Georgia and Armenia 9-days Escorted Tour

Arrival in Tbilisi

Arrival in Tbilisi International Airport. Hotel accommodation and overnight stay in Tbilisi. (Optional: Transfer to the hotel) (-/-/-)

Tbilisi - City Tour

Start a few unforgettable hours of familiarization with the capital. A charming town built in the 5th century along the twisting valley of Mtkvari River. All the places of interest are very close to each other, within a few minutes’ walk. Start our excursion from Metekhi (13th century) plateau, before reaching to Narikala Fortress (4th century) which dominates the skyline of the Old Town. Continue to explore brick-domed underground sulphur baths (17th century) – the district of naturally hot mineral waters, cafe street Shardeni, Synagogue, Sioni Cathedral and the most ancient Basilica Anchiskhati (6th century) in Tbilisi. Walk across the Bridge of Peace which is a stunning design as well as convenient crossing between the newly constructed Rike Park and the Old Town. It also provides superb views over the city. Free time for lunch. Then proceed to see the National Museum of Georgia, visiting the "Golden Treasure" exposition, an extraordinary journey through Georgia's rich history and cultural heritage. This captivating exhibition showcases a dazzling array of golden artifacts, jewelry, and relics that span millennia. Hotel accommodation and overnight stay in Tbilisi. (B/-/C)

Tbilisi - Mtskheta - Uplistsikhe - Tbilisi (240 km)

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Mtskheta – an ancient capital of Georgia, important religious centre and city-museum which is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Along the way we will stop to visit the Jvari Monastery (6th century). This well-known monastery is located on the top of the mountain, at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers. Then head to Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century) which is known as a place where Christ’s robe was buried. Walk along the narrow streets of Mtskheta with souvenir shopping possibility. Then drive to Gori – the birthplace of the Soviet leader Stalin. Photo-stop at the museum of Stalin and proceed to the cave town Uplistsikhe (1st millennium BC) - one of the first cities in Georgia carved into the rock. The caves were the site of pagan rituals, before Georgia became a Christian country. Drive back to Tbilisi. Hotel accommodation and overnight at the hotel in Tbilisi. (B/L/-)

Tbilisi - Ananuri - Gudauri - Gergeti - Stepantsminda - Tbilisi (320 km)

After breakfast start our very scenic drive up through the high Caucasus Mountains along the Georgian Military Highway towards Kazbegi region. In route visit Ananuri architectural complex (17th century) overlooking a reservoir on the Aragvi River. On the way we will drive across the Jvari Pass (2 395m.) and along the Tergi River that brings us to Stepantsminda – main town in this region. From the centre of Stepantsminda travel by 4x4 car through beautiful valleys and woodland that leads us to Gergeti Holy Trinity church (14th century), stunningly located on a hilltop (2170 m.) both overlooking the surrounding snowy peaks of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. Here we will enjoy unique nature with beautiful panoramic views of Caucasus, including mount Kazbegi (5047m.). Lunch at local restaurant. In the evening drive to Tbilisi. Hotel accommodation and overnight at the hotel in Tbilisi. (B/L/-)

Tbilisi - Sadakhlo - Sanahin - Haghpat - Yerevan (300 km)

After breakfast, we will drive to the Georgian-Armenian border. Here, we will complete necessary border formalities, change transportation and guide, and then continue our journey into Armenia. Then proceed to visit two unique monuments of Armenian architecture from the 10th to the 14th centuries: Sanahin and Haghpat (Unesco). Haghpat is considered as one of the most prominent cultural and architectural heritage sites of the country. The Holy Cross Church is the oldest remaining building in Haghpat. It is rectangular with a central dome on four enormous pillars. In the apse a fresco of Christ Pantocrator survives. Lunch at local restaurant. In the evening drive to Yerevan, capital of Armenia. Hotel accommodation and overnight at the hotel in Yerevan. (B/L/-)

Ereván [Panoramic tour] - Etchmiadzin - Zvartnots - Ereván (60 km)

After enjoying breakfast, embark on a tour of Yerevan's city center. Founded in 782 BC, Yerevan stands as one of the world's oldest cities, steeped in a rich tapestry of history and culture. Our journey begins with a visit to Republic Square, a splendid example of traditional Armenian architecture. Here, you'll find an array of notable buildings, including the Government House, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Central Post Office, and the National Art Gallery, each contributing to the square's architectural grandeur. Then head to visit Echmiadzin – the place where the only Begotten descended. Holy Echmiadzin is the whole Armenians’ spiritual center and one of the centers of Christianity all over the world. Return to Yerevan with a stop at the ruins of Zvartnots temple (Unesco)- the pearl of the 7th century architecture, it is a monument of unique design with its circular plan and radial layout and shows the architectural innovation of its time and the influence of Christianity in the region. Hotel accommodation and overnight at the hotel in Yerevan. (B/L/-)

Ereván - Khor Virap - Noravank - Ereván (250 km)

After enjoying breakfast, drive to visit Khor Virap monastery the importance of which is connected with Gregory the Illuminator, who introduced Christianity to Armenia. It is a wonderful masterpiece situated on top of a hill. It is a pilgrimage place where every year a lot of tourists and native people visit. It looks like a castle where everybody has the hint to sit and dream while admiring the beauty of the church. The highlight is the best view to the biblical Mt. Ararat. Free lunch time. Continue tour to Noravank monastery - religious and cultural center of 13th century. It is situated in a narrow gorge which is known for its’ tall, sheer, brick red cliffs, directly across from the monastery. The beauty of this monastery is appreciated by thousands of visitors not only because of its’ architecture and history, but for its harmony with surrounding fabulous nature. Drive back to the capital city. Dinner at local restaurant. Hotel accommodation and overnight at the hotel in Yerevan. (B/-/D)

Ereván - Garni - Geghard - Sevan - Ereván (200 km)

After breakfast, we will set out to explore two UNESCO World Heritage sites that offer a glimpse into Armenia's rich history and spiritual heritage. Our first stop is the Garni pagan temple, believed to have been founded around 77 BC and dedicated to the Hellenistic god Mithras. In ancient times, Garni served as a center for both ceremonies and culture. Then we drive to visit Geghard Monastery, another UNESCO-listed treasure. Partially hewn into the adjacent mountain and enveloped by sheer cliffs, Geghard Monastery traces its origins back to the 4th century when it was established by Gregory the Illuminator. It's built around a sacred spring nestled inside a cave, with the principal church dating to 1215. A distinctive feature of Geghard is its labyrinthine system of caves and cells, which once housed monks engaged in meditation and monastic life. Lunch at a local restaurant. Our journey then continues to the breathtaking Lake Sevan, mountain lake situated at an elevation of 2000 meters. This pristine body of water encompasses 5% of Armenia's total land area, making it one of the largest high mountain freshwater lakes globally. Here, we will visit the Sevanavank Monastery, an architectural gem dating back to the 9th century. This monastery holds a special place in the hearts of Armenians and is one of the nation's most iconic and revered destinations. The church's architecture mirrors the influence of medieval Armenian style, characterized by intricate ornamental details and intricately carved stone reliefs. Drive back to the capital city. Hotel accommodation and overnight at the hotel in Yerevan. (B/L/-)

Salida

(Optional: Transfer to the Airport). Departure from Yerevan international airport. (B/-/-)