Treasures of ARMENIA & GEORGIA

Tbilisi, Georgia

TC
The Continental DRIFTER®
  • Email address verified
5 reviews
Oct 5 - 18, 2025
Group size: 6 - 10
Treasures of ARMENIA & GEORGIA
Tbilisi, Georgia

The Continental DRIFTER®
  • Email address verified
5 reviews

Oct 5 - 18, 2025
Group size: 6 - 10

About this trip

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.

Major Highlights


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.


Testimonials about this trip

“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. 


About this Itinerary

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.

What’s included

  • Airport Transfers
    Private airport transfer in Tbilisi (TBS) upon arrival and to Yerevan airport (EVN) at the end of the trip.
  • Accommodations
    13-nights accommodations at well-located hotels, several with pools, professional spa services, and other amenities in each location.
  • English-Speaking Guide
    Services of English-speaking guides and experienced drivers throughout.
  • Meals
    Breakfast (B) daily, Lunches (L) - 10; Dinners (D) - 4 are included.
  • Beverages
    One local beer, local glass of wine, water, coffee or tea at each meal. Drinking water is provided each day.
  • Transportation
    Transportation between all locations and for included group activities in a private, air-conditioned vehicle.
  • Entry Fees
    Entry fees for all included sites and experiences.
  • Gratuities
    Group tips for local guides, drivers and included meals.

What’s not included

  • International Airfare
    Your flights to and from Georgia and Armenia.
  • Drinks/Alcohol
    Alcoholic beverages and other items not specifically mentioned as included.
  • Personal Items
    Items of a personal nature.
  • Extra Gratuities
    Additional tips for guides and drivers (optional).
  • Other
    Anything not specifically outlined in the itinerary.

Available Packages

Double Occupancy (per person)
Deposit:$750
Available until September 4, 2025

You can save the Single Supplement ($799) by sharing a room in Double Occupancy.

$4,999
Deposit:$750
Single Occupancy
Deposit:$750
Available until September 4, 2025

If you'd like your own room throughout this experience please add $799 for Single Supplement.

$5,798
Deposit:$750

Available options

Stepantsminda/Kazbegi, Georgia Extension
$1,099

Optional Pre-Trip Extension to Georgia’s Kazbegi Region


Dates: October 1 - 5, 2025


Click here for the detailed itinerary. 



Kazbegi Extension - Single Occupancy
$1,498

Please add $399 per person for Single Supplement*


*This is required if you’d like your own room throughout the extension.



Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival in Tbilisi, Dinner at a Local Restaurant

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. 

Your Organizer


TC
The Continental DRIFTER®
5 reviews
Since 2008, Continental DRIFTER® founder Ralph Velasco has been organizing and leading once-in-a-lifetime small group cultural tours around the world (all of which have been 5-star rated on Google, WeTravel, and Facebook). Our guides, drivers, accommodations, experiences, and activities are all thoroughly vetted in advance so that your trip goes without a hitch. Come learn about the people, food, drink, and many other cultural aspects of the incredible destinations we visit. Remember, DRIFTER...Life's too short not to travel!

Reviews

The Dordogne trip was fantastic; we got to stay in castle built in the early 1200s on a Roman site and explore a beautiful part of France, full of rivers and limestone cliffs and ancient abbeys and castles and impossibly charming little towns. As always on Ralph’s trips, we had some truly memorable meals and did super cool and interesting tours and day trips in the company of a great group of people. I can’t wait for my next trip with Ralph!
By Karen Gareis G for FRANCE’s Magical Dordogne in a Private Castle on Oct 09, 2024
Thank you so much, Karen, for a great review. I’m so happy you enjoyed our time here in France and I simply can’t wait to travel with you again!
By The Continental DRIFTER® on Oct 09, 2024
TC
The uniqueness of staying in a castle put this trip over the top. Ralph put together a well organized trip which included interesting adventures each day balanced with relaxation time at the castle. All of the side tours were interesting and unique. The biggest challenge for me was lack of wifi in my castle tower. But lol and behold the game room with its interesting decor provided wifi. I do m think the main idea behind the castle was to focus on the quiet and the people around you. I would highly recommend this tour if you like to experience something different and enjoy learning about the region.
By Lynn E for FRANCE’s Magical Dordogne in a Private Castle on Oct 06, 2024
Thanks so much for joining this trip, Lynn, and for the 5-star review. I'm so glad you enjoyed our time at the castle and in all the surrounding villages we visited. Can't wait to have you along on another trip soon!
By The Continental DRIFTER® on Oct 07, 2024
TC
A magical time in a magical location, a private medieval castle whose owner managed some of the most well known rock bands of the 80s and 90s. Stories filled the evening hour around the great dining hall under the watchful eye of several suits of armor. Day trips out to various stone medieval towns for open air markets, gothic churches, an abandoned abbey and prehistoric paintings some 20,000 years old hidden amongst the stalactites of limestone caverns. A unique view of another side of France.
By Anthony P for FRANCE’s Magical Dordogne in a Private Castle on Sep 28, 2024
Thanks, Tony, for the wonderful review. I’m so glad you joined this trip and enjoyed it so much. It was a pleasure to have you along and to see you on the road in this magical place!
By The Continental DRIFTER® on Sep 29, 2024
TC
Continental DRIFTER’s Northern Spain trip was the trip of a lifetime, but I will definitely travel with Ralph again, so there’s going to be competition for that “trip of a lifetime” title! With a small group of delightful companions, we saw spectacular views and architecture, ate amazing local food, drank delicious local wine, visited interesting locations with fun and knowledgeable local guides, and had so many laughs. Highlights included the sheer cliff faces overlooking Zumaia Beach, the lush terraced vineyards over the impossibly blue Bay of Biscay, the charming beachfront of San Sebastian, the ridiculously delicious tapas crawl on Calle Laurel in Logroño, and spending part of the trip in a little 13th century walled town in Rioja. Ralph takes care of every detail, so all that’s left to do is to marvel, learn, and enjoy. And eat. And eat. I loved spending enough time in each location to really get a feel for it instead of rushing from place to place checking items off a list, and Ralph curates the coolest experiences, like olive oil farm tours and cooking classes. 47 thumbs up from me!
By Karen Gareis G for Northern SPAIN’s Basque Country & La Rioja on Sep 20, 2023
Karen, thank you SO much for the wonderful review. I'm so happy you enjoyed our trip to Spain, it was a pleasure having you along and I can't wait until the next one!
By The Continental DRIFTER® on Nov 02, 2023
TC
I have recently returned from this trip to Northern Spain and I highly recommend it! We toured wineries, had an olive oil tasting in an olive grove, attended a cooking class, took tours of churches and architecture, and so much else! At each stop Ralph had hired guides with extensive knowledge of their area, who were interesting, helpful, and punctual. (In Ramon's case, hilarious as well!) After daily excursions, we had the late afternoon and evening free to wander on our own and explore the three different cities we stayed in. The food was fantastic and fresh. We never had a bad meal. The hotels were beautiful. My favorite memory will always be sitting on the outdoor patio of a beautiful winery in the sun, eating pintxos (Basque tapas), drinking incredible wine, chatting with the really nice group of people on the trip; all with a beautiful view of the Bay of Biscay. It was definitely one of the highlights for me! I would recommend Ralph and Continental Drifter to anyone looking for an amazing travel experience!
By Diana S for Northern SPAIN’s Basque Country & La Rioja on Sep 18, 2023
Thank you, Robin, for the amazing 5-star review. I can't tell you how happy I am to know that this trip exceeded all your expectations and I look forward to seeing you on the road again real soon!
By The Continental DRIFTER® on Nov 02, 2023
TC