Season
We were a group of four from Hong Kong, China. We had just completed a 17-day trip of Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan in June 2024 with Arara. We were pleased with the itinerary, the accommodation and the transportation. We had wonderful time during our trip. The landscapes were absolutely beautiful. The culture was rich. Thank you Lilit who organized our trip. She answered our questions promptly. During the trip, she made sure everything ran smoothly. Thank you our excellent guides, Sophie in Georgia and Raffi in Armenia. They are extraordinary knowledgeable, professional and helpful. Sophi and Raffi cared us extremely well and brought a lot of happiness to us. The driver was also good. The tour is of international standard. We highly recommend Arara to everyone. Wish the entire team continue to bring happiness to the tourist all over the world.
Armenia & Georgia Walking Holiday
11-day guided hiking tour on picture-perfect mountain trails
Armenia and Georgia are perfect destinations for an exhilarating walking holiday. With a favourable climate, stunning landscapes, and affordable prices, they are an excellent choice for adventure enthusiasts. Our combined Armenia & Georgia Walking Holiday offers routes through some of the most breathtaking and popular spots.
The itinerary will take you through remarkable cultural and historical sites, natural wonders, and awe-inspiring scenery. The journey is enriched with cultural immersion and delightful tastings, making it an unforgettable experience.
You'll begin your journey in Armenia’s capital Yerevan, before travelling south to explore the region’s deep gorges, green forests and a bewildering array of monasteries, including the famous frescos of the Tatev Monastery. From here, travel to the mountainous Lake Sevan and cross into Dilijan National Park for hiking trails where the lucky might glimpse a bear or hear the howl of a wolfpack. End your Armenia adventure at the Lastiver Caves, where villagers sought refuge from Mongol invaders. From here it's onwards to Georgia’s capital of Tbilisi for a cultural break from hiking trails, before donning your walking boots again to see the alpine Abudelauri Lakes in Khevsureti and explore the forests of the Borjomi-Haragauli National Park.
Trip notes:
This is a mild-level guided walking holiday (rated 2/3 out of 5), suitable for most with reasonable fitness and mobility. There will be short day hikes each day, typically between 5 and 15 kilometres.
This is a multi-stop walking holiday, with road transfers between each location. No overnight camping or point-to-point trekking.
Prefer to customise this trip? Get in touch to book this as a private tour!
Good to know
- Arara Tour: The leading Caucasus specialists
- Book direct, no middleman or hidden fees
- Top rated on Trip Advisor
What's included
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Accommodation
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Guided excursions
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Ground transfers
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Breakfast
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Support
Days
11
Starting from
$2,614 pp
Detailed itinerary
What you'll see and do
This is a customisable trip
Use the following itinerary for inspiration. Remember: all days, hotels and activities can be altered to suit your requirements. A Arara Tour travel specialist will be happy to advise.
Day 1
Arrival - Yerevan - Geghard - Garni
Yerevan
This trip begins with a city tour in Yerevan, bustling capital having a history of over 2700 years. You will start your tour with a short walk in the city center, and then visit the History Museum of Armenia. The excursion around the museum will be a fascinating journey through the pages of Armenian history. After lunch, you will head to Geghard Cave Monastery partly carved in pure rocks. Garni Pagan Temple is the only preserved in the Caucasus region. You will be back to Yerevan and have the opportunity to feel the pulse of Yerevan night life. From the second day, you will start your hiking routes around this ancient country.
Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan
Hiking: No hiking
Day 2
Areni - Noravank - King Smbat Fortress - Tsakhats Kar
Southern Armenia
This day you’ll begin the exploration of Southern Armenia. Our first stop will be in Areni wine market where you’ll have a chance to taste famous local wines. You will continue the trip through the deep narrow canyon surrounded by red rocks to the beautiful two storied Noravank Monastery. Then you will head to Hermon village standing amidst a charming valley of the River Yeghegis. After check in at the hotel, you will start your hike to the medieval well-preserved fortress of King Smbat, standing on the elevation of about 1950 m. The hike will continue to Tsakhats Kar Monastery on the elevation of 2080 m. Afterwards, you will have a walk on a slighter note to Yeghegis village where you will see Jewish Cemetery and little churches right in the gardens of villagers. Your hotel in Hermon village has all the amenities (swimming pool, thermal baths, and gym) as well as bikes and horses for a pleasant and active pastime.
Overnight: Hotel in Hermon Village
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 12 km/7.5 mi
Day 3
Great Silk Road - Noratus
Noratus
This day you will conquer the part of the Great Silk Road and see one of the well-preserved caravanserais built in 1332 by Armenian Orbelian prince to accommodate weary travelers. It seems that the time has stopped here as very little has changed since ancient times. During your trip, you will also visit the medieval cemetery of khachkars (cross-stones) – Noratus. Khachkars are unique works of art, they can be found only in Armenian culture. In the stone patterns of khachkar, the master embodied his soul and faith. Here you will visit Hayravank – 9th to 12th century Armenian monastery.
Overnight: Hotel at Lake Sevan
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: No hiking
Day 4
Dilijan - Tufenkian
Dilijan
This day you will be driven to Lake Sevan – one of the highest alpine freshwater lakes in the world. From the hilltop of Sevan Peninsula, you will admire amazing views to the lake. A little later you will be transferred to Parz Lake and start the hike in Dilijan National Park along stunning forest trails. You will cross the amazing Areguni Pass and reach Goshavank Monastery of Gosh village, where the great scholar of the 13th century Mkhitar Gosh lived (the trail length – 8km). After the hiking, you will be transferred to Dilijan – a cozy town that keeps the unique spirit of rural Armenia.
Overnight: Hotel in Dilijan
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 8 km/5 mi
Day 5
Yenovakan - Lastiver
Lastiver
After breakfast at the hotel, you will head to Yenokavan village near Ijevan town where you will have a short transfer to the Lastiver trailhead. You will have a pleasant hike by a wonderful forested route to the most unspoiled and rugged area of northeastern Armenia. You will head into a deep gorge and descend to cascading waterfalls and the most scenic meadows in Armenia, perhaps Armenia’s best-kept secret. The tour will end with an exploration of the ancient Lastiver Caves. In the evening you’ll return back to the town of Ijevan for a rest and overnight.
Overnight: Guesthouse in Ijevan
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 8 km/5 mi
Day 6
Armenia-Georgia Border - Tbilisi
Tbilisi
After discovering the wonderful culture, nature, and architecture of Armenia, you will start a fascinating journey around Georgia. After breakfast, you will be transferred to Armenia-Georgia border, from where after passing the customs “Sadakhlo” you’ll head to Tbilisi – the hospitable capital of Georgia. The first place to visit is the historical district of Metekhi where the Assumption Church is located. During the tour, you will also have a chance to enjoy the beautiful architecture of the Bridge of Peace, designed by a well-known Italian architect. Then the cable car will take you to Narikala fortress – the well-known symbol of Tbilisi. The fortress is located on a hill overlooking Tbilisi and Kura River – an excellent place for memorable photos. You will also have a chance to stroll around the most famous streets of Tbilisi – Chardin, to visit the mosque located on the Botanical Street, the waterfall – an amazing attraction of the Botanical Garden. Your last stop will be at the royal baths complex of XVII-XIX centuries which is one of the most famous sights of the Old Town.
Overnight: Hotel in Tbilisi
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: No hiking
Day 7
Kazbegi - Gergeti - Gveleti - Juta
Stepantsminda
This day you will be transferred to Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) which is one of the most picturesque villages of Georgia. On the way, you will stop in Gudauri resort town and see the famous balcony dedicated to the treaty of Georgievs. From this place opens the breathtaking views. After reaching Stepantsminda you will start hiking to the Holy Trinity Church of Gergeti located at an altitude of 2170 m. The hiking to the church will take about 1,5 hr. Afer visiting the Holy Trinity Church the trip will continue to Gveleti Big Waterfalls. At the end of the day, you will be driven to the Juta village for rest and overnight in camp.
Overnight: Hotel in Stepantsminda
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 8 km/5 mi
Day 8
Chaukhi - Khevsureti - Green Lake
Abudelauri Lakes
In the morning you will walk towards Chaukhi Mountains and enjoy the beautiful nature. Your hiking will continue to Khevsureti which is known for its amazing mysterious Abudelauri lakes. Formed by glaciers the lakes have three different colors: green, blue and milky color. Lots of legends and myths are connected to these lakes. After crossing the Chaukhi pass you will have an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Abudelauri White Lake. Next, you will visit Blue and Green Lakes and near Green Lake, you will have a rest and overnight in the guesthouse.
Overnight: Guesthouse in Roshka
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 11 km/7 mi
Day 9
Roshka - Ananuri - Mtskheta - Borjomi
Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park
You will wake up in an amazing place surrounded by unbelievable nature. This day you will continue your trip to the village Roshka, where 4 wheel drive vehicle will be waiting for you to take you to Borjomi. On the way, you will stop to see Ananuri medieval fortress and visit the ancient town Mtskheta which was the first capital of Georgia. The Historical Monuments of Mtskheta are considered a UNESCO world heritage site. At the end of the day, you will reach Borjomi for rest and overnight.
Overnight: Hotel in Borjomi
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: No hiking
Day 10
Borjomi - Tbilisi Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park
Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park
This day you will discover Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, one of the biggest in Georgia. You will walk to the lovely Likani River Gorge then climb up the Chitakhevi Range. In Borjomi NP you will enjoy breathtaking scenery, birds singing and isolation far away from the daily hustle. Here you may come across with rare species of plants, birds included in the Red Book. Evening transfer to Tbilisi for rest and overnight.
Overnight: Hotel in Tbilisi
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 7 km/4.3 mi
Day 11
Departure
Tbilisi
After breakfast you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight home – or onwards to Georgia or Armenia! Contact us to customise this itinerary.
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Yerevan
Check out Yerevan’s art scene by climbing The Cascade staircase that connects downtown Yerevan with the museum district... -
Southern Armenia
Southern Armenia is full of rugged beauty, with deep gorges and forested canyons... -
Noratus
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Dilijan
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Lastiver
In a remote corner of a picturesque gorge, surrounded by waterfalls, lies the Lastiver caves, where locals from the nearby village of Yenokavan sought refuge from Mongol invaders in the 13 century... -
Tbilisi
Tbilisi’s famous sulphur baths can be found in the Abanotubani district in the old town... -
Stepantsminda
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Abudelauri Lakes
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Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park
The forests of Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park are home to a dozen hiking trails and activities like horse-riding, biking and camping... -
Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park
The forests of Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park are home to a dozen hiking trails and activities like horse-riding, biking and camping... -
Tbilisi
Tbilisi’s famous sulphur baths can be found in the Abanotubani district in the old town...
Contact Arara Tour about this trip
Where to stay
Some of our sample accommodation
Classic
Graphica Hotel
3* Graphica Hotel is nestled in the heart of Tbilisi. It offers easy access to the city's key attractions, including Metekhi Church, the historic Old Town, iconic landmarks such as the Narikala Fortress, and the modern amenities of Rustaveli Avenue.
We choose Graphica Hotel as it offers a refined experience for travelers seeking a blend of comfort and impeccable service.
At your disposal:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Garden
- Shared lounge
- Bar featuring Family Rooms
- Sun Terrace
- 24-hour Front Desk
- Airport Transfers
- Concierge Service
Accommodations at Graphica Hotel are designed to cater to the needs of discerning travelers, offering a range of rooms and suites that seamlessly blend comfort with functionality. Each room is tastefully appointed with contemporary furnishings, plush bedding, and state-of-the-art amenities, ensuring a restful stay for guests.
Each room has the following amenities:
- Air-conditioning
- Flat-screen TV
- Private bathroom
- Kettle
- Fridge
Classic
Graphica Hotel
3* Graphica Hotel is nestled in the heart of Tbilisi...
Classic
Hotel Lileo
The guesthouse Lileo is situated in Omalo in the province of Kakheti, Georgia. A beautiful mountain view opens from the rooms of the guesthouse.
Amenities include:
- Free Wi-Fi Garden Terrace
- Each room has the following amenities:
- Wardrobe Private bathroom Shower Slippers Bed linen Towels
Classic
Hotel Lileo
The guesthouse Lileo is situated in Omalo in the province of Kakheti, Georgia...
Classic
Ani Central Inn Hotel
Ani Central Inn Hotel is ideally situated in the heart of Yerevan, close to major attractions like Zoravar Andranik Underground Station, Republic Square, and the National Art Gallery. The hotel is conveniently located just 2 km from the Yerevan Train Station and 7 km from Yerevan Airport, making it easily accessible for travelers.
Ani Central Inn is one of our top choices for accommodations in Yerevan. This 4-star hotel offers exceptional value, providing 4-star quality at a 3-star price. Its central location allows guests to reach Republic Square with a comfortable 10-15 minute walk.
Guests at Ani Central Inn are welcomed by a multilingual, friendly, and experienced staff, renowned for their professionalism. The hotel features spacious rooms that are ideal for a relaxing stay. Additionally, the hotel serves a high-quality, varied breakfast and boasts an excellent indoor swimming pool, available for an extra fee.
Our customers consistently rate this hotel highly, with 98% of them expressing satisfaction with their stay.
Classic
Ani Central Inn Hotel
Ani Central Inn Hotel is ideally situated in the heart of Yerevan, close to major attractions like Zoravar Andranik Underground Station, Republic Square, and the National Art Gallery...
Lavash
Lavash Hotel is located on the shores of the delightful Lake Sevan in the village of Chkalovka. At a distance of 2 km from the hotel, there is an ancient temple of Gandzavank. The distance to the airport is 63 km.
When do we choose this hotel?
Lavash Hotel is our main 3* hotel for the overnights in Chkalovka. You will stay at this or similar hotel during your trip in case you choose our 3* hotel option.
At your disposal:
Cozy rooms
Free Wi-Fi
Free parking
Gift shop
Playroom for children
Restaurant
Bathroom
Food and beverage delivery to the room
Each room has the following amenities:
Room service
Refrigerator
Kettle
Slippers
Hairdryer
Toiletries
Also, each room has a small terrace with tables and chairs. From all rooms of the hotel, a beautiful view of the lake opens. The room rate includes a hearty breakfast. The hotel staff is very polite, attentive and executive.
Lavash
Lavash Hotel is located on the shores of the delightful Lake Sevan in the village of Chkalovka...
B&B Guest House Armenia
Four-star B&B Armenia Hotel is located in resort town Dilijan, 58 km from ski resort Tsaghkadzor. The hotel provides a continental or vegetarian breakfast every day.
Why do we choose this hotel?
Armenia B&B is a great guesthouse we have been working with for several years. We prefer working with this guesthouse as it’s a really cozy place with the amazing hostess who always makes sure that her guests are happy and satisfied. Our travelers can upgrade their accommodation type and choose B&B Armenia Hotel for an extra 4* supplement.
When do we choose this hotel?
Armenia B&B is our main 3* hotel for the overnights in Dilijan. You will stay at this or similar hotel during your trip in case you choose our 3* hotel option.
At your disposal:
Self-catering Accommodations Bathroom Fully-equipped Kitchen Dining room Terrace Free WiFi Garden Lounge Area Bar 24-hour English & Russian Speaking Reception
Each room has the following amenities:
Balcony Bed Breakfast Satellite Flat-screen TV Shower Free Toiletries
B&B Guest House Armenia
Four-star B&B Armenia Hotel is located in resort town Dilijan, 58 km from ski resort Tsaghkadzor...
What's included
What you get for your money
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Accommodation |
All accommodation in our carefully chosen hotels and guest houses, 3* European standard |
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Guided excursions |
Fully accompanied by an English speaking expert local hiking guide. All admission fees as required. |
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Ground transfers |
All airport collections, hotel transfers and other ground transport |
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Breakfast |
All hotel breakfasts. |
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Support |
24/7 emergency support while travelling |
How to book
This trip, booked according to the itinerary above, would cost from $2,614 per person. Final pricing can vary depending on seasonality and accommodation availability. Get in touch for a detailed quote and up-to-date availability.
Arara Tour trips can be booked as a private-guided tour, or as a small group tour. Please contact us now to discuss your preferences.
Once we've confirmed your itinerary we will send you a deposit invoice for 200 Euro (USD, AUD, GBP). Once your deposit is received we will start booking your hotel reservations and other services.
Your final payment will be made 15 days before the start of the trip. We can accept payment by bank transfer or credit card.
FAQs
CAN I ADD AN EXTRA NIGHT ON THE BEGINNING OR END OF MY GROUP TRIP?
Yes sure, you can. Just ask your travel specialist at the time of booking and she/he will book accommodation for an extra night for an additional charge.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO TRAVEL TO THE CAUCASUS?
We operate the Caucasus trips from the start of April (Easter time) to the end of October. The weather is usually good in that period. Only if you chose adventure tours, it's preferable to travel from the end of May to the end of September.
I HAVE SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS – WILL THEY BE CATERED FOR?
Yes sure, your special dietary requirements will be cared for. Just let your travel advisor know, and she/he will care about the food included in the tour price.
IF I AM A SINGLE TRAVELER WILL I BE CHARGED A SINGLE SUPPLEMENT?
As a single traveller, you will usually have the choice of either paying a single supplement or sharing with someone of the same gender.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO CARRY MONEY?
We recommend having access to money from a variety of sources – cash and cards. There are ATM-s in Yerevan and in big towns of the Caucasus.
WHAT ARE THE MEDICAL AND VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS?
No vaccination is required for travelling to the Caucasus. There are no infections or health risks. The only caution is the high elevation of some sites. Please consult with your doctor and take the necessary medicine for high blood pressure.
WILL I HAVE ANY FREE TIME DURING THE TOUR?
Yes sure. The trip usually lasts 6-9 hours a day. So your evenings are totally free.
WHICH COUNTRIES ARE YOUR TRAVELERS MOSTLY FROM?
Our groups mostly consist of travelers from Australia, the UK, the USA and Canada. Average age of travelers is from 45 to 80 .
Reviews
What people are saying about Arara Tour
Daisy C
05/07/2024
Ana Paula
01/07/2024
Arara Tour is the BEST 🏆and most trustworthy company ever! From the 1st internet contact I was treated like a Queen! Sightseeing activities were amazing! Hotels well located with thoughtful staff and the Pearl were the tour guides! One more experienced, more caring and more knowledgeable than the other🥇! I have been to almost 100 countries now and can truly state this experience was TBE BEST! Thank you SATI Ohanyan 🙏🏼 for going an extra mile and make yr customers fully 😍satisfied!
Alicia
28/10/2021
I just spent the best 3 days hiking with Vahagn. We four friends traveled from Abu Dhabi to enjoy the autumn and hike in Dilijan. Vahagn was our guide. He was so knowledgeable! He taught us about the culture, climate, the trails, the history of the area and was very receptive to our needs! He clearly did his homework and made adjustments for our daily hiking plans. He is truly an asset to the company and the face of how wonderful Armenia is! I will come back because of my wonderful experience on the trek and because of Vahagn! Thank you!!!!
Ban Dobbins
05/12/2019
We had a wonderful time in the Caucasus with Arara. I would say it’s more than a qualified agency with its fast responses and personal phone calls. I recommend all these three destinations to everyone. The organization, support and help was invaluable. Georgia and Armenia were just gorged with full of hidden monasteries, crazy green and lush nature. This was a once in a lifetime experience.
Mary Woltamnn
15/11/2019
We did a group tour to Caucasus with Arara this September. During the preparations we had a lot of correspondence and they were always helpful and very responsive.
The hotels were very comfortable with very helpful and friendly staff. What I especially liked about Arara and its guides was that they made sure I saw the important destinations and sights.
We will certainly recommend Arara to our friends and family!
Beth McMahon
17/10/2019
We truly enjoyed our tour to Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan. The service we had was of the highest quality. All the hotels were very comfortable and centrally located and we had a chance to explore the cities by ourselves. The whole trip was brilliant, and Caucasus is a wonderful region to visit. I have been recommending this trip to all my friends from the first day we started the trip.
Noemi
26/04/2021
I hope you are feeling better than last week. I flew back safely this morning in Geneva, very sad to leave Armenia after such a great holiday! Before I forget everything, here is my detailed feedback.
General comment on Arara
Excellent services, I have only positive things to say about Arara! The team has been reactive, helpful, accommodating and very friendly throughout. I would definitely recommend them or book a trip to another country with them.
General comment on guide
Vardan was as good as guides get: reliable, friendly, open-minded and endlessly patient. He went out of his way to accommodate my preferences and volunteered a lot of interesting information about the places we visited. He was also a very careful driver and always spot-on with his food recommendations :)
General comment on program
I enjoyed the program thoroughly and really feel like it gave me a good idea of Armenia. It was varied, well-designed and allowed enough flexibility to accommodate personal preferences. The hikes were well designed, not exhausting but still enjoyable. Perhaps indicate clearly that some of them require trekking poles? All the visits were interesting and it was a real luxury to have a guided tour in some places (ex. Matanadaran). Maybe this option could be offered in other places, for a small extra fee?
General comment on accommodation
All hotels/guest houses were well-situated and very comfortable. I particularly enjoyed staying in guest houses an B&B, much more fun and friendly than in large hotels! For that reason in Goris and Idejvan I would have liked to stay in a smaller place, but I cannot fault the comfort and service at the hotels we stayed in at all.
Special mentions
Everybody was incredibly nice and welcoming but some people really stood out over this trip:
- Naneh, our young guide for the hike in Areni. If she ever becomes a guide (like she hopes to) please hire her, she was fantastic!
- The team at Cascade Hotel in Yerevan, who were helpful and friendly beyond measure
- the owners of the guesthouse in Dilijan who went our of their way to secure me good working conditions
- And once again, the whole Arara team and Vardan!
I hope I will get back in touch some day to organise a trip to Georgia, Azerbaidjan or even Iran! In the meantime I will tell all my friends and family about Arara and Armenia :)
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Arara Tour
Small group and tailor-made trips to the Caucasus
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