ACTIVITY LEVEL: Low to Medium

Small Group Tour to Armenia & Georgia with Ralph Velasco 

Join award-winning travel photographer and veteran tour organizer Ralph Velasco for this highly unique and once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Republics of Georgia and Armenia, located in the Caucasus region of western Asia. 

Keeping our travel schedule in mind, the goal is to put participants in the right place, at the right time, to explore the best of the Republics of Georgia and Armenia.  This includes its wonderful people, incredible food, historic churches and monasteries, amazing markets, as well as other cultural wonders and off-the-beaten-path locations.

GEORGIA

Tbilisi – the capital of Georgia and a truly cosmopolitan city with a European feel and a delightful mix of incredibly old and very modern architecture. Great restaurants bars and other sites, too.

Mtskheta – a short drive from Tbilisi including visits to Jvari and Svetiskhoveli (both UNESCO World Heritage sites).

Sighnaghi – a fortified city famous for its magnificent views of the Greater Caucasus Mountains where you’ll have a cooking demonstration and also visit a local winery that makes wine according to the ancient Georgian tradition of using the clay jars called qvevri.

Stepantsminda (during optional pre-trip extension) – spectacular drive via the Military Highway to the Kazbegi Region of northern Georgia.  Along the way stop in Gudauri for incredible views, visit the Ananuri fortified complex and Zhinvali reservoir.  

Click here to watch a video overview of the extension.

ARMENIA

Yerevan – capital of Armenia with wonderful museums and sites, the Cascade with views of Mt. Ararat (conditions permitting), visit to the central market and more.

Garni – visit to the amazing Garni gorge and Garni temple, as well as Geghard monastery, Khor Virap and Noravank.

Dilijan – Drive up the mountain pass to Orbelian’s caravanserai and on to Noratus to see a centuries-old cross-stone field.  Also, visit to a woodcarver’s studio and nearby Molokan village with time spent in a local family’s home complete with traditional snacks and tea from a Russian samovar.

Gyumri – sightseeing with market walk, visit to a blacksmith’s studio and an old-world barbershop.

Jermuk – peaceful spa town in the mountains with free time to enjoy some optional spa treatments, as well as have a wonderful and easy walk through a canyon to an impressive local waterfall and to learn about the very interesting Gallery.

Sevan – drive along Lake Sevan and have an optional walk to hilltop monasteries and a spectacular overlook.

“The trip to Georgia and Armenia was really fantastic overall! I did not know what to expect but was very pleasantly surprised. I love travel with deep, rich culture and this was exactly that. Tbilisi is such a diverse city with Old Tbilisi in one part and then modern fast paced in other areas. It had some of the most beautiful views I have ever seen. In Armenia, my personal highlight was visiting the village of my ancestry with the Molokan family. I loved how welcoming they were and I am sure they enjoyed having us visit. Overall, driving all over Armenia was so interesting to see the changing terrains and all the beautiful fall colors, the little villages, and the very friendly people. This trip was a great education, as well, for this part of the world and I am so glad I went and would highly recommend this trip to others who want a unique and cultural experience!”  ~ Carole R.

“The trip was everything we had hoped for and so much more we didn’t expect. …the luxury of someone who has taken the time to plan an itinerary focusing on the very best of each destination was so wonderful. The sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and memories of Armenia and Georgia are endless and magical. Ralph is a wonderful, caring host…we can’t wait to plan our next trip with him!”  ~ Gavin & Nicky B. 

“I decided to go on Ralph’s Tbilisi and Armenia trip almost as soon as he announced it…just because I’d never been there. Then I saw/imagined really how close Baku, Azerbaijan is, so why not? How about an extension, Ralph?  Like so many things Ralph does well, he arranged 4 days and 3 nights there. The planning was impeccable as usual and every bump in the road was dealt with in an efficient and seamless manner. I’ve now been on four trips with Ralph, every one of them well-planned, but not over-structured, with plenty of time to make photographs. Can’t wait to see what Ralph comes up with next.”  ~ Candice J. 

ALL ACTIVITIES, LOCATIONS, DAYS, AND TIMING ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Included Meals: B = Breakfast - ALL; L = Lunch - 10; D = Dinner - 4 

The program leader, tour operator and tour coordinator reserve the right to make adjustments to the published itinerary whenever, in their sole discretion, conditions warrant, or if they deem it necessary for the comfort or safety of the group.  Rest assured that all efforts will be made to provide a comparable alternative should an activity on the itinerary need to be changed or cancelled.

Meals: D

Arrive at Tbilisi International Airport (TBS). 

After moving through passport control and collecting your luggage you’ll be TRANSFERRED to your hotel in a private vehicle with a professional driver (upon exiting look for the driver to the left, by the car rental companies. He should have a Continental DRIFTER® sign). Depending on traffic it takes around 20 - 30 minutes to drive from the airport to the city center where your hotel is located, but on the way, you’ll already begin to see some interesting parts of Tbilisi.

Check-in and settle in at Museum Hotel (or similar).

~6:00 pm Based on everyone’s flight arrival times, we’ll plan to have a Meet & Greet in order for you to get to know your fellow tour participants and to go over the details of the trip ahead.  

Exact time and location are to be announced as the trip approaches, but most likely we’ll meet in the breakfast room of our hotel, which is located on the main floor.

7:30 pm Walk to WELCOME DINNER at a wonderful local restaurant called ‘Bread House’ (or similar) where you can begin to sample the amazing Georgian cuisine. 

Meals: B, L

This is the Tbilisi sightseeing day.

After BREAKFAST it’s time to get to know “Tbilisi, the city that loves you” with an ORIENTATION TOUR led by our local guide. You can immediately feel that the capital of Georgia has a long history of multicultural relationships and is still the obvious bridge between Europe and Asia. 

Walking through the old parts of the city you can sense its history and learn more about its special religious status where everyone is welcome. That’s why you’ll see, and can choose to visit in your free time, different religious institutions, including several churches, a synagogue, a mosque, and others.  

Not only will the religious buildings of Tbilisi capture your eye, but also the famous 19th-century houses with colorful and unique wooden balconies specific to this place.

Our city tour also includes a CABLE CAR RIDE that goes from the river’s edge to the Statue of Mother Georgia and the old castle Narikala (4th-century) from which you’ll be able to enjoy incredible panoramic views over the city.  Those who choose can walk down the many steps through the local neighborhood where photo opportunities abound.

Another important place we’ll visit is Abanotubani, a very interesting district complete with sulphur baths, pedestrian-only walkways, a waterfall and so much more.

After LUNCH at a local restaurant, you’ll have free time to explore on your own.

Meals: B, L

Special Note: Museums are closed on Mondays.

After BREAKFAST we’ll TRANSFER to visit the old capital and religious heart of Georgia – Mtskheta (roughly pronounced “SKET-a”). This was the site of early Christian activity and the location where Christianity was proclaimed as the state religion in AD 337, after a Cappadocian woman, St. Nino, arrived to enlighten the country. 

It wasn’t only centuries ago that the local people valued this place, today it’s also valued by many the world over and that’s why you’ll find two UNESCO World Heritage Sites here. Needless to say, you’ll have an opportunity to visit both. 

One is Jvari Monastery (5th-6th century), which looks over Mtskheta and from where you have a perfect view to the next UNESCO site: Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th-century) and the river below. 

Whereas Jvari church gives you a private, personal, rather intimate feeling, the Cathedral leaves you with an overpowering impression of Georgian religious splendor.

LUNCH will be provided and then we’ll TRANSFER back to Tbilisi where you can enjoy the rest of your day and evening on your own.

Meals: B, L

Today it’s time to explore Georgia’s most famous wine-growing region – Kakheti. However, you’ll not only taste the wine that makes this region so attractive but also get a glimpse of the daily life of the Kakhetians and a chance to understand their history better. 

First, you’ll visit the fortified town of Sighnaghi (18th-century) which has distinct similarities to an Italian medieval village. The 4.5 km wall that encloses over 40 hectares of the town makes Sighnaghi (also spelled “Signagi”) one of the largest fully-walled cities in the world.  It’s recently been renovated and offers visitors a mix of modern and traditional impressions. 

You can walk in the tiled streets that will remind you of European cities and be confronted with typical houses surrounded by balconies and roofs tiled with red terracotta. All this gives a special character to the place.  Finally, Sighnaghi is famous for its magnificent views of the Greater Caucasus Mountains.

In Sighnaghi you’ll visit a local winery where wine is made according to ancient Georgian tradition by using large clay jars called qvevri.

NOTE:

In December 2013, this winemaking method was added to UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Finally, you’ll take part in making several iconic Georgian national dishes including Khachapuri (cheese pie), Khinkali (meat dumplings), and Churchkhelas (an interesting local sweet made from tatara – a mixture of flour, sugar, and Badagi, or concentrated fresh grape juice).

Dinner and remainder of the evening on your own.

Meals: B, L

Today you'll transfer from Tbilisi, across the border to Armenia.  This approximately 4 hour drive will take you through northern Armenia and there'll be at least one stop along the way.

After check-in at our hotel and some time to rest we’ll meet our local guide.  This area is known as the Cascade, which we’ll visit more thoroughly another day.  Later this afternoon at a pre-determined time we’ll meet to walk to our next activity.

This will be a treat because for LUNCH you’ll have a demonstration in cooking several traditional Armenian dishes. The chef will share each recipe and some secrets of this delicious cuisine. 

Pair this unique experience with several local wines and learn about the winemakers, grapes and regions from where the wine came.

In the end you’ll be able to enjoy these dishes, accompanied by a tasting of up to six types of Armenian wines. A local expert will also share with you the history of Armenian wine making, as well as the current state of this booming industry.

Meals: B

We'll begin today with a pleasant and relaxing walk through Yerevan’s downtown to see Republic Square, Abovyan Street (which still preserves original buildings from the 19th century), Northern Avenue, the Opera House and some free time at the Cascade complex with its open-air sculpture garden and if you’re up for it, feel free to walk up the more than 500 stairs to the top for incredible views over Yerevan and beyond, but note that there’s also an escalator.  If atmospheric conditions are right, perhaps you’ll even get a glimpse of Mt. Ararat  towering in the distance (it's actually across the border in neighboring Turkey). 

We’ll end our time together, at least for today, with a TRANSFER and visit to the local indoor Food Market where our guide can tell us about the local food specialties, including lavash and an incredible assortment of cheeses, produce and dried fruits (be prepared to be offered lots of delicious samples from the vendors). 

Next, TRANSFER for optional VISIT (entry is included) to the incredibly moving Genocide Museum. 

The Armenian Genocide memorial complex is Armenia's official memorial dedicated to the victims of the Armenian Genocide, built in 1967 on the hill of Tsitsernakaberd in Yerevan. 

Finally, you’ll have the late afternoon free to explore Yerevan and its many museums, shopping options and other sites at your own pace, and then you can enjoy lunch and dinner on your own.

Suggested sites for your free time: Matenadaran Museum of Armenian Manuscripts, State History Museum, Parajanov Art Museum.

Meals: B, L

Today we discover the changing landscapes in the southern part of Armenia as we drive through the Ararat plain and make a wonderful stop at the monastery in Khor Virap, which, when the weather cooperates, provides an unparalleled view of the biblical Mt. Ararat, which is actually located just over the border in nearby Turkey.

Continuing through the mountains and breathtaking landscapes we’ll make our way to a wonderful LUNCH at the home of a family at their private house with a lovely garden and view.  We’ll also have a chance to sample their homemade vodka which comes in a variety of flavors including pomegranate, fig, apricot and others, as well as learn the process and history of making vodka in this region. 

Later, after arriving at our hotel in the gorgeous mountain town of Jermuk, we’ll check in, have some time to rest and then anyone who is interested can choose to meet at a pre-determined time for an optional dinner at a nearby restaurant, or feel free to skip dinner or go on your own or in small groups.

If interested you’ll also want to make reservations for optional spa treatments, just ask at the front desk on arrival, but appointments are necessary.

Meals: B, L

Today we’ll have a somewhat relaxing day in the resort town of Jermuk enjoying its nature and fresh mountain air. 

You can take advantage of the hot spring water and other spa procedures offered by the hotel (again, reservations required and extra charges apply, although prices are extremely reasonable by U.S. standards).

You can also choose to explore the town with our guide, or on your own, and see its beautiful landscapes, its new and old Soviet-era “sanatoriums” and, of course, the famous “Gallery” where people go to collect the mineral water coming from the depths of the earth at varying temperatures and thought to cure any number of ailments.

For nature lovers, we’ll continue on to a moderately easy walk to and through Jermuk Canyon ending at a beautiful waterfall, but do know that there are quite a number of stairs and the length of the walk is approximately 3 km (2 miles).  Our driver can take those not interested in walking to the other end and TRANSFER us back to the hotel where you can enjoy the spa, relax, explore some more or do whatever it is that you like.

Today’s walk to the waterfall is an absolute highlight of this trip, but walking sticks and good shoes are highly recommended!

LUNCH is included this day and will be enjoyed at a nearby restaurant we can walk to.

Dinner and the remainder of the day will be on your own, so do make your spa treatment reservations on arrival.

Meals: B, L

After an early morning departure to beat the crowds, we’ll stop at the famous Noravank medieval monastery, resting on a high cliff surrounded by red rocks and known for its outstanding carvings. 

Next, we’ll make our way about 1.5 hours north following a portion of the medieval Silk Road trade route driving up the picturesque Selim Pass (2,014 m) and stopping at the 14th-century Orbelian's Caravanserai, which in its day offered hospitality for traders traveling along the Silk Road, including Marco Polo who is said to have stopped here.  

There’s often a wonderful couple just out-front offering small food and vodka samples, and they are a pleasure to interact with.

Note: There are no WCs at the caravanserai so please plan ahead.

We'll then continue our way along to the shores of Lake Sevan, the “Pearl of Armenia” and one of the largest high-altitude freshwater lakes in the world at 1,900 m. 

Here in the small village of Noratus, we’ll visit a local cemetery with more than 700 hand-carved khachkars – unique Armenian monuments, here used as headstones, but also with many other uses, as well (later in our trip we’ll actually see how these are made by an unforgettable artisan named Mr. Bogdan).

We'll have LUNCH en route and then continue to Sevan peninsula where you can choose to ascend the more than 200 stairs to the top where the Sevanavank Monastery is perched and from which you can admire the beautiful and often changing colors of the lake from this vantage point, or just relax and enjoy the many shops and restaurants below while you wait for the others.

Next, we’ll continue to our final destination, the town of Dilijan located in an area referred to as “the Little Switzerland of Armenia.” 

Dinner will be on your own at our hotel.

Meals: B, L

We'll start our day with a morning visit to the Haghartsin Monastery, wonderfully situated in the middle of a nearby forest.  If they’re working, we can also witness the local women making “gata,” a sweet-filled bread we can sample and which is prepared and baked before our very eyes.

After we’ll have a quick visit to a small historic street in Dilijan with houses dating back to the 19th century, along with a visit to the studio of a local craftsmen (this can be a great place to buy souvenirs, so do bring cash as credit cards not accepted). Here you can meet a woodcarver named Grisha as he handcrafts beautiful pieces of art on wood with traditional patterns and designs (these are great gifts and easy to bring home).

Next, we'll drive to a village just outside Dilijan inhabited by Russian Molokans. This religious and ethnic minority, living in Armenia since the 19th century, still preserves their old traditions and beliefs. We'll drive through the village, but unfortunately, we won’t be able to take any photos since photography is mostly prohibited out of respect for the local people.

After, we'll be hosted by a family who’ll treat us to tea from a Russian samovar and offer some freshly made pirojkis. You can also spend some time walking around their beautiful property where you are able to photograph, so do bring your camera.

Finally, we’ll enjoy LUNCH nearby.

Later, relax with some free time, and then you can choose to have dinner at the hotel on your own (or skip it entirely as you may still be full from lunch!).

Meals: B, L, D

Today we leave Dilijan behind and drive to Vanadzor, the 3rd largest city in the country and a former industrial center of Soviet Armenia. Here we’ll visit the studio of a talented and truly unforgettable stone carver named Mr. Bogdan who carries on the dying art of making khachkars, or cross stones, a tradition which was forgotten for about 300 years until it was revived during the Soviet period. 

NOTE: You may want to bring some local currency as Bogdan does sell other smaller items, as well, although I’m sure he wouldn’t object if you wanted to purchase and bring home one or more of his 700-pound, full-sized khachkars!

After this unforgettable experience we’ll enjoy yet another marvelous LUNCH, this time at another private home, after which we drive onwards to Gyumri – the second largest city in Armenia, and a city of many contrasts.

After checking in and settling in at our hotel we’ll walk as a group to have DINNER at a nearby restaurant.

Meals: B, L

Today, after BREAKFAST, we’ll take an early morning walk with our local guide through Gyumri, in the historic center, admiring the city’s older architecture from the 19th century, which contrasts with the Soviet architecture of a later period. We'll also see traces of destruction caused by the tragic earthquake of 1988 that completely decimated the city, but which has been expertly, if not slowly, restored. 

We'll have a chance to learn about the rich arts, crafts and local traditions of Gyumri and our itinerary will include a visit to a blacksmith’s studio, the local food market (one of my favorites) and a local barbershop, which hasn’t changed much since it was established over 60 years ago, and those who wish can choose to have a haircut and/or shave, however, they specialize in only men...sorry, ladies!

After a full LUNCH at a nearby restaurant in town we’ll depart for Yerevan. 

Upon arrival and check in you’ll have a free evening to explore and enjoy dinner on your own.

Meals: B, L, D

Don’t worry, we’ve saved some of the best for last as we'll start our day early with a visit to a gorgeous 13th century monastery called Geghard which is situated at the end of a valley and carved out of the mountainside (it’s been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site). 

Next we’ll drive to the nearby village of Garni where we'll visit the stunning 1st century Garni pagan temple after which we descend deep into Garni gorge to witness the incredible basalt rock formations referred to locally as “the Symphony of Stones” (you’ll see why!). 

We’ll finish the sightseeing portion of the program with an incredible LUNCH at a local villager’s property with fantastic views deep into the Garni gorge. 

Here we’ll also see how traditional Armenian flatbread, called “lavash,” is made in a special in-ground oven called a tonir.  You’ll also be able to sample it fresh out of the oven (but do save room for our full lunch).

After a truly satisfying meal, we drive about 45 minutes back to Yerevan where you’ll have the afternoon free to do those things you haven’t done yet, shop at the nearby market located across from our hotel, or simply relax.

Later, it’s time to say goodbye to new and old friends at a FAREWELL DINNER at a local restaurant back in Yerevan.

Meals: B

THANK YOU for joining our trip to Armenia and Georgia, but unfortunately, your trip, at least with us, has come to an end.  

Today you can arrange your flight onward to leave at any time of day knowing that we’ll provide a private TRANSFER for you from our hotel in Yerevan to EVN airport with plenty of time to make your flight whatever time it is.

Transfer times and details will be confirmed beforehand.