Private Tour Highlights
- Visit the ancient capital and religious center of Georgia, Mtskheta and witness some of the region's most impressive architecture.
- Savor delicious wine from the ancient Areni winery, a 6100-year-old cave winery that was only just discovered in 2007.
- Take in the astonishingly blue waters of Lake Sevan, one of the largest lakes in the world while visiting local monasteries that overlook the waters.
- Feel like royalty while walking the grounds of the medieval fortress, Rabati.
- Explore the Cave City of Uplistsikhe, dating as far back as the 1st millennium B.C. and has since been transformed into lodgings, shops, giant wine cellars and public buildings.
Tour Overview
Embark on a Grand Journey through Georgia and Armenia to traverse some of the most unique landscapes in the Caucasus and take in the diverse history through the region’s prestigious monasteries, ancient ruins, and historic wineries.
Beginning in Georgia, travelers will enjoy a cultural tour of the country’s capital, Tbilisi. Venturing outside the city, the tour continues on to the ancient capital and religious center of Georgia, Mtskheta before traversing through spectacular valleys and forests of the region to reach historically prominent religious sites. Before continuing on to Armenia, visitors will also explore the ancient Cave City of Uplistsikhe and the fortified religious town of Vardzia while walking the grounds of the medieval fortress, Rabati.
Once in Armenia, Yampu Travelers delight in enticing cultural and historical experiences near the capital of Yerevan, including a visit to see works by the ‘Armenian Frida Calo’ and touring the only temple preserved from the Pagan times in Armenia. Venturing to Armenia’s countryside, the tour concludes with a tasting at a 6100-year-old cave winery and indulging in the beautiful views of Lake Sevan, one of the largest lakes in the world.
Inclusions
Exclusions
International airfare (unless specifically included), airport departure taxes that must be paid on-site, gratuities, meals not mentioned, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages with meals, early / late check-out, room service, visa fees/services and other personal items or services not mentioned.
Package Price: From £$ 5830
Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.
Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.
Trip Type:
All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!
Tour Itinerary
Home - Tbilisi
Overnight International Flight to Tbilisi.
Overnight International Flight to Tbilisi.
Welcome to Georgia!
Upon arrival to Tbilisi, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
Tbilisi derives from the Old Georgian word “tbili”, meaning warm, thanks to its natural hot springs and bathhouses.
Upon arrival to Tbilisi, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
Tbilisi derives from the Old Georgian word “tbili”, meaning warm, thanks to its natural hot springs and bathhouses.
Tbilisi Cultural Tour
Today, we will have an excursion in the capital (50 km / 15 min drive). Here, you will encounter many religious and cultural buildings: churches, synagogues, and mosques which comprises the whole color of 19th century. Stop by the sulfur baths before visiting the stunning treasury History Museum and the National Art Museum of Georgia (depends which will be open). After this, we will have a walk along Rustaveli Avenue - the main street in Tbilisi.
Today, we will have an excursion in the capital (50 km / 15 min drive). Here, you will encounter many religious and cultural buildings: churches, synagogues, and mosques which comprises the whole color of 19th century. Stop by the sulfur baths before visiting the stunning treasury History Museum and the National Art Museum of Georgia (depends which will be open). After this, we will have a walk along Rustaveli Avenue - the main street in Tbilisi.
Mtskheta Historical Sites Tour
This morning, you will visit the ancient capital and religious center of Georgia, Mtskheta and its historical sites (140 km / 2 hrs & 10 mins): The Church of Jvari (6th century) and Svetitskhoveli (11th century). Jvari and Svetiskhoveli are World Heritage Sites of UNESCO. On the road, we will visit the complex Ananuri. Drive to Gudauri, one of the resort cities of Georgia.
This morning, you will visit the ancient capital and religious center of Georgia, Mtskheta and its historical sites (140 km / 2 hrs & 10 mins): The Church of Jvari (6th century) and Svetitskhoveli (11th century). Jvari and Svetiskhoveli are World Heritage Sites of UNESCO. On the road, we will visit the complex Ananuri. Drive to Gudauri, one of the resort cities of Georgia.
Tergi & Kazbegi Tour
This morning, you will start a spectacular road route towards the north along the river Tegri, up to Kazbegi, the main city of the region. (190 km / 3 hrs & 20 mins). We begin our walking route through spectacular valleys and forests to reach the Trinity Church Gergeti. Return to Tbilisi for overnight.
This morning, you will start a spectacular road route towards the north along the river Tegri, up to Kazbegi, the main city of the region. (190 km / 3 hrs & 20 mins). We begin our walking route through spectacular valleys and forests to reach the Trinity Church Gergeti. Return to Tbilisi for overnight.
Transfer to Akhaltsikhe with Visit to the Cave City
Today, you will depart to Gori, home of Jeseif Stalin to visit to the Cave City of Uplistsikhe (1st millennium B.C.) (230 km / 3 hrs & 20 mins), inhabited until the 14th century. Since then, the caves have been transformed into lodgings, shops, giant wine cellars and public buildings of which the oldest is the theater of Georgia. Visit Borjomi. Overnight at Akhaltsikhe.
Today, you will depart to Gori, home of Jeseif Stalin to visit to the Cave City of Uplistsikhe (1st millennium B.C.) (230 km / 3 hrs & 20 mins), inhabited until the 14th century. Since then, the caves have been transformed into lodgings, shops, giant wine cellars and public buildings of which the oldest is the theater of Georgia. Visit Borjomi. Overnight at Akhaltsikhe.
Rabati Fortress Tour
Today, you will depart to the Rabati Fortress (175 km / 3 hrs & 45 mins). Upon arrival in Vardzia make a visit to the rock city. Founded in the 12th century as a fortified religious town it is one of the best examples of the Georgian Gold Age. The complex originally had over 3,000 caves and could hold 50,000 people. Then, transfer to the Bavra border where you will have a change of car and guide before departing to Gyumri, the second capital of Armenia and the administrative center of Shirak region. Overnight in Gyumri.
Today, you will depart to the Rabati Fortress (175 km / 3 hrs & 45 mins). Upon arrival in Vardzia make a visit to the rock city. Founded in the 12th century as a fortified religious town it is one of the best examples of the Georgian Gold Age. The complex originally had over 3,000 caves and could hold 50,000 people. Then, transfer to the Bavra border where you will have a change of car and guide before departing to Gyumri, the second capital of Armenia and the administrative center of Shirak region. Overnight in Gyumri.
Aslamazyan Sisters Museum Tour
This morning, you will visit the museum of Aslamazyan sisters, one of which is famous as "Armenian Frida Calo" (150 km / 3 hrs). Then, we will continue our excursion to centuries-old monuments, Ejmiatsin and Zvartnots. These sites are listed on UNESCO World Heritage list. The Cathedral of Ejmiatsin, founded in 303, is the official residence of the Catholics of Armenia. Then, we'll continue the trip to Zvartnots Temple, which was built on 7th century by Nerses Builder Catholicos. Drive to Yerevan and overnight there.
This morning, you will visit the museum of Aslamazyan sisters, one of which is famous as "Armenian Frida Calo" (150 km / 3 hrs). Then, we will continue our excursion to centuries-old monuments, Ejmiatsin and Zvartnots. These sites are listed on UNESCO World Heritage list. The Cathedral of Ejmiatsin, founded in 303, is the official residence of the Catholics of Armenia. Then, we'll continue the trip to Zvartnots Temple, which was built on 7th century by Nerses Builder Catholicos. Drive to Yerevan and overnight there.
Garni & Geghard Tour
After read more...
After breakfast, you will depart to Garni for a tour. This Pagan Temple was built in the 1st century AD and is the only temple that has been preserved from the Pagan times in Armenia. It was devoted to the god Mihr, the god of cleanness. In 1679 it was destroyed by an earthquake and was restored in the 1970s. We will then continue our trip to Geghard Monastery. Its name came from the legendary lance that was used to pierce the body of Christ. It has been kept here for centuries. Though the exact foundation of the monastery is unknown, the present complex was built in the mid - 13th century.
Afterwards we will visit a local house for lunch where you will have the chance to see and participate in the preparation of Armenian national bread: lavash. It is very thin and usually sold in very large forms. It is usually cooked in a ground oven called a "tonir". Recently it has been recognized as non-material heritage of UNESCO. Head back to Yerevan for the evening. ...read less
Khor Virap Monastery Wine Tour Tour
After read more...
After breakfast, you will depart to visit Khndzoresk, which is a village and rural community in the Southeast of Armenia, in the province (marz) of Syunik. Heading to Vayots dzor region we will visit Noravank Monastery (12th/13th century) perched at the edge of a precipice. Next we will enjoy lunch in a local home where you can see the preparation of a traditional "Barbeque".
Then, continue for the ancient Areni winery, a 6100-year-old cave winery that was discovered in 2007. Next we will head to the Ararat region to visit the Monastery of Khor Virap, the famous pilgrimage site visited by Pope John Paul II. The Monastery is the prisoner of St. Gregory, The Illuminator. Khor Virap means "deep gorge". From here, a breathtaking panoramic view opens up biblical Mount Ararat. Overnight in Yerevan. ...read less
Lake Sevan Tour
Today, we will drive to Lake Sevan, which is one of the largest lakes in the world. It stands out with its astonishingly blue water. Here, we can enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the beautiful lake. Then we will visit Sevanavank Monastery which is situated on Sevan Peninsula. There are 2 monasteries actually; one of them is destroyed but the other stands still. They have been built in the middle Ages, around 10th century. Then we will stop to visit Dadivank monastery before returning to Tbilisi.
Today, we will drive to Lake Sevan, which is one of the largest lakes in the world. It stands out with its astonishingly blue water. Here, we can enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the beautiful lake. Then we will visit Sevanavank Monastery which is situated on Sevan Peninsula. There are 2 monasteries actually; one of them is destroyed but the other stands still. They have been built in the middle Ages, around 10th century. Then we will stop to visit Dadivank monastery before returning to Tbilisi.
International Flight Home
At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight home.
At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight home.
Tbilisi, Georgia
Gudauri, Georgia
Akhaltsikhe, Georgia
Gyumri, Armenia
Yerevan, Armenia
Places You'll See
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Tbilisi
Georgia’s ancient and vibrant capital city, Tbilisi spreads out on both banks of the Mtkvari River, surrounded by mountains. Well known for its hot springs and bathhouses, Tbilisi derives from the Old Georgian word “tbili”, meaning warm. Legend has it that Tbilisi was founded by a king who was hunting in the heavily wooded region with a falcon. The king’s falcon injured a pheasant during the hunt and both birds fell into a nearby hot spring, dying from burns. The king was so impressed with the hot springs that he cut down the forest to build a city, Tbilisi.
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Gudauri
Known as the best ski resort in Georgia, Gudauri provides well-developed infrastructure, intense altitude, and unlimited possibilities for freeride skiing. The resort is the highest settlement on the Georgian Military Road. The season in Gudauri begins in early December and lasts through April. Visitors can choose to ski Mount Sadzel, the highest point of the resort or Kudebi where skiers can ride from any side of the mountain. Experienced skiers and adventure seekers can also enjoy heliskiing and even paraskiing.
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Akhaltsikhe
Located in southern Georgia, Akhaltsikhe earned its name thanks to the famous fortress that was once the most crucial landmark in the region and has served as an important city throughout history, including the reign of the Ottoman empire. Other points of interest include the ancient fortress of Atskuri, Saphara monastery, and the cave city of Vardzia in which thousands of citizens worked and lived within the rock creating extensive wine cellars, places of worship, and even a library.
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Gyumri
“If you want to know Armenia, you must come to Gyumri,” is a statement that the city’s inhabitants stand by. The capital of the Shirak Province, Gyumri is the second-largest city in Armenia. Being one of the most ancient settlements in Armenia dating back nearly 3000 years, Gyumri is a significant city to visit when in Armenia. Visitors can learn of the city’s tragic yet vibrant history while exploring the different monuments, museums and cultural centers throughout. While strolling the streets, take note of the numerous public art pieces and unique architecture including “head-houses”, half-underground type of residential houses.
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Yerevan
The capital of Armenia, Yereva, is believed to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, emerging as a city around 782 BC. Though this is when the city is thought to be founded, archaeological findings point out that early settlements existed as early as the 4th Millenium BC. Today, Armenia’s capital is home to 1-million people. Visitors are welcomed to stroll the lively streets adorned with Soviet-era architecture, chic shops, and tasty restaurants. Take in the city’s history with visits to the iconic Cascade stairway, the Opera House, and other points of interest.
Hotel Options
4 Star Properties
Tbilisi : Wyndham Grand Tbilisi
Wyndham Grand Tbilisi
Tbilisi , Georgia
Discover old-world charm from the comfort and elegance of our Wyndham Grand Tbilisi hotel. Situated near Tbilisi’s bustling Rustaveli Avenue, we provide easy access to top-notch shopping, nightlife, and dining. From our doors, you can walk the capital’s cobblestone streets and marvel at stunning Tbilisi architecture, visit inviting cafes, or admire the art in one of the many local museums and galleries.
Throughout your stay, you’ll love our luxurious amenities. Enjoy a refreshing drink and indulge in fine dining at Lobby Lounge, relax in the heated indoor pool and sauna, or let your cares melt away with a spa treatment. Within our modern hotel, we have a premium fitness center to help you stay productive. We also offer room service 24/7 for your convenience.
With seven event rooms totaling over 906 square meters, we are the perfect venue for hosting flawless events of up to 400 people. Welcome to Tbilisi at its finest.
Marco Polo Gudauri
Gudauri , Georgia
Located 2,003 m above sea level and surrounded by majestic Caucasus Mountains, Marco Polo hotel Gudauri is an all year ski-in and ski-out mountain accommodation with 30 years of history pioneering Georgian mountain action. Gudauri Lift 1 Pirveli is few meters away of the property. Marco Polo Spa & Wellness Center features great selection of massages and body treatments, hot tub, sauna and a sun terrace. Guests will have a complimentary access to Spa facilities, as well as free Wi-Fi, free parking and luggage storage, indoor swimming pool is also featured.
Akhaltsikhe : Gino Wellness Akhaltsikhe
Gino Wellness Akhaltsikhe
Akhaltsikhe , Georgia
Hotel Gino Wellness Rabat is the only wellness & spa hotel in the Caucasus, located inside the fence of the historic Rabat Castle at the bottom of the castle, has the best location, is distinguished by its old design and comfort. The hotel offers classic, deluxe, family classics and apart-room suites. The hotel has a conference hall, a bar-restaurant, an open terrace and a wellness spa where all the conditions are created for relaxation and cozy relaxation.
Victoria Plaza
Gyumri , ARMENIA
Hotel Plaza Victoria opens its hospitable doors to you, offering bright and spacious rooms and delicious cuisine where you can have a rest and relax. Our hotel in the center of Gyumri is always glad to welcome you.
Grand Hotel Yerevan
Yerevan , ARMENIA
Grand Hotel Yerevan is an elegant and modern hotel for business travelers, sightseers and those who are ready for an unforgettable experience. The charm of the 1928 neoclassical building that houses the Grand Hotel Yerevan is timeless. The luxury hotel is located in the center of Yerevan. Due to its prime location Grand Hotel represents the embodiment of the modern and ancient Armenian history and culture.
Testimonials
Kurt & Rosabel, family of 5
Traveled August, 2010
I consider using your company again
The trip was fantastic. No complaints about the accomodations and I was truly impressed with the transportation arrangements. The guides from the various companies were courteous, polite and extremely helpful whenever a problem arose. The atmosphere on the Caribbean coast (Tortuguero) was completely different from that encountered on the Pacific coast (Guancaste), as was each location along the way. I honestly can’t say I preferred on spot over the others, though perhaps I was little more outspoken about the comforts of Arenal Springs compared to rest. The two beach spots along the Pacific were memorable for the ocean and all the things we did there.All the above said, I have no problem recommending your firm, and yourself in particular, to any of my friends and acquaintances regarding having you help them with their travel plans. Indeed, I have done so repeatedly today and will continue to do so into the future. It also goes without saying that I consider using your company again when Rosabel and myself start planning our next vacation or adventure trip.
Traveled To
Judith F.
Traveled January 2020
Knowledgeable and Responsive
Traveled To
Nina
Traveled November, 2015
The trip was absolutely fantastic.
Thank you so much for all your work! The trip was absolutely fantastic. The people were incredibly nice, and the entire tour was extremely well planned and perfect. We absolutely loved the trip and are really glad we decided to choose Yampu to help us tour Peru. We had an amazing time there. Thank you so much for all the effort you put into making this trip possible. Please pass on our regards to everyone from Yampu who worked to make this trip a success.
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