Explore the great outdoors while discovering numerous historical and cultural sights on this physically active small group tour of the South Caucasus. Combining city walking tours and various hikes in mountains and national parks with vehicle transfers between major destinations, this tour offers a balance between seeing as many sights and having as many different experiences as possible and taking the time to enjoy the Caucasus mountain air on your own two feet. Highlights of the tour include hiking to waterfalls and monasteries, white water rafting, wine tasting, and visiting ancient palaces, caravanserais, cave towns, fortresses, and UNESCO World Heritage churches.
Tour itinerary:
At 18:30, meet your guide and enjoy welcome dinner at national restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.
Driving distance: 30 km
Free time in the afternoon. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
Driving distance: 10 km
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
Driving distance: 155 km
Driving distance: 340 km
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3 hours
Driving distance: 125 km
After hiking depart Lagodekhi and head to Tbilisi. Time permitting, make a short-stop in Sighnaghi Royal Town, which is surrounded by defensive walls with 23 towers. Overnight in Tbilisi.
Hiking: 16 km, 5-6 hrs., pedestrian path, difficulty level: average
At 19:30, visit a local restaurant to taste dishes of traditional Georgian cuisine. Overnight in Tbilisi.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 5-6 hours
Driving distance: 10 km
Driving distance: 160 km
Hiking 12,5 km
Driving distance: 300 km
Driving distance: 165 km
We have compiled the list of suggestions what to do or visit in Tbilisi:
- Georgian National Museum on Rustaveli Avenue 3/10 to visit the "Archaeological Treasury" exhibition;
- National Gallery on Rustaveli Avenue to see the works of famous Georgian artists Niko Pirosmani, David Kakabadze, and Lado Gudiashvili;
- Tbilisi flea market at Dry Bridge where you can find antiquities, many of which are from the Soviet period, paintings by local artists, and handmade Georgian souvenirs;
- Recently renovated David Agmashenebeli Avenue, a pedestrian street full of historical buildings with beautiful facades made in art nouveau, pseudo gothic, and classicist styles with a mix of typical Georgian ornamentation and balconies. All along the street there are plenty of cozy art cafés, gallery/shops, and wine bars;
- Dezertirebi Bazaar, with local natural products such as Georgian sweets – churchkhela, dry fruits, various kinds of nuts, spices, and Georgian cheeses;
- Funicular railway to Mtatsminda Mountain to contemplate Tbilisi’s from the beautiful view;
- Wander in Sololaki, a neighborhood full of art nouveau houses.
For those who are interested in culture, we suggest visiting the State Opera House of Georgia and enjoying ballet or the opera (opera.ge).
If you are interested in other cultural events, please see what is on and book tickets at tkt.ge
Drive to Lori region and visit UNESCO World Heritage Site Haghpat Monastery. Stunning example of Armenian traditional architecture was erected in 10-13th centuries. Standing on a hillside, Haghpat beautifully overlooks Debed River. Location of monastery was chosen to protect peace and seclusion of its monks. Drive through Dilijan and to Lake Sevan, “The Jewel of Armenia” and one of the largest high-mountainous fresh water lakes in the world. The coastline of Lake Sevan is rich with thick woods, white bare steep rocks, mountain steppes and Alpine meadows. Stop at Sevanavank to visit the remnants of the monastery that include two temples – Surb Arakelots and Surb Karapet standing among numerous khachkars. The buildings were constructed from black tuff which probably gave the monastery its name Sevanavank – “the Black Monastery”. The view from there is simply magnificent: the mountains surround lake from all sides and snow tops are seen almost on the entire perimeter and disappear behind horizon. Continue to Yerevan for overnight.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 9-10 hours
Driving distance: 370 km
Hiking: 2.4-kilometer point to point doubletrack; difficulty level: average
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
Driving distance: 30 km
- All transfers (1-2 pax by sedan, 3-4 pax by Mercedes Vito or similar, 5-10 pax by Mercedes Sprinter passenger van; 11-12 pax by 30-seats bus);
- Accommodation based on double/twin room sharing, breakfasts included;
- Sightseeing tour program in each country with local English-speaking guides;
- Entrance tickets to sights as per itinerary;
- Dinners in Baku, Tbilisi, and Yerevan;
- Wine tasting in Kakheti region, Georgia;
- Picnic in Borjomi;
- Azerbaijan e-visa.
- Full board (lunches and dinners);
- Hotel charges for additional services;
- Personal travel insurance.
Dates & Prices
Group size: 2-12 persons
Please note that itinerary and prices are subject to change due to airline and train schedule changes, currency fluctuations and other unforeseeable events.
We strongly recommend NOT to purchase airline tickets for 2024 tours without discussing it with your travel consultant.