Armenia & Georgia's Ancient Wine Trail & Wild Peaks
15 Days of Vineyards, Monasteries & Mountain Villages
Trip Highlights
Armenia
Georgia
Trip Details
Trip Breakdown
| Dates | Price AUD |
|---|---|
|
|
|
|
Length
15 days / 14 nights
Details
- A 30-day cooling-off period applies
- Lifetime Deposit. If you need to cancel, your deposit is transferable to other trips.
- Private room – no sharing required
Please refer to our payment terms in the FAQs.
Arrival
Tufenkian Heritage Hotel, Yerevan, Armenia
Departure
Glarros Hotel, Tbilisi, Georgia
Group Size
12
Included
- Meals: 14 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 6 dinners
- Private arrival and departure transfers
- All transfers as listed
- Transfers between hotels and train stations
- 12 nights boutique accommodation and 2 nights in local guesthouses
- All activities as listed, and more
- Two top-rated and English-speaking Trip Leaders (one in each country)
- All listed activities and more!
Not Included
- International Flights and travel insurance (necessary)
- Additional hotel nights & late checkouts
- Drinks and other personal expenses
- Tip kitty (See FAQs for more information)
Accommodation
Your Fencox accommodation means having a private room, all to yourself – every single time.
Accommodation Preview
Tufenkian Avan Dzoraget Hotel, Dzoraget, Armenia
Nika Vacheishvili, Ateni, Georgia
Melodia Kazbegi, Kazbegi, Georgia
Day 1 – Welcome to Armenia!
Hello, Armenia! The moment you land is the moment your worries end. Our team will be there waiting to whisk you away to your hotel, and all you have to do is sit back and relax as you take in the sights of this often-overlooked country. Wedged between Europe and Asia, Yerevan has a surprisingly European vibe that’ll instantly put you at ease and soothe those new-trip jitters.
Once you’ve had a chance to settle in, it’s time to get your first taste of local Armenian cuisine and meet your fellow Fencox solo travellers over a welcome dinner. By the end of the night, you’ll be clinking glasses and sharing your excitement for the adventure ahead.
Accommodation: Tufenkian Heritage Hotel (or similar), Yerevan – Armenia
Included: Dinner
Day 2 – Get to Know Yerevan
Your first full day in Yerevan is ready to knock your socks off! Known as the Pink City, Yerevan’s volcanic stone buildings cast a glow that makes the whole place feel like you’re strolling around with rose-tinted glasses.
You’ll greet the day with a morning walk through the city’s standout landmarks. A stroll around Republic Square and the majestic Opera House serves as a great introduction to all the city has to offer.
But this trip is about more than just taking in the sights — get a hands-on experience of Armenian artistry in a carpet-weaving workshop that teaches you how to work the loom like a local. As you weave, you’ll learn all about this ancient custom that dates back over 4,000 years.
To truly kick off your expertise in Armenian history, you’ll spend a curiosity-fuelled afternoon exploring two important museums before you’re ready to venture off on your own for dinner. Overwhelmed with options? Just ask your local guide for recs!
Accommodation: Tufenkian Heritage Hotel (or similar), Yerevan – Armenia
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3 – Zvartnots and Wine
Today’s another day filled with Armenian history, but if you’re worried about things getting boring, don’t be – today’s also all about wine. But before you let yourself get rosy-cheeked from a glass of red, it’s time for your first stops of the day. Take in the grandeur of a 7th-century Zvartnots temple before a walking tour of Etchmiadzin Cathedral, the mother church of the Armenian Apostolic faith.
Satisfy your hunger for more hands-on learning with a dolma masterclass at lunchtime. You’ll see these yummy stuffed grape leaves all over the Caucasus, and soon, you’ll be rolling them like a pro. And just when you think the day’s peaked, we’ve got a little surprise for you. Let’s just say this: Armenia’s wine scene is seriously overlooked, but not by you…
Afterwards, satisfy your newfound curiosity about Armenian winemaking alongside one local family. In their winery, you’ll learn about the techniques passed down through generations and get all your questions answered.
Accommodation: Tufenkian Heritage Hotel (or similar), Yerevan – Armenia
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4 – Bread & Tradition
Kick off the day at Geghard Monastery, where the views aren’t the only things that’ll leave you speechless – just wait ‘til you hear the acoustics! The mysterious echoes of the solid rock truly feel like you’re experiencing something from a long-forgotten time.
Broaden your experience of Armenian tradition even further (and more deliciously!) with a lunchtime Lavash-making demonstration. You’ll learn to make this UNESCO-listed bread under the careful tutelage of a local master.
After you’ve filled up on doughy goodness, your hands-on crash course into Armenian culture continues at a local guesthouse in Yerevan. Step straight into the land’s family traditions, complete with women dressed in colourful Taraz costumes, folk music, age-old rituals and the ultimate local welcome: bread and salt. Between songs, stories and ceremonial touches, you’ll get an intimate look at the customs that still shape life here today.
Then, the evening is yours. Chase down one last glass of Armenian wine with your explorer crew, wander Yerevan after dark, or retire early before tomorrow’s adventures.
Accommodation: Tufenkian Heritage Hotel (or similar), Yerevan – Armenia
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 – Khor Virap Monastery & Ancient Wine Origins
Today, you’ll stand at the closest point to the legendary Mount Ararat, where Noah’s Ark is said to have landed. With the biblical mountain in another country towering in the background, you’ll explore Khor Virap Monastery, where Saint Gregory the Illuminator spent 14 years imprisoned in a deep underground pit. Yikes!
From there, it’s off to Noravank, a 13th-century monastery tucked against fiery red cliffs. This place takes it up a notch – and when you discover the way to the second story, you’ll see we mean that literally! This two-story monastery was designed by the architect and national treasure Momik, which has made it a superstar attraction in Armenia.
Still smacking your lips at the memory of the Armenian wines you’ve tasted so far? Today, you continue on your tour of Armenia’s winemaking heritage. But we have something even more impressive up our sleeves, as you head to the world’s oldest winery at Areni. Dating back to 6100 BC, this place is where winemaking first began. Genatsd to that!
Accommodation: Tufenkian Heritage Hotel (or similar), Yerevan – Armenia
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6 – Parchments, Pints and Peaks
You’ll start the day the bookworm way, poring over centuries-old texts, intricate miniatures and a treasure trove of ancient knowledge at Matenadaran, one of the world’s richest ancient manuscript depositories.
Then, it’s time to swap parchment for pints. At Armenia’s original craft brewery, you’ll learn about the country’s growing beer scene through a guided tasting of local brews, before cranking up the altitude at Lake Sevan, the “Blue Pearl of Armenia”. Climb the monastery stairs and brace yourself: here, the sky and lake flirt in a dance of blues, making it hard to tell where one ends and the other begins.
You’ll wrap up the day in Dilijan, also known as “Armenian Switzerland”. After breathing in that fresh mountain air all day long, we bet you’ll sleep like a log in the true-to-the-region boutiquey hotel we’ve picked out for you.
Accommodation: Dili Town (or similar), Dilijan – Armenia
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 – Dilijan
Waking to an alpine morning, it’s time to unlock the charm of Dilijan. Start out with a wander through its historic centre, where old-world-vibes meet forest-fringed-streets. You won’t be able to resist snapping a thousand pictures as you explore.
Lake Parz, on the other hand, makes you want to whisper just to keep the peace. This spot is loved among the locals, so some people-watching is in order. As the sun hits the lake just right and you exchange awestruck looks with your Fencox crew, you may tip your head back and think, “Yep, this is the life!”
Your journey towards the border continues with a quick stop in Fioletovo, a Russian village in Armenia where the local Molokan community will share the head-spinning story of how they hold on to their customs and live their daily lives, stories best shared over cups of steaming samovar tea.
Accommodation: Tufenkian Avan Dzoraget Hotel (or similar), Dzoraget – Armenia
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8 – Step Over the Border to Georgia
After one last coffee with your Armenian guide, it’s time for heartfelt goodbyes and a seamless border swap. Georgia’s up next, and your new guide will be waiting to greet you on the other side.
You’ll dive head-first into a guided walk in Tbilisi that cuts through the city’s many-sided personality, from the stately facades of Rustaveli Avenue and Kostava Street to the creaking balconies and hidden courtyards of Sololaki. Art Nouveau details, old wooden houses, grand architecture and lived-in chaos all collide here to form the unique atmosphere of Georgia’s capital, and you’re already swimming in it.
The evening winds down with a traditional folk show dinner at a local spot, where you can let the joyful sounds of Georgian folk music and spellbinding storytelling send you to bed in good spirits.
Accommodation: Glarros Tbilisi (or similar), Tbilisi – Georgia
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 – The Many Sides of Georgia
Today, you dig straight into Georgia’s layered past: the sacred, the complicated and the seriously delicious. For the sacred, it’s Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, two UNESCO-listed churches right at the core of Georgia’s Christian identity. Think ancient stonework, candlelit corners and enough history packed into the walls to make your head spin.
It’s a sharp turn into Soviet history at the Stalin Museum in Gori. You’ll walk through the former leader’s childhood home, get an up-close glimpse of his personal belongings and even see his private railway carriage. It’s a strange, fascinating glimpse into the personal life of one of history’s most divisive figures.
Shake off a heavy afternoon with a relaxing evening in the Tana Valley. Warmly welcomed by Nika Vacheishvili and his family, you’ll get properly acquainted with Georgia’s winemaking traditions before settling in for a home-cooked comfort meal right in the middle of the vineyards. No stress, no hurry, and not a bad way to end a jam-packed day.
Accommodation: Nika Vacheishvili’s Wine Cellar and Guesthouse (or similar), Ateni – Georgia
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10 – Dzalisi and the Caucasus Range
Ancient kingdoms, Roman-style baths, myth-telling mosaics – today you begin your wander through Georgian history at the ancient ruins of Dzalisi, the most well-preserved remnant of the long-forgotten Iberia. Don’t forget to look down! The site’s famous floor mosaics featuring Dionysus and Ariadne have survived here since the 2nd century like it’s no big deal.
From these crumbling ruins, the mood shifts to royal polish at Château Mukhrani. Once the estate of Georgian nobility, it’s now all stately green grounds, elegant halls and a chandelier-lit lunch that’ll tip you right into the finer side of Georgian hospitality.
Then it’s back on the road and up into the mountains, where you get to see the Caucasus Range really show off. From the Gudauri Viewpoint, take in sky-reaching peaks, the plunging Devil’s Valley and the kind of scenery that makes everyone suddenly reach for their camera at the exact same moment. Group photo, anyone?
Accommodation: Melodia Hotel (or similar), Kazbegi – Georgia
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11 – Mountains & Monasteries
Today, you and your fellow Fencoxers head further into the mountains. The road winds up to Gergeti Trinity Church, a 14th-century monastery dramatically planted on the slopes of Mount Kazbegi. Between the weathered stone carvings and the looming Caucasus backdrop, it’s hard to know where to look first. On a clear day, you might even catch sight of the legendary peak where Amirani, Georgia’s answer to Prometheus, was supposedly chained for eternity.
As you take in the views, the history and the legends, lunch comes in the form of mountain-style khinkali at a local family café. Expect steaming dumplings and warm flavours to carry you through the rest of your day. In the evening, a short hike down to Kazbegi will have you snoozing in the cradle of the stunning northern Georgian mountains.
Accommodation: Melodia Hotel (or similar), Kazbegi – Georgia
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 12 – Into Wine Country
Kakheti is the birthplace of so many pillars of Georgia’s rich history and culture: kings, writers, artists, and – as you’ll learn today – winemakers. Your fifth day in Georgia begins in the heart of Georgia’s wine country, where life seems to revolve around vineyards, long lunches and treating guests to unforgettable meals. First up is the 19th-century Tsinandali Estate, once home to Prince Alexander Chavchavadze. Walk through elegant gardens and historic winery spaces. Does that bygone aristocratic life not look dangerously appealing?
By evening, things get properly local at the Togonidze family vineyard in nearby Shalauri village. Here, natural wines are still made the traditional qvevri way, buried in clay vessels with minimal intervention until it’s time to raise a glass. Expect generous pours of Saperavi, Rkatsiteli and Mtsvane, followed by a home-cooked dinner that somehow keeps expanding every time you worry it might be over.
Accommodation: Esquisse Hotel (or similar), Telavi – Georgia
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 13 – A Taste of Kakheti
Your final day in Kakheti comes with flour on your hands and smoke in the air. At a local organic farm, hostess Khatuna pulls you straight into her world of home cooking. You may learn how to make chakapuli, the herby slow-cooked stew that has long been a favourite Georgian comfort food, or maybe mtsvadi, skewered meat grilled on grapevine sticks from the family vineyard. At Khatuna’s whim, you simply can’t go wrong either way!
Between chopping, stirring and barbecuing, you’ll hear stories about local family traditions and why every Georgian meal somehow turns into a small celebration of its own.
The afternoon comes to a close as you join your Fencox crew around the table to savour the feast you helped prepare, paired with house wines and one last long Kakhetian lunch before the drive to Tbilisi with full bellies and plenty of stories to take with you.
Accommodation: Glarros Hotel (or similar), Tbilisi – Georgia
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 14 – Tbilisi
It’s your last day in Georgia, and you’ll kick off your last day in the capital city with a creative workshop at the Georgian Calligraphers Association. Guided by professionals, you’ll learn the flowing strokes and intricate forms of the unique 33-letter Georgian alphabet, a writing system that feels more like an artform and has shaped Georgian identity for centuries.
In the afternoon, you’re free as a bird to enjoy Tbilisi to your heart’s content until the whole Fencox crew comes together for a memorable farewell dinner at Barbarestan.
This celebrated family-run restaurant revives extraordinary 19th-century Georgian recipes in a setting that will transport you through time. It’s a bittersweet feast, as you and your fellow travellers share standout dishes like rabbit wrapped in ham, pumpkin patties or cherry soup with mint, all paired with traditional qvevri wines for one more taste of Georgia’s bold culinary heritage and one final night of belly-laughs and camaraderie. Raise a glass to the end of your amazing shared adventure!
Accommodation: Glarros Hotel (or similar), Tbilisi – Georgia
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 15 – Farewell, Friends!
Your last Georgian morning has finally arrived, and it’s time to say your goodbyes. Over breakfast, be sure to swap contact details with your newfound Fencox friends and maybe even make a few plans for that next adventure together. When it’s time to head out, your driver will get you to the airport with plenty of time to spare, so no rushing through security. Until next time!
Included: Breakfast
Trip Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Prior to the payment of your full balance, the final price may change if there is a significant variation in the AUD:EUR exchange rate. Our trip pricing is determined by what the exchange rates are at the time of publishing the trip.
The pricing on this trip is based on an exchange rate of 1 AUD : 0.608 EUR.
A deposit of 25% of the total trip price is required to secure your spot. Payment can be made by credit card (fees apply) or bank deposit.
There is a cooling-off period of 30 days. (Applicable to all bookings made at least 120 days before trip departure.)
We have implemented a ‘lifetime deposit’ guarantee. Deposits are not refundable, but they are transferable at any time, right up until the first day of the trip.
The final balance of the trip is required 95 days in advance of the departure date. Our suppliers require upfront payment well in advance to guarantee availability.
Please refer to the full terms and conditions for further information.
Australians and New Zealanders do not need to apply for visas when travelling to Armenia and Georgia.
Level 1
So long as you have a general level of health and fitness, you’ll be OK. However, to enjoy this trip, you’ll need to be able to spend time on your feet and regularly walk for 2-3 hours. Daily activities will include:
- Walking on uneven and hilly ground,
- Getting on and off various forms of transportation and
- Occasionally climbing some stairs.
You may also encounter over-the-bath showers in some of the accommodations.
You may be required to use a squat toilet – we do our best to accommodate what you’re used to (all hotel rooms have sit-down toilets), but when you’re on the road, sometimes it’s the only choice available.
Your luggage will travel by bus, even when you’re riding the trains, but you must still be able to manage your own luggage for short periods of time. Please pack with this in mind and limit your luggage to one piece and 1 piece of hand luggage.
Most of our trips have a tip kitty because many cultures have interesting and diverse rules when it comes to tips. We’ve found it to be the easiest way to combat over-tipping, under-tipping or having the tip fall into the wrong hands. Our goal is for guests to relax and know that the complexities of tipping are taken care of on their behalf. On this trip you’ll visit 2 different countries with independent currencies, so for the sake of ease, we ask that you provide the amount in EUR.
As your trip transitions on Day 8 to your second regional guide, we ask that your contribution be:
- 50 EUR cash given to your guide in Yerevan on Day 1
- 50 EUR cash to your regional guide in Tbilisi on the evening of Day 8.
The kitty will be managed by your regional guide and distributed along the way at restaurants for included meals, hotel staff, drivers and all guides.
Checked baggage: Most international economy-class fares include 23kg of checked luggage.
Carry-on baggage: Typically 7-10kg per person, plus a small personal item such as a handbag or laptop bag.
JUNE
In June, both Armenia and Georgia enjoy warm, pleasant early-summer weather, making it one of the best times to visit. In Armenia, daytime temperatures in Yerevan typically range between 25°C and 32°C, with cooler conditions in the mountains, where temperatures are often between 15°C and 25°C. Georgia experiences similar conditions, with Tbilisi averaging 24°C to 31°C during the day, while the Caucasus mountain regions remain refreshingly cool at around 12°C to 22°C. June generally brings long sunny days, lush green landscapes, and relatively low rainfall, although occasional afternoon showers can occur, particularly in mountain areas.
SEPTEMBER
September is one of the most enjoyable months to visit both Armenia and Georgia, as the summer heat begins to ease while the days remain warm and sunny. In Armenia, temperatures in Yerevan typically range from 18°C to 30°C, while the mountain regions enjoy cooler conditions of around 10°C to 22°C. In Georgia, Tbilisi generally experiences daytime temperatures between 20°C and 29°C, with the Caucasus Mountains averaging 8°C to 20°C. The landscapes are still green, the skies are often clear, and rainfall is usually limited. September is also harvest season in many wine-producing regions, making it an excellent time to experience local cuisine, vineyards, and traditional harvest celebrations.
Whenever we can, we’ve chosen charming boutique stays that capture the spirit of the region, mostly around 3-star comfort, and occasionally we’ve snuck in some 4-star touches. Sometimes it’s the shared patio views or unique location that make a hotel stand out. Other times, it’s the local character that makes the stay special, and in some spots, rooms might differ in size and style.
Your accommodation will be private; in other words, no room-sharing with anyone, throughout the entire trip.
Most Fencox travellers tend to be in their mid-50s to mid-70s.
Generally, we have no upper age limit for our trips. But, it’s important for you to know that our trips can be physically demanding and we will chat to you about your suitability. We’ll provide you with details of the health and fitness must-haves for our trips; however, we clearly are not medical experts. We will need you to obtain proper and detailed medical advice at least two months before you travel for the latest health requirements, vaccination advice and recommendations for your destination.
Age 75+
Guests over 75 years old at the time of travel, or those with pre-existing health conditions may need to have medical clearance to ensure safe travel, and must have a doctor complete a ‘Certificate of Medical Fitness to Travel’ within 30 days of booking confirmation.
Minimum age
While it doesn’t happen often, we do get younger guests joining our trips! As a general rule, the minimum age is 15 at the time of travel. All travellers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian, or be accompanied by someone over the age of 18 appointed by their legal guardian.
International airfares are not included.
Being tour operators (not travel agents), we are not licensed to sell flights. We recommend contacting your trusted local travel agent to book flights if you’re in need of assistance.
There are several 1- and 2-stop flights available from Australia and New Zealand that transit via China, India, or Europe to Yerevan, Armenia. Similar routes are available for your return flight from Tbilisi, Georgia.
Yes! A friendly Fencox representative will meet you upon arrival and take you to either the Start Hotel (for Pre-Trip or Day 1 check-in) or to another hotel within a reasonable distance that you’ve independently booked as Alternative Pre-Trip Accommodation. At the end of your trip, we’ll see you off with a departure transfer from the Trip-End Hotel.
The official currencies are:
- Armenia – the Armenian dram (AMD, symbol ֏)
- Georgia – the Georgian lari (GEL, symbol ₾)
In the unlikely event of a health or security related incident during a trip, we’ve engaged a local partner to assist. From our experience, there is not one framework that fits all, and every incident is unique and requires a different approach. With all trips, your guides are your day-to-day support. While behind the scenes, there is an active line of communication – between your guide, the on-ground support team, and Australian Ops.
Fencox was created because we had so many enquiries from men and women who had heard about our amazing Patch Adventures trips for women-only and wanted the opportunity to travel solo in the same way, only in a mixed group.
Fencox caters to both men and women who are solo travellers, have a genuine sense of adventure, are aged 55+, and are physically active and young at heart. Your fellow travel mates on a Fencox trip are inquisitive about the world and love exploring new travel destinations. Fencox travel mates love meeting new people, enjoy a good chat, and are happy to share a table with fellow travel mates for dinner.
If you’re travelling solo but don’t want to feel alone, this is your opportunity to share your travel experiences with other like-minded people. And best of all …. you’ll never pay a single supplement because everyone is guaranteed their own room!
