Archaeology exploration across the Caucasus: Georgia and Armenia
4 August 2025 – 12 days for £3799 per person.
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 known for their food and ancient wine-making traditions, with archaeological evidence of viticulture dating back thousands of years, which you will have the opportunity to sample. Throughout your trip, you will gain an understanding of the region and its fasinating history through a series of talks from your tour expert, Ian Colvin, who will cover an array of subjects, including:
- Tbilisi through time – an introduction to Georgia and the South Caucasus through its metropolis
- The South Caucasus, the nomads and the empires of the Near East
- 12 key historical influences on the South Caucasus
This tour is perfect for those who are fascinated by history, culture and archaeology.
In partnership with Intrepid Travel.
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN TBILISI AND MEET THE GROUP AND TOUR LEADER
After checking into 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 GEORGIAN NATIONAL MUSEUM
Today, you will explore Tbilisi with a local guide. The city is rich in history and culture, with a blend of old and modern architecture. It is 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 will 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 Arab, Mongol and Georgian rulers. 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 AND BOLNISI MUSEUM VISIT
Today, you will travel to the Dmanisi archaeological site. It is one of the most important palaeontological 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. It has produced several well-preserved skulls and jawbones of early human ancestors, identified as Homo erectus georgicus, a subspecies of Homo erectus.
Afterwards, head to Bolnisi, where you will visit a local museum to learn about the region’s history, its associations with Christianity and its ancient settlements.
DAY 4: ARMAZTSIKHE-BAGINETI ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE AND MTSKHETA, THEN ON TO KUTAISI
Today, you will journey to Kutaisi, stopping along the way to explore some of Georgia’s most significant historical and cultural landmarks. First, visit the Armaztsikhe-Bagineti – this 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 Iberian 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.
After soaking in these historical treasures, continue your scenic drive to Kutaisi, where the day concludes.
DAY 5: VANI ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE AND NOKALAKEVI TOWN FORTRESS
Visit the Vani archaeological site, renowned for its rich history and extraordinary discoveries of artefacts from the Kingdom of Colchis, which flourished in the western part of present-day Georgia. Vani was a major political, religious and cultural centre during the Hellenistic period (323 BC to 30 BC) 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 AD 572.
DAY 6: VISIT AKHALTSIKHE CASTLE
Today, you will travel to Akhaltsikhe Castle. Its origins date back to the 9th century AD, 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 Georgian, Armenian, Mongol and Ottoman rulers.
DAY 7: VARDZIA CAVES
Explore Vardzia, a vast human-made cave monastery complex that is carved into the cliffs of Erusheti mountain. It is located in the southern part of Georgia, near the town of Aspindza in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region. Dating back to the 12th century AD, 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. Previously known as Alexandrapol, Gyumri 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.
Continue your journey to Yerevan, Armenia’s dynamic capital. Upon arrival, enjoy the rest of the day to explore the city at your leisure, taking in its lively streets, unique cafes and the impressive backdrop of Mount Ararat.
DAY 9: YEREVAN WALKING TOUR AND HISTORY MUSEUM OF ARMENIA
In the morning, head out into the city on a walking tour. 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 of Armenia, which reflects a complete picture of the culture and history of Armenia, from prehistoric times (1.8 million years ago) to the present day, including the world's oldest leather shoe.
DAY 10: ARENI-1 CAVE VISIT AND KHOR VIRAP MONASTERY
Today, you will visit Areni-1 cave, which is home to the oldest known winery, dating back to around 4100 BC. Archaeologists found fermentation vats, presses and storage jars here, providing evidence of early wine-making 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 century BC.
Later, visit Khor Virap, which offers spectacular views of Mount Ararat. Its 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: YEREVAN TO TBILISI
Journey back to Tbilisi, with stops along the way to explore more of Armenia’s rich history. First, visit Sevanavank, a beautiful monastery perched on the shores of Lake Sevan. Take in the stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains as you learn about the monastery's history, which dates back to the 9th century AD.
Next, stop in Dilijan, a charming town surrounded by beautiful green mountains. Enjoy an orientation walk through its picturesque streets, followed by a delicious lunch in one of the local restaurants.
Afterwards, continue to Haghpat monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its impressive architecture and serene setting. Explore this ancient spiritual complex, with its beautiful churches, cloisters and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Finally, arrive in Tbilisi.
DAY 12: TBILISI 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.