunnels, chapels, and frescoed halls hidden within the rock face. A devastating earthquake exposed much of the original structure, offering a rare glimpse into its intricate design. Walking through Vardzia feels like stepping back into Georgia’s medieval past, with panoramic views over the Mtkvari River valley.

Women making lavash flatbread
Lavash making
Armenia’s Tastiest Traditions

Tea, Bread and Brandy

During your time in Armenia, experience some of its most cherished living traditions. Share tea from a samovar with a Molokan family, a Russian religious minority preserving their unique customs. Join a local family to make lavash, Armenia’s UNESCO-recognised flatbread, learning to stretch and bake it against the fiery walls of a tonir oven before enjoying it with herbs, cheese, and fresh greens. Then, tour the legendary Yerevan Brandy Factory and taste Ararat brandy, crafted since 1887 from locally grown grapes and pure spring water.

Includes / Excludes

Important Information

Activity Level
Moderate Activity
Single Supplement

Travelling on your own? Our group tours are perfect for solo travellers, as travelling as part of an organised group in faraway places provides security and peace of mind. We handle all of the arrangements for you and there will be a local tour guide on hand throughout to provide advice and help if needed, as well as the expertise of a Tour expert.

Flexibility

To allow flexibility, our group tours do not include international flights as standard. We can arrange international flights on your behalf, please get in touch with our travel experts for a quote. All international flights from the UK are ATOL protected.

What is included

  • Accommodation as detailed
  • Early check-in on arrival in Tbilisi on 19th June
  • Accompanied by Ian Colvin throughout
  • Accompanied by a local guide throughout
  • Entrance to all sites mentioned
  • All meals except lunch on 19th June and 01st July and dinner on 20th June
  • Transportation throughout

What is excluded

  • International Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Drinks with meals
  • Gratuities for local guides, drivers and porters
  • Visas (if required)

Other available dates

For further information about any of these tours please call 01285 880 980

Start date End date Days
Prices from
ex. flights
Tour Expert Group Size Status
19/06/26 01/07/26 13 days £3,875 pp Ian Colvin 15 Max AVAILABLE Reserve place

Reserve your place on this group tour

Our travel experts have a wealth of first-hand knowledge, so if you have any questions about this expert-led group tour, please get in touch. They would love to help. We hope you can join us on this tour.

01285 880 980

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