Armenia & Georgia: Journey into the Caucasus
Travel like you’ve never done before with unique immersive experiences
Venturing into the Causasus: Armenia & Georgia
What comes to mind when you think of Armenia & Georgia? Is it the beautiful landscapes of the region, where Christianity was born, or the birthplace of wine? Why are the borders here so complicated? What role does Russia play here? Or maybe you just think about all the UNESCO-listed monasteries and the delicious food waiting for you?
“The Hybrid Tour was my first group trip and one of the best travel decisions I’ve ever made. I was surrounded by a wonderful group of people, all willing to learn, grow, and have lots of fun! Our guides and facilitators were the best I’ve ever had. Plus, they know how to have a good time. Our talks with local activists were also invaluable. 10/10!” – Bess, USA
Start
End
Tblisi
Meals
11 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 1 dinner
Transport
Private Bus
Group size
1 – 15
Days
12
Accommodation
Shared accommodation in 4* hotels (single rooms can be arranged for an additional fee where possible)
Dates
Aug 17th – 28th, 2026
Physical activity
Moderate: Expect extended walking and standing for site visits, stairs or uneven surfaces. All hiking and intense activities are optional.
Trip highlights
Yerevan | Khor Virap | Lake Sevan | Tbilisi | Kazkegi | Kakheti
✔️Yerevan & Tbilisi’s ancient streets – Walk through both countries’ lively capitals, discover the local food scene, and take a sulfur bath during your free time.
✔️Lake Sevan & Dilijan – visit one of the world’s highest freshwater lakes and stay in Armenia’s little Switzerland, but not before exploring many of the region’s centuries-old monasteries.
✔️Wine & food in Kakheti – sip on some of the world’s oldest wine recipes at family-run wineries, and if you don’t drink, you’ll learn how to make traditional bread, and try your hand at making churchkhela, a local candy.
✔️The dramatic Caucasus mountains – travel through stunning landscapes, visit the hilltop Gergeti Trinity Church, and take in the incredible views of Mount Kazbek.
✔️Historical insights – Explore how the region’s complex borders came to be and the lasting influence of Russia, and why history continues to shape Armenia and Georgia today.
✔️Learn from refugees and displaced communities, and meet with local activists and academics to better understand the region, this is done through our permanent partnership with Our World Too.
Why this trip is for you
Experience The Hybrid Tours – Go beyond the guidebooks and learn what it’s truly like to go in an immersive cultural experience of a country! Connect with locals in a way you’ve never done before. Despite our differences, we have more in common than we think. Join us to find out why.
Explore the birthplace of Christianity and wine.
Walk through history as you take in the scenic views from UNESCO-listed monasteries.
Learn about the significance of borders and the role Russia plays in the region.
Experience not one but two incredible cuisines and cultures!
What if you could experience and learn about important local history, such as the Armenian Genocide, guided by locals who have the space to tell their stories and share their history on their own terms?
From August 17th – 28th, 2026, we’re taking you on an unforgettable journey through Armenia & Georgia, where history, culture, and stunning nature are waiting for you. From the vibrant streets of Tbilisi and Yerevan to the serene beauty of Lake Sevan, to the medieval architecture in the Caucasus mountains, this tour is designed to immerse you in the best of both countries. Experience beautiful monasteries, charming old towns, authentic local cuisine, and the legendary hospitality of the Caucasus.
If you’re looking to visit a new part of the world, cross off some bucket-list items, travel in a completely different way, get to meet new people and immerse yourself in a new culture, then come and join us!
Can’t make it to both destinations? Send us an email to info@thehybridtours.com and we’ll be able to accommodate you.
Itinerary
Day 1 in this part of the world: the Caucasus! Arrival at Yerevan Zvarnots International Airport. Meet and assist at the airport. Transfer to hotel.
We’re staying right in the middle of the city. It’s very walkable and safe at all times of the day for everyone, including women. You’ll have some free time to explore what Yerevan has to offer before the group arrives. Our team will be on the ground, waiting for your arrival and ready to give you tips for you to make the most of your free time! We’ll host the welcome dinner on Day 2 to make sure no one is left behind.
Meals included: none
Overnight in Yerevan
After breakfast, we’ll start the day with a visit to Khor Virap, one of Armenia’s most significant pilgrimage sites. This medieval monastery is THE spot where Christianity took root as Armenia’s state religion in 301 AD, and later expanded to the rest of the world.
Afterwards, we’ll be hosted by a community of refugees from Artsakh, where we’ll be learning about Jengyalov Hats, a herb-filled flatbread. Then we’ll explore the Areni-1 cave, home to a 6,000-year-old winery, where we’ll get a glimpse into the world’s earliest known winemaking traditions. Being in this area is not complete without visiting the Noravank Monastery.
After a busy day, we’ll gather for a late lunch at for lunch at family-owned winery where you can also opt for a wine tasting experience (not included in the price).
Afterwards, we’ll head back to Yerevan to end our day.
Meals included: breakfast and lunch
Overnight in Yerevan
After breakfast, we’ll start our day with a visit to Garni, the only surviving pagan temple from Armenia’s Hellenistic period.
Next, we’ll head Geghard Monastery (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), which is a beautiful medieval site partially carved into the mountain. This will be followed by lunch in a rural area before heading back to Yerevan.
In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Genocide Memorial and Museum, a powerful tribute to the victims of the 1915 Armenian Genocide. We’ll wrap up the day with a stop at
Vernissage, Yerevan’s famous open-air market, where you can browse for handmade souvenirs, carpets, and jewelry.
Optional Add-On (not included in the price): End the day with a visit to a legendary Yerevan brandy factory, one of Armenia’s most famous cultural icons. Tour the distillery and finish the day with a brandy tasting.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Overnight in Yerevan
We’re finally leaving Yerevan and first setting off to explore the ruins of Zvartnots Temple, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Next, we’ll head to Etchmiadzin, often called the Armenian Vatican and then continue north to take a break at Lake Sevan. Sitting at 2,000 meters above sea level, this is one of the world’s largest high-altitude freshwater lakes.
We’ll finish the day by driving to Dilijan, a town often called the Switzerland of Armenia. You’ll have free time to explore this beautiful place. We recommend going to a spa!
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Overnight in Dilijan
We’ll get a chance to explore Dilijan together, visit the beautiful Goshavank Monastery, and then make our way to the border, where we’ll be crossing together. For some of you, this might be the first time crossing an international border! (We don’t think the EU counts).
The capital, where we’ll be staying, is not far from the border. After arriving in Tbilisi, you’ll be free for the rest of the day to explore the city at leisure. We’ll be giving you plenty of recommendations on where to go and what to do! Or you can rest well for another full day of activities tomorrow.
Meals included: breakfast and lunch
Overnight in Tbilisi
Welcome to Tbilisi, a city that dates to the 5th century AD. Today we’re dedicating the day to this city, plus meeting with locals!
We’ll explore the Old Town, visit the Metekhi Temple, learn about Abanotubani, the famous sulfur baths district and head to Narikala Fortress for some of the best views in town.
After our first lunch featuring the incredible Georgian cuisine, we’ll have a meeting with locals to learn more about the situation in the country. After the meeting, you’ll be free to explore the city on your own. We personally recommend not missing out on the cable car! Or could you be tempted into going for some of the natural sulfur baths we mentioned earlier?
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Overnight in Tbilisi
Today, we’ll start our day by heading to Mtskheta, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the ancient capital of Georgia.
From there, we’ll continue to Gori, and visit its fortress. Followed by exploring a town called Uplistsikhe, an ancient cave town.
From there, we’ll head east and then north, crossing the Greater Caucasus Mountains and going through Jvari Pass (2400m) before going down into Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) where we’ll be spending the night!
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight in Stepantsminda
We’re starting our day in Stepantsminda, in the Kazbegi region, which is overlooked by one of the highest peaks in the region.
We’ll make our way to Gergeti Sameba church, followed by lunch with a local family where we’ll have homemade khinkali! Aka: Georgian dumplings. If you feel like exploring more of the area, this is the perfect time to do some optional hikes here, especially the ones with views of the Chaukhi Mountains.
After this, we’ll head back to our accommodation and you’ll have time off to explore the town.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Overnight in Stepantsminda.
We’ll be leaving Stepantsminda and heading to the Kakheti province. Don’t forget that this is where wine originally comes from! Kakheti is Georgia’s famous wine region, and it has vineyards and cathedrals everywhere.
Our first stop is Alaverdi Cathedral, which will then be followed by a visit to a local apiary where you can taste local honey straight from the source.
We’ll finish the day by going to Telavi, which has very rich Georgian history.
Meals included: breakfast and lunch
Overnight in Telavi.
After breakfast, we’ll visit the Tsinandali Estate, home to a noble Georgian family in the 19th century.
No visit to Georgia is complete without visiting one of the renowned wineries in Kakheti. For those of you who don’t drink, don’t worry! We’ll get a chance to bake some traditional bread, and we’ll also learn how to make churchkhela, a local candy. This is where we’ll be having lunch.
We’ll finish the day with a visit to Sighnaghi, a town with beautiful views of the Alazani valley and the Eastern Caucasus Mountains. Afterwards, we’ll drive back to Tbilisi where you can enjoy your last evening in town!
Meals included: breakfast and lunch
Overnight in Tbilisi.
This is the last day of the trip! Breakfast is included, and if you happen to have an afternoon or evening flight, you can keep your bags in the hotel. The transfer to Tbilisi Airport is included. This is also your chance to buy any souvenirs or wine that you didn’t get a chance to purchase before! We recommend some local carpets, too!
If you wish to extend your stay in the region, let us know and we can assist you with accommodation, transportation, and anything else you might need. If you cannot join us for both countries, just reach out to us directly and we’ll accommodate you!
Thank you for joining us on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
Meals included: breakfast
Inclusions
- Accommodation: Shared accommodation in 4* locally-owned hotels
- Small groups: For the best immersive travel experiences, we pride ourselves in having MAX 15 people per group.
- Activities: All activities listed in the itinerary are included.
- Transport: All ground transportation is provided for the duration of the trip in a private vehicle.
- Airport Transfers: Airport pick-ups/drop-offs are included on August 17th and 28th
- Meetings with survivors: You’ll be learning about history from people who have lived it. We expect guests to remain courteous.
- Entry fees: All entry fees listed in the itinerary are included.
- Local tour guides: Professional English-speaking tour guides.
- Meals: Most meals except for a few dinners are included to allow for flexibility in the evenings.
Exclusions
- Travel insurance: All participants are required to have travel insurance
- Personal expenses: We recommend bringing $200-300 USD for all of your personal expenses throughout the trip. This does not include the tips.
- Extra Meals: Meals outside of those stated in the itinerary.
- Tips for Guides: Not included. We recommend tipping $10+ USD per person per day to your guide. About half of this amount for your driver.
- Visas: Armenia & Georgia have visa free or visa on arrival for dozens of nationalities. We can provide the necessary paperwork if needed. Reach out directly if you’re not sure about yours!
- Beverages: Bottled water will be provided on a regular basis and is, of course, included, other beverages aren’t
Logistics ✈️
Pick up is anytime on August 17th from Yerevan Zvarnots International Airport. The airport code is EVN.
If the flight schedules do not align, we will be happy to arrange extra hotel nights & airport transfers if needed! Please reach out directly to help you out 🙂
The departure should be booked on August 28th and you’re free to leave in the morning, but this is from Georgia, not from Armenia. Departing from Tbilisi Int’l Airport – airport code TBS.
Need help looking for flights? Or if you would like to stay longer and explore other parts of the region, please reach out to us directly for assistance!
Travel tip: There are low-cost airlines flying to both Armenia and Georgia. Fly to Europe or the UAE, then jump on a low-cost airline to save on flights! We’ve flown to both countries from both Europe and the UAE for as little as $30 USD one-way! Or use Google Flights for the best deals if you don’t want to fly with a low-cost airline.
Why should you join us?
- You’re tired of tourist traps and want to discover something real
You’re curious about history, culture, and human stories
You want to connect deeply with locals and fellow travelers
You’re interested in learning about countries and their history beyond the statistics, headlines and biases
Read what our guests have to say!
