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The Dowling Club Tour to Armenia and Georgia

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Dates
22 May
1 Jun
2026

Join us on an unforgettable journey along the ancient Silk Route, where trade, culture, and medicine once flowed between East and West. From Armenia - the world's first Christian nation - to the dramatic landscapes of Georgia, this is a region steeped in history and brimming with natural beauty.

Explore lands shaped by centuries of influence from Persia, Russia, Turkey, and Central Asia, where monasteries cling to mountainsides, medieval towns sit amid vineyards, and soaring peaks frame every horizon.

Along the way, savour the flavours of a region celebrated as the birthplace of wine, immerse yourself in the rich traditions of folk and sacred music, and marvel at architecture that tells the story of empires past. The tour also offers the rare and rewarding opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with our dermatology colleagues in Armenia and Georgia, strengthening bonds across borders in the true spirit of The Dowling Club.

For those wishing to extend their adventure, a four-night post-tour journey through Cappadocia, Turkey, awaits - a land of fairy-chimney rock formations, cave churches and timeless wonder.

Please note - this is a private tour exclusive to members of The Dowling Club.
Price (sharing a room)
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Price (room to yourself)
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Reference:
ARM0526-1
At a glance
What you need to know
Type of tour
Cultural
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Nights
10
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Countries
2
Tour grade
Moderate
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Remaining places
0
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Dates and places

Itinerary at a glance

1
Yerevan, Armenia
Friday
,
22
May
Depart from the UK to Yerevan, Armenia. There are flights from the UK on Air France, Lufthansa and Lot, which generally arrive in Yerevan in the early morning. (Flights are not included in the tour cost, but our flight agent, Phil Burdekin at Flight Centre, can assist you with flight arrangements.)
2
Yerevan, Armenia
Saturday
,
23
May
Check in to the Armenia Marriott Hotel Yerevan. Take part in an orientation tour, visiting the major sights of the capital. Visit to The Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, aka as Matenadaran Library, which contains over 23,000 manuscripts and 500,000 additional documents, with some of the most obscure and ancient texts from the early medieval age. Welcome dinner.
3
Yerevan, Armenia
Sunday
,
24
May
Visit the Armenian Genocide Memorial and Museum. Drive to Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its rock-cut architecture and .possessing exceptional acoustics. Hear Armenian sacred music performed by a choir. Drive to Garni village to visit a pagan temple dating from 1st century AD. Return via The Brandy Factory with tastings.
4
Yerevan, Armenia
Monday
,
25
May
Attend a dermatology meeting with local professionals to discuss regional dermatological practices and challenges. Partner Programme: visit a flute maker and Sergei Parajanov Museum. In the afternoon participate in clinical observations or workshops before an evening networking dinner with Armenian dermatologists, with an Armenian cultural performance.
5
Yerevan / Tblisi, Georgia
Tuesday
,
26
May
Drive to the Armenian Georgian border and visit the stunning 'blue eye of Armenia', Lake Sevan, at 6500 ft. See the 9th century Sevanavank Monastery. Continue through beautiful valleys framed by the mountains of the Lesser Caucasus to the medieval monastery at Haghpat (a UNESCO Heritage Site). Cross the border and meet with the Georgian guide to drive to the Swissotel Tblisi. Dinner at hotel.
6
Tblisi, Georgia
Wednesday
,
27
May
Tbilisi is a leisurely town of considerable charm that is a blend of Europe and Asia. Take a walking tour through the Old Town, where old buildings hang like swallows’ nests off the hill between the river. Walk over the striking contemporary Peace Bridge, visit Freedom Square and the monument and look out from the 4th century citadel of Narikala. Wander down elegant Rustaveli Avenue. Local dinner.
7
Tblisi, Georgia
Thursday
,
28
May
Visit Uplistsikhe, an ancient rock-hewn town. Explore Gori, a town known for its most notorious son, Stalin, and visit the Stalin Museum. Return to Tbilisi and dinner at a local restaurant.
8
Tblisi, Georgia
Friday
,
29
May
Attend the dermatology conference sessions. Partner Programme: Take part in a local cookery class at Khachapuri or Khinkali in Tbilisi. In the afternoon, participate in workshops and networking events. Gala dinner with conference attendees in the evening.
9
Tblisi, Georgia
Saturday
,
30
May
Continuation of conference sessions. Partners at leisure. In the afternoon travel to the ancient capital of Mtskheta and explore the city, including the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Evening at leisure to explore Tbilisi's nightlife or relax.
10
Tblisi, Georgia
Sunday
,
31
May
Travel to the Kakheti region, Georgia's premier wine-producing area. Enjoy lunch at a local winery and visit local wineries to learn about traditional Georgian winemaking methods and participate in tastings.
11
Tblisi, Georgia
Monday
,
1
June
Depart from Tbilisi International Airport for the return flight (not included in tour cost) to the UK or take the extension to the fairytale landscapes of Cappadocia in Turkey.
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Tour map

Plot your journey

Travel from ancient Armenia, the world’s first Christian country, to spectacular Georgia, whose long history has given it a colourful cocktail of influences spanning Turkey, Russia, Persia, Central Asia and beyond.

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What to expect

Tour highlights

Geghard Monastery
Armenia

Listen to Armenian sacred choir singing at the spectacular World Heritage Cave Monastery at Geghard, known for its rock cut architecture.

Spectacular mountain landscapes
Great Caucasus

Travel through the spectacular landscapes of the Caucasus Mountains.

Fine dining
Tbilisi, Georgia

Savour the flavours of a region celebrated as the birthplace of wine and immerse yourself in the rich traditions of folk and sacred music.

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Beautiful landscapes

Tour gallery

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Tour exertion grading

Is this tour right for me?

Moderate
Level 3

Some walking between destinations, more time spent standing, and increased travel distances. Requires a reasonable level of fitness.

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Your expert companions

Tour leaders

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If you have some questions about this particular tour, you can contact the Jon Baines Tours team by phone or email.

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