Raucous Caucasus

Explore the old town, ride the cable car to Narikala fortress and get your first taste of the famous Georgian food and hospitality. Tbilisi is a liberal, welcoming, cosmopolitan city dishing up great food, lively culture, fascinating history and stunning architecture - including a few Soviet leftovers and a sprinkling of modern architecture.

Today you board a public bus that will follow the Georgian Military Highway deep into the Caucasus Mountains to Stepantsminda, commonly known as Kazbegi. A haven for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers, the ‘must do’ here is to make the walk up to the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church (2170 m).

Descending from the mountains, we return to Tbilisi. Soak in the atmosphere of Rustaveli Avenue and listen to some of the local buskers. Sample some of the region’s beers on offer at the Kazbegi Brewery by the Mtkvari River.

From Tbilisi you make your way to explore the beautiful hilltop town of Sighnaghi and walk its fortress walls. Down from the mountains and into the valleys and vineyards of the Kakheti region pausing at Velistsikhe village where you have the opportunity to see a 300-year-old wine cellar, taste traditional Georgian wine and visit a local family. Spend the night in Sighnaghi.

Discover Gori, the birthplace of Russian dictator Joseph Stalin, before we continue to the ancient Silk Road cave town of Uplistsikhe and Borjomi, an emerald land famous for its mineral water spouting from the springs of Borjomi gorge. Overnight in Akhaltsikhe.

Step back in time as you explore the medieval cave monastery complex of Vardzia that is etched into the rocks and cliffs and once home to 50,000 people. Cross the border into Armenia and continue to its capital Yerevan. Enjoy this laid-back city of fine boulevards, European café culture and buzzing nightlife. Discover the remarkable UNESCO Heritage sites close by. For great city views make your way to the Cascade - a huge white staircase built into the hills.

Travel south, taking in stunning views of Mt Ararat, ancient mountaintop monasteries and mysterious stone formations. Arrive in Goris and enjoy a walk in the hills or ride the world’s longest cable car (5.7 km) to Tatev Monastery.

Today you make your way to the village of Hermon, pausing to visit the fascinating Old Khndzoresk village, where time has stood still for centuries, isolated from the rest of the world. Continue into the mountains to the mysterious stones of Karahunj, Armenia's own Stonehenge, and through the Vayots Dzor region, stopping at the village of Jermuk to see its beautiful waterfall.

Travel through the Selim Pass (2410 m) and the Silk Road Caravanserai. Visit Lake Sevan, set 1900 m above sea level, one of the largest freshwater high-altitude lakes in the world and home to the picturesque lakeside Sevanavank Monastery. Enjoy your last day in Armenia’s capital before you Raucous Caucasus adventure has come to an end.

All overland transport
Visa support & destination information
Shared accommodation (11 nights at hostels and guesthouses)
Honchos throughout your journey, however, with no pre-arranged sightseeing, you have complete freedom to roam. Stay with your group or explore on your own.
All departure and arrival transfers en-route *

* Arrival transfer on Day 1 and departure transfer at the end of your itinerary are not included.