Ancient World of the Caucasus

Georgia | Armenia

Archaeology | Culture

Archaeology laid bare on Europe's balcony.

12 days £2,295 pp This is the per person group tour price, based on 2 sharing. The price is subject to change with exchange rate and flight cost fluctuations.
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Intro, Dates & Prices

Intro

Stand amid a restless past and dynamic present in this combined journey through Armenia and Georgia. Taste Armenia's brandy and Georgia's wine where they are made. Attend an Armenian choral recital. Understand the pride of place Christianity takes in these neighbouring states with visits to the picturesque monasteries of Khor Virap and Gelati. Wander 1st Century cave towns. Test the Black Sea in the resort town of Batumi. Even sit down to share meals with local Georgians, enjoying the textured melodies of polyphonic singers.

But most of all, immerse yourself - under the helpful guidance of seasoned professionals - in the steeped archaeology of the south Caucasus. Together, we'll step back all of 1.8 million years at Dmanisi, to learn more of this region's storied, proto-human history. We'll also explore the Roman-Byzantine period at Gonio's dramatic Black Sea fortress. With so much early human development pointing to the Caucasus, as well as enduring milestones of the glittering classical and medieval periods, this tour aims to shed more light on the longer arc of history at the crossroads of Europe & the Middle East.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • The 'Pink City' of Yerevan
  • Early Bronze Age settlement site of Shengavit
  • 'Symphony of the Stones' at Garni
  • Autumnal golds in its broad-leaf forests
  • Intricate Georgian architecture of the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
  • Dzalisi's archaeological findings dating back to 3rd century BC Iberia
  • Visit the Kingdom of Colchis’ old capital city
  • Charming Black Sea resort town of Batumi
  • One of the largest cave systems in Georgia

Places Visited

Yerevan - Shengavit - Erebuni - Garni - Dilijan - Sadakhlo - Dmanisi - Tbilisi - Mtskheta - Armaztsikhe - Dzalisi - Gori - Uplistsikhe - Kutaisi - Batumi

What's Included

Arrival & departure transfers
Ground transport with driver
Domestic flights (if relevant - refer to itinerary)
Accommodation
Meals (refer to itinerary for meal plan)
English-speaking guides
Entrance fees to sites & parks

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Itinerary & Map
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Overview Itinerary Detailed Itinerary
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Day 1 : Arrival Yerevan

Land in Armenia's eternal capital. Upon arrival your Travel The Unknown representative will be waiting to whisk you away to your hotel to check-in, freshen up and take your bearings on your first day here. Feel at liberty to relax at the hotel, or venture out to discover why they call Yerevan the 'Pink City'.

Spend the evening at leisure.

Overnight in Opera Suite, Yerevan

Meal plan: n/a

The capital of Armenia, Yerevan, sits on the Hrazdan river surrounded by picturesque hills and snow-capped mountains. It is often referred to as the 'Pink City' due to the 106 shades of tufa lava stone used on the city's buildings. During the Soviet years, Russian architect Alexander Tamanyan completely reconstructed Yerevan to resemble the neo-classical city styles of Paris and St. Petersburg. 

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Day 2 : Yerevan - Khor Virap - Zvartnots - Yerevan

After breakfast, start tour in earnest with a circular tour of a few of the biggest cultural and historic attractions in and around Yerevan. Firstly, we head out of town for the 5th century monastery of Khor Virap. Rebuilt continuously over the past 1500 years, it sits somewhat photogenically at the foot of Mt Ararat. According to popular myth, in a well beneath the building is where the founder of the Armenian church, Gregory the Illuminator, is said to have been incarcerated for a dozen years. Back in Yerevan, visit the Echmiadzin museum to see, among other holy relics, the spear with which Longinus supposedly plunged into the limp body of Christ on the cross. A fragment of the cross itself lies here. Later to one of Armenia's national symbols, Zvartnots, to stand before this ruined circular cathedral.

Back to your hotel to enjoy your evening at leisure. 

Overnight in Opera Suite, Yerevan

Meal plan: Breakfast

The Khor Virap Monastery, located in the Ararat plains, is the closest point to biblical Mt. Ararat. It is a prominent pilgrimage site, as it is where the first Armenian Catholicos resided and where Gregory the Illuminator, Armenia's patron saint, was imprisoned for 14 years. The monastery holds regular services to this day.

Constructed in the 7th century, the UNESCO-listed Zvartnots Temple originally stood at a height of 49 metres, making it one of Armenia's tallest structures during that period. It consisted of three stories in a cylindrical shape and was crowned with a dome. While all that remains now are the ruins of the lower walls and individual fragments, details including floor mosaics and intricate stone carvings indicate how the temple was once beautifully decorated from top to bottom. It is still questioned as to what caused the temple's fall in the 10th century, though theories include destruction by a powerful earthquake or the temple's cornerstone being removed during an Arab invasion, causing the building to collapse in on itself. 

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Day 3 : Yerevan - Shengavit - Erebuni - Yerevan

On leaving the hotel we travel first to the Armenian highlands where lies Shengavit, an important Bronze Age settlement. Academics contend that it was from here that agriculture may have spread into Mesopotamia and the Levant. Experts on hand to explain its place in history. From there to the Iron Age hilltop fort of Erebuni, on the ancient borderlands of the Utartian kingdom. Returning to the capital, indulge in a bit of fun at Yerevan's brandy factory, before rounding off an educational day at the museum.

In the evening, relax back at your hotel. 

Overnight in Opera Suite, Yerevan

Meal plan: Breakfast

Settled in the early Bronze Age period, circa 3,500BC, Shengavit lays claim to being among the best-preserved site dating from that era in all Armenia. Academics attest to its importance as a proto-agricultural settlement from where migratory tribes may have spread their new technology far and wide in Mesopotamia and the Levant. 

An important Iron Age hilltop fort, built in the time of the prophets. Belonging to the powerful Utartian kingdom, Erebuni was one of several citadels strung along the northern borders of the Utartian kingdom. It may have lent its name to what would later become Yerevan. 
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Day 4 : Yerevan - Garni - Geghard - Dilijan

Moving on from our base in Yerevan, we travel onward to nearer the Georgian border. First scheduled stop will be Armenia's last-surviving Hellenistic temple. Dating from the 1st century AD and devoted to the Persian deity, Mithra, Garni is considered valuable insofar as few, if any, other pagan temples still exist in situ. From the pagan glory of Garni we sidestep to the Christian era with a trip to the spectacular Geghard monastery. Hewn partially out of the rock face, Geghard has a remote and lofty position so typical of orthodox monasteries. UNESCO-listed.

Next we proceed north to Dilijan. Located not far from Lake Sevan, Dilijan is a stone-built spa town, rich in arts & crafts. Wrapped in the dense forests of the surrounding national park, Dilijan makes for a pretty stopover.

Check in to your Dilijan hotel, and enjoy the evening in this purifying atmosphere. 

Meal plan: Breakfast

Garni Temple is a picturesque monument of the Hellenistic period and an impressive piece of ancient Armenian architecture built in the 1st century A.D. After Christianity was proclaimed as a state religion in 301, the temple was used as a summer residence of the kings. The Garni canyon, which is a one-hour walk away along the Azat River, is particularly interesting. Its walls are formed of hexagonal rock strips, which is a natural formation known as the 'Symphony of Stones'. The gorge is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The Geghard Monastery is a magnificent monument of medieval Armenian architecture that is partially carved out of a mountain. It was founded in the 4th century by  Gregory the Illuminator when a  sacred spring was found inside a nearby cave, but the  main chapel was built only in 1215. The name is translated as 'Monastery of the Spear', named after the spear that pierced Jesus on the crucifix. Apostle Jude supposedly brought this spear into Armenia and it is now displayed in the Echmiadzin treasury. However, churches in Rome, Vienna and Antioch also claim to possess this spear. Geghard has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Dilijan is a town in northern Armenia. It's known for spa resorts and traditional craft workshops. The town is surrounded by the forests of Dilijan National Park. The Geological Museum and Art Gallery displays archaeological finds and international art. North of town, Haghartsin Monastery is a complex of stone ch
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Day 5 : Dilijan - Sadakhlo (Border) - Dmanisi - Tbilisi

Last breakfast in Armenia before adding another stamp to your passport. From Dilijan the tour leads on to the border crossing at Sadakhlo. Once clear at immigration, we head to the remarkable site of Dmanisi. Containing paleontological remains of the oldest hominid species found outside Africa, dubbed Homo Georgicus, this is an evocative place and rightfully in contention to become a UNESCO world heritage site.

Ending a good road trip in Tbilisi, check into your hotel. Perhaps even venture out into the old town for a wander. 

Overnight in Mercure Tbilisi Old Town, Tbilisi

Meal plan: Breakfast

Remarkable excavation uncovering the earliest-known hominid dispersal out of Africa. Recognition given to Dmanisi discoveries of having revolutionised scientist's knowledge concerning the migration of homo from Africa to the European continent. A new hominid sub-species created here: Homo Georgicus.
Dmanisi is located about 85 km south-west of Tbilisi buried below the ruins of the medieval town of Dmanisi, in the Mashavera River Valley.

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Day 6 : Tbilisi

Enjoy a full day, experiencing some of Tbilisi's intangible heritage, as well as its tangible heritage. To the national museum we go, in search of treasure from Georgia's long pre-Christian era. Either an academic or curator will be present to educate you on this gilded age of discovery. Later, test your palette with a degustation of select Georgian wines. We round off a varied programme with a short drive to a local family, who will host you for dinner and a spot of polyphonic singing for good measure.

Return to your hotel in the evening.

Overnight in Mercure Tbilisi Old Town, Tbilisi

Meal plan: Breakfast

Tbilisi, formerly known as 'Tiflis', is Georgia's capital and the largest city of Georgia. It lays on the banks of the Mtkvari River and has a population of roughly 1.5 million people. Founded in the 5th century by the monarch of Georgia's ancient precursor, the Kingdom of Iberia, over the centuries the city was taken by successive invaders. Historically diverse, an increase in the Armenian population was noticed in the 19th century. Tbilisi has many narrow streets and a mixture of religious and secular architecture. The old city features many churches, synagogues, mosques and 19th-century houses with multi-coloured wooden balconies. For outright weirdness Tbilisi also has a street named in honour of ex-president, George W Bush.

Tbilisi’s old town stands in the shadow of Mother Georgia’s silvery statue, perched on a hill overlooking a mosaic of multi-coloured houses constructed in the 19th century. Nestled together on narrow streets, the homes feature wooden balconies that allow residents to revel in the fresh air. Established in the 4th century and fortified over hundreds of years, the ruins of Narikala Fortress also tower over Georgia’s capital, offering visitors spectacular panoramic views.

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Day 7 : Tbilisi - Mtskheta - Armaztsikhe - Dzalisi - Tbilisi

Today we hit the highway to see Georgia's most ancient and most venerable city, Mtskheta. Inscribed onto UNESCO's World Heritage list since 1994, this small town occupies a dear - even sacred - place in the hearts of Georgians, as it was here that Christianity was proclaimed the state religion of Georgians in 337AD. Off the highway are a couple of archaeological sites that shed light on the Pre-Christian era. On the slopes of Mount Bagineti, Armaztsikhe. And nearby, Dzalisi, a now-ruined complex dating from around the 4th century BC. Both sites contain limited remains, but worth the visit nonetheless.

Back to the capital for an evening at leisure. 

Overnight in Mercure Tbilisi Old Town, Tbilisi

Meal plan: Breakfast

Mtskheta is one of Georgia’s oldest cities, located roughly 20 km north of Tbilisi at the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers. Within the city (which is itself a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, one of Georgia’s largest places of worship. The site, surrounded by a defensive wall, has housed churches since the 4th century, but the standing building was constructed in the early 11th century and artfully restored in the 1970s. According to Biblical canon, Christ’s robe was carried to Mtskheka after his crucifixion and buried beneath the cathedral. Inside, a painting illustrates the buried garment and the miracle of a pillar rising into the air during the church’s construction.  

Not much remains of Armaztsikhe, an archaeological complex that stood, from the 4th century BC, on the slopes of Mount Bagineti. The remains of a wall, towers, bulwarks, the base of the Armazi Idol, a palatial building, a wine cellar, a bathhouse, and plumbing are just a few of the ancient structures that remain here today. Found in open countryside, imagination completes the missing parts of the picture. 
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Day 8 : Tbilisi - Gori - Uplistsikhe - Kutaisi

This morning we bid farewell to Tbilisi for a while. Taking the road which ends in Kutaisi, first stop is the UNESCO cave town-fortress of Uplistsikhe. This archaeological complex harks back to the Iron Age, offering the visitor the chance to appreciate continuity, from Uplistsikhe's earliest traces in the 2nd millennium BC through late classical antiquity with its late Hellenistic period, into the Middle Ages when its destruction was wrought by Mongols. Later to Stalin's hometown of Gori, and its museum.

Going ever west toward the Eastern Black Sea, we end in Kutaisi.

Overnight in Best Western Kutaisi, Kutaisi

Meal plan: Breakfast

The city of Gori is famously known as the birthplace of Joseph Stalin. The city’s Stalin Museum was originally built in 1951 as a local history museum, later, following his death in 1953, becoming a memorial museum to the Soviet dictator. Visitors to the museum can delve into the life of the young Josef Djugashvili, seeing the house where he spent the first few years of his life.  On display, are also artefacts of his later life as the cruel, indomitable Stalin: his personal armoured train carriage and many items that once belonged to him - including hand-written texts, office furniture and a bronze cast of his death mask.

Uplistsikhe (meaning 'Fortress of the Ruler') is a rock-hewn town that dates back to 1000 BC and covers an area of approximately 8 hectares. The town is divided over three levels that are connected by a series of narrow tunnels. Uplistsikhe used to be a main point on the Silk Road, but was abandoned in the 17th century.

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Day 9 : Kutaisi - Gelati - Vani - Batumi

Leaving Kutasai, we head to a masterpiece of ecclesiastical worship: the 12th century Gelati monastery. Only one of five in the whole country, its design is rightly celebrated down the ages. Continuing on, arrive at Vani's archaeological museum. The museum showcases some of the surviving artifacts of Georgia's classical period, when today's Imereti region was once known as Colchis (where Jason sought the Golden Fleece). Westward down to the Black Sea, arrive into the chilled coastal resort of Batumi where you'll check into your hotel before enjoying an evening at leisure. 

Overnight in Hotel London Batumi , Batumi

Meal plan: Breakfast

 Kutaisi is Georgia’s second largest city and has a history that dates back to 2000 BC, when it served as the capital city of the Kingdom of Colchis. Ottoman forces conquered the city in the early 16th century, but it was reclaimed by the Georgian king in 1770. The city possesses two UNESCO World Heritage sites and sits on the banks of the Rioni river. 

The Gelati Monastery, founded by beloved Georgian ruler David IV (also referred to as ‘’David the Builder’’), consists of the main Church of the Virgin, the Church of St. George, the Church of St. Nicholas and a bell tower. The Academy building recalls the monastery’s history as a cultural centre of ancient Georgia, attracting great scientific and philosophical minds. Murals and mosaics, some of which date back to the 12th century, cover the spacious interior of the buildings, arching over windows, pressing backwards into alcoves and reaching the highest stretches of the vaulted ceiling. Despite damage from invasion and feuds, visitors can still admire detailed enamel and metal work from a bygone era.

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Day 10 : Batumi - Gonio Fortress - Batumi

After breakfast, take the short, scenic ride to Gonio's fortress. Still weighing in heavily after almost 2,000 years of indomitable standing, the fortress was built in the Roman-Byzantine style and later occupied by Ottomans. Equipped with its own little museum, set between steep-sided hills and the Black Sea, the fortress is even claimed by some to have been the burial place of the apostle Matthew.

Return to Batumi for evening at your leisure.  

Overnight in Hotel London Batumi , Batumi

Meal plan: Breakfast

The attractive coastal resort town of Batumi, in the south-west of Georgia, has become the go-to destination for holidaying Georgians. Formerly the western terminus for a railway carrying oil from Azerbaijan, Batumi became cut off during the Soviet era, when the nearby border with Turkey was closed. However, in recent decades, time and money has been spent to turn it into a charming seaside resort on the Black Sea.

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Day 11 : Batumi - Prometheus Grotto - Tbilisi

Leave Batumi after breakfast on an all-day trip back to Tbilisi. But not before turning off for some dimly-lit delight in a true underworld - Prometheus' Cave. At 1.4km long and comprising six connected chambers, the cave system ends in a nearly half kilometre long subterranean lake. Epic stuff! 

Resume journey by road to the capital. On arrival, check into your hotel and take it easy for what's left of the day.

Overnight in Mercure Tbilisi Old Town, Tbilisi

Meal plan: Breakfast

Discover real masterpieces of nature - stalactites and stalagmites at Prometheus Cave, which are the most beautiful forms created by nature. One of Georgia's largest cave systems, the grotto comprises 22 grand halls, of which only 6 are on public display. A fairy tale world, and bonanza for all you speleologists. 

Tbilisi’s old town stands in the shadow of Mother Georgia’s silvery statue, perched on a hill overlooking a mosaic of multi-coloured houses constructed in the 19th century. Nestled together on narrow streets, the homes feature wooden balconies that allow residents to revel in the fresh air. Established in the 4th century and fortified over hundreds of years, the ruins of Narikala Fortress also tower over Georgia’s capital, offering visitors spectacular panoramic views.

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Day 12 : Tbilisi - Departure

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before final check-out. Transfer to the airport to continue your onward voyage. 

Meal plan: Breakfast

Accommodation

Accommodation

All accommodation subject to availability. Final accommodation choices will be confirmed after booking.

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Opera Suite

Yerevan (3 nights)

Ultra-modern, high-rise and replete with the kind of facilities one comes ot expect from a 4* hotel, Yerevan's Opera Suite takes accommodation to new and higher levels. Occupying a position in the city centre, this hotel is, aside from a place of comfort and exemplary service, a convenient location for those wishing to explore what this old city has to offer. 

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Mercure Tbilisi Old Town

Tbilisi (4 nights)

Mercure Tbilisi Old Town is located in the center of Old Tbilisi, a 5-minute walk from Metekhi Cathedral. Mercure Tbilisi features Old Town Restaurant & Lobby Bar, Rooftop Terrace Bar SKY7 which offers a variety of drinks and panoramic views of the Tbilisi. Various restaurants, cafes and galleries are located a 5-minute walk from the hotel. Famous Sculpture Baths, Narikala Fortress, Meydan Square and Shardeni Streets are located nearby the hotel. Free WIFI is featured at the hotel.
 

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Best Western Kutaisi

Kutaisi (1 night)

Located in the heart of Kutaisi, just a few steps from the White Bridge and the historical centre, the Best Western Kutaisi is the perfect base from which to explore the city. The hotel blends a contemporary style with nods to Georgian culture, and prides itself on the high standard of customer service. Featuring a terrace and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout, the hotel offers 45 air-conditioned rooms that are equipped with a flat-screen TV and desk. Breakfast is served daily in the on-site restaurant, and there is a bar for guests to enjoy in the evenings.

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Hotel London Batumi

Batumi (2 nights)

A comfortable stay on the coast, attended by helpful staff. Located 16 minutes' walk of Ali and Nino Sculpture, this 4-star Hotel London Batumi offers airport shuttle service and 24-hour front desk assistance. The hotel is a short walk from Europe Square. The air-conditioned rooms have a balcony and a sitting area, and are furnished with sound-proofed windows. Also, there is a mini bar fridge and coffee/tea making machines as well as an electronic key card provided. The property is within 2.1 km to Dolphinarium Theme Park. The city centre is about 5 minutes on foot. 

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Extensions

Hills and Mountain Villages of Georgia (1-10 days)

Hike the hills and mountain regions of Georgia

Mix and match Georgia (1-5 days)

Discover more of Georgia's quirks and hidden corners

Hiking in Svaneti (12 days)

Explore Georgia's stunning mountains on foot

Best of the Caucasus (15 days)

Charms & contradictions of Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia

Eastern Turkey & Georgia Explorer (14 days)

From Ancient Anatolia to the Heart of Georgia.

Armenia & Georgia Explorer (12 days)

Journey through the rich history of Armenia & Georgia

Around the South Caucasus (12 days)

Three small countries. All neighbours. All totally different.

Ancient World of the Caucasus (12 days)

Archaeology laid bare on Europe's balcony.

Hidden Treasures of Georgia (12 days)

Led by Bradt author Sophie Ibbotson

Georgia Explorer (9 days)

Unadorned monasteries, lofty peaks, ancient vineyards, and faultless hospitality.

Rural Georgia (9 days)

Experience local village hospitality in rugged backcountry

Six Days in Georgia (6 days)

Visit Tbilisi and the Khaketi wine region.

Three Days in Georgia (3 days)

Visit Tbilisi and the Khaketi wine region.

Reviews

We had a fantastic time on our Best of the Caucasus tour. We loved eating with the families in Georgia and visiting the Molovan family in Armenia, definitely highlights of the trip. Our Georgian guide in particular was the best you could possibly have, giving a true insight into the country. He should be recommended for an award!

Pam Bowers & John Simpson , Best of the Caucasus

We are a fairly fussy bunch of travellers, but this was one of our best trips. We were were impressed with the overall organisation, and our young and very capable guide was an excellent ambassador for her beautiful country.

Valerie Newberry , Tailormade Georgia

We asked Travel the Unknown to come up with an unusual trip to 6 counties of the Caucasus and the ex-Soviet Union countries. They did so in a tour that flowed seamlessly the whole 38 days. The most impressive part was when Ukrainian Airlines cancelled our connecting flights from Kiev to Minsk, for 2 consecutive days. We contacted Travel The Unknown that morning and asked them to arrange an overnight train with a sleeping compartment. When arrived in Kiev, we were met at the airport, driven to the train station where tickets where waiting for us. They arranged for our pickup at the station in Minsk, as we left the train, and we went on our planned tours without losing a minute. That is what I call great service!

Irwin Drangel & Linda Schain , Tailor-made Caucasus and Soviet Fringes

Loved the Caucasus with Travel the Unknown. I learnt of their ancient history and the current geopolitical significance of the cross roads between West and East. Another first class trip from Travel the Unknown with extremely knowledgeable guides and great hotels.

Margaret Small , Best of the Caucasus

The trip to the Caucasus was both illuminating and fun. It was particularly interesting to visit all three countries, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia, to try to understand the area and the problems they face from each country's very different perspective. The scenery in the whole area is breathtaking. The tour introduced us to many local people who were all very hospitable and generous. They welcomed us warmly and joined in our enjoyment of "having a go" at various crafts, eg bread making, felt-making, learning a bit of Georgian script, etc. In each of the three countries, religion is fundamental to their lives and visits to mosques, temples, churches, monasteries and cathedrals were a large feature in the tour. I would highly recommend the tour to anyone who likes an activity-packed holiday in places that are off the beaten track.

Doreen , Best of the Caucasus

Our private tour of the Best of the Caucasus was well organised with a varied and busy itinerary, knowledgeable and interesting guides and good transport. Everything ran very smoothly, gave us a wonderful introduction to the long, and at times traumatic, history of each country and was a lot of fun. Thanks!

The Martyn-Fishers , Best of the Caucasus
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