Georgia — Armenia 9 days 8 nights 2024

Arrival in Kutaisi
Meeting in Kutaisi Airport. 
Transfer to the hotel. 
Overnight in Kutaisi.

Breakfast
Kutaisi
Today we travel to Kutaisi in the Western Georgia, which has a different climate from east, and South
Georgia. Its climate is subtropical and you can feel this as soon as you pass Rikoti Tunnel.
Prometheus cave
Visit Prometheus cave – is one of Georgia’s natural wonders providing visitors with breathtaking examples
of stalactites and stalagmites. (on Monday is closed). 
Gelati Academy and Monastery
Visit to Gelati Academy and Monastery is a monastic complex near Kutaisi, the region of Imereti, western
Georgia, was founded by King David IV the founder in XII century. During the 12-13th centuries Gelati was
one of the biggest religious, educational, scientific and philosophy centers of Georgia. The founding of
Gelati is tied to the cultural renaissance of Georgia.
Mtskheta
Drive to Mtskheta — one of the oldest cities of the country of Georgia, was capital of the early Georgian
kingdom of Iberia during the 3rd century BC — 5th century AD and it was the site of early Christian activity.
Visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century) and Jvari Monastery (6th century).
Overnight in Tbilisi.

Breakfast
Tbilisi city tour
Tbilisi — (literally «Warm Spring») is the capital and the largest city of Georgia, lying on the banks of the
Mt’k’vari River. Founded in the 5th century by king Vakhtang Gorgasali. 
The history of the city can be seen by its architecture.
Places to visit:

Old town: Metechi — one of the earliest inhabited areas of the city.
Abanotubani – district of Tbilisi, known for its sulfuric baths
Narikala fortress is an ancient fortress overlooking Tbilisi 
Sharden street- modern street in Tbilisi with coffee-shops
Sioni Cathedral- is a Georgian orthodox cathedral in Tbilisi. Following a medieval Georgian tradition of
naming churches after particular places in the Holy Land. 
Bridge of Peace — is a bow-shaped pedestrian bridge. The bridge was designed by the Italian architect
(2010) 
The Holy Trinity Cathedral, commonly known as Sameba is the main Georgian Orthodox Cathedral and it
is listed among the largest Orthodox churches in the world. Constructed between 1995 and 2004. 
By bus Shota Rustaveli Avenue- is an avenue in central Tbilisi and Freedom square.
Flea market
Overnight in Tbilisi.

Breakfast
Kakheti region
Drive to the eastern part of Georgia- Kakheti region, known almost exclusively for its vineyards and
wineries. 
Places to visit: KTW – For tasting the famous Georgian wine.
Sighnaghi
Visit Sighnaghi — one of the beautiful cities in the region of Kakheti. Sighnaghi is home to several historical
and cultural monuments. The city is surrounded by walls with the remains of the fortifications of the 18th
century height of about 790 meters above sea level, in view of the city from above Alazani valley and is the
face of the larger Caucasus mountains.
Bodbe Monastery
Bodbe Monastery — is a Georgian Orthodox monastic complex. Originally built in the 9th century.
Visit to winery
Overnight in Tbilisi.

Breakfast
Haghpat Monastery
Continue to Haghpat Monastery, situated in the Lori Province of Armenia, is a medieval religious complex
dating back to the 10th century. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the monastery features
impressive ecclesiastical architecture, intricate stone carvings, and a unique fusion of Armenian religious art.
 
Dilijan
Then we will drive to Dilijan. Walking along the Sharamberyan Street we will come across with many
museums, souvenirs’ markets, small shops and so on. We will also observe two traditional houses built of
wood, with tiled roofs and balconies with meticulously carved being typical examples of Dilijan.
Sevan
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.
Overnight in Yerevan.

Breakfast
Yerevan City Tour
We will start the tour with the capital of Armenia: Yerevan. For ages this city has been known as a “pink
city” because of the color of the stone it has been built with. So we will visit Republic square, Mashtoc
Avenue, the House of Opera and Ballet after Aram Khachatryan, the park “Cascade”. 
Ejmiatsin Cathedral — Zvartnots Cathedral
We will start the 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
Catholics of Armenia. Echmiadzin is a sacred place for Armenian people and a spiritual heart of Armenian
Apostolic Church. We’ll continue the trip to Zvartnots Temple, which was built on 7th century by Nerses
Builder. Currently there are only ruins of Zvartnots, but which has not lost its mystery over the years.
Overnight in Yerevan.

Breakfast
Khor Virap
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.
Areni
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 local wines.
Noravank
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.
Overnight in Yerevan.

Breakfast
Garni Temple
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.
Symphony of Stones
Drive to the Symphony of Stones, located near the village of Garni, not far from the ancient Garni Temple.
It is a stunning basalt rock formation that has been shaped by nature over centuries. The rocks in the gorge
have taken on various columnar shapes, resembling a natural orchestra of standing stones, which has led to
the name "Symphony of Stones".
Geghard Monastery
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.
Visit fruit market "Gum"
One of the most vivid places in Yerevan is Gum Market near the Tashir trading center, which opened during
former the Soviet Union years. It operates every day from morning until late evening. Here you can find
fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, spices, many types of dried fruits, cheeses, traditional Armenian bread
(lavash), pickles, and more.
Overnight in Yerevan.

Breakfast
Transfer to the airport
Say goodbye to Armenia!