Georgia and Armenia (8 days)

The city offers a wide variety of sights, most of them very ancient. 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 the Mtkvari river gorge.

Metekhi Church is located in the ancient historical district of Metekhi, on the left bank of the Mtkvari River, in old Tbilisi. Metekhi Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary is one of the oldest churches built in Tbilisi. Researchers confirm that the temple was built in the 6th century. King Vakhtang I Gorgasali erected a church, a castle, and a palace here, which also served as the king's residence.

Sulfur baths - Chreli Abano located at the eastern bank of the Mtkvari River at the foot of Narikala fort across Metekhisubani, Abanotubani is an important historic part of the city — the place, where according to a legend the King of Iberia, Vakhtang Gorgasali’s falcon fell, leading to a discovery of the hot springs and, subsequently, to the founding of new capital.

• Lunch break 

Narikala’s fortress - is nowadays the leading sighting among the most visited places in Tbilisi by tourists. Narikala Fortress draws your attention from all sides of Tbilisi, you can notice it from almost every part of Tbilisi. It overlooks the Mtkvari River, which makes Narikala even more incredible. Narikala offers you some of the best panoramas of the city. This is an ancient symbol of Tbilisi’s defensive brilliance. You will get there by cable car.

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 the 8th millennium B.C.). Overnight at hotel.

You will drive north towards the Northern Caucasus along the well-known Georgian Military Road. The first stop will be Jvari Monastery- VI century church and monastery, located in the east of Mtskheta, at the mouth of the river Mtkvari and Aragvi, on the rocky mountain peak. Jvari Monastery is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Here there is kept the Robe of Jesus Christ which had been brought from Jerusalem in I c. A true architectural masterpiece of the Early Middle Ages. Built on a hilltop, the views it affords of Mtskheta and the Aragvi and Mtkvari Rivers are breathtaking and great for selfies!

Next stop at Ananuri complex, a former residence of Argveti Dukes. The complex features churches and towers dating back to the 16-17th centuries, beautifully overlooking the Zhinvali reservoir. The buildings included in the complex are: upper and lower fortress, fence, towers, Church of the mother of God, Church of the Deity, “Mkurnali” Church, bell tower, octagonal cell, and reservoirs;

Continue our drive to see the conjunction of two small mountain rivers famous for the fact that being different in color they still keep their own colors even after merging. 

• Lunch break 

Continue our incredible tour and now visit the Gudauri Friendship monument, also known as Gudauri Panorama- located 120 KM from Tbilisi, on the Georgian Military Highway connecting to Russia. The monument is very vivid and colorful, however, most of its beauty is thanks to the location. Georgia-Russia Friendship monument is a circular balcony hanging off of a 600-meter cliff with amazing views of the Caucasus Mountains.

Our last stop and the main attraction of the tour is Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) and its amazing Mount Kazbegi, where the Gergeti Trinity Church is built - located at an altitude of 2170 m.

From Kazbegi ride in 4 WD vehicles through beautiful valleys and woods reaching the Gergeti Trinity church. In good weather, you can see one of the highest glaciers in the Caucasus – the mountain Kazbegi at 5047m. Enjoy breathtaking views, take pictures breathe fresh air, and collect lots of emotions. Drive back to Tbilisi.

After breakfast at the 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 visit Stalin’s Museum in Gori.

Stalin Museum includes more than 60,000 artifacts, the tiny house where Stalin was born, and impressive bulletproof train Stalin used to travel to Yalta and Potsdam

Uplistsikhe cave town- in translation Fortress of the Lord is located on the left bank of Mtkvari River and is notable for unique combination of various styles of rock-cut cultures and the co-existence of pagan and Christian architecture. 

You will see see how people used to live in stone cells, how their household looked like, and even go through the secret tunnel. 
On the way visit Borjomi Central Park to have a cup of the famous foul sulphur-tasting Borjomi mineral water. 
Afterward, a tour to the 13th century Rabat Fortress that is a mix of different religions and architecture. Rabati fortress is a medieval structure in Akhaltsikhe, Georgia, which dates to the 13th century. The castle complex is comprised of a mosque, a minaret, a synagogue, a Christian church, a palace, a citadel, as well as landscaped gardens, vineyards on terraces, outdoor pools with fountains, a history museum, a hotel, a restaurant, souvenir, and wine shops.

 Check-in at the hotel in Akhaltsikhe 

• In the evening dinner at a local restaurant or in the hotel 

After breakfast at the hotel, a tour to the 2nd century B.C. Khertvisi Fortress, once destroyed by Alexander the Great. Khertvisi fortress – Middle age castle is located on a tall rocky mountain. Khertvisi was an active fortress during feudal ages. Khertvisi was reconstructed several times, early middle age building layer is noticeable. The fortress consists of the citadel and a wall. Citadel stands on a narrow, rocky edge of the mountain, it is not approachable from the northeastern side. Water was supplied by a tunnel on a northwestern side. 

After we will explore Vardzia Cave town, very impressive historical-cultural monument, founded in 12th century, 13 floors and hundreds of rooms, halls and churches, huge complex made in rocks. There once were about 3,000 caves and 50,000 people lived there. You visit the church carved into the rock with amazing frescoes of the 12th century. The monastery has never been restored since then, but in the second half of XIX c every now and then several monks lived there.  Some traces of revival of the monastery live are noticeable even nowadays.

After lunch (not included), you go to the border, where you change the transport and guide.

After meeting with the Armenian guide, she will take you to the city of Gyumri – once the artistic capital, and possibly the most beautiful city of Armenia. You will get the chance to explore the city center with its two famous churches. The next stop will be the Black Fortress, built during the Russian –Turkish war, the fortress still serves as a military base.  After the tour you will move to the hospitable capital of Armenia.  Check-in. Rest.

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

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 – 2805-year-old Yerevan. During the city tour you will visit several sightseeings: Victory Park also known as "Park of 40th Anniversary of the Soviet Armenia," is a public park located on a hill overlooking Yerevan. It was established to commemorate the Soviet victory in World War II. The park features the Mother Armenia statue, a monumental statue symbolizing the strength and resilience of the Armenian people. The park offers panoramic views of Yerevan and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

Cascade Complex a massive, white stairway in Yerevan that connects the city center to the residential district t. It is a modern architectural complex with outdoor art installations, fountains, and gardens. The Cascade Complex was conceived in the Soviet era but was completed in the 2000s. It is not only an architectural marvel but also serves as an exhibition space for contemporary art. The Cafesjian Center for the Arts is located within the Cascade, showcasing a diverse collection of modern art.

Opera House Building: The Armenian National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet, commonly known as the Yerevan Opera House, is a prominent cultural institution in Yerevan. It is known for its stunning architecture and hosts opera, ballet, and classical music performances. The Opera House was officially opened in 1933 and has played a significant role in the cultural life of Yerevan. It reflects the cultural and artistic aspirations of the Armenian people.

Northern Avenue- a central avenue in Yerevan, lined with shops, cafes, and residential buildings. It serves as a modern commercial and entertainment hub. The avenue was part of the urban development plan for Yerevan in the early 21st century. It represents the city's commitment to modernization and urban renewal, providing a vibrant space for shopping, dining, and leisure.

Republic Square- the central square of Yerevan and one of the city's main landmarks. It is surrounded by important government buildings, including the Government House, the History Museum of Armenia, and the Marriott Hotel. It has been a focal point for various historical and cultural events. The square is adorned with singing fountains and architectural elements that showcase the unique blend of Soviet and Armenian architectural styles.

History Museum of Armenia- located on Republic Square and is one of the oldest and largest museums in Armenia. It houses a vast collection of artifacts, exhibits, and archaeological findings that trace Armenia's history from ancient times to the present. The museum, founded in 1920, plays a crucial role in preserving and presenting Armenia's cultural heritage. It provides insights into the country's rich history, including its ancient civilizations, medieval periods, and modern developments.

• After the city tour you will have a lunch at one of Armenian restaurants.

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.

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 in Garni.  

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

It's time to drive 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. Also, you will visit Sevanavank mnastery. 

Then we will continue through wooded mountains of Dilijan National Park and deep gorges of Northern regions you stop in mountainous Haghartsin village and move Haghartsin Monastery.

• Lunch in the local restaurant at Dilijan 

After lunch we will transfer you to the Georgian border (Sadakhlo). Say goodbye to Armenia and continue your route within Georgia. 

Note: This tour will finish in Tbilisi (International Airport or Freedom Square) at 16:00 Tbilisi time (UTC 04:00)