Cycling Tour to Armenia and Georgia

After your arrival in Yerevan, you will have a transfer to the hotel. After some rest, you will enjoy a short introductory ride through the city to stretch the legs after travel. According to the cuneiform inscription of Urartian King Argishti Yerevan was built in 782 BC. Some decades ago Alexander Tamanyan, the general architect of Yerevan draw the contemporary masterplanplan of the city which we can see today. The warm smiles of its inhabitants give the unique charm to this eternal city, ancient and so young at the same time. You will pass by Republic Square, the Opera House, and Northern Avenue, getting a first impression of Armenia’s capital.

This day you will leave Yerevan and head to the north through scenic countryside and quiet roads. En route you will visit Hovhanavank and Saghmosavank monasteries, both dramatically located on the edge of a beautiful canyon. You will continue your journey to Aparan enjoying open landscapes and gradual ascents along the way.

After the breakfast, you will start your travel across Armenia’s highland plateau, passing by rural villages and enjoying wide-open scenery. You will have a stop at Harichavank Monastery, a significant medieval complex with sweeping views. The trip will continue to Artik village known for its stone architecture. Your final destination will be Gyumri – a cultural center and the second largest city in Armenia. The city is the regional center and has the history dating back at least five thousand years. Geographically it is situated in the Shirak Valley, on the left bank of the Akhuryan River. In the evening, you will reach Gyumri for a rest and overnight.

In the morning you will leave Gyumri and head toward Trchkan Waterfall, one of the country’s most impressive natural landmarks. The route will pass through mountainous terrain and forested areas before continuing to Spitak and onward to Vanadzor, set among green hills.

Today’s journey takes you into the lush forests of Dilijan National Park where you will visit Haghartsin Monastery, hidden deep in the woods, and then have a short drive to Parz Lake, a tranquil mountain setting ideal for a break. Finally you will reach Dilijan, a lush spa resort often referred to as the “Armenian Switzerland”. A stroll in the historical district will let you experience the atmosphere of the old town as it was in the 19th century. The imaginatively carved balconies so typical for the 19th century Dilijan display the region’s historical love for fine woodwork.

In the morning you will leave Dilijan and head to Lake Sevan, the “blue pearl of Armenia” and one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world located at about 2000 meters above sea level. Here you will visit Sevanavank monastery which was found in 874 by Princess Mariam. Your trip will continue to Artanish and Chambarak through beautiful countryside and small villages. At the end of the day, you will reach Ijevan town situated in the valley of Aghstev River at an average height of 755 meters above sea level. The surrounding mountains are covered with thick forests, turning into alpine meadows in some areas.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Armenian-Georgian border (Bavra). After passing the customs you will start your journey to Akhaltsikhe – the center and biggest town of Samtskhe-Javakheti region. The landscape of the town and its surroundings are a combination of fields and hills, and the town itself is divided into two parts: an old part on the hill and a new region on the plain. En route, you will visit the impressive Vardzia cave city, carved into a massive rock face, with narrow tunnels, rock churches, and unique frescoes. In Akhaltsikhe, you will have some time to rest. Later, you will take a walk around the town and enjoy delicious Georgian dishes and wines.

After breakfast, you will travel to Borjomi by endlessly turning and twisting mountain serpentine surrounded by green wooded hills. Borjomi is famous for its healing mineral waters. Archaeological excavations have revealed the existence of stone baths in the area, proving that these mineral waters have been utilized by people for thousands of years. Here you will have an opportunity to swim in the mineral water pool. The journey will continue to Kakhisi Lake, located at about 1,000 meters above sea level and surrounded by beautiful natural scenery. The route includes a picturesque dirt road, offering a peaceful ride through unspoiled landscapes.

This day your journey will begin with a trip to Mtskheta, the first capital of Georgia. Today, Mtskheta is the religious center of Georgia. You will cycle from Borjomi to the highway, then have a transfer by car to Gori, the birthplace of Joseph Stalin. From Gori, you will continue cycling to Mtskheta, passing through fields, meadows, and small villages along the way. After that, a car will take you to the Jvari Church located on the hilltop overlooking Mtskheta. From the top opens an amazing view of the junction of Kura and Aragvi rivers. Afterward, transfer to Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital, situated on the banks of the Mtkvari River with a population of around 1.5 million. Founded in the 5th century AD by King Vakhtang I Gorgasali, Tbilisi has long been a cultural and political hub.

After the excursion, you will have a trip to Telavi town – the center of Kakheti winemaking region located in the beautiful Alazani Valley. A pleasant time awaits you in Sighnaghi – a royal town founded by the king Erekle II in the 18th century. Strolling around the pebbled streets you will enjoy the local architecture and atmosphere. The route from Telavi to Tsivi Mountain includes a 900-meter ascent above sea level. The part of the journey follows a scenic dirt road, offering beautiful views and a true off-road bike experience.

After breakfast, you will visit the Batonistsikhe Fortress Museum, the historic residence of the revered Georgian King Erekle II. Later, you will explore the famous Khareba Winery, where you will taste local wines and take part in a masterclass on baking traditional Georgian bread, shoti. In the evening, you will return to Tbilisi for an overnight stay.

This day you will have a city tour in Tbilisi. You will visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi – the main Georgian Orthodox Church. Next place to visit is the historic district of Metekhi, where the Assumption Church is located. During the day you will also have a chance to enjoy the beautiful architecture of the Bridge of Peace, designed by a well-known Italian architect. In the evening you will walk along the charming pebbled narrow streets, enjoy the view of national wooden carved balconies, as well as visit open-air cafes, pubs.

Transfer to the airport, departure