45+ Not Grumpy Travel

Georgia is considered the birthplace of wine and we now know that they began their wine-making tradition 8000 years ago. This tiny country tucked between the Black and Caspian Seas and in the shadow of Europe’s highest mountains, is not only beautiful, it has wonderful food, wine, architecture, culture and people.
Armenia is one of the world’s oldest and most captivating destinations, where dramatic mountain landscapes, millennia-old sacred sites, and a thriving food and wine culture come together in unforgettable harmony. This tour is offered as a seamless continuation from Georgia and invites you to explore the very best of the country.
This tour will explore the best that Georgia and Armenia have to offer with wine-tastings and delicious meals, visits to food bazaars, polyphonic singers, amazing architecture and beautiful orthodox churches all in stunning locations.
Itinerary Georgia
Day 1 - Arrivals
Meet in lobby of the Qarvasla Hotel at noon.
Visit to Dezerter Bazaar, Tbilisi's most vibrant farmers' market. A former Silk Road outpost, trade has been an important part of Tbilisi as merchants carried goods from East and West.
Visit to Carvasla, Tbilisi's Historical Museum which is located in a beautifully restored caravanserai in the heart of the old town (and very near our hotel).
Time to wander around the picturesque old town.
Optional dinner at Honore Restaurant. This is one of Tbilisi's best restaurants housed in an old German Hospital and in the area of Solaki where many new bars and restaurants are located.
Day Two: Tbilisi
Breakfast at hotel
Tour of Tbilisi, combined driving and walking (wherever possible) including Metekhi Church (13th c), Narikala Fortress (4th c), Meidan Square, Achiskhati Basilica (6th c), the Bridge of Peace and the cable car to Mother Georgia.
Georgian National Museum tour
Optional dinner at Shavi Lomi one of Tbilisi's best known restaurants.
Overnight at Qarvasla Hotel
Day Three: Tbilisi - Kardnakhi - Kakheti
Breakfast at hotel.
Tbilisi - Kardenakhi Estate (approx 2 hour drive). Wine tasting at this authentic Georgian winery in the heart of the Kakheti wine region. Taste 4 types of wine plus chacha (grappa).
Check into our hotel at Mosmieri Winery. The complex consists of a winery, a wine shop and a restaurant built in an elegant blend of modern design and Georgian ethnic accents. The Chateau is located on the slope, surrounded by vineyards and stunning views of the Alazani Valley and the snow capped heights of the Caucasus Mountains..
We will taste three of Mosmieri's wines - white, amber and red.
Free time at Mosmieri to enjoy the estate and swimming pool.
Enjoy a memorable dinner at Togonidze’s family winery, where you’ll taste delicious local dishes paired with their finest wines. While you dine, you’ll be treated to live performances of traditional Georgian polyphonic songs by local singers creating a truly authentic atmosphere.
Day 4 - Kakheti - Kvetera - Annuli - Gudauri - Kazbegi
Breakfast at hotel
Drive to Kazbegi through town Akhmeta.
En-route visit Kvetera church, built in the early 10th century. It is a relatively small church and with the Georgian cross-dome architectural style (note that 1 km walk, uphill is necessary to reach the church from main road).
Drive to Ananuri fortress 14-17th cc. The complex consists of fortifications and residential buildings of Aragvi Dukes. The purpose of the monument was to control the trade rout and to guard the country from North.
Visit Gudauri, a cylinder monument with a spectacular views, overlooking Devil’s Valley and the Caucasus Mountains.
Gudauri Viewpoint was erected by the Soviets in 1983 in the mountains of northern Georgia. The famous Georgian architect Giorgi Chakhava designed it and placed it on a spot offering a spectacular view over the surrounding landscape.
Drive (40 mins) to Stepantsminda where we check into the famous Rooms Hotel with its fabulous views of Kazbegi Mountain and the Gergeti Trinity Church.
Day 5 - Kazbegi
Drive to Gergeti mountain and the iconic Gergeti Trinity church overlooked by Mt. Kazbegi. Gergeti Holy Trinity Church is an important altar of 14th century, located on the slope of Mount Kazbegi. The church facade preserves stone decorations depicting ancient rituals and beliefs.
If we are lucky with weather, we will see Mount Kazbegi (5047 m. above sea level). According to the legend Amirani – a cult hero and a prototype of Greek Prometheus, punished by Gods was chained on the mountain.
Dariali Monastic Complex is beautifully nested in Dariali Gorge, between the high mountains of the Greater Caucasus, in just 10 km from the administrative center of Khevi region - townlet Stepantsminda.
The complex is situated in picturesque Dariali – the canyon of river Tergi (Terek), at an elevation of 1300 meters above sea level.
We will have dinner at Kheti's Family Cafe where we will also experience a masterclass in how to make Kinkhali, the famous Georgian dumplings that are known as "mountain food' because they were a portable meal for shepherds.
Day 6 - Kazbegi - Mukhrani - Mtskheta - Jvara - Tbilisi
Breakfast at hotel
Drive to Château Mukhrani – former estate of Ivane Mukhranbatoni Royal family. Here you will have a guided tour at the estate, gardens, stable and old wine-cellars, learn the history of Georgian royal family, visit the contemporary winery and factory and find out how Château wines are made. The excursion will be followed by tasting finest Château Mukhrani wines with snacks.
Drive to Mtskheta – the ancient capital of East Georgia. Visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral of 11th c - one of the most sacred places in whole Georgia, with the Christ’s robe preserved in the Cathedral.
Visit Jvari monastery (6th c) - monument included in UNESCO world heritage list.
Stop at Salobie (at the foot of Jvara) where we can taste lobio the Georgian bean stew served in clay pots with corn bread. Other Georgian food will also be served along with homemade wine.
Return to Tbilisi where we will overnight.
Itinerary Armenia
Day 7 - Tbilisi to Dilijan
Breakfast at the hotel followed by a drive to the Armenian border where we transfer to our Armenian driver and coach.
Visit the Ijevan Wine-BrandyFactory which produces high quality brandies, vodka and wine. It was one of the first wineries established in Armenia during Soviet times.
Continue to the spa town of Dilijan and its lovely surroundings known as the “Switzerland of Armenia”. Walk along Sharambeyan Street, one of the cities oldest streets with shops and artists workshops.
Overnight in Dilijan

Day 8 - Dilijan - Lake Sevan - Goris
Breakfast at hotel.
​Drive to Lake Sevan, one of the largest, freshwater, high-altitude lakes in the world and enjoy its breathtaking scenery and astonishingly blue water.
​Visit the Mikayelyan Family Farm and taste a variety of unique cheeses including wine-cheese and cognac-cheese.
​We now join the pathways that were once used by the travellers of the Great Silk Road. We drive through the Selim Caravanserai, which served as an important centre of exchange, trade and lodging Silk Road journeys.
​Lunch at a local restaurant.
Drive to Goris
​Day 9 - Goris - Knhndzoresk - Tatev - Areni Cave - Momik Wine Cube
Breakfast at hotel.​​​

​​Visit Khndzoresk village where people lived in caves for 1000 years (until 1950).
Drive to Tatev Monastery - a masterpiece of medieval Armenian architecture and a centre of learning from 9th - 13th centuries.
To reach Tatev, you’ll experience an unforgettable ride on the Wings of Tatev, the world’s longest non-stop double-track cable car. This Guinness World Record-holding cable car spans 5.7 kilometers, offering stunning aerial views of the lush Vorotan Gorge.
Visit Areni Cave where the oldest wine cellar and oldest women shoe of the world has been discovered. Visit Momik Winery for Wine tasting and lunch in the wine cube.
​Drive to Yerevan and check into hotel.
​Day 10 - Yerevan
Breakfast at the hotel.

​Tour of Yerevan. Mainly walking but driving to further sites.
​For ages this city has been known as a “pink city” because of the color of the stone it has been built with. We will visit Republic square, Mashtoc Avenue, the House of Opera and Ballet named after Aram Khachatryan and the park “Cascade”. Then we will visit the Manuscript Museum of Armenia, which is called Matenadaran; where all ancient Armenian Manuscripts are kept. Visit the Genocide Memorial known as Tsitsernakaberd. No visit to Armenia is complete without seeing the Ararat Cognac factory, where we can watch the production process and then have a tasting of the world-famous Armenian cognac, Winston Churchill’s favorite drink. Visit Gum Market -a local market for fresh fruits and vegetables.
​Overnight in Yerevan

Day 11 - Yerevan - Garni - Geghard - Yerevan
Breakfast at hotel.

We visit the Temple of Garni, a classical Hellenistic temple built in the first century BC. This temple was dedicated to Mythra, a deity popular in the Near East which became the patron goddess of the Roman Empire.
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We continue our trip to Geghard Monastery which contains a number of churches and tombs cut into living rock which illustrate Armenian medieval architecture at its highest point. It is renowned for the relics houses there, the most famous being the spear (geghard) which wounded Christ on the Cross and was allegedly brought there by the Apostle Thaddeus.
​For lunch we will visit a local house where we can participate in making the famous lavash bread which we will enjoy with cheese.
​Return to Yerevan for free time before enjoying the farewell dinner at a local, traditional restaurant.
​Day 12: Departures
Breakfast at hotel

​Departures
​For those wishing to return via the direct Tbilisi - London flights, we will arrange a bus option to Tbilisi (additional cost).
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Price For Georgia - GBP £1750 per person (double/twin). Single supplement GBP £450
Price includes:
Professional English speaking local guide throughout the tour
Tour leader (Jo)
Six nights hotel with breakfast (3 nights at 5* Qarvasla, Tbilisi, 1 night at Mosmieri Winery and Estate, Kakheti, 2 nights at Rooms Hotel, Kazbegi)
All ground transportation in comfortable coaches
3 dinners (Day 3,5,6)
4 Wine tastings (Kardanakhi, Mosmieri, Mukrani and Togonidze’s)
Kinkhali masterclass at Keti’s Family Cafe
Tours with English speaking guides and admissions
Polyphonic singers at the Togonidze’s dinner
Entrance fees to all museums etc according to the programme
2 bottles of spring water per person daily

Price excludes:
Flights
Travel insurance
Gratuities for local guides and drivers
Alcoholic beverages (with the exception of wine tastings)
Any meals that are optional or not in the schedule
The hotels in each location are chosen for their unique Georgian character, architecture and beauty.
Price For Armenia : £1595 double/twin Single Supplement £210
£100 discount per person for those doing Georgia and Armenia together.
​Price Included:

• Accommodation in central hotels with breakfast
• All ground transportation by comfortable air-conditioned minibus
• Sightseeing with local, English speaking guides and tour leader (Jo)
• Entrance tickets to the monuments and museums on all tours
• Meals as mentioned
• Wine/brandy tasting as mentioned
• Cheese tasting as mentioned
• Bottled water (one bottle per person per day)

The price does not include:

• International flights
• Lunches and Dinners not included in schedule above
• Any additional transportation to anywhere not listed in the schedule
• Hard drinks including wine (other than at mentioned tastings)
• Porter service if required
• Tipping for drivers and guides
• International arrival/departure transfers can be arranged for approx £25/car each way

## Details

Uzbekistan Tour Oct 26 - Nov 4, 2026 -
Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and Nukus
Uzbekistan is one of the most architecturally beautiful countries in the world. And three of its cities along the Silk Road, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva have all been painstakingly restored to their former beauty.
On this tour, you will learn about the history of these magnificent cities from our wonderful local guide who has excellent English and is knowledgeable and proud of his heritage. We will take you on walking tours in the centres of these fascinating cities and by minibus to any monuments and buildings that are further away.
Shop in the incredible bazaars where you can buy beautiful ceramics, scarves, hats, embroidered wall hangings, puppets, ikhat (hand-woven printed cotton or silk) as well as nuts, dried fruits, spices and local vodkas. Shopping in Uzbekistan offers amazing value for money.
You will travel by Uzbekistan’s efficient, fast trains whenever possible. Groups will have a maximum of 12 fellow travellers but you will also have time to explore on your own. These tours are designed for small groups who have the option of joining the the guide and group for meals or doing your own thing whenever you wish.
Jo Weir who has been travelling to Uzbekistan since 1995, will travel with the group and will offer advice on shopping and dining and will talk about the massive changes in the country over the last 30 years. Jo will arrange dinner reservations for those who want to dine with the group.
Itinerary
Day One : Tashkent
Arrivals in Tashkent
14.00 Optional Tashkent City Sightseeing Tour including:
Old Tashkent - The Last Imam Ensemble (16 century) with the tiled domes and minarets of its mosques and madrassas as well as the famous Chor-Su Oriental Bazaar.
Modern Tashkent - The modern centre where Amir Timur Square’s statue of rehabilitated local Uzbek hero, Tamerlane The Great, has replaced a list of Czarist and then Soviet statues. We will see the Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre which was completed by Japanese prisoners of war in 1940. We will see Tashkent’s earthquake proof metro system and have an opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful stations including Kosmonavtlar which celebrates cosmonauts and space.
Welcome Dinner at Caravan (included).
Day Two : Samarkand
After breakfast, an early transfer to the railway station to check in for the high speed “Afrosiyob” to Samarkand where we arrive just after 10am.
Trade routes from all directions formed a major Silk Road crossroads and emporium in Samarkand. Tamerlane’s city of sky-blue domes and minarets continues to awe visitors today as it has throughout centuries.
Our private coach will pick us up from the train station and take us directly to the Registan, Samarkand’s most famous sight and the greatest of all the grandiose and magnificent works in Uzbekistan. We will then take in the other sights which require coach travel, St Daniels’s Tomb and Ulugbek’s Observatory.
After checking into the hotel there is free time to enjoy a leisurely lunch.
We will try to see the Registan at night when it is beautifully lit. Quite often there is a sound and light show projected on the Registan at 8pm.
Day Three : Samarkand
After breakfast in the hotel, we will see Samarkand’s other jewels, Bibi-Khanim Mosque, Gur-Emir Mausoleum and The Oriental Bazaar Siab and, a personal favourite, the Shah-I-Zinda complex where the most beautiful ceramic tiles can be seen. Shah-I-Zinda has been described as “perhaps the most stunning sight in a city of superlatives”. Wherever possible we will walk between sights.
Free time in the afternoon.
Day Four: Samarkand to Bukhara
Early breakfast in our hotel before boarding the high speed train to Bukhara where we will arrive before noon.
Our minibus will pick us up at the train station and take us to two sights on the outskirts of Bukhara:
The Emir’s Summer Palace - this collection of dwellings and staterooms was built by the Russians in 1911 for the last Emir of Bukhara to get him out of the Ark Fortress in the centre of Bukhara.
Bakhauddin Nakhshbandi Ensemble - Bukhara’s holiest place of shrines, stories and superstition and the burial place of one of its holiest saints Baha-al-din (1318-1389)
Check into hotel and lunch at one of Bukhara’s many cafes or the chaikhana beside Lyab-i-Hauz’s 16th century pool. Bukhara is very easy to navigate and a great city for shopping. You can explore its beautiful streets including the Jewish quarter and its synagogue.
Day Five : Bukhara
Breakfast in our hotel followed by a half day sightseeing tour (mainly on foot) of this beautiful Silk Road city where most of the highlights are located in the old town. The tour will include The Ark Citadel, the perfectly preserved 1000 year old Samanoi Mausoleum which was discovered under sand in 1934 and Zindan Prison where British Captain Stuart Conolly and Colonel Charles Stoddard were held in the infamous Bug Pit. We will also visit the five vaulted and domed Bukhara Bazaars and the Poi-Kalon Ensemble (12-14 century) with its towering Kalon Minaret which was spared by Ghengis Khan when he razed the city in 1219.
Free time in the afternoon. The bazaars are easy to reach on foot and it is easy to explore Bukhara’s many charms.
Day Six: Bukhara - Khiva
Breakfast at the hotel and a chance to have a morning stroll through Bukhara before boarding the train (if available) or coach to Khiva.
Khiva has the status of a museum city and indeed this walled city is like an open-air museum, lost in time. Parts of the wall are thought to date from the fifth century and stepping through one of its gates is like stepping into a different era.
Evening arrival in Khiva and check-in to hotel. Dinner at leisure and the chance to wander the beautiful streets of Khiva at night when the moonlit silhouettes of columns and madrassas from twisting alleyways are at their most captivating. We will book a restaurant in advance for those who would like to join the group for dinner.
Day Seven: Khiva
Breakfast at the hotel.
10am - 1pm - Walking tour of Khiva’s Ichan Kala (inner walled city) including:
Kunya Ark (12c) - Khiva rulers’ own fortress and residence including the harem, mint, stables, arsenal, barracks and mosque.
Kalta Minor Minaret - the unfinished, fat turquoise-tiled minaret
Free time for lunch, shopping or walking the walls of Khiva.
Day Eight: Khiva
Breakfast at the hotel.
10am - Walking tour of Khiva including:
Juma Mosque - 218 wooden columns - each different and some from the tenth century - support the roof of this interesting mosque.
Tosh-hovli Palace - this palace contains Khiva’s most sumptuous interior decorations including ceramic tiles and carved stone and wood.
Allakuli Khan Bazaar & Caravanserai - a domed market arcade still catering to traders and opening onto Dekhon Bazaar.
Afternoon at leisure
Day Nine: Nukus
Nukus is in the semi-autonomous province of Karakalpakstan and is home to the Savitsky Collection which is the second largest collection of Russian avant-garde art in the world
Early breakfast followed by coach to Nukus via the Kyzylkum Desert with visits to Toprak-Kala - the ruins of an ancient city of 2500 where Khorezmian kings lived from 2nd to 6th centuries - and the ruins of the feudal fortress of Ayaz-Kala.
Visit to Savitskiy State Museum of Arts of the Republic of Karakalpakstan followed by dinner near the airport.
Flights to Tashkent and transfers to hotel.
Day Ten: Tashkent - Breakfast at hotel followed by departures
Price: GBP£2187 double occupancy. Single supplement GBP£385
International flights not included.
Deposit £500 (Non refundable after 3 days). Please RSVP and send email
Bring:
Comfortable walking shoes
Lip balm and moisturiser (it is a very dry climate)
Sun screen
A jacket or sweater - morning and evenings can be cool
Cash - many places do not take credit cards although this is changing. US dollars can be used in some places outside of Tashkent and US dollars, euros and sterling can be easily exchanged at banks. There are some cash machines but they tend to charge a hefty surcharge and give a poor rate.
Included:
International arrival/departure transfers
Accommodation in central hotels with breakfast
Experienced local guides throughout the trip
Jo of 45+ Not Grumpy experienced leader with the group
All ground transportation by comfortable air-conditioned minibus
Group Airport transfers from Nukus to Tashkent
Train Station transfers
Business class Afrosiyob train tickets Tashkent-Samarkand - Bukhara
Coach from Bukhara to Khiva (train if available)
Domestic economy flight Nukus -Tashkent
Welcome Dinner
Lunch in Samarkand
Sightseeing with local English speaking guides
Entrance tickets to the monuments and museums on all tours
Bottled water provided daily (one bottle per person per day)
Visa support letter (where required)
Bottled water is provided on every bus journey
Tips for drivers
The price does not include:
Visa cost (no visa required for EU, UK, Canada, Australia)
International flights
Lunches and dinners (except for welcome dinner)
Any additional transportation to anywhere not listed in the schedule
Any charges at monuments and museums for using video or cameras
Hard drinks
Porter service if required
Tips for local guides
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