South Coast Walks & Historical Sites
Bring intriguing coastal trails and history alive in South Hampshire
The world's more beautiful on foot...
Call us on 01707 331133
Or, email us at info@ramblersholidays.co.uk
Call us on 01707 331133
Or, email us at info@ramblersholidays.co.uk
Discover mountains, cities and unique culture on the dividing line between Europe and Asia.
Georgia
Armenia
Culture
Jun
Jul
Sep
What does this mean?
Tour codes: 42500
Full and half day walks at a moderate pace over hilly terrain.
Most of these holidays have an element of sightseeing as well.
Half day walks will probably involve about 3 hours of walking, with full day walks having around 5 hours. Expect ascents and descents of up to 600m.
Overview
Georgia and Armenia are countries that boast a surprising diversity given their geographical closeness. Combining them on one incredible trip creates a holiday saturated with cultural, historical and natural offerings.
Georgia’s rich culture and diverse landscapes make it ideal for walkers, history buffs and nature lovers. Armenia’s extraordinary cultural highlights and dramatic landscape are excellent for a walking holiday. Both countries are welcoming and are perfect for the adventurous traveller, looking for a contrast to visiting Western Europe.
We start in Georgia at Tbilisi, the state capital, where our local guide will show us the attractions before we set off for UNESCO World Heritage Site Mtskheta. We also explore the main route through the Northern Caucasus, the mountains that form the dividing line between Europe and Asia, inspired both Pushkin and Tolstoy and it is easy to see why.
We enjoy magnificent views of snow-capped Mount Kazbek which stands at over 5000m. During the early season months, spectacular wildflowers cover the meadows, and late-season autumnal colours sweep across the landscape. We also have time to visit the Georgian wine region - a pride of the country, before travelling south across the border into Armenia.
Armenia is a country immersed in history. It was the first to adopt Christianity as the state religion. We will see how religion plays a huge part in Armenian culture and architecture as our walks take in prehistoric temples and ruined monasteries where stunning mosaics can still be seen. We visit an ancient caravanserai on the Silk Road which was used to transport silk from China to Europe.
Everywhere we travel there is the feeling of experiencing an ancient land. We even stop at a village for dinner and see how food is prepared, possibly one of the most memorable barbecues we will ever have. We plan to walk at Kari Lich (3200m) surrounded by alpine peaks, fortunately, we walk down from here to the Amberd Fortress!
Click the button below for a detailed Holiday Information Sheet containing all the particulars about this trip.
NOTE: Itineraries and Holiday Information Sheets can vary by a specific date chosen
Embark on a voyage of discovery on our Silk Road tours to Central Asia’s intriguing Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
Full and half day walks at a moderate pace over hilly terrain.
Most of these holidays have an element of sightseeing as well.
Half day walks will probably involve about 3 hours of walking, with full day walks having around 5 hours. Expect ascents and descents of up to 600m.
Departure dates
On our Kerela and South India tour, we’ll visit hillsides lush with the emerald green of tea plantations which stretch out before you, touching the blue horizon.
Easy countryside walking with plenty of breaks, normally taking up the whole day.
Most of these holidays have an element of sightseeing.
You are unlikely to walk more than 6 miles and the cumulative ascents and descents will be gradual and range from minimal to 300m.
Departure dates
With sandy, palm-fringed beaches, jewelled cultural treasures, high mountains and chance encounters with all manner of wildlife, Sri Lanka oozes culture, history and some excellent walking.
Easy countryside walking with plenty of breaks, normally taking up the whole day.
Most of these holidays have an element of sightseeing.
You are unlikely to walk more than 6 miles and the cumulative ascents and descents will be gradual and range from minimal to 300m.
Departure dates
Experience Hong Kong from a new perspective. Unspoilt hill country and outlying islands, far away from the crowds.
Full and half day walks at a moderate pace over hilly terrain.
Most of these holidays have an element of sightseeing as well.
Half day walks will probably involve about 3 hours of walking, with full day walks having around 5 hours. Expect ascents and descents of up to 600m.
Departure dates
Itinerary & Travel
Whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the outlined itinerary and advertised programme, local conditions can change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. This may mean that routes and timings need to be amended or the order of days may change, sometimes at short notice.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we may unfortunately need to withdraw a tour that is currently confirmed to operate and we therefore reserve the right to cancel your booking. We would always do our utmost to give you plenty of notice should we have to do this. Selected elements of this tour, including local attractions and restaurants, may change at late notice. Please ensure you have valid insurance cover before you travel.
Accommodation
Below is the accommodation featured on this holiday across all departure dates. Please refer to the Itinerary for more detail about each night's accommodation for each departure date.
The Hotel Museum is situated on a tree-lined boulevard a few minutes' walk from the Dry Bridge Flea Market and Freedom Square. Elegant rooms with art deco style touches provide free Wi-Fi, flat-screens, and tea & coffee makers. There's a cafe with a terrace, restaurant and a rooftop lounge.
In Stepantsminda, the Hotel Rooms Kazbegi was once a Soviet resort hotel, but has been given a remarkable makeover to produce a very stylish and up-market mountain retreat. Contemporary rooms, a long outside terrace with views of Mt. Kazbegi and a superb restaurant makes this a very popular destination. It is great fun to try to visualise the austere building from a former era which must lie underneath the transformation.
The Avan Dzoraget hotel is located midway between the capitals of Armenia and Georgia. It is designed to evoke the historical romance and excitement associated with medieval Armenian castles. around the lobby to the arched doorways throughout the property. Rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and tea & coffee making facilities. Amenities include a restaurant and cafe with terrace, pool and gym.
In an area with embassies and government buildings, The Tufenkian Historic Hotel is a modern building inspired by classic Yerevan architecture. It is a short walk from a metro station, the renowned, bustling Vernissage market and Republic Square. Rooms feature tea and coffeemakers, satellite TVs and minifridges. A relaxed restaurant serves Western and Eastern Armenian cuisine. There's also a terrace, a 24-hour bar/lounge and an outdoor cafe, as well as an indoor pool and a sauna.
Flanked by the Dilijan National Park, Hotel Best Western Paradise is a short drive from Lake Parz. Featuring park views, the warm rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minifridges, and tea & coffee making facilities. Breakfast is buffet style. Amenities include a 24-hour bar, restaurant and cafe with veranda, swimming pool and a gym.
Trip Information
This Grade 4 moderate holiday includes full and half day walks at a moderate pace over hilly terrain and is likely to include an element of sightseeing as well. Half day walking will probably include about 3 hours of walking, with full days having around 5 hours. Expect ascents and descents of up to about 600m. See the 'Proposed Itinerary' section for more information.
Local Transport Costs
All local transport costs in conjunction with the advertised activity programme are included in the holiday cost. There may be occasions where additional visits or excursions are added to enrich your experience, these will be paid for locally by you if you choose to participate. Local transport can be a mix of private hire coaches, taxis, local buses and ferries depending on the itinerary.
Optional Excursions
A range of local excursions and activities may be available to book at your destination through a local operator. We have no involvement in such activities or excursions which are not run, supervised or controlled in any way by us. Your contract will be with the local activity supplier and we accept no responsibility for their actions or omissions.
Holiday Budgeting
When budgeting for your holiday, you will need to consider drinks, any meals not included in the holiday price, non-included entrance fees, optional excursions you may choose to participate in locally and any souvenirs or additional services such as laundry. A general guideline for lunches and drinks is £10-£20 per person per day.
Currency in Armenia
The currency in Armenia is the Dram. In Oct 2018 £1.00 = Dram 640. Cash can be changed at banks and in exchange bureaux. Sterling is difficult to change outside Yerevan. Credit cards and UK debit cards displaying the Maestro and/or Cirrus sign are accepted at major stores and restaurants in Yerevan but far less so outside the capital. There are many ATMs in Yerevan. They accept major credit cards and debit cards with the Maestro/Cirrus or Visa sign displayed on the card. As in Georgia there will be an opportunity to change a small amount of money into local currency in Yerevan.
Tipping
Although entirely at your own discretion, tipping is an important aspect of tourism and hospitality life and expectations are fairly high. In order to simplify tipping, we strongly recommend that you allow your leader to take care of making sure tips are given to hotel and restaurant staff and to local guides and drivers. This will be done using some funds provided by us together with, if you wish, a contribution from you, which he/she will collect during the holiday.
Tour Leaders
Your tour leader makes the world of difference to your holiday and ours are as passionate about discovering the world on foot as you are. They're resourceful, organised and widely travelled. They will handle all the local administration and other needs that might arise to ensure that you don't have to worry about planning your days and you can enjoy your holiday. Although leading group holidays, they won't forget that every group is made up of individuals. Each tour leader has their own individual style, talents and professional backgrounds and all are trained, qualified, experienced and dedicated to making your holiday as enjoyable, interesting and inspiring as possible.
Leader's Evening Briefing
Each evening, your tour leader will discuss with you the programme for the following day. This will be your opportunity to discuss the details and ensure the planned activities suit your walking ability. If you have concerns on clothing or equipment, this can be discussed then also. If you do not wish to join the organised group programme, please let the leader know.
Local Guides
To enhance your experience, as well as your tour leader, each holiday will be accompanied by a well qualified and knowledgeable English-speaking local guide.
Booking Your Own Travel Arrangements?
If you wish to organise your own flights from a non-UK or provincial airport or travel by rail or car to your holiday destination, 'land only' reductions are often available. Please contact us for details.
Before finalising any independent travel arrangements, please check with us first - especially if doing so 12 weeks or more before your intended date of travel. If you do intend to join your holiday locally please do tell us at least 14 weeks in advance.
If you are joining and leaving your holiday overseas we assume, unless you advise us otherwise, that you will join and leave the holiday at your hotel.
Although airport transfers are not included for those making their own independent travel arrangements, if you wish to join the group at the overseas airport, depending on your flight arrival time, you may be able to be included on the group's transfer. Please contact us at least 5 weeks before departure for more details.
Please note that your flight must arrive within 30 minutes of the group flight to be able to join the group transfer. We also need your flight number, arrival time and departure point so that the group leader is able to meet up with you.
Regional Transfers
Regional Flights (R3). We offer regional flight options on this holiday and there will be one or two transfer vehicles between the airport and hotel to minimise any waiting time at the overseas airport on the outward or return journeys.
Luggage Allowance & Travel Documents
For all those booking a flight or rail inclusive holiday, details of your travel arrangements and baggage allowance will be confirmed in your travel documents, sent to you approximately 10 days prior to departure.
Personal Details Check
To ensure that we can accurately administer your holiday arrangements, please confirm that the personal details we hold for you are up to date and that you have provided the information we need to secure your holiday travel and accommodation arrangements. Please check your passport details, date of birth and any other important details necessary for us to properly manage your holiday booking. You can view and update information already provided, and add details not yet asked for, by using the Manage My Booking facility on our website www.ramblersholidays.co.uk, or by calling our Sales and Reservations team on +44 (0)1707 331133. When you receive your booking confirmation please check the details as soon as possible.
General Passport Advice
It is a good idea to carry photocopies of the personal details pages of your passport. Should you lose your passport, this may assist with the issue of replacement documents and your return to your home country.
Passport and visa requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you inform yourself from a professionally qualified source on, and comply with, such requirements.
General passport advice for UK nationals on the UK Government website.
You must ensure you check all entry requirements in good time by reviewing the official FCDO advice for your destination. Please take time to read and regularly check this website for changes to the entry requirements and any local restrictions.
You may be required to provide proof that you have been fully vaccinated when travelling or in your destination. Proof of vaccination can either be digital via the NHS app or a printed copy via NHS Hard Copy. We recommend allowing seven working days for your printed copy to arrive. Please note both the NHS app and printed copy are only valid for 30 days.
We anticipate that all travellers will need to be fully vaccinated including the booster jab and to carry proof of this with them at all times. Some indoor venues require, and may ask for proof of vaccination, as well as masks becoming mandatory for indoor public spaces, and we ask you to be prepared for this.
Some airlines or destinations are requiring the wearing of FFP2, FFP3, KN95 or N95 masks without a valve. You should check the FCDO advice for your destination and with your airline before you travel, although you may wish to have one of these masks on hand just in case.
Passport Information for Georgia
British nationals don’t need a visa to enter Georgia. You can visit for up to a year, visa-free. Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required.
Passport Information in Armenia
British passport holders do not require a visa to visit Armenia. The entrance stamp you receive on arrival is valid for a period of 90 days only. Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into Armenia.
Breakfasts are taken in hotels and will be buffet style. Lunches and dinners are generally in local restaurants. You will meat served kebab style on a skewer. You will be offered fresh local produce everywhere. Vegetarians will have no problem finding plenty of excellent quality food to eat. A nice touch you will see at meals is a big bowl of fresh herbs to much on while you await the courses to arrive. The herbs are seasonal and more abundant early season. All hotels offer free bottled water in the rooms. Our two coaches carry bottled water in refrigerated boxes. Tap water is, in fact, safe to drink, but is said to taste rather strange so perhaps it is best to avoid it. To avoid issue completely why not consider taking a Water to Go bottle. See later in this document
The hotel(s) listed within this document are examples of standard only. Whilst we strive to deliver the hotel(s) listed within this Holiday Information Sheet, there will be times throughout the year when they change. If this occurs, we will advise you as such. From time to time hotels will change near to departure and you will not be advised until after arriving into the destination. We always aim to provide a replacement of similar standard and location, although we cannot guarantee similar facilities such as pool or bar.
Footwear
Lightweight waterproof walking boots with a good moulded sole (such as Vibram or similar) and a deep tread and which provide ankle support are strongly recommended and may be essential for some walks.
General Kit List
Outdoor activities are always safer and more enjoyable if you are prepared.
If you have not travelled with us before the following list might be of use:
This list is not exhaustive and every walker is different and may have their own preference.
Travel Documents Checklist
Documents and Information to take with you:
Water To Go
An alternative to bottled water from single-use sealed water bottles is filtered water from a refillable bottle containing its own water filter such as a Water-to-go bottle available from www.watertogo.eu. Just fill up from any water source and save the environment from disposable plastic bottles.
We have negotiated an exclusive 15% discount with our partners Water-to-Go for you as a thank you for helping the environment. Please go to their website at www.watertogo.eu and enter the code RWH17 when ordering. In addition, Water-to-Go will match the discount with a donation to our charity, Heart & Sole, which will allow us to continue to make a difference in the countries you visit on our holidays.
The Map Shop
If you cannot find the maps or books locally we recommend:
The Map Shop
5 High Street
Upton upon Severn, Worcs
WR8 0HJ
England
Tel: 01684 593 146
Website: www.themapshop.co.uk
E-mail: themapshop@btinternet.com
If you key many of the local places mentioned in this holiday fact sheet into YouTube, you will find a vast array of spectacular footage of the area.
Weather
Visit the following websites for an idea of the climate in your destination:
Health requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you inform yourself from a professionally qualified source on, and comply with, such requirements at least 6 to 8 weeks before departure. Advice on vaccinations is available from your GP.
Health Advice for Armenia
No compulsory immunisations are required for visits to Georgia or Armenia. You should be up to date with the usual immunisations recommended in the UK. Hepatitis A immunisation is recommended. You may also wish to consider immunisations against Tick-borne Encephalitis and Hepatitis B, Diphtheria, Rabies and Tetanus.
Further Travel Advice
For further advice please visit:
You might wish to take a small bottle of antibacterial hand gel with you for times when you're unable to wash your hands.
It is a condition of booking with Ramblers Walking Holidays that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the trip, including all optional activities.
Your travel insurance policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation. Please ensure your policy covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are walking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. Medical and repatriation insurance cover are not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Whoever you insure with, please ensure that you take full details, and ideally the policy itself, with you on holiday and provide our tour leader with your insurer's name, the policy number and emergency assistance contact numbers.
Please note that it is very difficult to obtain travel insurance once your holiday arrangements have started.
Covid-19 Cover
If you should have symptoms and test positive for Covid-19 whilst abroad, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative and you may have to seek treatment. We strongly recommend that you take out an insurance policy that covers you for this eventuality.
Looking for travel insurance?
If you have not already arranged cover, please visit SunWorld who offer travel insurance.
SunWorld policies include cover for COVID-19, subject to applicable terms and conditions.
EHIC & GHIC Cards
From January 1st, 2021 UK travellers can continue to use their European Heath Insurance Card (EHIC) – which can last up to five years, until its expiry date, to gain access to medical assistance during your holiday. However, you will no longer be covered in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. Travellers without a valid EHIC can apply for a new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which will replaces the EHIC once it has been phased out. Please note however that the EHIC/GHIC should not be considered a substitute for medical or travel insurance.
For more information, please visit www.nhs.uk/ehic
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office provides up to date information on security and local laws for travellers, together with current passport and visa information, at www.gov.uk/travelaware. Please take a few minutes to look at the current advice on your planned destination.
Please be aware of what's going on around you, take sensible precautions with your credit cards and passport and avoid displays of wealth such as wearing expensive jewellery or watches. Do not carry more cash on you than you will need for each day, and we recommend that a money belt is used.
Responsible Travel
We're committed to ethical tourism in all our destinations. Our holidays are designed for you to discover the essence of the country you are visiting. Travelling in small groups not only gives you an up close and personal experience of your destination, but minimises your impact on the immediate environment. We feel that the most important starting point to protect the environment is to be out in it. For more details visit our website.
The Ramblers Holidays Charitable Trust
Unlike many tour operators we have our own trust through which RWH Travel’s profits are channelled back into a variety of outdoor, walking-related or environmental conservation projects in the UK. The focus of the Trust’s financial support is Britain’s leading walking charity, The Ramblers, and their role in promoting the benefits and importance of walking to the British public. In addition the Trust welcomes applications for small grants from local organisations in the UK who need support for walking-orientated activities. This includes the establishment of footpaths and bridleways, funding for rebuilding bridges and renovating huts, as well as bursary funding for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award for children who could not otherwise afford to do it. Please visit the ‘About Us’ section of our website and click on the Charitable Trust link for more details.
Heart and Sole
We appreciate that we are in a fortunate position to be able to use our profits to help make a difference to people's lives. Heart & Sole is a venture managed by our office staff, whose aim is to reach the heart of the communities in the countries we visit. Through Heart & Sole, we hope to make more of a long term, direct impact to these communities, particularly in less developed countries where even a small amount goes a long way. See our website for more information and details of some of the projects we support.
Mobile Phones
Please do provide us with a mobile phone contact number. We will only use this to contact you with important information relating to your holiday arrangements.
Do keep your mobile phones switched on and readily available when travelling to the airport or if delayed in transit so that we can contact you with any last minute information relating to your travel arrangements.
As a matter of courtesy, please switch off your mobile phone during walks, or endeavour to minimise its use. Please also try to minimise the use of mobile devices during group meals.
Reviews
Useful Information
Capital
Currency
Language
Time Difference
Flight duration
Visas and Passports
January
Avg. Rain: 70mm
February
Avg. Rain: 59mm
March
Avg. Rain: 62mm
April
Avg. Rain: 64mm
May
Avg. Rain: 72mm
June
Avg. Rain: 82mm
July
Avg. Rain: 64mm
August
Avg. Rain: 64mm
September
Avg. Rain: 81mm
October
Avg. Rain: 87mm
November
Avg. Rain: 70mm
December
Avg. Rain: 89mm
Capital
Currency
Language
Time Difference
Flight duration
Visas and Passports
January
Avg. Rain: 22mm
February
Avg. Rain: 27mm
March
Avg. Rain: 37mm
April
Avg. Rain: 55mm
May
Avg. Rain: 71mm
June
Avg. Rain: 58mm
July
Avg. Rain: 33mm
August
Avg. Rain: 27mm
September
Avg. Rain: 24mm
October
Avg. Rain: 40mm
November
Avg. Rain: 31mm
December
Avg. Rain: 22mm
View Dates & Book
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