|
|
Itinerary map
|
Tour highlights of Armenia and Georgia
Day 1: arrival – Transfer to hotel
Arrival in Yerevan at Zvartnots International Airport, our representative will wait at the arrival hall for the transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Yerevan
Day 2: Yerevan – Garni – Geghard – Grandfather Levon's cave – Yerevan
After breakfast, departure to Kotayk region to visit the Temple of Garni, a first century Hellenistic Pagan temple and the only one to survive after the christianization of Armenia in the IV century AD. A short drive leads to the Unesco protected Geghard cave monastery probably the most beautiful of Armenia, which lies in a narrow gorge and is partially carved out of the adjacent towering cliff. Lunch in Garni where the group will have the opportunity to see the lavash (the traditional armenian bread) baking process. Trip to Avan-Arinj village to visit grandfather Levon's cave, where many years ago LevonArakelyan, a resident of the village, started to dig a potato cellar in its home basement. Having heard a voice from the mist of a white fog telling him to make a miracle, he continued and dug for the next 23 years until his death a series of caves, connected by narrow passages and stairs, which go 21 meters deep into the earth. His wife will tell the complete story. Return to Yerevan, dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Yerevan – Echmiadzin – Zvartnots – Yerevan
Breakfast at the hotel.Departure for the holy city of Echmiadzin, home of the "Catholicos" of the Armenian Apostholic Church. Visit of the Cathedral and of the churches of St. Gayane and of St. Hripsime; after a short drive, visit of the ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral, which used to be one of the most powerful and beautiful examples of armenian architecture. Return to Yerevan and visit of the Vernissage open air market (working days Sunday and Saturday). Dinner in Yerevan with folklor music and degustation of armenian tasty dishes. Overnight in Yerevan.
Day 4: Yerevan – Areni – KhorVirap – Noravank – Yerevan
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for the Ararat region where, in a spectacular location just under the imposing mount Ararat, lies the Monastery of KhorVirap: here, from its terrace, everyone can enjoy the fantastic view of the two peaks of this magnificent extinct volcano. Inside the yard of the monastery there's a deep well: inside it saint Gregory the Illuminator was prisoned by king Trdat because of his predication of Christianism. Trip to the village of Areni, famous for its wines, time for a wine degustation tour at a local wine factory. Lunch and then continue to Noravank Monastery, located in a narrow canyon made by reddish rocks. The unique location and the unique architecture make Noravank one of the most beautiful monasteries of Armenia. Overnight in Yerevan.
Day 5: Yerevan – Sevan – Goshavank – Haghartsin – Dilijan
After breakfast, departure to Sevan Lake, the second highest clear water lake of the world. Visit of the monastery of Sevanavank, set on a peninsula overlooking the lake, fish lunch and then departure to Goshavank Monastery, rebuilt in 13th century by Mkitar Gosh, the author of the first criminal code in Armenia. Visit of the 10th century Monastery of Haghartsin, recently restored thanks to the donation of the Sultan of Sharjah (United Arab Emirates). Arrival in Dilijan, a small resort-town, one of the most green cities of Armenia. Dinner and overnight in Dilijan.
Day 6: Dilijan – Akhtala – Haghpat – Sanahin – Bagratashen – Tbilisi
After breakfast, departure for Lori region to visit Akhtala, one of the few churches in Armenia painted with frescoes inside. The murals are among the best representations of Byzantine art outside the Empire of Bisantium and were painted between 1205 and 1216. Proceed to the UNESCO protected monasteries of Sanahin and Haghpat: both places, built in the X century, are among the most outstanding works of Armenian medieval architecture. Lunch in Haghpat and then departure to the border between Armenia and Georgia in Bagratashen, arrival in Tbilisi, dinner andovernight.
Day 7: Tbilisi
After breakfast, the entire day will be dedicated to the visit of the capital city of Georgia, Tbilisi, which offers a wide variety of monuments and sights. The tour will start from the bath district, one of the few places in the world where a synagogue and a mosque are located next to each other. The visits will lead to the Narikala Fortress, established in the 4th century, even if the actual remnants date back to the 16th and 17th century. The tour continues with the Sioni Cathedral, with the 6th century Anchiskhati Basilica, with the Metekhi Church set upon the top of a hill overlooking the Kura river, and the Sameba Cathedral, the main church of the Georgian Orthodox Church. After lunch, visit to Georgian National Museum and then a walk along Rustaveli Avenue will give the opportunity to experience the beauty of the capital of Georgia. Dinner and overnight in Tbilisi
Day 8: Tbilisi – Gori – Uplistsikhe – Mukhrani – Tbilisi
After breakfast departure to Gori, the birthplace of Joseph Stalin where he lived until the age of 15, visit of the house museum and departure to Uplistsikhe, one of the oldest urban settlements in Georgia dating back to the I millennium b.C., which is completely carved out of rocks. It’s an interesting complex with residential remains, bakeries, shops and a three naves basilica. After lunch departure to Mukhrani, a town set in an area famous for its wines, time for a wine degustation tour at a local wine factory. Dinner and overnight in Tbilisi.
Day 9: Tbilisi – Davit Gareja – Sighnaghi – Tbilisi
After breakfast, departure to David Gareja. a rock-hewn Georgian Orthodox monastery complex located in the Kakheti region of Eastern Georgia, on the half-desert slopes of Mount Gareja. This complex made by nineteen monasteries was founded by St. David Garejeli, who was one of the thirteen monks who arrived from Mesopotamia to Georgia to strengthen Christianity in the country in the 6th century. After the visit departure to Sighnaghi, a small beautiful town in Kiziqi (part of Kakheti region), known as “City of love”. Sighnaghi is a rare example of historic city which has mantained its architectural style all over the centuries: traditional open balconies, the fortress with churches built inside and the towers. The city overlooks the Alazani valley and opens to visitors the magnificent views of the Great Caucasus Range. A short drive will lead to the Monastery of Bodbe, the final resting place of Saint Nino, "Enlightener of Georgians", who preached Christianity in Georgia with a vine cross in her hand. In the evening return to Tbilisi. Overnight in Tbilisi.
Day 10: Tbilisi – Mtskheta – Gudauri
After breakfast departure to visit the ancient capital and religious centre of Georgia, Mtskheta (3000 years old) and to see its historical places: Jvari church (6th century) and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century) where the Robe of Christ is buried. Both Jvari and Svetitskhoveli are UNESCO World Heritage sites. After lunch we visit the ancient remains of the city and drive up the famous Georgian Military Highway to reach Gudauri, en route visit Ananuri, a castle complex on the Aragvi River dating back to the17thcentury. The drive is becomes more and more scenic as it heads up into the Great Caucasus mountains. Dinner and overnight in Gudauri ski resort (2200 m.)
Day 11: Gudauri – Kazbegi – Tbilisi
After breakfast, departure to Kazbegi along a road next to the Tergi River. Kazbegi is the main town in the region known for its scenic location in the Greater Caucasus mountains. From Kazbegi half an hour drive on 4x4 vehicles through beautiful valleys and woodland leads to the 14th century Gergeti Trinity Church located at 2170m. Weather permitting visitors may catch a glimpse of one of the highest glaciers in the Caucasus, the glacier of Mt Kazbegi (5047m). Return to Tbilisi for dinner and overnight.
Day 12: Tbilisi – Borjomi – Akhaltsike
After breakfast departure to Borjomi, a resort town set in a picturesque gorge on the eastern edges of the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, which is one of the biggest national parks in Europe. It covers more than 85.000 hectares of native forest and sub-alpine and alpine meadows, home to rare species of flora and fauna. Visit of the mineral water park to taste the famous water of Borjomi. Afterwards visit the Summer Palace of the Russian Tsar in Likani. Proceed to Akhaltsikhe and visit of the Rabati Castle complex, known as the Symbol of Tolerance, which was built in the 9th century and includes the Jakhelis’ residence, the ruins of the old market, the museum, a Mosque, and Catholic, Armenian, and Greek churches. Its architectural variety emphasizes the influence of many conquerors and different civilizations. Overnight in Akhaltsikhe.
Day 13: Akhaltsikhe – Khertvisi – Vardzia – Bavra – Gyumri
After breakfast departureto Khertvisi to visit the 10th century fortress, then proceed to Vardzia. This magnificent cave town dating back to 12th century is one of the highlights of this tour. At first it was planned as a fortress-town, but later on the complex turned into a well defended monastery and an important political, cultural, educational and spiritual center of the country. The complex stretches over half a kilometer along the river Mtkvariand has 19 tiers. There used to be about 3000 caves and a rock hewn church with amazing 12th century frescoes. Vardzia also includes dwellings quarters, small hall-type churches, refectories, wine cellars, pharmacy, etc. Departure for the armenian border at Bavra, after the border formalities departure to Gyumri, the most colourful city of Armenia. Here, whole streets are crowned by 18th and 19th century facades, a mélange of different styles achieved from a cosmopolitan population which is at once very local and very global. Besides the Armenian population in fact, Gyumri also had substantial numbers of Russians, Greeks, Turks, Georgians as well as German and French citizens who were often employed as teachers or schoolmasters. Dinner and overnight in Gyumri.
Day 14: Gyumri – Amberd – Saghmosavank – Yerevan
After breakfast city tour of Gyumri, with visits at the Monument to Mother Armenia, the Black Fortress, the Russian Orthodox Church and the city centre. Departure to Amberd, a 7th century fortress located on the slopes of Mount Aragats. Lunch and departure to Saghmosavank Monastery whose construction dates back to the XIII century. Arrival in Yerevan, farewell dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 15: Yerevan – Departure
Transfer to airport for the outgoing flight.
End of services.
Arrival in Yerevan at Zvartnots International Airport, our representative will wait at the arrival hall for the transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Yerevan
Day 2: Yerevan – Garni – Geghard – Grandfather Levon's cave – Yerevan
After breakfast, departure to Kotayk region to visit the Temple of Garni, a first century Hellenistic Pagan temple and the only one to survive after the christianization of Armenia in the IV century AD. A short drive leads to the Unesco protected Geghard cave monastery probably the most beautiful of Armenia, which lies in a narrow gorge and is partially carved out of the adjacent towering cliff. Lunch in Garni where the group will have the opportunity to see the lavash (the traditional armenian bread) baking process. Trip to Avan-Arinj village to visit grandfather Levon's cave, where many years ago LevonArakelyan, a resident of the village, started to dig a potato cellar in its home basement. Having heard a voice from the mist of a white fog telling him to make a miracle, he continued and dug for the next 23 years until his death a series of caves, connected by narrow passages and stairs, which go 21 meters deep into the earth. His wife will tell the complete story. Return to Yerevan, dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Yerevan – Echmiadzin – Zvartnots – Yerevan
Breakfast at the hotel.Departure for the holy city of Echmiadzin, home of the "Catholicos" of the Armenian Apostholic Church. Visit of the Cathedral and of the churches of St. Gayane and of St. Hripsime; after a short drive, visit of the ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral, which used to be one of the most powerful and beautiful examples of armenian architecture. Return to Yerevan and visit of the Vernissage open air market (working days Sunday and Saturday). Dinner in Yerevan with folklor music and degustation of armenian tasty dishes. Overnight in Yerevan.
Day 4: Yerevan – Areni – KhorVirap – Noravank – Yerevan
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for the Ararat region where, in a spectacular location just under the imposing mount Ararat, lies the Monastery of KhorVirap: here, from its terrace, everyone can enjoy the fantastic view of the two peaks of this magnificent extinct volcano. Inside the yard of the monastery there's a deep well: inside it saint Gregory the Illuminator was prisoned by king Trdat because of his predication of Christianism. Trip to the village of Areni, famous for its wines, time for a wine degustation tour at a local wine factory. Lunch and then continue to Noravank Monastery, located in a narrow canyon made by reddish rocks. The unique location and the unique architecture make Noravank one of the most beautiful monasteries of Armenia. Overnight in Yerevan.
Day 5: Yerevan – Sevan – Goshavank – Haghartsin – Dilijan
After breakfast, departure to Sevan Lake, the second highest clear water lake of the world. Visit of the monastery of Sevanavank, set on a peninsula overlooking the lake, fish lunch and then departure to Goshavank Monastery, rebuilt in 13th century by Mkitar Gosh, the author of the first criminal code in Armenia. Visit of the 10th century Monastery of Haghartsin, recently restored thanks to the donation of the Sultan of Sharjah (United Arab Emirates). Arrival in Dilijan, a small resort-town, one of the most green cities of Armenia. Dinner and overnight in Dilijan.
Day 6: Dilijan – Akhtala – Haghpat – Sanahin – Bagratashen – Tbilisi
After breakfast, departure for Lori region to visit Akhtala, one of the few churches in Armenia painted with frescoes inside. The murals are among the best representations of Byzantine art outside the Empire of Bisantium and were painted between 1205 and 1216. Proceed to the UNESCO protected monasteries of Sanahin and Haghpat: both places, built in the X century, are among the most outstanding works of Armenian medieval architecture. Lunch in Haghpat and then departure to the border between Armenia and Georgia in Bagratashen, arrival in Tbilisi, dinner andovernight.
Day 7: Tbilisi
After breakfast, the entire day will be dedicated to the visit of the capital city of Georgia, Tbilisi, which offers a wide variety of monuments and sights. The tour will start from the bath district, one of the few places in the world where a synagogue and a mosque are located next to each other. The visits will lead to the Narikala Fortress, established in the 4th century, even if the actual remnants date back to the 16th and 17th century. The tour continues with the Sioni Cathedral, with the 6th century Anchiskhati Basilica, with the Metekhi Church set upon the top of a hill overlooking the Kura river, and the Sameba Cathedral, the main church of the Georgian Orthodox Church. After lunch, visit to Georgian National Museum and then a walk along Rustaveli Avenue will give the opportunity to experience the beauty of the capital of Georgia. Dinner and overnight in Tbilisi
Day 8: Tbilisi – Gori – Uplistsikhe – Mukhrani – Tbilisi
After breakfast departure to Gori, the birthplace of Joseph Stalin where he lived until the age of 15, visit of the house museum and departure to Uplistsikhe, one of the oldest urban settlements in Georgia dating back to the I millennium b.C., which is completely carved out of rocks. It’s an interesting complex with residential remains, bakeries, shops and a three naves basilica. After lunch departure to Mukhrani, a town set in an area famous for its wines, time for a wine degustation tour at a local wine factory. Dinner and overnight in Tbilisi.
Day 9: Tbilisi – Davit Gareja – Sighnaghi – Tbilisi
After breakfast, departure to David Gareja. a rock-hewn Georgian Orthodox monastery complex located in the Kakheti region of Eastern Georgia, on the half-desert slopes of Mount Gareja. This complex made by nineteen monasteries was founded by St. David Garejeli, who was one of the thirteen monks who arrived from Mesopotamia to Georgia to strengthen Christianity in the country in the 6th century. After the visit departure to Sighnaghi, a small beautiful town in Kiziqi (part of Kakheti region), known as “City of love”. Sighnaghi is a rare example of historic city which has mantained its architectural style all over the centuries: traditional open balconies, the fortress with churches built inside and the towers. The city overlooks the Alazani valley and opens to visitors the magnificent views of the Great Caucasus Range. A short drive will lead to the Monastery of Bodbe, the final resting place of Saint Nino, "Enlightener of Georgians", who preached Christianity in Georgia with a vine cross in her hand. In the evening return to Tbilisi. Overnight in Tbilisi.
Day 10: Tbilisi – Mtskheta – Gudauri
After breakfast departure to visit the ancient capital and religious centre of Georgia, Mtskheta (3000 years old) and to see its historical places: Jvari church (6th century) and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century) where the Robe of Christ is buried. Both Jvari and Svetitskhoveli are UNESCO World Heritage sites. After lunch we visit the ancient remains of the city and drive up the famous Georgian Military Highway to reach Gudauri, en route visit Ananuri, a castle complex on the Aragvi River dating back to the17thcentury. The drive is becomes more and more scenic as it heads up into the Great Caucasus mountains. Dinner and overnight in Gudauri ski resort (2200 m.)
Day 11: Gudauri – Kazbegi – Tbilisi
After breakfast, departure to Kazbegi along a road next to the Tergi River. Kazbegi is the main town in the region known for its scenic location in the Greater Caucasus mountains. From Kazbegi half an hour drive on 4x4 vehicles through beautiful valleys and woodland leads to the 14th century Gergeti Trinity Church located at 2170m. Weather permitting visitors may catch a glimpse of one of the highest glaciers in the Caucasus, the glacier of Mt Kazbegi (5047m). Return to Tbilisi for dinner and overnight.
Day 12: Tbilisi – Borjomi – Akhaltsike
After breakfast departure to Borjomi, a resort town set in a picturesque gorge on the eastern edges of the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, which is one of the biggest national parks in Europe. It covers more than 85.000 hectares of native forest and sub-alpine and alpine meadows, home to rare species of flora and fauna. Visit of the mineral water park to taste the famous water of Borjomi. Afterwards visit the Summer Palace of the Russian Tsar in Likani. Proceed to Akhaltsikhe and visit of the Rabati Castle complex, known as the Symbol of Tolerance, which was built in the 9th century and includes the Jakhelis’ residence, the ruins of the old market, the museum, a Mosque, and Catholic, Armenian, and Greek churches. Its architectural variety emphasizes the influence of many conquerors and different civilizations. Overnight in Akhaltsikhe.
Day 13: Akhaltsikhe – Khertvisi – Vardzia – Bavra – Gyumri
After breakfast departureto Khertvisi to visit the 10th century fortress, then proceed to Vardzia. This magnificent cave town dating back to 12th century is one of the highlights of this tour. At first it was planned as a fortress-town, but later on the complex turned into a well defended monastery and an important political, cultural, educational and spiritual center of the country. The complex stretches over half a kilometer along the river Mtkvariand has 19 tiers. There used to be about 3000 caves and a rock hewn church with amazing 12th century frescoes. Vardzia also includes dwellings quarters, small hall-type churches, refectories, wine cellars, pharmacy, etc. Departure for the armenian border at Bavra, after the border formalities departure to Gyumri, the most colourful city of Armenia. Here, whole streets are crowned by 18th and 19th century facades, a mélange of different styles achieved from a cosmopolitan population which is at once very local and very global. Besides the Armenian population in fact, Gyumri also had substantial numbers of Russians, Greeks, Turks, Georgians as well as German and French citizens who were often employed as teachers or schoolmasters. Dinner and overnight in Gyumri.
Day 14: Gyumri – Amberd – Saghmosavank – Yerevan
After breakfast city tour of Gyumri, with visits at the Monument to Mother Armenia, the Black Fortress, the Russian Orthodox Church and the city centre. Departure to Amberd, a 7th century fortress located on the slopes of Mount Aragats. Lunch and departure to Saghmosavank Monastery whose construction dates back to the XIII century. Arrival in Yerevan, farewell dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 15: Yerevan – Departure
Transfer to airport for the outgoing flight.
End of services.
