The unparalleled scenery of the Caucasus has been inspiring architects to build ever more beautiful churches and monasteries for generations. Armenia and Georgia, the first two countries to adopt Christianity as their official religion, are now home to a large number of striking stone monasteries and churches, often located high on mountain slopes or deep in fertile gorges. Discover this region’s spiritual history and rich culture for yourself with this nine-day Caucasus Temples tour. From Geghard, a monastery complex carved out of a mountainside in central Armenia, through the capital cities and alpine lakes to the Gergeti Trinity Church, in the shadow of Mount Kazbegi in northern Georgia, this tour crosses time and culture to bring you the best of the Caucasus with a focus on Armenia and Georgia.
Tour itinerary:
Arrival in Yerevan. You will be met by our driver and transferred to the hotel. Check-in at noon. Your Armenia and Georgia tour starts with a city tour in Yerevan. One of the oldest cities in the world, Yerevan is famous as a pink city and calls visitors with its humble and at the same time splendid landscapes. Start a city tour by visiting the Cascade Monument, one of the city’s main symbols. The mega-scale staircase is 118 meters high and has 572 steps. A panoramic view from the monument opens up a breathtaking city view with the Opera House, Mount Ararat, Swan Lake, Republic Square, and Abovyan Avenue, which you will also walk by during the tour. If it is a weekend, visit Vernissage, the biggest souvenir market in Yerevan. Continue to the Armenian Genocide memorial complex on the hill of Tsitsernakaberd. An excellent round-up of the tour will be a visit to the Megeryan carpet factory where you can observe the process of creating famous Armenian rugs. You will see carpets from different regions of Armenia and find out about the hidden meanings of elements used in their design. In the evening, enjoy dinner and a traditional folklore show. Overnight at the hotel.
Depart Yerevan and drive to Garni, one of the major villages in Armenia famous for its fortress. The fortress is the only pagan sacred place from the 1st century that survived the aggressive introduction of Christianity in the 4th century. Descend Garni Gorge to explore a monumental rock formation called Symphony of Stones. The next stop is at the monastery complex Geghard (“spear”). The beautiful landscape of Geghard is framed by towering cliffs. Decorative art cut into rocks reflects and explains Medieval Ages development throughout the region. The complex was introduced to history in the 4th century as a sacred spring inside a cave. Visit Vernisage, the biggest souvenir market in Yerevan. Continue to the Holy See of Armenia, Etchmiadzin. Visit Etchmiadzin Cathedral which is the residence of the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church the Catholicos of All Armenians. Return to Yerevan.
In the morning, head to Khor Virap monastery (“deep pit”). According to the legend, St. Gregory the Illuminator, the Baptist of Armenia, had been kept here in the basement for 13 years for the dissemination of Christianity until Tsar Tradt decided to adopt the new religion. The monastery location allows you to enjoy the best views of Mt. Ararat. An Armenian family will host you at their house for a delicious lunch. Continue to the complex of Noravank, situated on a ledge of a deep winding gorge of a tributary of the Arpa River near the village of Amaghu, Yeghegnadzor District. Noravank ensemble stands amidst the bizarre-shaped precipitous red cliffs. Built-in place of an ancient cloister, it grew in the reign of Princes Orbelian of Syunik. In the 13th-14th centuries it became a residence of Syunik’s bishops and, consequently, a major religious and later cultural center of Armenia, closely connected with many of the local seats of learning, primarily with Gladzor’s famed university and library. Continue to the Areni Cave complex where, in 2008, the world’s oldest leather shoe was found. This place was also used as a winery about 6,000 years ago and is now recognised as the oldest winery in the world. Return to Yerevan for an overnight.
In the morning, drive to Lake Sevan, “The Jewel of Armenia” and one of the largest high-mountainous freshwater 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 (carved cross-stones). 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 the lake from all sides and snow tops are seen almost on the entire perimeter and disappear behind the horizon. Continue to Lori region and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Haghpat monastery. A stunning example of Armenian traditional architecture was erected in the 10-13th centuries. Standing on a hillside, Haghpat beautifully overlooks the Debed River. The location of the monastery was chosen to protect the peace and seclusion of its monks. Continue to the “Sadakhlo-Bagratashen” Georgian-Armenian border point. Cross the border, and meet your Georgian driver to have the last hour-long transfer for today. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a traditional Georgian restaurant. Overnight at the hotel in Tbilisi.
Meet your guide to start a sightseeing tour in Tbilisi. Start at Holy Trinity Cathedral, one of the largest orthodox cathedrals in the world. Continue to Metekhi church and monument to Vakhtang Gorgasali, the legendary founder of Tbilisi. Take the cable car to Narikala Fortress to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. Walk down to the district of Sulphur bath houses passing by the only mosque in Tbilisi. Stroll through the Shardeni area full of narrow streets with cozy cafés, wine-tasting bars, and souvenir shops, and breathe in the living past. Visit Sioni Cathedral, Anchiskhati Basilica, and the clock tower of the famous Rezo Gabriadze Theatre. Cross the Bridge of Peace to Rike Park and head to the National Museum of Georgia. Overnight in Tbilisi.
After breakfast depart towards the Kakheti region of Georgia, the cradle of Georgian wine.
Our first stop will be in Bodbe convent, which according to the legend is a burial place of St. Nino, who converted Georgia to Christianity in the 4th century. According to Tsar Alexander III of Russia’s decree, since 1889 Bodbe complex functions as a nunnery. Continue to Sighnaghi, the city of love, and the Royal Town, one of the crossroads of the Silk Road surrounded by defensive walls with 23 towers. Drive to Tsinandali, the residence of the dukes of Georgia with a beautiful park, a museum, and a wine cellar that belonged to prince Chavchavadze, a 19th-century public figure, and poet.
Reach Telavi, the administrative and historic center of the region. Have a short walk through the charming streets of old Telavi and have a photo stop at the monument to Erekli II. Depart to Tbilisi by a beautiful road through Gombori pass. Drop off at your hotel for an overnight.
Our first stop will be in Bodbe convent, which according to the legend is a burial place of St. Nino, who converted Georgia to Christianity in the 4th century. According to Tsar Alexander III of Russia’s decree, since 1889 Bodbe complex functions as a nunnery. Continue to Sighnaghi, the city of love, and the Royal Town, one of the crossroads of the Silk Road surrounded by defensive walls with 23 towers. Drive to Tsinandali, the residence of the dukes of Georgia with a beautiful park, a museum, and a wine cellar that belonged to prince Chavchavadze, a 19th-century public figure, and poet.
Reach Telavi, the administrative and historic center of the region. Have a short walk through the charming streets of old Telavi and have a photo stop at the monument to Erekli II. Depart to Tbilisi by a beautiful road through Gombori pass. Drop off at your hotel for an overnight.
After breakfast, drive to Mtskheta, one of the oldest towns and the cultural and religious center of Georgia. Mtskheta was the capital of the Eastern Georgian Kingdom of Iberia from the third century BC. Visit Jvari Church, a true architectural masterpiece of the early Medieval Period overlooking the confluence of Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers from the top of the hill, and Svetitskhoveli, the main cathedral of Mtskheta and a sacred place where the robe of Christ is being kept.
Continue to the Ananuri architectural complex, a former residence of Argveti Dukes. A complex featuring churches and towers dating back to the XVI-XVII cc. is beautifully overlooking Jinvali reservoir. Continue driving on Georgian Military Highway passing through the highest point of it at 2394 m. above sea level. En route make a stop at the mineral water spring flowing down from a hilltop. Arrive at Kazbegi, a small town with views of Mt. Kazbek (or Mkinvari) 5033 m, the seventh highest peak in the Caucasus Mountains. Visit Gergeti Holy Trinity Church located at an altitude of 2170 and enjoy breathtaking views of Mt Kazbegi. Overnight at the hotel.
Continue to the Ananuri architectural complex, a former residence of Argveti Dukes. A complex featuring churches and towers dating back to the XVI-XVII cc. is beautifully overlooking Jinvali reservoir. Continue driving on Georgian Military Highway passing through the highest point of it at 2394 m. above sea level. En route make a stop at the mineral water spring flowing down from a hilltop. Arrive at Kazbegi, a small town with views of Mt. Kazbek (or Mkinvari) 5033 m, the seventh highest peak in the Caucasus Mountains. Visit Gergeti Holy Trinity Church located at an altitude of 2170 and enjoy breathtaking views of Mt Kazbegi. Overnight at the hotel.
In the morning, drive to Gori and visit Stalin Museum. The museum includes more than 60,000 artifacts, the tiny house where Stalin was born, and the impressive bulletproof train Stalin used to travel to Yalta and Potsdam. Explore cave town Uplistsikhe dating back to the Hellenistic Period and is notable for its unique combination of various styles of rock-cut cultures and the co-existence of pagan and Christian architecture. Return to Tbilisi for an overnight.
Price includes:
- All transfers (1-2 pax by sedan, 3-4 pax by Mercedes Vito or similar, 5-10 pax by Mercedes Sprinter passenger van);
- 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;
- Lunch in an Armenian family;
- Dinners in Yerevan and Tbilisi;
- Mineral water.
Price doesn't include:
- Full board (lunches and dinners);
- Hotel charges for additional services;
- Personal travel insurance;
- Tips are not included, but would be appreciated.
Prices, per person
Prices are for 2026 in US$ per person, with discounted prices for larger groups available on request.
Accommodation
Standard:
Hayasa / Ani Central Inn / Silk Road Boutique / Cascade / Felinger Collection
Comfort:
Opera Suite / Yerevan Place
Premium:
Tufenkian Historic / DoubleTree by Hilton Yerevan / Republica Hotel / National by Stellar
Hayasa / Ani Central Inn / Silk Road Boutique / Cascade / Felinger Collection
Comfort:
Opera Suite / Yerevan Place
Premium:
Tufenkian Historic / DoubleTree by Hilton Yerevan / Republica Hotel / National by Stellar
Standard:
Stay Boutique / Kopala / Tiflis / Ginger / Monday / Ramada By Wyndham Tbilisi Old City
Comfort:
Museum / Ibis Styles / New Tiflis / Makmani Boutique
Premium:
Ambassadori / Tiflis Palace / Rooms / Swissôtel Tbilisi / Wyndham Grand
Stay Boutique / Kopala / Tiflis / Ginger / Monday / Ramada By Wyndham Tbilisi Old City
Comfort:
Museum / Ibis Styles / New Tiflis / Makmani Boutique
Premium:
Ambassadori / Tiflis Palace / Rooms / Swissôtel Tbilisi / Wyndham Grand
Standard:
Sunshine Kazbegi / Horizon Kazbegi / Best View / Alpenhaus Kazbegi / Mountain House
Comfort:
Intourist Kazbegi / Memoir Kazbegi / Northgate Kazbegi / Capra Hotel
Premium:
Rooms Hotel
Sunshine Kazbegi / Horizon Kazbegi / Best View / Alpenhaus Kazbegi / Mountain House
Comfort:
Intourist Kazbegi / Memoir Kazbegi / Northgate Kazbegi / Capra Hotel
Premium:
Rooms Hotel
Tour Enquiry
Caucasus Temples: Am, Geo Reviews
Author: Luke | Rating: 5Visited: April 2026
The trip was great as was the coordination with you and the guides/drivers. It all went extremely smoothly and I felt like I was in good hands the entire way.
Author: Rosemary L | Rating: 5Visited: April 2026
Thank you so much for organising our trip! It was wonderful. Once again Advantour came up trumps!
The guides were excellent and the drivers too!
The guides gave us very helpful explanations but didn’t overload us with too much information.
We managed to see everything we wanted to see in the short time we had and we were generally very lucky with the weather.
Goga in Armenia gave us useful tips about the festivities that were going on in Yerevan and we saw local traditional dances and jazz! We really liked Yerevan - we thought we wouldn’t like it as much as Tbilisi but I think we actually like it more! But maybe that was because so much was going on while we were there.
The hotels were great. The Kopala very kindly found us a room when we arrived at 05:30 even though we hadn’t booked for that night, and the room we got when we came back from Stepantsminda was lovely. The Horizon in Stepantsminda was very nice too. A small hotel, but it had a lovely view of the Gergeti church and the breakfast was amazing! The Cascade was nice too - the room was a small attic room with not much space or furniture for 2 people, but I expect that was because of the festival and they were fully booked.
All in all a great holiday!
Can’t wait for our next adventure with Advantour.
The guides were excellent and the drivers too!
The guides gave us very helpful explanations but didn’t overload us with too much information.
We managed to see everything we wanted to see in the short time we had and we were generally very lucky with the weather.
Goga in Armenia gave us useful tips about the festivities that were going on in Yerevan and we saw local traditional dances and jazz! We really liked Yerevan - we thought we wouldn’t like it as much as Tbilisi but I think we actually like it more! But maybe that was because so much was going on while we were there.
The hotels were great. The Kopala very kindly found us a room when we arrived at 05:30 even though we hadn’t booked for that night, and the room we got when we came back from Stepantsminda was lovely. The Horizon in Stepantsminda was very nice too. A small hotel, but it had a lovely view of the Gergeti church and the breakfast was amazing! The Cascade was nice too - the room was a small attic room with not much space or furniture for 2 people, but I expect that was because of the festival and they were fully booked.
All in all a great holiday!
Can’t wait for our next adventure with Advantour.
