Culture and Wine Heritage of Armenia and Georgia in 15 days

Transfer from the airport to the hotel.

After breakfast at hotel you will drive to Kakheti – the picturesque region famous for the producing of excellent Georgian wines. Your tour will continue to Sighnaghi - “the town of love”, which is famous for its architecture in the style of southern Italian classicism. Here you will visit the famous monastery of Bodbe where St. Nino – the founder of Christianity in Georgia, is buried. You will also have an excursion around the famous winery Khareba. Here you will taste local wines, and will have a master class on baking Georgian bread shoti and national sweet churchkhela.

This day you will stroll around Telavi – the center of Kakheti region. Telavi is well-known for its delightful landscapes. Here you can see 9-hundred-year old tree. You tour will continue to Tsinandali village – the patrimony of famous Georgian family – 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. You will aslo visit Batonis Tsikhe – the fortress museum of favorable Georgian King Erekle the II. In the evening you will drive to Tbilisi.

The day will start with an exploration of Tbilisi, the vibrant and welcoming capital of Georgia. Your journey will begin with a city tour, immersing you in the rich tapestry of this urban landscape. You'll first visit Tsminda Sameba, the principal church of the Georgian Orthodox Church and the loftiest sanctuary in the country. The historical district of Metekhi follows, home to the Assumption Church gracing a picturesque hill. Meandering onwards, you'll encounter the Bridge of Peace, an architectural masterpiece crafted by a renowned Italian architect and a celebrated emblem of the city. A cable car ride awaits, transporting you up to the Narikala Fortress, perched atop a hill. From this vantage point, the city's panorama unfolds before you in all its splendor. Continuing on, you'll venture to the sulfuric baths, a royal bath complex dating back to the 17th to 19th centuries, gracefully positioned upon the comforting embrace of natural sulfur springs. This venerable site stands as a hallmark of the Old Town's allure. A leisurely stroll along Shardeni Street, aptly named after the intrepid French traveler Jean Chardin, will captivate you with its architecture reminiscent of Parisian charm. The street is adorned with quaint cafes, captivating boutiques, and captivating galleries, creating an inviting ambiance. Your path then leads to the Juma Mosque, located on Botanical Street, where you'll also be enchanted by the Botanical Garden and a mesmerizing waterfall. A visit to Meydan Square, a central enclave within the Old Town, will offer insight into the heart of the city's history. As your journey nears its end, a visit to the elevated Mtatsminda Mount awaits, facilitated by the charming funicular railway. From this elevated perch, you'll take in the final vistas of a day rich in exploration and discovery.

After breakfast you will head to the Ananuri Fortress, a remarkably well-preserved castle situated along the shores of the Zhinvali Reservoir. This fortress, once a stalwart bastion of the feudal era, stands as a testament to history's defensive architecture. The next destination is Gudauri, a beloved ski resort that boasts beauty in every season. Here, you'll encounter the Treaty of Georgievsk Balcony, a monument with breathtaking mountain views. A brief 5-minute drive will lead you to them Vedza's Sour Waters, a locale renowned for its picturesque charm. Your journey continues as you make your way to the Trinity Church (Gergeti), nestled at an elevation of 2170 meters against the backdrop of Mount Kazbek. Constructed during the 14th century, this church stands as the sole cross-domed edifice within the historical Georgian province of Khevi. The summit of this hill offers a vista of remarkable beauty, rendering an unforgettable panorama. As the sun begins to set, you'll embark on your return journey to Tbilisi, reflecting on the day's adventures and the mesmerizing sights you've experienced along the way.

Your day's journey will commence with a drive to Mtskheta, a cozy town that holds the distinction of being one of the oldest in Georgia, revered as the nation's religious nucleus. Upon arrival, you'll ascend the hill to the Jvari Monastery, an architectural marvel that stands as a resplendent symbol of Georgian church design. According to the legend, at the site of the monastery St.Nino established one of her three crosses. Then you will visit to the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. As your journey unfurls, you'll proceed to the town of Gori, recognized as the heart of eastern Georgia and the birthplace of Joseph Stalin. Here, history and contemporary significance intersect, offering a glimpse into the region's diverse facets. As day transitions into evening, you'll embark on a drive to Kutaisi, a destination beckoning with tranquility and rest, where you'll spend the night, recharging for the experiences that wait in the days to come.

On this day, your exploration unfolds with a city tour in Kutaisi, promising a tapestry of captivating experiences. First you will visit Bagrat Temple, a monumental Georgian church that attracts attention due to its sheer size and historical significance. From there, your journey leads you to the enigmatic Prometheus Cave, an attraction that stands as one of Europe's most distinctive. Inside, you'll marvel at the intricate reliefs formed by stalactites and stalagmites, as well as the meandering subterranean rivers that add to the allure of this remarkable place. The next destination is the Gelati Monastery, a living embodiment of Georgia's Golden Age, boasting recognition and protection from UNESCO. The tripwill continue to the Motsameta Monastery, perched atop a hill that resonates with legends of courage. The story whispers of Georgian princes David and Konstantin Mkheidze, who steadfastly resisted conversion to Islam and met their fates on this very hill, their legacy remembered through the monastery. As the day draws to a close, you'll return to Tbilisi, the heart of your journey, enriched by the experiences and stories that have woven together to shape this day of exploration and discovery.

In the morning you will head to the Georgia Armenia border, meet your Armenian representatives and start the tour in Armenia. Here the first stop we’ll have is at the cozy resort town of Dilijan known for its arts and crafts as well as picturesque lush nature and healing air. After an excursion to the medieval monasteries of Haghartsin and Goshavank the tour will continue to Gegharkunik province best known for its amazing Lake Sevan. It is one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world located at an altitude of 1900 meters above the sea level. Overnight will be organized near Lake Sevan.

As the morning sun graces the horizon, your day commences with a visit to the Hayravank Monastery and then will start your trip. First stop will be at the segment of the Great Silk Road, a historical route of immense significance. Here, you'll visit the 14th-century Selim Caravansary, a gem among the well-preserved hostels that once served travelers along the Great Silk Road. As you continue your voyage, the road unveils breathtaking vistas, guiding you towards the azure expanse of Lake Sevan, a shimmering jewel cradled at an elevation of 2000 meters above sea level. This natural wonder not only captivates with its beauty but also offers a tangible connection to the historical routes that once crisscrossed this land. You will stop in cozy Goris town for an overnight.

The trip will continue to the pearl of Armenian medieval architecture, the Monastery and the University of Tatev. The monastery can be reached by the longest cable car in the world which stretches over the 320 meter-deep Vorotan River Canyon. Stop at a natural bridge named “Devil’s Bridge” at the bottom of the deep canyon. The tour will continue through a narrow canyon to the valley of red rocks where Noravank Monastery is located. En route you will visit a wine factory to taste local wine made of the unique grape sort “Areni”. Trip to the south of Armenia to Khor Virap Monastery located at the foot of Biblical Mount Ararat. In the evening you will be in Yerevan for an overnight.

Your morning will start with a city tour in Yerevan, the historic capital of Armenia, steeped in a legacy that dates back to 782 B.C. An interesting point of pride is that Yerevan holds the distinction of being 29 years older than Rome, a piece of history Armenians hold dear. The city tour will take you through the heart of Yerevan, inviting you to explore its vibrant center. Your footsteps will lead you to notable landmarks such as the Cascade, the Opera and Ballet Theater and Republic Square. A stroll along Mashtots Avenue offers insights into the contemporary rhythm of the city, reflecting the harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. The tour will also extend to the History Museum, where you'll delve into the rich tapestry of Armenia's past, discovering the threads that have woven the nation's story.

On this day, your journey will take you on a scenic 1-hour drive to the canyon of the Azat River. Your destination is the Geghard Monastery, a remarkable testament to human ingenuity. This unique monastery is carved into the nearby rocks, with the surrounding cliffs forming an integral part of its architectural marvel. In 2000, it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. As you navigate through the landscape, you'll be drawn into the aura of spiritual devotion and architectural brilliance that define Geghard Monastery. Your journey will lead you to the village of Garni. Here, you'll discover the renowned Garni Temple, an embodiment of Hellenistic architecture. This temple stands as the sole surviving example of this architectural style in the area.

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 the first Christian temple 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 an UNESCO site. You’ll see the ruins of Zvartnots temple (7th century, UNESCO World Heritage Site), which was a miracle of its time. The trip will continue to the Genocide Memorial – a solemn reminder of the first genocide of the 20th century.

You will have a free day in Yerevan.

Transfer to the airport, departure.