The Best Of Georgia And Armenia

Arrive in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. Tree-lined streets encase both grand soviet-era architecture and traditional Armenian coloured stone buildings; all set to the dramatic backdrop of the fabled Mount Ararat. For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for the welcome meeting. There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Yerevan at any time although please note that your hotel room may not be available until after 2pm. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Zvartnots International Airport (EVN), which is 20 minutes' from the hotel. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information at 9am on day 2. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, perhaps you might choose to witness Mother Armenia; the female personification of Armenia located in Victory Park.

This morning we head out of the city to visit the archaeological site of the 7th century ruins of the UNESCO listed Zvartnots, its remaining columns set against a magnificent backdrop of the snowy peaks of Mount Ararat. We continue on to Armenia's Holy City of Echmiadzin, the former capital, where we plan to visit the UNESCO listed Echmiadzin Cathedral in time to coincide with part of Sunday service. Returning to Yerevan, we pay a make our way to the Cascade complex - a Soviet period structure that resembles a giant stairway that houses a modern art museum. We continue on to see the expansive Republic Square before some time to enjoy a wander through the lively open air Vernisage craft market.

Today we again leave the city behind as we drive east through small villages and a landscape of alpine meadows to out to the Hellenistic temple at Garni. This pagan monument dedicated to the worship of the sun was built in AD 77 and is an extraordinary sight to be found in Armenia, so far from the rest of the Hellenistic world. From the temple we take an easy walk down the Garni river gorge, where we can see the striking basalt rock formations that make up the towering walls of the gorge. We continue on to the nearby UNESCO listed Geghard Monastery found in a beautiful location surrounded by mountains. Partly made up of caves and partly built from local stone, this tranquil monastery dates from the 4th century and houses two main churches and a fountain of spring water alleged to have rejuvenating properties.