Trip Region: Eastern Europe
Country(ies): Armenia & Georgia
Partners Trek? No
Cost: $1485
Airfare Estimate: $1500
Structure: 3   •   Lodging: 2   •   Nightlife: 3   •   Activity: 2

Armenia and Georgia are kind of like Ross. They are in the middle of nowhere, the people are amazing, and you will never run out of alcohol. Whether you like historic heritage sites, hiking in the mountains, exploring new cities, trying new food, or drinking like everyday is the Ross Bus on game days, this trip has something for you! The trip starts in Armenia and highlights will include: exploring the city of Yerevan, learning how to cook Armenian food, and hiking in the mountains. Then we head to Georgia where we’ll make Georgian wine and moonshine, go white-water rafting, and see some of the oldest villages in Europe. Your MTrek leaders include two section presidents, two engineers, and a former Marine. After 10 days of travelling through Armenia and Georgia, we will also be your five new best friends.

Day 1 — Saturday, Oct 29

Say goodbye to your new section-mates and get on a flight to go halfway around to Yerevan, Armenia.

Day 2 — Sunday, Oct 30

We’ll check in to the hotel in the afternoon, relax a bit, and have welcome drinks. Emotionally prepare yourselves for the next 10 days!

Day 3 — Monday, Oct 31

We’ll start the day by exploring the vibrant capital of Armenia, Yerevan, where ancient culture is mixed with modern lifestyle. We’ll tour the city in the morning and then head to the village of Garni, where we will explore temples and ruins from the first century A.D. We’ll go hiking through gorges and learn how to make lavash (Armenian bread). At night we’ll head back to the city to have dinner and get to know each other over drinks.

Day 4 — Tuesday, Nov 01

After breakfast, we’ll go tour the historic Ararat Mountain and visit a UNESCO Cultural Heritage site. Then, we’ll tour a few wineries and head to Yerevan for another night out.

Day 5 — Wednesday, Nov 02

We’re leaving Yerevan for a resort town referred to as the “Little Switzerland of Armenia.” We’ll explore a mountain village and do some hiking. If we want to, optional activities include horseback riding, off-roading, and zip-lining. Then, we’ll cook dinner over a campfire and stay at a hotel right on the lake.

Day 6 — Thursday, Nov 03

First thing in the morning, we’ll leave the resort town and cross the border into Georgia. We’ll drive up to Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia and explore the historic districts of the city. (One of your MTrek leaders lived in Georgia for a while and wanted to emphasis that Tbilisi is one of the coolest cities in the world!) In the evening, we’ll take a cable car tour of the city, go for a hot spring bath and massage, and go check out the famous Tbilisi nightlife.

Day 7 — Friday, Nov 04

On Day 6 we’ll check out some of the oldest churches in the world in nearby villages. Then, Day 2 of the Tbilisi city tour which includes a mountaintop amusement park and dinner with amazing views of the city. Also, Tbilisi nightlife part 2.

Day 8 — Saturday, Nov 05

We’ll leave the city for Kakheti, the oldest winemaking region in the world. We’ll be able to see the beautiful Caucausus mountains on our drive as well. Upon arrival, we’ll visit with a local Georgian family to learn how to make Georgian wine and moonshine. Obviously, we will be drinking lots of this wine and moonshine as well. We’ll explore yet another ancient city and eat with a local Georgian family to learn more about their culture and history. We’ll drive back to Tbilisi for the night.

Day 9 — Sunday, Nov 06

In the morning, we’ll leave to one of the most mountainous, most beautiful places in Georgia, Kazbegi. Once we arrive in Kazbegi, we will hike through valleys and forests to an elevation of about 7000 feet. After lots of selfies and probably a picture where we all try and jump in the air at the same time, we’ll stay at a hotel up in the mountains and barbecue for dinner.

Day 10 — Monday, Nov 07

We’ll drive back to Tbilisi today. On the way back, we’ll stop for a white water rafting trip. Once back in Tbilisi, we’ll have dinner while watching a traditional Georgian folk dance show. Also, this is our last night in Tbilisi so we will be going all out.

Day 11 — Tuesday, Nov 08

Back to Ann Arbor, since we’re all ready for the BUS, football games, Stats and Accounting, and recruiting season!