Georgia & Armenia Explorer

Duration

11 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

With this 11-day adventure, you’ll travel overland from Georgia to Armenia and experience off-the-beaten-track landscapes and welcoming, local people.

Highlights

Support local communities – visit the first café in Armenia to provide employment opportunities to people living with disabilities, stay by Lake Sevan at a local NGO committed to inclusivity and attend a cooking workshop where the local women work to preserve Armenian culture.
Veer off the tourist track to see the lesser-known side of Georgia – see the Soviet ghost town of Tskhaltubo to wander the abandoned sanatoriums, explore Vardzia’s Cave Town to learn about 12th-century history and walk to Borjomi’s natural mineral springs.
Follow a peaceful forest trail to two secluded medieval monasteries in Dilijan National Park – Armenia’s tranquil escape in the heart of the mountains.
Learn about the region’s proud wine traditions with a visit to a local family winery in Georgia, then stop for a wine tasting in Armenia.
Take in the stunning views of Khor Virap Monastery and Sevanavank Monastery – the ancient buildings set against the natural backdrops of mountains and blue lakes are just as impressive as the layered histories!

Trip Details

Duration

11 days

Transportation

Private vehicle,Public bus,Taxi,Train

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Tbilisi, Armenia

Finishes

Yerevan, Armenia

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

Day 1: Tbilisi

Gamarjoba! Welcome to Georgia. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, explore Tbilisi at your own pace. With its picturesque architecture, inviting cafes and wine bars dotted around the downtown area, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. After your meeting, why not head out with your group for a welcome dinner and sample the local cuisine – your leader will always have some great recommendations.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Kutaisi

Today, you’ll head to Kutaisi by train. The third largest city in the country, Kutaisi is more than 3000 years old and connected to the legend of Jason and the Argonauts, with his mythical Golden Fleece. When you arrive, follow your leader for an orientation walk around the city, passing City Hall, the Opera House, Mon Plesier Arch and Mtsvane Bazari (a local market) known for its fresh vegetables, fruits, natural dairy products and variety of spices. Later, jump on the Soviet Aerial tramway for some great views of the city. You'll have a free afternoon and evening to maybe visit another significant historical site – the Gelati Cathedral. Or, explore the cobbled streets as you make your way up to the ruins of Bagrati Palace and Citadel.

Included Activities:

Kutaisi - Leader-led city walking tour
Kutaisi - Aerial Tramway

Optional Activities:

Kutaisi - Bagrati Cathedral & Gelati Monastery - Free
Kutaisi - State Historical Museum (5 GEL)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Tskhaltubo/ Kutaisi

This morning, you’ll travel like the locals and hop on a public bus to Tskhaltubo – the Soviet ghost town home to some abandoned sanatoriums. Wander some of the empty halls and rooms that seem straight out of an apocalyptic movie, featuring decorated ceilings, grand pillars, huge staircases and lots of graffiti. This atmosphere also makes for some great photos. After, you’ll visit a family winery to learn about the traditional way of making Georgian wine (this is one of the oldest wine-making countries in the world) and enjoy a wine tasting. This afternoon, return to Kutaisi for some free time. Your dinner tonight will be at your family-owned hotel to enjoy some fantastic local flavors.

Included Activities:

Tskhaltubo - Soviet sanatoriums visit
Kutaisi - Winery visit & tasting

Optional Activities:

Kutaisi - Pub Crawl (60 GEL)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Borjomi/ Akhaltsikhe

Drive to Akhaltsikhe today, stopping along the way in Borjomi – famous for its naturally fizzy mineral water. Take a short walk with your leader to the mineral springs and maybe grab some lunch while you’re here. Continue the journey to Akhaltsikhe, arriving in the mid-afternoon. When you arrive, you’ll get your bearings on a leader-led orientation walk. Then, you have a free afternoon to explore at your own pace. Maybe see the Rabati Fortress and Castle – the massive 9th-century fortification gives the surrounding settlement (‘New Castle’ in Georgian) its name.

Included Activities:

Borjomi - Leader-led walking tour

Optional Activities:

Akhalstikhe - Samtskhe-Javakheti History Museum (18 GEL)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Vardzia/ Gyumri (border crossing from Georgia to Armenia)

Visit the towering Rabati Castle before you set off for the once mighty cave city of Vardzia, which stretches over half a kilometre along the Mtkvari River and has 19 tiers of winding cobbled streets. Within the complex, there’s a rock-hewn church with 12th-century frescos, dwelling quarters, small, hall-type churches, refectories and wine cellars. You’ll explore the site with your leader who will give some historical context and explain the rise and fall of the city, which now serves as a working monastery. Then, continue across the border into Armenia, arriving in Gyumri around lunchtime. Head out for a walking tour of the city with a local guide. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this charming town.

Included Activities:

Vardzia - Cave Town Visit
Akhalstikhe - Rabati Castle

Optional Activities:

Gyumri - Museum of National Architecture and Urban Life (1000 AMD)
Gyumri - The Gallery of Mariam and Eranuhi Aslamazyan Sisters (1000 AMD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Yerevan

Enjoy a relaxed morning and visit a local bakery in Gyumri – the first inclusive café in Armenia to employ young adults living with disabilities and mothers with special needs children. Then take a train to Yerevan – Armenia's capital, Yerevan is known for its grand Soviet-era architecture and mountainous backdrop. After check-in this afternoon, you’ll head out on an orientation walk with your leader. The rest of the day is free for your own discoveries. You may like to head out to notable Armenian Opera and Ballet Theatre for a performance or try local brandy at a famous brandy factory – ask your leader for recommendations.

Included Activities:

Yerevan - Leader-led Orientation Walk
Gyumri - Inclusive bakery visit

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Yerevan

This morning, meet with a local guide who will introduce you to the sights and sounds of Yerevan on a tour of the city. Established in 782 BC, Armenia’s capital is one of the oldest cities in the world. Nowadays, the city’s liveliness comes from its ancient culture mixed with a modern lifestyle. Later, visit the ethnographic house that showcases Armenian traditions and culture, founded by local women who aim to preserve and educate. Meet your hosts and take part in a cooking demonstration to learn how the signature dish of dolma (stuffed vegetables) is made, with the Armenian twist! After learning the tricks of the trade from local masters, you’ll sit down to enjoy the dish for lunch. Soak up the local flavours, get to know the local women and toast to a great adventure! The rest of the day is free. Maybe visit Matenadaran (The Museum of Ancient Manuscripts) or wander around Vernissage Market.

Included Activities:

Yerevan - City Tour with Local Guide
Yerevan - Dolma cooking demonstration & dinner

Optional Activities:

Yerevan - Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex - Free
Yerevan - Brandy Factory visit & Tasting (4500 AMD)
Yerevan - Museum of Armenian History (2500 AMD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Dilijan

Head to Khor Virap Monastery – over 1000 years old, this is the most sacred monastery in Armenia and makes for a stunning view, backdropped by the towering Mt Ararat. Wander the monastery that’ss been repeatedly rebuilt since the 5th century with your leader. Legend says King Trdat III imprisoned St Gregory the Illuminator here for 12 years and these days, pilgrims climb down a metal ladder into the well where the saint was incarcerated. Continue to Fioletovo – a village home to the Molokan religious sect. Join a Molokan family for lunch to learn about their beliefs and traditions, then enjoy their Russian-influenced cuisine of hearty borscht (soup), freshly baked pirozhki (fried buns) and tea served from a samovar (kettle). Next, travel to Dilijan, where you’ll spend the night. When you arrive, join your leader for an orientation walk to explore the town’s architecture and traditional craft workshops. In the evening, visit a modern wine bar to discover the Armenian approach to winemaking and learn how it differs from its Georgian counterpart.

Included Activities:

Yerevan - Khor Virap Monastery
Dilijan - Wine tasting in local wine bar
Fioletovo - Molokan Village Visit & home-cooked lunch
Dilijan - Leader-led orientation walk

Accommodation:

Guest House (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Lake Sevan

Start your day with a hike in Dilijan National Park – one of Armenia’s four national parks, known for its rugged mountains, dense forests and alpine meadows. Follow the trail that connects two 13th-century monasteries and see how this vibrant cultural centre is slowly being reclaimed by nature. After the hike, continue to Lake Sevan – one of the largest high-altitude freshwater lakes in the world. Surrounded by mountains and known for its striking turquoise waters, Lake Sevan is a popular summer retreat for locals. Your accommodation is a lodge set up by a local NGO, whose mission is to encourage inclusivity and accessibility for people living with disabilities to experience and enjoy nature. When you arrive, maybe take a swim in the scenic lake or simply relax outside and enjoy the view.

Included Activities:

Dilijan - National Park Hike
Dilijan - Matosavank & Jukhtakvank Monasteries

Accommodation:

Lake Cottage (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Yerevan

Say goodbye to the glittering blue of Lake Sevan and take your private transfer back to Yerevan, stopping to visit the Sevanavank Monastery along the way. Explore the monastery with your leader and learn about how this ancient monastery complex was transformed from an island to a peninsula, when the lake was partially drained. Hear about the local legends tied to this site, then carry on to Yerevan. You’ll arrive at around midday and have a free afternoon to explore at your own pace. Tonight, maybe head out for a farewell dinner with your group and toast to an amazing adventure.

Included Activities:

Lake Sevan - Sevanavank Monastery
Lake Sevan - Noravank Monastery

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Yerevan

With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end this morning after breakfast. If you’d like to extend your adventure, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $4,260

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 11 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

With this 11-day adventure, you’ll travel overland from Georgia to Armenia and experience off-the-beaten-track landscapes and welcoming, local people.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 22 Oct 2025

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Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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