Discover Georgia and Armenia 🇦🇲​🇬🇪​

Day 1. From Tbilisi: Mtskheta, Jvari, Gori and Uplistsikhe Discover one of the most historical places of Georgia, including the ancient rock complex of Uplistsikhe, Stalin Museum, and 2 UNESCO heritage sites Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in the old capital of Georgia, Mtskheta. Full description Explore one of the most mysterious regions of Georgia – Kartli and hear a lot about the country's history. First, visit the memorable Uplistsikhe cave-town and dive into the antique life of Georgia. Then, find out more interesting facts in Gori, the hometown of the most famous Georgian, Stalin, and see the unique old capital of Georgia – Mtskheta, where you visit two UNESCO heritage sites Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Your first stop is Uplistsikhe, an antique rock-hewn town in eastern Georgia. It contains multiple structures dating from the Early Iron Age to the Late Middle Ages. It is notable for the unique mixture of various rock-cut cultures from Anatolia and Iran's pagan and Christian architecture coexistence. After exploring Uplistsikhe, you have a chance to have lunch in the region and try delicious local food. After lunch, you have two options, have free time and explore Gori, the hometown of Stalin, or visit Stalin Museum, which is a museum dedicated to the life of Joseph Stalin, the leader of the Soviet Union, who was born in Gori. The Museum retains its Soviet-era characteristics, Stalin's Original house, and Stalin's railway carriage. The next stop is Jvari Monastery. The name of this monastery is translated as the "Monastery of the Cross." Jvari Monastery is the 6th-century Georgian Orthodox monastery near Mtskheta. Along with other historic structures of Mtskheta, it is listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO. Jvari Monastery stands on the rocky mountain top at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers, overlooking the town of Mtskheta, which was formerly the capital of the kingdom of Iberia. The last site on tour is Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta. UNESCO recognizes Mtskheta as a World Heritage site due to its historical significance and several cultural monuments. It was the capital of the early Georgian Kingdom of Iberia from the 3rd century BC to the 5th century AD. Svetitskhoveli is known as the burial site of Christ's robe and has been one of the principal Georgian Orthodox churches and is among the region's most venerated places of worship.

Day 2. From Tbilisi: Kakheti Wine Region Explore the wine-producing region of Georgia, Kakheti. Discover Sighnaghi, the enchanting city of love, with its wonderful Alazani Valley. Taste Georgian wine, unlike any other wine in the world. Full description: Explore Kakheti, the wine region of Georgia, located in the eastern part of the country. Kakheti wine region is an excellent place to visit beautiful sightseeing, try delicious local food, listen to traditional folk songs, study how Georgian wine is made, and have wine degustation. Your first stop is village Badiauri, where guests are welcome to see a local bakery and taste delicious Georgian bread, cheese, and Chacha (Georgian Vodka). The second stop is Bodbe Convent. According to the legend, it is built on the burial place of Saint Nino. A Saint for Georgians who converted their religion into Christianity. The site is very spiritual and has impressive views for taking beautiful pictures. Then go to Sighnaghi, known as "The City of Love." You will have a walking tour in Sighnaghin and discover " The Great Wall of Georgia." After the walking tour, you can join lunch with a beautiful view of Alazani Valley and try traditional Georgian food. The fourth site of the day is Khareba Winery, the largest of Georgia's wine cellars. Khareba is a unique place with perfect storage conditions for wine, 7.7 kilometers of tunnels, and galleries that maintain a constant temperature of 12-14 degrees 0C. Listen to traditional Georgian folk songs, have a walking tour in the tunnel, explore the ethnographic museum, get information on how Georgians make wine, and finish it with wine degustation. The last place to visit during the day is Corporation Kindzmarauli. The winery's history dates back to 1533 and produced wine exclusively for the royal family for much of its history. You have a tour in the winery and wine degustation for four different wines.

Day 3. From Tbilisi: Gudauri and Kazbegi Enjoy the attention of a private guide and the ability to travel at your own pace while exploring Gudauri and Kazbegi on this private tour from Tbilisi. Additionally, visit 2 beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the way. Full description Kick off your 10-hour day trip with a pick-up from your hotel anywhere in Tbilisi. Visit Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia, and the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Afterwards, you will have the chance to visit Jvari monastery and enjoy a wonderful panoramic view over the ancient capital. Moving forward, you will drive on a Georgian military road towards Kazbegi/Stepantsminda. On the way, you will visit Ananuri fortress on Jinvali dam. Pass by Gudauri Ski Resort, and stop at the Georgian Russian "friendship" monument, Cross Pass, and Kazbegi. Enjoy lunch on a wonderful terrace at Rooms Hotel Kazbegi, which overlooks the glacier of Kazbegi, or at typical Georgian restaurant with traditional food. For your last stop, travel via a 4x4 vehicle towards the Trinity Monastery at 2,200 meters above sea level. Your day trip will conclude with drop off back at your hotel.

Day 4. From Tbilisi: Telavi and Tsinandali Estate A full-day private wine tour to Kakheti giving visitors a chance to gain insights into Georgian culture and its unique wine making traditions. You will visit main wineries and cultural sights in Kakheti region, sampling different wine as you learn. Full description Your tour starts in Tbilisi at 9:00AM, at which point you will depart for your first destination, Telavi. This city served as a capital of the Georgian kingdom Kakheti in the late middle ages. Here you will be able to explore its well-preserved palace called Batonis Tsikhe (“Fortress of Master”), which was built between the 17th-18th centuries and was used as a residential place for Kakhetian kings. You can also explore Alaverdi Cathedral, which is the second highest church in Georgia and represents a beautiful 11th century Georgian architecture. Following this, you will visit the Qvevri Wine Museum in Nafareuli. Georgia is widely considered as a cradle of wine. The wine culture was widespread in Georgia since the 6th millennium B.C., and since that time, wine has been produced by special methods. The most famous of these methods is using huge clay earthenware vessels called Qvevri, and in the Qvevri Museum, you will find out Georgian wine making methods in detail. Near the museum is the Twins Winery where you can taste three Georgian Qvevri wines made by Rkatsiteli, Kakhetian Green and Saperavi. Following this, you will visit Gremi, a 16th century architectural complex including the Royal Citadel and the Church of the Archangels. Here you will discover how Georgian (Kakhetian) kings lived, including their clothes, furniture and other items. Afterwards you will experience the Kindzmarauli Corporation, one of the largest wineries in Georgia where you will taste 4 different kinds of wines. Finally, you will visit the Tsinadali Museum, which is a historic winery that once belonged to the aristocratic Chavchavadze family. Your full-day tour will then end at 8:00PM, at which point you will be returned to Tbilisi.

Day 5. From Tbilisi: Vardzia-Rabati-Borjomi-Tbilisi Full description Visit Rabati Castle, a medieval castle complex that dates back to the 13th century. Then, explore the fascinating cave city of Vardzia. Finally, relax in the tranquil resort town of Borjomi. Explore southern Georgia and see the most important monuments, including the Rabati Castle complex or the fascinating Vardzia cave complex. Visit the world-renowned Borjomi Resort. Start your tour at Rabati Castle, a 13th-century medieval castle complex, and admire the influence of different cultures reflected in the architecture. See a mosque, orthodox church, catholic church, and a synagogue. Follow along the upper Mtkvari River, traversing narrow canyons at Aspindza along a stunning valley with rocky hillsides. Arrive at Vardzia, famed for its paintings and unique architecture. Tour the bell tower, main church, cave dwellings, rooms, chapels, pharmacy, and wine cellars. Finally, arrive at the Borjomi Resort, a hydro-thermal health spa resort in the southern region of Samtskhe-Javakheti. Walk in the Borjomi Central Park and taste Borjomi mineral water which has unique healing qualities.

Day 6. Tbilisi: Old Town Walking Tour Full description: Even if you only have a short time in Tbilisi, you have to spend at least a half-day exploring the Old Town. The architecture in the city’s historic district is a mixture of Georgian, Byzantine, Oriental, and Neo-Classical European styles. Among the sites you will visit are the Orthodox Anchiskhati Basilica, the city’s oldest church. You will also see the 13th-century churches of Sioni and Metekhi, the magnificent Narikala Fortress, perched on a hill with superb views of the city below, and the classic Freedom Square. You will then continue to one of Tbilisi’s newest attractions, the Bridge of Peace, which opened in 2010 over the River Mtkvari (also known as the Kura River). Tbilisi’s compact size means you can easily explore the nearby Synagogue, Armenian Church and Mosque, in addition to the Georgian Orthodox churches so fundamental to Georgian culture. This peaceful co-existence of the various religions helps emphasize modern Georgian tolerance.

Day 7. From Tbilisi: Davit Gareji Monastery Where Time Stands Still David Gareji is one of the outstanding religious and cultural centers of Georgia. In addition to its religious value, this complex carved into the rock will impress you with its beauty. The Davit Gareji Monastery complex was founded in the first half of the 6th century by one of the holy Assyrian fathers - David. The settlement of David in one of the caves was the beginning of the foundation of that religious and cultural center, which numbered 12 monasteries once. The complex of David Gareji carved into the rock is one of the largest among such carved complexes. The monastery of Bertubani is one of the cave monasteries in the Davit Gareji complex, the painting of which arouses the interest among visitors. The monastery of St. John the Baptist is also located in the Davit Gareji complex, 12 kilometers west from the lavra of Davit, is a single complex carved into the rock. It was founded in the 6th and 7th centuries by a disciple of David Garedjeli, Lucian. Then, visit the medieval Udabno (desert) Monastery in the Davit Gareji complex. The cave monastery encompasses many cell churches. The main structure of the ensemble is the Church of the Virgin Mary. In the monastery, there is a painting preserved in which the life cycle of David Garedjeli was recorded for the first time. The oldest layer of the main temple painting dates from the second half of the 10th century.

Day 8 From Tbilisi to Goshavank, Haghartsin, Dilijan, Lake Sevan, Yerevan Goshavank -- impressive monastery which has remained in relatively good condition that also houses one of the world's finest examples of khachkar. Haghartsin -- known as the monastery of the soaring eagle. Dilijan -- the forested and reclusive town, usually called Armenian Switzerland, is one of the most important resorts in Armenia with popular recreational activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and picnicking. Lake Sevan -- one of the largest freshwater high-altitude alpine lakes in Eurasia, considered the "jewel" of Armenia. You can have lunch/dinner and try very delicious local fish on the beach of Lake Sevan. Sevanavank Monastery -- located on the picturesque peninsula of the lake, one of the most visited sites Overnight: Yerevan; Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 From Yeravan to Charents’ Stone Arch, Garni, Geghard Charents’ Stone Arch -- opens a fantastic view of the holy mountain Ararat. The Arch is dedicated to the famous Armenian poet Yeghishe Charents, who liked to stroll in these places and enjoy the incredible views of Mount Ararat. This place is a favorite stop for almost all tourists - no visitor can resist the temptation and take a keepsake photo. Garni -- the only standing Greco-Roman colonnaded temple in the former Soviet Union, 1st-century. Also, you may choose to go down the Garni Gorge (either in a special jeep for a small fee or hike down yourself) and see the unique natural monument known as "Symphony of stones". Geghard -- a medieval monastery partially carved out of the adjacent mountain, surrounded by cliffs; listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to Yerevan. Evening/night Yerevan excursion: Gorgeous panorama of the city from the Victory Park at the "Mother Armenia" memorial and Show of singing fountains on the republican square of the city. Overnight: Yerevan Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 From Yeravan to Vernissage, Zvartnots Cathedral, Etchmiadzin Cathedral, Hovhannavank and Saghmosavank, Amberd Fortress Vernissage: An open-air market-fair with the sale of various hand-made products by Armenian craftsmen, also called the “Gallery of amazing things”. In the ranks of the Vernissage, you can see the Armenian duduk and other national musical instruments, icons, works of art and applied art objects - souvenirs, decorations, handmade carpets, dolls, wood, stone, clay, ceramics, silver and other materials, interesting things Soviet times - books and household items, and antiques. Zvartnots Cathedral -- literally 'celestial angels cathedral', UNESCO World Heritage site. Etchmiadzin Cathedral -- the mother church of the Armenian Apostolic Church is considered the oldest cathedral in the world; along with several important early medieval churches located nearby. The cathedral is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Hovhannavank and Saghmosavank -- two monasteries 5 km apart, situated atop the steep gorge carved by the Kasagh river, whose silhouettes dominate the adjacent villages and rise sharply against the background of the mountains crowned by Mount Aragats. Amberd Fortress -- "fortress in the clouds", 7th-century, located 2300 meters or 7500 ft above sea level, on the slopes of Mount Aragats at the confluence of the Arkashen and Amberd rivers. Overnight: Yerevan Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 Khor Virap, Areni Winery, Areni Cavern, Noravank Khor Virap -- a monastery with a beautiful view of Mount Ararat, located near the closed border with Turkey, is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in Armenia, where Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years in a well 60 meters or 200 ft deep. Areni Winery -- tour and wine tasting. Areni Cavern -- learn the secret of 6000 years old wine production in Armenia; explore the unique ritual and burial halls; see incredible excavated items like the world’s oldest 5,500 years old shoe. Noravank -- unique monastery in a gorgeous setting with a beautiful drive through gorge known for its tall, sheer, brick-red cliffs. Overnight: Yerevan Meals: Breakfast

Day 12 - - Yerevan City Tour Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex -- Armenia's official memorial dedicated to the victims of the Armenian Genocide. It is also a magnificent park with an alley of fir trees planted by presidents of different countries of the world. The Matenadaran, officially the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts is a museum, repository of manuscripts, and a research institute -- the world's largest repository of ancient Armenian manuscripts. Cascade Complex: Open Air Museum -- Cascading series of stairs, landscaped gardens, fountains & sculptures, home to an arts center. Megerian carpet weaving factory: it is not only a factory, but also a museum, which demonstrates both the process of carpet production and restoration, as well as works of carpet weaving itself. You will be able to see the whole process of creating carpets, admire the exhibits of the museum, and here you can buy the carpet you liked. French Square Park near the National Opera and Ballet Theater Overnight: Yerevan Meals: Breakfast

Day 13 - Depart Armenia Transfer to the Yerevan airport for your departure flight. Some flights depart shortly after midnight in the very early morning of day 15 and will require a transfer on Day 14.