A Journey through Time: Armenia & Georgia
A Journey through Time: Armenia & Georgia
A Journey through Time: Armenia & Georgia
11 Days Starting in Yerevan, Armenia and ending in Tbilisi, Georgia
Visiting: Yerevan, Dilijan, Tbilisi, Mtskheta, Kakheti
Tour operator:
Tour code:
DA-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on "A Journey through Time: Armenia & Georgia," a captivating cultural tour that takes you through the heart of these historic lands. Begin in Yerevan, Armenia, where you'll enjoy panoramic views from the Mother of Armenia monument and savor the world-renowned Armenian brandy. Explore the spiritual depths of Etchmiadzin Cathedral and the ancient monasteries of Khor Virap and Noravank. Experience the haunting beauty of a choir performance at Geghard cave monastery. Cross into Georgia to discover Tbilisi's rich tapestry of history and culture, from the Metekhi Church to the Narikala Fortress. Visit Stalin's Museum in Gori and wander through the charming fortified town of Sighnaghi. With stays in luxurious accommodations and opportunities for wine tasting and culinary workshops, this tour offers an unforgettable exploration of the art, history, and traditions of Armenia and Georgia.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Yerevan,Armenia
Location: Yerevan
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Yerevan-Republic Square or Doubletree by Hilton Yerevan City Centre
Transfer at your hotel and settle in for your Armenian adventure.
Day 2: Yerevan
Location: Yerevan
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Yerevan-Republic Square or Doubletree by Hilton Yerevan City Centre
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
YEREVAN Sniff, Swirl, Sip Meet your tour director and travel companions to prepare for your epic journey through Armenia and Georgia. Begin your guided tour with panoramic views of the city from the Mother of Armenia monument and move on to the iconic Cascade Complex and Cafesjian Art Center. Perfectly suited for your small group, enjoy a visit to the famous Armenian Brandy factory followed by tasting. Tonight, enjoy an included welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT PRIME CONDITION The Yerevan factory Armenian Brandy is one of the finest brandies in the world. British Prime Minister Wiston Churchill was fond of it. He liked it so much that he requested regular suppliers to be sent to him. Hear about the popular story that once, during the Cold War, Churchill noticed a change in the flavor of his beloved brandy. When he mentioned this to Stalin, an investigation revealed that the master distiller of the Yerevan Brandy Company, Margar Sedrakyan, had been exiled. Stalin, upon learning this, reportedly ordered Sedrakyan's return, restoring the brandy's quality to Churchill's satisfaction.
Day 3: Yerevan,Excursion To Vagharshapat
Location: Yerevan
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Yerevan-Republic Square or Doubletree by Hilton Yerevan City Centre
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
YEREVAN–EXCURSION TO VAGHARSHAPAT Manuscripts & Memorials This morning, start your day with a visit to the Manuscripts Museum. Travel to Vagharshapat to visit the Etchmiadzin cathedral followed by lunch at Machanents Cultural Centre. Return to Yerevan to visit the Armenian Genocide Memorial & Museum. (B,L) TOUR HIGHLIGHTSMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Take advantage of your small group size while visiting the Machanents Cultural Centre. This vibrant hub of cultural activity is dedicated to preserving and promoting Armenian culture, arts, and traditions. As an engaging platform for artists and cultural creators to showcase their work and engage with the community, the center is also involved in various social projects, including educational initiatives and charity events.
Day 4: Yerevan,Excursion To Noravank And Areni
Location: Yerevan
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Yerevan-Republic Square or Doubletree by Hilton Yerevan City Centre
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
YEREVAN–EXCURSION TO NORAVANK AND ARENI Join your Local Guide for a visit to the monasteries of Khor Virap and Noravank Monastery. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant followed by a winery visit and tasting. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHT GRAPE DISCOVERIES Armenia is one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world. The earliest evidence of winemaking in Armenia dates back over 6,000 years to the Areni-1 cave complex, where archaeologists discovered a wine press, fermentation vats, and storage jars. Its modern wines are a combination of unique indigenous grape varieties, favorable terroir, and a blend of traditional and modern winemaking techniques resulting in great flavors and taste.
Day 5: Yerevan,Geghard Monastery,Garni,Sevan,Dilijan
Location: Dilijan
Accommodation Name: Best Western Plus Paradise Hotel Dilijan
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
YEREVAN–GEGHARD MONASTERY–GARNI–SEVAN–DILIJAN Temples, Tunes & Traditions Visit the Geghard cave monastery and attend a [LF] stirring choir performance. Continue to the Garni Pagan Temple where a Duduk player will perform his art for you. Attend a Lavash baking demo with your group, followed by a family-style lunch at Sergey’s Place. (B,L,D) LOCAL FAVORITE SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE The name "Geghard" means "spear" in Armenian. Explore the ancient monastery of the same name, believed to have once housed the Holy Lance (Geghard) used to pierce the side of Jesus during His crucifixion. Marvel at the rock-cut churches and tombs carved directly into the cliffs. Special attention paid to the monastery's acoustic design makes this a glorious place for your small group to experience a stirring choral performance.
Day 6: Dilijan,Haghpat,Tbilisi,Georgia
Location: Tbilisi
Accommodation Name: Courtyard By Marriott Tbilisi or Mercure Tbilisi Old Town
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DILIJAN–HAGHPAT–TBILISI, GEORGIA Craftsmanship & Children’s Futures Stroll down the streets in Dilijan and check out the local craftsmen workshops. Take advantage of your small group and visit the [LF] Children of Armenia Fund (COAF) Smart School centre dedicated to the education of Armenia’s youth, followed by lunch. Visit Haghpat Monastery before crossing the border to Georgia. (B,L,D) LOCAL FAVORITE SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Visit the Children of Armenia Fund and hear about its mission to support the development of rural communities through vital resources and innovative initiatives to benefit both children and adults. An inspiring experience for small group discoveries.
Day 7: Tbilisi
Location: Tbilisi
Accommodation Name: Courtyard By Marriott Tbilisi or Mercure Tbilisi Old Town
Meals Included: Breakfast
TBILISI Soaring Fortress Views Today join your Local Guide for a tour of the city of Tbilisi. Start the tour at Metekhi Church. Take the cable car to reach Narikala Fortress with stunning views of the town. See the famous Sulfur Baths and Sioni Cathedral. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOT Tbilisi is a city that has been dominated by traders, warriors, tyrants, and dictators in turn. Take a walk around the old town and breathe in the living past. Today, Tbilisi is a modern city with well-known museums and theatres, art galleries, churches, Sulphur bathhouses and narrow streets with inner courts. Where myth and history, culture and traditions, diverse nature, and hospitable people; all intermingle with one another, inspired poetry, polyphonic songs, and elegant dancing. A blend of cultures, a smell of spices, different nations meeting on street corners, different faiths sharing the same courtyards.
Day 8: Tbilisi,Excursion To Mtskheta & Gori
Location: Mtskheta
Accommodation Name: Courtyard By Marriott Tbilisi or Mercure Tbilisi Old Town
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
TBILISI–EXCURSION TO MTSKHETA & GORI Sacred Sites, Shrines & Stalin This morning, drive to Mtskheta the anc ient capital of Georgia, located at the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari Rivers to visit Jvari Church. Then move on to Gori, known as the birthplace of the Soviet leader Joseph Stalin. Visit Stalin’s Museum in Gori where you can see the house, where Stalin was born and his personal railway carriage. (B,L) TOUR HIGHLIGHT SACRED SHRINES Visit two unique UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including a 6th-century cross-shaped Jvari cliff-top monastery overlooking the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari Rivers. Here, female evangelist St. Nino erected a large wooden cross on the site of a pagan temple. Also see Svetitskhoveli, the fortified cathedral dating from the 11th century as a sacred place where the Robe of Christ is buried.
Day 9: Tbilisi,Bodbe,Sighnaghi,Telavi
Location: Kakheti
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Telavi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
TBILISI–BODBE–SIGHNAGHI–TELAVI Wine & Poetry Visit Bodbe Nunnery, where St. Nino, the 4th-century female evangelist of Georgians is buried. Explore the fortified town of Sighnaghi in Kakheti, famous for its wine- and carpet-making culture. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Kizikhi area and unusual Charm of Sighnaghi Royal Town. Then drive to the Tsinandali family estate and wine cellar. (B,L) TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURE & TRADITIONS Tsinandali Family Estate once belonged to the 19th-century aristocratic poet Alexander Chavchavadze. The residence consists of a summer home, garden, and winery, featuring several vintages of white wine.
Day 10: Telavi,Gremi,Tbilisi
Location: Tbilisi
Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
TELAVI–GREMI–TBILISI Citadels, Cellars & Cuisine Today walk the Great Silk Road at the Gremi Church of Archangels complex, then continue to visit the Nekresi Monastery. Take part in a culinary workshop at a local cellar followed by a wine tasting. Return to Tbilisi for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTROYAL RUINS Built by King Levan and Queen Ketevan, the 16th-century Gremi complex is perched on a rocky hill as the former the capital of Kakheti Kingdom—now ruins of the citadel’s market, baths, caravanserai, palace, and Archangel's church. 17th-century frescoes adorn the cathedral interior, with a collection of archaeological artifacts in view in the museum.
Day 11: Tbilisi
Location: Tbilisi
Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Meals
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included on various days throughout the tour.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours of Yerevan, Tbilisi, and other locations are included.
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Cultural Experiences
Includes visits to monasteries, museums, and cultural centers, as well as choir performances and wine tastings.
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Transportation
Transportation between locations and excursions is included.
What's Not Included
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Flights
International and domestic flights are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and tips are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees for Armenia and Georgia are not included.
Accommodation
Stay at the Holiday Inn Yerevan-Republic Square and Doubletree by Hilton Yerevan City Centre in Yerevan, Best Western Plus Paradise Hotel Dilijan in Dilijan, Courtyard By Marriott Tbilisi, Mercure Tbilisi Old Town, and Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel in Tbilisi, and Holiday Inn Telavi in Telavi.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes transportation between various locations in Armenia and Georgia, with visits to significant cultural and historical sites. Transfers are provided from Yerevan to Tbilisi, including excursions to Vagharshapat, Noravank, and Areni, among others.
Meals
10 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 4 Dinners
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experience is offered at the Geghard cave monastery?
At the Geghard cave monastery, you will have the opportunity to attend a stirring choir performance, taking advantage of the monastery's acoustic design.
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What can I expect during the visit to the Armenian Brandy factory in Yerevan?
During the visit to the Armenian Brandy factory in Yerevan, you will enjoy a guided tour followed by a brandy tasting session. The factory is known for producing one of the finest brandies in the world, famously enjoyed by Winston Churchill.
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What cultural activities are included in the tour of Vagharshapat?
In Vagharshapat, you will visit the Etchmiadzin Cathedral and have lunch at the Machanents Cultural Centre, which is dedicated to preserving and promoting Armenian culture, arts, and traditions.
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What is special about the visit to the Children of Armenia Fund (COAF) Smart School centre?
The visit to the Children of Armenia Fund (COAF) Smart School centre offers an inspiring experience where you will learn about its mission to support the development of rural communities through vital resources and innovative initiatives.
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What historical insights are provided during the visit to Stalin's Museum in Gori?
At Stalin's Museum in Gori, you will see the house where Stalin was born and his personal railway carriage, providing insights into the life of the Soviet leader.
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What can I expect from the culinary workshop in Telavi?
In Telavi, you will participate in a culinary workshop at a local cellar, followed by a wine tasting session, offering a hands-on experience of local cuisine and wine culture.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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