The Authenticity of the Viticulture in the Caucasus

Highlights

The Caucasus Mountains and Armenian Plateau are considered one of the world’s oldest cradles of winemaking art. Both countries, Armenia and Georgia can boast about having ancient wineries that have continuously produced wines over thousands of years. We invite you to a fascinating wine journey through these beautiful countries, through charming wine-growing regions, where the joy of life and hospitality are an everyday occurrence, where wine is a good reason for warm meetings, conversations and Caucasian toasts. Join this trip, enjoy cultural experiences and culinary delights accompanied with excellent wines.

Feel the difference!

Itinerary

Arrival at Zvartnots International Airport. Meet and greet and then transfer to your hotel, afterward some leisure time at your disposal.

The first day of your guided tour will begin from the capital of Armenia − Yerevan. We will visit the Matenadaran, which holds a rich collection of ancient manuscripts and books that have been preserved as national treasures over many centuries. After we finish our observation mission in the Matenadaran, we will head to Megerian Carpet Museum, where numerous rugs with different patterns and colors represent the long history of the Armenian rug-making art. In a traditional hall we will taste the delicious Armenian cuisine with a glass of good wine. Next, we will visit Ararat Brandy Factory, which is a must-see for all those who value quality and would like to enjoy the unique and exclusive taste of the world-renowned Armenian brandy. In the evening, we will enjoy delicious meal in traditional tavern.

In the morning we will head to the southern part of the country, which is the home of Armenian wine. The first stop will be at Khor Virap Monastery, standing high on the plain valley of Ararat. We will be gifted a flawless view of the Mount Ararat on a clear day. Next, let's drive to the Rind village, where we will visit the winery Zorah. Wineries in Armenia are wild and beautiful, old but vital, full of life and deeply connected to the history. We will admire the fascinating vineyards and experience wine tasting. In the evening we will return to the capital for leisure time.

Today we will depart to the heart of Armenian winemaking − Areni. Every year Areni hosts a wine festival and offers a wide variety of different wines to its guests. Later, we will drive to Amaghu Gorge, which is always twined with Grand Canyon, where one of the most beautiful monasteries called Noravank is situated. This is a perfect location for taking pictures and admiring the red cliffs. As we return from Noravank, we will visit another winery called ''Maran'' to degustate local wines accompanied with an exquisite selection of fresh dishes from traditional Armenian cuisine. Later, we will head to Yerevan to spend a wine evening in a wine bar or a traditional restaurant that offers an exclusive variety of wines. Drop-off at your hotel.

At the beginning of the day, we will leave for Aragatsotn Province to see the partially destroyed ancient Fortress of Amberd. Built on the top of the mountain, it offers its visitors a perfect view with a green background and a deep canyon underneath. Next, let's proceed to Vahramashen Church. Having the same marvelous view over the edge of the canyon, it looks as if to be the continuation of Amberd. Later, we will continue to the winery "Golden Grape ArmAs", where another degustation of wines will help us to explore the taste of this province. After spending a good time together, we will return to the capital for a nice continuation of the evening.

After breakfast, we will cover ''Noy Yerevan Brandy Factory'', where antique bottles and barrels are preserved in a special storage areas. Later, we will continue our adventures at the ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral, located in Ararat Valley. Although the cathedral is fully ruined, it remains one of the most visited sights in the country as it offers a magnificent view of the Mount Ararat. Afterward we will visit the spiritual city of Etchmiadzin − the holy center of all Armenians, where the oldest church of the country is situated. Our upcoming destination will be Aknashen Village. Here, you can take part in the traditional ''lavash'' baking process as well as taste the best representation of Armenian local recipes with homemade wine. At the end of the day, we will return to Yerevan for rest.

We will start today's discoveries with magical and freshwater Lake Sevan, splendid and picturesque panoramas surrounding it. Next, we will head to the top of the peninsula of the lake, where you will be allured by the ancient Sevanavank Monastery and its marvelous and natural surroundings. Later, we will reveal the emerald city Dilijan known as "Armenian Switzerland". Thick forests, mountains and hills embrace the city of Dilijan, creating a little green oasis in the southern part of the province. In the evening we will reach the Armenian-Georgian border and after the passport control, the land of Georgia will welcome us. Short time later, we will reach Tbilisi − the capital city of Georgia. Check-in at a hotel in Tbilisi.

Today the warm city of Tbilisi welcomes you. 
We will take a stroll through the colorful Old Town, where every structure is considered as a precious monument. Later, we will head to the Sameba Cathedral, which is the main cathedral of the Georgian Orthodox Church. Next, we will proceed to Orbeliani Baths and Synagogue, Sioni Cathedral and Anchiskhati Church (VI C.). A cable car will take to the fortress Narikala of the IV century, where we will have the breathtaking panorama over the city. After lunch, we will drive to the winemaking region of Kakheti and stop at the town of Sighnaghi to stay overnight.

The morning will start with discovering the pearl of the Kakheti Region, Sighnaghi. The colorful, wooden balconies of the houses, small, cozy pavements, wine cellars, Alazani Valley and the giant mountains of the Great Caucasus, will create an unforgettable picture of this old town. After we will proceed to the village of Velistsikhe, where an open air museum Numisi and the wine cellar of the XVI century are located. Here, we will have a wine degustation. In the afternoon, we will depart to Telavi − a center of Georgian viticulture and home to many wineries. The rest of the day will be spent at Shuchmann Wines Chateau in Telavi, which is famous for vineyards. In this cozy atmosphere, we will enjoy delicious specialties of the Georgian cuisine and taste good local wine.

The day will begin with a morning stroll in the city of Televi. Here, we will visit the Georgian famous bazaar with its delicious varieties of traditional sweets, beverages, herbs and other surprises it has to offer. We will also explore the beautiful monastery Ikalto and drive to Kvareli, which can also boast for its unique wines. Here, we will visit ''Khareba'' winery, famous for its high-quality wines. In the traditional winery, we will enjoy the exquisite dishes specially selected for wine. In the evening we will depart to Tbilisi and spend another wine evening in Shuchmann Restaurant. The location of the hotel once used to be a caravanserai named Tbileli. Here, we will find the premium wines "Shuchmann" or "Vinoterra". The experienced sommelier will tell us about the history of wine and right pairing of wine and food. Later, we will return to our hotel in Tbilisi to enjoy our time at leisure.

Today, we will depart to the splendid town of Mtskheta. This small town can easily be explored on foot. Here, we will visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral – another precious landmark. On the way back to Tbilisi, in the heart of the old town, we will visit the Château Mukhrani. Fascinating vineyards, royal family history, interesting legends and a cozy wine studio are interesting discoveries for every wine lover. We will drink again and say good bye to you.

Transfer to the airport. We were honored to host you.

Price per person
What’s included
Transport

Hotel pick-up / drop-off

Airport transfer

Comfortable transportation according to the program in air-conditioned vehicles

Supervision

Local English-speaking guide

Meals and Drinks

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drinking water

Wine tasting

"Lavash" baking master class (1 day)

Entrance

All entrance fees

Other

Travel documentation

Accommodation

11 nights in comfortable hotels and guesthouses

What’s excluded
Excluded

International flight

Medical insurance

Enquire an offer

Zvartnots International Airport - Yerevan - Khor Virap Monastery - Areni - Noravank Monastery - Amberd Fortress - Zvartnots Cathedral - Etchmiadzin Cathedral - Aknashen - Sevan Lake - Dilijan - Tbilisi - Sighnaghi - Velistsikhe - Telavi - Ikalto Monastery - Kvareli - Mtskheta - Chateau Mukhrani Winery - Tbilisi International Airport

From 748 CHF

Bank and credit card payment

Free Cancelation

Guarantee of satisfaction

Tour Details
Group Type
Single, Group, Family
Duration
11 days / 10 nights
Group Size
1 - 12
Guiding Method
Live Guide / Instructor
Guide Language
English / French / German / Russian
Enquire an offer

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