Multi country tour – Armenia and Georgia

After breakfast, we start the cognitive day and get acquainted with the famous sights of Armenia.

After a short drive, we find ourselves in a village Garni – built on a rocky promontory. We will visit the temple of Garni, which dates back to the first century AD.

Then we visit Geghard Monastery. There are large rocks around the monastery, which is why it is partly carved into the rock. Founded in the 4th century, the Geghard Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We return to Yerevan in the afternoon. We can spend a free evening in the center of the city, near Republic Square.

Late in the evening, we can attend the Fountain Show.

In the morning we will drive to the town of Vagharshapat near Yerevan, formerly called Echmiadzin and the old capital of Armenia.

We will see the Echmiadzin complex. The monastery complex includes the Echmiadzin Cathedral, the Hripsime Church, and the Gayane Church. This ancient complex is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Then we will move to the vicinity of Echmiadzin and visit the Zvartnots temple. This temple, built in the 7th century, is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After visiting the cultural heritage we will return to the capital.

In the first half of the day, we visit Khor-Virap Monastery, which is an hour’s drive from Yerevan. Khor-Virap is the nearest place to the glorious Biblical Ararat.

Ararat is a sacred mountain, a place of salvation for mankind, where Christian pilgrims from all over the world regularly visit.

Then we will visit the Noravank Monastery built in the 13th century. It is a distinguished example of Armenian architecture.

In the afternoon we will return to Yerevan and we will dedicate ourselves to the important sights of the capital. We start our visit to Yerevan at the Cascade. This is a grand staircase in Yerevan.

We will also stop at the Yerevan Opera and Ballet Theater, the Soviet monument “Mother Armenia”.

Today we take the road to Georgia.  The journey to Georgia continues past the famous Lake Sevan. The main attraction of Lake Sevan is the medieval Sevanavank Monastery.

Then we will visit the city of Dilijan, which is a famous climatic and balneological resort.

Near the Georgian border, we will visit Haghpat and Sanahin monasteries, which are included in the UNESCO list.

In the evening we will stay in the capital of Georgia – Tbilisi.

After a late breakfast, we start our Tbilisi sightseeing tour to get acquainted with the city. Walking through the historical part of the city and enjoying the unique combination of cultures. Meandering through the narrow streets of the city we will come-across various religious buildings: Churches, Synagogues, Mosques, Wooden houses built in the 19th century with colourful balconies, sulphur baths, the Narikala fortress.

Next, we take in the Georgian National Museum, where a great many intricate Georgian treasures are preserved. To finish up this introduction to the city we peruse Rustaveli Avenue which is the main central boulevard.

The rest of the day is left for exploring Tbilisi further, tasting wine in one of the many wine-bars, and getting acquainted with Georgian cuisine in one of the many great restaurants in the city centre.

After breakfast, we take the road to Mtskheta. Mtskheta is the ancient capital and religious center of Georgia.

In Mtskheta we visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Jvari Monastery built in the 6th century and the beautiful Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.

From Jvari Monastery there is an amazing panoramic view of the city at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers.

Later we will visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, which is the largest historical church building in Georgia among the survivors and leaves a great impression on the visitor.

In the afternoon we follow the military road to Stepantsminda, which is one of the most spectacular routes in Georgia.

On the way, we will stop at the colorful Zhinvali Reservoir and visit the beautiful Ananuri complex.

After arriving in Stepantsminda we visit Gergeti Trinity Church. With its special location and centuries-old history, it really represents the face of Georgia.

The green slopes decorated with mountain flowers and the boomerang Caucasus leave an unforgettable impression on the visitor.

We continue our journey to the west. On the way, we will pass an important tourist point of Kartli. We will visit cave town, Uplistsikhe. Uplistsikhe was a waypoint on the Silk Road, which passed here. It was one of the oldest settlements and urban centres in the Caucasus.

We continue on the road to Kutaisi, which is one of the oldest cities in the world.

Its centuries-old past attracts visitors to discover famous or unknown places. Today Kutaisi is the third largest city in Georgia and one of the most popular tourist destinations.

In the evening we walk in the central streets of Kutaisi, where the charm of the old city is especially felt.

In the first half of the day, we see the religious sights of Kutaisi, Gelati Monastery, and Bagrati cathedral.

The centuries-old Gelati monastery with its beautiful paintings is deservedly included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

We also visit the Bagrati cathedral, which is a symbol of Georgia’s strength in terms of cultural and architectural solution.

On the way to Tbilisi, we will see Ubisa Monastery. St. George’s Church dates back to the 9th century and is distinguished by beautiful frescoes.

At the end of the day, we will stay in Tbilisi. We can spend a free evening in the old and at the same time modern Tbilisi, which will fully satisfy our diverse interests.

In the morning we take the road to the Kakheti region. This side of Georgia is considered the homeland of wine. However, apart from winemaking, Kakheti is distinguished by monuments of different periods and diverse nature.

Here we will visit the fortified town Sighnaghi, which leaves a special impression with its beautiful streets and distinctive natural location. We will walk along the cobbled streets with colourful houses and balconies, enjoy the amazing view of the snow-capped Caucasus Mountains and the vast valley of Alazani.

Here we also visit Bodbe monastery, where the converter of the Georgians into Christianty – St. Nino is buried.

A visit to Kakheti is improbable without a local family lunch. The tradition of generously hosting a guest is especially felt here. The kindness of the hosts, the immediacy, the taste of home-made dishes and wine create special emotions around the table.

Then we will visit a family cellar in one of the villages near Telavi, where we will taste natural wines produced in clay amphorae (Qvevri) in the traditional method. The Georgian traditional method of making wine has the status of a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Site.

We return to Tbilisi pleasantly drenched with wine and full of impressions.

Transfer to the airport and departure for home.