Armenia & Georgia - 11nights/12days

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.
OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN
 

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.
Later in the evening, you will have some free time to stroll around Yerevan streets, explore the wine bars on Saryan Street and enjoy your time.
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. 

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 
 

Driving through the fertile plains of the Ararat valley, you will reach Khor Virap Monastery – the beginning of the History of the Christian nation in Armenia, magnificently set against the towering slopes of the Biblical Mountain of 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 is a pilgrimage destination for all Christian believers, as well as having had a determinate impact on the Armenia people and their history. As we continue through ancient wine country we will have a stop in the Areni Village located at the base of a stunning cliff facing scenic. Visi to “Areni Winery.”  In Armenian, there is a famous saying; “Wine is bottled poetry”. As usual, expect to leave the factory a little tipsy as we will be served a variety of wines to taste. 
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.
Next, we will take the path through the narrow gorge, revealing Noravank Monastery, nestled inside the deep red landscape of the tuf stone mountains.  
Back to Yerevan. 
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 Echmiatsin (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 time
OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch
 

Today 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.  
After we’ll check out the shores of Lake Kari. Lake Kari a small crystal-clear lake, nestled close to southern peak of Mt. Aragats at a height of 3207 m and is covered mostly by snow and ice. 
We’ll also visit the medieval fortress of Amberd which is a complex structure 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, closer to where the two streams join.
Artashavan – New Complex of Armenian Letters: “It is difficult to express the deep feeling Armenians have for their language, which many regard as the lifeblood of their culture”.
Next stop is Saghmosavank Monastery (Monastery of the Psalms) – it 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.
Today there is an opportunity to visit one of the best wineries in 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 We will have the opportunity to taste and enjoy a variety of Armenia wines: Armenia White Dry, Armenia Red Dry and Armenia Pomegranate Semisweet served with cheese and meat platers. 
Back to Yerevan and free time
OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN
MEALS: Breakfast/Lunch
 

Today we’ll drive to 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.  

Our next stop is 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…

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...
Dilijan National Park is one of the four national parks of Armenia. 
We will also visit the 10-13th centuries Haghartsin & Goshavank Monasteries, nestled in the forest and Cross Stones are remarkable due to their special type of handcraft work, called as "needle-made"- the pride of Armenian architecture.
Drive to the North -  Lori region 
OVERNIGHT IN ALAVERDI
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 (World UNSESCO Heritage) in which artistic merits transcended the limits of the national culture. 
DEPART FOR GEORGIA
Arrival to Bagratashen/Sadakhlo border. Passing the borders. 

Drive Tbilisi – the capital of Georgia- stands on the banks of the river Mtkvari, in a valley surrounded by hills!!!    
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.  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. 
OVERNIGHT IN TBILISI
MEALS: Breakfast/Lunch
 

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed along the Silk Road and arrive in Gori - the birthplace of the Soviet leader Stalin. Photo-stop at the museum of Stalin and 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. 
After inspecting the cave city, head to Mtskheta – an ancient capital of Georgia, important religious center and city-museum which is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Jvari Church. Along the way we will stop on the top of the mountain, at the confluence of two rivers – Mtkvari and Aragvi. Arrive in Mtskheta. Walk along the narrow streets with souvenir shopping possibility and visit its important sites. 
Svetitskhoveli (“The Column of Life”) Cathedral (11th c.) was built on the site of the former Zoastrian temple, to mark Georgian conversion to Christianity in 337AD.   
In the evening drive back to Tbilisi and free time
OVERNIGHT IN TBILISI. 
MEALS: Breakfast/Lunch

After breakfast we drive to a small town of Sighnaghi (16th c) - one of the most beautiful towns of Georgia. Its attractiveness is largely defined both by the age-old architectural sites and its natural characteristics: the town is located on a hilltop and looks over the boundless area of the Alazani Valley and the snow-covered Caucasian mountains. We wonder along the cute streets of the town. Khareba Winery – ancient cave winery where you will have a chance to taste, purchase and enjoy fine Georgian wine.  
The Monastery of St. Nino at Bodbe. Originally was built in the 9th century. The monastery now functions as a nunnery and is one of the major pilgrimage sites in Georgia. 
OVERNIGHT IN TBILISI
MEALS: Breakfast/Lunch
 

We start our other day of touring in Georgia. Head northwards and enjoy stunning views. On the way we’ll see Jinvali water reservoir, a calm lake surrounded by green hills. From there, discover the impressive Ananuri Fortress. Following this you will visit the fortress of Ananuri, which is one of the best monuments of late feudal Georgia. Although there are not so few monuments like this on the territory of the country, it is Ananuri that helps to understand clearly how people lived at that distant time. The Georgian Military Highway is full of scenic and interesting spots including a mineral spring, which is believed to have healing powers. 
Later on, you will visit the Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) Trinity Church in Gergeti. On the slope of the majestic Kazbek Mountain, among the snow-covered ranges, is the ancient Georgian Trinity Church. It is located at an altitude of 2,170 meters near the town of Stepantsminda and the village of Gergeti.
Drive back to Tbilisi
OVERNIGHT IN TBILISI
MEALS: Breakfast/Lunch
 

TRANSFER to the Airport of TBILISI 

HAVE A NICE & SAFE TRIP!!!!