Discover the punchy, herbaceous flavours of Armenia and Georgia on this food adventure. Sitting on the cusp of the Middle East and Eastern Europe, these two countries bring a knowledge, pride and tradition to their cuisine that stretches back centuries. Begin the journey in Yerevan, contrasting traditional Armenian barbecue, grilled trout and tolma with the many spicy aromas of the local market – and of course a drop or two of fine Armenian brandy. Continue the adventure in Georgia, where the charming facades of Tbilisi and the snow-dusted peaks of the Caucasus are the backdrop for culinary adventures, both hands-on and leisurely. Enjoy Adjarian-style khachapuri (cheese pie), hearty chakhokhbili (chicken stew), mtsvadi (meat skewers in marinated in spices and pomegranate), churchkhela (nutty Georgian candy), khinkali (Georgian dumplings), and local wines and cheeses paired by expert sommeliers.
Highlights
Prepare your own tolma (vine-wrapped rice and mince), feast on succulent khorovats (Armenian pork barbecue) and visit a distillery to taste legendary Armenian brandy at the source
Learn how to make delicious khinkali (Georgian dumplings) and khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) with an expert local foodie
Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital, is awash with culture, colour and beautiful architecture. A bonus at the end of your city tour is a cahakhokbili (chicken stew) feast with a local family
Stay overnight in a local guesthouse in Stepantsminda, sitting down to a traditional meal with the family who run it
Visit the home of the famous Kindzmarauli winery for some exquisite wine and cheese pairings – the result of months of meticulous work by local sommeliers
Discover the World Heritage-listed church and cathedral in Mtskheta, Georgia’s spiritual heart since Christianity was established in 301
- You will visit the following places:
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Yerevan
Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, is marked by grand Soviet-era architecture. Lofty and landlocked, Yerevan is one of the sunniest of the ex-Soviet capitals, and for most of the year the azure-blue firmament is punctuated only by the awe-inspiring shape of Mount Ararat. In Soviet days Yerevan had already become known as the ''Pink City'' as much due to the colour of the stone used for building as for the flamboyant spirit of its young population.
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Tbilisi
Tbilisi is the capital and the largest city of Georgia, lying on the banks of the Mt'k'vari (Kura) River. The name is derived from an early Georgian form T'pilisi and it was officially known as Tiflis until 1936. The city covers an area of 280.3 square miles and has 1,480,000 inhabitants. Founded in the 5th century by Vakhtang Gorgasali, the Georgian King of Iberia, and made into a capital in the 6th century, Tbilisi is a significant industrial, social, and cultural centre. The city is also emerging as an important transit route for global energy and trade projects. Located strategically at the crossroads between Europe and Asia and lying along the historic Silk Road routes, Tbilisi has often been a point of contention between various rival powers and empires.