Armenia - Georgia Classic Tour 9 Days/8 Nights

Arrival from Hometown to Yerevan. Transfer from the airport to Hotel, check-in

Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan

Meals: N/A

After breakfast we will start the tour around Yerevan, the ancient capital of Armenia, which was founded in 782 B.C. Armenians are proud that Yerevan is 29 years older than Rome. During the city tour, you will have a walk around the central city, visiting Cascade, Opera and Ballet Theater, Mashtots Avenue and Republic Square. The tour also includes a visit to Matenadaran Museum, a repository of one of the richest manuscript collections in the world. Approximately 17,000 manuscripts which includes almost every sphere of Armenian ancient and medieval science and culture – history, geography, philosophy, law, medicine, mathematics, miniature and others, as well as manuscripts in Arabic, Persian, Greek, Syrian, Latin, Ethiopian, Indian, Japanese, etc. At the end of the city tour, you will visit Genocide Memorial – a solemn reminder of the first genocide of the 20th century. After we will drive to Echmiadzin town – the religious center of all Armenians around the world. Armenia is the first country that adopted Christianity in 301 AD. Echmiadzin Cathedral is the first Christian temple in the world. It is also the seat of the Supreme Patriarch of the Catholicos of all Armenians. The cathedral keeps an important religious relic – the Holy Lance spear. In 2000 Echmiadzin Cathedral was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Later we will drive to the ruins of Zvartnots temple an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The remnants of Zvartnots, even in ruins, are a majestic sight. his marvelous temple is a result of skillfulness and brave creativity of Armenian architects of the 7th century.

Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast we will drive to Ararat Province to visit one of the holiest sites of Armenia - Khor Virap Monastery. You will hike up a small hill to discover the monastery and enjoy the breathtaking view on Biblical Mount Ararat. Khor Virap is the most important place of pilgrimage of Armenia. St. Gregory the Illuminator – the first Catholic of all Armenians, had been imprisoned in “Khor Virap” (deep dungeon) for 13 years. Later we will continue our way to Areni village where we will have a tour of “Hin Areni” winery and taste their wine. After that we will continue our way to Noravank Monastery which is the 13th century’s masterpiece of Armenian architect Momik.

Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast we will drive to the Canyon of Azat River. Firstly we will stop at Charent’s Arch from where you can have a breathtaking view to the biblical Mount Ararat. You can have great photos from here. Later we will drive to Geghard Monastery. This unique monastery is carved into nearby rocks and the surrounding cliffs compose a great part of it. Geghard Monastery is the masterpiece of the 13th century Armenian architecture. At first the monastery was called Ayrivank, but later it was renamed Geghard, as the lance used by Roman soldier to sting Jesus Christ. Monastery is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our next stop will be Garni village, well known for its Garni temple – the only surviving example of Hellenistic architecture in the region. The temple stands on a high plateau overlooking the Azat river gorge. It is also home to the roman bath house with the mysterious mosaic, made out of 30,000 pieces of natural stones, as well as the ruins of the royal palace, dating back to 3rd century A.D. Here you will have the opportunity to see the lavash baking process and taste it. We will have a lunch in a local restaurant. We can either have a jeep tour or walking tour to the Canyon of Garni the “Dancing stones”. Later drive back to Yerevan.

Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After Breakfast we will drive to Gegharkunik Province which is best known for amazing Lake Sevan. It is one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world located at an altitude of 1900 meters above the sea level. In Lake Sevan we will visit Sevanavank Monsatery in the peninsula from where you can have a great view to the Lake and Armenian mountain chains. We continue our trip further north to Tavush Province and have an excursion to the medieval monasteries of Haghartsin and Goshavank. On the way we will have a stop at the cozy resort town of Dilijan known for its arts and crafts as well as picturesque lush nature and healing air. Proceed to Georgian-Armenian border. Here you will meet your guide and driver for starting your excursion in Georgia.

Overnight: Hotel in Tbilisi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast head to Mtskheta which was the first capital of Georgia from the 3rd century BC to the 5th century AD. The town is considered the religious center of Georgia and is under protection of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Our excursion will start with the visit to the Cathedral of the 11th century – Svetitskhoveli. The next stop – Jvari Temple located at the top of the hill which offers a fascinating view of the confluence of two rivers Kura and Aragvi. After your return to Tbilisi, you will continue with a city tour including an in-depth exploration of the old town, cable car trips to Narikala Fortress, a visit to the Bridge of Peace and an old Armenian Church located in the old district of the city, Jewish Synagogue and Turkish Mosque. In addition, the excursion will continue to the sulfuric baths, famous royal bath complex (XVII-XIX centuries) and one of the main attractions of Old Town, standing on the warm natural sulfur springs. Stroll around cozy Shardeni Street named after the French traveler Jean Chardin. The street has an architecture resembling Paris and is full of cozy cafes, boutiques, and interesting galleries. The way will continue to Juma Mosque located on Botanical Street. Visit Meydan Square one of the central squares of Old Town. Excursion to Sioni church. There is kept one of the greatest relics of Georgia, the cross of St. Patriarchate.

Overnight: Hotel in Tbilisi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After Breakfast drive to Ananuri Fortress through Kazbegi mountainous region with unique views and nature, full of ancient pagan legends mixed with lately incoming Christian traditions. Ananuri Fortress dramatically located at Jinvaly Reservoir consists of two churches and a noticeable tower, the spiral staircase is leading to the tower top. Our next stop is Gudauri - the major ski resort in Georgia which has 3000 m height. Here you will see the Balcony dedicated to the treaty of Georgiyevsk where you can admire amazing views to the mountains. After the 5-minute drive, you will visit Vedza Sour waters offering picturesque scenes. The trip continues to Stepantsminda village where a 4-wheel vehicle will take you up the high hill to the Gergeti Trinity Church (14th century). The sanctuary is located at an altitude of 2180 m above sea level. From the top opens an unforgettable view to the famous Mount Kazbek. Drive back to Tbilisi.

Overnight: Hotel in Tbilisi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning after breakfast you will travel to the east of the country, to Kakheti – the main winemaking region of Georgia. Your tour will start with an exploration of Telavi– the center of Kakheti region. The tour will continue to Tsinandali estate which is the patrimony of the famous Georgian dynasty – Chavchavadze. The estate is known for its amazing labyrinth planted with exotic trees in it and cellars, where the unique collection of Georgian and European wine is preserved. The next sight to visit is Batonis Tsikhe – the fortress museum of favorable Georgian King Erekle the II. At the end of the day, you will have a tour around the well-known winery Khareba and have a chance to taste local wines, as well as have a master-class on baking shoti bread. Drive back to Tbilisi

Overnight: Hotel in Tbilisi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, transfer to the Airport, Departure.