Garni Temple (📍MAP) & Symphony of Stones (📍MAP)

After exploring local coffee shops for breakfast and coffee, we booked a car to Garni Temple and also stopped at the Symphony of Stones. The landscapes there were simply stunning. Garni is only around 40 minutes outside Yerevan, so the whole excursion took approximately three to four hours.

Garni Temple is one of Armenia’s most unusual historical monuments. Unlike the country’s many medieval Christian monasteries, Garni is a classical-style pagan temple dating to the 1st century AD. Its basalt columns and symmetrical design make it immediately recognisable, while its location above the Azat River gorge gives it an impressive natural setting.

The temple is associated with the pre-Christian history of Armenia and is one of the clearest reminders that the country’s cultural story extends far beyond its Christian heritage. The surrounding landscape is also worth exploring, with the gorge and rolling hills providing a dramatic backdrop to the monument.

Nearby, the Symphony of Stones is a spectacular natural formation of tall basalt columns. The columns were created by volcanic activity and later shaped by natural processes into long, geometric formations resembling organ pipes. Walking through the gorge allows you to appreciate their size and unusual symmetry from different angles.

Yerevan Landmarks (📍MAP)

In the afternoon we explored more of Yerevan, including another visit to the Cascade, followed by a walk to the Blue Mosque, Republic Square and Vernissage Market.

The Blue Mosque is one of Yerevan’s most distinctive historic buildings. Its blue-tiled decoration, courtyard and peaceful garden create a noticeable contrast with the monumental architecture elsewhere in the city. It is an important reminder of the diverse cultural influences that have shaped Yerevan over the centuries.

Republic Square is the architectural centrepiece of central Yerevan. The large oval-shaped square is surrounded by important government and cultural buildings constructed largely from the city’s characteristic pink volcanic stone. It is especially atmospheric in the evening, when the square becomes a popular gathering place and the famous musical fountains operate during the relevant season.

Vernissage Market is an open-air market where you can browse Armenian crafts, artwork, jewellery, carpets, souvenirs and traditional objects. It is a good place to look for something more distinctive than the usual tourist souvenirs, although prices can vary and bargaining is common for some items.

Walking around the city was very enjoyable, with lots of interesting socialist era architectural buildings and murals. The contrast between older stone buildings, Soviet planning and newer cafes gives central Yerevan a character that is quite different from Tbilisi.

Sevanavank (📍MAP) & Haghartsin Monastery (📍MAP)

We booked a taxi transfer from Yerevan to Tbilisi and added two sightseeing stops: Sevanavank at Lake Sevan and Haghartsin Monastery.

Lake Sevan is one of the largest freshwater high-altitude lakes in the Caucasus and is one of Armenia’s defining natural landscapes. The lake sits at more than 1,900 metres above sea level, so the atmosphere can feel noticeably cooler than in Yerevan. Its deep blue water, surrounding mountains and open horizons make it an excellent place to break up the journey.

Sevanavank is a small monastic complex positioned on a peninsula overlooking the lake. The two surviving medieval churches are built from dark volcanic stone and sit above the water, creating a particularly photogenic setting. The climb to the monastery is short but involves a flight of steps, and the higher viewpoint gives a much better sense of the enormous scale of Lake Sevan.

Haghartsin Monastery is hidden in a heavily forested mountain valley in northern Armenia. The setting feels completely different from the open landscapes around Lake Sevan. The medieval monastery complex contains several churches and other historic structures, surrounded by dense woodland and steep mountain slopes. The journey through the forested roads is part of what makes the stop memorable.

The trip was super nice. Our driver was very friendly and talked to us about the country along the way. We started around 8am and arrived in Tbilisi at approximately 4pm, making it roughly an eight hour journey.

Tbilisi Old Town (📍MAP)

We checked into our aparthotel in the Old Town and went out to find a local restaurant for an early dinner, followed by a relaxing sunset view from the rooftop terrace.

Tbilisi Old Town is the historic heart of Georgia’s capital and is known for its narrow streets, uneven cobblestones, colourful wooden balconies and buildings stacked across the hillsides. The area has a wonderfully mixed architectural character, with churches, mosques, old merchant houses, bathhouses and newer cafes all within a relatively compact area.

The neighbourhood is particularly enjoyable after sunset, when the streets become atmospheric and the illuminated buildings stand out against the surrounding hills. Staying in or close to the Old Town also makes it easy to explore many of the central sights on foot.

Tbilisi Old Town Landmarks (📍MAP)

We woke up early to explore the city, starting with the Rezo Gabriadze Clock Tower and the Bridge of Peace before continuing towards the Tbilisi Juma Mosque and Leghvtakhevi Waterfall inside its urban canyon.

The Rezo Gabriadze Clock Tower is one of Tbilisi’s most distinctive modern landmarks. Its deliberately quirky appearance, uneven tower and colourful decorative details reflect the work of Georgian artist and puppeteer Rezo Gabriadze. The tower is attached to the Gabriadze Theatre and has become one of the city’s most photographed spots.

The nearby Bridge of Peace is a striking contemporary structure spanning the Mtkvari River. Its curved steel-and-glass design creates a deliberate contrast with the historic buildings of the Old Town. Walking across the bridge provides views along the river and towards several of Tbilisi’s surrounding hills.

The Tbilisi Juma Mosque is unusual in that it has historically served Sunni Muslim communities in a city where different religious traditions have existed close together. Its striped exterior makes it visually distinctive, while its position below the Narikala Fortress area gives the surrounding neighbourhood a particularly atmospheric feel.

Leghvtakhevi Waterfall is one of the city’s most surprising sights because it is tucked into a narrow natural gorge just a short walk from the historic centre. The name is associated with the former fig-growing area of the city, and today the waterfall provides a peaceful escape from the busy streets around the Old Town.

Chronicles of Georgia (📍MAP) & Holy Trinity Cathedral (📍MAP)

We took a Bolt ride to the Chronicles of Georgia monument, followed by a visit to the Holy Trinity Cathedral and a cable car ride to the Mother of Georgia monument for panoramic views.

The Chronicles of Georgia is a monumental sculpture complex on a hill overlooking the Tbilisi Sea. Created in the Soviet period, the enormous stone columns are covered with reliefs depicting figures and scenes connected with Georgian history and culture. The scale of the monument is difficult to appreciate from photographs, and the elevated position also provides expansive views over the water and surrounding city.

Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi, commonly known as Sameba, is one of the most prominent landmarks on the city’s skyline. Its large golden dome and traditional Georgian architectural elements can be seen from many parts of Tbilisi. The cathedral complex includes gardens and open courtyards, making it worth spending some time exploring beyond the main church.

The Mother of Georgia statue stands on a hill overlooking the city and is one of Tbilisi’s best-known symbols. The aluminium figure holds a sword in one hand and a bowl of wine in the other, traditionally representing Georgia’s readiness to defend itself while welcoming guests. The nearby viewpoint gives a broad panorama across the Old Town and Mtkvari River.

Ananuri Fortress (📍MAP), Gudauri View Point (📍MAP) & Gergeti Trinity Church (📍MAP)

We booked a trip to Kazbegi with several stops along the way, starting near Avlabari Metro. We visited the Ananuri Fortress complex and the Gudauri View Point before reaching the picturesque Gergeti Trinity Church.

Ananuri Fortress is a historic fortified complex overlooking the Aragvi River and the turquoise waters of the Zhinvali Reservoir. The complex contains churches, defensive walls and towers and was associated with the Aragvi dynasty that controlled this strategically important area. The combination of stone fortifications and mountain scenery makes it one of the most photogenic stops along the Georgian Military Highway.

The road then climbs towards Gudauri, a mountain resort high in the Greater Caucasus. The Gudauri View Point is known for its enormous panoramic views over the surrounding valleys and mountains. The viewpoint is marked by a large semicircular mosaic monument dating from the Soviet period, which adds another layer of visual interest to the landscape.

The final destination, Gergeti Trinity Church, sits dramatically on a mountain above the town of Stepantsminda. Built in the 14th century, the stone church has become one of Georgia’s most iconic sights because of its isolated position against the Greater Caucasus. On clear days, Mount Kazbek rises behind the church, creating the classic mountain panorama associated with the region.

The whole trip took around 10 hours, largely due to return traffic in Tbilisi, but it was a convenient way to experience the Georgian mountains.

Tbilisi Old Town (📍MAP)

Heavy rain meant that we started the day very late. We went for our last brunch near the hotel and enjoyed khachapuri once again.

After brunch, the sun came back and we took some lovely walks around the city, using the rest of the day for last minute shopping and enjoying the atmosphere.

A slow final day works particularly well in Tbilisi because the historic centre is best experienced without constantly watching the clock. You can wander through the narrow streets around Abanotubani, stop at one of the city’s traditional sulphur bathhouses, browse small design shops and galleries, or simply sit at a cafe and watch daily life unfold.

The Abanotubani district is especially distinctive because of its traditional domed sulphur bathhouses. Tbilisi’s name is connected with the area’s naturally warm sulphur springs, which played an important role in the city’s historical development. Even if you do not visit a bathhouse, the brick domes and surrounding hillside make this one of the most recognisable parts of the Old Town.

For food, this is also a good opportunity to try some Georgian dishes you may have missed earlier in the trip. Alongside khachapuri, look out for khinkali, lobio, pkhali and grilled meats, as well as Georgian wines and local desserts.

Tbilisi Airport Departure

An early morning flight back home. Bye Georgia!

Although the trip ends at the airport, the final morning is a reminder of how much variety fits into eight days. From Yerevan’s pink-stone streets and Armenia’s ancient monasteries to Lake Sevan, Tbilisi’s historic neighbourhoods and the mountains around Kazbegi, the itinerary combines cultural sights with some of the most dramatic landscapes in the South Caucasus.