Armenia & Georgia Short Break Tour

After arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to the hotel in Yerevan and checked in. You will have free time for leisure and for discovering Yerevan yourself. Yerevan is the capital of Armenia, its largest city and the administrative, cultural, and industrial centre. Yerevan is often referred to as the city of contradictions where modernity is interweaving with antiquity. It is filled with a cosy atmosphere, there is no hustle and bustle and you will feel friendliness and hospitality. More interesting facts about Yerevan you will learn the next day during your guided city tour.

Your exciting trip will start from the city tour in the ancient capital of Armenia – Yerevan. Yerevan Birth Certificate is held in the history museum. It is a cuneiform inscription of Urartian King Argishti, which lets scientists tell the exact time of its foundation and prove that Yerevan was built in 782 BC. During the city tour you will visit “Matenadaran”, which houses over 17,000 ancient and medieval manuscripts, making it the significant bearer of one of the largest collections in the world. After "Matenadaran" the tour will continue to the Holy See of Echmiadzin, the religious center of all Armenians around the world and the residence of Catholicos, Supreme Patriarch of the Armenian Apostolic Church is in Echmiadzin. Here the first official Christian church - Echmiadzin Cathedral was founded in the first half of the 4th century, later it was reconstructed and stands today with the whole charm. You’ ll see the ruins of Zvartnots temple (7th century, UNESCO World Heritage Site), that was a miracle of its time.

After breakfast at the hotel you will have a drive to the Geghard Cave Monastery (13th century) located deep at the bottom of the canyon and included into UNESCO World Heritage Site. This unique monastery is carved of the rocks and the surrounding cliffs compose the part of it. After the excursion around the monastery the way continues to Garni village with its Garni temple – the only surviving example of Hellenistic architecture in the region. Garni’s complex has a royal bath which exhibits a fascinating hypocaust along with a well-preserved original mosaic tiling. However, the tour doesn’t end here. An hour drive by car and you will appear at the beach of an amazing azure Lake Sevan – the pearl of Armenian nature. The stunning hilltop view of the azure lake framed by the surrounding mountains makes you feel inspired and speechless. Here you will go up to the hill where Sevanavank monastery is located and enjoy an amazing view of the lake. The day ends with a drive to the resort town of Dilijan famous by its healing fresh air filled with pine aromas.

On the fourth day, after an excursion to the medieval monasteries of Haghartsin and Goshavank the tour will continue to the Armenian-Georgian border. After discovering wonderful culture, nature and architecture of Armenia, a fascinating journey around Georgia is waiting for you. First, you will be transferred to Armenia-Georgia border, from where after passing the customs “Sadakhlo” you’ll head to Tbilisi – the hospitable capital of Georgia. After check in at the hotel, you will have free time.

After breakfast you will have the city tour and visit Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi - the main Georgian Orthodox Church. Next place to visit is historic district of Metekhi, where the Assumption Church is located. During the day you will also have a chance to enjoy the beauty of the Bridge of Peace, designed by a well-known Italian architect. Then the cable car will take you to Narikala fortress – the symbol of Tbilisi located on a hill. A few kilometers North from Tbilisi there is a small and colorful town Mtskheta which will be your next destination. This town was the first capital of Georgia from 3rd century BC to the 5th century AD. The excursion will start with the visit to the Cathedral of the 11th century – Svetitskhoveli. The next stop - Jvari Temple, located at the top of the hill, offers a fascinating view of the confluence of two rivers Kura and Aragvi.

Immediately after breakfast you will head to the picturesque little town of Sighnaghi sometimes called ”the town of love”. Here you will have a great opportunity to get acquainted with the traditions and the unique wines of the country! Firstly, you will climb to the medieval fortress with defensive double walls which surrounds the town of Sighnaghi through impressing its majestic beauty. You will admire the breathtaking beautiful panoramic views of the Alazani Valley, visit Bodbe monastery, where the relics of the preacher St. Nino are buried. Those who wish can go down by the pilgrimage route to the St. Source (650 steps) and get inimitable water. Then, the trip will continue to Kvareli where the famous winery “Khareba” is located. Here there is a wonderful opportunity to have a tour around the factory, taste local wines. The master class on baking Georgian bread Shoti and making of Churchkhela will complete and make unforgettable the tour.

Transfer to the airport, departure.