Wander to Georgia and Armenia (Jul 2023)
Ancient traditions and unbeatable hospitality in a gorgeous region of the world that has still yet to hit the main travel radar!
Taste incredible homemade food and award-winning local wines
Enjoy visits to the homes and communities of our local friends
Find yourself surrounded by spectacular nature in all directions
Embark on tours of fascinating Yerevan and Tbilisi, two of the most welcoming cities anywhere
Visit incredible UNESCO heritage sites that have stood the test of time
Explore vibrant markets selling traditional crafts and products
Partake in endless local activities and the most rewarding cultural experiences
Situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, these two countries make for a rich and thrilling adventure. From the kindness of their people to truly excellent food and wine, from dramatic landscapes and UNESCO heritage sites to time-tested cultures and fascinating history, it won’t be long before Georgia and Armenia are on the bigger travel radar.
This tour takes you to a long list of stunning, intriguing sights, while also spending time with the local people that live in the intriguing cities, towns and villages that we’ll visit. Each day is filled with eye-opening experiences that ensure you see and do so much more than a standard tour. With your wonderful tour leader at the helm, you’ll get to go off-the-beaten-path, dine at places that only locals know about, visit awesome destinations that most travelers miss and interact with the wonderful people we know, all of whom will immediately treat you as friends.
If you want to go beyond the main trail for a deeper and more genuine understanding of these spectacular destinations, and to have such a super fun time doing so…
…let’s go to Georgia and Armenia!
Reserve now!
Choose an option:
- 1Day 1YerevanYerevanArrival dayIncluded: DinnerArriving in Yerevan, a private driver will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to our hotel in the city center. The remainder of the day will be yours to recover from jet lag and meet your fellow travelers. We'll then have a tour orientation in the evening followed by our welcome dinner.
- 2Day 2YerevanYerevanHighlights: City tour of Yerevan, Zvartnots ruins, Genocide MemorialIncluded: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerThis tour will begin with a morning walk through this beautiful, relaxed city. We'll visit all of the highlights as we tour various neighborhoods, Republic Square and the Cascade Complex (with its views over the city). We'll also walk to the wonderful Vernissage market where all kinds of local goods and crafts are sold in a large centrally-located park. After lunch, we'll go to the outskirts of town to visit the impressive 7th century ruins of the Zvartnots cathedral, a UNESCO heritage site. We'll then stop at the Armenian Genocide Memorial before sitting down for dinner in the city center.
- 3Day 3Yerevan » GorisYerevan » GorisHighlights: Drive to Goris, wine-tasting, ancient monasteries, Areni caveIncluded: Breakfast, LunchToday's drive will take us through the Armenian countryside where we will pass endless traditional villages. We'll also reach the fertile Areni wine region where we'll partake in some wine tasing at one of the most well-known Armenian wineries. We'll also stop at Khor Virap, an ancient monastery with sweeping views of magnificent Mount Ararat. Up next is the fascinating Areni cave, where the earliest known shoe, skirt, winery and human brain have been found by archeologists, dating back some 3900 years. We'll then get to see the 13th century Noravank Monastery set among the cliffs and mountains around a narrow gorge near the town of Yeghegnadzor. From here, we'll continue the rest of the way to the town of Goris where we'll settle into our guesthouse.
- 4Day 4GorisGorisHighlights: Tatev monastery by cable car, city walk, Zorats KarerIncluded: Breakfast, LunchIn the morning, we'll take the cable car up to the 9th century, stunningly located Tatev monastery. We'll visit the monastery and admire the spectacular landscapes surrounding it. Our day will continue with a visit to the nearby Devil's Bridge and mineral springs where you can take a quick dip in the warm mineral pools. In the afternoon, we'll take a city walk through Goris, visiting the ancient walls and the Zorats Karer ancient observatory at sunset.
- 5Day 5Goris » DilijanGoris » DilijanHighlights: Drive to Dilijan, Orbelian's Caravanserai, local homestayIncluded: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDeparting Goris in the morning, our destination will be the spa town of Dilijan, known as the Switzerland of Armenia due to its truly beautiful surroundings and quaint feel. Along the way we'll stop for a picnic lunch at Obelian's Caravanserai, dating back to the 1300s and sitting at an altitude of 2400 meters. After our lunch in this spectacular setting, we'll continue the journey, visiting the Khachkar cemetery and Sevanavank monastery as well. We'll arrive in Dilijan in the afternoon and check into our friendly local homestay.
- 6Day 6DilijanDilijanHighlights: Optional activities among the gorgeous nature, cooking with local familyIncluded: Breakfast, DinnerToday will be a relaxed day for you to enjoy this gorgeous, historic town that is known for its spas and local crafts. Options will include a spa experience, a hike through the forests of the nearby national park, heading to the interesting Geological Museum or visiting Goshvank Monastery outside of town. In the late afternoon we'll join our homestay hosts for a family dining experience full of local specialties!
- 7Day 7Dilijan » TbilisiDilijan » TbilisiHighlights: Border crossing into Georgia, arrival in TbilisiIncluded: Breakfast, DinnerToday is the day we cross from Armenia to Georgia. The drive itself takes approximately 4.5 hours but with immigration, a lunch break and stopping along the way to admire the various villages and scenery we pass through, we'll arrive in Georgia's capital city in the middle of the afternoon. Upon arrival, we'll check into our hotel and head out for a nice walk along the main boulevard to stretch our legs. Our first dinner in Georgia will consist of the country's most famous dishes...and of course its famous wine!
- 8Day 8TbilisiTbilisiHighlights: Ancient city of Mtskheta, full city tour of TbilisiIncluded: Breakfast, LunchWe'll begin with a morning trip to the ancient capital of Mtskheta, located approximately 40 minutes away from Tbilisi. Continuously inhabited for over 1000 years, this old trading post is full of charm, with its narrow streets, beautiful cathedrals and craft workshops. It feels more like a village and we'll have a chance to wander through the center of this community. After our visit, we'll return to Tbilisi for lunch before starting our afternoon city tour. As a pedestrian friendly destination, we'll head out by foot with our guide to check out the historic old city, underground bathhouses, quaint neighborhoods, the river area and more. In the evening, we'll enjoy an evening out on the town, experiencing some of the city's super fun night time vibes!
- 9Day 9Tbilisi » GoriTbilisi » GoriHighlights: Drive to Gori, Stalin Museum, local homestayIncluded: Breakfast, DinnerLeaving Tbilisi behind for now, our destination today is the small city of Gori, situated by two main rivers. As the birthplace of Joseph Stalin, we'll pay a visit to the Soviet-era and understandably controversial Stalin Museum upon arrival. We'll then check in to our wonderful homestay and meet our local hosts. The day will also include a tour of the excellent old town architecture, the Gori fortress and the bustling local market, before sitting down for a great dinner.
- 10Day 10Gori » KutaisiGori » KutaisiHighlights: Borjomi National Park, arrival in KutaisiIncluded: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAs we depart Gori, we'll drive a short distance to the Borjomi National Park where we'll have a chance to admire the gorgeous scenery of one of Georgia's most picturesque regions. We'll visit some of the small villages in the area, enjoy a picnic lunch among the mountains and soak up the fresh air of this picture perfect location. After lunch, we'll continue to Kutaisi, arriving in the afternoon. After checking into our hotel, we'll head out for an orientation walk through the relaxed streets as we learn about the unique traditional culture of Western Georgia. We'll also sample the local cuisine with dinner in the heart of the city.
- 11Day 11KutaisiKutaisiHighlights: Full city tour of Kutaisi, evening out in the townIncluded: Breakfast, DinnerMarkets, museums, monasteries and the 11th century Bagrati cathedral! This tour of Kutaisi will take you all over this relaxed destination as you also soak up the amazing nature, Soviet architecture and delicious local food. Despite being the country's second-largest city, it still maintains its small town feel and is especially known for its genuine hospitality. Once our city tour is complete, we'll check out the town during the evening as locals congregate in the streets, the wine bars open and the local food is served!
- 12Day 12Kutaisi » TbilisiKutaisi » TbilisiHighlights: Okatse Canyon, Uplistsikhe Caves, return to TbilisiIncluded: Breakfast, LunchAfter breakfast, we'll fill the morning with a visit to the stunning Okatse Canyon outside of the town. From here, we'll begin the 4.5 hour drive back Tbilisi but we'll stop for lunch and some time at the Uplistsikhe Caves en route. The incredible caves are part of a rock-hewn ancient town that dates all the way back to the Iron Age. We'll then arrive back in Tbilisi in the evening and check in to our hotel.
- 13Day 13TbilisiTbilisiHighlights: Free day to enjoy Tbilisi as you wish, farewell dinnerIncluded: Breakfast, DinnerWith a full day to spend in vibrant Tbilisi, your tour leader will be on hand to assist, recommend and invite you to join her as she heads out to some of her favorite, lesser-known areas. You could spend time getting scrubbed and massaged at a traditional hammam, relax in one of the beautiful parks, bounce from wine bar to wine bar or simply see where the day takes you. Your tour leader will be ready to make this an extremely special final day of this trip! In the evening, the group will gather again and enjoy one final group dinner at one of the city's best restaurants.
- 14Day 14TbilisiTbilisiDeparture dayIncluded: BreakfastYou will be picked up at the hotel for your airport transfer according to your flight time.
Tour Essentials
Physical Level: Medium
While the tour itself is not very strenuous, please note that it can involve the following: somewhat long days, walking tours in the cities, being outside in potentially warm and cool temperatures, a couple of long journeys, early morning wake-ups and other similar scenarios.
Accommodation
From 3* hotels in the cities to family run guesthouses in the countryside, you can always expect comfortable accommodation on this trip. Prices are based on twin-share rooms. There are 6 single rooms available at an extra charge. For twin share, solo travelers of the same sex will be placed together in a room with two beds.
Transport
During the trip, we'll travel in comfort with our deluxe van. Our van offers comfortable seats and plenty of space. By not using buses, we will have access to areas that larger vehicles simply can't go.
Meals
Breakfast every day, 7 lunches and 9 dinners are included. With included meals, some will be served family style and other times you will be able to order anything you wish from the menu. All dietary restrictions can be accommodated.
Sustainability
As with all of our trips, we aim to offer as sustainable an experience as we can. Trash is recycled where possible and we avoid mass tourism activities that cause harm to the environment and/or do not benefit local communities.
Small Groups
This tour requires a minimum of 8 participants and has a maximum of 12 participants in order to ensure the best small group tour experience. With such a small group, you'll be able to enjoy unique, rewarding activities that would not be accessible with more people. That's the kind of trip we love to offer!
What's included
Included
- Wandering Earl Tours leader throughout
- Small group (maximum 12 participants)
- Accommodation (13 nights – 3* hotels and guesthouses)
- Transportation within Armenia and Georgia (deluxe van)
- Local guides in each destination
- All mentioned activities and entrance fees
- Breakfast every day, 7 lunches and 9 dinners
- Water throughout the trip
- Gratuities at hotels/included meals
Not Included
- Flights to/from Armenia/Georgia
- Passport/visa fees
- Meals and activities not mentioned
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Other gratuities
What's a Wandering Earl Tour Leader?
A Wandering Earl Tour Leader is more than a guide. They’re a travel fanatic, and this is more than just a job for them. It’s a passion. They’ll be with your group every step of the way, excited to lead you around the next bend and to take care of all the logistics so that you can relax and travel with ease.
They’ll be your ambassador as they introduce you to hyper-local guides who know their part of the world better than anyone else. They’ll work hard every single day to ensure that you have the type of travel experience that brings you the most rewards. With endless connections and the freedom to improvise, our leaders know exactly how to make a trip extraordinary.
And, most importantly, they’ll always be there for you any time you need them.
