Mysterious Caucasus and Secrets of its History

1st DAY

Tbilisi (Late Arrival to Shota Rustaveli Airport)

Late Evening arrival and transfer to the Hotel for some rest.

Overnight in Tbilisi

2nd DAY

Tbilisi City Tour

We dedicate the whole day to this gorgeous town being called in 19 century “Caucasian Paris”. We’ll take a cable road to its old fortress and enjoying the panoramic view will have a nice walking tour in the oldest part of the Georgian capital. By lunchtime we’ll finish cultural part of the trip leaving the rest of the day free for your optional choice. WELCOME LUNCH in local restaurant. B/L

Overnight in Tbilisi

(Hotel Kalasi)

3rd DAY

Tbilisi – Mtskheta-Jvari-Ananuri - Kazbegi

Today we’ll check out for exploring one of the most beautiful peaks of Higher Caucasus Kazbegi Mountain. In the morning we check out driving to Georgian Spiritual Capital Mtskheta. Here we’ll visit Svetitskhoveli Mother Cathedral and Jvari 6 century church We’ll stop on the way by Ananuri Fortress which is enlisted in UNESCO. And upon arrival will take an excited trip up the mount to see Gergeti Thrinity church with the magnificent view of Kazbeg.

Overnight and dinner in Kazbegi. B/D

4th DAY

Kazbegi – Uplestsikhe – Stalin Museum in Gori - Borjomi

We leave Kazbegi this morning directing to Gori birthplace of Stalin. Here we’ll visit his museum and Uplestsikhe Cave town. This evening we’ll explore resort town Borjomi known by its sanative springs. Overnight and dinner in Borjomi. B/D

5th DAY

Borjomi – Tbilisi

We start the morning with a nice walk towards Borjomi Park with Mineral springs. On the way we’ll see the remaining of Imperial Period architecture, private residences build in those days, when Borjomi became known as a resort town.

We have dinner at the local family on the way back to Tbilisi (Lasha).

We will arrive in Tbilisi this evening and checking in the hotel have a free evening for a possible cultural program in the capital. B/L.

Overnight In Tbilisi

6th DAY

Tbilisi – Signakhi – Bodbe Monastery – Tbilisi

Today we make a trip to Alazani valley known by its vineyards, visiting Bodbe church of St. Nino and Signakhi town of Love. We have a big lunch and wine tasting in a local winery, after which return to Tbilisi leaving the whole evening free for the last shopping possibility as well as a good rest before the early departure. B/L

Last Overnight In Tbilisi

7th DAY

Tbilisi – Akhtala - Haghpat

Today we check out to leave Georgia for continuing our trip to Armenia. After border formalities we visit Alktala Monastery boasting with its frescoes. Our next stop is even more impressive, as we are going to see the highlight of Armenian Medieval Architecture and the first UNESCO site of the country Haghpat Monastery. B/ D

Overnight and dinner in Haghpat

8th DAY

Dilijan-Haghartsin-Old Town-Sevan

This day we will explore Dilijan National Park having one stop at the Historic Dilijan Street of 19 century and another by Haghartsin Monastery. We’ll make a nice walk towards the Monastic complex located deep in the forest. After this visit we’ll drive to Seval Lake – a Pearl of Armenia. B/D

Overnight and dinner in Sevan

9th DAY

Sevan – Karavanserai-Noravank-Areni-Khor Virap

Today we check out for visiting Sevan Peninsula and Sevanavank Monastery. After this we’ll take a long drive towards South along Selim Pass, stopping by the only preserved in its original form Caravanserai of 13 century. We will have group lunch on the way, before continuing to Noravank Monastery in the beautiful location. Nearby we’ll have Areni Wine tastng.

Finally we’ll get to the closest point to the Mount Ararat, Khor Virap Monastery.

The end of this day will bring us to the Armenian Capital. B/L

Overnight in Yerevan.

10th DAY

Yerevan City Tour

We’ll have a bus tour visiting most important sites of Armenian Capital as Opera House, Republic Square, Genocide Memorial and Governmental street with the Parliament and Residence of President. Some free time will be given in Vernissage handicraft Market and then Cascade Modern Art Center. We’ll end the day with a farewell dinner in one of the local restaurants. B/D

11th DAY

Yerevan - Garni - Geghard - Yerevan / Overnight in Yerevan.

After visiting Cave Monastery with its ancient history and unique architecture as well as the only Pagan Temple in Armenia in Garni village, we’ll continue for the lunch in local family that will offer us Lavash Baking process. Lavash is a traditional Armenian Bread that is being baked in an underground oven called Tonir. Finally we’ll have a nice lunch at that wonderful place. After the lunch we’ll take an hour walk to Garni Canyon with beautiful volcanic formations of columnar basalt.

(Upon return we can have an optional visit to Brandy Distillery (10 EUR per person) or a performance if any available.) Free evening and Overnight in Yerevan. B/L

12th DAY

Early morning departure of the group from Zvartnots International Airport. End of the program.