Best of Armenia and Georgia

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 BC. Armenians are proud that Yerevan is 29 years older than Rome. During the city tour, you will walk around the centre of the city and visit Cascade, Opera and Ballet theatre, Mashtots Avenue, and Republic Square. In the evening you will have a welcome dinner in a traditional restaurant with folk show.

A short morning drive will take you to Echmiadzin town – the religious centre of all Armenians around the world. Hereafter the adoption of Christianity in 301 AD one of the first Christian cathedrals in the world – Echmiadzin Cathedral was built in 303-310 AD. 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.

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 the local wine. 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.

The day is dedicated to the pearl of Armenian Medieval architecture, the Monastery and the 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 of the highest freshwater lakes in the world located at an altitude of 1900 meters above 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 cosy 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.

In the morning you will have a walk in the old part of Dilijan and enjoy the local atmosphere. Further visit Russian Molokan village Fioletovo. After an excursion head to Haghpat monastery listed as UNESCO object. Drive to the Armenian-Georgian (Sadakhlo) border. Meet your Georgian representatives and continue to Tbilisi for a city tour. Visit Tsminda Sameba – the main church of Georgian Orthodox Church and the highest temple in Georgia. Continue to the historic 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 on 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.

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 open from here. After the 5-minute drive, you will visit Sour waters of Vedza. The place offers picturesque scenes. Visit 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.

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 centre 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 tasting and master class of different Georgian dishes preparation. Drive to Kutaisi and accommodation at the hotel.

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.

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 centuries), 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 century. 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.

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 centre of the 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.

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.

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

Transfer to the airport, departure.