Why now might be the best time to visit Armenia and Georgia

In late May, our team member, Atanas, had the opportunity to visit Armenia and Georgia giving him a first-hand perspective on what it's like to visit the region today. Read on to discover more about his experience and why, despite being overshadowed by recent global events, now might be the best time to visit these remarkable destinations.

The countries of the South Caucasus have been on my radar for a long time. I've always been drawn to border regions shaped by different cultures, yet with a strong sense of identity all their own. Combine that with diverse landscapes, world-class cuisine and thousands of years of winemaking tradition, and it's easy to see why Georgia and Armenia are capturing the attention of more and more travellers.

As someone who usually travels during the shoulder season, I'd been waiting for the right moment to make this trip – a time when I could enjoy good spring weather without the crowds. I'd heard rumours that global uncertainty had led to a number of travel cancellations, but after speaking with locals, who assured me both countries were completely safe to visit, I realised this May offered a rare window of opportunity. And I was right to take it!

First impressions from Georgia's capital and Wine Country

Tbilisi is the perfect starting point for any Caucasus itinerary as its story provides valuable context for the wider region. The city's famous thermal springs and the churches that dot its hills reflect centuries of history, while a walk along Rustaveli Avenue reveals a modern capital shaped by creativity, resilience and a strong sense of identity.

The Old Town is the heart and soul of Tbilisi, where more than 1,500 years of history unfold through a maze of narrow streets, colourful balconies and hidden courtyards. As you wander through its winding lanes, it's easy to see how the city has evolved over the centuries while preserving its unique character. One of its most distinctive landmarks, the leaning Rezo Gabriadze Clock Tower, was completed in 2010 and perfectly captures the contemporary creative spirit of the local artists.

For panoramic views, Tbilisi's funicular railway and cable car make it easy to reach the surrounding hills. From here, visitors are rewarded with sweeping views across the capital, along with plenty of scenic spots to enjoy an evening stroll or watch the sun set over dinner.

Georgia is also home to one of the world's oldest winemaking traditions, and the region around Telavi is the perfect place to explore the country's vineyards. Just a two-hour drive from Tbilisi, I visited a local winery where I had the chance to sample Georgia's renowned amber-coloured wines.

For more adventurous travellers, Telavi is also a great starting point for tours exploring the remote wilderness of the Tusheti region, with dramatic mountain landscapes, traditional villages and spectacular hiking routes.

On the road to Kazbegi

Heading north, it's amazing how much of Georgia's rich cultural heritage you can experience in just one day. Beginning at the imposing Chronicles of Georgia monument – a striking example of Soviet Brutalist architecture – the journey continues to the country's ancient capital, Mtskheta, before reaching the beautifully preserved Ananuri Fortress.

For those with more time, each of these sites deserves a visit in its own right. Located just outside Tbilisi, the Chronicles of Georgia monument makes an excellent addition to any itinerary exploring the capital or as an optional extension. Nearby, perched high above Mtskheta, Jvari Monastery is another unmissable stop. One of the few Early Medieval churches to have survived largely unchanged, it not only offers a fascinating insight into Georgia's religious heritage but also spectacular panoramic views over the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers.

The country's captivating medieval past reveals much about its national character, yet for travellers to experience what I found to be Georgia's most remarkable quality (the genuine hospitality of its people) you need to head into the northern highlands.

Stepantsminda is the gateway to the Kazbegi range and offers a wide variety of accommodation, yet those wanting to experience the true essence of the place should opt for a homestay. Georgia is renowned for its unique cuisine and wine, and there's no better place to enjoy both than in a local guesthouse.

As you pass the village's gardens and courtyards, it's hard not to be drawn in by the aroma of grilled meat. Once seated at the table, however, be prepared for the many toasts with wine - and often chacha - that accompany every dinner. Some are served in khantsi (traditional drinking horns), which by custom, cannot be put down until they are empty!

Back on the lowlands and moving south

Continuing south, we explored another chapter of the region's history at the Stalin Museum in Gori. This is a great place to learn about the country's Soviet period and passing near the occupied territory of South Ossetia brings up the delicate topic of the present-day relationship with Russia.

Further south, on the way to Armenia, lie the Vardzia caves - a site I previously knew very little about. The rock-hewn monastery complex reveals a fascinating insight into Georgia's medieval past, offers amazing views of the surrounding landscape, and is home to some of the most impressive wall paintings from the apex of Georgia's Golden Age.

Entering the Armenian Highlands

Despite the geographical proximity, you can immediately tell you're in a different country when you enter the Armenian Highlands, characterised by vast open spaces, rolling hills and towering volcanic peaks.

My first stop in Armenia was Gyumri. Once the country's largest city, it remains an important cultural hub and is home to some of the finest examples of urban Armenian architecture. Many of its landmark buildings are constructed from tuff stone (a lightweight rock formed from compacted volcanic ash), the same material used in many of Armenia's centuries-old churches as well as its modern buildings.

Armenia is defined by its temples, and Khor Virap is definitely not to be missed. Apart from its scenic location, the monastery impresses with its history and the stories it tells. Starting as a prison cell for Gregory the Illuminator (the patron saint of Armenia), it is now a major pilgrimage site for Christians from around the world. The hill it is located on offers one of the best viewpoints of the towering twin peaks of Mount Ararat.

Armenia's wine and lively capital, Yerevan

Although mostly associated with its world-class brandy, Armenia also boasts a millennia-old tradition in winemaking! On the way to Yerevan, we visited some of the country's best-known wineries, sampling local grape varieties alongside the iconic Armenian pomegranate wine, which impressed me with its light and delicious flavour.

Yerevan is a place where visitors can really get a feel for the modern spirit of the country. Mostly developed during the Soviet era, the bustling capital is filled with lively streets and public squares. Those who make it to the top of the Cascade Complex are rewarded with sweeping views across the city and, on a clear day, the majestic Mount Ararat rising in the distance.

I spent the last day of my trip exploring the Garni Gorge, where a walk through its well-preserved basalt columns (the so-called Symphony of Stones), took me to the Garni Temple, Armenia’s landmark ancient site. A symbol of pre-Christian Armenia, this temple complex impresses with both its beautifully restored classical colonnaded structure and the Roman bath next to it, preserving an ancient heating system and a mosaic floor.

On the way back to Yerevan, we stopped at the nearby Geghard Monastery, expecting it to be just another Armenian monastery. Hearing about the history of each place, I realised that what makes Armenia's many temples so fascinating is that each one tells a human story, bringing the country's history to life.

When is the best time to visit

As I mentioned earlier, I definitely chose the right time to visit. With visitor numbers currently a little lower than usual, many of the region's most iconic sites felt refreshingly uncrowded, allowing me to take everything in at a more relaxed pace.

Throughout my trip, I found both Georgia and Armenia to be welcoming, safe and easy to explore. Combined with the genuine warmth and attentiveness of the local guides, it made for an even more memorable experience.

Together or separate 

I spent a total of eight days in Georgia and Armenia, and I would say that despite having a great overview of the wider region of the South Caucasus, there is so much more to see in both countries.

For those wanting to get a wider picture of the region, combining the two countries is a great way to understand both their similarities and differences and how they have preserved their unique identities despite centuries of influence from major powers and empires.

That said, I'd recommend spending at least a week in each (or ideally ten days). This gives your clients the time to appreciate not only the incredible sites and fascinating history, but above all the local people, whose warmth, hospitality and character are what make these destinations so special.

Georgia and Armenia are well-established destinations and easy to navigate, but to get the very best from them, tour operators can greatly benefit from professional local expertise. We're proud to partner with VisitGeorgia in Georgia and Caucasus Holidays in Armenia, two of the region's most professional and knowledgeable DMCs.