Armenia and Georgia Tour 13 days

Welcome to one of the most ancient and lively cities in the world. To fully enjoy it, we will start the tour from Victory Park which provides a bird’s eye view over Yerevan crowned by Biblical Mount Ararat. Then we will go forward to walk in Cascade Complex, a massive staircase that connects the upper and lower parts of the city and features an array of statues crafted by renowned artists. Lots of sidewalk cafes, restaurants, and beautiful artwork make this place a favorite spot for locals. Our next stop will be one of the world’s largest manuscript depositories, Matenadaran. We will continue the city walk to the State Opera House, Northern Avenue, and surrounding areas to explore the fascinating blend of architectural styles and historical ambiance  In this way, our road will take us to the center of the capital,  Republic Square – the heartbeat of Yerevan. Yes! While Republic Square holds significant information about Armenia and Yerevan, have you ever considered delving into the city’s ancient heart – the Kond Neighborhood? It’s a tranquil oasis, worlds apart from the bustling city center.  A short walk in the Kond Hill neighborhood, characterized by its narrow streets and small houses frozen in time since the pre-Soviet era, will be the perfect end of the day. 

On day two, we will explore the outskirts of the capital. A must-see on your  Armenia and Georgia tour is the first Christian church – Holy Ejmiatsin.  Get ready for a special visit to the “Ejmiatsin Museum” with ancient Christian relics like the Holy Spear and a piece of Noah’s Ark. Lunchtime brings a surprise – a delicious national dish at the ethnographic center,  The tour will continue to one of the most important sites of Armenia, the Memorial of Sardarapat, a symbol of Armenian resilience  This museum’s design mirrors medieval Armenian fortifications. En route back to Yerevan,  catch sight of the ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral dating back to the 7th century.

Back to Yerevan to enjoy another peaceful evening or dive into cultural delights, visit to opera, ballet, or some nice Jazz club, with world-class musicians at budget-friendly prices.

Our day starts with a visit to  Khor Virap Monastery, one of the most astonishing places in Armenia, where the roots of Christianity are marked. After delving into  Armenian history and gazing upon  Mount Ararat our journey continues to Old Areni Factory, a unique wine destination. Thanks to their expert staff, we will participate in wine production and indulge in a wine feast along with fruit vodka during lunch. Armenia’s history also unveils the world’s oldest winery, a 6100-year-old secret hidden in Areni Cave.

But wait, there is more!  As a country of thousands of monasteries and churches, our day won’t be complete without a  visit to the Noravank Monastery. The promised lunch in a Gastro yard awaits us, where you can participate in fruit dessert making. Later, we’ll have a photo stop at one of the pearls of Armenia, the Spandaryan Reservoir with its magnificent location and nature. After the breathtaking views, the tour will find its finish in the small town of Goris, where dinner awaits us at the hotel. 

The fourth day starts with a stroll through the historic Armenian village of  Khndzoresk, known for its natural and manmade caves, that served as shelters during wars until the mid-20th century. Don’t miss the iconic swinging bridge connecting old and new Khndzoresk.  Lunch awaits at a restaurant perched on the edge of a magnificent gorge overlooking Tatev Monastery.  Speaking of which, it’s time for the splendid Tatev MOnastery and its cable car adventure, providing you with “wings” in Armenia. To find our “wings” we’ll soar across the deep Vorotan river canyon on a cable car.. On the way to the Hermon village for the rest and overnight, we will also visit Shaqi waterfall. Weather permitting get ready for an awe-inspiring night sky full of stars and the Milky Way visible.

After a rural healthy breakfast and freshly brewed coffee, be ready for today’s adventure, transporting you back to the Middle Ages along The Great Silk Road. Our first stop is the 13th-century  Selim Caravanserai, a hub for traders from China, India, and Europe. At the top of the mountain pass enjoy a breathtaking view of the cascading mountains fading in the horizon. 

Our journey continues to a historical village boasting the world’s largest collection of khachkars( cross-stones). Here we will visit a family cheese farm to taste locally crafted cheeses aged in wine and brandy. As we drive along Lake Sevan, one of the highest freshwater lakes at an altitude of around 2000m above the sea. Lunch is served in the lakeside restaurant.

Our route leads us to the “little Switzerland” of Armenia, Dilijan, renowned for its national parks to refresh and enjoy the mountainous air. Explore the charming  Old Dilijan Complex with wooden balconies and artisans’ shops during a brief walk.

After enjoying our breakfast and fresh coffee at our hotel in Dilijan, overlooking the dense forest hills all around, we embark on a visit to the 13th-century Haghartstin Monastery. Next,  we will have a drive to a typical Russian village, home to Molokans, Russian old believers, who have resided here since the beginning of the 20th century. So, on this day we will be the guests of the Molokan family, tasting their traditional cuisine and drinking tea from Samovar. Our exploration continues to the  Lori Berd Fortress, perched on the edge of the deep Dzoraget River gorge, revealing Armenia’s medieval fortifications. In the evening, we head  to Dsegh village, our overnight destination.

Though Armenia is a country full of secrets and gems to explore and admire, we will move on to Bagratashen to discover yet another amazing country – Georgia. As planned our Georgian partners will greet us at the Sadakhlo border and escort us to Tbilisi, the capital and cultural heart of the country. A quick check into the hotel we’ll enjoy a traditional Georgian breakfast at a museum-restaurant complex called Tsiskvili.

Our exploration kicks off with a walking tour in Old Tbilisi. The narrow doorways, intertwined balconies, and old brick-build houses transport us back to the 20th century. The Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi, the world’s third-largest cathedral symbolizes Georgian spiritual revival and strength.

The day concludes with a mind-blowing visit to the Chronicles of Georgia, a testament to Georgian pride in history. Engraved on massive stones, these unique sculptures showcase the nation’s unity and determination to preserve their homeland.  The capital will welcome us for the overnight stay

Georgian Military Highway, possibly the most spectacular road we will ever pass, connects two countries and unveils significant cultural and historical landmarks. Our second day of the tour is entirely dedicated to this remarkable highway. 

Our first stop is Zhinvali Reservoir,  an artificial lake surrounded by gigantic mountains and a 12th-century  cathedral, with half of it submerged in water. But that’s not all;  On the same Highway and adjacent to the reservoir, the Ananuri Fortress Complex is standing proudly as a symbol of Georgians’ resilience, solidarity, and patriotism. In addition to being a resilient nation. 

Moving forward, we reach the Gudauri Viewpoint, home to the Georgian-Russian Friendship monument,  a massive stone and concrete structure overlooking the Devil’s Valley and Military Highway. Pur day concludes with a visit to the 14th-century Holy Trinity  Church of Gergeti. If weather permits,  we will be treated to a breathtaking view of the giant Kazbek mountain within arm’s reach.

After breakfast, depart from the hotel in Kazbegi and drive back to Tbilisi. On the way, visit Jvari Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning views of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers’ confluence. Continue to Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia, and explore its historic churches. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before arriving in Tbilisi.

Our Armenia and Georgia tour wouldn’t be complete without having a dedicated wine day.  After savoring  Georgian cuisine, our journey leads us to the 11th-century  Bodbe Monastery, a marvel of architecture and natural beauty. 

What about taking some dose of love by visiting the city of love, Sighnaghi? This red-roofed city gives an amazing view over the Alazani Valleys and the Caucasus Mountains. With its interesting round-blocked architecture, the city of love is famous for its dome where you can tie the knot at any time. 

Speaking of  Georgian cuisine, the country is renowned for its wine production. So, we’ll cap off the day with a traditional wine tasting in a local winery.

In addition to its marvelous natural beauty and impressive architectural sculptures, Georgia is renowned for its old-inhabited cities, which still retain old traditions and architecture. Kutaisi, the second largest city is the standing example of it. This peaceful, cut-from-reality city is a real blend  of ancient and modern-day architecture, creating the atmosphere of a large village.

After exploring the city, we will have lunch at Lilestan restaurant, where everything will be prepared prior to our arrival. Without further ado, it is time to add even more excitement to the day by visiting Prometheus Cave – Georgia’s iconic attraction. Upon entering the cave and hearing the unbelievable legends and myths associated with it, you will believe in the existence of a fairy world full of miracles. 

If the Prometheus Cave transports us to a fairy world, Sataplia Nature Reserve would make us believe in the existence of dinosaurs. Isn’t this awesome? To enjoy our time, we will return to Tbilisi’s rival and stay there for the night.Our day ends in Tbilisi, the culmination of our tour. 

The last day of our Armenia and Georgia tour will be filled with visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites.  The first is the 11th-century Bagrati Cathedral, which is visible from all parts of the city Kutaisi and is of national significance since its construction. After getting a good dose of historical data, we will have cooking masterclasses and surely a wine tasting in Agrohouse Korena – a cozy place to get cut from noisy daily life. Our day ends in Tbilisi, the culmination of our tour. 

It’s time to bid farewell as we transfer you to Tbilisi airport, marking the end of our two-week-long Armenia and Georgia tour.  Armenia and Georgia were happy to have you and cannot wait for another meeting. Thank you for your interest and time. Safe travels.