...only the exquisite, rare, and exceptional...
About our Company
Welcome… to John Graham Tours! We offer a variety of curated cultural and hiking tours mostly for private groups. Currently we operate out of Georgia, but also lead tours in Armenia, Turkey, Ethiopia, Sicily, and the Greek islands. As a people-focused operation, we are thrilled to develop strong relationships with our tour participants, and welcome many returning travelers via our Tamada Club! For new folks, please take a look at our tour offerings below... if one sparks your interest, please write to request one of our 20-page color brochures: admin@johngrahamtours.com We look forward to traveling with you in the near future!
New York Times Travel
Music and Ancient History in the Caucasus
By CELESTINE BOHLEN"The idea was to take a trip with my 22-year-old daughter, Liza, an adventure worthy of a college graduation present.... These remnants of ancient Georgian culture were what drew us to join John Graham, an American musicologist and tour leader, on a journey that began in the Black Sea city of Batumi, circling through the Turkish cities of Kars, Yusufeli and Ardanuc, before ending in Tbilisi.
"John himself, whom I had met in Paris when he was touring with a choir of Georgian singers, provided the other lure. An academic expert in Georgian polyphonic chant, with a doctorate from Princeton, he had promised us music along the trip, and he delivered.... Read the article.
EXCELLENTTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Another masterfully organized tour by John Graham and his team specially designed for the Yale University International Chorus: Diplomats of Song.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot say enough good things about John's leadership of our choral/cultural tour of Georgia and Armenia. From his careful and thoughtful preparation, collaborating with us in every way, answering questions thoroughly; through his knowledgeable, flexible, good-humored organization of the day-to-day events and activities, shepherding a group of diverse individuals with varying needs and interests; to his nuanced and responsive interactions with all our participants, John was the ideal host/partner/tour leader. His intimate and detailed knowledge of the history, people, and places we visited, and his connections to concert halls, universities, embassies, and choral ensembles, made each city visit a special occasion, deeply satisfying, memorable. We'll be back!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot recommend John enough! John is a kind, engaging, and extremely knowledgable tour guide whose passion for the region shines through and truly elevates the tour experience. He is not only a tour guide, but an expert in his field. If you have a question, he has an answer. The itinerary he planned was detailed, thoughtful and extremely smooth throughout the entire trip. From delicious meals with some of the most amazing views to singing in centuries old monasteries, John knows how to craft a trip that provides guests with so many once in a lifetime opportunities and experiences. If you're planning to visit Georgia and the Caucuses, working with John is the first step to ensuring an unforgettable trip! Thank you John for your hospitality!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our group had a fantastic experience with John on our recent choral tour to Armenia and Georgia. His decades of experience living and singing in Georgia gave added depth and insight to our tour. He was also extremely well organized and managed many individual requests for transfers and accommodations without a hitch. I would go on another John Graham tour in a heartbeat.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our musical and cultural tour of Georgia and Armenia with John Graham was thoroughly enjoyable and impressive, from top to bottom and beginning to end. Thanks to John’s perfect combination of deep knowledge, logistical-organizational acumen and people skills, I was both intellectually enlightened and spiritually energized by our unforgettable tour. Although I had been to that part of the world before, I was struck by the fact that, through John’s and his associates’ skill and planning (but not over-planning), I could more effectively fit more into (and get more out of) the trip in the time available compared to previous visits, while still having opportunities for the spontaneous and serendipitous events that make travel particularly memorable. I look forward to my next tour with John and his team!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. John is unbelievable knowledgeable about Georgian history, music, and culture. To have this high level of guiding in someone who is a native english speaker and totally fluent in Georgian is truly unique. I would have given more stars if I could.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our choral tour through Georgia and Armenia was extraordinary on every level. Can't recommend highly enough. John's in-depth knowledge imparted in an accessible and engaging way, gracious manner, fluency in Georgian, deep relationships with local luminaries, and mastery of detail made this an unforgettable experience. He was somehow able to shepherd our substantial and diverse group from place to place without any hitches -- including seemingly blocked roads -- was a miracle in itself.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. John is incredibly experienced, very kind and calm, and curates an excellent tour. Also, kudos to his musical ability!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I joined John's tour, with my adult kids, that he arranged for our alumni chorus, in Georgia and Armenia. It was sensational. The execution was flawless, the locations and venues were extensive, and the indepth cultural and historic exposure was enlightening. We met up with local groups and audiences, and thanks to John's bilingual skills were enthusiastically received everywhere. The cities we visited are lively and thriving, and not yet overrun with foreign tourists. We felt secure and welcomed everywhere we went. The tour lot fit a lot into 10 days, and will be remembered fondly.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. One of the very best organized tours I have ever taken. John Graham and his team were knowledgeable, helpful, friendly and always tuned in to our group’s needs and expectations. His deep knowledge of the culture and history we were experiencing is unmatched, combined with a rare talent for navigating between Georgian and American cultural norms. I would welcome the chance to join another tour led by him.
Wonders of Sicily: Cultural Tour
March 23rd - April 2nd, 2026
March-April, 2027
Travel Program… Join us in a discovery of the world's most culturally vibrant island. From incredible Greek and Roman temples, to jewels of medieval and baroque architecture, every day is full of wonder. The cuisine and wine is top class, and our team of guides are ready to curate an incredible culinary experience. Join us for this extraordinary adventure! Read more here!
Georgia & Armenia: Caucasus Cultural Tour
Come see UNESCO heritage sites, meet artists and musicians, vintners and cooks, with lectures on history
April 24 - May 6, 2026
April-May, 2027
Travel Program… One of our most popular tour programs, the Georgia & Armenia cultural tour gives a broad introduction to the most important UNESCO heritage sites as well as the wealth of artistic culture that flourishes in both countries today. While lectures focus on the history of these countries as early emerging states caught between competing empires to West (Rome and Byzantium) and the East (Persia and Selkjuk Turks), our day to day experience will be an interaction with musicians, artists, cooks, clerics, and environmentalists. Our tour begins in Tbilisi, Georgia, then continues into Armenia before returning to Tbilisi... Read more here!
Cathedrals of Tao
A Cultural Tour through the historic kingdom of Tao-Klarjeti (Georgia & Turkey)
May, 2027
May, 2029
Travel Program… This unique tour program, featured in the New York Times (June 20th, 2017 issue), focuses on the most important Christian sites in the historic 9th-10th century kingdom of Tao-Klarjeti, the location of a great renaissance of medieval manuscript writing, chant composition, and architectural innovation. Our tour itinerary is organized around visiting these "lost" cathedrals, which had fallen into ruin after 400 years of neglect under the Ottoman Empire. But our experience will be infused with traditional music of both Turkey and Georgia, the delicious fusion cuisine and wine of the border regions, and of course a healthy conversation about historical and modern political realities. This tour is perfect for adept travelers interested in a deeper cultural immersion experience. Read more...
Walking in the Caucasus - West Georgia
A Hiking Tour through the mountains of West Georgia (Svaneti region)
Aug. 28th - Sept. 9th, 2026
Aug. 27th - Sept. 8th, 2027
Travel Program… We begin and end the tour in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia (airport designation TBS) and a beautiful city that featured prominently on trade routes from Asia to Europe. The focus of this unique itinerary will be walking trails in the High Caucasus mountains. We will not be roughing it, however, as jeeps will carry our luggage to the end point, and we will stay in cozy hotels where a cool beer, a hot shower, and comfortable bed awaits. JohnGrahamTours specializes in the culture of Georgia: therefore, in addition to our walking schedule, there will be an emphasis on visiting medieval churches to see original frescoes, meeting local families to learn about their lives and customs, and experiences with the music and dance of the local people. Read more!
Walking in the Caucasus - East Georgia
A Hiking Tour through the mountains of East Georgia (Tusheti, Khevsureti, Kazbegi)
By Private Group Request, Aug. 2025
TBA, 2026
Travel Program… We begin and end the tour in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia (airport designation TBS) and a beautiful city that featured prominently on trade routes from Asia to Europe. The focus of this unique itinerary will be walking trails in the High Caucasus mountains of East Georgia including the Tusheti National Park, as well as the Khevsureti and Kazbegi protected highlands. We will not be roughing it, however, as jeeps will carry our luggage, and we will stay in cozy 3-star hotels where a cool beer, a hot shower, and comfortable bed awaits. JohnGrahamTours specializes in the culture of Georgia: therefore, in addition to our walking schedule, there will be an emphasis on meeting local families to learn about their lives and customs, and experiences with the music and dance of the local people. The middle of the tour features two nights resting at a 4-star winery resort hotel with a swimming pool in the Kakheti viticulture region. Read more!
Castles of Caria: Cruising in Turkiye + Greek islands
A cruising tour along the Carian coast of southwest Turkiye, and including three Greek islands (Kos, Symi, and Rhodes)
Sept 12th - 21st, 2025
Sept, 2026
Travel Program… Our tour begins and ends in the port city of Bodrum, which has proved vital throughout the millennia with remnants of past empires dotting its protected bay; the Halikarnassos Mausoleum (built around 350 BC) was considered one of the seven wonders of the world, while the Knights Hospitaller built a fantastic castle in the 15th century that still stands as a landmark of the city. On our third day, we embark on a traditional wooden sailing vessel known as a gulet to start a seven-day cruise between the Greek islands of Kos, Symi, and Rhodes before returning to the secluded bays of the Carian coastline of Turkiye... Read more!
Golden Fleece cultural tour - West Georgia
A Cultural Tour through ancient Colchis, also exploring the highlands of Racha and Svaneti
Sept-Oct, 2026 (by private group request)
Sept-Oct, 2027
Travel Program… The focus of this unique cultural program will be to visit and understand the impact of the bronze-era kingdom of Colchis, and its dependency on the mountain tribes for mineral resources. After traveling to the Black sea coastal region of Georgia (ancient Colchis), we will pay particular focus to travel through the unique cultural and geographical highland region of Svaneti. The region features a unique language, its own folklore, folk music, and cuisine. The villages are punctuated with thousand-year-old defensive towers, and each town has several Christian chapels with original frescoes dating to the 10th-12th century period.... Read more!
Coastal Caria: Archeology Cruise on the Turkish Coast
A cruising tour along the Carian coast of southwest Turkiye (Fethiye to Bodrum)
Oct. 24th - Nov. 3rd, 2025
Oct, 2026
Travel Program... Our tour begins with two nights in Fethiye and ends with one night in Bodrum in the southwestern corner of Turkiye. On Day 3, we embark on a private gulet charter - a traditional wooden sailing ship - for our real adventure: a cruise along the famous “Turquoise coast” of the Carian coast! Our guests absolutely love the natural beauty of this stunning coastline, with its steep arid hillsides plunging into clear blue water. Our trip takes us past several ancient Carian cities and fortifications that were later Hellenized and Romanized in classical antiquity. Among these the highlights are surely the city of Kaunos, the ruins of Lydae, the necropolis of Loryma, and the double-harbor city of Knidos. Some of these sites have never been excavated by archeologists and many remain accessible only from the sea. Read more!
Ethiopia: Hiking Tour
Journey with us through the Simien mountain National Park and other exotic locations!
November-December - (by private group request)
Travel Program… This thrilling adventure through the ancient Christian regions of Ethiopia's northern highlands features a series of short and long hikes through the national parks, along ridges, around lakes and dry river beds. We will have professional guides, support vehicles, packed picnic lunches, and all the necessaries to make this a highly enjoyable trip. Accommodation is in best available hotels and exclusive lodges in the national parks. Travel will involve four short domestic flights to bypass driving long distances over rough roads. Our centers of interest will be Gondar, the Simien National Park, Lalibela, and Gheralta, with forays to Lake Tana (head of the Blue Nile River). The UNESCO heritage churches at Lalibela will be a cultural highlight of this itinerary, as well as the desert churches of Gheralta. We will see plenty of wildlife at Lake Tana and in the Simien mountains! Read more here!
Ethiopia: Genna Cultural Tour
January 4th-16th, 2027
January 4th-16th, 2028
Travel Program… This thrilling adventure through the ancient Christian regions of Ethiopia's northern highlands features a relaxed schedule, plenty of delicious food, top-notch guides, visits to the most important sites, and lots of interaction with local people. We will also seek out unique musicians to feed our interest in local culture through music, cuisine, and religion. Travel will involve several short domestic flights to bypass driving long distances over rough roads. Our centers of interest will be Addis, Lalibela, Gondar, and Gheralta, with forays to Lake Tana (head of the Blue Nile River), the gorgeous Simien National Park highlands with its unique herds of friendly Gelada herbivore baboons, and remote rock-hewn churches in the Gheralta region. The UNESCO heritage churches at Lalibela will feature heavily in this itinerary, as we visit this sacred city during its most important yearly festival: the feast of the Nativity (Jan. 7th on their old Christian calendar). Join us for this extraordinary adventure! Read more here!
Intriguing Destinations | Blog
Kriste Aghdga [Christ is Risen] in English
Kriste aghdga (Christ is Risen) is an important Easter hymn in the Georgian Orthodox tradition. Many musical variants of... Read More
10 Magnificent Churches of Kartli
In this series of posts, I document an extraordinary trip to 10 churches in the Shida Kartli region. In... Read More
Jeep Tour to Rkoni Monastery
In this series of posts, I document an extraordinary trip to 10 churches in the Shida Kartli region. To... Read More
Finding the medieval “Tamar bridge” near Rkoni Monastery
In this series of posts, I document an extraordinary trip to 10 churches in the Shida Kartli region. To... Read More