Armenia and Georgia

8 days by plane from Zagreb

Guaranteed departures: 03.04. - 10.04.2027.

Airline taxes included in the price! First Minute discount €70 for reservations up to 45 days before departure or until capacity is filled at the first minute price.

1. ZAGREB – ISTANBUL – YEREVAN

Meeting of passengers at Zagreb Airport two hours before the aircraft departure at the central information desk. Distribution of travel documents by the tour leader and check-in for the flight to Istanbul on flight TK1058 (Turkish Airlines) with departure at 13:55. Arrival in Istanbul is scheduled for 17:15. Connection flight to Yerevan on flight TK358 (Turkish Airlines) at 21:45. Scheduled arrival at Yerevan Airport is at 01:00 local time. After customs and border formalities, an organized transfer to the hotel follows. Check-in and accommodation. Overnight.

2. YEREVAN – ETCHMIADZIN – ZVARTNOTS – YEREVAN

Breakfast at the hotel, then we head to Tsitsernakaberd, the official memorial complex in Yerevan dedicated to the 1.5 million Armenians who perished in the 1915 genocide. The complex was completed in 1967, and the central element is a 44-meter stele symbolizing national survival. We continue to the Ararat factory, a centuries-old producer of Armenian brandy operating since 1887. A special feature of their products is the use of local Armenian grapes and Caucasian oak barrels for aging. Here we will have the opportunity to taste their products. After the tasting we go to nearby Etchmiadzin, the administrative center of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Armenia was the first country to officially adopt Christianity (301–303), when King Tiridates III, at the urging of the founder of the Armenian Church, St. Gregory the Illuminator, had a cathedral built on the foundations of a pagan temple. This is the first cathedral in Armenia and one of the oldest in the world, today the seat of the Catholicos, head of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Tour of the building, which was expanded over the centuries in several phases and combines different styles of Armenian architecture. Within the complex we will also visit the Etchmiadzin Museum, a religious museum with more than 3,000 artifacts that trace the history of Armenian Christianity. Located within the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin (“the Armenian Vatican”), the museum houses sacred relics, including the Holy Lance (Geghard), which according to tradition pierced the body of Jesus Christ, as well as remains of Noah’s Ark and ancient ecclesiastical vestments. Free time for lunch and rest follows. Afterwards we go to Zvartnots, where the remains of an ancient Armenian basilica are located. On the foundations of a Urartian temple a paleochristian basilica was erected in 301, which around 700 was replaced by a new one and was destroyed in the 10th century. The site offers an excellent view of Mount Ararat. Return to Yerevan. Panoramic tour of the main city attractions: Genocide Monument, Opera, Cascades and Republic Square. Dinner in a traditional local taverna (included). Return to the hotel. Overnight.

3. YEREVAN – SOUTHWEST ARMENIA: KHOR VIRAP – ARENI – NORAVANK

Breakfast. Today we take a full-day excursion to southwestern Armenia, the area near the Turkish border. The first stop is Khor Virap, an ancient monastery located right next to the Turkish border. In its underground dungeon the chief Armenian missionary, St. Gregory the Illuminator, was imprisoned for preaching Christianity in then-pagan Armenia. From this place there is an excellent view of the holy Armenian mountain Ararat, which after the Armenian-Turkish war of 1918–1920 is under Turkish control. A wine tasting at one of the local wineries and lunch (included) follows. The tour continues by bus to the Areni site, including a visit to a cave with prehistoric artifacts from the 4th millennium BC. Afterwards we visit the nearby Noravank monastery, which also serves as the pantheon of the Orbelian dynasty. It is considered one of the most beautiful and architecturally unique monasteries in Armenia. Return to Yerevan. Free time. We suggest visiting a local taverna where we will have the opportunity to enjoy Armenian folklore and traditional specialties (supplement). Overnight at the hotel.

4. YEREVAN – GARNI – GEGHARD – SEVANAVANK – LAKE SEVAN – TBILISI

After breakfast we check out of the hotel and depart for the ancient fortress and archaeological site of Garni, inhabited for more than four millennia. From the 8th century the Urartian people, predecessors of the Armenians, lived here. The drive continues to a medieval 9th-century bridge through a steep mountain gorge whose basalt cliffs have been shaped by the Goght River into the marvelous “Symphony of Stones.” This scenic area contains the only preserved pagan Hellenistic temple from the pre-Christian period in the Caucasus, as well as remains of the summer residence and tombs of ancient Armenian rulers from the Orontid and Artaxiad dynasties, among which the tomb of Queen Katranide stands out, and the first Armenian churches from the 4th and 7th centuries. On the way to the Geghard complex we will make a short stop during which we will learn how to prepare traditional Armenian lavash in a local culinary class. We continue to the nearby monastery complex of Geghard, founded in the 4th century by St. Gregory the Illuminator, where we will tour churches and monastic buildings carved into the living rock. The name Geghard means “spear,” associated with the tradition that the Longinus spear that pierced the body of Jesus Christ was once kept here; it is now kept in the museum in Etchmiadzin. Next we drive to Lake Sevan, the largest lake in Armenia and the region. On the peninsula is the Sevanavank monastery, whose small Church of the Holy Apostles, according to tradition, was founded as early as 305 by St. Gregory the Illuminator, the first Catholicos (head) of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the patron of Armenia. The church is a typical example of early Armenian sacred architecture. Originally the peninsula was an island, separated from the shore by clear fish-rich water. Monks settled here at the end of the 8th century, building a modest chapel and cells, and the monastery gradually expanded thanks to its favorable position, with added walls, watchtowers, churches and other buildings. Pause for lunch (at extra cost approx. €10-15), followed by a half-hour boat ride on Lake Sevan. We continue to the Armenian-Georgian border where there will be a bus change and luggage transfer. Continue driving to Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, arriving in the early evening. Upon arrival we go to a local restaurant where we will have the opportunity to enjoy traditional Georgian specialties (included). After dinner transfer to the hotel, check-in and accommodation. Overnight.

5. TBILISI (city tour) – KAKHETI – SIGNAGI

After breakfast, a tour of the Georgian capital with a local guide. Tbilisi was founded in the 6th century by King Vakhtang I Gorgasali and today is Georgia’s most important cultural and industrial center. Drive along the famous Rustaveli Avenue with a panoramic view of main sights: State Opera and Ballet, Parliament, National Museum of Georgia and Freedom Square. We continue along the walls of Old Tbilisi, cross the river and take the funicular (ticket included) up to the ancient Narikala fortress, which offers a beautiful view over the city. Then descend to the sulfur baths and stroll through the Old Town along Shardeny Street, past the old Sioni Cathedral and the Anchiskhati Basilica. After the tour there is free time for personal activities and relaxation in one of the many restaurants and cafés in the old town. We especially recommend trying Georgian cuisine, a blend of Mediterranean and Oriental influences, considered by many among the best in the world. In the early afternoon we depart for an excursion to the Kakheti region. Drive to the fortified town of Signagi from the 18th century, also known as the “City of Love.” The town has preserved its original appearance and offers stunning views of the surrounding Caucasus mountains. Visit the city walls, towers and viewpoints. Lunch and a tasting of premium Georgian wines at a renowned winery follow. We will also have the chance to learn how to make Churchkhela, a traditional Georgian sweet often called the “Georgian Snickers,” recognizable by its sausage-like shape. It is made from walnuts, hazelnuts or almonds threaded on a string, then dipped in a thickened grape juice mixture (badagi), sugar and flour. Return to Tbilisi around 17:30. In the evening we recommend attending a folk show with a traditional Georgian dinner (extra charge). Overnight.

6. TBILISI – Caucasus excursion: ANANURI – GUDAURI – KAZBEGI – STEPANTSMINDA – TBILISI

Breakfast. A full-day bus excursion to the Caucasus region follows (duration approx. 9 hours), with spectacular mountain landscapes and cultural-historical sights. Drive on the route Tbilisi – Stepantsminda (approx. 155 km / 3 h 30 min), with short stops at the Ananuri fortress and at a viewpoint on the old Georgian Military Road, offering unforgettable views of mountain passes. Around 14:00 free time for lunch at a local restaurant in the village of Stepantsminda (extra charge approx. €15). After lunch the adventure continues – an off-road transfer (Land Rover) to the Church of the Holy Trinity (Gergeti), located at 2,170 meters above sea level. Enjoy the impressive panoramic view of the majestic Mt. Kazbek (5,047 m) and the surrounding glacial landscapes. Return to Tbilisi. Overnight.

7. TBILISI – MTSKHETA – GORI – TBILISI

Breakfast. We depart for Gori, the birthplace of the Soviet leader Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin. Walk through the town. Visit the Stalin Museum. Pause for lunch (extra charge approx. €15). Then we head to the Kartli region. Drive to Mtskheta, the religious center of Georgia. First we visit the 6th-century Jvari (Holy Cross) Church, located on a hill above the town with views over the confluence of two rivers. Then we descend to the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in the town center, decorated with numerous frescoes and mosaics, housing the tombs of Georgian kings and nobles from various historical periods. It is said that Christ’s robe is kept here, making it the most important religious center in Georgia. Return to Tbilisi in the early afternoon. Free afternoon and evening in Tbilisi for personal programs and activities. Overnight.

8. TBILISI – ISTANBUL – ZAGREB

Early morning transfer to Tbilisi Airport and check-in for the flight to Istanbul at 06:45 on flight TK0377 (Turkish Airlines). Arrival in Istanbul is scheduled for 08:20, and the connecting flight to Zagreb departs at 11:50 on flight TK1057 (Turkish Airlines). Arrival in Zagreb at 13:00.

Price includes

• air transport on the route Zagreb – Yerevan – Tbilisi – Zagreb in economy class
• airport taxes
• 1 piece of checked baggage up to 23 kg and 1 piece of hand luggage to carry in the passenger cabin, maximum weight 8 kg
• accommodation in 4* hotels in Yerevan and Tbilisi based on 7 nights with breakfast
• two dinners in local restaurants in Yerevan and Tbilisi
• tours and entrance fees for the sites visited according to the travel program
• Southwest Armenia excursion (Areni – Noravank – Khor Virap) including wine tasting, lunch and entrance fees for sites
• Kakheti – Signagi excursion including lunch and wine tasting at the “Mtevani” winery in Signagi and entrance fees for sites
• funicular ticket to Narikala fortress in Tbilisi
• half-hour boat cruise on Lake Sevan
• off-road transfer by Land Rovers from Stepantsminda to the Holy Trinity Church (2,170 m) in the Caucasus
• tasting of Armenian brandy at Ararat
• Lavash Masterclass workshop for traditional preparation of Armenian bread lavash, which is also on UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage
• workshop for making the traditional Georgian sweet Churchkhela
• local guides in Armenia and Georgia
• tour leader in Croatian
• transport by modern air-conditioned coach
• tour guarantee and organization costs

Price does not include

• additional meals and excursions
• single room supplement €195
• tips for local guides and drivers €50 (to be paid to the tour leader on site)
• travel insurance (recommended)

Optional activities and excursions

• Dinner in a local restaurant in Yerevan with Armenian folk program: €45
• Folk spectacle with a typical Georgian dinner in Tbilisi – Babilo Music Hall: €50

Notes and useful information

• Single room supplement €195
• Tips for local guides and drivers (mandatory payment on site) €50

Double rooms with an extra bed (on request) for adults are available at the regular price.

Minimum number of registered passengers: 20

Border formalities for Armenia and Georgia: Citizens of the Republic of Croatia need a valid passport that is valid for 6 months from the planned date of departure from Armenia and Georgia; visa is not required.

Planned hotels:

Yerevan (Armenia): Ani Central Inn 4* or similar

Tbilisi (Georgia): KMM Hotel 4* or similar

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS AND ACTIVITIES

• Dinner in a local restaurant in Yerevan with Armenian folk program: €45
• Folk spectacle with a typical Georgian dinner in Tbilisi – Babilo Music Hall: €50

Important note:

From 1 January 2026 all foreign tourists must have a valid travel health and accident insurance that covers the entire duration of their stay.

Minimum travel insurance requirements for Georgia

• minimum coverage of 30,000 GEL (approximately €10,000)
• coverage of costs for medical treatment, hospitalization and accidents
• valid for the entire period of stay, including arrival and departure days
• the policy may be issued by a Georgian or foreign insurer
• the document must be in English or Georgian
• travel insurance can be presented in digital or paper form.

Remarks:

- Hotel classification corresponds to the official categorization in Armenia and Georgia and is not comparable to the classification of hotels in other countries and may be lower than European standards.

- Please obtain information about travel safety to specific countries from the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs or on their website: www.mvep.hr

- Faulty travel documents or visa denial resulting in cancellation of travel do not in any case oblige the tour operator and the organizer’s cancellation conditions apply.

- The tour operator reserves the right to change the travel program as well as flight departure times (when required by circumstances during the trip), but guarantees that the program will be carried out in full.

- In case of a change in the prices of calculation elements by an amount greater than 1.5% the tour operator reserves the right to change the price of the arrangement.

Price includes:

• air transport on the route Zagreb – Yerevan – Tbilisi – Zagreb in economy class
• airport taxes
• 1 piece of checked baggage up to 23 kg and 1 piece of hand luggage to carry in the passenger cabin, maximum weight 8 kg
• accommodation in 4* hotels in Yerevan and Tbilisi based on 7 nights with breakfast
• two dinners in local restaurants in Yerevan and Tbilisi
• tours and entrance fees for the sites visited according to the travel program
• Southwest Armenia excursion (Areni – Noravank – Khor Virap) including wine tasting, lunch and entrance fees for sites
• Kakheti – Signagi excursion including lunch and wine tasting at the “Mtevani” winery in Signagi and entrance fees for sites
• funicular ticket to Narikala fortress in Tbilisi
• half-hour boat cruise on Lake Sevan
• off-road transfer by Land Rovers from Stepantsminda to the Holy Trinity Church (2,170 m) in the Caucasus
• tasting of Armenian brandy at Ararat
• Lavash Masterclass workshop for traditional preparation of Armenian bread lavash, which is also on UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage
• workshop for making the traditional Georgian sweet Churchkhela
• local guides in Armenia and Georgia
• tour leader in Croatian
• transport by modern air-conditioned coach
• tour guarantee and organization costs