Best of Armenia and Georgia

1 Reviews

13 days/12 nights

Small Group (2-13)

Any Date

Half Board

Price:

5,054AUD

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The Highlights of the Tour

Tbilisi - Sevan - Gergeti - Martvili

Get lost in the fascinating pebbled labyrinth of Old Tbilisi, relish live music with a glass of wine in the open air cafes of Yerevan Admire the glittering deep blue water of Lake Sevan at around 2000 m above sea Get inspired by the towering snow-covered Kazbek mountain peak from Holy Trinity Church Take a boat trip in the green waters of Martvili Canyon in Western Georgia Walk in the halls of 1500 m length Prometheus Cave with stalactites and stalagmites Feel all these emotions with Arara by booking the tour "Best of Armenia and Georgia"

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ITINERARY

Introduction

This 13 day “Best of Armenia and Georgia” holiday is the particular escape for you if you seek much sun, breathtaking nature, mouthwatering food, great wine and gold glittering brandy. You will be pleasantly surprised by endless landscapes, rich history and culture that Armenia and Georgia can offer. The trip includes visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites, medieval cave towns as well as the first Christian Church in the world. Immerse yourself in the spirit of fascinating time travel starting from Pagan to Christian times. Wonder at amazing nature of high mountains, deep green water canyons and natural caves with stalactites and stalagmites, which will bring you in harmony with nature. Not to missed are quiet villages inhabited by Russian old believers’ community and a wine Château. Finally lively walks in Yerevan and Tbilisi, open air cafes, wine bars, live music will make you take home the best memories.

Day 1 - Arrival - Yerevan City Tour

Republic Square - Mashtots Avenue - Genocide Memorial

After your arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to Yerevan. You will have a city tour around Yerevan, the ancient capital of Armenia, which was founded in 782 B.C. Armenians are proud that Yerevan is 29 years older than Rome. During the city tour, you will walk around the center of the city and visit Cascade, Opera and Ballet theater, Mashtots Avenue, and the Republic Square. In the evening you will have a welcome dinner in a traditional restaurant with folk show.

Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2 - Echmiadzin - Garni - Geghard

Garni - Geghard - lavash baking

A short morning drive will take you to Echmiadzin town – the religious center of all Armenians around the world. Here after the adoption of Christianity in 301 AD was built one of the first Christian cathedrals in the world – Echmiadzin Cathedral. It is the seat of the Supreme Patriarch of the Catholicos of all Armenians. The cathedral keeps an important religious relic – the Holy Lance spear. In 2000 Echmiadzin Cathedral was listed as a UNESCO site. You’ll see the ruins of Zvartnots temple (7th century, UNESCO World Heritage Site), that was a miracle of its time. This day you will also have a 1-hour drive to the Canyon of Azat River. Our destination is Geghard Monastery. This unique monastery is carved into nearby rocks and the surrounding cliffs compose a great part of it. In 2000 it became a UNESCO heritage site. The trip leads us to Garni village, well known for its Garni temple – the only surviving example of Hellenistic architecture in the region. Here you will have an opportunity to see the demonstration of Armenian national bread lavash baking.

Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3 - Khor Virap - Old Bridge Winery - Noravank - Goris

Khor Virap - Noravank - Goris

The day will start with a trip to Ararat Province where proudly stands one of the holiest sites in Armenia – Khor Virap Monastery. You will hike up a small hill to discover the monastery and enjoy the breathtaking view on Biblical Mount Ararat. Continue to Old Bridge winery and try local wine with. Lunch will be organized in the same winery for you to feel the whole spectrum of Armenian hospitality. The tour will continue through a narrow canyon to the valley of red rocks, right where Noravank Monastery is located – built in the 13th century it is a masterpiece of Armenian architect Momik. On the territory of the monastery, amazing khachkars are scattered all around – crosstones designed by Momik. The tour will end with a visit to Goris town for an overnight.

Overnight: Hotel in Goris

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4 - Tatev - Selim Pass - Hayravank - Sevan - Dilijan

Tatev Monastery - Sevanavank - Dilijan Town

The day is dedicated to the pearl of Armenian Medieval architecture, the Monastery and University of Tatev. Here you have a chance to ride on the longest cable car in the world 5,7 km over the 320 meter-deep Vorotan River Canyon. You will continue to Selim pass which was a section of the Great Silk Road. Stop at 14th century Selim Caravanserai – one of the most well-preserved hostels along the ancient Great Silk Road. Continue to Gegharkunik Province best known for amazing Lake Sevan. It is one is highest freshwater lakes in the world located at an altitude of 1900 meters above the sea level. Here you will have a stop in Hayravank Monastery. We continue our trip further north to Tavush Province. Here we have a stop at the cozy resort town of Dilijan known for its arts and crafts as well as picturesque lush nature and healing air. Here you will have an overnight.

Overnight: Hotel in Dilijan

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5 - Dilijan - Phioletovo - Haghpat - Armenia-Georgia border - Tbilisi city tour

Dilijan - Haghpat - Tbilisi

In the morning you will have a walk in the old part of Dilijan and enjoy the local atmosphere. Further visit Russian Molokan village Phioletovo. After an excursion, head to Haghpat monastery listed as UNESCO object. Drive to the Armenian-Georgian border. Meet your Georgian representatives and continue to Tbilisi for a city tour. Visit to Tsminda Sameba – the main church of Georgian Orthodox Church and the highest temple in Georgia. Continue to the historical district of Metekhi, where you will see the Assumption Church located on the picturesque hill. Going up to the Narikala Fortress, situated on a hill. You will reach the fortress by the cable car, and at the top, a spectacular view of the city opens. Going down by foot. Excursion to the sulfuric baths – famous royal bath complex (XVII-XIX cc.), standing on the warm natural sulfur springs. The way will continue to Juma Mosque located on Botanical Street. Excursion to Sioni church - one of the greatest relics of Georgia is kept there - the cross of St. Patriarchate. In the evening you will head to a traditional restaurant and have dinner accompanied by Georgian traditional show.

Overnight: Hotel in Tbilisi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 - Ananuri - Gudauri - Tbilisi

Gergeti - Narikala

After breakfast at the hotel you will drive to Ananuri Fortress – a well-preserved castle on the shore of the Zhinvali Reservoir, the former defensive fortress of the feudal era. Have Stop in Gudauri – popular ski resort which is beautiful in ay season. Here you will see the Balcony dedicated to the treaty of Georgievsk and enjoy the amazing views to the mountains that opens from here. After 5-minute drive, you will visit Sour waters of Vedza. The place offers picturesque scenes. Visit to the Trinity Church (Gergeti) situated at an altitude of 2170 m at the foot of Mount Kazbek. The church was built in the XIV century and is the only cross-domed church in the historic Georgian province Khevi. From the top of the hill opens the incredibly beautiful scenery.

Overnight: Hotel in Tbilisi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7 - Mtskheta - Jvari - Château Mukhrani - Kutaisi

Mtskheta - Jvari - Kutaisi

After breakfast, you will have a short ride to Mtskheta which was the first capital of Georgia from the 3rd century BC to the 5th century AD. The town is considered the religious center of Georgia. Here you will go up the hill to the Jvari Monastery – the amazing symbol of the Georgian church architecture. According to the legend, at the site of the monastery St. Nino established one of her three crosses. The excursion will continue to Svetitskhoveli Cathedral – the first and the main church in Georgia. The tour will end with a visit to Château Mukhrani Winey where you will wine testing and master class of different Georgian dishes preparation. Drive to Kutaisi and accommodation at the hotel.

Overnight: Hotel in Kutaisi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8 - Martvili - Prometheus Cave - Gelati - Akhaltsikhe

Martvili - Gelati - Akhaltsikhe

In the morning you will have a city tour around Kutaisi. The tour will continue to the Prometheus Cave – one of the most unique in Europe. It is characterized by impressive reliefs of stalactites and stalagmites and a variety of underground rivers. Excursion to the monastery of Gelati. This monastery is a living symbol of Georgia’s Golden Age and is protected by UNESCO. You will also have a visit to Martvili Canyon - the hidden gem of Samegrelo Region in western Georgia. Drive to Akhaltsikhe and accommodation at the hotel.

Overnight: Hotel in Akhaltsikhe

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9 - Vardzia - Rabati Castle - Uplistsikhe - Tbilisi

Vardzia - Rabati Castle - Uplistsikhe

In the morning, after delicious breakfast at the hotel you will start your tour with an excursion to Vardzia – a unique cave complex of the Golden Age (XII -XIII cent.), the first cave of which was created during the reign of Queen Tamar’s father, George III. In ancient times, the complex served as a refuge for civilians. On the territory of Vardzia there is a functioning monastery and temples. Continue to Rabati Castle – a medieval structure in Akhaltsikhe which is dated back to the XIII-th. Recently renovated Rabati Castle was reopened in Akhaltsikhe in August 2012 and now is the main attraction of the town. On the way to Tbilisi, you will visit the cave town of Uplistsikhe. This ancient cave town, carved into the volcanic rock of Kvernaki ridge, is one of the first in Georgia and is famous for its three-thousand-year history. Once there were houses, streets, churches, public buildings and squares.

Overnight: Hotel in Tbilisi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10 - Kakheti - Tsinandali - Telavi

Kakheti - Tsinandali Village - Telavi

In the morning you will travel to the east of the country, to Kakheti – the main winemaking region of Georgia. Here you will visit Tsinandali estate which is the patrimony of the famous Georgian dynasty – Chavchavadze. The estate is known for its amazing labyrinth planted with exotic trees in it and cellars, where the unique collection of Georgian and European wine is preserved. Next you will have a short trip to Telavi – the center of Kakheti region. Telavi is well-known for its delightful landscapes. The day will end with a tour around the famous winery Khareba. Here you will have a degustation of local wines, as well as a master class on baking Georgian bread shoti and some national sweets.

Overnight: Hotel in Signagi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11 - Sighnaghi - Bodbe

Bodbe - Churchkhela

The day will start with a stroll around Sighnaghi – “the town of love” famous for its architecture in the style of southern Italian classicism. The town has recently undergone significant restoration and infrastructural improvement, rendering Sighnaghi a must-see destination in Georgia. The tour will continue to Bodbe monastery. The cathedral was constructed in IV century AD, on the tomb of St. Nino who introduced Christianity in Georgia. One of the biggest shrines of the monastery is a miraculous icon of Mother Mary of Iveria. You will have free time in Sighnaghi.

Overnight: Hotel in Sighnaghi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 12 - Transfer to Tbilisi

In the morning head back to Tbilisi and have free time to enjoy your last day of the trip.

Overnight: Hotel in Tbilisi

Meals: Breakfast

Day 13 - Departure

Transfer to the airport, departure.

INCLUSIONS/EXCLUSIONS

The tour price includes

Airport transfers
Accommodation in hotels 12 nights (4* hotels with free Wi-Fi double room)
Breakfast, lunch, welcome dinner in each country
All transfers in air-conditioned vehicle
English speaking guide service for all days
All admission fees
1 bottle (0,5 litre) of water per day per person
Lavash master class in Garni
Gata master class in Chiva
Wine tasting in Areni
4-wheel drive vehicle for Gergeti Trinity Church
Wine tasting in Sighnaghi
24-hour office support Armenia, Georgia

The tour price doesn't include

Flights
Medical insurance
Visa fee

TRIP REVIEWS

Robin Lewis 06.04.2018

It is very nice to be back home after a successful vacation spent in Armenia and Georgia. The trip was great and our family loved both countries. Thank you very much for organizing the tour for us. Your guides did a great job. Both Anna and Vaska were very helpful and professional. The drivers were also very reliable and punctual. We will definitely recommend your company to all of friends.

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TRIP ACCOMMODATION

Double Tree by Hilton

Dilijan Resort

Tufenkian Historic Yerevan

Mina

Old Tbilisi

Betsy’s

Brigitte

Boutique Argo

Gino Wellness Rabath

TRIP MAP

PACKING CHECKLIST

Documents:

Passport, flight ticket (printed or electronic), insurance, visa (if required)

First aid kit:

bandaids / plasters, special medicine or drugs in permanent use, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, lip balm

Essentials:

Credit/debit cards, cash (cards can be used in city, cash in regions), moneybelt, laptop/tablet/phone, chargers, camera with extra memory cards and batteries, outlet adapter

Dressing:

There are no restrictions regarding clothes; scarf or shawl is advisable for churches (obligatory in Georgia for women)

Spring / Autumn:

long pants/jeans, long sleeve blouses, light raincoat, jacket, comfortable waterproof shoes, umbrella

Summer:

T-shirts, shorts, long sleeve blouses for evening, sandals, umbrella, sun protection, sun glasses, sunhat

Winter:

Warm coat, warm wool sweater, long warm trousers, long boots (waterproof), scarf, gloves

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

WHY BOOK WITH ARARA

OWN AGENCY IN ARMENIA AND GEORGIA

With an agency operating in Georgia, we are able to provide clients with the best price and quality services.

CENTRAL LOCATED HOTELS

We choose only the best hotels located in the city center close to the main sights

GUIDES WITH 5+ YEAR EXPERIENCE

We work only with professional guides and guides who have experience in tourism for more than 5 years

THE BEST PRICE IN THE MARKET FOR HIGH-QUALITY SERVICE

With Arara you book at first hand from a qualified local Armenian agency. Avoid surcharges applied by intermediaries and save money!

LICENSED AIR CONDITIONED TRANSPORT

We provide our tourists with comfortable air-conditioned transport

3000+ SATISFIED CLIENTS PER YEAR

Every year we get a great number of positive feedback from our clients

Reviews More about Arara

GUARANTEED TOUR DATES

Start		End	Price	Space left
Any Day Any date from Yerevan/Tbilisi	13 days	Individual May 9, 2019 to Tbilisi/Yerevan	5,559 AUD	2+ Spaces left	Book now
Saturday Apr 20, 2019 from Yerevan/Tbilisi	13 days	Thursday May 2, 2019 to Tbilisi/Yerevan	5,054 AUD	13 Spaces left	Book now
Saturday May 4, 2019 from Yerevan/Tbilisi	13 days	Thursday May 16, 2019 to Tbilisi/Yerevan	5,054 AUD	13 Spaces left	Book now
Saturday May 25, 2019 from Yerevan/Tbilisi	13 days	Thursday Jun 6, 2019 to Tbilisi/Yerevan	5,054 AUD	13 Spaces left	Book now
Sunday Jun 16, 2019 from Yerevan/Tbilisi	13 days	Friday Jun 28, 2019 to Tbilisi/Yerevan	5,054 AUD	13 Spaces left	Book now
Saturday Jun 29, 2019 from Yerevan/Tbilisi	13 days	Thursday Jul 11, 2019 to Tbilisi/Yerevan	5,054 AUD	13 Spaces left	Book now
Saturday Jul 13, 2019 from Yerevan/Tbilisi	13 days	Thursday Jul 25, 2019 to Tbilisi/Yerevan	5,054 AUD	13 Spaces left	Book now
Friday Aug 9, 2019 from Yerevan/Tbilisi	13 days	Wednesday Aug 21, 2019 to Tbilisi/Yerevan	5,054 AUD	13 Spaces left	Book now
Saturday Sep 7, 2019 from Yerevan/Tbilisi	13 days	Thursday Sep 19, 2019 to Tbilisi/Yerevan	5,054 AUD	13 Spaces left	Book now
Saturday Sep 21, 2019 from Yerevan/Tbilisi	13 days	Thursday Oct 3, 2019 to Tbilisi/Yerevan	5,054 AUD	13 Spaces left	Book now
Saturday Oct 12, 2019 from Yerevan/Tbilisi	13 days	Thursday Oct 24, 2019 to Tbilisi/Yerevan	5,054 AUD	13 Spaces left	Book now
Saturday Oct 26, 2019 from Yerevan/Tbilisi	13 days	Thursday Nov 7, 2019 to Tbilisi/Yerevan	5,054 AUD	13 Spaces left	Book now