Georgia & Armenia package ( 11 Days)
Description
Georgia and Armenia tour is the possibility to dive into the ancient culture of 2 old states and enjoy gastronomy , history and beautiful nature all together !
Spend amazing time on our 11 days tour and explore ancient civilization.
Day 1: Departure
Day 2: Tbilisi
Arrive in Tbilisi early in the morning , meet at the airport and transfer to the hotel for overnight. After late breakfast, Tbilisi sightseeing tour. The city offers a great variety of sights, most of them very ancient. All places of interest in the Old Town are very close to each other, within a few minutes’ walk. We start our visit to Old Tbilisi from Metekhi Church (13th century), then walk to the Synagogue, Sioni Cathedral (6 th -7 th centuries) and Anchiskhati Church (6 th century). Afterwards we drive up to Mother Georgia statue and walk down to Narikala fortress (4 th century), en route enjoying beautiful views of Old Town. Then we visit Sulphur Baths. This marks the end of the Old Town. Afterwards visit stunning treasury of Georgian national museum before taking a stroll along Rustaveli avenue the main street in Tbilisi. Dinner at the traditional Georgian restaurant.
Overnight in Tbilisi
Day 3: Tbilisi – Mtskheta – Gori – Tbilisi
In the morning we travel to the ancient capital and religious centre of Georgia – Mtskheta and visit its historic Jvari Monastery (6 th century) and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11 th century) – both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Continue to the town of Gori – the heart of Kartli region and its historical places: Uplistsikhe Cave Town (1 st millennium BC),that’s the place where the Great Silk Road used to pass. This is an old and interesting complex with dwelling quarters, wine-cellars, bakeries, a three-nave basilica church hewn out in rock and even an antic theatre. Gori is the birth place of Stalin. In the centre we see his house and big statue.
Drive back to Tbilisi
Day 4: Wine trip Kakheti region
Drive to Kakheti region famous for its wine traditions, delicious dishes and hospitality. We will visit one of the best wine factories in Georgia and taste some different kind wines. Continue to the architectural complex of Gremi (16 th century). For lunch we will visit local family and see how to prepare famous Georgian Shashlik and bread. Of course Georgian wine will be served during the lunch. Later we will also visit 300- years old unique wine cellar and taste homemade wines straight from the clay jars kept under the ground.
Afterwards drive to Tbilisi.
Dinner and overnight in Tbilissi
Day 5: Tbilisi – Sadakhlo – Dilijan
In the morning drive to Georgian-Armenian border, check-point Sadakhlo. After change of guide and bus continue to Armenia. We start our exploration of Armenia from the North, Lori province, a land of forest-covered mountains, dizzy gorges and bubbling rivers. We will visit the two major attractions in these parts – Haghpat and Sanahin monasteries. Both of them are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The breathtaking location on either side of the canyon and fantastic scenery makes the visit to these sites a truly unforgettable experience!
Overnight at Dilijan Resort
Day 6: Dilijan National Park and Lake Sevan – Visit Geghard cave monastery and Garni temple – Symphony of Stones.
We continue our journey to the beautiful rolling valley framed by the mountains of the Lesser Caucasus. We will explore the resort town of Dilijan located in the midst of the forests of Dilijan National Park. Here we will walk through a museum-street of the town, which still preserves 19-century houses, stopping at a ceramicist’s and woodcarver’s studios.
We will then drive to the “Pearl of Armenia” – Lake Sevan, which is one of the largest high-altitude lakes in the world and the largest lake in Armenia. This fresh-water lake of volcanic origin is situated at an altitude about 1900m above sea level, among snow-covered mountains. If we are lucky we will witness the change of colors. In the morning we will drive east of Yerevan and visit a unique medieval monastery of Geghard which was included in the list of UNESCO world heritage sites. Some chambers of the monastery were carved out of solid rock and possess exceptional acoustics.
We will then continue towards Garni village where we will visit a pagan temple from 1 st century AD – the only one remaining from pre-Christian period in Armenia. The temple is located on a triangular cape overlooking the deep canyon of Garni. We may explore the beautiful nature of this place and will have a chance to hike through the canyon (1 hour) which is famous for its unique rock formations of basalt pillars, or often called “Symphony of Stones” (*Good physical condition is required).
Overnight in Yerevan
Day 7: Yerevan City Tour including museums – Trip to the religious capital of Armenia
Today we will have a familiarization tour of the capital. We will visit main sights of the capital, including the Republic Square, the Opera house, the Cascade where you will see the statue of the world-famous sculptor Fernando Botero “The Black Cat”. We will also drive via Baghramyan Avenue, where you will see the Parliament, the Palace of President, the National Academy of Sciences. The excursion also includes a stop in the Victory Park, at Mother Armenia monument, from where you will behold a panoramic view of the city and the Food Market with its variety of fresh and dried fruits. We will visit Erebuni Fortress – the birthplace of Yerevan city and Matenadaran museum, which hosts the biggest collection of medieval Armenian manuscripts.
In the afternoon we will take a trip to one of the oldest cities of Armenia – Echmiadzin, which is the religious center of Armenia and the residence of the Armenian Catholicos. Visit the Cathedral of Echmiadzin which derives its name from the vision of St. Gregory The Illuminator. (*On a Sunday you can listen to the beautiful choir performance of Divine Lithurgy here). After this we will visit the archeological site of Zvartnots Cathedral, which is a masterpiece of Armenian architecture!, The area is a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site.
Overnight in Yerevan
Day 8: Ararat views and exploration of the South
In the morning we will drive through the Ararat valley towards Khor Virap monastery. Located at the foot of biblical Mt. Ararat, this complex embodies the adoption of Christianity in Armenia in 301 AD. You will have a chance to descend to the underground chamber, where once St. Gregory The Illuminator, the first Catholicos of Armenia, was imprisoned. Continue to Noravank monastery with intricate carvings, situated among the freakish plumb rosy cliffs. We pause en route to enjoy wine tasting at the village of Areni which is famous for its red dry wine.
Overnight in Yerevan
Day 9: Trip to Amberd on the slopes of Mt. Aragats
We then leave Yerevan to explore undiscovered corners of Armenia. Armenia’s long turbulent history has left it with a rich heritage of medieval monasteries and fortresses. We enter a hidden wilderness of mountain pastures carpeted with multicolor flowers and broad valleys lined by snowy peaks. The way passes by a fast-running stream and spectacular mountains. We are more likely to meet a shepherd than to meet visiting walkers on the trails. We pause at the first village of migratory shepherds to see the way of their life, life moves at a different pace here and it’s hard to re-enter the 21 st century. We will come to Amberd fortress. With its towers, embrasures and arches it is situated at the altitude of 2300m above sea level on a high cliff surrounded with deep gorges and full-flowing rivers.
We will then continue to Gyumri have a short sightseeing of Gyumri, enjoying beautiful style and artchitecture of this major cultural, economic and social center of 19 th century Armenia.
Overnight in Gyumri
Day 10: Gymri – Yerevan departure
In the morning we will have the Gyumri city tour with visits to most interesting local places like : Gyumri, the second-largest city in Armenia, is rich in history, culture, and architecture. Here are some notable attractions and things to see while visiting Gyumri:
Transfer to Yerevan and stay at the hotel in Yerevan
Day 11: Yerevan departure
Transfer to Yerevan airport & departure
Have a pleasant flight back home
Price includes:
1. All transfers (1-2 pax by sedan, 3-6 pax by minivan, 7-18 pax by Sprinter
passenger van);
2. Accommodation based on double/twin room sharing, breakfasts included
(Tbilisi: Old Wall hotel, Reikartz King Tamar, Yerevan Revive hotel, Garni hotel Garni Palace );
3. Sightseeing tour program;
4. English-speaking Guide;
5. Wine tasting in Kakheti region;
6. Separate 4×4 vehicle to Gergeti Trinity;
7. Bottled drinking water.
Price does not include:
1. Full board;
2. Hotel charges for additional services;
3. Personal travel insurance;
4. Tips are not included but would be appreciated.
| Price per pax in twin room BB | 740 usd |
| Price per pax in single room BB | 1430 usd |
| Price per pax in triple room BB | 620 usd |