Best of Georgia and Armenia
Programm:
Day 1: Arrival in Tbilisi. Transfer to the hotel
Greeting at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Check-in after 15:00.
Free day in Tbilisi
Overnight in Tbilisi
Day 2: Tbilisi- Jvari-Mtskheta-Boat Trip-Tbilisi/Air Ballon/ Dinner in Georgian restaurant (optional)
Breakfast. Depart towards Mtskheta. Our first stop will be at Jvari Church which stands atop a rocky cliff, looking down upon Mtskheta like a stoic guardian. Enjoy the views of the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari Rivers. Our next stop is Mtskheta. In ancient times, it was the capital of Georgia, and now it is a cozy town with a renovated European-style center. Here you can buy delicious churchkhela and other traditional sweets. Visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, one of the most venerated churches in the country which is known as the burial site of Christ's robe. Today Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is the second largest church in Georgia and its principal house of worship. Drive back to Tbilisi and have a stop to visit The Chronicles of Georgia: a huge stone monument that goes by many different names. Often called “Georgian Stonehenge” or “History Memorial of Georgia”, the Chronicle monument is a collective of astonishingly huge pillars on top of a hill with a very special vibe. The monument stands about 30 meters tall and describes the history/chronicles of Georgia. Arrive in Tbilisi at start city tour. Start at Metekhi Сhurch and the monument to Vakhtang Gorgasali, the legendary founder of Tbilisi. Visit Narikala Fortress to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. Walk down to the district of sulphur bath houses and pass by the only mosque in Tbilisi. Stroll through the Sharden area, full of narrow streets with cozy cafés, wine tasting bars, and souvenir shops, and breathe in the history of Old Tbilisi. Also visit Sioni Cathedral, Anchiskhati Basilica, and the famous Rezo Gabriadze Theatre’s clock tower, before crossing the Bridge of Peace to Rike Park. And we’re finishing thid day with Tbilisi evening river cruise offers you to explore the city from another unique viewpoint. You can enjoy panoramic evening views. Overnight at the Tbilisi hotel.
Additional service 1: Air Ballon in the Center of Tbilisi from 25$
Additional service 2: Grand Dinner with Georgina National Folklore show. 60 USD per pax without alcohol in Tsisqvili restaurand (upgraded restaurant). 40 USD per pax without alcohol in Mravaljamieri
Additional Service 3: Brandy tasting in Sarajishvily Factory: VS-25 USD (2 types of brandy); VSOP 30 USD (3 types); XO 35 USD (4 types); VIP 40 USD (3 types: 10, 14 and 18 years old)
Day 3: Tbilisi – Bodbe-Signaghi-Kindzmarauli Factory wine tasting-Nekresi-Kvareli-Tbilisi
Breakfast. Start Kakheti tour at 09:00 AM. After breakfast depart towards the Kakheti region of Georgia, the cradle of Georgian winemaking. Our first stop will be at Badiauri-Bread master class. Our next stop Bodbe convent. As the legend s ays, it is a burial place of St. Nino, who converted Georgia to Christianity in the 4th century. Since 1889 Bodbe complex functions as a nunnery as per the decree of Tsar Alexader III of Russia. Continue driving to Sighnaghi, the city of love and the Royal Town. Historically, one of the crossroads of the Great Silk Road is surrounded by defensive walls with 23 towers. The town is located in the eastern part of Kakheti, and is known as the City of Love. The town sits atop a bluff overlooking the Alazani Valley, which is one of Georgia’s most famous wine-producing regions. Continue towards Kindzmarauri factory in Kvareli - one of the most beautiful towns in Kakheti. The fortress’s wine cellar produced wine and molasses exclusively for the royal families for much of its history. During the peaceful times, this wine cellar produced wine for the Royal Family, while during the wartime, when the population used Kvareli fortress as a shelter, the wine cellar had a strategic importance in feeding of the population. Our final stop is Nekresi Monastery which is standing on a hill and facing a beautiful view of the Alazani Valley. The monastery complex of Nekresi unites several monuments of Georgian architecture, among which there are three churches. Overnight in Tbilisi Additional service: Wine tasting in Giuaani winery which cost 20 USD per pax.
Additional service: Lunch in Kvareli Kudigora restaurant with lake view 20 USD per pax
Day 4: Tbilisi-Ananuri-Jinvali-Gudauri-Kazbegi-Tbilisi
Breakfast. Tour starts at 09:00. On the way visiting Ananuri Fortress, a former residence of Argveti Dukes, which features churches and towers dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries and beautifully overlooks Jinvali Reservoir. Stop to Friendship monument in Gudauri for photo shooting. 13:00/14:00 Lunch in Mleta restaurant (20 USD per pax) Continue the way to Kazbegi. 4x4 vehicle trip to Gergeti Trinity church (located at an altitude of 2,170 m) to enjoy the amazing views of Mount Kazbeg. Drive back to Tbilisi for overnight.
Optional: Paragliting in Gudauri from 135$ pp
Day 5 Arriving in Armenia/free day in Yerevan
Breakfast in hotel and check out
Trip to Armenia Yerevan (private transfer)
Check in in hotel
Free day
Day 6: Yerevan-Garni-Geghart- Symphony of Stones-Yerevan
Garni Temple is the one Pagan temple in the post-Soviet area. It is unique, and you must also know that it is the sole heathen temple on the heights in front of the Azat river gorge. An interesting part of this temple is that it was the summer residence of the Armenian kings, and you can see its ruins now. Garni was also the Roman bath house made of various natural stones.
In contrast, the Geghard monastery represents Armenia of the 13th century. The architecture of this golden era was alluring, which you can observe while in this monastery. The history of St. Geghard is outstanding with the representation of a famous lance used for the Roman Centurion. It pierced Jesus’ post-crucifixion and later moved to Armenia for five centuries in the Geghard monastery.
During the tour you can also take a Lavash Baking Masterclass at additional cost. This is the perfect opportunity to delve into the secrets of this ancient and delicious Armenian flatbread. After the excursion we will hike to the Symphony of Stones, where the rocks look like musical instrument Organ. They say that this natural monument is the result of the collapse of the volcanic rocks. The monument consists of huge paradoxically symmetric hexagon and pentagon basalt columns (nearly 50 meters high). These stones hanging against the gravity resemble an organ, which explains why it is also referred to as “Basalt Organ Pipes“
Additional service: Brandy tasting 20 USD
Day 7: Yerevan-Khor Virap-Noravank-Areni-Yerevan
Breakfast. As the name of this group tour, the things you will enjoy are the exquisite antiques and the history of Armenia. So, if you are planning to have an exciting trip with your group, book this tour. However, if you have visited the country before, then it will refresh you. Travel Armenia and explore what you have not seen yet.
The itinerary of this tour package starts from the alluring Khor Virap monastery. It is the epitome of history, only an hour from Yerevan. It is a perfect example of views representing Armenia’s defining symbol, the majestic Ararat. Generally, the meaning of “Khor Virap” is “Deep Dungeon” built of the former Royal prison, a historical place on Artashat. This jail was famous because it kept Gregory the Illuminator for a total of 13 years. He was the first head of the Armenian Apostolic Church.
This trip continues, and you will visit the “Birds’ cave”, an archaeological site in Armenia. It is known for the evidence of several elaborative burial rituals and agricultural practices. This cave was discovered in 2008 by archaeologists. The most exciting things uncovered from this cave are the oldest pair of leather shoes, almost 5500 years old and the winery of about 6100 years of age. This place is claimed from the Early Bronze Age, which is many, many years ago.
Then we head to visit one more exciting location, the Noravank monastery. Noravank has stunning medieval Armenian architecture in the brick-red cliffs. An excellent thing you will notice is the depiction of the Father in Armenia that looks similar to Jesus Christ on the dome of the Church’s narthex. The Orbelian noblemen constructed the Noravank monastery, which is this noble family’s grave. Surprisingly, during the 14th century, burying people in the Church was forbidden.
Now, we take some rest from the trip and will move forward to visit a winery. This place has the classic taste of wine that will impact your tastebuds.
A vital thing is yet to be covered about this tour. Yerani Travel offers the best minibuses to make the trip comfortable for you. The other thing that includes the cost of the group tour in Armenia is entry tickets to visit sights and guide service. So, pick this best deal and book a group tour for yourself.
Overnight in Goris
Important: All visitors are kindly asked to be in appropriate wearing covering knees and shoulders when entering the monasteries.
Day 8: Goris-Tatev-Shaki - Yerevan
Visiting longest rope car in Europe The shortest, most picturesque and impressive route to Tatev Monastery. Tatev is The longest reversible cableway in the world (5752 m), recorded in the Guinness Book of Records. Twelve minutes of unforgettable flight above the ravine of the fierce Vorotan River and cutting-edge engineering solutions by Austrian-Swiss Doppelmayr/ Garaventa Group.
Have a visit to Tatev monastery which is located on the hill with great views. Our next stop is Shaki which is considered one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Armenia. The waterfall is formed on the Shaki River, on the inflow of Vorotan that falls into a deep gorge from a height of 18 meters. Despite the small height, Shaki waterfall has a large capacity, and the rumbling of water is heard from afar.
Arrive in Yerevan and overnight.
Day 9: Departure
Breakfast and check out
Transfer to Airport and departure
Price Information
Price per person in different number of pax
Pax 2 pax 4 pax 6 pax
Price 980$ 730$ 595$
Single Supplement 490 USD per person
Price includes:
1. Transportations and excursions
2. English speaking guide service
3. Mater-class of making Georgian bread “puri”
4. Wine tasting Kakheti
5. Boat trip with wine tasting
6. Accommodation with breakfast in 3-4* hotels according to the program
Price does not include:
1. Entrance tickets – payment on the spot
2. Air tickets
3. Medical insurance
4. Personal expenses
5. Lunches and dinners