Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia
Arrival in Tbilisi. You will be met by a driver and transferred to the hotel. Check-in at noon.
Rest of day at leisure.
Overnight at the Tbilisi
Day 2: Tbilisi
Duration of sightseeing tour: 5-6 hours
Driving distance: 10 km
In the morning, we’ll take a sightseeing tour of Tbilisi. Starting at Metekhi Church, we’ll then visit the monument to Vakhtang Gorgasali, the legendary founder of Tbilisi. Next, we’ll take the cable car to the Narikala Fortress to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. We’ll walk past the only mosque in Tbilisi, down to the sulfur bathhouse district. We’ll then enjoy a stroll through the Sharden area, which is full of narrow streets with cozy cafés, wine bars, and souvenir shops, and breathe in the history of Old Tbilisi. We’ll also visit Sioni Cathedral, Anchiskhati Basilica, and the famous Rezo Gabriadze Theatre’s clock tower, before crossing the Bridge of Peace to Rike Park.
At 19:30, we’ll visit a local restaurant to taste traditional Georgian cuisine.
Overnight in Tbilisi
Day 3: Tbilisi – Jvari – Ananuri – Kazbegi – Tbilisi
Duration of sightseeing tour: 11-12 hours
Driving distance: 328 km
Today we’ll explore northern Georgia. The first stop will be Jvari Church, which is built on a hilltop and is a true architectural masterpiece of the Early Medieval Period. We’ll enjoy the view of the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers, before continuing to the Ananuri fortress complex, a former residence of Argveti Dukes. This complex features churches and towers dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries, beautifully overlooking the Jinvali reservoir. We’ll drive on to see where two small mountain rivers, one black and one white, meet—yet retain their different colors. We’ll then drive over the Cross Pass and make a short stop at the Soviet-era “People’s Friendship” viewpoint, which overlooks a deep gorge of the Caucasus mountain range. In Kazbegi, we’ll switch to a 4x4 vehicle to reach the Holy Trinity Church near Gergeti. This is located at an altitude of 2,170 m and from here we’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Kazbegi. Finally, we’ll drive back to Tbilisi.
Overnight at the Tbilisi
Day 4: Tbilisi – Telavi – Tsinandali – Sighnaghi – Bodbe – Tbilisi
Duration of sightseeing tour: 10-12 hours
Driving distance: 268 km
After breakfast, we’ll take a scenic drive through the Gombori Pass towards the Kakheti region, the cradle of Georgian winemaking. We’ll arrive in Telavi, the administrative and historic center of the region. Then, we’ll take a short walk through the charming streets of old Telavi, and stop for photos at the monument to Erekli II. Next, we’ll drive to the Tsinandali Estate, the former residence of Georgian dukes. Prince Chavchavadze, a 19th-century public figure, and poet turned the Estate into what it is today, with a beautiful English-style garden, a museum, and a wine cellar. Here, we’ll have the opportunity to taste several wines. We’ll then continue to Sighnaghi, the Royal Town, and “City of Love”. This city, surrounded by defensive walls with 23 towers, was an important trading center on the Great Silk Road. After a short tour of the city, we’ll depart for Tbilisi, stopping at Bodbe Convent on the way. According to legend, this is the burial place of St. Nino, who converted Georgia to Christianity in the 4th century. Since 1889, following a decree by Tsar Alexander III of Russia, Bodbe Convent functions as a nunnery. After arriving back in Tbilisi.
Overnight in Tbilisi
Day 5: Tbilisi – Armenian border – Haghpat – Lake Sevan – Sevanavank – Yerevan (Georgia – Armenia)
Duration of sightseeing tour: 9-10 hours
Driving distance: 370 km
At 09:00, our driver will meet you at your hotel in Tbilisi and take you to Sadakhlo-Bagratashen, the Georgian-Armenian border crossing point. After entering Armenia, you’ll meet your local guide and driver to start your tour of this land of ancient traditions and historic monasteries. Our first stop will be the Lori region, where we’ll visit Haghpat Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This stunning example of Armenian traditional architecture was erected between the 10th and 13th centuries. Haghpat is located on a hillside with a beautiful view of the Debed River. The monastery’s location was chosen to protect the peace and seclusion of the monks. Next, we’ll drive through Dilijan to Lake Sevan, the “Jewel of Armenia” and one of the largest high-mountain freshwater lakes in the world. Lake Sevan’s coastline is rich with thick woods; bare, white, steep rocks; mountain steppes; and Alpine meadows. We’ll stop at Sevanavank to visit the remnants of the monastery, including two churches - Surb Arakelots and Surb Karapet - that stand among numerous khachkars (carved cross-stones). The buildings were constructed from black tuff, which probably gave the monastery its name: Sevanavank (the Black Monastery). From here, we’ll have a magnificent view: mountains surround the lake on all sides and snowy peaks can be seen along almost the entire perimeter, before disappearing below the horizon. Finally, we’ll continue to Yerevan.
Overnight in Yerevan
Day 6: Yerevan – Etchmiadzin
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Driving distance: 50 km
At 10:00, we’ll start our tour of Yerevan. One of the world’s oldest cities, Yerevan is also nicknamed the “Pink City” and impresses visitors with its grand Soviet architecture. Start the city tour with a visit to the 572-step Cascade Monument, which serves as the main symbol of the city. From the top of the monument, you’ll have a breathtaking city view that encompasses the Opera House, Mount Ararat, Swan Lake, Republic Square, and Abovyan Avenue. Next, we’ll visit the Armenian Genocide memorial complex on Tsitsernakaberd Hill. Then, we’ll continue to the Holy See of Armenia, Etchmiadzin, where we’ll visit Etchmiadzin Cathedral (the residence of the Catholicos, the supreme head of the Armenian Apostolic Church).
Overnight at the Yerevan
Day 7: Yerevan – Departure
Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out from the hotel till noon.
Free time till transfer to Yerevan International Airport.
