Armenia – Georgia

Arrival at the Zvartnoc airport and transfer to the hotel.

Breakfast. We will visit the Manuscript Museum of Armenia, which is called Matenadaran; here all ancient Armenian Manuscripts are kept. Then we should visit Erebuni museum, where you will get acquainted with the most prominent events of Armenian history. Then we will continue our excursion to centuries-old monuments Ejmiatsin and Zvartnots. These sites are listed on UNESCO World Heritage list. The Cathedral of Ejmiatsin, founded in 303, is the official residence of the Catholicos of Armenia. We’ll continue the trip to Zvartnots Temple, which was built on 7th century by Nerses Builder Catholicos. Get back to Yerevan and overnight there.

Breakfast. Take trip to Garni. This Pagan Temple was built in the 1st century AD. It is the only temple that has been preserves from the Pagan times in Armenia. It was devoted to the god Mihr, who was the god of cleanness. In 1679 it was destroyed by earthquake. In the 1975 the Temple was restored. Then we will continue our trip to Geghard Monastery. Its name came from the legendary lance that was used to pierce the body of Christ. It has been kept here for centuries. Though the exact foundation of the monastery is unknown, the present complex was built in the mid – 13th century. We will drive to Lake Sevan which is one of the largest lakes in the world. It stands out with its sweet and astonishingly blue water. Here we can enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the beautiful lake. Then we will visit Sevanavank Monastery which is situated on Sevan Peninsula. There are 2 monasteries actually; one of them is destroyed but the other stands still. They have been built in the Middle Ages, around 10th century.

Breakfast. Take trip to Khor Virap Monastery (4-18th cc.). This monastery is very prominent because of its history; Gregory the Illuminator, who introduced Christianity to Armenia, has been imprisoned there about 13 years as at that time there was a prison in the place of the monastery. Here we can enjoy the spectacular view of the sacred Ararat Mountain – an immortal symbol of Armenia. We will continue our tour to Noravank – a monastery of XII century situated among amazing sheer rocks on the bench of a twisty gorge. This is the only monastery where we may find a unique sculpture of Father God. On our way back we will visit village Areni which is considered to be an important center of wine production industry. You are welcome to taste its excellent wine. Return Yerevan and overnight there.

Breakfast. Today we will visit two unique monuments of Armenian architecture of X-XIV centuries: the monasteries of Sanahin and Haghpat which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Literally the name ’’Sanahin’’ in Armenian means “this one is older than the other,” which probably means that this monastery is older of than Haghpat. These two monasteries are very close to each other and can be easily seen from one to the other. Both are located on an uneven plateau, separated by a deep crack formed by a small river that flows into the river Debed. Haghpat Monastery was one of the largest religious, cultural and educational centers of medieval Armenia. After all we will drive to the border between Armenia and Georgia. We’ll change guide and transport and continue the trip in Georgia. Drive to Tbilisi. Overnight there.

Breakfast. Today we will have excursion in the capital. Here you may encounter with many religious and cultural buildings: churches, synagogues, mosques which comprise the whole color of 19th century. Visit sulfur bath. Later visit the stunning treasury History Museum and the National Art Museum of Georgia (depends which will be open). After all we will have a walking along Rustaveli Avenue – the main street in Tbilisi.

Breakfast. Visit the ancient capital and religious center of Georgia – Mtskheta and its historical sites: the Church of Jvari (6th century) and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century). Jvari and Svetitskhoveli are World Heritage Sites of UNESCO. On the road we will visit the complex Ananuri. Drive to Gudauri, one of the resort cities of Georgia.

Breakfast. In the morning we will start a spectacular road route north along the river Tergi, up to Kazbegi, the main city of the region. Stop at a farm to see how families produce a delicious artisan cheese, before beginning our walking route through spectacular valleys and forests to reach the Trinity Church Gergeti. Return to Tbilisi. Overnight in a hotel in Tbilisi

Breakfast at the hotel and departure to the wine region – Khakheti. First visit will be to Alaverdi Cathedral (X c.) and below the complex Guilds (XVI c.). Later visit to the Church of Kvelatsminda around the town. Return to Tbilisi. Overnight.

Breakfast and Transfer to the airport.