Amazing Armenia & Georgia - 8nights/9days

On arrival at Zvartnots International Airport our representative will be waiting to welcome you at meeting point. Transfer to your hotel, check in and relax in comfortable rooms with full facilities.

 Our trip through Armenia begins today in Yerevan - the capital, one of the most ancient cities in the world - Erebouni Fortress which was founded in 782 BC. We will start from Erebouni museum located at the top of Arin-Berd hill. You will also have a chance to discover this ancient fortress.
Afterwards, we will stop by the eternal flame and memorial symbolizing the Armenian Genocide in 1915 – Tsitsernakaberd. It is dedicated to preserving the memory of the Armenian Genocide and to honoring 1.5 million innocent Armenian victims who went through the horrors in the beginning of the 20th century. 
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. 

“MEGERIAN RUGS'' Factory & Showroom which brings together time-honored traditions and a range of exquisite aesthetics to create objects of art for modern living and you will become acquainted with the ancient technology of Armenian carpet making. Today the lunch will be provided in a special restaurant part of Megerian Carpet Factory which is one of the opportunities to taste the Armenian traditional meals with old recipes by "Araratyan Khohanots'', chief Artavazd Sarukhanyan.

Visit to “NOY” ARARAT Brandy, Wine Factory:“…one does not drink brandy, one derives pleasure from it.” We will have a sampling as we conclude our first day.
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 Echmiadzin (World UNESCO Heritage) you will also participate in DIVINE LITURGY. 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 Armenian classical architecture and considered to be one of the world’s earliest Christian churches. Admire Hripsime and Gayane Churches (7th c) named after faithful virgins. 
The next visit is the ruins of the Zvartnots Cathedral… It's special for its rare construction technique that was not common during the 7th century and the methods used were considered extremely advanced.
Back to Yerevan and free evening
OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch

Let’s head today to the north-west of Armenia towards Mt. Aragats, which is the highest peak of Armenia and the fourth highest one in the Armenian Highland.

Next is St. Mesrop Mashtots Cathedral of Oshakan was founded in the memory of archimandrite Mesrop Mashtots, the creator of the Armenian alphabet, founder of the Armenian school and Armenia's first teacher. 

Aragatsotn Region is very famous for “Armenia Alphabet Park”. Standing next to a small pool of water and with the high Holy Cross hovering in the background lays a monument of 39 giant carved Armenian letters in stone and statues of famous Armenians. The park was dedicated to the creator of the Armenian language, Saint Mesrop Mashtots whose language he created over 1,600 years ago is still spoken today.

 Saghmosavank (“monastery of the Psalms'') is located in the village of Saghmosan, on the right bank of the Kasakh River. This is one of the richest and most prominent spiritual and cultural centers of the middle Ages.  
Drive to the north: Lori region
OVERNIGHT IN HAGHPAT
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch
 
 

The visiting is started in Lori region with the view of Alaverdi town which in a canyon and famous for its copper mines. We proceed to the outstanding masterpiece of Armenian architecture Haghpat and Sanahin Monasteries in which artistic merits transcended the limits of the national culture. 
DEPART FOR GEORGIA
Arrival to Bagratashen/Sadakhlo border. Passing the border. 
Let’s start the visit in Georgia from Mtskheta – which is an ancient capital of Georgia, important religious center and city-museum which is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.  Along the way we will stop on the top of the mountain, at the confluence of two rivers – Mtkvari and Aragvi. 
Arrive in Mtskheta Jvari Church. Walk along the narrow streets with souvenir shopping possibility and visit its important sites. In the evening drive back to Tbilisi.
OVERNIGHT IN TBILISI
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch

CITY TOUR IN TBILISI!
A few unforgettable hours of familiarization with the capital. A charming town built in the 5th century along the twisting valley of Mtkvari River. All the places of interest are very close to each other, within a few minutes’ walk. Start our excursion Metekhi (13th century) plateau, before taking the cable car to Narikala Fortress which dominates the skyline of the Old Town. Proceed to explore brick-domed underground sulfur baths (17th century) – the district of naturally hot mineral waters and discover the hidden waterfall. Afterwards proceed to cafe street Shardeni and 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. Visit to Anchiskhati - the oldest church in Tbilisi, dating back to the 6th century. Its design differs from the typical later temples. There are magnificent frescoes inside, some dating back almost 400 years. 
DEPART BACK TO ARMENIA
Arrival to Sadakhlo/Bagratashen border. Passing the border

Drive to Dilijan: “A piece of Switzerland in Armenia” - Earth and sky, woods and fields, rivers, the mountains become excellent schoolmasters, and teach some of us more than we can ever learn otherwise… The old approach in the new century ... “Old Town Dilijan” complete with craftsmen workshops, small shops with traditional Armenian products and crafts, museums, and ultimately showing typical 19th century living with all its local customs and handmade wood furnishings..... We will also visit the 10-13th centuries Goshavank Monastery, nestled in the forest. 
OVERNIGHT IN DILIJAN
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch

Next is Lake Sevan – the emerald of Armenia, a blue eyed beauty under the sky. Lake Sevan is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world, situated at an altitude of 1,897 meters above sea level. The most picturesque view of Lake Sevan is seen from the peninsula atop which Sevan Monastery (9th c.) towers over the lake. 
Then we will visit Noraduz, the largest Khachkars (Crosses-stones) cemetery. What makes Noraduz special is that it is unique, one of a kind worldwide in its expression of art carved of stone.
Our final visit of the day is unique in its own right... the Mikayelyan Cheese Cellar, is where we will have a chance to oversee the production of Gourmet cheeses and taste a variety of wonderful flavors complimented by a glass of wine.

Before get to the south of Armenia we have another stop in one of the ancient Orbelian's Caravanserai from 14th century. Continually on the way, you will admire a splendid view of the area. Which is passing via one of the principal routes of the “Great Silk Road” – Vardenisyan (Selim) Pass. You have a chance to see the unique inn founded as a transit point of the caravan routes. 
Returning to the main highway we shall start driving south to Goris.

OVERNIGHT IN GORIS 
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch 
 

After breakfast we leave Goris for Tatev Monastery in the early morning; on the way we’ll admire a splendid view of the area. The Aerial Tramway of Tatev - spanning 5.7 kilometers across the spectacular Vorotan River Gorge, offer a spectacular journey with breathtaking views of the river gorge below, but most significantly, it will link you to one of the jewels of Armenia's medieval legacy - Tatev Monastery as well the Tatev Aerial Tramway - the longest passenger aerial tramway in the world - is poised to be one of southern Armenia's most popular attractions. You will see the picturesque monastery nestled at the top of an impregnable plateau, crowned by the ramparts walls from the upper part of the territory. After you will have time to discover the interior of the monastery which was founded in the 4th cent., becoming an important religious and educational center of medieval Armenia in 9-10th cc. 
Next, we will take the path through the narrow gorge, revealing Noravank Monastery, nestled inside the deep red landscape of the tuf stone mountains. 
As we continue through ancient wine country we will have a short stop to taste and enjoy a guided tour at the “Areni Winery.”
Driving through the fertile plains of the Ararat valley, you will reach Khor Virap Monastery – the beginning of the History of Christianity in Armenia, magnificently set against the towering slopes of the Biblical Mountain, Ararat. You have some quite spectacular photo opportunities before a landscape of unparalleled beauty and majesty. The monastery is the site where St. Gregory the Illuminator was incarcerated and it is a pilgrimage destination for every believer.
OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN 
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch 
 

Today we will visit Garni, which is the rare pre-Christian pagan temple maintained in Armenia, dating back to the 1st century AD. 
It is said that music has a way of speaking without lyrics and can somehow speak directly to a person’s soul. Today’s visit will give us a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share and feel this language of music expressed through the DUDUK, an Armenian musical instrument which is arguably one of the most powerful of all instruments in its ability to move someone to their very core.

Trip to Garni Canyon: “Symphony of stones” – one of the most phenomenal sceneries in Armenia. We will have an enjoyable walk down to the Garni gorge where one cannot help admiring basalt formations and natural beauty of the area.
Today we’ll have an opportunity to follow the whole process of how one of the finest jewels of Armenian cuisine is created, “lavash” (flat bread), in a “tonir” (ground oven) and have lunch with the fresh bread made by yourself.  The preparation, meaning and appearance of traditional flat bread as an expression of culture in Armenia has been inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Then we 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…
OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch 
 

Transfer to Zvartnots Airport

HAVE A NICE & SAFE TRIP!!!!