The Caucasian Brothers: Armenia and Georgia

Highlights

From Ararat to the Caucasus
Two ancient civilizations have developed rich culture and authentic traditions over thousands of years. Discover the precious architectural marvels of two ancient countries. Visit the monasteries and castles hidden in the mountains and taste a wide variety of the Caucasian delicious specialties. Be a witness to the hospitality of the Armenians and Georgians and be part of their everyday life. We offer you all inclusive vacations and guided tours both in Armenia and Georgia.

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.

Meet the beginning of your interesting day in one of oldest cities in the world. The guide will be waiting for you to start the day full of discoveries. We will take a city tour in the capital, where we will uncover the main landmarks of the colorful city. Next, we will visit the scientific and research center of the Matenadaran, where numerous ancient manuscripts and books are preserved and demonstrated. The huge complex is located on the hillside area of Mashtots Avenue, where splendid panorama of the city will attract you. Right after we finish our observation mission in the Matenadaran, we will head to Megerian carpet factory, where numerous rugs exhibited in the museum of the factory represent long history of Armenian rug-making art. Here, we will have traditional lunch, with delicious variety of Armenian ancient cuisine. After a lovely lunch break, we will continue to Armenian Genocide Memorial and museum. In the evening you will be invited for an evening stroll through the city.

Wake up and prepare for a day full of adventures. First, we will cover the XI century Fortress of Amberd, with picturesque valleys on the background which is located on the slopes of the highest mountain of Armenia, Aragats. We will pass to Vahramashen church, situated next to the fortress, where we will have a short lunch break on a lovely picnic spot. Now it is time to hike the southern peak (3888 m above sea level) of the highest top in Armenia − Aragats (4090 m above sea level). On our way to the southern peak of the mount, we will unfold the beauty of Lake Qari with its cool and fresh water. As we reach the peak, you will be astonished by the fascinating view of the sky that will seem to be closer and of the mesmerizing view of the Mount Ararat. Depending on your wishes, we can also hike up to the East Summit (3650 m above sea level). In the evening, we will drive back to our hotel in Yerevan.

The private day trip will start when the local driver-guide greets you at the lobby of your hotel in Yerevan in order to head to the Western province of Kotayk where two remarkable landmarks will be uncovered. On the way, you will admire the mountainous gorges and wooded hillsides. First one to be revealed is Geghard Monastery, which is carved out of a solid mountain. The complex was built in the IV century, although the main chapel was constructed in 1215. This is an incredible historical site full of natural beauty surrounding it. Next, you will depart to the village of Garni to have a stop and admire the natural ''Basalt Organs'' or, in other words, "The Symphony of Stones". Afterwards, you will continue the exploration by visiting the next well-known sight, Garni Temple, located in the same valley. This is the only non-Christian, religious structure in Armenia. The gorgeous view of mountains and cliffs around – it is the best place to take memorable pictures. Overall, a private return to the initial meeting point in Yerevan.

Today, in the morning we will drive to the southern part of the country. The first stop will be at KhorVirap Monastery, standing high in the plain valley of Ararat. We will be gifted a flawless view of the Mount Ararat on a clear day. Next, we will drive to the wine-making center of the country − Areni. Here, we will have a traditional Armenian lunch and taste local wine at a family vineyard. Afterwards, 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. While there, we will have a coffee break in a cozy cave-cafe. In the evening we will arrive in Goris to stay overnight.

The new day will start with a delicious breakfast in Goris. Afterwards, we will visit the Old Khndzoresk Village. This will be a real gift for nature lovers. Here, the caves and rocks look like as they cracked the mountain and came out to the surface. Afterwards, we will continue to the Monastery of Tatev. The combination of architectural marvel together with divine nature around, make Tatev one of the most visited and photographed places in Armenia. While there, we will take the longest reversible ropeway of the world. We will have a chance to enjoy the stunning scenery of the steep gorge of the Vorotan River from the cabin of the ropeway. At the end of the day, we will return to our hotel in Goris.

Today, we will leave Goris and continue our tour to the caravanserai of Selim, located in the picturesque valley of Selim, which used to be a shelter for travelers and their animals. Later, we will head to Noratus, which is an ancient cemetery covered with khachkars. Near the village Hayrawank, on the western shore of Lake Sevan, we will visit the Hayravank Monastery built in the IX century, which overlooks gorgeous lake Sevan. Afterwards, we will head to Sevan peninsula to explore another precious ancient structure − Sevanavank Monastery. Due to great location, we will have a fantastic view over the ''Blue Pearl'' and its nearby area. In the evening we will depart to Dilijan and stay in a hotel.

The fresh morning will start from the emerald town of Dilijan, also known as "Armenian Switzerland". Thick forests, mountains and hills embrace the town of Dilijan, creating a little green oasis in the southern part of the province. Afterwards, we will pay visit to Haghartsin (XI C.) and Goshavank (XII-XIII CC.) monasteries, located very close to Dilijan, in a deepforested area. Later, we will head to the Armenian-Georgian border to leave for Georgia. After approximately one-hour drive, your feet will land in Tbilisi − the Georgian capital. You will be dropped-off at your hotel in Tbilisi for overnight.

Wake up and hurry to admire the colorful Tbilisi! The city is located on the slope of Holy Mount Mtatsminda. We will unfold the Old Town, where almost all buildings are considered as cultural monuments and treasures. Later, we will climb the stairs to reach the historic Metekhi church (V-VIII CC.) situated on the bank of the river Mtkvari, which overlooks the colorful Old Town. Next, we will enjoy a traditional Georgian lunch and afterwards, ascend to Narikala Fortress (IV C.), which is perched on the hill in the center of the city, as well as we will visit Sioni Cathedral and the Anchiskhati Basilica (VI C.), one of the oldest churches in Tbilisi. In the evening you will be accompanied to a hotel for an overnight stay.

Today we will leave Tbilisi for a while to uncover 3000-year-old cave monastery of Davit Gareja, located on a semi-desert area of Gareja, in the famous winemaking Region of Kakheti. Later, we will have lunch in a cozy local restaurant. Afterwards, the discoveries in Georgia will continue and we will head to one of the oldest cities in Georgia − Mtskheta.
Mtskheta is a small town; it can easily be explored on foot. We will also pay a visit to the splendid Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Not far from here, we will ascend to Jvari Monastery, which is situated on the top of the mountain and overlooks the beautiful town of Mtskheta. The magnificent Monastery of Jvari was listed on UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the end of the day, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Tbilisi.

Today, after breakfast, we will head to the picturesque mountainous town of Stepantsminda. The trip will continue along the famous Georgian Military Road, which overlooks the stunning views of fascinating panoramas. On our way to Stepantsminda, we will stop at the castle complex of Ananuri, which is located on the northwestern bank of the Schinwali reservoir. Take your time to admire the pure beauty of the Aragvi Valley. The calmness and charm of its nature may become an ideal spot for meditation. In the evening we will reach Stepantsminda and check in to a hotel for an overnight stay.

Your day will begin with a fresh breakfast in Stepantsminda − a small valley town with green meadows and snow-covered Mount Kazbek on the background. After a stroll in the town, we will hike up to the village of Gergeti, where the Gergeti Trinity Church (Gergetis Sameba) is perched on the mountain. It is one of the significant highlights situated on the way along the Georgian Military Road. On a clear day we will have the unique opportunity to explore the divine beauty of Georgia's highest peak, Mount Kazbeg (5147 meters above sea level). In the afternoon, we will explore the village Sno and its medieval tower from the XVI century. Many hiking routes will give us an opportunity for new discoveries in the area, as well as to admire breathtaking mountainous landscapes. It is easy to relax when you are in harmony with nature. In the evening we will stay overnight in our hotel in Stepantsminda.

Today, we will head to discover the southern part of the country. After approximately five hours of drive, we will reach a small city of Akhaltsikhe, which is located on the bank of the river Potskhovi. After a short lunch break, we will explore the Old Town, called Rabati, where you can find the so-called Darbasebi − classic traditional houses of particular Georgian-style architecture. Later, we will visit the fortress where a mosque and the ruins of madrasa (Koranic school) are situated. In the evening you will have a comfortable transfer to your hotel in Akhaltskhe.

In the morning, after breakfast, we will head to the cave monastery of Vardzia (XII-XIII CC.), situated on the bank of the river Mtkvari. The river between the valley and the caves is like a green ribbon, which separates the land, creating incredibly beautiful view. The complex was a real life-saver for Christians, as thousands of monks lived in the monastic fortress and, when attacked, thousands of people sought shelter here. At the end of the tour you will be transferred to your hotel in the nearby area.

Today, we will return to the capital and while we drive, we will be rewarded splendid natural pictures changing one after another. On our way back, we will explore the Khertwisi Fortress from the X century. Later, we will explore the marvelous Lake Paravani, which is located at 2000 m. above sea level. In the afternoon, we will arrive in Tbilisi. You will check-in at a hotel, have dinner and spend your leisure time.

Transfer to the airport. Have a safe flight!

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

High Mountain Expert Guide (1 day)

English or French hiking guide according to your wishes

Hiking guide (1 day)

Meals and Drinks

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drinking water

Wine tasting

"Lavash" baking master class (1 day)

Entrance

All entrance fees

Tatev ropeway fee

Other

Travel documentation

Map

What’s excluded
Excluded

International flight

Medical insurance

Enquire an offer

Zvartnots International Airport - Yerevan - Amberd Fortress - Mount Aragats - Garni Temple - Garni Gorge - Geghard Monastery - Khor Virap Monastery - Areni - Noravank Monastery - Karahunj - Goris - Khndzoresk - Tatev Monastery - Selim Caravanserai - Noratus - Hayravank Monastery - Sevanavank Monastery - Dilijan - Haghartsin Monastery - Goshavank Monastery - Tbilisi - David Gareja Monastery - Jvari Monastery - Mtskheta - Ananuri Fortress - Stepantsminda - Akhaltsikhe - Vardzia - Tbilisi International Airport

From 1960 EUR

Bank and credit card payment

Free Cancelation

Guarantee of satisfaction

Tour Details
Group Type
Single, Group, Family
Duration
16 days / 15 nights
Group Size
1 - 6
Guiding Method
Live Guide / Instructor
Guide Language
English / French / German / Russian
Enquire an offer

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