11 Day Georgia-Armenia

Depart to North Georgia. The first stop is Mtskheta - ancient capital of Eastern Georgia. Here you'll visit UNESCO sites: Jvari monastery 6th c and Svetitskhoveli cathedral 11th c. Next drive to Ananuri fortress dating from 16-17th cc. The fortress was once the seat of Aragvi Erestavi (Dukes of Aragvi). Continue the route and arrive at the Gudauri ski resort. Dinner and overnight in Gudauri.

Today we’ll explore the high Caucasus Mountains. Start the tour by visiting Stepantsminda via Cross Pass (2395m above sea level) where you can make several stops and taste mineral waters. En route observe the snowy peaks of surrounding mountains and waterfalls. Arrive in Stepantsminda town – the administrative center of Khevi province. Change transport to 4x4 WD vehicles and have a short off-road adventure to the top of Gergeti Mountain and a small church – Gergeti Trinity. If the sky is clear we can spot the peak of the Kazbegi glacier. Drive back to Stepantsminda and change transport again. 

Drive back to Tbilisi. Overnight in Tbilisi.

After breakfast drive to the fertile Kartli region and enjoy the sightseeing of the Gori town. Visit the house and museum of Joseph Stalin where he was born and spent his early childhood. 

Continue to Uplistsikhe rock-hewn town. Archaeological excavations have uncovered layers from the Early Iron Age to Late Middle Ages. Artifacts found in Uplistsikhe are now part of the Georgian National Museum exhibition.

Continue to Samtkhe region and stop in Borjomi spa resort. Take a walk in Borjomi Central Park. You'll taste Borjomi mineral sparkling water renowned for its curative powers.

Next continue to Akhaltsikhe town. Overnight in Akhaltsikhe.

After breakfast at the hotel take a guided excursion to Rabat fortress. Rabati comprises several buildings including Sargis Jakeli castle of 14th c., Fortress Church (late Middle Ages), a Palace from the 18th century, and the Church of Saint Marine (1865) with built-in relief works.

Next head to Vardzia cave monastery and town established in 12 c. during the reign of King George III and his daughter Queen Tamar. Javakheti used to separate the rest Georgia from the enemy and was often attacked by invaders. The massive complex was built for defensive, as well as monastic purposes. 

Overnight in Akhaltsikhe 3* or Vardzia 4* hotel. (upon availability) 

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Georgia-Armenia border at Bavra. En-route stop by gorgeous mediaeval fortresses Khertvisi for some photos.

Meeting at Georgian-Armenian border, change the transport and the guide. Move to Gyumri, the second biggest city of Armenia. Have a short city tour in Giumri passing through the old and new streets. Overnight in Gyumri.

After breakfast, explore Gyumri. We will have a walk in the historical center (Alexandropol). Visit traditional 19th-century houses, and the museum located in one of them. After departure from Gyumri, continue the tour to Zvartnots cathedral. At the end of the tour, drive to Yerevan and visit Manuscript museum – Matenadaran. Overnight is in Yerevan.

After breakfast, begin the excursion around Yerevan city and visit the History museum situated at the Republic Square. Museum gives general understanding about the history and culture of Armenian people. Visit to the Geghard Monastery. The present complex was built in the mid 13th century.  Walk along the canyon by the beautiful columnar basalt 9th c stone bridge over the River Azat to the Pagan Temple Garni 1st c AD.  (Destroyed by earthquake in 1679, restored in 1975). Overnight in Yerevan.

Breakfast at the hotel. Take a trip to Khor Virap Monastery (4-18th cc.). This monastery became prominent because of Gregory the Illuminator, who introduced Christianity to Armenia. Enjoy the spectacular view of the Ararat Mountain.

After Khor Virap continue the trip to the Wine Village Areni. Visit the wine factory and taste the remarkable flavor of Armenian wines. Visit Noravank - a monastery of 12th c situated among amazing sheer rocks on the bench of a twisty gorge. This is the only monastery where we find a unique sculpture of Father God. Return to Yerevan for overnight.

In the morning, breakfast at the hotel. Today’s program includes a trip to Lake Sevan 2000 meters above the sea level. After drive to Dilijan. Passing by the city, visit the charming Sharamberyan Street, with small artistic workshops and the museum. Explore two wooden traditional houses, with tiled roofs and meticulously carved balconies, are typical examples of Dilijan. Visit to the medieval Sanahin Monastery 10th -13th cc. (UNESCO), comprising several churches and chapels. Laster stop in Armenia is Haghpat Monastery 10th -13th cc. The construction of this monastery is associated with the glory of the Bagratuni Royal Family. The oldest structure of the monastery, the holy Cross Church was built in 977 -911. 

Drive to Armenia-Georgia border Sadakhlo. Meet with Georgian team at 18:00. 

Transfer to Tbilisi. Relaxing evening. 

Overnight in Tbilisi.

Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out time is until 12:00 pm. End of service

Note: In case you want to travel longer, please contact us