Classic Armenia and Georgia

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival

Arrival at Zvartnots International Airport. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02: Yerevan – Ejmiatsin – Zvartnoc - Yerevan

Breakfast. We will visit the Manuscript Museum of Armenia, which is called Matenadaran; here all ancient Armenian Manuscripts are kept. Then we should visit Erebuni museum, where you will get acquainted with the most prominent events of Armenian history. Then we will continue our excursion to centuries-old monuments Ejmiatsin and Zvartnots. These sites are listed on UNESCO World Heritage list. The Cathedral of Ejmiatsin, founded in 303, is the official residence of the Catholicos of Armenia. We’ll continue the trip to Zvartnots Temple, which was built on 7th century by Nerses Builder Catholicos. Get back to Yerevan and overnight there.

Day 03: Yerevan – Garni – Geghard - Yerevan

Breakfast. Take a trip to Garni. This Pagan Temple was built in the 1st century AD. It is the only temple that has been preserved from the Pagan times in Armenia. It was devoted to the god Mihr, who was the god of cleanness. In 1679 it was destroyed by the earthquake. In 1975 the Temple was restored. Then we will continue our trip to Geghard Monastery. Its name came from the legendary lance that was used to pierce the body of Christ. It has been kept here for centuries. Though the exact foundation of the monastery is unknown, the present complex was built in the mid – 13th century. Overnight at hotel.

Day 04: Yerevan – Sevan - Dilijan

Breakfast. We will drive to Lake Sevan which is one of the largest lakes in the world. It stands out with its sweet and astonishingly blue water. Here we can enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the beautiful lake. Then we will visit Sevanavank Monastery which is situated on Sevan Peninsula. There are 2 monasteries actually; one of them is destroyed but the other stands still. They have been built in the Middle Ages, around the 10th century. Drive to Dilijan.City tour in Dilijan. Visit to Haghartsin Monastery. Overnight in Dilijan.

Day 05: Dilijan – Sanahin – Haghpat – Sadakhlo - Tbilisi

Breakfast. Today we will visit two unique monuments of Armenian architecture of X-XIV centuries: the monasteries of Sanahin and Haghpat which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Literally the name ’’Sanahin’’ in Armenian means "this one is older than the other," which probably means that this monastery is older of than Haghpat. These two monasteries are very close to each other and can be easily seen from one to the other. Both are located on an uneven plateau, separated by a deep crack formed by a small river that flows into the river Debed. Haghpat Monastery was one of the largest religious, cultural and educational centers of medieval Armenia. After all, we will drive to the border between Armenia and Georgia. We’ll change guide and transport and continue the trip to Georgia. Overnight at hotel.

Day 06: Tbilisi – City tour

Breakfast. Today we will have an excursion in the capital. Here you may encounter with many religious and cultural buildings: churches, synagogues, mosques which comprise the whole color of the 19th century. Visit sulfur bath. Later visit the stunning treasury History Museum and the National Art Museum of Georgia (depends which will be open). After all, we will have a walking along Rustaveli Avenue - the main street in Tbilisi. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast. Visit the ancient capital and religious center of Georgia – Mtskheta and its historical sites: the Church of Jvari (6th century) and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century). Jvari and Svetitskhoveli are World Heritage Sites of UNESCO. Then visit Gori - the heart of Kartli Region. Visit City Uplistsikhe Cave. It is an older complex with interesting wine cellars, bakeries, a basilica church and even a theater. Then optional visit Stalin Museum, which is an old and interesting complex, wine cellars, bakeries, a church of three-aisled basilica carved into the rock and even a crazy theater near Stalin museum. You have to climb the famous Georgian Military Highway (leading to the Georgian - Russian border). On the road, we will visit the complex Ananuri. Drive to Gudauri. Overnight at a hotel in Gudauri.

Day 08: Gudauri - Kazbegi – Tbilisi

Breakfast. In the morning we will start a spectacular road route north along the river Tergi, up to Kazbegi, the main city of the region. Stop at a farm to see how families produce a delicious artisan cheese, before beginning our walking route through spectacular valleys and forests to reach the Trinity Church Gergeti. Return to Tbilisi. Overnight in a hotel in Tbilisi.

Breakfast at the hotel and departure to the wine region - Khakheti. The first visit will be to Alaverdi Cathedral (X c.) and below the complex Guilds (XVI c.). Later visit the Church of Kvelatsminda around the town. Return to Tbilisi. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10: Departure

Breakfast. Transfer to airport to catch a flight.

INCLUSIONS/EXCLUSIONS

Days : 10 | Nights : 9

Attractions

• The Monastery of Geghard
• Noravank Monastery
• Garni Temple
• Medieval Goris Cave Dwellings
• Amberd Fortress
• Parajanov Museum
• Zoravor S. Astvatsatsin Church 
• Vardan Mamikonyan Statue 
• Victory Bridge
• Mother Armenia
• Shoghakat Church
• Tsakhats Kar Monastery
• Garni Gorge
• Armenian Alphabet Monument
•  Khanjian Villa
•  Crystals of Refrain
•  Mikoyan Museum