Archaeology exploration across the Caucasus: Georgia and Armenia
August 2025 - 11 days
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Join a captivating journey through Georgia and Armenia. Explore ancient archaeological sites, medieval churches, monasteries, and prehistoric monuments, along with spectacular natural surroundings.
Georgia and Armenia are located in the South Caucasus region, a crossroads of history where East meets West, and have been home to various empires and kingdoms for millennia. The landscapes are diverse, with sites ranging from desert cave towns to high mountain monasteries. The ancient history, coupled with medieval Christian heritage and breathtaking landscapes, makes this an immersive experience into the past.
As well as incredible archaeology and landscapes, these countries are know for their food and ancient winemaking traditions, with archaeological evidence of viticulture dating back thousands of years which you have the opportunity to sample.
This tour is perfect for those that are fascinated by history, culture, and archaeology.
In partnership with Intrepid Travel.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN TO TBILISI AND MEET THE GROUP AND TOUR LEADER
After checking in to your hotel in central Tbilisi, meet with your tour leader, accompanying expert and fellow guests for a tour briefing.
DAY 2: EXPLORE TBILISI, VISIT THE NARIKALA FORTRESS AND GEOGIAN NATIONAL MUSEUM
Today you will explore Tbilisi with a local guide. Tbilisi is a city rich in history, culture, and a blend of old and modern architecture. Located on the banks of the Kura River and is surrounded by hills and mountains, offering picturesque views and a strategic position that has made it a cultural crossroads for centuries.
Begin by taking in the terraced alleys, colourful houses and patterned balconies all the way to the ancient Narikala Fortress where you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. Narikala dates back to the 4th century, when it was initially built as a Persian citadel. Over time, it expanded and evolved under different rulers, including Arabs, Mongols, and Georgians. Due to its location on a hill, Narikala served as a critical defensive structure, safeguarding Tbilisi from various invaders over the centuries.
From here, visit The Georgian National Museum which includes archaeological relics from the Stone Age right up through until the end of antiquity, including materials representing medieval civic life, industry and agriculture.
DAY 3: DMANISI ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE & MUSEUM VISIT
Today you will travel to the Dmanisi Archaeological Site. It is one of the most important paleontological discoveries in the world, particularly for our understanding of early human migration. The site has yielded some of the oldest human fossils found outside Africa, significantly contributing to the study of human evolution. The site has produced several well-preserved skulls and jawbones of early human ancestors, identified as Homo erectus georgicus, a subspecies of Homo erectus.
Afterwards, visit the Dmanisi Archaeological Museum where you can learn more about the archaeological discoveries and the significance of the site.
DAY 4: ARMAZTSIKHE-BAGINETI ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE AND MTSKHETA
Today you will travel to Armaztsikhe-Bagineti, the site was one of the main strongholds of the ancient kingdom of Iberia, a region historically linked to modern-day eastern Georgia. The site is thought to have been the residence of Georgian kings and nobles from the 3rd century BC until the 6th century AD. You can inspect the excavated residence of Iverian rulers, including bathhouses, a royal sarcophagus, a wine cellar complete with kvevri (Georgian wine amphorae), a six-apse temple and what may have been a palace. The earliest remains date from the 4th century BC.
Afterwards, visit the ancient capital and religious centre of Mtskheta where you can explore Mtskheta’s historical sites, including the 11th-century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.
DAY 5: VANI ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE AND NOKALAKEVI TOWN FORTRESS
Visit Vani Archaeological Site, renowned for its rich history and extraordinary discoveries of artifacts from the Kingdom of Colchis, which flourished in the western part of present-day Georgia. Vani was a major political, religious, and cultural center during the Hellenistic period and is often associated with the legendary land of Colchis, famous in Greek mythology as the destination of Jason and the Argonauts in their quest for the Golden Fleece.
In the afternoon, explore Nokalakevi, also known as Archaeopolis in ancient texts. It is one of a dozen fortified Roman cities in Georgia that played an important strategic role in the Byzantine-Sasanian wars fought between the Persian and Eastern Roman Empires from 572 AD.
DAY 6: VISIT AKHALTSIKHE CASTLE
Today you will travel to Akhaltsikhe Castle, its origins date back to the 9th century, but it reached its peak during the medieval period, particularly in the 12th century, under the rule of the powerful House of Jaqeli, a noble Georgian family that controlled much of the region known as Samtskhe. Over the centuries, it was occupied and modified by various rulers including Georgians, Armenians, Mongols, and Ottomans.
DAY 7: VARDZIA CAVES
Explore Vardzia. a vast man-made cave monastery complex carved into the cliffs of the Erusheti Mountain, located in the southern part of Georgia, near the town of Aspindza in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region. Dating back to the 12th century, Vardzia was built during the reign of Georgia's famous ruler, Queen Tamar.
DAY 8: GYUMRI TO YEREVAN
Today you will cross into Armenia as you travel to Gyumri, Armenia’s second largest city and cultural capital. Gyumri, originally known as Alexandrapol, dates back to ancient times. The city has been inhabited for thousands of years, and archaeological findings suggest it was part of the Urartian Kingdom You will get to see the highlights of the city, learn about its history and see why Gyumri is known for its art, music, architecture, handicrafts, films, and other cultural industries.
DAY 9: YEREVAN WALKING TOUR AND HISTORY MUSEUM OF ARMENIA
From here, travel to Yerevan where you will enjoy a walking tour of the city. Yerevan traces its origins to the ancient fortress of Erebuni, established by the Urartian king Argishti I in 782 BC.
In the afternoon, visit the History Museum which reflects a complete picture of the culture and history of Armenia, from prehistoric times (one million eight hundred thousand years ago) to the present day, including the world's oldest leather shoe found.
DAY 10: ARENI CAVE VISIT AND KHOR VIRAP MONASTERY
Today you will visit the Areni Cave, which is home to the oldest known winery, dating back to around 4100 BC. Archaeologists found fermentation vats, presses, and storage jars, providing evidence of early winemaking techniques. This discovery has helped establish Armenia's long-standing tradition of viticulture and wine production. Excavations have revealed human skeletons, including those of a young woman and a child, which are believed to date back to the 4th millennium BC.
Later, visit Khor Virap which offers spectacular views of Mount Ararat. It's notability as a monastery and pilgrimage site is attributed to the fact that Gregory the Illuminator was initially imprisoned here.
Enjoy a farewell dinner with the group this evening.
DAY 11: YERVAN DEPARTURE
After breakfast, there will be a group transfer to the airport. Alternatively, we can arrange for you to stay on for a few more days to explore Georgia further.