Tour Description
In the course of the rout you will view 2 Christian countries of South Caucasus, the countries where Christianity was adopted as the state religion as early as in 4th century. You will get familiar with absolutely different, attractive and colorful cultures of these countries. You will visit beautiful Christian temples and monastery complexes in Georgia and Armenia, cave towns and fortresses, with centuries-long history, taste delicious, diverse and, most importantly, quite different national meals of these two countries. You will experience hospitality of these 2 Caucasian nations and, together with the viewed attractions, you will have great time and unforgettable impressions.
Tour Highlights
- You will view cultural treasure of Armenia – Echmiadzin Cathedral.
- View ruins of Zvatnots Cathedral.
- Explore the masterpiece of Armenian church architecture – Khor Virap Monastery Complex.
- You will view 7th century Church of Karmravour.
- You will visit the ruins of Aberd, the 9th century strongest fortress in Armenia.
- You will visit the masterpiece of Hellenistic architecture, Garni pagan temple.
- You will view medieval monastery of Geghard, UNESCO Cultural Heritage Seat.
- You will view breathtaking beauty of Lake Sevan and its nature.
- Visit outstanding and beautiful cultural monument Haghpat Monastery, UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site.
- Explore attractions of Old Tbilisi.
- You will visit Davit Gareji, beautiful rock-cut monastery complex amidst the desert.
- You will view Georgian wine cellar and taste kvevri wine made based on 8000-year traditions.
- You will explore architecture and wall painting of amazing Gremi and Alaverdi temples.
- You will view Tsinandali Garden and the richest Tsinandali Wine Cellar.
- Explore Mtskheta, ancient capital city of Georgia and view Jvari and Svetitskhoveli temples.
- Visit Ananuri fortified city complex.
- Feel delighted with the beauty of Gergeti Trinity Church – pearl of Georgian architecture.
- Visit the greatest miracle of Georgian architectural and engineering thinking – Vardzia, the city of caves.
- Explore Gelati monastery complex and enjoy beauty of Bagrati Temple.
- Visit Uplistsikhe, ancient cave town.
Gallery
Travel to Armenia
At arrival to Yerevan local representative of the company will meet you and deliver to the hotel on the company’s car.
Yerevan – Echmiadzin – Zvartnots – Yerevan
In the morning, after the breakfast, you will visit real cultural treasure of Armenia, Echmiadzin Cathedral, regarded as Mother Church of Armenian apostolic church. It is the oldest in Armenia (4th century, 301 AD) and at the same time, one of the oldest temples in the world. It is very beautiful, though not over-decorated; it is on the list of UNESCO Cultural Heritage Monuments.
Further you will view 7th century Zvartnots Cathedral ruins. Its name means the temple of heavenly angels. The cathedral is on the list of UNESCO Cultural Heritage Monuments.
Night stay in Yerevan
Yerevan – Khor Virap – Yerevan
After the breakfast you will visit Khor Virap Monastery Complex located on the top of the hill on flat plain of Ararat. Mt. Ararat, with its snowy peak looks down to it. The Monastery Complex is one of the most attractive and unique architectural monument of Ararat Province, a holy place for entire Armenia. It will impress greatly all viewers.
Night stay in Yerevan
Yerevan – Ashtarak – Yerevan
In the morning you will visit Ashtarak, the ancient Armenian town, view small 7th century pan-Armenian church of Karmaravour. Further you will explore the ruins of Amberd, one of the most powerful Armenian fortress of 9th century, located at 2300 m altitude on the rocky hull. Fortress unassailable for many centuries, protected with deep gorges of rivers Arkashen and Amberd from 2 sides, is indeed splendid sight.
Dinner in the family of local farmer, departure to Yerevan.
Night stay in Yerevan.
Yerevan – Garni – Geghard – Yerevan
In the morning, after the breakfast, you will visit Garni pagan temple, built in 1st century BC, real and unique masterpiece of Hellenic architecture, the oldest cultural monument in Armenia. Around the temple, there are maintained the ruins of ancient fortress and royal palace, as well as the baths dated back by 3rd century.
Further you will visit medieval Monastery of Geghard, UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site, amazing medieval buildings well suited to beautiful natural landscape on one side and temples and quarters between the rocks standing like the towers around the Monastery. All these make unique and indeed breathtaking view.
Night stay in Yerevan.
Yerevan – Lake Sevan – Haghpat / Sadakhlo (border) – Tbilisi
In the morning you will start towards Armenian-Georgian border. On your way there you will view Lake Sevan – pearl of Armenia, one of the largest freshwater lakes in Armenia and in entire Caucasus Region. This miracle of the nature is located in the middle of the high mountain region of Armenia (1900 m), in the depression, surrounded with the mountain peaks it is indeed stunning view.
Further you will visit Lori Region and view Haghpat Monastery, built in 10th – 13th centuries, one of the most outstanding cultural monuments of Armenia. It is located on the mountain slope, in the area covered and protected from the strangers, looking over Debed River gorge. It is on UNESCO World Heritage List.
You will cross Georgian-Armenian border in Sadakhlo and travel to Tbilisi.
Night stay in Tbilisi
Tbilisi
After the breakfast you will explore Old Tbilisi with its old narrow streets, houses with overhanging balconies painted in different colors and decorated with incredible ornaments. You will visit Christian churches, synagogue, mosque located side by side and sense the spirit of old town. You will view Narikala Fortress being the outpost and main citadel of the city for many centuries and panoramic view of Old Tbilisi will leave indeed deep impression. After descending from the fortress you will find yourself in Abanitubani, at the bathes with natural geodesic sulfur waters that delighted the travellers from all over the world for many centuries. You will visit the National Museum, to see the exhibits dated back starting from antiquity and epoch of Colchis creating deep impression about brilliance of Georgia. You will have a walk along Rustaveli Avenue.
Night stay in Tbilisi.
Tbilisi – Davit Gareji – Kvareli
In the morning, after the breakfast in the morning you will travel to Davit Gareji and visit the ancient monuments of the complex – Lavra and Udabno monasteries. You will view the rock-hewn churches, cells of the hermits, refectory and premises; as well as rainwater collection system artificially cut in the rocks, with its inlet ditches and water reservoirs. You will view the main structures of the complex, Transfiguration and Godmother churches, where you will find the beautiful original paintings of 10th century made with free creative approach and southwest from Udabno Monastery – Karaia valley, magnificent view in any season.
From Davit Gareji you will head to Kvareli and on your way there you will visit the farmer’s family, where you will taste the kvevri wine made based on 8000-year traditions and enjoy delicious family dinner.
Night stay in Kvareli.
Kvareli – Gremi – Alaverdi – Tsinandali – Tbilisi
In the morning you will visit the medieval residence of Kakheti kings (1466-1614), fortified city of Gremi, the political, economic and educational center in the past.
Further you will visit Alaverdi Cathedral, a beautiful sample of medieval Georgian architecture, with the roof made of blue tiles, located on green Alazani valley. Complex surrounded with the wall includes various structures. Of them, the centuries-old wine cellar deserves special attention. There you will taste the delicious wine made by the monks in kvevri.
Further you will visit Tsinandali Home Museum, have a walk in the garden spread over several hectares, with numerous exotic plants from Europe, Asia and America, view huge wine cellar with personal collection of 70 types of wine in 16500 bottles.
Travel to Tbilisi and night stay in Tbilisi.
Tbilisi – Mtskheta – Ananuri – Stefantsminda
After the breakfast you will visit Mtskheta, ancient capital city of Georgia (UNESCO monument IVc BC – VI), the city is associated with formation of Georgia statehood, with the history of Christianity. Mtskheta is the place of burial of the greatest Christian relic – Christ’s mantle. You will view Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century), the most important among medieval Christian monuments in Georgia. It is surrounded with two-level wall with the towers and pass for the guards. Further you will view Jvari Monastery of 6th century, also UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located on the top of the mountain, facing Mtskheta, it looks over the ancient capital city of Georgia at the confluence of two rivers, with magnificent Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in the middle.
Further, we shall follow Georgian Military Road, stop at Ananuri Cathedral and fortified city complex located on the background of green slopes and blue Zhinvali Water Reservoir. Beore arrival to Stefantsminda, we shall enjoy beautiful nature along Military Road, twisting in the gorge between steep green slopes of the mountains topped with glaciers; arrive to Stefantsminda and stay at night.
Stefantsminda – Gergeti – Akhaltsikhe
In the morning we shall start to the pearl of Georgian church architecture – Gergeti Trinity Church on the top of mountain (2200 m). The viewers, in addition to the beautiful church, would enjoy amazing Tergi Gorge and, if the weather and visibility is good, breathtaking beauty of Kazbegi Mkinvartsveri (5033 m).
Travel to Akhaltsikhe and night stay in Akhaltsikhe
Akhaltsikhe – Vardzia - Kutaisi
In the morning you will visit Vardzia, 13-level magnificent monastery complex with hundreds of premises. You will walk in the tunnels and on the squares connecting the stone city, see rock-hewn wine cellars, kvevris and churches. You will see the unique water supply system of this magnificent city, providing potable water to thousands of people.
Further you will start to Kutaisi, a city with 3-millennia long history, have a walk in elegant streets of the city, with the 19th century trees and charming parks.
Night stay in Kutaisi.
Kutaisi – Bagrati – Gelati – Uplistsikhe – Tbilisi
After the breakfast you will visit Bagrati Cathedral, the brilliant sample of 10th – 11th century church architecture (the Cathedral is on the List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites), where Georgian monarchs were crowned for many centuries.
Further visit is to Gelati Godmother Monastic Complex, UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will view the most important education center of medieval Georgia – Gelati Academy.
Your further way is to city of Gori, the heart of Kartli Province. Here you will visit Uplistsikhe, rock-hewn antique city-monument (1st -2nd millennia BC), walk in its streets, squares, living halls hollowed in the rock and 41-meter-long secret tunnel, view the wine cellars, bread bakeries, drugstore and drainage system of the city.
Further you will travel to Tbilisi.
Departure
Transportation from the hotel to airport.
Service:
● From airport in Erevan / To airport in Tbilisi
● Accommodation
● Transfer According to the program
● English speaking guide
● Meals 12*B, 8*L, 12*D
Visa requirements
Valid passport is necessary of the visitors of any nationality. Individuals with passports issued in USA, Canada, Israel, EU member states, Russian Federation, GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE) etc., do not need visas. In addition, no visa is required for the nationals of CIS countries, with the exclusion of Turkmenistan. Please, see additional information at: https://www.geoconsul.gov.ge/en/visaInformation.
Entry into Georgia
To visit Georgia, you can take a flight. Shota Rustaveli International Airport in Tbilisi, the largest among 3 Georgian airports, offers numerous direct flights from the Europe and Asia. There are 2 more, smaller airports: Batumi and Kutaisi international airports. You can also cross border in several points by train from Yerevan (Armenia) and Baku (Azerbaijan) to Tbilisi. To arrive to Georgia from Turkey, you can cross land border in 3 points: Sarpi, Vale and Kartsakhi. In addition, you can cross border with Armenia in 3 points: Ninotsminda, Geguti and Sadakhlo. Azerbaijan can communicate with Georgia through 2 border posts: Red Bridge and Lagodekhi. Between Russia and Georgia operates one border point, at Larsi, in the vicinity of Stephantsminda.
Climate
Climate in the country is amazingly diverse. Greater Caucasus Range protects Georgia from cold air masses while Caucasus Minor ensures protection of the country from very hot and dry air from the south, as a result, average summer temperature varies between 19OC and 22OC, and winter temperature – from 1.5OC to 3OC.
The best period for travel
With respect of weather, May-June and September-October are the softest and most mellow months in Georgia, with sunny, warm weather. July-August is the best period for walk and tracking.
For the smokers
Smoking is prohibited in any buildings, including the hotel and restaurants. The smokers can use the balconies, terraces or enjoy smoking outdoors.
Water
In Georgia, tap water is safe but if you are used to bottled water, please, be consistent and have bottled water only.
Currency, banks & ATM
In Georgia the official currency is Georgian lari, usually denoted by GEL. Lari consists of 100 tetri. You can change foreign currency at airports, border points, hotels and currency exchange offices. Usually no service fees are paid for currency exchange though recently, in some places the newly opened offices request commissions, so be attentive,
Banks and ATMs are in all large cities but when traveling in countryside make sure that you have sufficient cash.
Electricity
Electricity is 220 V, 50 Hz, with round sockets corresponding to European standards.
Communication
Country telephone code is 00 995. Mobile operators (Silknet, MAGTI and Beeline) cover almost entire territory of the country (with the exclusion of several remote places). You can procure SIM card for the mobile phone with certain quantities of minutes and internet access. In large cities, actually all cafes, bars and restaurants offer Wi-Fi service.
Work hours
Banks open at 10:00 AM and close at 6:00 MP, from Monday to Friday, inclusive. On Saturdays the banks have short working days, from 120:00 AM to 2:00 PM. On Sundays the banks are closed. Most stores open on 10:00 AM and they do not close earlier than at 8:00 PM. Shopping malls work every day, from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. There are also food-stores working for 24 hours per day, but this is only in large cities. The museums open at 10:00 AM and work up to 6:00 PM; museums are closed by Mondays. Cafes and bars open at about 11:00 AM and most of them work up to midnight, or until the last guest leaves.
What to wear?
Georgians wear modern western-style clothes. So, you can easily chose the clothes, if you don’t plan to visit the church. For the visit to church you should remember that women mist cover their heads and shoulders and wear long dress while the men must take off their hats and do not wear shorts.
What to taste?
Khachapuri (variations of cheese bread from different regions of Georgia)
Kubdari (minced meat, onion, garlic, pepper, spices, baked in dough)
Khinkali (minced beef and pork with spices in dough, meal from the mountains)
Chkmeruli (chicken roast on ketsi in garlic sauce)
Satsivi
Shashlik (grilled pork or calf)
Chakapuli (lamb pieces, onion, new green sour plums and estragon prepared in white wine)
Pkhali (spinach, chard, cabbage with spices and walnut paste)
Eggplants with walnuts (eggplants roast on the pan dressed with walnut paste with spices_
Imeretian Sulguni and guda cheese
Nadughi in the sulguni sheets (nadughi with mint and sour cream wrapped in sulguni sheets)
Gebzhalia (sulguni pieces boiled in milk and placed in Georgian yoghurt with mint and garlic)
Champignons with cheese (champignon heads roast on ketsi with the grated cheese above).
Tkemali sauce (sauce of sour plums with the young herbs (parsley, mint, dill, coriander), garlic and salt)
Churchkhela (sausage-shaped sweets made of walnuts and grape juice)
Gozinaki (roast walnuts in honey)
And, of course, you must have Georgian meals with wide variety of famous Georgian wines.
Emergency
For all the emergency cases please call 112.
Tour Map
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