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9d/8N
4
Days in
Yerevan
5
Days in
Tbilisi
The 9-day, 8-night journey will take you
Arrival at Zvartnots International Airport. Transfer to the hotel, check-in and overnight.
The day will start with a city tour in the capital of Armenia, Yerevan, one of the world’s ancient cities dating back to 782 BC. Yerevan is often called “The Pink City” since most of the buildings are designed with a pink volcanic stone called tuff. We will walk around the center of the city and visit the Republic Square, Opera House, Swan Lake, walk down the Northern Avenue-the coolest street of the city, climb the stairs of Cascade – a giant stairway with works of art exhibited at all levels of the complex and admire the enchanting panorama of Yerevan and the biblical Mount Ararat from the top of the monument. We will also visit Vernissage, an open-air market and an exhibition displaying different Armenian artworks and handmade items. It offers various kinds of national souvenirs, rugs, bags, paintings, jewelry and other traditional items. For those who want we can take to one of the city's largest malls, offering a fantastic opportunity for local shopping. There will also be time to unwind and savor the vibrant atmosphere of Yerevan at your leisure. Dinner at Indian restaurant and overnight.
After breakfast at the hotel, we will have a one-hour drive to Khor Virap Monastery, the closest point to Mount Ararat. The name Khor Virap means “deep pit” which symbolizes its history. The monastery was built over an underground dungeon, where Saint Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for about 14 years by the Armenian king Trdat for spreading Christianity in Armenia. Next, we will continue to Tushpa Winery, where we will experience Armenia wine culture firsthand and learn about our historic Armenian wine-making traditions. Here we will grab a glass and have a sip with TUSHPA. We will experience a guided wine tasting of 3 of TUSHPA’s offerings after the unforgettable tour in our wine cellar. Thereafter, we will drive to the ruins of Zvartnots, a UNESCO listed monument. Zvartnots is one of the magnificent landmarks of medieval Armenian architecture, constructed in the 7th century. Even the ruins of this unique architectural structure give us the idea of its rare and majestic beauty. Our next stop will be Etchmiadzin, the mother church of the Armenian Apostolic Church, built in 303 AD after the adoption of Christianity. The monastery complex of Etchmiadzin is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Drive back to Yerevan and explore the vibrant city at your own pace. Dinner in Indian restaurant and overnight in Yerevan.
This day will start with an excursion to Geghard Monastery, one of the most stunning monasteries of medieval Armenian architecture. This unique monastic complex, part of which is carved in the rock is included in the UNESCO’s World Heritage list. The monastery has unbelievable acoustics- in some places, the sound can be heard even up to 40 seconds, the mystery of which has not yet been revealed. Our next destination will be the pagan temple of Garni, one of the most famous and important tourist attractions of the country. The temple was constructed in the 1st century AD, by the Armenian king Trdat I. It was dedicated to God Mihr, the Armenian pagan god of the Sun. After an excursion here, we will participate in lavash-baking masterclass, a pure Armenian traditional bread inscribed on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Then we will drive to Sevan and climb the stairs to Sevanavank Monastery, located on the peninsula of the lake Sevan. The blue-eyed beauty of Armenia lake Sevan, also called the “Blue Pearl of Armenia”, is the second freshwater high-altitude lakes in the world, situated at an altitude of 1,900 meters above sea level. The beauty of Sevan landscapes is especially marvelous from the peninsula, thus Sevanavank monastery has become one of the most famous tourist destinations of the country. Continue to Dilijan, often referred to as “Armenian Switzerland” due to its rich nature with lush green forested areas. Dinner and overnight.
Our last day in Armenia will start with the discovery of the green town Dilijan. After a short tour in the historical part of the town we will head to Haghartsin Monastery, one of the most mysterious places of the country located high in the woody mountains. The monastery complex represents an amazing harmony of architecture and nature. Then we will head to the North of Armenia to visit the UNESCO listed monastery of Haghpat, built in the 10th century. Haghpat Monastery, located near the breathtaking Debed Gorge was a major educational and spiritual center in the Middle ages. Continue to “Sadakhlo-Bagratashen” Georgian-Armenian border. Cross the border, meet your guide and continue your trip to Georgia. Check-in at the hotel. Dinner at Indian restaurant and overnight in Tbilisi.
Our tour will start with a drive to Mtskheta – the ancient capital of East Georgia. Visit 2 monuments included in UNESCO world heritage list: Jvari monastery of 6th c - the culmination of artistic and architectural aspirations in early Georgian Christian architecture. Svetitskhoveli Cathedral of 11th c - one of the most sacred places in whole Georgia, with the Christ’s robe preserved in the Cathedral. Then, we will return to Tbilisi for a walking tour of the Old Town and visit key landmarks such as: Metekhi Church (13th century): One of the most important architectural monuments of old Tbilisi, offering a glimpse into the city's rich history. Narikala Fortress (4th century): Dominating the Old Town with its impressive architecture, this fortress, with its inaccessible slopes, served as the main fortification defending the city for centuries. Legvtakhevi (“Fig Ravine”): A picturesque area featuring a charming little bridge across the river. Old Sulfur Bathhouses: Known for their healing natural warm waters, these bathhouses have been praised by numerous travelers who visited Tbilisi. Meidan Square & Shardeni Street Neighborhood: Famous for their cozy cafes, bars, restaurants, souvenir shops, and picture galleries. The Bridge of Peace: A modern architectural marvel, this glass bridge is a striking landmark in the Old Town. Anchiskhati Basilica (6th century): One of the oldest churches in Tbilisi, with its first foundation dating back to the 4th century, closely associated with the adoption of Christianity in Georgia. Dinner at Indian restaurant. Overnight.
We will start our day with a scenic drive to the historic Ananuri Fortress. This 14th-17th century complex once guarded the Aragvi River trade route. Explore the fortress, bell tower, and three churches, including the Church of the Virgin (1689) and the Church of the Deity (16th-17th c.), while enjoying panoramic views of the Zhinvali Reservoir. The site, a UNESCO candidate, showcases diverse architecture and was a strategic stronghold until the 19th century. After, we will drive 1 hour to Gudauri, where we will stop at the Gudauri Viewpoint for breathtaking views of Devil’s Valley and the towering Caucasus Mountains. This monument, built by the Soviets in 1983, offers an incredible vantage point designed by Georgian architect Giorgi Chakhava. Next, we will continue to Stepantsminda, the gateway to Gergeti Trinity Church. Reach the church by 4x4, perched on the slopes of Mount Kazbegi. This 14th-century church is an iconic Georgian landmark and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. If we are lucky with weather, we will see Mount Kazbegi (5047 m. above sea level). According to the legend Amirani – a cult hero and a prototype of Greek Prometheus, punished by Gods was chained on the mountain. After visit, enjoy a 3-hour drive back to Tbilisi, where we will have dinner at an Indian restaurant, reflecting on the day's breathtaking sights. Overnight.
We will start our day with breakfast before embarking on a 1 hr 45 min drive (110 km) to Bodbe Monastery, located near Sighnaghi. Built in the 9th century and renovated in the 17th century, Bodbe is one of Georgia's key pilgrimage sites. It houses the relics of St. Nino, the female evangelist who introduced Christianity to Georgia. After visiting Bodbe, we will head to the charming town of Sighnaghi, just a short drive away. Known as the "City of Love," Sighnaghi is encircled by well-preserved 18th-century city walls. Situated 790 meters above sea level, it offers stunning views of the Alazani Valley and the Caucasus Mountains. Stroll through this picturesque town, known for its unique architecture and beautiful surroundings. Dinner at Indian restaurant and overnight in Tbilisi.
Check-out formalities. Transfer to the airport. Departure.