Arrival in Tbilisi International Airport. Transfer from the airport to the hotel.

Overnight in Tbilisi.

Our journey takes off in Tbilisi. On day 2 we are going to have Tbilisi city sightseeing tour and visit major attractions of the capital of Georgia. First, we will visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi (Sameba) – the major cathedral of the Georgian Orthodox Church and one of the tallest ones in the world. Next, we move to Metekhi Church built in the 13th century, located in the old Tbilisi on the bank of river Mtkvari. From this area, we can take a cable car and ride up to Narikala Fortress – ancient fortress on the mountain overlooking Tbilisi. From Narikala we stroll down to the old districts of Tbilisi and walk through many interesting areas: LegvtaKhevi canyon and waterfall, Sulfur Bathhouse District, Shardeni street, Maidan Square, and continue on Rustaveli avenue towards the Georgian National Museum. Museum houses unique collections and exhibitions that represent Georgian history, culture and art, as well as prehistoric periods.

Afterwards, we take a funicular, ride up to Mount Mtatsminda and take a walk in Mtatsminda Park.

Overnight in Tbilisi.

On day 3 we leave Tbilisi and move to Mtskheta – ancient capital of early Georgian Kingdom of Iberia. Mtskheta is famous for two of its monuments: Jvari Monastery, built in the 6th c., and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, dated back to the 11th c. Both of these monuments are recognized by the UNSECO as part of the world heritage.

From Mtskheta we continue our way towards the north and get to Ananuri, located near Zhinvali reservoir, ravine of river Aragvi. Medieval Ananuri Architectural Complex comprises of residential building of the local feudals – Aragvi Eristavi, churches and fortress wall. From Ananuri we continue driving towards the Greater Caucasus mountain range and get to the ski-resort Gudauri, located at an elevation of 2196 meters above sea level.

Overnight in Gudauri.

Day 4 is dedicated to the exploration of the Caucasus mountains. After breakfast we drive to Kazbegi town, administrative center of Khevi province. On the way we drive through Cross Pass (2395 m) and make a few stops to taste natural mineral waters. After arrival in Kazbegi we get to Mount Gergeti and visit Gergeti Trinity Church built in the 14th c. Church is located on the top of Mount Gergeti overlooking Kazbegi town and, at the same time, situated under the Kazbegi Glacier (5047 m). Finally, we drive to explore Dariali Gorge – gorge of river Terek to make a short hike to Gveleti Waterfalls.

In the evening we return to Gudauri.

Overnight in Gudauri.

On day 5 after breakfast we depart from Kartli region from Gudauri. First we stop at Gori town and visit the museum of Joseph Stalin. Museum consists of Stalin’s memorial house, exposition building with tower and personal room with belongings.

From Gori we drive to Uplistsikhe Cave Complex, located in 15 kilometers from Gori and dated back to the 1st millennium BC. Uplistsikhe is an ancient cave town that served as an important political, economic and religious center of the region in the pre-Christian times. Located on the left bank of river Mtkvari, Uplistsikhe complex is completely cut in rock and consists of numerous chambers, caves, tunnels, streets and walls.

After an excursion in Uplistsikhe we drive to the west towards the Imereti region and get to Kutaisi – third largest city of Georgia and administrative center of Imereti. On Kutaisi sightseeing tour we are going to visit two major monuments: Gelati Academy and Monastery (dated from the 12th c.) and Bagrati Cathedral (dated from the 11th c.) Both monuments belong to the medieval Georgian Golden Age and are recognized by the UNESCO as World Heritage Sites.

Overnight in Kutaisi.

On day 6 we are going to sightsee natural wonders of Imereti and Samegrelo. After breakfast we head to Prometheus Cave – natural karst cave located in 20 kilometers from the city. Prometheus is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Imereti and has 1.5 km (out of total 11 km) trail open for visitors.

From Prometheus we move to another unique natural attraction – Martvili Canyon. Martvili Canyon is located in Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti province. 2.5 km long canyon is 20-30 meters deep and 5-10 meters wide. It is created by the flow of the river Abasha where visitors can take a boat trip.

In the evening we return back to Tbilisi for overnight.

Overnight in Tbilisi.

On day 7 after breakfast we leave Tbilisi and head to the south – to Armenia. We drive to Georgia-Armenia border crossing at Sadakhlo, cross the border, meet the Armenian staff and proceed with the journey on Armenian territory.

First, we drive to Alaverdi, Lori region, and visit two major historical monuments of the province: monasteries of Sanahin and Haghpat. Both of these monasteries were founded in the 10th century and are placed on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. Sanahin and Haghpat are located on a plateau, separated by a deep gorge formed by a river.

In the evening we leave Lori and drive to Yerevan. We are going to have a dinner at the traditional restaurant with Armenian folk music in Yerevan.

Overnight in Yerevan.

Day 8 is dedicated to a full day exploration of the capital of Armenia – Yerevan. We are going to visit main highlights of the city: Republic Square, Mashtots Avenue, Armenian National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet, Yerevan Cascade park, and continue to the Megerian Carpet Factory, where visitors can observe and take part in the traditional Armenian rug waiving process.

After the lunch on spot, we move to Matenadaran, officially – the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts. Manuscript museum of Matenadaran houses over 20,000 manuscripts and scrolls, and overall more than 500,000 documents. Manuscripts from different historical periods – from antiquity till modern times – cover various subjects, such as religion, theology, history, mathematics, geography, medicine, alchemy, music etc.

Overnight in Yerevan.

On day 9 after breakfast we drive towards Vagharshapat – a town located in 20 kilometers from Yerevan. We are going to pay a visit to some of the most important historico-cultural monuments of Armenia – Zvartnots St. Gayane and St. Hripsime churches. Both of these monuments are listed on UNESCO World Heritage Sites List.

Afterwards we return to Yerevan and visit the factory of traditional Armenian brandy – “Ararat”, and its museum.

Overnight in Yerevan.

After breakfast we start sightseeing tour in the Yerevan surrounding area. First we drive to the Temple of Garni – the only colonnaded Greco-Roman building in Armenia and the region. Scholars estimate that pagan temple of Garni was built in the first century AD. Temple was destroyed by the earthquake in the 17th century and reconstructed later. From Garni we can visit two other monuments located nearby: Havuts Tar – ruins of the 11th-13th century walled monastery, and Geghard Monastery, situated in the gorge of river Azat, another World Heritage Site of UNESCO.

In the evening we drive back to Yerevan. After arrival we are going to visit food market “Gum”, where we can buy various local Armenian flavors.

Overnight in Yerevan.

On day 11 after breakfast we depart for southern regions of Armenia. We start our exploration in the Ararat province and visit Khor Virap monastery located on the Ararat plain. Monastery was initially built in the 7th century. From Khor Virap visitors can enjoy panoramic views on Mount Ararat – national symbol of Armenia. From Khor Virap we drive to Vayots Dzor province and arrive at village Areni. Areni is famous for its wine-making tradition. Here, we are going to visit the wine factory and have a degustation, as well as a traditional lunch and Armenian barbeque at the local house.

From Areni we drive to Noravank – a monastery built in the 13th century near the town of Yeghegnadzor. Monastery is located in a narrow gorge of the river Amaghu, surrounded by the tall and red cliffs. The last highlight of the day is Zorats Karer, or Karahunj – a prehistoric archaeological site, often referred as the “Armenian Stonehenge”. Some scholars claim that these megalithic structures served as an ancient astronomical observatory.

From Karahunj we drive for overnight to Goris, a small town in Syunik province.

Overnight in Goris.

Our journey in Armenia continues as on day 12 after breakfast we head to the monastic complex of Tatev. Tatev is a 9th century Armenian monastery in Syunik province. Monastery is situated on a large basalt plateau, and is especially famous for Wings of Tatev – a 5.7 km cableway between Tatev monastery and village Halidzor, which is the longest reversible aerial tramway in the world. Tatev is the most popular touristic site in Syunik.

From Tatev we drive to the north towards the lake Sevan. On our way we stop at Orbelian’s Caravanserai in Vayots Dzor. Also referred as Selim Caravanserai, it was built in 1332 on Vardenyats Mountain Pass at a height of 2410 meters above sea level.

Afterwards we get to Sevan. Sevan is one of the world’s largest freshwater high-altitude lakes (1900 m). We are going to visit Sevanavank Monastery built in the 9th century and located on an island (now a peninsula) in Sevan.

Afterwards we drive to the north, to the spa town of Dilijan, Tavush province.

Overnight in Dilijan.

After breakfast we start Dilijan sightseeing tour. We are going to visit old center of Dilijan and Sharambeyan street, full of handicraft stores, souvenir shops and historical buildings.

From Dilijan we depart for Georgia. We get to Sadakhlo border crossing point, meet with Georgian staff and head to Tbilisi. In the evening we are going to have a farewell dinner at the Georgian restaurant accompanied with traditional folk show.

Overnight in Tbilisi.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to Tbilisi International Airport and departure.

End of service.