Armenia & Georgia Real Food Adventure

Intrepid Travel Preferred
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
4.6 . Excellent
94%
Travel Style: Array Full on
Physical Level: All or most of day hiking or biking, hills included. Moderate
Lodging Level: Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels. Value (3*)
10 days
From: $ 1,811 $ 181 / day
Checking price

Overview

Highlights (Bullets)

  • Prepare your own tolma (vine-wrapped rice, herbs and lentils) and join a masterclass with a local family to learn how to make khinkali (Georgian dumplings).
  • Join local families for traditional homecooked meals, sampling Armenian trout with a family in Garni and make a Georgian barbecue with a family in the Kakheti region.
  • Take a hike in the striking Caucasus mountains to perhaps one of the best positioned churches in Europe – Gergeti Trinity Church.
  • Taste the region’s most iconic dishes, including chaqafuli (beef or lamb in plum sauce), mtsvadi (meat skewers), churchkhela (nutty Georgian candy) and khachapuri (cheese breads).
  • Enjoy a glass or two of the locally produced wine and learn about the unique Qvevri tradition of using clay pots to create delicious, unfiltered and organic drops.

Short Description

Taste the punchy flavours of Armenia and Georgia on this 10-day food adventure. Begin the journey in Yerevan, contrasting traditional Armenian barbecue, grilled trout and tolma with the many spicy aromas of the local markets. Continue the adventure in Georgia, where the charming facades of Tbilisi and the snow-dusted peaks of the Caucasus are the backdrop for culinary adventures, both hands-on and leisurely. Enjoy the region’s most iconic and celebrated dishes, all washed down with a delicious array of Georgia’s famous local wines.

Style Small group tour
Off the beaten track trips will stretch your comfort zone. They don't always feature tourist highlights, but dive deeper into local life and culture.
Itinerary Focus Off the Beaten Path
Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Lodging Level Value (3*)
Flight & Transport Inclusions All internal ground transport
Start City Yerevan
End City Tbilisi

Destinations

Armenia

Attractions & Cities Visited

Tbilisi Yerevan

Activities & Interests

Cooking

Age Requirement

15-99

N/A
See more

Itinerary

Day 1 Yerevan

Welcome to Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. After meeting with your guide at 6pm in the hotel lobby, head out with your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner in a local restaurant. Here the main dish is khorovats – skewered and spiced meats, such as pork, grilled on a barbecue. It's the most representative dish of Armenian cuisine enjoyed in restaurants, family gatherings and feasts.

Day 2 Yerevan

After breakfast, set off on a city tour around Yerevan with a local guide. This includes a visit to the local market, the best place to browse the fresh fruits, dried fruits and many aromatic spices that Armenia is known for. Then, visit a local home where you'll learn how to make the traditional Armenian dish known as tolma, delicious parcels of rice, herbs, lentils and tomato wrapped in vine or cabbage leaves, which you’ll then enjoy for lunch.The home also serves as an ethnographic museum, so be sure to have a look around before you leave. The rest of the day is free for your own discoveries. You may like to visit the Zvartnots Temple. Built in the 7th century, destroyed in the 10th century, and excavated in the early 20th, this World Heritage-listed marvel is impressive even in its ruined and partially reconstructed form. Another option is a visit to the Etchmiadzin Cathedral, one of the oldest standing churches in Christendom.

Day 3 Yerevan

After breakfast, visit Geghard Monastery, a magnificent monument of medieval Armenian architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Next up is the Symphony of Stones, a remarkable natural collection of hexagonal and pentagonal basalt columns that resemble the pipes of an organ. From here, head to the Temple of Garni, a monument of the Hellenistic period and an impressive piece of ancient Armenian architecture. Next up, enjoy lunch in a local house, sampling some delectable Armenian grilled trout, accompanied by salads, rice, fruit and tea or coffee. Your hosts will demonstrate how to make lavash, a soft, thin unleavened flatbread so essential to Armenia that it's on the UNESCO List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. If you're keen, try making some for yourself. Drive to back to Yerevan and enjoy a free evening – perhaps visit the Armenian Brandy Factory for a taste of various aged brandies, the classic Ararat variety is considered the pride of many generations and a symbol of Armenia.

Day 4 Tbilisi

Start early today, saying goodbye to Armenia and hopping aboard a public bus to Georgia’s capital city, Tbilisi. Enjoy the scenery or catch up on sleep on the way. On arrival, take some time to settle into your hotel, then head out to a local wine bar to sample wine made by the bar’s female owner. For your first taste of Georgian cuisine, you may like to go out and try one of the country’s oldest and most delicious dishes for dinner. Shqmeruli is a hearty combination of succulent chicken with a garlic and milk sauce.

Day 5 Tbilisi

Today you will explore Tbilisi with a local guide. Starting from the Metekhi Church, which has magnificent views over old Tbilisi, stroll through winding streets to the city’s main sites. Enjoy the terraced streets, colourful houses, patterned balconies and modern architecture. End the tour at the ancient Narikala Fortress, with panoramic views of the city and surrounds. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant specializing in khachapuri (cheese breads). Taste several varieties – all different shapes, styles and fillings. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore the sites and tastes of Tbilisi at your own pace.

Day 6 Telavi

Today you will travel into the Kakheti region, surrounded by both snowy Caucasus mountains and fertile valleys and famous for its wines and welcoming hospitality. Your first stop is the 16th century Gremi Architectural Complex, which you’ll explore with a local guide, followed by lunch with a local family. Familiarise yourself with the local life and make 'mtsvadi', a famous Georgian barbecue dish, and learn the ritual behind its preparation. Afterwards, watch a demonstration on the making of 'churchkhela', a type of Georgian sweet, and give it a go yourself! After lunch, drive to a traditional Georgian wine cellar, where you’ll learn the secret behind the unique method used to create this delicious beverage. Arrive at your night's accommodation in the early evening.

Day 7 Gudauri

This morning, join your leader for a walk around the market to discover fresh local produce. Then, drive to Georgia's ancient capital and religious centre, Mtskheta. Here you’ll meet with a local guide and tour World Heritage-listed marvels: Jvari Church, which dates back to the 6th century, and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, dating back to the 11th century (where the Robe of Christ is buried). Afterwards, drive up the famous Georgian Military Highway, which leads to the Georgian-Russian border. On the way there, visit the 17th-century Ananuri architectural complex, as well as the two churches and the fortress that overlooks the Zhinvali water reservoir. The views here are spectacular and the carvings on the churches are some of the best samples of Georgian art out there. Today's drive through the Caucasus Mountains is a memorable one (it can get slow, steep and windy up here). In the evening, sit down to dinner at a local guesthouse in Gudauri (2200m above sea level) where you’ll spend the night.

Day 8 Gudauri / Stepantsminda

Start the day with a drive to Stepantsminda. From here, it's a leisurely 2 hour walk up through beautiful valleys and woodland to Gergeti Trinity Church. Weather permitting, you might catch a glimpse of one of the highest glaciers in the Caucasus, Mt Kazbegi (5047 m). After the walk, visit a local family located in Gudauri, where the host will teach a masterclass on how to make khinkali (Georgian dumplings). Drive back to Gudauri in the late afternoon, where you will enjoy a free evening.

Day 9 Tbilisi

Leave Gudauri this morning and head to Tbilisi for an afternoon at leisure. You may like to take a dip in the city’s famous sulfur baths, take a walk along the river, check out the Tbilisi Concert Hall and Public Service Hall, or grab a great coffee and check out the artist pop ups at Fabrika. In the evening, head out for a farewell dinner at a traditional Georgian restaurant featuring chaqafuli (beef or lamb in a fresh plum sauce).

Day 10 Tbilisi

Today your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. There are no activities included on this day and you are free to leave at any time. If you would like to spend some more time in Tbilisi, please contact your booking agent to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).

Availability

Checking price
Price From $ 1,811
Price Per Day: $ 181 per day
Checking price
Start DateFinish DateBase PriceAvailability 
May-21-2023May-30-2023$ 1,81111 spots left Reserve
Jun-18-2023Jun-27-2023$ 2,5159 spots left Reserve
Sep-03-2023Sep-12-2023$ 2,5609 spots left Reserve
Sep-17-2023Sep-26-2023$ 2,51510 spots left Reserve
Oct-01-2023Oct-10-2023$ 2,4158 spots left Reserve
May-19-2024May-28-2024$ 2,46012 spots left Reserve
Jun-16-2024Jun-25-2024$ 2,46012 spots left Reserve
Aug-04-2024Aug-13-2024$ 2,46012 spots left Reserve
Aug-18-2024Aug-27-2024$ 2,46012 spots left Reserve
Sep-01-2024Sep-10-2024$ 2,46012 spots left Reserve
Sep-08-2024Sep-17-2024$ 2,46012 spots left Reserve
Sep-15-2024Sep-24-2024$ 2,46012 spots left Reserve
Sep-22-2024Oct-01-2024$ 2,46012 spots left Reserve
Sep-29-2024Oct-08-2024$ 2,46012 spots left Reserve
Oct-13-2024Oct-22-2024$ 2,46012 spots left Reserve
See more

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Intrepid Travel.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

4,260 Intrepid Travel Travel Reviews & Ratings

94%
4.6 out of 5 (100+ reviews)
Excellent 3,217
Great 675
Average 134
Disappointing 68
Terrible 166
Value
4.6
Guide
4.6
Activities
4.6
Lodging
4.6
Transportation
4.6
Meals
4.6

Armenia & Georgia Real Food Adventure

No reviews yet for this trip. Be the first one to write a review

Company Reviews

A brilliant trip

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
I can thoroughly recommend this Vietnam trip. The hotels were all very good and were well situated within walking distance of the city centres. There was a good variety of visits and activities which were very well organised. As with all the Intrepid trips we've been on, it was our brilliant trip leader Linh who brought the trip to life. He gave us so much information about Vietnam and its people it really enhanced the trip. He made sure everything ran smoothly and nothing was too much trouble - a great trip leader!
Read more

Best guide ever...Thank You, Trang!

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
A trip is only as good as the guide. And our guide Trang was fantastic. The best! She made our trip wonderful, and Intrepid is so brilliant to have hired her and have her represent Intrepid. The trip went smoothly and we were delighted with everything we saw. Getting through via phone to Intrepid is tough, but it is worth the wait. The hotels, the spots we visited, the transportation....all was well-planned and executed!
Read more

Perfect for Solo Travellers

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
I've travelled with Intrepid many times, most recently to Antarctica, and I can't recommend them enough. Great people, great destinations, great itineraries. Love that they pair you up with another traveller if you're travelling alone.
Read more

Adventure and local interaction without the worry!

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
With so many travel companies out there, and so much info on travel planning sites, Intrepid is still in a class of its own. I've often read their itineraries to get ideas, and even copy them, but this time I went with them on a trip. And it was everything that they say on their websites. So if you are reading to verify everything they say on their website, I say just don't hesitate, DO IT. Its all happening and its all true.
Read more

WOW!

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
Wow - Intrepid thought of everything. Great adventure, variety, safety, group dynamics, and an amazing guide Karni! He was knowledgeable and you could feel the pride he held for his country. My next adventure will definitely utilize Intrepid.
Read more

What an amazing tour.

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
What an amazing tour. So well organised from good accomodation, comfortable transport to boats waiting in the wilderness. A wonderful experience lead by an exceptional, knowlegable tour guide Quang Dang.
Read more

Details

Flight & Transport Inclusions

All internal ground transport Private Bus,Public Bus

Group Size

Small Group - 24 max

Maximum Number of People in Group: 12

Accommodations

Hotel (9 nights)

Guides

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Age Notes :

Min. Age: 15

Max Age: 99

Additional Information

Finish point

  • KMM Hotel
  • 10 Mefsalmune David King street Metekhi Turn
  • Tbilisi
  • 0103
  • GEORGIA
  • Phone: +995 322747185

Trip ID#:

intrepid-KFZG

×
Great Choice!

Now, Unlock Member Savings

Our Travelstride Select trips allow you and your travel companions to save up to $700. You wouldn’t want to miss that, right?

or
or
Provide email and password

With your FREE membership you get to:

  • Save up to $700 per person!*
  • Access private deals and offers
  • See personalized trip recommendations
  • Save favorite trips
*See Member Savings Program details
Already a member?

We respect your privacy and take great care to protect your information. By joining you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

×

You could save $ 300 per person on this trip!

TripSaver
Flexible travel vouchers redeemable on thousands of trips like this one!
×
×
×
Sign in to Save Trips
Welcome back! We're so happy to see you. ? Forgot Password?
Don't have an account? Join
  • Bookmark trips you like
  • Share with your travel companions
  • Track price changes
  • Access private discounts on trips you save
×
Sign in to see your results

TripFinder is a member-only feature. Don’t worry, it’s free!

With a membership you:

  • Save up to $700 per person!*
  • Access private deals and offers
  • See personalized trip recommendations
  • Save favorite trips
*See Member Savings Program details
×
Activate your free Travelstride membership

Just use the email address and password provided in the email we sent.

? Forgot Password?

With your free membership you:

  • Save up to $700 per person!*
  • Access private deals and offers
  • See personalized trip recommendations
  • Save favorite trips
*See Member Savings Program details
×
To Follow, sign in or sign up (it's free) ? Forgot Password?
Don't have an account? Join
member benefits

By signing in, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use

First name is required!
Last name is required!
First name is not valid!
Last name is not valid!
This is not an email address!
Email address is required!
This email is already registered!
Please enter valid email address
Password is required!
Enter a valid password!
Please enter 6 or more characters!
Please enter 32 or less characters!
Passwords are not the same!
Terms and Conditions are required!
Email or Password is wrong!
Please select the captcha checkbox!
Please select the valid captcha!
Something went wrong! Try again later!

"Wonder is the beginning of wisdom."
Socrates
x
x
Download your brochure

Enter your email to get the "" brochure.

x
Brochure successfully sent!

We've sent the "" brochure to "". Check your inbox!