Highlights of Armenia & Georgia

(11 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Yerevan & environs, Tbilisi with Kakheti & Stepantsminda (Kazbegi), Borjomi & Vardzia

On this private tour of the highlights of Armenia and Georgia, enjoy private cultural touring of Tbilisi and Yerevan and explore spectacular landscapes, visit UNESCO World Heritage sites and much more.

Begin in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, and tour city highlights such as Republic Square, the GUM market, St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral and the Cascade, a monumental staircase. Visit museums such as the Armenian Genocide Museum, the History Museum of Armenia and the Museum of Folk Arts. Also explore local art galleries, markets, gardens, art installations and cafes throughout the city.

One day, enjoy a private excursion to Geghard Monastery and Garni Templ, and take part in a demonstration of how to make lavash (traditional Armenian flatbread). Another day, take an excursion to the town of Vagharshapat to tour the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. Also visit a local winery and learn how to make Armenian dolmas (stuffed grape leaves or vegetables).

Next, fly to Tbilisi, the riverside capital of Georgia. During flexible private touring, visit the Old Town, and walk winding streets past colorful traditional houses. See the impressive ramparts of Narikala Fortress and the monumental Mother of Georgia statue in the hills above. Visit the Abanotubani bath district, where bathhouses have provided access to Tbilisi’s natural hot springs for centuries. See revered religious sites such as Sioni Cathedral, the Juma Mosque and the Great Synagogue. Visit Freedom Square, and stroll along tree-lined Rustaveli Avenue past elegant historical buildings that house the Parliament of Georgia and major cultural institutions. Tour the archaeological highlights of the Georgian National Museum. See bold recent architecture such as the Bridge of Peace and Holy Trinity Cathedral. Also visit a bustling food market and top local boutiques. If desired, ride the funicular up Mount Mtatsminda or the gondola to Narikala Fortress for panoramic views.

One day, enjoy a private excursion to the beautiful Kakheti wine region, the most important wine region in Georgia. Among the vineyard-draped hills and river valleys, learn about the 8,000-year history of winemaking in Georgia, including the traditional use of qvevri (giant clay amphorae) for fermenting and aging. During private wine tastings, sample wines made from indigenous grapes such as Saperavi and Rkatsiteli. Visit Kakheti’s most interesting villages, such as Sighnaghi, a charming hill town with traditional architecture and panoramic views of the rural Alazani Valley and the peaks of the Caucasus Mountains. At Tsinandali Estate, sample local wines and tour the restored house of a 19th-century Georgian aristocrat. Upon request, we can arrange additional touring in the region such as driving over scenic Gombori Pass, touring rock-hewn Davit Gareji Monastery, and visiting the 11th-century Alaverdi Monastery and its winery.

Another day, take a private excursion to Kazbegi National Park in the Caucasus Mountains. Drive on the scenic Georgian Military Highway to the village of Stepantsminda, and take in breathtaking views of Gergeti Trinity Church (Tsminda Sameba), an iconic 14th-century church in a dramatic hilltop setting framed by high Caucasus peaks. Also enjoy a private cooking demonstration to learn to make Georgian specialties such as khinkali (dumplings). Depending on timing, stop at other sites along the way, such as the picturesque 17th-century Ananuri castle complex and the Gudauri Viewpoint, which has memorable mountain panoramas. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange this day excursion by private helicopter.

Next, transfer to Borjomi with touring en route. First, stop in Mtskheta—the ancient capital of Georgia, an important Christian pilgrimage destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Jvari Monastery, a landmark sixth-century structure that sits high atop a hill with commanding views over the region. Also tour the venerated 11th-century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, which is deeply connected to the Georgian Orthodox Church and contains the tombs of renowned Georgian kings and religious patriarchs. Continue to Uplistsikhe, a centuries-old cave city with rock-cut churches, residences and other structures carved into a stone mountain overlooking the Kura (Mtkvari) River. If desired, also visit the nearby town of Gori, birthplace of Joseph Stalin, to see the Stalin Museum and the historic Gori Fortress.

Continue to Borjomi, a spa town known for its mineral water and access to the forested mountains of Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park. One day, enjoy a private excursion to tour regional highlights. Visit Vardzia, an extraordinary medieval city hewn into rock cliffs. Explore some of the hundreds of rock-cut spaces—residences, shops, churches, royal chambers, terraced farms—connected by stairways and tunnels, and learn about Vardzia’s relationship to the legendary female ruler Tamar the Great. If desired, continue to imposing Khertvisi Fortress or sprawling Akhaltsikhe (Rabati) Castle, a restored hill fort originally dating from the Middle Ages.

Next, stop for a private wine tasting at Chateau Mukhrani, a top Georgian winery and vineyard estate centered on a 19th-century palace, en route back to Tbilisi for a night.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Yerevan, Armenia VIP fast-track arrival assistance and private arrival transfer to hotel for 4 nights Day 2 Yerevan Full-day private city tour Day 3 Yerevan, Geghard Monastery & Garni Full-day private excursion, including private Armenian lavash demonstration Day 4 Yerevan & Vagharshapat Full-day private excursion, including private Armenian dolmas demonstration and local winery visit with tasting Day 5 Yerevan – Tbilisi, Georgia Private airport transfer. VIP departure assistance (flight to Georgia not included). VIP airport assistance. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 3 nights. Afternoon private walking tour of the Old Town Day 6 Tbilisi & Kakheti wine region Full-day private excursion, including wine tours and tastings Day 7 Tbilisi & Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) Full-day private excursion, including private Khinkali (dumpling) making demonstration. Upon request, we can arrange this excursion by private helicopter Day 8 Tbilisi – Mtskheta & Uplistsikhe – Borjomi Private transfer to hotel for 2 nights, with touring en route Day 9 Borjomi & Vardzia Full-day private excursion, including lunch at local farm Day 10 Borjomi – Chateau Mukhrani – Tbilisi Private transfer to hotel for 1 night, with touring and wine tasting en route Day 11 Depart Tbilisi Private airport transfer. VIP departure assistance

Hotels

Yerevan: The Alexander, a Luxury Collection Hotel Tbilisi: Stamba Hotel Borjomi: Crowne Plaza Borjomi

Cost

Upon request