7 Days to Georgia and Armenia

Arrive in Georgia and transfer to your hotel

After Breakfast explore the ancient town of Mtskheta – the old capital of eastern Georgia. Visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Mtskheta: Jvari Monastery – the best example of 6th century Georgian architecture located at the top of the hill overlooking the city, and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral – the magnificent fortified 11th century church, referred to as the most sacred place for Georgians. Have lunch and a wine degustation at a local winery. Continue the journey to the west to visit the town of Gori, known as the birthplace of the Soviet leader Joseph Stalin.Visit Stalin’s Museum in Gori, where you can see the house where Stalin was born and his personal railway carriage. Transfer to Uplistsikhe (Fortress of Lord) – rock-hewn town (1st Millennium BC), notable fora unique combination of various styles of rock-cut cultures and the co-existence of pagan and Christian architecture. Here you can see ancient wine presses carved in stone. Drive back to Tbilisi. Dinner and overnight in Tbilisi.

After Breakfast drive to the north, along the Georgian Military Highway, the main transport artery linking Georgia with Russia into the mountainous provinces of the Greater Caucasus. Make a short stop to see the incredible 16th-century fortress Ananuri, overlooking Jinvali reservoir on the way. Continue journey via the highest settlements in Europe – Gudauri (2,100m) and Cross Pass – the highest point on the Military Highway (2379 m). Stop for lunch on the way. Arrive in Kazbegi, change the vehicle and drive by 4 WD vehiclestothe 14th centuryHoly Trinity Church, located at the beautiful, solitary spot on the top of the hill, at an elevation of 2170 meters. Enjoy the breathtaking view of snow-capped Mount Kazbeg – extinct volcano which is the third highest mountain of Georgia (5,047m) and one of the most popular destinations for alpinists. Drive back to Tbilisi. Enjoy Dinner at Georgian Traditional Restaurant with a folk show. Overnight in Tbilisi.

Meet the Armenian guide and driver at the border and drive to Yerevan. Visit Haghpat monastery (10th c) – UNESCO World Heritage site, which is situated over the Debed river canyon, from where you can enjoy picturesque scenery. Visit Sanahin Monastery complex (10th c), which had a huge influence on the development of Armenian academic and cultural heritage. Stop by Lake Sevan to visit Sevanavank Monastery. Transfer to Yerevan – the capital city of Armenia. Dinner and overnight in Yerevan.

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, we will drive though Ararat region to visit Khor Virap Monastery, located on the slopes of biblical Mt. Ararat. We will have a chance to enjoy the view of the magnificent mountain if the weather permits. Start sightseeing tour of Yerevan, including Echmiadzin – the holy seat of the Supreme Patriarch-Catholicos of all Armenians. The Cathedral was built in 303 on the site of a pagan temple after the adoption of Christianity as a state religion in 301. Visit the Echmiadzin Cathedral and museum. Visit St. Hripsime Church (7th c.). A few kilometres from Echmiadzin are the ruins of the 7th-century AD Temple of Zvartnots. Lunch at a local restaurant. Arrive at Yerevan for a visit of Erebuni fortress. Dine in a local restaurant with a show and stay overnight in Yerevan.

After breakfast, drive through the picturesque Avan Canyon, skirting formidable cliffs and passing exotic-looking gorges to see the pagan architectural complex of Garni (1st c) and feel the spirit of ancient ages. Another ride through the gorge will take us to the cave monastery of Geghard. Return to Yerevan for a city tour. Visit the Armenian History Museum.

Transfer to the airport for your flight home