The Secrets of the Caucasian Wines

Viticulture is an ancient tradition of more than 3000 years in Armenia and Georgia, which considers as an essential part of the historical patrimony. For many generations, the traditions and modernity were harmoniously combined and offered exquisite wines that delight all tastes. We invite you to a journey through those two countries in order to visit the charming wine regions, where joy and hospitality are ordinary things, as well as the wine is an occasion for reunions, conversations and good toasts.
Join this trip to live the cultural experience combined with excellent wines and delicious culinary.

ITINERARY

  

Day 1     Yerevan
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.
Welcome to Yerevan - one of the ancient cities in the world.
Our tour will start with a discovery to the treasures of the Armenian Capital - Yerevan. We will explore the Matenadaran Museum, home to ancient well-kept manuscripts that speak about the millenary traditions. The tour will continue to the Megerian Factory, in order to get acquainted with the creation mystery of the Armenian handmade carpets. In a very traditional atmosphere, we will enjoy a delicious lunch with a glass of good wine. Later, we will have an interesting visit to Yerevan Ararat Brandy Factory in order to explore the history of cognac in Armenia.
We will spent our evening in a friendly tavern.

Day 3     Yerevan – Khor Virap – Areni
The Armenian main wine regions are Ararat and Vayots Dzor Provinces. The warm dry climate and the fertile soil of Ararat Valley are the major conditions which give the Armenian wine and the cognac this special tasty flavors.
We will visit Khor Virap Monastery. The Mount Ararat is proudly nestled behind this monastery but seems to be so close. Late in the afternoon, we will arrive in Areni and discover the village.
In the evening, we will have a tasty dinner and leisure time.

Day 4     Areni – Noravank – Maran Winery – Yerevan
Areni is a wine village with numerous vineyards and rich with wine traditions. The annual wine festival takes place in this village, which bears the same name of the town. In the south of Areni is the Amaghu Village, where we will discover the Noravank Monastery, one of the most beautiful monasteries in Armenia. During a visit to the wine cellar, we will taste wine and delicious dishes of the local cuisine.
We will return to Yerevan to enjoy a dinner at a traditional restaurant where the visit card is a good wine.

Day 5     Yerevan – Amberd - Golden Grape ArmAs – Yerevan
The Aragatsotn Region also offers good wine types and has rich wine traditions. At the beginning of the day, we will explore the partially destroyed Amberd Fortress of the 7th century (2300 m. above sea level), as well as, the Vahramashen Church. After that, we will head to a vineyard, where we will have a nice walk through the vast vineyards and orchards.
After a tasty lunch in Areni, we will return to Yerevan. Free evening.

Day 6     Yerevan: “Noy” Wine and Brandy Factory – Zvartnots – Echmiadzin – Aknashen – Yerevan
During our visit to the wine and brandy Factory “Noy”, we will deepen our knowledge about the production history of the Armenian wine and cognac. Afterwards, we will go to Echmiadzin - the religious capital of all Armenians. The trip will continue to Aknashen Village. Here, we will feel the hospitality of the local people, who will invite us to have a traditional Armenian dinner.
Also, we will have a unique opportunity to participate in the preparation of “Lavash” (The Armenian bread), all along with savoring some of the traditional dishes. Besides, we will enjoy a good homemade wine.
We will return to Yerevan full of positive impressions. Rest time.

Day 7     Yerevan – Sevan – Dilijan – Tbilisi
It already will be the time to leave Armenia, by taking with us the taste of the fine Armenian wine, we will get ready to explore new flavors in Georgia.
At the beginning of the day, we will go to Lake Sevan “The Blue Pearl of Armenia”. On the Peninsula Sevan, we will explore Sevanavank Monastery. Later, we will visit the picturesque Town of Dilijan “The Armenian Switzerland” and the Old Town of Sharambeyan. The last one was restored by the Tufenkian Foundation.
Here, we will discover the hotel-museum of “Old Dilijan” with its original style of the old furniture and handmade carpets. We will have a lunch at a gourmet restaurant, after which, we will leave to Georgia.
In the evening, we will arrive in Tbilisi. Leisure time.

Day 8     Tbilisi City Tour
Today, we will have a nice walk through Tbilisi. In the city center and close to the left bank of Kura River, we will visit the Sameba Cathedral, one of the main orthodox churches in Georgia. From there a beautiful view on Mount Mtatsminda and the ancient city unfolds. Afterwards, we will proceed on to the Metekhi Church. Later, a cable car will carry us to the Narikala Fortress (4th century). Also, we will visit Orbeliani Baths, the Synagogue, the Sioni Cathedral and the Anchiskhati Church (6th century).
After a yummy lunch, we will arrive at Sighnaghi City. Check-in and rest in the hotel.

Day 9     Sighnaghi – Velistsikhe – Telavi
Today, we will have a visit to Sighnaghi, this city is rich with colorful beautiful streets, small wooden balconies from where magnificent views of the Alazani River and the Mountains of the Greater Caucasus unfold. In Velistsikhe Village, we will visit Numisi - the open-air Museum, which is also a 16th-century wine cellar. Next, we will depart to Telavi - the center of the Georgian viticulture with numerous cellars. The region has a lot of vineyards and very beautiful cellars. In a pleasant atmosphere, we will taste delicious dishes of the Georgian cuisine and good local wine.

Day 10   Telavi – Ikalto Monastery - Kvareli – Khareba Winery – Tbilisi
Telavi City is one of the most beautiful cities in Kakheti Province. In the local bazaar, we will find everything that we could wish for: delicious fruits, homemade wine, Georgian vodka “Chacha”, different spices and sauces, cheese, traditional bread, sweets such as churchkhela, gozinaki etc. Also, we will discover the beautiful Ikalto Monastery and continue to Kvareli, which is well-known for its wine types.
Our visit will proceed to the unique Khareba Winery, which is so famous for its high-quality wine. Surely, we won't miss the chance of tasting it along with some gourmet snacks. Later, we will return to Tbilisi, to enjoy a delicious dinner at Schuchmann Wine Restaurant, previously, it was a caravanserai called Tbileli. Here, we will taste "Schuchmann" or "Vinoterra" wine as well.

Day 11   Tbilisi – Mtskheta – the Castle of Mukhrani – Tbilisi
Today, we will have a trip to the ancient royal Capital of Mtskheta and visit the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Not far from Mtskheta, we will visit the Jvari Monastery. The latter was inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List. On the way back to Tbilisi, just in the heart of the ancient city, we will visit Mukhrani Castle.
Between the fascinating vineyards and wine cellars are the hidden secrets and interesting legends of the royal family.
At the end of our tour, we will drink a tasty local wine and celebrate the wonderful time that we have spent together.
Preparations for departure.

Day 12    Return flight
Transfer to the airport. End of our services.

 

PRICES / SERVICES

  

Price per person:

1650 €

Extra charge for single room:

250 €

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
  • • 11 nights (comfortable hotels in double rooms, guest house)
  • • Full board (breakfast and dinner from the 2nd day of the tour to the 11th day (excluding drinks))
  • • Mineral water
  • Visits
  • • All entrance tickets
  • Travel preparation
  • • Travel documentation
  • • Maps

Excluded Services

  • Flight tickets
  • • International flight

DATES

STATUADEPARTRETURNPRICE P/PEXTRA SGLNOTES
Available for inscriptions 04.10.18 15.10.18 € 1650 € 250  

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