14-Day Armenia Georgia
Trip details
- Arrival in Yerevan, meeting at the airport, transfer from the airport to the hotel, check in at the hotel.
Duration: 1 hours
Distance: 10km
- 9:00 – Departure from the hotel
- Your day will start with a sightseeing tour around Yerevan: general information about the capital city of Armenia, including visits to the Victory Park, on the territory of which the monument of Mother Armenia is located, Tsitsernakaberd – a monumental complex dedicated to the victims of the Armenian Genocide, and Cascade – an open-air museum. From Cascade starts 1-hour walking tour of the city center.
- Later you will visit Vagharshapat city, one of the ancient capitals of Armenia (II century).
The highlights of this city are:
- Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin – the spiritual and administrative center of the Armenian Apostolic Church and all Armenians around the world. The cathedral is often referred to as the Armenian Vatican and is considered to be the oldest church in the world.
- The church of St. Hripsime (618), where up to 15 couples get married per day.
- The church of St. Gayane, which, owing to its architecture, is considered to be the standard of the Armenian church building.
- Return to Yerevan
Duration: 3-4 hours
Distance: 60km
- 9:00 – Departure from the hotel
- The first sight of this day will be the only pagan temple of Garni (1st century) preserved on the territory of Armenia, dedicated to the Sun God Mithra.
- Your trip will continue to Geghard cave monastery (XIII century). The monastery is named after the spear by which Jesus Christ was pierced during his crucifixion (Armenian word “geghard” literally means “spear”), which was kept here for many years.
- Next stop will be the Symphony of Stones – a unique natural wonder consisting of hexagonal basalt cylinders at an altitude of approximately 50 meters. This non-man made phenomenon, formed as a result of the rapid freezing of magma, resembles organ pipes, which is why it received its second name “Basalt Organ”.
- Later, you will have a trip to Lake Sevan and Sevan Peninsula. Sevan is the largest high-mountainous lake in the Caucasus and one of the larges high-mountainous freshwater lakes in the world. On the peninsula, after climbing more than 100 steps, you will find yourself on the top of a hill, where Sevan monastery complex (IX century) is located. From here you will also enjoy an amazing view of the pearl of Armenia.
- Return to Yerevan
Duration: 8-9 hours
Distance: 250km
- 9:00 – Check out from the hotel
- This day will start with a visit to Khor Virap Monastery, on the territory of which, according to legend, there was a deep dungeon for mortal prisoners (“khor virap” translated from Armenian means “deep pit/dungeon”), where our first Catholicos (Patriarch) Gregory the Illuminator was thrown and where he spent 13 years. The sight also offers the best view of the biblical Mount Ararat.
- Afterwards, you will visit the Bird Cave or Areni-1 Cave. This is a complex of caves, during the study of which scientists discovered several cultural layers, including clay buildings dating back to 4200 – 3500 BC. The oldest footwear from a solid piece of leather, which is 5,500 years old, was also found here.
- Not far from the Bird Cave will be your next stop – Noravank Monastery. The road to Noravank goes through a beautiful canyon, the rocks of which abound with caves. In these caves, traces of human settlement of the 6th-5th millennia BC were found. Noravank, surrounded by bizarre red rocks, is considered to be one of the most beautiful monasteries in the world.
- In the same area you will visit one of the best wineries in Armenia – Old Bridge, and enjoy wine tasting. This winery has been awarded gold and silver medals at international wine festivals.
- This tour will end in Jermuk city, which is famous all over the world for its mineral water springs. You will have the opportunity to taste the thermal mineral water from the springs, afterwards, admire the famous Jermuk waterfall.
- Overnight in Jermuk
Duration: 8-9 hours
Distance: 250km
- – 9:00 – Check out from the hotel.
- A trip to Shaki village will allow you to admire the beauty of the Shaki waterfall and the surrounding nature. Shaki is considered to be one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Armenia.
- Next sight will be Tatev Monastery, which is considered to be the pearl of the Armenian architecture. The monastery harmoniously fits into the surrounding nature. It used to be one of the spiritual and academic centers of medieval Armenia (one of the famous universities of Armenia operated on the territory of the monastery for many years). The monastery can be reached by the Wings of Tatev aerial tramway, which is recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest reversible cableway in the world. Along with Tatev Monastery, you will also visit Devil’s Bridge and the medieval watchpoint of Harsnadzor.
- Later you will have a trip to Khndzoresk cave settlement. This is the oldest village where the authentic view of cave dwellings has been preserved, however, not a single inhabitant is living there anymore. Walking through the cave settlement will allow you to feel the spirit of the mountain inhabitants of these caves. It is possible to get to the settlement by a suspension bridge connecting the two banks of the picturesque gorge.
- This tour will end in Goris. Overnight in Goris.
Duration: 8-9 hours
Distance: 250km
- – 9:00 – Check out from the hotel
- First stop of this day will be at Zorats Karer, which is often called the “Armenian Stonehenge”. Many experts consider Zorats Karer to be one of the oldest observatories in the world, which dates back to the 1st quarter of the 2nd millennium BC.
- The tour will continue through Selim Pass, which used to form a part of the Silk Road and offers amazing views of the surroundings. A steep winding road rises to the top of the pass, to the famous medieval Selim caravanserai, where the caravans of merchants used to find shelter.
- Later, you will travel around Lake Sevan along a non-tourist road you will get to the village of Noratus, famous for the largest collection of Armenian khachkars (cross-stone) in the world.
- Next stop will be at a cheese farm located near Noratus, where you will have the opportunity to learn about the production of cheese in Armenia and taste different types of cheeses.
- Afterwards, you will travel to Dilijan city, where, according to Rubik jan (a beloved hero from the famous Soviet film “Mimino”, played by popular Armenian actor Frunzik Mkrtchyan), the hero of the film “Mimino”, “you open a simple tap in the kitchen, water flows, which occupies the second place in the world.” You will feel the flavor of old Dilijan while walking through the old part of the city.
- Driving to Dilijan.
Duration: 8-9 hours
Distance: 300km
- – 9:00 – Check out from the hotel
- – In the heart of Dilijan National Park you will visit Haghartsin Monastery. This monastery is surrounded by mountain ranges covered with virgin forests. No less picturesque is the road leading to the monastery.
- – Crossing the Armenian-Georgian border.
- – Afterwards, you will have a sightseeing tour around Tbilisi: a walk in Rike Park and over the glass-covered The Bridge of Peace connecting modern Tbilisi with the Old City. Acquaintance with the famous sulfur baths, a walk along Shardeni Street in the old part of the city, visiting the monument of Mother Georgia, afterwards ascent to the ancient fortress of Narikala, a walk around the Freedom Square.
- Overnight in Tbilisi.
Duration: 8-9 hours
Distance: 220km
- 9:00 – Check out from the hotel
- The first trip will be to Kakheti – the wine region of Georgia, visiting a winery, where besides learning how the famous Kakhetian wine is made, you can also taste it.
- Afterwards, you will visit the famous Convent of Bodbe, where the relics of St. Nino are buried. In the monastery you can walk along the beautiful alleys, as well as admire the beautiful view of the Alazani Valley.
- Later, you will have a trip to a small town called Sighnaghi, located in a very picturesque place. The town is also famous for the fact that here Niko Pirosmani, an artist in love, covered the square of the hotel where his beloved woman lived with flowers. That is why Sighnaghi is called the City of Love.
- Next visit will be to Kvareli town, where the famous Kindzmarauli wine factory is located. You will have a tour at the factory and wine tasting.
- The tour will end with a trip to Telavi city, located in the beautiful Alazani valley. According to the plot of the famous soviet film “Mimino”, the hero worked in this very city.
- Return to Tbilisi through the beautiful Gombori Pass.
Duration: 8-9 hours
Distance: 300km
- – 9:00 – Check out from the hotel
- – This day you will travel to the Georgian-Russian border. The first stop is scheduled at the Zhinvali water reservoir, famous for its cool, clear water and, of course, picturesque landscapes. The reservoir is one of the largest in Georgia, turquoise waters of which merge with the horizon.
- – Afterwards, you will visit Ananuri Fortress, a well-preserved monument of early feudalism.
- – Next stop will be in Pasanauri vilage, famous for the fact that the White and the Black Aragvi merge here, forming the Aragvi River.
- – A trip along the picturesque Georgian Military Road will take you to the observation deck Arch of Friendship of Peoples. The steep cliff over which the Arch stands and the surrounding mountains will give you the opportunity to create real photo masterpieces.
- – The last stop of this day will be Gergeti Monastery, located at the foot of Mount Kazbek, the highest mountain in the Caucasus.
- Return to Tbilisi.
Duration: 9-10 hours
Distance: 340km
- – 9:00 – Check out from the hotel
- – This day will start with a tour to Jvari Monastery, which is located on the top of a mountain at the confluence of the Kura and Aragvi rivers above the city of Mtskheta. According to a legend, the monastery was founded on the site where St. Nino erected the cross. From here you will admire the picturesque view of Mtskheta.
- – Later, you will have a trip to Mtskheta – the ancient capital of Georgia. you will visit one of the main Orthodox churches in Georgia – Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. You will end the tour in this part with a walk along the old and picturesque streets of the city.
- – Afterwards, you will have a trip to Gori city, where Joseph Stalin was born. Here you will visit Joseph Stalin Museum, built in 1951. The exhibits here include Stalin’s personal belongings, various historical documents, one of the 12 copies of Stalin’s death mask. You will also have the opportunity to see Stalin’s armored train.
- This tour will end in resort town Borjomi.
Duration: 7-8 hours
Distance: 250km
- – 9:00 – Check out from the hotel
- – You will have a trip to the city of Akhaltsikhe and visit Akhaltsikhe Castle, also known as Rabat Castle, where you can learn about the glorious history of the city.
- – Next trip will be to Vardzia cave city. This is one of the amazing sights of Georgia. About 600 natural and man-made caves are located in a high rock above the Kura River and in its steep wall. The exceptional city has more than 13 levels.
- – Return to Borjomi. Sightseeing tour in Borjomi.
- Overnight in Borjomi.
Duration: 8-9 hours
Distance: 200km
- – 9:00 – Check out from the hotel
- First stop of this day will be at Zorats Karer, which is often called the “Armenian Stonehenge”. Many experts consider Zorats Karer to be one of the oldest observatories in the world, which dates back to the 1st quarter of the 2nd millennium BC.
- The tour will continue through Selim Pass, which used to form a part of the Silk Road and offers amazing views of the surroundings. A steep winding road rises to the top of the pass, to the famous medieval Selim caravanserai, where the caravans of merchants used to find shelter.
- Later, you will travel around Lake Sevan along a non-tourist road you will get to the village of Noratus, famous for the largest collection of Armenian khachkars (cross-stone) in the world.
- Next stop will be at a cheese farm located near Noratus, where you will have the opportunity to learn about the production of cheese in Armenia and taste different types of cheeses.
- Afterwards, you will travel to Dilijan city, where, according to Rubik jan (a beloved hero from the famous Soviet film “Mimino”, played by popular Armenian actor Frunzik Mkrtchyan), the hero of the film “Mimino”, “you open a simple tap in the kitchen, water flows, which occupies the second place in the world.” You will feel the flavor of old Dilijan while walking through the old part of the city.
- Driving to Dilijan.
Duration: 8-9 hours
Distance: 300km
- – 9:00 – Check out from the hotel
- First stop of this day will be at Zorats Karer, which is often called the “Armenian Stonehenge”. Many experts consider Zorats Karer to be one of the oldest observatories in the world, which dates back to the 1st quarter of the 2nd millennium BC.
- The tour will continue through Selim Pass, which used to form a part of the Silk Road and offers amazing views of the surroundings. A steep winding road rises to the top of the pass, to the famous medieval Selim caravanserai, where the caravans of merchants used to find shelter.
- Later, you will travel around Lake Sevan along a non-tourist road you will get to the village of Noratus, famous for the largest collection of Armenian khachkars (cross-stone) in the world.
- Next stop will be at a cheese farm located near Noratus, where you will have the opportunity to learn about the production of cheese in Armenia and taste different types of cheeses.
- Afterwards, you will travel to Dilijan city, where, according to Rubik jan (a beloved hero from the famous Soviet film “Mimino”, played by popular Armenian actor Frunzik Mkrtchyan), the hero of the film “Mimino”, “you open a simple tap in the kitchen, water flows, which occupies the second place in the world.” You will feel the flavor of old Dilijan while walking through the old part of the city.
- Driving to Dilijan.
Duration: 8-9 hours
Distance: 300km
- – 9:00 – Check out from the hotel
- First stop of this day will be at Zorats Karer, which is often called the “Armenian Stonehenge”. Many experts consider Zorats Karer to be one of the oldest observatories in the world, which dates back to the 1st quarter of the 2nd millennium BC.
- The tour will continue through Selim Pass, which used to form a part of the Silk Road and offers amazing views of the surroundings. A steep winding road rises to the top of the pass, to the famous medieval Selim caravanserai, where the caravans of merchants used to find shelter.
- Later, you will travel around Lake Sevan along a non-tourist road you will get to the village of Noratus, famous for the largest collection of Armenian khachkars (cross-stone) in the world.
- Next stop will be at a cheese farm located near Noratus, where you will have the opportunity to learn about the production of cheese in Armenia and taste different types of cheeses.
- Afterwards, you will travel to Dilijan city, where, according to Rubik jan (a beloved hero from the famous Soviet film “Mimino”, played by popular Armenian actor Frunzik Mkrtchyan), the hero of the film “Mimino”, “you open a simple tap in the kitchen, water flows, which occupies the second place in the world.” You will feel the flavor of old Dilijan while walking through the old part of the city.
- Driving to Dilijan.
Duration: 8-9 hours
Distance: 300km
Included
- Accommodation in a 3* hotel with double occupancy (for extra payment it is possible to change hotel to 4*or 5*)
- Meeting in the airport and transfer to the hotel
- Comfortable transport with a driver for your entire route
- English speaking guide
- Tickets for all destinations, museums, cultural centers
- Tour to Armenian and Georgian winery with degustation (tasting)
- Breakfasts in hotel
- Twelve lunches
- Welcomed dinner
- Boat ride in lake Sevan
Not Included
- Flight tickets to Armenia and back
- The rest of dinners
- Medical insurance — recommended!
- Personal expenses