Unforgettable journey to Caucasus

Between Biblical Ararat and the legendary Kazbeg extend Armenia and Georgia: two ancient civilizations that are at the source of a rich culture and remarkable traditions. With their millennia-old culture, proud of the grandiose mountainous landscapes open to all visitors, the two countries of the Caucasus offer you an exceptional journey of historical discoveries, authentic encounters, and unforgettable adventures.

Feel the difference!

ITINERARY

Day 1     Yerevan
Arrival in Yerevan. Meeting at Zvartnots International Airport and transfer to the hotel. Rest.

Day 2      Yerevan: Matenadaran - Megerian carpets - Ararat Brandy
Yerevan, one of the oldest cities in the world welcomes you and invites you to a nice stroll through the city. First, we will visit the Matenadaran, the sacred heritage site, the ancient manuscripts that speak of the Armenian tradition and several thousand years of history. The building is located at the end of Mesrop Mashtots Avenue and overlooks the entire downtown area. Later we will continue the journey to the Megerian factory to learn about the mystery of the creation of handmade Armenian carpets. After a traditional lunch on the spot, we will make an interesting tour on the history of viticulture in Armenia and taste the delicious Armenian brandy.

Day 3     Yerevan - Amberd - Aragats - Kari Lich - Yerevan
Early in the morning, we will depart to the highest mountain in the country, Aragats (4090 meters). First discovery will be Amberd Fortress (11th century) on 2300 m, rare testimony of the Armenian military architecture of the Middle Ages and the Vahramashen church. We will enjoy a picnic on the spot. Later, we will head towards Kari Lich (Stone Lake), a popular campsite for mountaineers. We will admire the alpine landscapes, the beautiful variety of colors and fresh mountain air. According to your wishes, we can climb the south summit (3880 m altitude) of Mount Aragats. In the evening we will return to the capital. Rest.

Day 4    Yerevan - Khor Virap - Areni - Noravank - Yerevan
Today we will take direction to the south of Armenia which awaits us with its fertile valleys and beautiful landscapes. First stop will be the Ararat region. We will visit the Khor Virap monastery, located on the Armenian-Turkish border. Later, we will have wine tasting experience in Areni, "Armenian Bordeaux". South of Areni, in the Amaghu Gorge, 13th-century Noravank Monastery will be revealed, one of Armenia's architectural marvels. Next, we will have lunch in a picturesque cave. Later, we will return to Yerevan.

Day 5     Yerevan - Zvartnots - Etchmiadzin - Aknashen - Yerevan
After breakfast, we will depart to the Armavir region. We will discover the ruins of the Zvartnots Cathedral (7th century), a masterpiece of Armenian architecture of the Middle Ages. Then, we will unfold the church of St. Hripsime (seventh century) and the Cathedral of Etchmiadzin, the first Christian church in the world (301-303). After the discovery, we will leave for the village of Aknashen. We will participate in the preparation of lavash, traditional Armenian bread, taste Armenian specialties in a warm and friendly atmosphere. In the evening, full of impressions, we will return to Yerevan. Free time for individual discoveries.

Day 6     Yerevan - Geghard - Symphony of Organs - Garni - Sevanavank - Dilijan
In the morning we will take a direction to Kotayk region. At the entrance to the Azat Valley, we will visit the 13th-century Geghard Rock Monastery. Since 2000, the monastery has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will continue the path to the pagan temple of Garni of the first century. Before climbing to the temple we will take a walk in the gorge and admire its beautiful basalt organ. It's already time to discover Lake Sevan: the pearl of Armenia. On the peninsula of Sevan, we will explore Sevanavank, with its two churches perched on its hill. In the evening, we will arrive at Dilijan, check in at the hotel and have rest.

Day 7     Dilijan - Haghartsin - Gochavank - Dilijan
The day will start with an exploratory tour in the old town of Dilijan, "Armenian Switzerland". The city is surrounded by a natural rampart: dense forests, unspoiled landscapes, rolling hills and green meadows. Later, we will depart to the monasteries of Haghartsin and Goshavank, lost in forests of shimmering colors. Exceptional specimen of Armenian architecture and ancient history. In the evening you will be granted free time for self-discoveries.

Day 8     Dilijan - Odzun - Ardvi - Odzun
In the morning we will hike through the beautiful flowering meadows of Odzun (Lori region). Afterward, we will visit the domed basilica of the 7th century. Next to the church there is an unusual monument with two columns depicting biblical scenes and the Christianization of Armenia. Later, we will head to the village of Ardvi, where we will discover medieval monasteries, chapels, and cemeteries. In the evening we will go back to Odzun.

Day 9     Odzun - Sanahin - Haghpat - Akhtala - Tbilisi
Our last day in the historical country of Armenia is rich in visits to churches. Before we go to Tbilisi, we will explore other monasteries, which once again show the firm belief of the Armenians. We will reveal the historical monasteries of Sanahin and Haghpat: surrounded by spectacular nature. Both monasteries are listed as UNESCO World Heritage. In the village of Akhtala, we will explore the monastery, bearing the same name Akhtala, which includes three churches, steeples, rooms and stone houses.
It's already high time for a cooking masterclass. We will prepare delicious traditional specialties. We will try to discover some secrets of the Armenian cuisine. After lunch, we will say goodbye to Armenia and take the direction to Georgia. After crossing Armenian-Georgian border we will arrive in Tbilisi. We will check in at the hotel and have rest.

Day 10     Tbilisi City Tour
This day will be dedicated to the discovery of the Georgian capital, the "Old town" in particular, located at the foot of the mountain Mtasminda (sacred mountain). Almost all the buildings in the old town are historical and cultural monuments, like the Metekhi church (5th - 8th century), which was once the residence of the kings of Georgia, the brick vaults of the sulfur baths, the baths of Orbeliani with the Persian madrasas facades. Later, we will visit the fortress of Narikhala (4th century) and the Synagogue. The tour will continue to Sioni Cathedral and the Anchiskhati Church (6th century), the oldest church in Tbilisi. In the afternoon, we will walk along the main street Rustaveli and visit the flea market.

Day 11     Tbilisi - David Gareja - Tsinandali - Sighnaghi: Ninos Monastery - Telavi
From the colorful capital Tbilisi, we will head to the east of the country, where beautiful and impressive discoveries await us. We will take a direction towards the cave monastery of David Gareja of 3000 years, located in the semi-desert, around which many legends were created. David Garedja was one of the "thirteen Syrian fathers" who spread Christianity in Georgia in the sixth century. Let's continue our trip to the wine region of Kakheti. Two kilometers from Sighnaghi we will visit the 9th-century Bodbe monastic complex considered one of the main pilgrimage sites in Georgia. Here, rest the relics of the evangelist Saint Nino. Not far from the monastery, we will find a sacred spring, that makes wonders. Later, we will continue to Sighnaghi.
The city of Sighnaghi with its beautiful streets, small wooden balconies, the magnificent view of the valley of the Alazani River and the immense mountains of the Great Caucasus invite us to a beautiful stroll through the city. In the evening, we will drive to Telavi.

Day 12     Telavi - Tsinandali - Nekresi Monastery - Gremi - Alaverdi - Ikalto - Telavi
This day is dedicated to the discovery of the wine region. In the morning, we will visit the museum of Tchavtchavadze in Tsinandali. The house-museum is surrounded by the wonderful garden. From here a beautiful view opens on the vineyards, we can discover them and taste good Georgian wine. Then we will visit the beautiful monastery of Nekresi. Later, we will walk through the fortress of Gremi, the Kakhetian royal residence. From the fortress, you can admire the picturesque view of the slopes of the Caucasus. In the evening we will return to Telavi, on the way we will discover the Ikalto Monastery and the Ikalto Academy, one of the most beautiful cultural centers of Georgia. Then, we will head towards the mighty Alaverdi Cathedral, in the middle of the Kakheti wine region.

Day 13     Telavi - Mtskheta - Jvari - Ananuri - Stepantsminda
The famous Georgian army road leads us to the mountainous Kazbegi region. On the way, we will discover the ancient royal capital of Mtskheta. We will visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, the most revered church in Georgia. Near Mtskheta, we will visit the Jvari monastery on a promontory of the ridge. Along with other monuments of Mtskheta, this monastery has also been included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Next, we will visit the fortress of Ananuri (16th century), on the northwest bank of the reservoir of Tskhinvali, where we can admire the breathtaking views of the valley of Aragvi. In the evening we will return to Stepantsminda. Rest.

Day 14     Stepantsminda - Gergeti Sameba - Driali Gorge - Gveleti Waterfall - Sno - Juta
Surrounded by beautiful mountains, the idyllic village of Stepantsminda looks particularly appealing. We can admire one of the highest mountains in Georgia, Kazbeg (5047 m). According to ancient mythology Prometheus was chained here. Then, we will hike to the village of Gergeti, where the Church of the Holy Trinity (Gergeti Sameba) is perched on the mountain. Even today, it is a place of pilgrimage, a highlight of the trip on Georgian military road. The journey will continue through the splendid gorge of Dariali, where we will discover the Gveleti waterfall. Later, the village of Sno with its medieval defense tower (16th century) awaits us surrounded by unique nature. In the evening we will take a direction towards Juta. Rest.

Day 15     Juta - Roshka
In the morning we will hike to the Chaukhi Mountains (3860 m) and the Roshka Pass (3360 m). The total distance to the pass is 9 km. From here to Lake Abudelauri (2600 m), the distance is short, but the road is rough. We will have two hours journey to reach the village of Roshka. The hike is always accompanied by the guide. The horse will also accompany us during this hike. The total duration of the hike is about 7 to 8 hours. Some parts of the ride can be considered heavy. We will have dinner as we reach and enjoy well-deserved rest at the guesthouse.

Day 16     Roshka - Aragvi
From the village of Roshka we will take the main road (8 km). After a small picnic, we will continue our hike (30 km) to Magaroskari. In Magaroskari, a well-equipped rafting boat awaits us. 14 km separate us from the adventure center of Aragvi. We will have dinner on this spot and spend a night in tents.

Day 17     Aragvi - Akhaltsikhe - Vardzia
In the morning we will head to the old town of Akhaltsikhe. Here we can find ''darbazis'', traditional Georgian houses. One has the impression that time has stopped here, as each stone has its history. Then we will visit a fortress, where we will find a mosque and the ruins of a madrassah (Koranic school). The journey will continue to the city of the Vardzia caves.

Day 18     Vardzia - Khertvisi Fortress - Ruins of Tmogvi - Vardzia
The day is dedicated to visiting the caves and hiking. We will reveal the cave complex of Vardzia (12th-13th century), a monument dating back to the golden era. More than 900 meters along the left bank of the river Kura, up to 600 rooms were built: churches, chapels, depots, swimming pools, refectories, libraries, and treasuries. More than 1000 monks lived in the fortress of the monastic complex, during the attacks, thousands of people could hide there. Later, we will walk to the fortresses of Tmogvi and Khertvisi. Partially destroyed, they offer excellent hiking trails full of discoveries.

Day 19     Vardzia - Lake Paravani - Dashbashi Canyon - Asureti - Tbilisi
In the morning, we will take the road towards Tbilisi. On the way, we will stop at Paravani lake and enjoy the splendid view of the picturesque lake. Later, we will discover the picturesque canyon of Dashbashi with its crystal clear water and incomparable rocks. Before arriving in Tbilisi, we will also visit Asureti, the village of the Germans of the Caucasus. In the evening we will reach Tbilisi.

Day 20     Tbilisi: Free Day
The day is available for individual discoveries. We remain at your disposal at any time.

Day 21     Tbilisi: Return Flight
Transfer to the airport. End of our services.

PRICES / SERVICES

 

Price per person:

2135 €

Extra charge for single room:

430 €

Small group:

4-12 people

Included Services

  • Distractions
  • • Horseback Riding
  • • Rafting
  • • Master Class
  • Transport
  • • All transfers and transportation to the visiting places during the tour
  • • The cable car ride
  • Accompaniment
  • • English-speaking local guide
  • Accommodation, meals and drinks
  • • 20 nights (comfortable 3***hotels in double room), guest houses, tents
  • • Full Board (4 Days)
  • • Half Board (14 Days)
  • • Mineral Water
  • • Wine Tasting
  • • Brandy Tasting
  • Visits
  • • All entrance tickets
  • Travel preparation
  • • Travel documentation
  • • Map

Excluded Services

  • Flight tickets
  • • International flight

DATES

STATUSDEPARTRETURNPRICE P/PEXTRA SGLNOTES
Guaranteed departure 12.06.19 02.07.19 € 2135 € 430  
Guaranteed departure 21.08.19 10.09.19 € 2135 € 430  

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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