Highlights of the Caucasus

Explore Georgia’s charming capital, Tbilisi, its historic and colourful Old Town clings precariously to the cliffs above the Mtkvari River. We will visit Narikala Fortress, Metekhi Cathedral and Sioni Church in the old town, these historic sites and diverse architecture reflect Tbilisi’s location at the crossroads of east and west. In your free time take a stroll along Rustaveli Avenue to the excellent Georgian National Museum, which presents the fascinating history of this beguiling capital. Time too of course, to enjoy the famous cuisine and hospitality for which Georgians are world renowned. We venture out of Tbilisi to visit the UNESCO site of Mtskheta, the centre of the Georgian Orthodox Church and one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. Christianity was proclaimed the state religion here in the 4th century, today the Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral are UNESCO World Heritage Listed sites. Join your National Guide and fellow travellers on Day 1 at 5:00pm for your pre departure meeting as detailed on your joining instructions.

Explore Georgia’s charming capital, Tbilisi, its historic and colourful Old Town clings precariously to the cliffs above the Mtkvari River. We will visit Narikala Fortress, Metekhi Cathedral and Sioni Church in the old town, these historic sites and diverse architecture reflect Tbilisi’s location at the crossroads of east and west. In your free time take a stroll along Rustaveli Avenue to the excellent Georgian National Museum, which presents the fascinating history of this beguiling capital. Time too of course, to enjoy the famous cuisine and hospitality for which Georgians are world renowned. We venture out of Tbilisi to visit the UNESCO site of Mtskheta, the centre of the Georgian Orthodox Church and one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. Christianity was proclaimed the state religion here in the 4th century, today the Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral are UNESCO World Heritage Listed sites. Join your National Guide and fellow travellers on Day 1 at 5:00pm for your pre departure meeting as detailed on your joining instructions.

Leaving Tbilisi we make our way to the province of Kakheti, it was here that winemaking was invented around 8,000 years ago, and today the traditional Georgian wine production methods are recognised by UNESCO. We have the opportunity to visit a traditional wine maker to learn about the traditions of Georgian winemaking, sample some of the local varieties and enjoy the renowned Georgian hospitality amongst the local vineyards. We will also visit the chateau and estate of Alexander Chavchavadze at Tsinandali and the beautiful hill top town of Sighnaghi. A small but thriving carpet and wine centre, Sighnaghi captures the spirit of the Georgian nation.

Continuing our exploration of Kakheti, the rich history of the region is discovered in the old town of Gremi and Alaverdi Monastery before returning to Tbilisi.

Leaving Tbilisi we travel the Georgian Military Highway, deep into the Caucasus Mountains, and make our way to the stunning 14th century Gergeti Trinity Church situated at 2170 metres. Weather permitting you will have a chance to see Mt Kazbegi.

Ottomans, Persians and Mongols vied for control of this strategic region over many centuries and the defenders were driven underground for protection. The rock-hewn cave town of Uplistsikhe, whose name translates to ‘Fortress of the Lord’, was an important centre during the time of prosperous Silk Road trade and reemerged after a tumultuous period of change to become the residence of the kings of Kartli and around 20,000 inhabitants. We continue to the nearby town of Gori, the birthplace of the infamous dictator Joseph Stalin, then south through the spa town of Borjomi to Akhaltsikhe. Here where we wander the Rabat Fortress (Old Town) with its rare examples of darbazebi (traditional Georgian houses), castle, mosque and synagogue.

A highlight of our journey through Georgia is the medieval monastery complex of Vardzia, carved out of the mountainside and once housing up to 50,000 inhabitants. It is one of the most significant cultural sites of the Caucasus. We cross the border into Armenia and continue to Yerevan stopping en route to take in the sites of the cultural capital of Armenia – Gyumri. As the first state to adopt Christianity in 303, Armenia has some of the most ancient and beautifully sited churches and monasteries in the Caucasus; many are fortified and in strategic locations serving as both religious and military installations. Many have UNESCO recognition for significant historical and cultural value and help tell the story of this unique land.

Yerevan is a city of contradiction - where old and new stands side by side in a harmonious fusion. Today we explore the sights of Yerevan on our city tour before venturing outside the city to visit the fascinating Garni Temple and Geghard Monastery, revered throughout Armenia as one of the country’s greatest spiritual and cultural centres. Today, we will also visit the unmissable UNESCO heritage sites of Echmiadzin, seat of the Armenian Church, and the archaeological site of Zvartnots.

From the tree lined boulevards and cafes of Yerevan we travel south enjoying magnificent views of Mt. Ararat at Khor Virap, then through the Areni wine region, Noravank Monastery and onto the gravity-defying monastery at Tatev, en route to Gori. Reached by the world’s longest cableway, the 5.7 kilometre journey carries us across a deep valley offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Today, we make our way to the village of Hermon. We pause to visit the fascinating Old Khndzoresk village, where time has stood still for centuries, cut off from the rest of the world. Then continue into the mountains to the mysterious stones of Karahunj, Armenia’s own Stonehenge, and through the Vayots Dzor region, visiting the village of Jermuk, where we will see its beautiful waterfall.

Ancient stone formations and petroglyphs, Silk Road caravanserai and the Khachkhar field of Noratus are but a few of the fascinating relics we discover of the long and rich history still present in Armenia as we travel along the Selim Pass back to Yerevan.

Ancient stone formations and petroglyphs, Silk Road caravanserai and the Khachkhar field of Noratus are but a few of the fascinating relics we discover of the long and rich history still present in Armenia as we travel along the Selim Pass back to Yerevan.