Armenia- Georgia—6 Nights/7 Days—Departures on Sundays
Arrival at Zvartnots International Airport. Meet and greet to Yerevan. Transfer to your selected hotel. Check-in and rest. Overnight in Yerevan.
Breakfast at the hotel. After some rest city tour around Yerevan the history of which goes back to 8th c. The sightseeing tour includes visit to Republic Square- located in the very center of Yerevan and is considered one of the most amazing and famous attractions of the capital. This area is formed by five famous buildings: The National Art Gallery and History Museum of Armenia, which contains about 400,000 exhibits covering the entire history of the Armenian people from primitive society to modern times. The Government House of the Republic of Armenia, The Central post office, The “Mariott Armenia” hotel, The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources. The famous singing fountains are also situated on the Republic Square right next to the History Museum and Art Gallery. This is the favorite place of locals and tourists. Then you will walk to modern part of city – Northern Avenue, Opera House with Swam Lake, Cascade Monument which is considered to be the center of art of the city as here you can find unique sculptures. In the evenings the place is becoming more charming with all its lights and people from all over the world. Your next stop will be at GUM market. The front section of the GUM Market is completely devoted to dried and candied fruits, nuts, spices and sujukh – a candy-dipped nut treat that’s similar to Georgian churchkhela. Visit Vernissage flea market which offer many kinds of national souvenirs, jewelry and many traditional items.
After breakfast drive to the historical treasures of Armenia – to Ararat Valley to visit Khor Virap Monastery. The monastery of Khor Virap (3rd – 17th cc.) is located in the place of an ancient capital of Armenia –Artashat. The significance of the church is relatively connected with Grigor Illuminator who was spreading Christianity in Armenia. There is also the most beautiful view of Mount Ararat and entire Ararat Valley from the monastery. You will take a way to Azat Reservoir – is one of the numerous natural attractions of Armenia. It is located in the Ararat region at an altitude of 1050 meters above sea level, above the village of Lanjazat. The reservoir was built on the Azat River, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Continue our journey to Garni Pagan Temple from 1st c. The temple was built by Armenia King Tiridates and was dedicated to the God of Sun Mithra. Garni is the only Hellenistic temple existing nowadays in Armenia. The stairs of the temple are made huge and high which means that every human being climbing up the stairs is condescending to God of Sun. If the weather will good, visit the Symphony of Stones or “Basalt Organ”. This is a natural monument located in the basin of the Azat River, in the area of Garni village. It is included in the list of natural monuments of Armenia. The monument consists of huge symmetric hexagon and pentagon basalt columns (nearly 50 meters high), which seem to be handmade due to their amazing symmetry. Visit the Arch of Charents – a favorite place of tourists, from where opens a stunning view of Mount Ararat and Yerevan. The arch is named after the great Armenian poet Egishe Charents, who loved to come to this place and enjoy the beauty of Armenian land. You can also enjoy that beauty and take a photo for memory about your wonderful trip to Armenia. Optional: Armenian flat bread “lavash” baking ceremony in an underground heater called “tonir” in a local house. Here you will learn also how to make Armenian local sandwiches with “lavash” and cheese. 30 USD per person
The road will take you to Lake Sevan which is going to be one of the highlights of your trip. Climb the stairs up on the peninsula from where opens a fascinating view to the “blue-eyed” lake. Sightseeing tour on the peninsula. Lake Sevan is considered to be one of the largest sweet lakes in the world at an altitude of 1897 meters above sea level. Dilijan – a resort town, admire at changing landscape and weather. You are going to have some walk at the streets of Dilijan to explore the architectural solution from 19th c. A pearl among the monasteries of this area is Haghartsin, which is located in a hidden side valley, surrounded by lush beech forests. Haghartsin is a 10th-century monastery, not far from the town of Dilijan in the Tavush Province of Armenia. It was constructed between the 10th and 13th centuries. In 2011, Haghartsin Monastery underwent major renovation with a donation from Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah. Today the complex is reachable by paved road with a large parking area, a gift shop, bakery and other facilities on site – so it’s a place not to be missed. Then you will continue your trip to Armenian – Georgian border. Cross the land border. Transfer to Tbilisi and Check into the hotel . Overnight in Tbilisi
Breakfast at the hotel 10:00 Tbilisi City Tour. During the tour you will visit: Metekhi Church -The Heroic King Vakhtang Gorgasali commissioned the building of the inscribed-cross church in the 5th century; Narikala Fortress -Cable car will take you to the top of mountain to the old ruins of Narikala fortress, enjoy the panorama of the city;Chardin Street is one of the oldest streets of Tbilisi. Now this is a favorite meeting place for its fancy cafes and clubs, little art salons and galleries. The street got this name in honor of the famous French artist, Jean-Baptiste-Simeon Chardin; Old Baths-A touch of Old Tbilisi – the Sulfur Baths, built in 17th century, have subterranean pavilions topped by unique the red brick domes with steam from the hot springs streaming from their tops, giving a magical atmosphere to this historic area of old homes and interesting shops; Visit to Mtatsminda park – is a landscaped park located at the top of Mount Mtatsminda overlooking the Georgian capital Tbilisi. The park is situated at the 770 metres height, the highest point of Tbilisi, on the area of more than 100 hectares. It is connected to a motorway (Tbilisi-Okrokana Direction) as well as a funicular, built in 1905. Tbilisi Funicular is a ropeway railway connecting Chonkadze street and Mtatsminda Park. Transfer to the hotel in Tbilisi Overnight in Tbilisi
Breakfast at the hotel 10:00 Transfer to Gudauri (3 hours drive)Visit Gudauri – mountain and ski resort located on the south-facing plateau of The Greater Caucasus Mountain Range in Georgia. The resort is popular throughout the year- whereas in winter it is place for great skiing experience, from May till December it is most visited destination for mountain adventure lovers, photographers and tourists who enjoys paragliding and other mountain activities. Friendship monument from where guests will enjoy the picturesque views of Caucasus Next stop- Kazbegi-the most attractive part of Georgia. Average height is around 1750 meters Gergeti Trinity Monastery overlooking Kazbegi Town on the height of 2170 meters above Sea. Transfer back to Tbilisi Overnight in Tbilisi
Breakfast at the hotel Check out by 12 :00 pm. and transfer to Tbilisi airport (30 minutes)
– Individual hotel/airport transfer
– Transportation for sightseeing tours on private bases
– 3x nights’ accommodation at the chosen hotel in Yerevan
– 3x nights’ accommodation at the chosen hotel in Tbilisi
– Daily buffet breakfast
– English speaking Driver cum Guide assistance for Sedan and Minivan;
– Professional Guide service (English) during the tours for Sprinter
– Entrance fees where necessary regarding the program (Narikhala Cable car, Garni, Symphony of stones).
– 4×4 car ride from Kazbegi to Gergeti Temple
– 1 bottle water per day per person in the car
– Air tickets
– Lunch and Dinner
– Early check-In and Late check-out
– Travel Insurance
– Alcoholic beverages
– Tips and portage