Georgia and Armenia

Arrival in Tbilisi

You’ll start your day with learning more about the Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi. You’ll be able to visit some of its iconic landmarks, such as a 4^th century Narikala Fortress, famous sulfur bath neighborhood Abanotubani, the Freedom Square, the oldest Basilica – Anchiskhati, Metekhi Church, walk on pedestrian bridge called the Peace Bridge, and visit Rike Park. You’ll listen to the history of the city, how it came to be and why it’s called Tbilisi.

After the breakfast at the hotel, we visit the ancient capital and the religious centre of Georgia – Mtskheta; Visiting its beautiful sites:  Jvari monastery (6^th century) and Svetitskhoveli cathedral (11^th century). Both Jvari and Svetitskhoveli are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Then we visit the ancient ruins of the city and drive north towards the Northern Caucasus along the well-known Georgian Military Road. On the way we visit Ananuri – a 17^th century architectural complex. Drive from Gudauri along the Terek River will take us to Kazbegi – the main town in the region. From Kazbegi drive with 4 WD vehicles through beautiful valleys and woods brings us to Gergeti Trinity church located at 2170m. in good weather you can see for a moment one of the highest glaciers in the Caucasus – the mountain Kazbegi (5047m). Driving back to Tbilisi; Dinner in Georgia restaurant accompanied with wine tasting; Overnight in Tbilisi

After the breakfast we shall start our trip to Gori and visit the house museum of J. Stalin; Visiting Uplistsikhe  - The cave town; Continue the way to Borjomi; Visiting Borjomi Parkand tasting Borjomi ineral water; Dinner and overnight in Borjomi

On this day, you’ll visit one of the most magnificent cave towns of Georgia – Vardzia. This man-made town dates back to the 13 century and was built by the order of Queen Tamar to serve as a fully functioning town during the various invasions Georgia was facing back then. From here, you’ll continue your way to Akhaltsikhe and visit the famous Rabati Fortress. This newly renovated castle complex played an important part in Georgian history. Originally built in the 9^th century with a different name, the area was completely rebuilt by Ottomans and most of the buildings you’ll see today, date back to the 17^th-18^th centuries.

Drivng to the border of Georgia-Armenia; Border formalities; Dinner and overnight in Guymri

The following day, you’ll continue your tour with another important historical and religious sites of Armenia. Echmiadzin is the mother church of the Armenian Apostolic Church and according to the experts, it’s the very first cathedral of ancient Armenia. Therefore, it’s believed to be the oldest cathedral in the world. Zvartsnots is a 7^th-century tetraconch type cathedral. Unfortunately, only ruins remain today, but it still is a fascinating place to visit.

Dinner and overnight in Yerevan

On this day, you’ll visit Armenia’s most important historical sites – Garni and Geghard. The Temple of Garni is the only remaining Greek-Roman building with colonnades both in Armenia and post-Soviet countries. Geghard Monastery, located very close to Garni and boasts with beautiful scenery carved out of the rocks and is surrounded by cliffs. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers splendid views of mountainous landscapes.

This day starts with a drive to Goshavank Monastery, a 12-13^th century religious building. Even though it’s not functioning, it still is a fascinating place to visit. Afterward, you’ll visit a 13^th century Haghartsin Monastery located near Dilijan. Then you’ll drive to Dilijan, a town often called the ‘Switzerland of Armenia’ due to its mountainous landscape and beautiful nature. This spa town is an important place for many locals. You’ll have a small city tour here before continuing your way to Sevan. The town of Sevan is another most popular resort towns for many Armenians due to its breathtaking Lake Sevan. The lake is the biggest one both in Armenia and the Caucasus, and one of the biggest freshwater, alpine lakes in Eurasia The town itself is surrounded by the Sevan National Park and features several churches within its vicinity. End of the trip