Armenia - Georgia

From Ararat to Caucasus

This journey will give you the opportunity to discover two ancient civilizations, which have their unique culture and special traditions: wine, gastronomy, architecture, music and dance. A real pleasure is ensured during the exploration of these two timeworn countries.
The trip also will include dozen miles of hiking in the mountains, as well as, a discovery of the cultural and historical monuments in different regions of Armenia and Georgia. Get acquainted with the hospitable Armenians and Georgians and take part in their daily lives!

ITINERARY

  

Day 1          Yerevan (Armenia)
Arrival at Zvartnots International Airport of Yerevan and transfer to the hotel. Leisure time.

Day 2          Yerevan City Tour
At 09:00 meeting with the guide in the lobby of the hotel.
Our tour will start with a discovery of the treasures of the Armenian Capital - Yerevan. In the morning, we will have a visit to the Matenadaran, which preserves thousands of ancient manuscripts with their timeless charm. The tour will continue to the Megerian Factory, in order to get acquainted with the creation mystery of the Armenian handmade carpets. Also, we will have a lunch at the factory’s restaurant. At the end of the afternoon, another significant sight will be on our list, Tsitsernakaberd - the Armenian Genocide Memorial and its Museum.
We will return to the downtown to enjoy a walking tour. Later, we will have a tasty dinner at a traditional restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3          Yerevan - Amberd - Aragats - Yerevan
In the morning, we will depart to the highest mountain in the country, Aragats (4095 meters above sea level). The first discovery will be the Amberd Fortress at an altitude of 2300 m., a rare piece of the Armenian military architecture of the Middle Ages. Also, we will visit the Vahramashen Church, built in 1026. After our open-air picnic at the same place, we will head to Kari Lich (Stone Lake), which is located at an altitude of 3300 m. above sea level. Later, we will hike to the southern peak of Mount Aragats (3880 m.), while admiring the beautiful surrounding landscapes.
We will return to Yerevan City to savor a delicious dinner in the city center. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4          Yerevan - Geghard - Symphony of the Stones - Garni - Yerevan
The tour will continue to the Kotayk Region, in order to discover Geghard, which is a cave monastery from the 13th century. After having our lunch break, we will stroll to Garni Gorge in order to admire the beautiful basalt columns. Later, we will visit the pagan Temple of Garni (1st century).
We will return to Yerevan and have a dinner.

Day 5          Yerevan - Khor Virap - Areni - Noravank - Karahunj - Goris
Today, the direction will be to the south of the country. The first stop in Ararat Region: in order to visit the Khor Virap Monastery, which is situated on the Armenian-Turkish border. Afterwards, the traditional Armenian wine will be waiting for us in Areni (Armenian Bordeaux). The route will continue to the Noravank Monastery (13th century). It is one of the architectural wonders of Armenia, inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List. Here, we will have a lunch in a picturesque restaurant located inside a cave. At the end of the afternoon, we will visit Karahunj, one of the oldest observatories in the world (5000-5500 BC).
In the evening, we will arrive in Goris, check-in at the hotel, leisure time.

Day 6          Goris - Khndzoresk - Tatev - Goris
This morning will be dedicated to the discovery of Khndzoresk Village and its artificial caves. In the afternoon, we will arrive in Tatev, here is the new and longest ropeway in the world. Also in Tatev, we will admire one of the country's religious gems - Tatev Monastery of the 9th century, which was formerly a great intellectual center and academic university.
In the evening, we will have a walking tour in the Old Town of Goris. Overnight.

Day 7          Goris - Selim - Noratus - Hayravank - Sevanavank - Dilijan
The continue of our trip will be to Lake Sevan in Gegharkunik Province. First of all, we will discover the Selim Caravanserai of the 14th century. Here, we will see the most important and famous Khachkars (Cross Stones), which are situated in Noratus. Then we will head to Hayravank Monastery of the 9th century. Our last discovery will be the Sevan Peninsula: Sevanavank Monastery with its two churches settled on a hill.
In the evening, we will arrive in Dilijan, check-in at the hotel. Leisure time.

Day 8          Dilijan - Haghartsin - Goshavank - Tbilisi (Georgia)
The day will start with a trip to explore the ancient Dilijan Town and to visit its woodcraft workshop. We will depart to the beautiful Haghartsin Monastery (13th century), which is lost in colorful forests. Later, we will return to the main road to reach the Gosh Village. After a tasty lunch, we will visit the Goshavank Monastery (12th - 13th centuries) to discover the Armenian medieval architecture and its famous “Embroidered” Khachkar. In the evening, we will cross the Armenian-Georgian border.
Arrival in Tbilisi, check-in at the hotel, leisure time.

Day 9          Tbilisi City Tour
This day will be dedicated to the discovery of the Georgian Capital - Tbilisi, particularly the "Old City". We will pass by the paved streets in order to see the houses with verandas and wooden balconies. The trip will continue to the next sightseeing, which is Metekhi Church - the former residence of Georgian kings. Afterwards, we will stroll through the Abanotubani district "Bath district", where lots of sulfur baths are situated. It will be the time to have some rest and enjoy a local tasty dish. Later, we will proceed on to the Narikala Fortress, which is one of the most ancient constructions in Tbilisi. Also, we will have a visit to Sioni Cathedral of the 5th – 6th centuries, as well as, the Anchiskhati Basilica of St. Mary Church, dating back to the 6th century.
Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Tbilisi.

Day 10        Tbilisi - David Gareja - Jvari - Mtskheta - Tbilisi
In the morning, we will drive to David Gareja, an ancient monastery complex. It comprises of 19 monasteries all along with beautiful caves, which are covered with ancient frescoes. We will take an enjoyable stroll, which will be followed by lunch at a unique cafe located in a semi-empty village. Before our arrival at the ancient Capital of Mtskheta, a city-museum inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List, we will discover the Jvari Church of the 6th century, which rises on a top of a rocky mountain.
In the evening, we will return to Tbilisi to have a dinner. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11        Tbilisi - Ananuri - Kazbegi
In the morning, we will depart to the north of the country through the landscapes of the Greater Caucasus. On the route of our journey, we will discover the architectural Ananuri Castle Complex, dating back to the 17th century. In the afternoon, we will arrive in Stepantsminda (former Kazbegi), from where a magnificent view on Mount Kazbek (Mqinvartsveri) unfolds, which is an extinct volcano on the height of 5047 m.
Check-in at the hotel, free time. Overnight.

Day 12        Kazbegi
The plan will be to enjoy a walking tour in Kazbegi. In the morning, we will pass through Gergeti Village in order to rise to Trinity Church of the 16th century. In case of a good weather, we will be rewarded with the magnificent view of Mount Kazbek. Later in the afternoon, we will discover Sno Village with its medieval watchtowers, dating back to the 16th century.
Leisure time. Overnight in Kazbegi.

Day 13        Kazbegi - Akhaltsikhe
After the breakfast, we will head to Akhaltsikhe with having some stops on the way. Upon arrival, we will have rest to enjoy a delicious meal. Later, our discovery will start in the Old Town of Akhaltsikhe, also called Rabati, and its castle of the 12th century, which was entirely restored in 2012.
Dinner and overnight in Akhaltsikhe.

Day 14        Akhaltsikhe – Vardzia
In the morning, we will go ahead to Vardzia City of the 12th century founded by Queen Tamar. This city of caves is entirely dug in the basaltic rocks and consists of nearly 3000 caves, which can shelter thousands of people! Also, we will discover the cave church with mural paintings, the pharmacy and the secret tunnels.
Dinner and overnight in Vardzia.

Day 15        Vardzia - Tbilisi
On our way to the Georgian Capital of Tbilisi, we will discover the Khertvisi Fortress of the 10th century. It is one of the finest examples of the military architecture. During this trip, we will be taken by the splendid view of the wild mountain landscapes. Furthermore, we will explore the great Lake Paravani, which is located at 2000 m. above sea level.
In the afternoon, we will arrive in Tbilisi. Check-in at the hotel, dinner and leisure time in the evening.

Day 16        Return flight
Transfer to the airport. End of our services.

Recommended trip extension:

Day 16       Vardzia - Mestia
The continue of the trip will be the mountainous Region of Svaneti, known for its glaciers and ancient traditions.
We will arrive in Mestia - the regional center. Check-in at the hotel, leisure time.

Day 17        Mestia - Ushguli - Mestia
After the breakfast, we will rise to Ushguli Village (2200 m.), it is known as the highest village in Europe. In the background of this village is located the great Mount Shkhara (5068 m.), which is the highest one in the country. Also, we will discover the Virgin Mary Church. On the rest of our day, we can enjoy a walking tour and exploration of the surrounding places.
In the evening, we will return to Mestia. Dinner and overnight.

Day 18        Mestia
In the morning, we will visit the Ethnographic Museum, a pearl lost in these wild mountains. Afterwards, we will proceed to discover the local watchtowers.
Free time in order to enjoy some self-discoveries. Overnight.

Day 19        Mestia - Tbilisi
Today, we will leave Mestia to head to the Georgian Capital of Tbilisi. We will have a stop at Kutaisi to discover Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati Monastery.
Upon arrival in Tbilisi, we will check-in at the hotel, dinner, preparations for departure.

Day 20        Return flight
Transfer to the airport. End of our services.

PRICES / SERVICES

Price per person:

1990 €

Extra charge for single room:

550 €

Small group:

4-12 people

Included Services

  • Transport
  • • All transfers and transportation to the visiting places during the tour
  • Accompaniment
  • • English-speaking local guide
  • Accommodation, meals and drinks
  • • 15 or 19 nights (comfortable hotels in double rooms, guest house)
  • • Full board (breakfast and dinner from the 2nd day of the touro the 15th or 19th day (excluding drinks))
  • • Mineral water
  • Visits
  • • All entrance tickets
  • Travel preparation
  • • Travel documentation
  • • Maps

Excluded Services

  • Flight tickets
  • • International flight

DATES

STATUSDEPARTRETURNPRICE P/PEXTRA SGLNOTES
Guaranteed departure 09.05.19 24.05.19 € 1990 € 550  
Guaranteed departure 23.09.19 08.10.19 € 1990 € 550  

Aren't the dates of this trip suitable for you? Just inform us with your desires and we will answer you within 24 hours.

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