Caucasus Pearls

Driving distance: 4 hr 24 min (365 km). Breakfast at the hotel. Depart to the North, to the Sheki district, small town of Sheki. On the way, make several stops and visit a magnificent work of Islamic architecture of 15th c mausoleum of Sheikh Diri-Baba in Gobustan town and 8th c Juma Mosque in Shamakhi town. Arrive in Sheki, located on the forested slopes of the Greater Caucasus Mountains (700m altitude). Evening city tour includes visiting historical sites: Shaki Khans’ Palace, fortress, mosque and caravanserai. Overnight in Sheki.

Driving distance: 3 hr (169 km). Breakfast at the hotel. Check out and drive to Kish – a village located about 13 minutes’ drive from Sheki. A short city excursion. The prominent Kish Church is estimated to be constructed in the 12th century and has served Caucasian Albanian, Georgian and Armenian congregation at different times through the history. However, archaeologists found that the church stands on much older, ancient cultic sites. After Kish, depart to the eastern border of Georgia Balaqani-Lagodekhi. Border formalities. Walk the border, change the vehicle. Georgian guide will greet you and continue the tour to Sighnaghi – a tiny town in a wine-making region of east Georgia Kakheti. Sighnaghi stands on the Gombori range hills, overlooks Great Caucasus mountains and Alazani valley. Surrounded by the medieval defensive wall and towers, irregular streets and carved colourful wooden balcony houses, the town attracts with its cosy atmosphere. Sighnaghi Museum displays important collection of local archaeological findings, ethnographic and mural exhibitions. The brilliant naive artworks of early 20th c artist Niko Pirosmani are exhibited on the second floor. Take an easy walk in Sighnaghi streets and park. Overnight in Sighnaghi.

Distance: 3 hr 10 min (158 km). After breakfast, check out and depart for Telavi, the capital town of the former kingdom of Kakheti. The village Tsinandali is located on the way, just 10 km before the town entrance. Visit prince Aleksandre Chavchavadze’s House Museum - Georgian poet of 19th c. The residence, garden, wine library and wine-cellar functions as a museum, the venue of the Tsinandali annual classic music festival and the frequent host of the world wine forums. Taste a glass of white Tsinandali wine and continue wine tasting to Shumi Winery. Dry Qvevry red and white wines with snacks will be served in beautiful ethno-garden of Shumi. After five minutes’ drive, stop in Telavi – the major town of Kakheti region. Make a short Telavi city tour, visit medieval fortress Batonistsikhe - a residence of the King of Kakheti and Kartki kingdoms - Erekle II. Depart for Tbilisi through the Shuamta forest and Gombori pass (1620 m). Evening arrival to Tbilisi. Leisure time. Overnight in Tbilisi.

Tbilisi city sightseeing tour starts at 10:00. We will arrange hotel pick-up. The first site to visit is the Sameba (The Holy Trinity) Cathedral, the seat of the Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia, the main Orthodox Christian church constructed in 20th century. Tour takes about 40 minutes. Next stop is Metekhi Plateau and Metekhi Church, located in Tbilisi Historical district. The bronze equestrian statue of the king Vakhtang IV Gorgasali, the founder of Tbilisi in 4th-5th cc, is a remarkable landmark on the cliff above the river Mtkvari. Walk from Metekhi to the Europe square and Rike park. This picturesque area was part of Sachino Palace and a tiny island on Mtkvari river in 19th c. The fortress Narikala – the ancient stronghold can be reached by an aerial cable car flying across the river high into the sky to another side of the city. Narikala opens a new look from the right riverside. Take a walk through the city: the National Botanical Garden, Jumah Mosque, LegvtaKhevi canyon and waterfall, Abanotubani – the historical sulfur bathhouse district, Shardeni and the king Erekle II streets, the glass pedestrian Bridge of Peace are located on a walking distance. Tbilisi city walking tour finishes at the Meidan Square. One-hour break - free time for wondering or for lunch at the local restaurant. After the break, continue the city sightseeing. Visit the treasury of Georgia National Museum, drive across the main streets, Rustaveli avenue, Heroes’ square, Agmashenebeli avenue and Freedom square. See National Opera and Ballet house, Parliament house, Republic square, Soviet Tbilisi and have a nice day ahead! Overnight in Tbilisi.

Driving distance: 2 hr 37 min (133 km). After breakfast in Tbilisi hotel check out and drive to the North along the Georgian Military Highway. Before leave the city, visit Chronicle of Georgia - Memorial of Georgian Kings. Huge bronze Soviet monument overlooks Tbilisi and Tbilisi Reservoir. Mtskheta – the former historical capital of Eastern Georgian kingdom, named Iberia, is located 23 km from Tbilisi at the convergence of the rivers of Mtkvari and Aragvi. Take a walk in the town and visit Cathedral Svetitskhoveli (11th c) and Monastery of Jvari (6th c) - all area is listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. On the way to the Great Caucasus Mountains make a stop near picturesque Zhinvali reservoir. Visit Ananuri Architectural Complex that served once a residential caste of local Aragvi’s Eristavi dukes (17-18th cc). In the evening arrive to the ski-resort Gudauri, at an elevation of 2196 m above sea level. Dinner and overnight in Gudauri.

Driving distance: 4 hr 29 min (218 km). After breakfast in Gudauri hotel leave for Stepantsminda, Kazbegi municipality town. Drive through the picturesque, high mountain Jvari Pass (2395 m altitude). Make several stops on the way: for the Friendship Monument (colorful observation platform), at Jvari Pass obelisk of 19th c, the pink travertine hill and mineral water spring. The total length of the pass is 15 km, it starts after Gudauri and represents one of the most impressive roads in Georgia. Arrive to the alpine townlet Stephantsminda, the closest city to the border with Russia. Stepantsminda is a favorite place and a base camp for climbers and adventure seekers, who travel in the Greater Caucasus Mountains, Kazbegi National Park and climb the Mount Kazbegi (5054 m). Change transport to 4x4 WD vehicles and visit the top of Gergeti. The Mount Gergeti (2000m) is crowned by 14th c Gergeti Trinity Church. The church platform reveals a breathtaking view overlooking the town, while standing on the foothills of the giant Kazbegi peak (5054 m). Next, visit Gveleti waterfall, Dariali, Sno valley and finally, after the trip to the mountains drive back to Tbilisi. Overnight in Tbilisi.

Driving distance: 4 hr 8 min (247 km). Breakfast. Check out and head to Samtskhe region through Kartli. Visit town Gori, museum of Joseph Stalin. Museum consists of Stalin’s memorial house, exhibition building with tower and a train. Next stop in Kartli region is an ancient cave town Uplistsikhe dated back to the 1st millennium BC, which is one of the oldest urban settlements in Georgia. Tour will take about 40 minutes. Continuation of the way to Borjomi - a spa resort in the Mtkvari gorge, famous for its woods, National Park and springs of mineral water "Borjomi". Take relaxing walk in Borjomi park, taste the healing water from the main spring and depart for Akhaltsihke. Overnight in Akhalstsikhe.

Driving distance: 1 hr 15 min (60.3 km). Breakfast at the hotel and check out. Akhaltsikhe in translation means “a new castle” as the main castle was renewed in the middle ages. Visit its most remarkable district – Rabati. The tour includes excursion in Akhaltsikhe history museum located inside the 14th century Jakeli Castle, courtyard with amphitheater, Mosque, fortress church and the St. Marine church. Leave for Vardzia village. Vardzia is another famous cave complex located near Turkish and Armenia borders. This rock-hewn cave monastery was founded in 12th-13th centuries. Tour will take about one hour. Overnight in Vardzia.

Driving distance: 2 hr 18 min (133 km). Breakfast at the hotel. Check out and drive to Ninotsminda town, which is located on the way to Armenia border. Cross the border at the Bavra village. Change the transport at Bavra border crossing point, say good buy to the Georgian guide and greet Armenian team, which will lead you for the trip in Armenia. Drive to Gyumri, the second city by the population in Armenia. City tour includes easy walk in the historical centre of Gyumri, many built in 19th century. The city was called Alexandropol and was under the rule of Russian Empire. Overnight in Gyumri.

Driving distance: 131 km (2 h 33 min). After breakfast drive to the city of Vagharshapat to visit two well-known Armenian churches built in the 7th century – St Hripsime churche and Zvartnots Cathedral. Next site, after Vagharshapat tour, head to the capital of Armenia – the city Yerevan. Yerevan evening tour includes visiting Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, referred as Matenadaran. Take a look at the brilliant collection of medieval manuscripts and books. Overnight in Yerevan.

Driving distance: 75 km (1 hr 58 min). After breakfast start excursion inside and around the city Yerevan. First, visit the History Museum situated in the central square of the city. Yerevan History Museum collection represents local culture and history from ancient to present days. Afterwards, about 45 minutes drive to see the Temple of Garni – Greco-Roman colonnaded pagan temple. Pre-Christian period building was totally destroyed by the earthquake in 17th century, but was reconstructed during the Soviet Union. Continue 10 more kilometers ahead and visit Geghard monastery (founded in the 4th c. UNESCO World Heritage Site). Take a nice walk along the canyon where the complex is located. In the evening drive back to Yerevan. Overnight in Yerevan.

Driving distance: 243 km (4 hr 6 min). After breakfast at the hotel, depart to the south part of Armenia. The first stop is at Khor Virap monastery in Ararat Province. According to the local belief, St. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned here for about 13 years, after he introduced Christianity to Armenia. From the monastery platform visitors can observe the beautiful view on the two peaks of Mount Ararat (elevation of 5,137 m; Little Ararat - 3,896 m). Continue the way to the south-east and arrive at the village Areni, Vayots Dzor Province. Village is known for its red wine-making tradition. Visit wine factory and have wine degustation. Leave for Noravank monastery, established in the 13th c. in the narrow gorge of Amaghu river. In the evening return to Yerevan. Overnight in Yerevan.

Driving distance: 5 hr 42 min (317 km). After breakfast check out, departure from Yerevan to Georgia. On the way we make several sightseeing. Stop at the beach of Lake Sevan, one of the largest freshwater alpine lakes (1900 m above sea level, 1,242 km²). On a narrow peninsula, there are 2 stone churches from the 9th century. Drive to the north, to the town Dilijan – administrative centre of Tavush Province. Short city tour, visit Sharambeyan street, the historical part of the town and visit its artistic workshops, souvenir shops. Drive to Lori Province, the medieval Sanahin monastery (10th c.) – one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. From Sanahin, drive to the last site of our Armenian tour – Haghpat monastery founded by the Bagratid royal family in 10th century. Drive to the Georgia-Armenia border at Sadakhlo village. Change the transport and transfer to Tbilisi. Overnight in Tbilisi.

Breakfast at the hotel. Check out time untill 12:00 pm. End of service.