11 Day Georgia-Armenia Tour
11 Day Georgia – Armenia Tour is a splendid opportunity to explore the two countries’ historical and cultural heritage. The guaranteed departure tour starts in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, and after 11 eventful days will end in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. In the course of 11 days our guides will show you historical districts of the two capitals and considerable number of monuments in 8 provinces in Georgia and Armenia. Along with many historical and cultural monuments the Tour to Georgia and Armenia includes visit to two UNESCO sites in Georgia and four in Armenia: Svetitskhoveli Cathedral 11th c. (Mtskheta, Georgia); Jvari Monastery 6th c. (Mtskheta, Georgia); Hagpat Monastery 10th c. (Lori, Armenia); Sanakhin Monastery 10th c. (Lori, Armenia); Geghard Monastery 4th c. (Kotayk, Armenia); Etchmiadzin Cathedral 685 BC (Armavir, Armenia). You will learn many interesting facts about Georgian wine making traditions and true history of Armenian cognac production. Enjoy beauty of the Caucasus landscapes and take pictures of the most picturesque views!
Day to day itinerary
Arrival to Tbilisi. Agency representative meets you in the airport. Transfer to hotel. Night in Tbilisi hotel.
Tbilisi historical district. Visit Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba) built in 21st c which presents a mixture of traditional Georgian church architecture. Afterwards visit Golden Treasury of Georgian National Museum on Rustaveli Avenue. The Museum houses various archeological collections. Some of artifacts are dating back to 40 million years. Continue the tour from Meteckhi plateau and visit Metekhi Church of 13th c. overlooking Mktvari river. Nearby the church stands the monument of king Vakhtang I Gorgosali (Vakhtang the Wolf Head) who established the city of Tbilisi – the capital of Easter Georgia. Continue to Narikala fortress by cable car and enjoy views of the city from the top. The fortress was first built in 4th c. AD. Stroll down to the old city and visit Tbilisi Mosque, Legutatkhevi (Fig ravine) waterfall and take a walk towards Sulfur bathhouse district – one of the oldest districts in Tbilisi. Walk towards Maidan square, Sharden and Erekle II streets. Lots of cafes and pubs, souvenir shops and art galleries are located here. Sioni Cathedral the former seat of patriarch, also stands here. The Cathedral was built in 6th – 7th cc. Continue to Anchiskhati basilica, which is the oldest church in Tbilisi dating from 7th c.
On our way we will drop into a wine gallery where one can taste 7 types of best Georgian wines and buy some to take home (optional 15$).
In the evening dinner in authentic restaurant with entertaining program – Georgian polyphonic singing, folk dances and music (optional 25$).
Overnight in Tbilisi hotel.
Drive to Mtskheta — one of the oldest Georgian cities, which was a capital of Eastern Georgia up to the 5th c. then the royal residence was moved to Tbilisi. Archeologists discovered remains of the city dating back to 1000 year BC.
Mtskheta is a popular tourist destination as it contains two of the UNESCO World Heritage sites – Svetitskhoveli Cathedral of 12th c. and Jvari monastery of 6th c. Both of the sites represent true masterpiece of different styles of Georgian church architecture. Other UNEXCO site to visit is Jvari Monasteri 6th c. Ananuri fortress was the residence of Eristavi dukes of Aragvi. Dinner and overnight in Gudauri ski resort.
Today you will explore high Caucasus mountains. We will travel to the village of Stepantsminda via the Cross Pass, which is 2395 m. above the sea level. On our way we will make several stops to taste mineral water and enjoy beautiful views. In Stepantsminda we will change to 4X4 trucks to go up to Gergeti Church as it is located on top of a high hill. In good weather one can see the peak of Kazbegi glacier 5033 m. above the sea level. Change vehicle and drive back to Tbilisi. Overnight in Tbilisi.
Breakfast in the hotel. Hotel check out.
Visit the museum and house of Joseph Stalin located in Gori town where Stalin was born. The museum presents items related to Soviet leader’s life.
Next site to visit is Uplistsikhe, an ancient village, located near Gori. Uplistsikhe is a rock-cut town approximately covering 8 ha., can be divided into 3 parts, the middle one is the largest and connected to the other two with passes and tunnels. The complex contains structures dating back to Early Iron Age.
Drive to the region of Samtse Javakheti and make a stop in town of Borjomi as the place is famous for its mineral waters and spa resorts. Have a walk in Borjomi Haragauli national park. Taste Borjomi mineral water. Continue to the town of Akhaltsikhe. Overnight in Borjomi.
After breakfast explore Rabat fortress (14 c.). The fortress was built after the invasion of Ottoman troops. There are many facilities inside the fortress including the citadel, harem, school, mosque, Jakeli castle, bathes and etc.. Night in Akhaltsikhe hotel.
Drive to visit one of the oldest fortresses in Georgia — Khertvisi fortress (9th c.)
Continue to Vardzia – cave city built by Queen Tamar and her father in 12th – 13th cc. During the reign of Tamar Vardzia was a monastery accommodating up to 2000 monks. It had 6000 apartments, throne hall and a large church with a tower.
Drive to Tbilisi. Night in Tbilisi hotel.
Hotel check out after breakfast and drive to Armenian border.
Visit medieval Sanahin Monastery (10-13 cc) which is UNESCO Heritage site. The complex comprises several churches and chapels. Next to visit is Hagpat Monastery also dated as 10-11 cc. It was built in the glory of Bagratuni Royal Family. The oldest structure of the complex dates back to 977-911 – Holy Cross Church.
Next we drive to Dilijan city to visit Sharamberyan Street, considered a symbol of “ The Old Dilijan” with its charming houses and artistic workshops with traditional handicrafts and souvenirs. Visit small museum with 19th century household and furniture. We will see two traditional historic houses in Sharanberyan street fully built of wood with tiled roofs and balconies with meticulously carved being typical example of Dilijan houses of 18-19th cc.
Take a trip to one of the most picturesque places in Armenia – Sevan lake. It is one of the largest high-altitude lakes (2000 m. above the sea level).
Yerevan City tour. Visit History Museum at Republic Square to get understanding of history and culture of Armenian nation. Visit the Geghard Monastery as it is famous for legendary lance that was used to piece the body of Christ and was kept in the Monastery of Geghard for centuries. Visit Garni — Pagan Temple dated 1st century AD, see the canyon and beautiful columnar basalt and 9th century stone bridge over the Azat River. Overnight in Yerevan.
Breakfast in the hotel. Trip to Khor Virap Monastery (4-18th cc.) which was built at the place where Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years. From the monastery you will enjoy a spectacular view of the Ararat Mountain – sacred for everybody in Armenia. Drive to Areni Village famous for its red wine. Visit the winery and have wine tasting. Visit Norovank Monastery of XII c situated among the sheer rocks on the bench of a twisty gorge. Return to Yerevan. Overnight in Yerevan.
After breakfast continue exploring Armenia and visit St. Hripsime and Zvarnots churches (UNESCO sites). Drive to the Vagharshapat to see the oldest cathedral in the world – Etchmiadzin. (UNESCO site)
Return to Yerevan. Overnight in Yerevan.
Breakfast in the hotel. Transfer to airport. Departure. End of service.
