Armenia And Georgia

Itinerary

Day 1: Armenia

Stop At: Yerevan, Yerevan
Our tour in Yerevan will start with a panoramic view of the city at the Mother Armenia Monument. We will visit Cascade complex, which is considered the modern art center of Yerevan. Cascade is home to the Cafesjian museum of modern art . This place becomes even more charming in the evenings, when it is full of people, both locals and tourists from all over the world, enjoying the magic and the warmth of the capital. You will enjoy spending time in one of the cosy open-air cafes surrounded by beautiful sculptures, redolent flowers shining brightly with magical colors. It is also a popular place for open air concerts in the summer season. Then, we will take a tour around the Opera House, Republic Square, followed by an excursion to «Ararat» brandy factory. Then, we will visit the carpet factory ''Megerian carpet,'' where you can see the magical process of Armenian carpets being handmade. If desired, we can conduct a master class on the fabric of the carpets, as well as provide an opportunity for purchasing carpets on site. We will then have lunch in the restaurant in the factory restaurant.

In the evening ''Welcome'' dinner.

Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in Yerevan

Day 2: Armenia

Stop At: Garni Temple, Geghard Monastery Road H3, Garni Armenia
. Visit“Vernissage,” where you can buy products of art, applied art, gifts, decorations, handmade carpets, paintings of the Armenian landscape, national musical instruments, dolls, wood, stone, clay, ceramics, silver and other materials. Later on Garni -The only surviving pagan temple in Armenia which was made in Hellenistic style.Having been used as a summer house for the Armenian Royal family, the sight has all the power to take your breath away with its picturesque location, architecture and history. On the way, we will stop by the "Charents’ Arch," where you can take in the magnificent view of Biblical Ararat and the open valleys .
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: The Monastery of Geghard, Near Goght Village, Geghard Armenia
Not far from Garni is Geghard, another marvel of Armenian architecture. Geghard is a UNESCO heritage sight named after the spear with which Longinus pierced the side of Jesus on the cross. The monastery complex dates back to the 13th century BC but the location was considered holy starting AD times. Geghard, being carved out of one solid rock, is also considered to be an outstanding architectural composition by international standards.
We will have lunch in the village of Garni with a master class in baking the national bread, lavash.

Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in Yerevan

Day 3: Armenia

Stop At: Khor Virap, Highway 11 - Near the village of Pokr Vedi Artashat, Lusarat 0612 Armenia
We will visit the monastery of Khor Virap (4-17cc.), one of the most ancient monasteries in Armenia, 200 meters away from the border of Turkey. It is the closest point to the mountain Ararat. When the weather is clear, the legendary Giant is visible like the palm of your hand.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Noravank Monastery, NoravankMonastery Road Amaghu Valley, Areni 3604 Armenia
Noravank – Next is the region of Vayots Dzor, which is famous for its unique nature and wineries. We will visit Areni winery for some wine tasting before heading to Noravank monastery. Make sure you take a seat next to the window so you can admire the ride through the narrow canyon of Amaghu river.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in Yerevan

Day 4: Armenia

Stop At: Echmiadzin Monastery Complex, Vagharshapat 1101 Armenia
Echmiatzin also accommodates two UNESCO heritage sights: St. Hripsime and St. Gayane churches. These are monuments which maintained their most authentic and original appearance since the 7th century. However, the list of holy sights doesn’t end here.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Zvartnots Temple, Yerevan-Vagharshapat Highway Near the Echmiadzin Monastery Complex, Vagharshapat 1101 Armenia
This last one is a manifesto to the amazing architectural school of Armenia in the 7th century. The “House of Angels,” as the name states, is abundant with silhouette carvings of angels and eagles.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in Yerevan

Day 5: Transfer to Tbilisi

Stop At: Lake Sevan, Lake Sevan, Gegharkunik Province
We will take a voyage to Sevan, one of the most beautiful and largest alpine lakes in the world. We’ll explore around the peninsula and the medieval monasteries which served as an isolation establishment for disobeying monks. Some of the churches couldn’t survive the religious purge of Stalinizm and were destroyed. The monastery complex ceased to function in the 1930s.


Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Dilijan, Dilijan, Tavush Province
Within minutes of the treeless Sevan, with rich alpine vegetation you will find yourself in the thick forests of Dilijan. The climate is mild and sunny in Dilijan with over 60% humidity throughout the year making it a perfect place for summer holidays since even the times of the Russian Empire. Exploring the ethnographic street at Old Dilijan, we will move forward through the Green tunnel road, which will lead us to Haghartsin Monastery, a pearl hidden in the woods. Our next stop is Goshavank Monastery, famous for its embroidered cross-stones and wise proverbs.
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in Tbilisi

Day 6: Georgia

Stop At: Mtskheta, Mtskheta, Mtskheta-Mtianeti Region
We will visit the ancient capital of Georgia Mtskheta, situated at the confluence of the Aragvi and the Mtkvari rivers. Mtskheta is the site of the first Christian churches in Georgia. We will visit Jvari Monastery (6th century), located at the top of the hill. This is the place where the missionary St. Nino erected a cross (“jvari” in Georgian) in the 4th century to mark the coming of Christianity to Georgia. We will visit the 11th century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, used for centuries for the coronation and burial of Georgian monarchs. Most importantly, it is considered to be one of the holiest places in Georgia, since the Robe of Christ is buried here. Svethitskoveli is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Georgia, with exquisite carvings and frescoes. Both Svetitskhoveli and Jvari are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in Tbilisi

Day 7: Georgia - Kakheti

Stop At: Signagi, Signagi, Kakheti Region
We will continue our tour in Sighnaghi. One of its highlights is a wonderful fortress, built by king Irakli II on a mountainside. The fortress is almost intact. From its top you will have a splendid view of the Alazani valley, vineyards and mountains. The city is similar to some Italian towns, because of its narrow streets and small houses with red roofs.
You will fall in love and feel loved in Signagi. That’s why it is called the city of love.
Lunch in Georgian family
We will arrive for lunch with a Georgian family, where you will see how ordinary Georgians live. The hostess will give everyone a master class in Kakhetian cuisine , and the owner will treat us to homemade wine and chacha, and tell us how it is prepared.

Duration: 4 hours

Stop At: Tsinandali, Tsinandali, Kakheti Region
Tsinandali is an ancestral village of one of the most famous Georgian families – Princes Chavchadze. This family contributed to well-known politics, military leaders, poets and scientists both in Georgia and around the world. We will visit the prince’s wine-cellars with its unique collections. You can walk in the beautiful park surrounding the palace, like famous Russian diplomat and writer Alexander Griboedov did with his young wife Nina Chavchadze.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in Tbilisi