Georgia and Armenia Itinerary – 6 Days within the Caucasus

In the present day I need to deliver you my 6-day Georgia and Armenia itinerary. These underrated nations within the Caucasus sit on the border of Europe and Asia. They’re value a particular journey for his or her beautiful surroundings, wealthy historical past, deep-rooted winemaking traditions, and cultural highlights. I’m right here now and I can’t wait to indicate you round. Learn on for my information. There’s a map, too.

Georgia and Armenia Itinerary

Georgia and Armenia aren’t on most vacationers’ radar screens. They need to be, although. Together with Azerbaijan, they’re nestled between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, and there’s rather a lot to like about them.

Whether or not you’re involved in studying in regards to the historical past of wine, seeing early Christian monasteries, taking in beautiful mountain surroundings, or exploring cities filled with heritage, you’ll discover rather a lot to get enthusiastic about whilst you’re visiting the Caucasus.

I’ve needed to come back right here since I studied in regards to the nations in my college days and college years, and now that I’m within the area I’m excited to share what I uncover.

The place to Keep in Georgia and Armenia

My different half and I are spending 4 days in Georgia and a couple of in Armenia, and we’re basing ourselves of their respective capitals of Tbilisi and Yerevan whereas we go to the area. We’ve discovered nice motels in each cities, and we’re excited for our stays.

In Tbilisi we’ve been provided a complimentary keep on the ROOMS resort. This hip quantity is centrally situated, and it has trendy visitor lodging with balconies.

On the bottom ground there’s a cool bar and restaurant, to not point out a scrumptious breakfast every morning. If that appeals, you may e-book a room right here.

In Yerevan we’re staying on the Apricot Lodge. This boutique quantity is in an amazing location within the coronary heart of the town.

The expansive visitor rooms have heritage particulars, and the resort affords Armenian hospitality at high-level requirements.

Better of all, the attractive high ground restaurant has sweeping views of the town. It’s the proper place to take pleasure in a leisurely breakfast every morning. If that appeals, you may e-book a room right here.

6-Day Georgia and Armenia Itinerary

My different half and I arrive in Tbilisi early on a Sunday morning. After touchdown on the airport at 4:45am, we take a taxi into the town and drop our baggage on the ROOMS resort. We’re drained, however we’re excited to start out exploring.

Day 1: Tbilisi & Mtskheta

We begin our journey with breakfast and low. We head straight to a spot referred to as Every day Grind Espresso & Extra, which is known for each.

This cool cafe is simply off Liberty Sq. within the coronary heart of Tbilisi, and we take pleasure in espresso drinks and scrumptious pastries as the town wakes up round us.

Sightseeing in Tbilisi

After breakfast we embark on a giant day of sightseeing in Tbilisi. We stroll by way of Liberty Sq. with its column topped by a statue of Saint George. We then try the previous metropolis partitions earlier than heading up the well-known Shota Rustaveli Avenue.

There we move landmarks just like the Georgian Nationwide Museum, Viceroy Palace, the Georgian Museum of High-quality Arts, parliament, the Nationwide Gallery, and the Opera and Ballet Theater of Tbilisi as we make our method north.

Quickly we head again right down to discover Ioane Shavteli Avenue. This slim pedestrianized stretch has the whole lot from a patchwork clock tower to the Sixth-century Anchiskhati Basilica and plenty of retailers and eating places.

After checking them out, we take a brief stroll to the Kura River, the place we cross the well-known Bridge of Peace. This steel-and-glass pedestrian quantity is likely one of the up to date highlights of Tbilisi.

On the opposite aspect of the river, we wander by way of the Rike Park. We admire the views of the Mom of Georgia statue and the Narikala Fortress earlier than crossing the Metekhi Bridge to discover the previous city and Meidan Bazaar.

The market is a tunnel-like house underground, and it’s filled with enjoyable finds. After strolling by way of it, we try extra of the realm, see the sulfur bathhouse with its domed rooftops, and settle in on the higher ground of a restaurant referred to as Terrace #21.

There we get our first style of well-known Georgian meals like khachapuri (boat-shaped cheese bread) and khinkali (dumplings).

Jvari Monastery, Mtskheta & Chronicles of Georgia

After lunch we head off on a half-day tour to the Jvari Monastery, Mtskheta, and the Chronicles of Georgia. It begins as our information picks us up at our resort and takes us on a brief drive to the realm they’re in.

The clifftop Orthodox monastery dates again to the Sixth century. It has wealthy historic particulars and wonderful views of the town of Mtskheta and the confluence of the Kura and Aragvi rivers under.

After touring the monastery we drive Mtskheta. It’s not solely one of many oldest cities in Georgia, but additionally one of many oldest repeatedly inhabited cities on the planet. It’s the birthplace of Christianity in Georgia, too.

We’re right here to see the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, an Eleventh-century Orthodox church that’s a UNESCO World Heritage Web site. We tour the historic inside as our information tells us in regards to the historical past of the cathedral and factors out the 4th-century baptismal font.

The final cease on our tour is the Chronicles of Georgia. This unfinished monument atop Keeni Hill is comprised of 16 tall pillars with steel sculptural reliefs.

It was began in 1985 by sculptor Zurab Tsereteli. He created it to commemorate the three,000-year anniversary of Georgian statehood and the two,000-year anniversary of Christianity in Georgia.

Night in Tbilisi

After the tour we test into our resort room and head to a spot referred to as Fabrika for drinks. This former manufacturing unit has been reworked right into a multi-functional cultural heart full of cafes, bars, artist studios, retailers, and extra. There’s even a hostel.

We get drinks from one of many bars and settle in at an out of doors desk within the big inside courtyard. There are individuals in every single place, and it’s a enjoyable place for a pre-dinner cocktail.

Afterwards we stroll to dinner at Shavi Lomi. This cool restaurant is tucked away in a former home on a residential road. Inside we discover a collection of rooms with cool decor.

We’re seated within the largest of them and we tuck right into a dinner of conventional Georgian meals and wine. It’s a good way to finish the primary day of our journey.

Day 2: Tbilisi & Wine Tour

The following morning our Georgia and Armenia itinerary continues as we get up early to do a bit extra sightseeing earlier than heading off on a giant wine tour.

Tbilisi Funicular

Our first cease is the Tbilisi Funicular. We’ve heard there are wonderful views from Mtatsminda Park on the high, and we’re not dissatisfied.

We will see the entire metropolis from right here, together with landmarks just like the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi. It’s the most important purposeful church in Georgia and the third largest Orthodox cathedral on the planet.

Wine Tour

At 10:45 we’re picked up by our information from Eat This! Excursions, a neighborhood firm with an amazing fame that’s provided us a complimentary tour. He whisks us and two others off on a day-long journey from Tbilisi.

Eat This! Excursions affords a variety of 1-day and multi-day excursions, and we’re happening the primary leg of their 2-day Kakheti Meals & Wine Tour. You’ll be able to see it and extra on their web site. Use the code lady5 for a 5% low cost.

The tour begins with an hour’s drive to the primary vineyard of the day. We take a tour of the fashionable facility, studying in regards to the 8,000-year-old winemaking custom in Georgia. We additionally get to see how they make wine in massive clay vessels referred to as qvevri.

After the tour we take pleasure in a scrumptious multi-course lunch and wine pairing within the tasting room. It’s a good way to strive Georgian specialties and see how the native wines style with them. Our favourite is a crimson wine created from the saperavi grape.

From the vineyard we drive to the mountain village of Sighnaghi. This historic place is stuffed with cobbled streets and retailers.

It’s additionally house to metropolis partitions that make up the longest fortification in Europe. We stroll alongside them, taking within the views over the Alazani Valley and Causasus Mountains.

Afterwards we head to a neighborhood family-run vineyard within the village. We’re right here for a brief tour and tasting. We see the qvevri buried within the floor, then settle in at a desk by a fire and sip a variety of Georgian wines.

From Sighnaghi our wine tour continues with a visit to a winery. We’re not right here through the harvest, however there are a number of grapes clinging to the vines.

We do a fast decide, then drive to a neighborhood household’s house to tread the grapes with our toes in a giant wood trough. I’ve at all times needed to do that, and it’s as enjoyable as I imagined.

After the crush, we head right down to the cellar to study our host’s wine. He explains his course of, provides us a style, then leads us up into the eating room for a conventional Georgian supra (feast).

He’s the tamada, or toastmaster, and as we take pleasure in our meals we study in regards to the significance of giving toasts in Georgian tradition.

The dinner is as scrumptious because the toasts are entertaining, and afterwards we drive again to Tbilisi for an excellent evening’s sleep.

Day 3: Rainbow Mountains, Natlismtsemeli Monastery & David Gareji

The following morning our Georgia and Armenia itinerary continues as we embark on a day journey to the Rainbow Mountains, the Natlismtsemeli Monastery, and the Davit Gareja monastery (and some different locations alongside the way in which).

Rainbow Mountains

After assembly our tour group within the metropolis heart, we make a fast breakfast cease at a scrumptious pastry stand within the neighboring metropolis of Rustavi.

From there our tour will get underway with an off-road drive previous flocks of sheep and into the countryside. Quickly we pull as much as the Mravaltskaro Reservoir, a ravishing lake surrounded by mountains, and begin on a hike.

The two.5-mile (4-kilometer) route takes us up above the water and to the Rainbow Mountains. These distinctive hills are striped with pure colours, and so they’re stunning to see up shut.

After the hike we proceed our tour with a drive to the Natlismtsemeli Monastery. Devoted to Saint John the Baptist, this Sixth-century cave monastery is steeped in historical past. The views from the highest of the tower exterior are breathtaking, too.

From there we proceed our day journey with a drive to the David Gareji monastery advanced on the slopes of Mount Gareja. This historical Georgian Orthodox website additionally has a cave monastery, and it’s fascinating to absorb the historical past right here.

After visiting the monasteries we head to a neighborhood restaurant within the village of Udabno for lunch. Afterwards we cease for a fast vineyard tour and tasting at a neighborhood household’s house.

Night in Tbilisi

Again in Tbilisi, we head to dinner at a restaurant referred to as Barbarestan. It’s distinctive in that it serves conventional Georgian delicacies from recipes present in a historic cookbook.

The environment is cozy, the service attentive, and the meals (and Georgian wine) scrumptious. It’s a good way to finish our day, and we will’t assist recommending it to everybody else we meet on our journey.

Day 4: Kazbegi

The following morning our Georgia and Armenia itinerary continues as we set off on a day journey to Kazbegi. We’ve been provided a complimentary tour with Gamarjoba Georgia Excursions, an organization that runs excursions all through Georgia.

Kazbegi

After assembly on the firm’s workplace in Tbilisi, we board a mini-bus and head off to the Zhinvali Reservoir. This lake is situated on the Aragvi River, and there are stunning views of it from the place we cease. There are additionally numerous memento stands the place we browse for presents.

From the reservoir our tour continues with a cease on the Ananuri Fortress Complicated. Courting again to the seventeenth century, it overlooks the Zhinvali Reservoir. It’s a traditional instance of conventional Georgian structure.

We discover the historic church, then climb to the highest of the tower for views over the lake. They’re breathtaking.

After a fast cease for lunch at a neighborhood restaurant, we drive deep into the Caucasus Mountains. The surroundings is beautiful, and we will’t take our eyes off the views.

Finally we attain Stepantsminda (additionally referred to as Kazbegi), a city close to Mount Kazbek. There we board vans that drive us up a winding hill to get to the Gergeti Trinity Church. This sacred place was constructed within the 14th century, and it’s the highest-elevation church in Georgia.

After touring the church and seeing the historic interiors, we cease on the ROOMS Lodge Kazbegi for decent chocolate. This up to date lodge has beautiful views of the mountains, and it’s the proper place to sip cocoa with a view.

Leaving the resort, we begin our drive again to Tbilisi. On the way in which we make a closing cease on the Panorama Gudauri, a Georgian-Russian friendship monument from the Soviet period. There are beautiful views from it.

We decide up some khachapuri at one of many meals stalls subsequent to it, then settle in for the lengthy drive again to the capital.

Late Dinner in Tbilisi

We arrive again on the ROOMS resort in Tbilisi round 9pm and settle in for a light-weight dinner on the bar. It’s buzzing with a hip crowd, and we take in the scene as we take pleasure in cocktails and light-weight bites after a giant day of sightseeing.

Day 5: Armenia

The following morning our Georgia and Armenia itinerary continues as we set off to spend the following 2 days in Armenia. We’ve booked a non-public tour, and we’re excited to see what Armenia has in retailer for us.

Armenia

We try of our resort at 8am and go away Tbilisi earlier than site visitors hits. We attain the border crossing in an hour, and it’s a fast course of to get our passports checked and stamped.

Armenia Tour

Again on the street, we make our first cease on the Haghpat Monastery. This UNESCO World Heritage Web site within the city of Alaverdi was constructed between the tenth and thirteenth centuries.

Our information takes us on a tour, explaining the whole lot from the historical past to the structure as we stand in awe of it.

From there we proceed our tour with a fast lunch cease at a giant roadside meals court docket and a visit to Lake Sevan. It’s not solely the most important physique of water within the Caucasus, but additionally one of many largest freshwater alpine lakes in Eurasia.

Whereas right here we take within the views and pop into the Sevanavank Monastery, which is located on what was once an island within the lake.

The following cease on our tour is the Monastery of Geghard. It’s situated on the entrance to the Azat Valley close to Yerevan.

A UNESCO World Heritage Web site, the monastery was based within the 4th century. It was an vital ecclesiastical and cultural heart in medieval Armenia, and it’s distinctive in that it was partially carved out of the mountain it sits on.

We head into the caves to see the historic website, awed by the historical past, the columns, and the carvings inside.

From there we make a brief drive to the Garni Temple. It’s a reconstruction of a classical constructing within the village of Garni that dates again to the first century.

The most effective-known construction from pre-Christian Armenia, it’s regarded as a pagan temple constructed by King Tiridates I as a tribute to the solar god Mihr (Mithra). No matter it’s, it’s beautiful to see with the solar setting behind it.

Night in Yerevan

After admiring the temple, we head into Yerevan. Our driver drops us off on the Apricot Lodge, the place we test into our room and prepare for an evening out.

Our first cease is a cool cocktail bar referred to as Simona. We order their wonderful signature drinks and chat with the bartender. He tells us about the whole lot from Armenian brandy to his favourite locations in Yerevan.

Afterwards we stroll to dinner at Renommee. This nice eating restaurant in Yerevan is understood for its tasting menus, theatrical presentation, and nice wines.

We settle in for a night of culinary delight as our server takes us on a journey by way of trendy Armenian delicacies. From eggplant to trout and a scrumptious apricot dessert, it’s our favourite meal of the journey.

Day 6: Armenia

The following morning our Georgia and Armenia itinerary continues as we try of our resort after breakfast and head off for an additional day of sightseeing in Armenia.

Yerevan Tour

We begin in Yerevan. Our information takes us to cultural highlights just like the Cascade Complicated and Cafesjian Heart for the Arts earlier than driving us to a brandy tasting at a neighborhood manufacturing unit.

We tour the manufacturing unit, the spotlight of which is a visit underground. We stroll by way of rows of huge barrels and into centuries-old caves, all whereas studying that the wall subsequent to us dates again to the Sixth century. We additionally get to style fortified wine from 1944.

Leaving the manufacturing unit, we proceed our tour with a cease on the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial advanced. It’s is devoted to the reminiscence of the 1.5 million Armenians who perished within the genocide within the early the twentieth century. It’s a transferring tribute.

After touring the museum and visiting the memorial exterior, we drive to our final cease in Yerevan: the Victory Park. This place has the whole lot from previous army airplanes to a monumental statue of Mom Armenia and views over the town.

Dilijan

After waving goodbye to Yerevan, we hop within the automotive to start out the drive again to Tbilisi. We make a lunch cease on the identical place we went to the day earlier than, then pop into the historic resort village of Dilijan.

It’s located within the coronary heart of Dilijan Nationwide Park, and it’s identified for its historic buildings, charming environment, and small handicraft retailers.

We stroll round with our information, taking within the environment and seeing the Greek-style amphitheater on the town.

From there we drive again to Georgia. We arrive in time for a late dinner at an informal restaurant referred to as Mussels Place. We just like the cool inside, and we love that the menu options loads of seafood. It’s an amazing restaurant for the final meal of our journey.

Georgia and Armenia Itinerary

The following morning we’re up eye-wateringly early for our journey again to London. We’re touring by way of Austria, the place we’re stopping to spend a day in Vienna. However that’s the topic of one other weblog put up.

I hope you’ve loved this 6-day Georgia and Armenia itinerary and that it’s given you good concepts for issues to do within the Caucasus. There’s rather a lot to like about this underrated area, and it’s ripe for exploring.

Georgia and Armenia Map

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