
This diverse tour to the most historical and beautiful spots of hospitable Georgia and charming Armenia will tell you about a millennia of history in just 8 days. Admire famous artworks in Tbilisi, taste wines in Kakheti, the cradle of Georgian wine making, walk through some of the oldest Christian churches in Armenia, and finish with the monuments and history of Yerevan. This tour through the two oldest Christian countries in the world is sure to leave you with a lifetime of memories and new experiences, and bring you deep into the magical world of the Caucasus.
Tour itinerary:
The first day of your Georgia and Armenia tour starts with a guided sightseeing tour in Tbilisi. Start at Holy Trinity cathedral, one of the largest orthodox cathedrals in the world. Continue to Metekhi church and the monument to Vakhtang Gorgasali, the legendary founder of Tbilisi. Visit Narikala Fortress to enjoy breathtaking panoramic view of the city. Walk down to the district of Sulphur bath houses passing by the only mosque in Tbilisi. Stroll through the Sharden area full of narrow streets with cozy cafés, wine tasting bars, souvenir shops, and breathe in the living past. Visit Sioni Cathedral, Anchiskhati Basilica, and the clock tower of famous Rezo Gabriadze Theatre. Cross the Bridge of Peace leading to Rike Park and head to Open Air Museum of Ethnography, a miniature model of Georgia. In the evening enjoy dinner at traditional Georgian restaurant.
Continue to Ananuri architectural complex, a former residence of Argveti Dukes. The complex features churches and towers dating back to the 16-17th centuries, beautifully overlooking the Jinvali reservoir. Continue driving on Georgian Military Highway passing through the highest point of it at 2379 m above sea level. En-route, make a stop at the mineral water spring flowing down from a hilltop. Arrive at Kazbegi, a small town with the views of Mount Kazbek (or Mkinvari) 5033 m, the seventh highest peak in the Caucasus Mountains. Visit Gergeti Holy Trinity Church located on altitude of 2170 m. Overnight at the hotel.
Our first stop will be in Bodbe convent, which according to the legend is a burial place of St. Nino, who converted Georgia to Christianity in the 4th century. According to Tsar Alexader III of Russia decree, since 1889 Bodbe complex functions as a nunnery. Continue Sighnaghi, the city of love and the Royal Town, one of the crossroads of the Great Silk Road surrounded by defensive walls with 23 towers. Drive to Tsinandali, the residence of dukes of Georgia with beautiful English garden, a museum, and the wine cellar which belonged to prince Chavchavadze, 19th century public figure and poet.
Reach Telavi, the administrative and historic center of the region. Have a short walk through charming streets of old Telavi and have a photo stop at the monument to Erekli II.
Depart to Tbilisi by beautiful road through Gombori pass. Overnight at the hotel.
Drive to Lori region and visit Haghpat Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This stunning example of Armenian traditional architecture was erected in 10-13th centuries. Standing on a hillside, Haghpat beautifully overlooks the Debed River. Location of monastery was chosen to protect peace and seclusion of its monks.
Drive through Dilijan to Lake Sevan, “The Jewel of Armenia” and one of the largest high-mountain freshwater lakes in the world. The coastline of Lake Sevan is rich with thick woods, white bare steep rocks, mountain steppes and Alpine meadows. Stop at Sevanavank to visit the remnants of the monastery that include two temples – Surb Arakelots and Surb Karapet standing among numerous khachkars - carved cross-stones. The buildings were constructed from black tuff which probably gave the monastery its name Sevanavank – “the Black Monastery”. The view from there is simply magnificent: the mountains surround lake from all sides and snow tops are seen almost on the entire perimeter and disappear behind horizon. Continue to Yerevan for overnight.
- All transfers on comfortable vehicle; 4x4 WD to Gergeti Church in Kazbegi;
- Accommodation based on double/twin room sharing, breakfasts included;
- English speaking guides in each country;
- All entrance tickets to sights as per itinerary;
- Wine tasting at Tsinandali;
- Welcome dinners in Tbilisi and Yerevan;
- Mineral water (0,5l per person per day).
- Lunches and dinners;
- Hotel charges for additional services;
- International flight tickets before and after the tour;
- Tips are not included, but would be appreciated;
- Personal travel insurance.
Accommodation:
Yerevan - 3 nights | |
Cascade, Silachi, Hrazdan or similar | DoubleTree by Hilton, Opera Suite, Grand Hotel Yerevan, Tufenkian Hotel or similar |
Tbilisi - 3 nights | |
Kopala, Tiflis, Brigitte or similar | Tiflis Palace, Rooms, Ambassadori, Mercure, Shota Rustaveli Boutique or similar |
Kazbegi - 1 night | |
Oishe, Sno Hotel, Alpenhaus, Green Sheep | Rooms, Porta Caucasia |