15-Day Armenia & Georgia – Heart of the Caucasus
Women Only
Max Group 12
Lifetime Deposit
Solo traveller friendly
5 Good Reasons To Do This Trip!
DIY LIKE A LOCAL
Forget fridge magnets – how about bringing home a handwoven carpet or a piece of traditional Armenian jewellery that you crafted yourself? Between rolling dolma, baking lavash and creating hairpieces, this trip’s got a crafty side you’ll love.
VITICULTURE WONDERLAND
Sure, France has Bordeaux, but Armenia and Georgia are where winemaking all began, thousands of years ago. Sip on local vinos like Areni and Saperavi, and find out why the wine game here is seriously underrated.
CITIES YOU WON’T WANT TO LEAVE
Tbilisi is the love-at-first-sight kind of city. Its cobbled streets, colourful balconies, and old-meets-new vibe will have you smitten in no time. Oh, and don’t get us started on Yerevan!
FOODIE PARADISE
From Armenia’s doughy lavash to Georgia’s cheese-filled khachapuri, the food here is next level. You’ll dive into hearty plates packed with new-to-you flavours, and trust us – no one leaves this trip hungry!
HISTORY IN HIGH DEFINITION
Forget dusty textbooks – this trip has history that hits you right between the eyes. Monasteries carved into mountains, ancient Silk Road outposts and towering, centuries-old churches all have stories to tell.
Trip Details
| Dates | Price AUD (per person twin share) |
|---|---|
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Price
$5,797 AUD (twin share)
- $1,650 AUD deposit.
- 2 week cooling off period applies.
- Lifetime Deposit. If you need to cancel, your deposit is transferable to other trips.
- Twin Share: we’ll match you with a roomie if you’re travelling solo.
- Private supplement available: $1,220 AUD, max 4 spots
Trip length
15 days, 14 nights
Meeting point
Alpha Hotel, Yerevan, Armenia
Ending point
Hotel Zeg, Tbilisi, Georgia
Group size
Maximum 12
Participation requirements
Please see our “Is this trip right for you?” section under the Participation Tab.
Included
- Meals: 14 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 10 dinners
- Private vehicle transportation and 4WD
- Master classes in preparing lavash and dolma, carpet weaving masterclass, traditional jewellery masterclass.
- 2x wine degustations in one of the oldest wineries in the world.
- 15 nights boutique and premium accommodation
- A top-rated and English-speaking Tour Leader
- All listed activities and more!
Not included
- International Flights and travel insurance (necessary)
- Additional hotel nights & late checkouts
- Drinks and other other personal expenses
- Tip kitty (See FAQs for more information)
Click the tabs to find out more
Day 1: Welcome to Armenia!
Welcome to Armenia! From the second your feet hit the tarmac in Yerevan, we’ve got you covered – our driver will be waiting to whisk you straight to your hotel. No stress, no hassle, just sit back and take in your first glimpses of this lesser-visited country as you zip through its streets. Despite being wedged between Europe and Asia, Yerevan has a surprisingly European vibe that’ll instantly put you at ease and soothe those new-trip jitters.
Once you’ve had a chance to settle in, it’s time to meet your Patchie crew over a welcome dinner. It’s normal to feel a little bit nervous, but there’s really no need to be. By the time you’re clinking glasses and sharing your excitement for the journey ahead, you’ll feel like a tight-knit team who’ve been travelling together for years.
Accommodation: Alpha Hotel (or similar)
Included: Dinner
Day 2: Yerevan
Here’s your first full day in Yerevan, and it’s ready to knock your socks off! Known as the Pink City, Yerevan’s volcanic stone buildings cast a rosy glow that makes the whole place look like you’re strolling around with rose-tinted glasses.
After an intro tour of the highlights (Republic Square, we’re looking at you) it’s time to tackle the famous Cascade, a massive staircase meets open-air museum. Reach the top, and boom – you’re hit with 360-degree views of the city and Mount Ararat in the distance. This afternoon is all about getting hands-on, diving into a carpet-weaving workshop and learning how to work the loom like a local. Who knew making carpets could be such a workout?
Accommodation: Alpha Hotel (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3: Zvartnots
Today’s your crash course in Armenian history, but don’t worry, we’re keeping it fun and soon you’ll be looking, googly-eyed, at ancient ruins and mediaeval masterpieces. First stop: Zvartnots. Even as ruins, this 7th-century temple still oozes grandeur and it’s easy to see why it’s earned a spot on the UNESCO list. Then, it’s off to Etchmiadzin, the mother church of the Armenian Apostolic faith, built way back in 303 AD. Phew, what a whirlwind of a morning!
There’s only so much exploring you can do before it’s time to get your hands dirty again – this time, with a dolma masterclass. You’ll see these yummy stuffed grape leaves all over the Caucasus, and soon, you’ll be rolling them like a pro. And just when you think the day’s peaked, we’ve got a little surprise for you in the afternoon. We’ll just say this: Armenia’s wine scene is seriously overlooked, and you’re about to find out why…
Accommodation: Alpha Hotel (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: Geghard Monastery
Kick off the day at Geghard Monastery, where the views aren’t the only things that’ll leave you speechless – just wait ‘til you hear the acoustics! You see, this cliffside monastery is home to mysterious echoes that bounce around like a natural sound system. These sounds are known to last up to 40 seconds long, and nobody quite knows why. It’s a mystery you’ll need to experience to believe.
Ready for some doughy goodness? Good, because lunch comes with a side of lavash-making, as you’ll learn to make this UNESCO-listed bread under the careful tutelage of a master. It’s soft, stretchy and oh-so-satisfying. And because we’re all about that DIY life this afternoon, you’ll finish the day by crafting your own tsamtel, a traditional Armenian hairpiece. It’s a way cooler souvenir than a postcard, that’s for sure!
Accommodation: Alpha Hotel (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5: Khor Virap Monastery
Good morning, Khor Virap! Today, you’ll stand at the closest point to the legendary Mount Ararat, the mountain where Noah’s Ark is said to have landed. With the biblical mountain towering in the background, you’ll explore Khor Virap Monastery, where Saint Gregory the Illuminator spent 14 years imprisoned in a deep underground pit. Yikes!
From there, it’s off to Noravank, an awe-inducing 13th-century monastery tucked against fiery red cliffs. This place takes it up a notch – literally. It’s one of the few two-story monasteries in the world, designed by the architect and national treasure Momik, and that’s made it a superstar attraction in Armenia.
You had a taster of Armenia’s winemaking heritage a couple of days ago, but, today, we have something even better up our sleeves. This afternoon, you’ll head to the world’s oldest winery at Areni. Dating back to 6100 BC, this place is where winemaking began. Cheers to that!
Accommodation: Alpha Hotel (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6: Lake Sevan
Get ready for a day jam-packed with Armenia’s underrated gems, with a side of head-spinning views! Things kick off at Nairian Farm and Lab, where you’ll plunge into the full cycle of essential oil production. Here, you’ll learn how to turn petals into potions, cooking up essential oils that might just be the secret to eternal youth – or at least a killer skincare routine.
Fresh-faced, you’re cranking up the altitude at Lake Sevan, the eye-popping “Blue Pearl of Armenia”. Climb the monastery stairs and brace yourself: here, the sky and lake flirt in a dance of blues, making it hard to tell where one ends and the other begins.
You’ll wrap up the day in Dilijan, also known as “Armenian Switzerland”. Tomorrow, you’ll find out why! After breathing in that fresh mountain air all day long, we bet you’ll sleep like a log in the true-to-the-region boutiquey hotel we’ve picked out for you. Sweet dreams!
Accommodation: Hotel Gosh Arevi (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7: Dilijan
It’s time to unlock the secrets of “Armenian Switzerland” – Dilijan is ready for you! First up, you’ll get to wander through its historic centre, where old-world-vibes meet forest-fringed-streets. You won’t be able to resist snapping a thousand selfies as you explore. It’s been a couple of days without any crafty encounters now, so let’s change that! We’ve lined up a jewellery-making session at Made Dilijan Centre for you, where you’ll get to try out traditional techniques and walk away with another one-of-a-kind Armenian souvenir.
Next stop: Lake Parz, the most gorgeous spot in Dilijan National Park and the kind of place that makes you want to whisper, just to keep the peace. As the sun hits the lake just right and your Patchie crew’s laughter echoes through the trees, you’ll close your eyes and think, “Yep, this is the life!”.
Accommodation: Old Dijian Complex (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Hello Georgia!
It’s your last hurrah in Armenia, kicking off with a grand finale at Haghpat Monastery. It’s going to feel almost impossible to tear yourself away from this expectation-shattering country, but it’s Georgia’s time to shine! On the way to the border you’ll make a quick stop in Fioletovo, a Russian village in Armenia where the locals will share the head-spinning story of how they hold on to their customs and live their daily lives over cups of steaming tea.
Wave goodbye to your Armenian guide and gear up for a seamless tag-team at the border, where your Georgian guide will pick you up. Then, it’s straight off to Tbilisi with no time to dwell. This is a city that’s been reborn time and time again, and, as you explore, you’ll feel yourself falling instantly, dizzyingly, breathlessly in love with its infectious energy. Dive in headfirst, because Georgia waits for no one!
Accommodation: Hotel Zeg (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9: Signaghi
It’s your first full day in Georgia, and it starts with a visit to the Bodbe Monastery, home to St. Nino – Georgia’s answer to a female evangelist superhero! Legend has it that she healed the illnesses of local people and spread Christianity throughout the region, and now you’ll wander through the peaceful grounds dedicated to her. It’s a little patch of peace before things get… bubbly.
That’s right, you’ve had your fill of Armenian wine, but now it’s time to switch gears with some good old-fashioned Georgian beer! Raise a glass, because this country’s ancient brew scene is still known to follow traditional methods and recipes with local ingredients that just hit… different.
Next up is Sighnaghi, the so-called city of love, where the old-school cobbled streets and balcony-lined houses offer up gasp-worthy views of the Caucasus Mountains. Almost too charming to be true, right? But the real love story here is with the food. You’ll dig into Georgian classics like khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) and khinkali (juicy dumplings) and trust us – you’ll be asking for seconds.
Accommodation: Hotel Brigitte (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Wine Time
Today’s all about discovering Georgia’s best-kept secret: their wines! Forget everything you thought you knew about vino, because Georgians would claim that their country is where winemaking actually began, and it’s been perfecting the craft for over 8,000 years.
This morning, you’re off to a family-run winery tucked in the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains. The owner himself will give you a private tour, spilling the secrets of Georgian wine making to you like the true VIPs you are. Sip on local grapes you’ve probably never heard of, all the while learning the ancient techniques that make this wine Georgia’s best-kept secret. Things only get better at lunch, a farm-to-table feast right there among the vines, perfectly paired with heavenly sips of the good stuff.
After lunch, you’ll roll into Tsinandali Village for a dive into the life of Alexander Chavchavadze – poet, public figure and founder of Georgia’s very first wine factory.
Accommodation: Hotel & Wine Cellar ARGE (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Monasteries & Fortresses
Alaverdi Monastery, founded by a wandering monk from Antioch, once stood as the tallest religious building in Georgia. And, today it’s the first of many stops that’ll make you stop and think, “How did they even build this?” But that’s just the warm-up – wait ‘til you see Ananuri Fortress! Perched above the eye-popping Zhinvali Reservoir, this is a fortress straight out of a medieval fantasy, complete with turrets, stone walls and views that’ll have you snapping pics every five seconds.
You’ll finish the day at Gudauri Viewpoint, perched above the infamous Devil’s Valley. But don’t let the name fool you – the only thing sinful here is how ridiculously good the views of the mountains are!
Accommodation: Marco Polo Gudauri (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12: Dariali Complex
Another day, another adventure… this time kicking off at the Dariali Complex, a fortress-monastery clinging to the edge of the dramatic Dariali Gorge. This ancient stronghold once guarded the gateway to the Caucasus, but now it’s your turn to roam its rugged ruins and see how it stacks up against the Armenian monasteries you’ve already checked off. Spoiler alert: it holds its own!
Next up, the adrenaline spikes as you hop into a 4WD and rumble down unpaved roads to Gveleti Waterfall, one of Georgia’s jaw-droppers. The real challenge is trying not to get soaked as you take in the view. You’ll wrap up the day with a feast of succulent Georgian dumplings. Fair warning: these bad boys are messy, with dumpling juices guaranteed to dribble down your chin – definitely not the most ladylike of foods to devour, but totally worth it!
Accommodation: Marco Polo Gudauri (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 13: Kutaisi
Strap on your adventure boots – today, you’re heading to Uplistsikhe, an ancient cave town straight out of an action movie. Carved into the cliffs and once a major stop on the Silk Road, this 2nd-millennium BC settlement will have you channelling your inner Indiana Jones as you duck through tunnels and chambers. Next, it’s Kutaisi time! Tourists and Georgians simply can’t get enough of this city, so it’s time to explore it from top to bottom to decide whether or not the hype is real.
As the sun sets, you’ll wrap up the day at Tina’s Ethno Winehouse, where she and her family will treat you to heaping platefuls of the most lip-smacking Georgian food you’ve ever tasted, complete with fabulous wine that’ll have you raising glasses with your Patchie crew. Here’s to the amazing memories you’ve already made together!
Accommodation: Hotel Memoire (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 14: Tbilisi
It’s your last full day in Georgia (boo!) but there’s no hitting the brakes yet! Your morning kicks off at the Kutaisi Green Bazaar where the chaos of haggling locals, fresh produce and spice-packed smells will smack you from every angle. It’s a full sensory overload and you’re right in the thick of it!
With all that chaos, it’s time to get away to somewhere quieter. The spa town of Tskaltubo is just the ticket. Back in its heyday, this place was the peak of luxury. Nowadays, though, it’s full of eerie, overgrown ruins that’ll get under your skin and have you hooked. Faded mosaics, creeping vines and cracked facades all add to the haunting mish-mash of Soviet glamour and wild overgrowth…
It’s your final night in Georgia, which means it’s time for one final hurrah! Gather your Patchie crew for a Georgian farewell dinner packed with belly laughs, clinking glasses and stories from your two-country adventure.
Accommodation: Hotel Zeg (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 15: Farewell Friends!
Your final morning has finally arrived, and it’s time to say your goodbyes. Over breakfast, be sure to swap contact details with your Patchie pals and maybe even make a few plans for that next adventure together. When it’s time to head out, our driver will get you to the airport with plenty of time to spare, so no rushing through security. Until next time, Patchies!
Included: Breakfast
Trip Map
Good to Know
WHAT ABOUT FOOD?
Is This Trip Right For You?
You love to travel but don’t like being herded around B-grade attractions… just the mere idea of joining a ‘big bus’ tour makes you want to run for the hills.
You also know, however, that some places are worth the wait.
You’re open-minded and open-hearted. You try to embrace the little things. You understand that even in the best vehicles, the air-con sometimes breaks. This is just part of the adventure, and you choose to be gracious.
You also love the idea of living a day fully, and then returning to unique, interesting accommodation!
You enjoy trying new food, visiting new places, and making new friends. You make a great travel buddy and you love to share experiences with others. You understand that to fit in with local cultures, sometimes that could involve trying something you haven’t tried before, or sitting on the floor to eat with a nomad family.
If that sounds like you, you’d make a great Patchie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Prior to the payment of your full balance, the final price may change if there is significant variation in the AUD:EUR exchange rate. Our trip pricing is determined by what the exchange rates are at the time of publishing the trip.
The pricing on this trip is based on an exchange rate of 1 AUD:0.60 EUR.
A deposit of $1,650 is required to hold your spot. Payment can be made by credit card (fees apply) or bank deposit.
There is a cooling-off period of 2 weeks. (Applicable to all bookings made 110 days in advance.)
We have implemented a ‘lifetime deposit’ guarantee. Deposits are not refundable, but they are transferable at any time, right up until the first day of the trip.
The final balance of the trip is required 120 days in advance of the departure date. Our suppliers require upfront payment well in advance to guarantee availability.
Please refer to the full terms and conditions for further information.
This is the most frequently asked question we get!
Nearly everyone is in their 50s and 60s, with some people above and below (but of course, everyone is welcome!)
Most Patchies come alone and are matched with a room-mate. Remember, you don’t need to pay for a single supplement if you come solo. We will place you with a similarly-aged roommate.
The typical Patchie has travelled a LOT, is a well-seasoned adventurer, and is not easily thrown by small things. However, many Patchies tell us that this is their first ever group tour. Many of our guests have avoided tours to this point as they’re not attracted to being herded around in large groups.
Oh, and one last thing:
Patchies are warm, generous, and kind. We knew it would be like this, but we weren’t expecting it to be *quite* like this. We’re so blessed as a business to have the customers we do; we consider ourselves to be some of the luckiest people in the world.
Australians and New Zealanders do not need to apply for visas when travelling to Armenia and Georgia.
Airfares are not included.
Being tour operators (not travel agents), we are not licensed to sell flights. We recommend contacting your trusted local travel agent to book flights if you’re in need of assistance.
There are several 1 and 2-stop flights available from Australia and New Zealand that transit through Middle East countries to Yerevan, Armenia. The similar routes are available for your return flight from Tbilisi, Georgia.
Most of our trips have a tip kitty because many cultures have interesting and diverse rules when it comes to tips. We’ve found it to be the easiest way to combat over-tipping, under-tipping or having the tip fall into the wrong hands. Our goal is for guests to relax and know that the complexities of tipping are taken care of, on their behalf.
We’ll be updating this section with the tipping amount and how it’s distributed, soon.
Will we be picked up at the airport?
Yes! One of our friendly team will be waiting for you in the public arrivals area of the airport. You’ll transfer directly to the hotel. The transfer is free and in a private and air-conditioned vehicle, which you will only share if there is anyone else on your flight joining the tour.
When should we arrive?
Try to arrive before midday on the start day, although earlier would be recommended. If possible, come one day early to settle in. We can organise additional hotel nights for you at cost.
In the unlikely event of a health or security related incident during a trip, we’ve engaged a local partner to assist. From our experience, there is not one framework that fits all, and every incident is unique and requires a different approach. With all trips, your guides are your day-to-day support. While behind the scenes, there is an active line of communication – between your guide, the on-ground support team, and Australian Ops.
