Duration: 16 days/15 nights
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through two of the Caucasus' most captivating countries — Armenia and Georgia — with the freedom of a self-drive tour! This combined journey invites you to explore at your own pace, where scenic roads, ancient monasteries, vibrant cities, and authentic cultural experiences unfold before you.

Discover the freedom of the open road with our Self-Drive Combined Tour of Armenia and Georgia! This adventure starts in Armenia, where you’ll explore ancient monasteries, scenic mountain routes, and charming towns at your own pace.Crossing into Georgia, the journey continues through a land of rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes — from the colorful streets of Tbilisi to the majestic peaks of Kazbegi.The route makes a full circle, bringing you back to Armenia for a perfect ending to your cross-border experience. With reliable car rental, cozy accommodations, and detailed route suggestions, you’ll enjoy the freedom of independent travel with the comfort of knowing the essentials are taken care of.
Explore the South Caucasus your way — one road, two countries, endless memories!

Day 1: Arrival

• Meet and greet, transfer airport/hotel
• OVERNIGHT: 3* Hotel in Yerevan

Day 2: Guided Yerevan City Tour – Explore Armenia’s Vibrant Capital

• Republic Square – The heart of Yerevan, surrounded by grand Soviet-era architecture and the iconic singing fountains.
• Opera House & Abovyan Street – A blend of classical elegance and vibrant city life, showcasing Yerevan’s architectural beauty and charming historic streets
• Cafesjian Open-Air Museum – A unique fusion of contemporary art and urban design, featuring world-class sculptures along the Cascade Complex.
• Fruit Market – A colorful and aromatic market where you can experience Armenia’s rich flavors, sample dried fruits, nuts, and local delicacies, and interact with friendly vendors.
• MEALS: Breakfast
• OVERNIGHT: 3* Hotel in Yerevan

Day 3: Pick up your rental car at your hotel and start your journey.

• Garni Temple – 1st-century pagan temple, the only Greco-Roman colonnaded temple in Armenia, dedicated to the sun god Mihr.
• Geghard Monastery – Medieval monastery partially carved into rock, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its intricate khachkars and religious significance.
• OPTIONAL — Armenian BBQ in a Local Family’s Garden
• Symphony of Stones – Natural rock formation near Garni, featuring hexagonal basalt columns resembling organ pipes, located within the Azat River Gorge, which is part of the UNESCO-listed Geghard Monastery area.
• You will overnight in a cozy camping site located in Goght village, run by a Dutch family, offering a relaxed atmosphere and an open-air swimming pool — a perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploration.
• MEALS: Breakfast,
  
• OVERNIGHT: 3Gs Camping in Goght

Day 4:  Monasteries, Caves & the Spirit of Southern Armenia

• Azat Reservoir — Start the day at this peaceful water reservoir, where — depending on the weather — you can enjoy amazing views of Mount Ararat and the surrounding landscapes.
• Khor Virap Monastery — Visit one of Armenia’s most iconic religious sites, offering panoramic views of Mount Ararat and deep historical roots.
• Areni-1 Cave — Explore the ancient cave where the world’s oldest winery was discovered and get a glimpse into early human history.
• Noravank Monastery — Admire this picturesque monastery, famous for its unique architecture and dramatic setting among red cliffs.
• OPTIONAL: Wine Tasting & Lunch in Areni Village — Savor Armenian wines and enjoy a traditional local lunch in this renowned wine village.
• Yeghegis Village — Conclude the day in this quiet mountain village, known for its medieval Jewish cemetery and tranquil rural atmosphere.
• MEALS: Breakfast
• OVERNIGHT: Arevi Hotel in Yeghegis

Day 5:  From Silk Road Heights to Forest Retreats

• Vardenyats Pass — Cross this scenic mountain pass, once an important part of the ancient Silk Trade Road. Make a stop at the well-preserved Selim Caravanserai, a medieval resting place for merchants and travelers crossing these rugged highlands.
• Noratus Cross Stones — Visit the largest collection of medieval khachkars (cross-stones) in Armenia, each carved with unique patterns and stories.
• OPTIONAL: Mikayelyan Chess Farm near Noratus — Explore this quirky chess farm, a unique blend of art, craft, and agriculture.
• Hayravank Monastery — Explore this simple yet charming 9th-century monastery, perched on a rocky cliff overlooking Lake Sevan.
• Lake Sevan — Pause to enjoy the beauty of one of the world’s largest alpine lakes, famous for its clear blue waters and fresh fish cuisine.
• Haghartsin Monastery — Wander through this forest-hidden monastery complex, set in the green hills of Dilijan, offering peace, history, and a perfect blend of nature and architecture.
• OPTIONAL: Self-guided hike to a hidden waterfall near Haghartsin.
• MEALS: Breakfast
• OVERNIGHT: RestArt Guesthouse

Day 6:  Traces of the Soviet Era & Timeless Monasteries

• Vanadzor — Start the day in Armenia’s third-largest city, a former industrial hub with distinctive Soviet-era architecture and a unique atmosphere shaped by its past.
• Lori Berd — Visit the ruins of this medieval fortress, dramatically located at the confluence of two rivers, once an important stronghold in the Lori region.
• Odzun Church — Explore one of Armenia’s finest early medieval basilicas, known for its elegant stone carvings and unique funerary monument standing in the churchyard.
• Haghpat Monastery — Conclude the day at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, a masterpiece of Armenian medieval architecture, perched on a hillside with stunning views over the Debed Gorge.
• OPTIONAL: Kayan Berd Hiking near Haghpat — Hike to the Kayan Berd fortress, offering stunning views and a glimpse into Armenia’s medieval military past.
• MEALS: Breakfast
• OVERNIGHT: Qefilyan Family Hotel
  

Day 7:  From Monastic Heritage to Georgian Charm

• Sanahin Monastery — Start your morning at this UNESCO-listed monastery complex, known for its rich history, beautiful stone carvings, and scholarly significance in medieval Armenia.
• Akhtala Monastery — Visit this fortified monastery famous for its impressive frescoes and unique blend of Armenian and Georgian architectural influences.
• Bagratashen Border — Cross into Georgia through the Bagratashen-Sadakhlo checkpoint and experience the smooth transition from Armenian landscapes to Georgian hospitality.
• Tbilisi — Arrive in Georgia’s vibrant capital, where charming old streets, modern cafes, and diverse architecture create a perfect blend of history and contemporary life.
• MEALS: Breakfast
• OVERNIGHT: 3* Hotel in Tbilisi
  

Day 8: Tbilisi: A Crossroads of Cultures (Guided tour)

• Metekhi Church - A historic 13th-century church perched on a cliff, offering panoramic views over the old town and the Mtkvari River.
• Synagogue - An active Jewish place of worship, reflecting the deep-rooted and peaceful coexistence of different cultures in Tbilisi.
• Mosque - Unique for being shared by both Sunni and Shia Muslims — a rare symbol of religious tolerance and unity.
• 19th-century houses with colorful wooden balconies - Typical for Tbilisi’s architectural charm — these ornately decorated balconies add color and character to the city’s old neighborhoods.
• Mother Georgia Statue (Kartlis Deda) - The city’s iconic symbol: a proud female figure holding a sword in one hand and a bowl of wine in the other — representing both hospitality and strength.
• Narikala Fortress (4th century) - The ancient heart of Tbilisi’s defenses, offering spectacular views over the city. A living reminder of Tbilisi’s strategic and historical importance.
• Sulfur Baths district - A historic bathhouse neighborhood famous for its naturally warm sulfur-rich waters, beloved for relaxation and traditional health rituals.
• MEALS: Breakfast
• OVERNIGHT: 3* Hotel in Tbilisi

Day 9:  From Ancient Capitals to Mountain Peaks

• Visit to Mtskheta — Georgia’s ancient capital and spiritual center.
• Jvari Monastery (5th-6th century) — UNESCO site with panoramic views over Mtskheta.
• Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century) — UNESCO-listed masterpiece of Georgian Orthodox architecture.
• Drive along the historic Georgian Military Highway into the Greater Caucasus.
• Stop at Ananuri Fortress Complex (17th century) — overlooking the stunning Zhinvali Reservoir.
• Arrival in Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) — gateway to the majestic Caucasus.
• View of the sacred Mount Kazbek (5054 m) — weather permitting.
• Visit to the hilltop Gergeti Trinity Church (14th century) — accessible by hike or local jeep.
• MEALS: Breakfast
• OVERNIGHT: Guesthouse in Kazbegi

Day 10:  Stepantsminda — Nature & Culture at Your Own Pace

• Stepantsminda — Free Day Options
• Felt workshop & tasting: Try your hand at felt crafting while sampling local jams and herbal teas. (€15 p.p.)
• Gveleti Waterfall hike: Short drive to the trailhead, 300m elevation climb, approx. 1-hour round trip hike. Optional visit to the Russian border monastery.
• Juta & Chaukhebi Mountain hike: Scenic drive through the Sno Valley to Juta village, hike at your own pace toward Mount Chaukhebi
• MEALS: Breakfast
• OVERNIGHT: Guesthouse in Kazbegi

Day 11:  From Kazbegi to Ateni — History, Wine & Hospitality

• Drive from the Caucasus Mountains to Gori.
• Optional: Visit the Stalin Museum — includes Stalin’s original childhood house and private train carriage.
• Explore Uplistsikhe Cave Town — ancient rock-hewn settlement from 1000 BC.
• Arrival at Ateni Gorge — stay at a cozy guesthouse with its own wine cellar.
• MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner
• OVERNIGHT: Guesthouse in Ateni

Day 12: Ateni to Vardzia — Parks, Castles & Culture

• Visit to Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park — Georgia’s largest national park and WWF PAN Park.
• OPTIONAL: Horseback riding adventure through the park’s scenic landscape.
• Stop in Akhaltsikhe for a visit to the renovated Rabati Castle & Fortress — a mix of medieval, Ottoman, and modern architecture.
• Explore the Archaeological Museum within Rabati Fortress.
• Arrival in Vardzia — dinner and overnight in a welcoming family hotel.
• MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner
• OVERNIGHT: Family Hotel in Vardzia

Day 13: Vardzia — Day of Optional Activities: Caves, Castles & Hot Springs

• Vardzia Cave Monastery — Explore the 12th-century rock-hewn city once used as a secret fortress.
• Hike to Tmogvi Fortress — 8 km round trip, approx. 3h30 min walking time. Path starts at the Vardzia parking lot and leads to dramatic mountaintop ruins with valley views.
• Authentic Hot Spring Bath — soak in 45°C natural mineral water in a rustic, small pool for 10 GEL p.p.
• MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner
• OVERNIGHT: Family Hotel in Vardzia.

Day 14: Crossing Borders: From Vardzia to Gyumri

• Departure from Vardzia.
• Cross the Georgian-Armenian border at Bavra.
• Travel onward to Gyumri — Armenia’s second-largest city.
• Marmashen Monastery (10th–11th century) - Explore the peaceful complex of Armenian tufa stone churches.
• MEALS: Breakfast
• OVERNIGHT: Kuma Hotel in Gyumri

Day 15:  Fortresses, Wine, and Scenic Views

• Gyumri City Tour on Foot – Explore the historical sites, unique architecture, and vibrant culture of Gyumri at your own pace, walking through the city's charming streets.
• Black Fortress  – A medieval stronghold in Gyumri, built from black basalt, offering panoramic views and symbolizing Armenia's historical resilience.
• Amberd Fortress – A medieval fortress located on the slopes of Mount Aragats, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and historical ruins.
• Drive back to Yerevan – Journey through the scenic Armenian landscapes, returning to the vibrant capital city, where history, culture, and modern life converge.
• Drop-off of the rented car at the hotel.
• MEALS: Breakfast
• OVERNIGHT: 3* Hotel in Yerevan

Day 16: Departure

•  Transfer to airport

PRICE €1490

per person (based on 4 participants)

PRICE €1890

per person (based on 2 participants)

Price Includes:

• Hotel Accommodation – Stay in comfortable hotels with daily breakfast.

• Program Created – Tailored sightseeing program with recommended routes and activities.

• Self-Drive Vehicle – Rental car in the category of Suzuki Vitara, Kia Seltos, or similar vehicle of the same class, with full insurance for the duration of the tour (13 days).

• Vehicle Delivery and Pickup – The vehicle will be delivered to your hotel at the start of the tour and picked up at the end.

• Full car insurance coverage in Armenia and Georgia.

• Power of attorney for the car when crossing the border.

• Maps & Directions – Detailed route maps and instructions for your self-drive experience.

• Meals – 3x dinner in Georgia

Price Excludes:

• Air Tickets – International and domestic flight tickets.

• Accommodation Surcharge – Single room supplement for solo travelers.

• Entrance Fees – Admission to all sightseeing destinations.

• Additional Meals – Any meals not mentioned in the itinerary.

• Beverages – Alcoholic drinks during meals.

• Optional activities - Which are mentioned in the tour program

• Travel Insurance – General and optional cancellation insurance.

• Personal Expenses – Any additional costs not specified in the program.

• Fuel – Cost of fuel for the rental vehicle.

• Parking & Tolls – Any parking fees or tolls incurred during the tour.

Please Contact us for price rates and further details.