Cox and Kings Armenia & Georgia: Treasures of the Caucasus

– International flights (and domestic flights if applicable
– UK departure and overseas airport taxes
– 3- and 4-star accommodation
– All meals
– Local transfers in air conditioned vehicles
– Fully escorted by an English speaking guide throughout
– Entrance fees unless otherwise stated

– Visit awe-inspiring medieval monasteries
– Private guided visit by a senior curator at the Georgia Museum of art
– Exclusive visits to monasteries and meetings with local religious leaders
– All meals included.

Day 1 – Fly to Yerevan via Paris

Fly from London (regional connections available) to Yerevan via Paris. Arrive and transfer to the Metropol Hotel (or similar) for 4 nights
(No meals)

Day 2 – Yerevan

Take a full day tour of Yerevan, including the Matenadaran repository of ancient Armenian manuscripts, Erebuni Fortress. Continue to Tsitsernakaberd, a museum commemorating the Armenian genocide. Next, visit the National Art Gallery which contains excellent examples of medieval frescoes.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 3 – Etchmiadzin

Drive west to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Etchmiadzin, the spiritual centre of the Armenian-Gregorian Church and take a private tour. Visit the St Hripsime Church and Etchmiadzin Cathedral, the oldest state-built church in the world. End the day at the 7th century ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 4 – Garni – Geghard

Drive east from Yerevan to the temple of Garni, a classic Hellenistic temple before hearding to the medieval monastery of Geghard.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 5 – Lake Sevan – Tbilisi

Cross the border into Georgia, stopping en route to see Lake Sevan and the monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin. Arrive in Tbilisi and stay 2 nights at the Museum Hotel (or similar)
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 6 – Tbilisi

Today’s full day tour takes you to Narikala Fortress, Metekhi Church, and the State Museum. Spend the remainder of the afternoon on a private guided tour of the Georgia Museum of Art.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 7 – Mtskheta – Gori – Kutaisi

Drive to the site of Mtskheta, the city where Christianity was proclaimed at Georgia’s official religion. Continue to the church of Jvari, then to Gori, birthplace of Joseph Stalin. Visit the Stalin Museum before continuing to Kutaisi and spend 1 night at Bagrati 1003 hotel (or similar)
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 8 – Bagrati – Gelati – Ubisa – Tbilisi

This morning, visit Bagrati cathedral before continuing to the Gelati monastery complex, which features numerous churches, houses and mosaics. Drive back to Tbilisi, stopping en route in Ubisa. Overnight at the Museum Hotel (or similar)
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 9 – Gremi – Ikalto – Bodbe – Signagi

Travel through the winelands of Kakheti to the town of Gremi, before continuing on to Ikalto Academy, one of Georgia’s great medieval academies. Drive to Signagi via the monastery of St Nino at Bodbe, one of the country’s major pilgrimage sites. Overnight at Kabadoni Hotel (or similar)
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 10 – Signagi – Tsinandali – Telavi – Alaverdi – Tbilisi

After a walking tour of Signagi, visit Tsinandali, the palace and vineyard of a noble family. After lunch in a wine house, visit Alaverdi, a functioning Georgian monastery. Return to Tbilisi for a farewell dinner and stay overnight at the Museum Hotel (or similar)
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 11 – Fly to London via Paris

Transfer to Tbilisi airport. Fly to London via Paris.
(Breakfast)

Hotel Metropol, Yerevan
The Metropol Hotel is centrally located within a short walk of Yerevan’s many museums, churches and restaurants.

Museum Hotel Orbelliani, Tbilisi
The Museum Hotel Orbeliani is located in the heart of old town Tbilisi with easy access to all the main sights. The hotel has a boutique ambience with a mismatch of antique and modern furniture throughout. The Sirajkhana restaurant serves Georgian cuisine and an excellent selection of local wines while the café is the ideal spot to relax with a coffee. Rooms are of a good size with fresh, modem décor and many with views over the old centre of the Georgian capital.

Bagrati 1003, Kutaisi
The Bagrati 1003 Hotel is located on the left bank of the River Rioni. It has 16 comfortable en suite guestrooms over five floors. The design of the rooms is in keeping with the region, with the emphasis on dark woods for furniture and beds. The hotel is air conditioned throughout and has its own restaurant, which serves a choice of Georgian traditional dishes and European cuisine.

Please note, prices listed are guide prices only and are based on 2 people sharing and don’t include any additional supplements. Holiday prices are fluid and dynamic and may be changed at a moment’s notice, prior to booking, at which point they are confirmed. Please call the team free on 0808 258 4739 for more departure dates available and a quote.