About the Journey 

Join Princeton Journeys at the crossroads of Europe and Asia to explore the neighboring countries of Georgia and Armenia. Begin in Tbilisi, Georgia’s vibrant capital, where Persian, Russian, and European influences converge. Wander the winding streets of its red-roofed Old Town and visit the National Museum, then venture to the ancient capital of Mtskheta, one of Georgia’s oldest cities. 

Travel along the storied Georgian Military Highway to the alpine village of Kazbegi, where rolling green hills give way to dramatic mountain landscapes. Witness the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church perched at over 7,000 feet on a solitary ridge facing the towering Mount Kazbek. In Kakheti, Georgia’s celebrated viticulture region, indulge in the unique dishes and locally produced wine of the Caucasus and explore the picturesque town Signagi with sweeping views over the Alazani Valley. 

Cross into Armenia, a land of profound cultural continuity and spiritual depth whose history spans more than three millennia. Visit the 10th-century Haghpat Monastery, a UNESCO world heritage site, and the classical Temple of Garni, a rare remnant of the pre-Christian era. Conclude in Yerevan, where broad Soviet-era avenues meet a lively contemporary arts scene, offering insight into Armenia’s modern identity. 

Throughout the journey, immerse yourself in the daily rhythms of this unique region with a hands-on cooking class, cultural demonstrations, musical performances, and opportunities to engage with local artisans and community leaders. For those looking to explore further, an optional Azerbaijan pre-tour extension is available.

Accommodation 

Tbilisi Marriott Hotel Tbilisi, Georgia 
The Tbilisi Marriott is an architectural landmark with a unique, circular design. Step into the scene-stealing Great Room, the restored ceiling playing tribute to the hotel’s 1915 opening. Marble floors lead to the Parnas Cafe, where outdoor tables look onto Rustaveli Avenue. Enjoy in-house aged meats at Park Grill, or a nightcap at the Majestic Bar & Lounge. Each of the 127 rooms and suites blends smooth modernity with Georgian style touches, for a truly boutique feel. Hotel amenities include a fitness center and patio. 

Rooms Hotel Kazbegi Kazbegi, Georgia 
At Rooms Kazbegi, you are always treated to a spectacular view of the mighty snow-capped Mount Kazbek. A broad terrace stretches the length of the property, and warm tones and natural materials abound within the interior, reminiscent of a traditional mountain hideaway. At the onsite restaurant indulge in classic Georgian cuisine with local, seasonal produce, complemented by a carefully curated collection of Georgian wine. Additional amenities include a gym, spa, pool, and lobby bar and lounge. 

Tsinandali Estate Kakheti, Georgia 
Located in the heart of Georgia’s renowned wine country, Tsinandali Estate, a Radisson Collection Hotel, is a serene retreat amid the beauty of the Caucasus Mountains. The hotel features an outstanding rooftop infinity pool overlooking the mountains, a variety of restaurants, and a spa with sauna, steam room, and fitness club. Stroll through the historic 18-hectare park which also houses the Tsinandali Palace Museum of Prince Alexander Chavchavadze and enjoy on-site wine-tasting opportunities. 

The Alexander Yerevan, Armenia 
The Alexander is the first luxury international hotel in the historic center of Yerevan, located a short walk from Republic Square. Each of the 114 guestrooms and suites features scaled back, minimalist design, gold accents and hints of decorative Armenian motifs. Hotel amenities include a sophisticated collection of bars and restaurants, spa, 24-hour fitness center, and indoor pool. 

Itinerary 

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner 

Friday, June 4-Saturday, June 5 | Depart Home / Arrive Tbilisi, Georgia 
Depart the U.S. on flights to Tbilisi, Georgia, arriving on June 5. Transfer to your hotel in the heart of Georgia’s capital city and settle into your room. 

Note: Flight times vary by gateway city; some flights might depart on June 3. 

Sunday, June 6 | Tbilisi 
Explore the vast collection of ancient gold decorative works and archaeological finds at the Georgian National Museum, then sit down to a refined Georgian lunch in the heart of the Sololaki district, followed by an architect-led tour of its Art Nouveau façades. From there, wander the winding alleyways of the Old Town, viewing the fairytale-esque leaning clock tower, the oldest church in Tbilisi, and the 4th-century Narikala Fortress. This evening, gather around the table for a Georgian Supra feast featuring traditional polyphonic vocal music. 

Tbilisi Marriott Hotel (B, L, D) 

Monday, June 7 | Tbilisi / Mtskheta 
Venture today to Georgia’s UNESCO-designated ancient capital of Mtskheta at the confluence of the Kura and Aragvi Rivers. Step inside the stunning 11th-century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, known as the burial site of Christ’s mantle, and admire its frescoes and murals. Travel next to the village of Tserovani, where you will have the chance to meet with locals over lunch and learn about the micro-businesses and art studios of the town. Enroute back to Tbilisi, stop at the Chronicle of Georgia Monument, often referred to as the “Georgian Stonehenge,” depicting some of the most important events and figures from Georgian history. The evening is at leisure to explore Tbilisi’s rapidly growing food scene. 

Tbilisi Marriott Hotel (B, L) 

Tuesday, June 8 | Tbilisi / Kazbegi 
This morning set out on the storied Georgian Military Highway toward Kazbegi, passing through rolling green hills and steep arid mountains. Stop at the medieval Ananuri Fortress, its stone towers and churches rising above the turquoise Zhinvali Reservoir. Enjoy a lunch of Georgian comfort food, then take in sweeping views of Devil’s Valley and the Caucasus from the Gudauri Viewpoint, featuring a striking Soviet-era arch. Continue over the Krestovy Pass at almost 8,000 feet before descending to the alpine village of Kazbegi, set in a bowl of mountain peaks, and check in to your hotel at the foot of towering Mount Kazbek. Dinner this evening is at leisure. 

Rooms Hotel Kazbegi (B, L) 

Wednesday, June 9 | Kazbegi 
Begin the day with a drive through the stunning Dariali Gorge, a natural canyon carved by the Terek River, and visit the beautiful Dariali Monastery Complex near the Georgia-Russia border. Spend time with a local family in the tiny village of Tsdo, where you’ll receive a master class in the art of making khinkali, a savory Georgian dumpling. After lunch, marvel at the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church perched at over 7,000 feet on a solitary ridge beneath Mount Kazbek. An option to hike up to the monastery will be offered to those interested. 

Rooms Hotel Kazbegi (B, L) 

Thursday, June 10 | Kazbegi / Tsinandali 
Travel today to Kakheti, Georgia’s rich viticulture region. Stop at the striking Alaverdi Cathedral, one of the tallest churches in Georgia, before arriving at your hotel in the heart of Kakheti, on the grounds of the palace home of Prince Chavchavadze. The evening is at leisure to wander the adjacent 18-hectare historic park, or to enjoy the hotel’s stunning views and amenities. 

Tsinandali Estate (B, L) 

Friday, June 11 | Tsinandali 
Begin the day at the Alexander Chavchavadze Museum, housed in the former mansion of this local hero, before exploring some of Kakheti’s smaller villages. Tour Pheasant’s Tears Winery and enjoy a meal of traditional Georgian favorites paired with outstanding Georgian natural wines, then wander the charming cobbled streets of picturesque Signagi, perched on a hilltop overlooking the Alazani Valley. Indulge in a cooking demonstration of Georgia’s iconic canoe-shaped bread and signature sweet, churchkhela, and end the day with a group dinner and craft beer tasting before returning to the hotel. 

Tsinandali Estate (B, L, D) 

Saturday, June 12 | Tsinandali / Yerevan 
Today features a tour highlight, the UNESCO-designated 10th-century Haghpat Monastery, once a literary, artistic, and educational center as well as a monastic compound. After crossing the Georgia-Armenia border and enjoying lunch enroute, explore Haghpat’s atmospheric stone churches, bell towers, mausoleums and carved stone crosses. Stop next at the Alphabet Monument, designed and carved by celebrated architect J. Tarosian, before arriving in Yerevan, Armenia’s capital. Enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant. 

The Alexander (B, L, D) 

Sunday, June 13 | Yerevan 
Today explore the highlights of Yerevan, a city older than Rome that has stood at the crossroads of empires for millennia. Take a walking tour, discovering medieval shrines hidden behind imposing Soviet-style façades, walking the narrow lanes of the Old Town, and seeing the dancing fountains of Republic Square and soaring Mother Armenia Monument. Stroll down fashionable Abovyan, one of Yerevan’s first planned streets, and visit the Megerian Carpet Museum featuring a collection of vividly patterned textiles displaying the history, regional differences, and symbolism of Armenian carpet design. End the day at the studio of a master craftsman of traditional reed instruments, with the evening at leisure to explore Yerevan’s local dining scene on your own. 

The Alexander (B, L) 

Monday, June 14 | Yerevan 
Venture outside of Yerevan today, visiting the Khor Virap Monastery, set on a ridge above the Ararat Valley with snow-covered Mount Ararat looming behind, and the must-see Garni Temple. An impressive classical colonnaded structure surrounded by stunning mountain views, this first-century temple is a symbol of pre-Christian Armenia. Stop at a local village bakery for a lavash demonstration before continuing on to UNESCO-designated Geghard Monastery, carved into the sheer cliffs of the Azat River Gorge. End the adventure with a moving a cappella performance and a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. 

The Alexander (B, L, D) 

Tuesday, June 15 | Depart Yerevan 
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flights home. 

(B) 

Rates 

• $7,850 per person, double occupancy
• $9,475 per person, single occupancy
• A deposit of $1,000 per person is due upon registration. 

Program Rates Include 

All accommodation based on double occupancy per itinerary with local service charge and tax (standard hotel check-in/out times apply unless otherwise noted) • Private vehicle for one group arrival and one group departure transfer • Transportation by private vehicle • All sightseeing and excursions including entrance fees • Local English-speaking guides • Special cultural features as stated in itinerary • Services of a Tour Manager, Staff Host, and Study Leader • Whisper headsets throughout the tour • Meals as listed in itinerary: breakfast daily, 9 lunches, and 4 dinners • Bottled/purified water with meals • Wine or beer with group dinners • Gratuities to tour manager, local guides, and drivers • Baggage handling at hotels • Comprehensive destination preparation information packet 

Program Rates Do Not Include 

International airfare to/from the start and ending cities • Air taxes or fuel surcharges • Increases in local taxes/VAT • Pre- or post-tour services • Visa or passport fees • Medical and trip interruption insurance • food or beverages not included in group meals • Items of a personal nature, such as laundry, alcohol, telephone expense, excess baggage fees, photo/video expenses inside museums (where allowed) • Other items not expressly listed as included. 

Optional Pre-Tour Extension to Baku,Azerbaijan 

June 1-5, 2027 

Before the main tour, spend three nights in Baku, Azerbaijan’s capital, a striking city where ancient history and futuristic architecture offer fascinating contrasts. Stay at the supremely situated Four Seasons Hotel between the Caspian Sea and the walls of the UNESCO-designated old city, Icheri Sheher, and explore its historic Shirvan Shah Palace, Maiden Tower, and charming shopfronts and courtyards. 

Venture south to the prehistoric rock carvings at Gobustan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring thousands of ancient engravings and bubbling mud volcanoes. See the renowned Heydar Aliyev Center, a swooping architectural landmark, the “fire temple” at Ateshgah, and the 19th- and 20th-century mansions of Baku’s oil barons. Outside of your touring, indulge in a hands-on cooking demonstration, taste Caspian caviar over a glass of local sparkling wine, and enjoy an evening of mugham music during dinner in a converted caravanserai inn. Then take an included group flight from Baku to Tbilisi for the start of the main program. 
Breakfast (3), lunch (2), dinner (1) 

Note: June 1 denotes the departure date from the U.S. Depending on your gateway city and flight itinerary, you may need to depart on May 31. A detailed itinerary and flight guidelines will be shared with registered guests. 

Extension rates: $1,895 per person, double occupancy; $2,570 single occupancy

Reservations 

Please view the tour terms and conditions, then register online or contact the Princeton Journeys team at  journeys@princeton.edu / 609.258.8686 with questions.