GEORGIA-ARMENIA, FOOD AND WINE TOUR

Join us to explore Georgia and Armenia in this 13 day trip and explore wonders of this fascinating countries. Food and Wine tour will give you delicious experiences of unique taste of this countries cuisines and homeland of the wine welcomes you with open heart of vast vineyards.
COUNTRIES VISITED

Georgia, Armenia

PLACES VISITED

Tbilisi, Yerevan, Kazbegi, Mtskheta,  Garni Temple, Dilijan, Echmiadzin, Lake Sevan

TRIP OVERVIEW:

Join us to explore Georgia and Armenia in this 13 day trip and explore wonders of this fascinating countries. Food and Wine tour will give you delicious experiences of unique taste of this countries cuisines and homeland of the wine welcomes  you with open heart of vast vineyards.

Customizable Itinerary

Upon your arrival at Tbilisi International Airport, our team will be there to greet you and escort you to your hotel. After settling in, we’ll commence our exploration of the vibrant city of Tbilisi. Tbilisi stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of nationalities, cultures, religions, and ethnicities that converge in Georgia. Established in the 5th century AD by Vakhtang Gorgasali, the Georgian King of Kartli (Iberia), Tbilisi evolved into a capital city by the 6th century. Today, we’ll embark on a captivating walking tour, traversing the city’s historic quarters and its bustling center, which is renowned for its iconic sulfur springs lining the banks of the Mtkvari River. As we wander through Old Tbilisi, we’ll have the opportunity to admire its architectural charm and delve into its rich history. Throughout the day, we’ll savor delightful meals, including a sumptuous lunch and a delectable dinner, immersing ourselves in the flavors of Georgian cuisine

The picturesque hilltop town of Signaghi invites you to wander its charming streets, offering panoramic vistas that stretch to the horizon. The allure of the Alazani Valley, cradle of Georgian wines, captivates your senses and sets the stage for your unforgettable experiences. Chateau SVANIDZE will host you for an amazing local lunch and culinary experience and Gremi, a royal fortress from the 16th century, unveils its grandeur against the backdrop of the Georgian countryside. Traverse underground passages at Kvareli Winery, where aged vintages whisper secrets of the past.

EMBARK ON A SCENIC ODYSSEY TO KAKHETI, A REALM OF GOLDEN HILLS, UNDULATING VALLEYS, AND ENDLESS VINEYARDS. TELAVI, THE HEART OF KAKHETI, WELCOMES YOU WITH ITS VIBRANT FARMERS’ MARKET, A MOSAIC OF COLORS AND FLAVORS THAT PAINT A VIVID PORTRAIT OF LOCAL LIFE. VISIT ALAVERDI CHURCH, AN ARCHITECTURAL MARVEL THAT HAS WITHSTOOD THE TEST OF TIME, WHISPERS TALES OF CENTURIES PAST AND HAVE MONASTIC WINE EXPERIENCE IN ALAVERDI MONASTERY WINERY. AMIDST THE STUNNING KAKHETIAN LANDSCAPE, SAVOR THE RICH BOUQUET OF LOCAL WINES, NURTURED THROUGH GENERATIONS OF CRAFTSMANSHIP IN ORGO WINERY. JOURNEY DEEPER INTO HISTORY AT THE TSINANDALI MUSEUM, ONCE THE HOME OF AN 18TH-CENTURY PRINCE AND POET.

On day two of our tour, our adventure begins with a scenic drive through the charming Caucasus Mountains, with stops planned along the way. Continuing our drive through the stunning Caucasus Mountains, we’ll make our way to Gudauri. En route, we’ll visit the Ananuri church complex, offering panoramic views of the azure Zhinvali reservoir. Throughout the day, we’ll enjoy hearty breakfasts, delectable lunches, and satisfying dinners to keep us energized for our exploration and adventure. Get ready for an unforgettable day filled with history, culture, and natural beauty.

In the early morning, we’ll depart for the charming town of Stepantsminda nestled at the foot of Mount Kazbek, standing at an impressive 5047 meters in the Caucasus Mountains. Along the journey to Kazbegi, we’ll make several stops to capture breathtaking photos and immerse ourselves in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Caucasus range. Following this, we’ll embark on a thrilling 4-wheel drive adventure to reach the Gergeti Holy Trinity Church. Have a local lunch with a culinary experience with the local family and later Have the rest of the day by your leisure. It is possible to have a short hike to Gveleti waterfalls upon your request on this day

Following breakfast, drive to explore Gori town to delve into its fascinating history. On the way stop to local winery – Villa Mosavali, where you will enjoy local made wines and lunch. Our next stop is the Stalin Museum, a tribute to the life and legacy of Joseph Stalin, one of the most influential figures of the 20th century. Here, we’ll gain insights into Stalin’s life, his rise to power, and his impact on world history. After exploring the museum, we’ll journey back in time as we visit the cave town Uplistsikhe dating back to the 1st millennium BC. This ancient settlement offers a glimpse into Georgia’s rich archaeological heritage, providing a window into the daily lives of its inhabitants centuries ago. Having immersed ourselves in history and culture, we’ll then make our way back to Tbilisi, and in the way stop in Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia. Renowned for its historical significance, Mtskheta played a pivotal role in Georgia’s conversion to Christianity in 337 AD. We’ll explore the city’s treasures, including the magnificent Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and the breathtaking Jvari Monastery, nestled atop a cliff.

Meeting at Georgia – Armenia border crossing Bagratashen. After border formalities start Armenian part of the tour. Continue to Alaverdi, the largest city in the Debed Canyon, an area rich with historical monuments and natural beauty. Continue to visit the 10th century Haghpat Monastery, one of the most outstanding examples of Armenian religious architecture (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Continue to Fioletovo village, a home to communites of Russian Molokans, a religious sect that was exiled from Tsarist Russian in the 19th century for rejecting some Orthodox beliefs. Take a part in Russia’s 300-years old tea tradition and drink delicious chai (tea) from the legendary samovar. Taste the authentic Russian snack pirozhki, a tender homemade puff pastry, filled with mashed potato, caramelized onions, mushrooms and fresh dill. Drive to Dilijan – a resort town renowned for its charming nature and some traditional Armenian architecture. Stroll through the Dilijan’s Historic Center, the cobbled Sharambeyan Street, with its collection of stone and wooden traditional buildings, shops, restaurants, souvenir stalls and workshops. Check-in Dilijani Tun hotel. After having a rest, we will visit Hovaz Wine Rooms in Dilijan, where you will have an interesting master-class – participate in the final stage of sparkling wine production – the disgorging and the corking. Once you finish your master class, you will be invited to the tasting room to taste Armenian sparkling wine, white wine, rose wine with cheese platter, tartlets and Escargot Burgundy style and have dinner. Overnight in Dilijan.

Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out. On this day first we will explore Lake Sevan area. We will visit visit Sevan peninsula. Lake Sevan is one of the largest high-altitude fresh water lakes in the world. It is situated in the eastern part of the country and is known for its stunning natural beauty and crystal-clear waters. Lake Sevan is a popular tourist destination and Sevan peninsula is home to several monasteries and cultural landmarks. Then continue our trip and visit Mikayelyan family small cheese farm to taste the unique and ecologically clean Armenian cheeses. For several years now, this creamery has been supplying craft cheeses to wine restaurants and cellars of the Armenian capital (in particular, wine cheese, brandy cheese and parmesan). Tour to Mikaelyan’s creamery consists of visiting underground cheese cellar, learning about Armenian cheesemaking process, traditions and, of course, the tasting of the 10 selective types of craft cheeses and a glass of wine. After the tour of the Mikayelyan family farm, we will continue our journey to visit Tsaghkunq village, where you will enjoy an authentic lunch prepared by the renowned Armenian chef, Yura Sargsyan, at his own establishment, the Tsaghkunq Chef House. It is a small family-run business where all family members are involved. After lunch, we will drive to one of the most beautiful monasteries in Armenia, the 13th century cave monastery of Geghard (UNESCO World Heritage Site). The name of the monastery originates from the spear, which had wounded Jesus at the Crucifixion, allegedly brought to Armenia by Apostle Jude, and currently stored amongst many other relics in the Echmiadzin’s Cathedral Museum. Then visit the oldest surviving building on the territory of Armenia, the 1st century Garni Pagan Temple. In the local village house you will take a part in the traditional Armenian bread lavash baking process. Lavash is a flatbread, usually baked in tonir and served with various dishes, used as a wrap for cheese with greens, for sandwiches or enjoyed on its own. Lavash is an essential part of Armenia cuisine and culture. Drive to Yerevan. Check-in. Overnight in Yerevan.

Breakfast in the hotel. Start exploring Yerevan, the Armenia’s capital city and one of the oldest cities in the world. Stop at the Victory Park and Mother Armenia monument to get a spectacular view of the Biblical Mt. Ararat with a panorama of central Yerevan. Take a walking tour of Cascade Complex, with its Sculpture Park and Cafesjian Center for the Arts. See Fernando Botero’s sculpture of “The Black Cat” and other renowned artist’s works decorating the Park. Visit the History Museum of Armenia. Founded in 1919, it holds the distinction of being the country’s oldest museum. The museum’s extensive collection encompasses artifacts, artworks, and historical pieces that span various periods of Armenian history, showcasing the nation’s rich cultural heritage from ancient times to the present day. Visitors can explore exhibits displaying archaeological finds, ethnographic items, religious artifacts, numismatics, and more, offering a comprehensive journey through Armenia’s past and present. Continue the tour and visit Yerevan’s oldest and most authentically Armenian historic district – Kond. Kond, nestled within Yerevan, stands as one of the city’s oldest quarters within the modern-day Kentron District of Armenia’s capital. This historic area, characterized by narrow streets and ancient buildings, captivates tourists interested in exploring the city’s heritage. With its wooden doors, weathered buildings, asymmetric bricks, and narrow labyrinthine pathways, stepping into Kond feels like entering a distinctly different world. After Kond, we enjoy a visit to “Gum” Fruit Market, where you can buy different kind of fresh fruits, dried fruits, nuts, spices etc. Then, we bring you to hotel for relax. In the evening, we will visit Abovyan 12 restaurant (known also as Dalan restaurant) and you will enjoy their dinner there. Specializing in traditional Armenian dishes with a modern twist, you will have a memorable dining experience by trying the rich culinary heritage of Armenia.

Breakfast. Drive to visit Amberd Fortress. Situated a top a rocky hill, at an elevation of 2,300 meters, Amberd Fortress offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Dating back to the 7th century, the fortress served as a strategic military stronghold during the medieval period. After visiting Amberd, we will continue our tour and visit Van Ardi Estate Winery, where will be our next stop and lunch. Van Ardi is an important stop on the Armenian wine renaissance route. There’s a story behind their wines, and they love to share it. You will embark on a journey to the world of wines, have a tour through the Estate, Vineyard, Winery and Bell Tower. You will enjoy the tasting of 4 of their classic wines and 2 wines directly from oak barrels and have a lunch in a winery. Not far from Van Ardi is located Armenia Wine History Museum. After visiting Van Ardi, we will visit Wine History Museum. The museum showcases the rich heritage of winemaking in the region, spanning thousands of years. Here, the development of viticulture and winemaking in the Armenian Highlands is represented not only by artifacts and interpretation but also by innovative, interactive solutions. Such a structure of the museum allows the visitors to get an exact idea of millennium-old Armenian culture as a whole. The main exhibition hall, located at the level of underground basalt rocks with a depth of 8 meters, presents the chronological stages of the development of wine in Armenia in detail, as well as the relationship of wine with various areas of Armenian history and culture. Return to Yerevan. Free evening. Overnight in Yerevan.

Breakfast. Visit Erebuni Historical Archaeological Museum-Reserve. The museum is dedicated to preserving the history and artifacts of the ancient Urartian city of Erebuni. Overall, the museum houses 12,235 exhibits that provide valuable information about the Urartian and post-Urartian civilizations living in the territory. Continue the tour and visit Zvartnots Cathedral. Zvartnots Cathedral is an iconic architectural marvel located near Yerevan, Armenia. Built in the 7th century AD during the early Christian period, it served as a significant religious and cultural center in the region. The name “Zvartnots” translates to “celestial angels” in Armenian, reflecting the spiritual significance of the site. The cathedral was dedicated to Saint Gregory the Illuminator, the patron saint of Armenia, and served as a symbol of the country’s Christian heritage. Unfortunately, the cathedral was destroyed by an earthquake in the 10th century, leaving only ruins behind. Ornate grapevine motifs, pomegranates, and symbolic representations adorn its exterior and interior, reflecting Armenian cultural heritage. The cathedral also features a 7th-century winepress, highlighting the historical significance of winemaking in the region. After Zvartnots, we will have a stop at Echmiatsin – the center of Armenian Apostolic Church. You will visit the museum where the main relics of Armenian church are preserved. The we drive to visit an ancient archeological site Metsamor. It was an important urban center in the region dating back to Bronze Age, with evidence of continues habitation for over 5,000 years. After visiting Metsamor, we will continue our tour to visit Jraghatspanyan Winery. Founded by the Jraghatspanyan family, this small winery has a rich history and a deep connection to the land. They cultivate indigenous grape varieties, such as Tigrani, Garan Dmak, Lalvar, which thrive in the Armenian climate and soil, resulting in wines with distinct flavors and characteristics. We will make a tour through the winery, then taste Jraghatspanyan 5 type of Special selection wines and have a delicious home-made dinner in the winery, prepare by the mother of the winery owner. Return to Yerevan. Overnight in Yerevan.

Drive to Vayots Dzor Province, which is Armenia’s most storied wine growing region. Visit the Areni-1 Birds Cave. In 2007, a team of Armenian and Irish archeologists were doing excavations in that cave and they found a 6,100-year-old winery and a 5,500-year-old leather shoe. The shoe was officially determined to be as the oldest leather footwear in the world and now it is exhibited in the History Museum of Armenia. Driving through the breathtaking Gnishik canyon to visit the masterpiece of medieval Armenian architecture, the 14th century Noravank Monastery, a major religious and cultural center of Armenia in the past. After exploring Noravank, we’ll head to Ar-Areni Gastro Yard for lunch. Here, you’ll savor delicious farm-fresh food prepared with locally-sourced ingredients. The friendly owner will treat you to a culinary masterclass, showcasing the traditional method of preparing fish in the Areni region. With its warm hospitality and authentic dishes, this family-run gastro yard promises a memorable dining experience. After lunch, we will continue our tour and visit Momik Winery. Named after the medieval Armenian architect and sculptor, Momik, this winery is dedicated to crafting exceptional wines that showcase the unique terroir of the area. Situated amidst picturesque vineyards and rolling hills, Momik Winery is a small family winery, specializing in producing wines using traditional winemaking techniques combined with modern innovation. Return to Yerevan. Overnight in Yerevan.

Breakfast. Check out from the hotel. Transfer to Zvartnots International airport. Departure from Yerevan.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Explore Vibrant life of Tbilisi, where modern meets past
  • Dive into history and eye-watering views from Yerevan
  • Meet peaks of Caucasus and stories of brave people
  • Experience ancient wine culture in Georgia
  • Visit UNESCO heritage sites in Mtskheta
  • Learn about Pre Christian Armenia at Garni Temple
Price includes:
  • 3 nights at Astoria Tbilisi hotel or similar;

    · 1 night at Gudauri Marco polo hotel or similar;

    · 1 night at Gori Inn hotel or similar;

    · 1 night at Park Telavi Tsinandali hotel or similar;

    · Transportation throughout tours and transfer;

    · English speaking tour guide;

    · Entrance tickets to Uplistsikhe, Tsinandali, Kvareli, Gremi, Stalin Museum,;

    · Wine tasting at Kvareli winery;

    · 4 wheel drive in Kazbegi;

    · Bottle of water;

Price excludes:
  • AIRFARE
  • TIPS
  • INSURANCE
  • ANY OTHER SERVICES NOT MENTIONED ABOVE IN ITINERARY

TOUR RATES MAY VARY DEPENDING ON TIME.

PLEASE CONTACT OUR TOUR MANAGER OR FILL THE RATE REQUEST FORM BELOW.

Tour manager: Alex

E-mail – tours@tikatours.com

Tel : +995511455250

Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist. Rate of this itinerary starts from 3000 $