Gastronomic Tour to Armenia & Georgia - 13nights/14days

Armenian and Georgian cuisine has similarities with Caucasus cuisine. Every region of Armenia and Georgia has its own distinct style of food preparation. Eating and drinking are important parts of Armenian and Georgian culture.
Love of family and friends is one of the reasons why the supra (tablecloth) is so important in Georgia and Armenia. Supra is offered spontaneously to relatives, friends or guests. Every supra has its tamada (toastmaster), who gives the toast and entertains the guests.
As for Armenian cuisine, nothing can beat those rich and tasty dishes. The Armenian cuisine is a wonderful world of many different tastes and smells, various spices, greens and verdure, which grow only on the Armenian land.
Armenian cuisine is the art form of delicious and organic meals that speaks to all senses …
This culinary tour in Armenia hands-on cooking enjoyable classes where you make regional specialties and traditional Armenian staples such as homemade dolma, flavorful khorovats (barbecue), succulent meat and fish dishes, scrumptious and out-of-this-world desserts. 
Georgian cuisine is characterized by the contrast between spicy and hot. Another distinctive feature is the abundance of various dishes – it is difficult to imagine Georgian table without them.
Lastly, the countries are known as the birthplace of wine, where it has been produced for over 6000 years. 
Your cooking holiday will also include wine, brandy and vodka tasting, visits to fruit and vegetable market and local sites of interest.
Make and taste those various and tasty foods especially during this tour.
Let’s start!!!
 

On arrival you are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
Time for resting
OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN
 

Our first day of touring we’ll begin in the heart of Armenia – Yerevan.
Yerevan.... the rose-colored capital of Armenia.... It is named as such because most of its buildings have traditionally used a pink shade of "tuf" stone which is quarried in Armenia. This is an unmistakable and prominent feature of Yerevan’s cityscape.
As we get acquainted with Yerevan, we start from the very beginning of its history, Erebouni Fortress and museum, the fortress was founded in 782 B.C., 29 years before Rome, the “Eternal City”, was built.
Our next stop is essential to all who visit Armenia… Tsitsernakaberd memorial and museum to the 1915 Genocide, which is one of the most impressive monuments in Yerevan. 
While we are driving we see many of the other remarkable landmarks in Yerevan as: Sports and Concert Complex, Kievian Bridge, Bagramyan Avenue, President’s Palace, Academy of Sciences, National Parliament, Opera Theater.
Next we are offer to the “MEGERIAN RUGS” Factory & Show room: Which brings together time-honored traditions and a range of exquisite aesthetics to create objects of art for the modern living and you will become acquainted with the ancient technology of Armenian carpet-making. Today the lunch will be provided  at a special restaurant in Megerian Carepet Factory where you will have the opportunity to taste Armenian traditional meals with old recipes by “Araratyan Khohanots – Armenian Cuisine”.
Today’s last visit is to the Cascade - Gerard Cafesjian Sculpture Garden. The Cafesjian Center for the Arts is dedicated to bringing the best of contemporary art to Armenia and presenting some of the best of Armenian culture to the world. 
Evening is free for walking in the city.
OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN
Meals: breakfast, lunch
 

Today we embark on our Journey to the lands of ancient treasures of Christian history…the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin (UNSECO) It’s the “religious capital” of the Armenian Church and the seat of the Supreme Patriarch-Catholics of all Armenians. It has 4 main churches, including the Cathedral. Built in 303 AD, the cathedral is a masterpiece of the Armenian classical architecture and considered to be one of the world’s earliest Christian churches. 
Visit to Zvartnots Cathedral
The ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral are located on a flat plain within the Ararat Plateau between the cities of Yerevan and Etchmiadzin. Built in the middle of the 7th century, under the instructions of the Catholicos Nerses III (r. 641-661 CE), Zvartnots is the oldest and largest aisled tetraconch church in historical Armenia.
Afterword’s we will Visit to “NOY” ARARAT Brandy, Wine Factory:  “…one does not drink brandy, one derives pleasure from it.” Just let's do it in one of the oldies factories in "NOY" Yerevan Brandy factory, Tour and tasting
Free time in Yerevan, evening is free…..use to explore city by yourself.
OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN
MEALS: Breakfast/Lunch
 

Today you will enjoy a tour of the most enigmatic of cities, visiting the remarkable Matenadaran Library and Research Institute of Armenia which houses about 17000 rare manuscripts. This is one of the richest depositories of manuscripts and books in the world. The history of the Matenadaran dates back to the creation of the Armenian 
alphabet in 405. 

After we will visit to Garni, the location of the rare pre-Christian pagan temple maintained in Armenia, dating from the 1st century AD is a splendid example of ancient architecture. 

In Garni and Geghard, you can also see many natural sights, the Azat canyon and Khosrov reserve are wonders of nature. They appear to be gigantic basalt “organ” in the rocks, where the stone symphony dies out.
Trip to Garni Canyon : “Symphony of stones” – some of the most dramatic scenery in Armenia. We may have an enjoyable walk down to the Garni gorge where one cannot help admiring basalt formations and natural beauty.

Today you will have the opportunity to follow the whole process of how one of the finest jewels of Armenian cuisine is crated in a tandoor from formlessd traditional table/lavash making: “Eat thy bread with joy”
Master Class of Traditional Armenian bread “ lavash” being baked in tonir (ground oven). The preparation, meaning and appearance of traditional bread as an expression of culture in Armenia has been inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. 

Then you will reach Geghard (Cave monastery) (UNESCO) architectural complex (12-13th centuries), carved out of one monolithic rock. Due to the extraordinary acoustics, when the local singer begins to sing in this chamber it is hard to believe a large choir isn’t singing… be aware it is only one man… 
Return to Yerevan. Evening is free to explore the wine bars and restaurants on Saryan Street.
OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN
MEALS: Breakfast/Lunch
 

During this day we’ll see one of the most beautiful mountains in Armenia Mt. Aragats. There are four summits Between South and East summits the crater wall is broken, and a stream flows down to the village of Aragats. A sharp ridge descends south from the South summit. Between the other summits are high saddles with sweeping views.  

We’ll visit the medieval fortress of Amberd which is a fortress complex with a church built on the slopes of Mt. Aragats at 2,300 meters above sea level in the 11-13 c.c. The church is slightly down the hill from the fortress, nearer to where the two streams join.

Visit to Chir’s house  which  offers a masterclass on making Armenian dried fruits, which is a really interesting and unique process. Armenian dried fruit is especially delicious because it is made from local fruits, which are known around the world for their sweetness and richness of the taste.

Next stop is Saghmosavank Monastery (Monastery of the Psalms) – is a 13th century Armenian monastic complex, situated atop the precipitous gorge carved by the Kasagh river. Their silhouettes dominate the adjacent villages and rise sharp against the background of the mountains crowned by Mount Aragats.
Day is special as well we have another Armenian dish making process – Khorovats (Barbecue) in Armenian way in tonir.

Today there is an opportunity to visit one of wineries of Armenia - ARMENIA WINE which is the icon of modern Armenian winemaking. In constant pursuit of improvement, at the winery they strive to balance ancient traditions with the newest technology. The visit of winery will be with testing and enjoying of variety Armenia wines … 
Armenia white dry, Armenia Red dry and Armenia Pomegranate Semisweet served with cheese and meat platers. 
Back to Yerevan and free evening
OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN
MEALS: Breakfast/Lunch

We’ll depart Yerevan this morning and travel south, through the plains of Ararat to visit Khor Virap Monastery, magnificently set against the towering slopes of Biblical Mount Ararat, presenting us with some quite spectacular photo opportunities. 
The monastery is the site where St. Gregory the Illuminator was incarcerated and is a place of pilgrimage for many Armenian Christians. 
We also aim to visit the site of Noravank Monastery.. Situated on a hill overlooking a twisted gorge, this is not only a place of breathtaking beauty, but also an architectural delight, that dates from the 13th and 14th centuries. 

Vayots Dzor is famous for its millennial wine making traditions, as the oldest winery dates to 6000 years was discovered in Areni village of the region. 
Areni-1 cave complex multicomponent site and late Chalcolithic/Early Bronze Age ritual site and settlement  is located near the Areni village in southern Armenia along the Arpa River. There were found an earliest lather shoe and the earliest known winery in the world at the site.
In ArpaParnas Wine & Rest Valley you can have authentic experience test and buy the best wine assortments of the region.
Back to Yerevan
OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN
MEALS: Breakfast/Lunch
 

Later this afternoon we will stroll through the ‘Vernissage’, the bustling open air handicraft market. The Vernissage is the perfect place to get a little taste of Armenia and a unique scenario to witness the fusion between national traditions with contemporary taste You can find almost anything in this weekend open market Vernisage. In just a few blocks, you will see, besides art, carpets, old collections of coins and medallions, jewelry, music, books, carved wood, lace, embroidery, ceramics, posters, food, tools, parts for electronics and even pets. It is open year round.

Today you say goodbye to Armenia. Still you will carry a lot of amazing memories with you back home.

FAREWELL DINNER IN A TYPICAL ARMENIAN RESTAURANT WITH LIVE NATIONAL MUSIC AND DANCE
OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN
MEALS: Breakfast/Dinner

Today we’ll drive to Lake Sevan -the emerald of Armenia. We’ll stop for lunch here, before continuing on towards the turquoise blue waters of Lake Sevan, set some 1900m above sea level, situated high in the mountains and famed for its glorious and ever changing hues, as well as its delicious trout. This is one of the planet’s largest high-alpine lakes. On arrival we will visit the lakeside churches of Arakelots (Apostles), which along with its neighbor the church of Astvatsatsin (Mother of God), present a spectacularly picturesque scene overlooking the lake itself. 

Not far from Airivank Monastery on the shore of Lake Sevan is the settlement of Noraduz famous for its big khachkars (crosses-stones) cemetery. There are about 900 khachkars of various styles and epochs there. Noraduz Cemetery became one of the most visited and popular sights of the Gegarkunik region because there is one of the largest collections of Armenian khachkars. The prominent feature of the majority of khachkars is the cross with a solar disk under it.

After we will visit Great unique place for excellent cheese experience, : Mikayelyan Family Farm , where you will  have a chance to see the Gourmet cheeses production (Master Class) and will taste variety of  Chesses and wonderful flavors   with glass of wine, here you will feel the spirit of Armenian Family. 

Drive to Dilijan: “A piece of Switzerland in Armenia” - Earth and sky, woods and fields, rivers, the mountains are excellent schoolmasters, and teach some of us more than we can ever learn otherwise…

We’ll also visit the Monastery of Haghartsin  (10-13th cc). 
Then we will continue our trip driving to Lori region:
Alaverdy is a town in a canyon between Armenian and Georgian, where we will have an overnight and rest.
OVERNIGHT IN ALAVERDY
MEALS: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

We proceed to one more outstanding masterpiece of Armenian architecture Haghpat and Sanahin Monasteries (World  UNESCO Heritage) in which artistic merits transcended the limits of the national culture.  
Arrive at Armenian – Georgian Sadakhlo border . 
Afterwards drive to Tbilisi. Start a few unforgettable hours of familiarization with the capital. All the places of interest are very close to each other, within a few minutes’ walk. Start our excursion from Metekhi (13th century) plateau, before reaching Narikala Fortress (4th century) which dominates the skyline of the Old Town. Continue to explore brick-domed underground sulphur baths (17th century) – the district of naturally hot mineral waters, cafe street Shardeni, Synagogue, Sioni Cathedral and the most ancient Basilica in Tbilisi Anchiskhati (6th century). Walk across the Bridge of Peace which is a stunning design as well as convenient crossing between the newly constructed Rike Park and the Old Town. It also provides superb views over the city. Hotel accommodation.
OVERNIGHT IN TBILISI
 

Start our drive to Kakheti region – Georgia’s premier wine-producing area as well as home to hundreds of historical and architectural monuments. Visit Alaverdi monastery. It was built in 11th century and was one of the tallest structures of the time. The surrounding courtyard is home to vineyards from which local monks make their own wine. Then head to Vardisubani village and attend Qvevri making process. Meet the local craftsman who is a fourth generation Qvevri maker, and his son continues the tradition. The visitors can observe the whole process of making a traditional Qvevri (egg-shaped earthenware vessel in which wine is fermented  and stored in villages and towns throughout Georgia. UNESCO Intangible Heritage since 2013). Then proceed to Chumlaki village and enjoy the hospitality of the local people and sample some home-made food and wine. We will have culinary master classes: preparing Georgian dumpling – Khinkali and Georgian sweet Churchkhela. Hotel accommodation 
OVERNIGHT IN TELAVI
MEALS: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
 

Visit Telavi – the capital of Kakheti region once was famous for trade and handicraft. Now it is the perfect base for exploring the region's viticulture, historical and architectural riches. Visit food market here where stalls are loaded with fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and fish, spices and drinks. Visit Tsinandali – a village noted for the estate and its historic winery, which once belonged to the 19th century aristocratic poet Alexander Chavchavadze. We will have an excursion in the family museum and a walk in the park beautifully laid out in an English style with fine views and exotic plants. Then visit local farmhouse in Shalauri village and enjoy the hospitality of the local people and sample some home-made food and wine together with the assortment of local cheese. Then drive to visit Sighnaghi – a small beautiful town that opens to visitors the magnificent views of the Great Caucasus Range. This little town is a rare example of historic city, which kept its style during the centuries with open traditional balconies, cobblestone pavements, wine cellars that produce an unforgettable impression upon the visitors of the town. In the evening proceed to Tbilisi. 
OVERNIGHT IN TBILISI
MEALS: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
 

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Mtskheta – an ancient capital of Georgia, important religious centre and city-museum which is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Along the way we will stop to visit the Jvari Monastery (6th century). This well-known monastery is located on the top of the mountain, at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers. Then head to Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century) which is known as a place where Christ’s robe was buried. Walk along the narrow streets of Mtskheta with souvenir shopping possibility. Then start our very scenic drive up through the High Caucasus Mountains along the Georgian Military Highway towards Kazbegi region. On the way we will drive across the Cross Pass (2 395m.) and along the Tergi River that brings us to Kazbegi – main town in this region. From the centre of Kazbegi drive 4X4 through beautiful valleys and woodland that leads us to Gergeti Holy Trinity church (14th century), stunningly located on a hilltop (2170 m.) both overlooking the surrounding snowy peaks of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. Here we will enjoy unique nature with beautiful panoramic views of Caucasus, including mount Kazbegi (5047m.). Return to Gudauri.
OVERNIGHT IN GUDAURI
MEALS: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
 

After breakfast in the morning, visit Ananuri architectural complex (17th century) built by the Dukes of Aragvi is famous for its significant and impressive location as it offers some awesome views over the surrounding mountains and reservoir on the Aragvi River. Than proceed along the famous Silk Road. Visit Ateni and local winery where you will have degustation of 2 types of wine. Enjoy culinary masterclass of baking Khachapuri – a traditional Georgian dish of cheese-filled bread. And eggplant in walnut sauce and spices. Then proceed to the cave town Uplistsikhe (1st millennium BC) – one of the first cities in Georgia carved into the rock. The caves were the site of pagan rituals, before Georgia became a Christian country. In the evening drive back to Tbilisi. Hotel accommodation, 
OVERNIGHT IN TBILISI
MEALS: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
 

DEPARTURE
Transfer to the Tbilisi International Airport and departure 

HAVE A NICE FLIGHT!!!