Guaranteed Departures in Armenia and Georgia 2024

Departure from home. Arrival in Yerevan. Transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan.

Breakfast at the hotel
After breakfast start city explore Yerevan. Armenia’s capital is one of the oldest cities in the world, even more ancient than Rome itself, being established back in 782 BC. Today it’s a thriving city, with the excitement, hustle and bustle that comes with being a modern cosmopolitan capital.
We start our tour from the Republic Square, the magnum opus of architect Alexander Tamanian. Continue to Cascade Complex, an open-air museum of modern art. The complex links the downtown with the residential area with massive stairways leading up to the Victory Park providing a fantastic overlook to the entire downtown from above. The monument to Mother Armenia is standing tall in the park carefully guarding the city from above. Next, we are in the Opera House, a remarkable example of urban architecture and a lively hub of the city. Freedom Square is just behind it, surrounded by parks and outdoor cafes which are a
favorite spot to spend breezy summer evenings. During your tour, you get a chance to take in the beauty off the central Yerevan and pay your respects at Tsitsernakaberd memorial park, a solemn monument to the Armenian Genocide. If you are looking to taste Armenian delights and delis such as dried fruits, sujukh, basturma, aromatic herbs and fresh produce Yerevan’s fruit market is the place to be. Walk around seemingly endless rows of handcrafted goods and trinkets at Vernissage. Who knows, maybe you would like to buy a memento or two?
Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan.
(B/-/-)

Breakfast at the hotel
After a filling breakfast at the hotel set off to Lake Sevan, the emerald of Armenia and the second largest alpine lake in the world. Admire the picturesque views of one of the highest bodies of water in the worlds. Then visit Sevanavank monastic complex. The monastery of Sevanavank wasfounded in 874 by Princess Mariam, after the artificial draining of Lake Sevan, which started in the era of Joseph Stalin, the water level fell about 20 metres, and the island transformed into a peninsula. Depart to Garni village and visit Garni Temple. It was built in the first century A.D. by the Armenian King Tiridates and is dedicated to a heathen god, probably to Mithra, the god of the sun whose figure stood in the depth of the sanctuary. Northeast of Garni, higher up the gorge of the Azat River, there is a magnificent monument of medieval Armenian architecture – Geghard monastery, inscribed in UNESCO World Heritage list. Geghard is another incredible ancient Armenian monastery, partly carved out of a mountain.
Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan.
(B/-/-)

Breakfast at the hotel.
Start our day by visiting Echmiadzin Cathedral is one of the oldest standing churches in Christendom and is considered the Mother Church of all Armenia and serves as the cornerstone of Armenian Culture. It was built in 303 AD over It was built over a pagan temple, symbolizing the conversion from paganism to Christianity. According to most scholars it was the first cathedral built in ancient Armenia, and is often considered the oldest cathedral in the world. Then visit the UNESCO Heritage listed remains of Zvartnots Cathedral – the perfect example of the 7th c. Armenian architecture. Grandiose ruins of once magnificent center of Armenian Church overlooking Mount Ararat. Take a trip to Khor-Virap monastery and indulge yourself in exploring its charming architecture and rich history, both religious and cultural. It issituated in the Ararat valley against the backdrop of biblical Ararat Mountain, where Noah’s Ark cast it’s anchor.
Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan.
(B/-/-)

After breakfast, we will drive to the Georgian-Armenian border. Here, we will complete necessary border formalities, change transportation and guide, and then continue our journey into Georgia. Arrival in Tbilisi. Free time for lunch. Proceed to see the National Museum of Georgia, visiting the “Golden Treasure” exposition, an extraordinary journey through Georgia’s rich history and cultural heritage. This captivating exhibition showcases a dazzling array of golden artifacts, jewelry, and relicsthat span millennia. Walking on Rustaveli Avenue.
Overnight at the hotel in Tbilisi. (B/-/-)

After breakfast at the hotel,start 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 from Metekhi (13th century) plateau, before reaching to Narikala Fortress (4th century) which dominates the skyline of the Old Town. Continue to explore brick-domed underground sulphur baths (17th century) – the district of naturally hot mineral waters, cafe street Shardeni, Synagogue, Sioni Cathedral and the most ancient Basilica in Tbilisi Anchiskhati (6th century). 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. Free time for lunch. Then drive to Mtskheta – an ancient capital of Georgia, important religious center and city museum which is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Along the way we will stop to visit the Jvari Monastery (6th century). This well-known monastery is located on the top of the mountain, at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers. Then head to Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century) which is known as a place where Christ’s robe was buried. Walk along the narrow streets of Mtskheta with souvenir shopping possibility. Finally, we will return to Tbilisi.
Overnight at the hotel in Tbilisi. (B/-/-)

After breakfast start our very scenic drive up through the high Caucasus Mountains along the Georgian Military Highway towards Kazbegi region. In route visit Ananuri architectural complex (17th century) overlooking a reservoir on the Aragvi River. On the way we will drive across the Jvari Pass (2 395m.) and along the Tergi River that brings us to Stepantsminda – main town in this region. From the centre of Stepantsminda travel by 4×4 car through beautiful valleys and woodland that leads us to Gergeti Holy Trinity church (14th century), stunningly located on a hilltop (2170 m.) both overlooking the surrounding snowy peaks of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. Here we will enjoy unique nature with beautiful panoramic views of Caucasus, including mount Kazbegi (5047m.). In the evening drive to Tbilisi.
Overnight at the hotel in Tbilisi. (B/-/-)

After breakfast at the hotel, we drive to Kakheti region – Georgia’s premier wine-producing area as well as home to hundreds of historical and architectural monuments. Head to Vardisubani village and attend Qvevri making process. Meet the local craftsman who is a fourth generation Qvevri maker, and his son continues the tradition. The visitors can observe the whole process of making a traditional Qvevri (egg-shaped earthenware vessel in whichwine is fermented and stored in villages and towns throughout Georgia. UNESCO Intangible Heritage since 2013). Afterwards visit Alaverdi Monastery. It was built in 11th century and was one of the tallest structures of the time. The surrounding courtyard is home to vineyards from which local monks make their own wine. Afterwards drive to visit fortified complex of Gremi (16th century). Gremi was the Capital of Kakheti Kingdom (1466–1616 years). It had booming cultural life, but because of internal strife and the invasion of Shah Abbas, the town was destroyed. In the evening drive to Tbilisi.
Overnight at the hotel in Tbilisi. (B/-/-)

(Optional: Transfer to the Airport). Departure from Tbilisi international airport. (B/-/-)