Gastronomic – Gourmet Tour to Armenia and Georgia

After your arrival in Zvartnots Airport, we will organize a transfer to the hotel. The excursion will start with a city tour around the ancient 2800-year-old capital of Armenia, Yerevan. Some decades ago Alexander Tamanyan, the general architect of Yerevan drew the contemporary masterplan 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. The day will end with an excursion to the Tapastan winery where you can taste different types of wine.

This day begins with a visit to the Holy See of Echmiadzin, the religious center of all Armenians around the world. The residence of Catholicos, Supreme Patriarch of the Armenian Apostolic Church is in located here. In Echmiadzin the first official Christian church was founded in the first half of the 4th century, later it was reconstructed and stands today with the whole charm of Echmiadzin Cathedral. You’ ll see the ruins of Zvartnots temple (7th century, UNESCO World Heritage Site), that was a miracle of its time. The tour will continue to Van Ardi wine factory and try the exquisite types of Armenian local wine. The winery belongs to the winemaker Varuzhan Muradyan who is a financier by education but has recently returned to his homeland from the USA with the intention to devote himself to winemaking. He admits that first, the winemaking was just a hobby for him: he attended some wine courses at the University of California and then went to France to learn more about the technology of French wine production. After a while, he got a burning desire to make Armenia famous not only for its cognac but also for elite wines that could take a worthy place among foreign competitors. Van Ardi wine was awarded the medals during the wine festival in Areni, as well as the brand got five gold and two silver medals in the course of the most important international venues – Mundus Vini. On the way back to Yerevan you will visit the ruins of Zvartnots Temple.

After breakfast you will head to the south of Armenia, roughly 40 km south of Yerevan stands KhorVirap Monastery, a historic site located amidst the Ararat Valley. The monastery was built on the place of royal prison of Armenian city of Artashat. Here in royal prison Grigor Lusavorich was sentenced to death by Kind Trdat for preaching Christianity in Armenia in the 3rd century. Nowhere else the Biblical Ararat has such a magnificent view. You will continue through a narrow canyon to the valley of red rocks and Noravank amidst them. This region of Armenia has been made famous for its unique grape sort “Areni” hence where “Areni” wines are derived from. One cannot pass through without a stop at a local winery for a tasting of some locally produced, exquisite wines. You will head to Areni 1 cave where an ancient leather shoe was found. In the evening you will head to Yeghegnadzor where you will meet Armen Khalatyan who was founded “Old Bridge” winery.

This day takes you through a section of the Great Silk Road towards the Selim Pass. Stop at 14th century Selim Caravanserai – one of the most well preserved hostels along the ancient Great Silk Road. En route immerse yourself at the azure of Lake Sevan 1900 m above sea. Lunch will be enjoyed in the local family house with fish menu. After lunch continue trip to Dilijan, a lush town immersed in greed forests.

After having your delicious breakfast at the hotel you will head to Haghartsin Monastery. The tour will continue to Ijevan Wine Factory where you will have an opportunity to try wines of local produce. Head to Armenia-Georgia border and after meeting your Georgian representatives you will drive to Tbilisi.

Starting the tour from the Museum of Fine Arts. Trip to the historical district of Metekhi, where you will visit the Assumption Church located on the picturesque hill. Visit to one of the most famous city's landmarks - the Bridge of Peace designed by a well-known Italian architect. The cable car will take you to Narikala fortress – the symbol of Tbilisi located on a hill. Excellent location for memorable photos. Going on the tour to the sulfuric baths – royal baths complex of XVII-XIX centuries, one of the most famous sights of the Old Town. Stroll around Leselidze and Shardeni streets, where you will find souvenir boutiques and nice, cozy cafes for having a cup of coffee. Visit to the beautiful waterfall located in the Botanical Garden. Visit Mtatsminda Funicular by cable car. From the point opens picturesque views on the entire city.

Drive to Jvari Monastery, located on the top of the mountain. This area offers breathtaking views of the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers and entire city. Svetitskhoveli Cathedral- the Cathedral of XI century, the main cathedral of Georgia. Excursion to Chateau Mukhrani-Situated 25 minutes from Tbilisi it is one of the must-visit venues to get a fascinating insight into the traditions and secrets of Georgian wine-making, mixed with ripping stories about the Georgian royal family. Tour in fabulous castle and cellars, wonderful gardens and vineyards are waiting for you. Drive back to Tbilisi.

Drive to the picturesque region of Kakheti, trough Gombori pass and enjoy the views. Alaverdi Monastery-located at the foot of the Caucasus Mountains, it is founded by the Assyrian monk Joseph Alaverdeli in the VI century. Monastery is well-known for its unique wine cellar and vessels-Qvevris and owes a millennium tradition of wine making by monks living there. Drive to Nekresi-the monastery complex overlooks Alazani Valley. Kvareli Tunnel-visit to the famous winery “Khareba.” Here you will have a tour around the factory, degustation of local wines, as well as a master class on baking Georgian bread Shoti and national sweet Churchkhela. Then you will head to Telavi.

Telavi – the center of Kakheti region. Telavi is well-known for its delightful landscapes. There you can see 900 years old tree. Visit Batonis Tsikhe - the house museum of favorable Georgian King Erekle the II. Tsinandali - the patrimony of famous Georgians-Chavchavadzes. The manor is known of its amazing labyrinth-gathered with exotic trees in it and with cellars, where the unique collection of Georgian and European wine is preserved. Here you will have the chance to taste 4 types of wine and of course, Tsinandali-white dry, specific for this village. Sighnaghi - the town of love. It is famous for its architecture in the style of southern Italian classicism. Return to Tbilisi.

Transfer to the airport, departure.