Georgia and Armenia 8 days

Duration - 8 days & 7 nights

Destinations – Georgia, Armenia (Tbilisi, Mtskheta, Kazbegi, Akhaltsikhe, Vardzia,

Yerevan, Echmiadzin, Lake Sevan, Dilijan)

Map

This tour will get you acquainted with the two oldest countries in the world – Georgia and Armenia.

Archeological evidence suggests that the area of South Caucasus is one of the oldest sites of

human presence, dating back as far as 1.8 million years. Situated at the important crossroads,

Georgia and Armenia have a unique and ancient cultural heritage, and are famed for their

traditions of hospitality and cuisine. Georgia and Armenia abounds in natural variety. Georgia is

also known as the cradle of wine. While exploring these South Caucasus countries you will

discover a fascinating mixture of cultures that has integrated both Europe and Asia…

Itinerary:

Day 1 - Arrival

Arrival to Tbilisi. Meeting in airport. Transfer to the hotel. Check in and overnight in Tbilisi

Day 2: Tbilisi sightseeing tour

Tbilisi sightseeing tour – the Old Town and the New City. The city offers a wide variety of sights,

most of them very ancient. We begin our visit just a few minute walk from the hotel in the compact

area of Old Tbilisi. Starting at the church of Metekhi, we walk to the brick domes of sulfur baths

and then on to spectacularly located Narikala’s fortress – one of the oldest fortresses in Georgia,

overlooking Mtkvari river gorge. After that we visit the synagogue, and the Sioni and Anchiskhati

churches, which mark the end of the Old Town. After we visit the treasury of the National Museum

of Georgia (Georgian Archaeology from 8th millennium B.C.), walking along Rustaveli Avenue –

the main street in Tbilisi and visit the treasury of the Georgian Museum of Fine Arts. (The treasury

preserves and presents works from the Bronze Age, Antic-Hellenistic, and medieval periods, as

well as significant modern artifacts up through the 20th century). Visit the holy trinity cathedral,

the third biggest church in the world. Dinner in the local restaurant, tasting Georgian dishes and

wine. Spend the night in Tbilisi.

Day 3: Tbilisi – Mtsketa – Ananuri – Stefantsminda - Tbilisi

After a breakfast in the hotel, we visit the ancient capital and the religious centre of Georgia –

Mtskheta (3000 years old) and see its historical sites: Jvari monastery (6th century) and

Svetitskhoveli cathedral (11th century), where, it is said Christ’s shroud is buried. Both Jvari and

Svetitskhoveli are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Then we visit the ancient ruins of the city and

drive north towards the Northern Caucasus along the well-known Georgian Military Road. On the

way we visit Ananuri – a 17th century architectural complex. An exciting drive from Gudauri along

the Terek River will take us to Kazbegi – the main town in the region. From Kazbegidrive with 4

WD vehicles through beautiful valleys and woods brings us to Gergeti Trinity church located at

2170m. in good weather you can see for a moment one of the highest glaciers in the Caucasus –

the mountain Kazbegi (5047m). We go back to the Tbilisi. Dinner in the local restaurant, tasting

Georgian dishes and wine. Spend the night in Tbilisi.

Day 4: Tbilisi – Gori – Borjomi – Akhaltsikhe – Abastumani - Akhaltsikhe

After a breakfast at hotel, you will drive to Akhaltsikhe (approximately 3 hrs.) It was founded at

least 800 years ago, and was a regional administrative center for the Ottomans from the 16th

century up to the Russian-Turkish War. On the way to Akhaltsikhe, we may stop at Uplistsikhe

Cave Town-Fortress, which history begins in the I-II millennium B.C. or Stalin’s museum in Gori.

Lunch will be provided in Gori or Borjomi.

Check-in at Akhaltsikhe’s hotel. Afterwards, a tour to the 13th century Rabat Fortress that is a mix

of different religions and architecture. In the evening, a dinner at local restaurant.

Day 5: Akhaltsikhe – Khertvisi – Vardzia – Akhalkalaki - Yerevan

After a breakfast at the hotel, a tour to the 2nd century B.C. Khertvisi Fortress, once destroyed

by Alexander the Great and a cave monastery Vardzia, the caves of which stretch along the cliff

for some five hundred meters and in up to nineteen tiers and which area is believed to be first

inhabited during the Bronze Age. Lunch will be provided at one of Vardzia’s guesthouses. After

lunch you go to the border, where you change the transport and guide.

After meeting with the Armenian guide you move forward to Yerevan - the hospitable capital of

Armenia. Check-in. Rest.

Welcome dinner at a local restaurant with tasting Armenian dishes and drinks.

Day 6: Yerevan city tour – Etchmiadzin (UNESCO) – Zvartnots (UNESCO) – Yerevan

Start discovering Armenia by a visit to the State History Museum where you get familiar with a

complete picture of the Armenian culture and history dating back to 1 million years ago up to

nowadays. Then go sightseeing in one of the world's oldest cities – 2796-year-old Yerevan.

Open-air lunch at one of restaurants located just in Hrazdan River gorge.

Then you move forward to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin – the spiritual centre of the

Armenian Apostolic Church and the seat of the Supreme Patriarch and the Catholicos of All

Armenians. Numerous kings and Catholicoses have been crowned and consecrated here.

When Noah emerged from the Ark in the Ararat Valley, he built an altar of sacrifice in the place

where the Mother Cathedral is now standing and offered a sacrifice. St. Gregory the Illuminator

chose the location of the 4th C Mother Cathedral in accordance with the vision he had. In his

dream, he saw the Miatsin (meaning “the Only Begotten Son of God”) with glittering light on his

face descending from the Heaven and with a golden hammer striking the ground where the Mother

Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin was to be located. Hence, Etchmiadzin means "the place, where

the Only Begotten Son of God descended".

On the way back to Yerevan you stop at the ruins of outstanding Zvartnots Temple.

You're in Yerevan again.To deeply feel the spirit of the city you dine and spend the evening at

one of open-air cafes.

Day 7: Yerevan – Geghard (UNESCO) – Garni – Yerevan

In the morning, the coach takes you to Geghard Monastic Complex located on the mountainside

of the almost closed amphitheater of harsh cliffs. It is famous for its rock-cut architecture. Thanks

to its hard-to-reach area, the Holy Lance which pierced the side of Christ has been kept here for

500 years. St. Thaddeus Apostle brought it to Armenia in 33 AD. In honor of the Holy Lance,

Ayrivank Monastery (meaning “Cave Monastery”) was renamed Geghart (the Armenian

translation of “the Holy Lance”).

On the way you stop at Charents Arch to enjoy the majestic view of the Biblical Mount Ararat.

The next highlight is the only standing pagan temle in Armenia – Garni, devoted to Mihr, who, in

accordance with the Armenian Mythology, was the God of the Sun. From here, you will enjoy the

impressive view of breathtaking high cliffs called “Symphony in the stone”.

An unforgettable experience is waiting for you in Garni village – you can take part in a real ritual

of baking national “lavash” bread with local villagers. Enjoy the open-air lunch.

Return to Yerevan. Spice this day with an excursion and tasting in well-known Yerevan Brandy

Factory.

Dinner at a colorful Armenian restaurant.

Day 8: Yerevan – Lake Sevan – Tbilisi, departure

It's time to driving to one of the highest fresh-water lakes in the world – the Sevan (1 900m). From

the top of Sevan Peninsula you can admire the full view of the lake of volcano-tectonic origin and

the adjacent mountain chains.

Say goodbye to Armenia and continue your route to travel within Georgia.

After meeting with the Georgian guide, you move forward to Tbilisi International Airport for

departure.

Tour Prices

2 4 6 8 10 12 16 20 30

3* BB 960$ 640$ 530$ 490$ 460$ 440$ 445$ 420$ 390$

3* HB 1,130$ 790$ 680$ 650$ 610$ 600$ 610$ 590$ 550$

4* BB 1,100$ 790$ 670$ 630$ 600$ 580$ 600$ 580$ 540$

4* HB 1,260$ 950$ 840$ 800$ 770$ 740$ 770$ 740$ 690$

Group size persons

Single supplement 3* - 210 $

Single supplement 4* - 320 $

Children under 6 years old can live in parent’s rooms without additional bed are free of charge and

total cost of the tour for these children will be – 230 $ per child

Children 6 - 12 years old can live in parent’s rooms with additional bed and total cost of the tour for

these children will be – 390 $ per child

Tour price includes:

Transportation :Comfortable A/C minivan, minibus or bus

Accommodation in TWIN rooms: Twin room accommodation at three or four star

hotels, as you choose:

o Astoria hotel or Tiflis Hotel 3*

o Astoria Tbilisi 4*, Old Metekhi 4* or Gallery Palace 4*

o Tiflis hotel Akhaltsikhe 3*

o Gino Wellness Rabath 4* or Vardzia Resort 4*

o Silk Road Hotel 4*

o Paris Hotel Yerevan 4*

Catering: Bed and breakfast or half board (only dinners) catering service. This tour

offers Vegetarian, Vegan and Halal food options

Guide service: English speaking guide service, guides are changing on the border of

each country

Other:, Entrance fees and local guides, and 1 bottles of mineral water without gas per

person per day

Prices do not include:

Any international flights

Travel insurance

Single room supplement

Alcoholic beverages

Service except described