Georgia and Armenia

Driving distance: 144 km (3 h 8 min). Check out and drive to Mtskheta – the former capital of ancient Georgia. Before leave the city, visit Chronicle of Georgia - Memorial of Georgian Kings. Huge bronze Soviet monument overlooks Tbilisi and Tbilisi Reservoir. In Mtskheta visit two of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Jvari Monastery (6th c.) and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th c.). Walk around the town, find cosy cafe for lunch and drive towards the Caucasus mountains through the Georgian Military Highway. On the way to Gudauri ski-resort make a short stop to see the Ananuri castle (16-17th cc) and Zhinvali reserve. The complex stands near the Aragvi River and an artificial reservoir, it comprised of three churches, fortifications and residential tower of local feudal dynasty of Aragvi Eristavi. After visiting Ananuri, drive towards the Greater Caucasus Mountains and arrive at the ski-resort Gudauri, which lies at an elevation of 2196 meters. Dinner and overnight in Gudauri.

Driving distance: 208 km (4 h 12 min). After breakfast at the hotel, start exploration of the Caucasus mountains. The road reaches its culmination on 2395 m level on the Jvari Pass. Make several stops and taste mineral waters, as well as to observe waterfalls and Snowy peaks of the mountains around. Observation platform from Soviet times so called Gudauri Panorama is the best place for panoramic views on Aragvi river valley. Change transport to 4x4 WD vehicles and visit the peak of the Mount Gergeti (2000 m) and the Gergeti Trinity Church 14th c – this brilliant medieval monastery is located on a very attractive spot - on the top of the town Stephantsminda and same time, on the foothills of His Majesty the Kazbegi pick (5054m). The panoramic view from here is emotional. Next, visit Gveleti waterfall, Darialy Canyon, Snow valley and finally, after the trip to the mountains drive back to Tbilisi. Overnight in Tbilisi.

Driving distance: 246 km (4 h 7 min). After breakfast, check out and drive towards Samtskhe-Javakheti passing through the Kartli region. On the way, make several visits in Kartli. Gori town, the heart of the Kartli region, has long history. In 20th c it became prominent as the Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin was born (21.12. 1878). Stalin museum in Gori consists of the memorial house, train and museum building with a collection of his personal belongings. Head for the ancient Uplistsikhe caves. Uplistsikhe is one of the oldest rock-hewn urban settlements in Georgia dated back to the 1st millennium BC. The town was cut in rocks and had many secret tunnels and passes connecting ancient chambers and halls. Only one third is unearthed. Next stop is Borjomi – a town famous for its mineral sparkling healing water. Taste Borjomi water and take a walk through Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park – one of the largest protected areas in Europe, which covers 5300 sq. km. The park is unique because of its wildlife, interesting historic sites, and different ecological and geographical zones. In the evening arrive in Akhaltsikhe. Overnight in Akhaltsikhe.

Driving distance: 63 km (1 h 22 min). After breakfast visit Akhaltsikhe Castle. Akhaltsikhe castle is a medieval fortress in the historical district Rabati. Established in the 9th century and later rebuilt by innumerous times, today the castle represents a favourite venue of festivals and events. Amphitheatre, fountains, gardens, museum, castle, hotel, souvenir shop and courtyard overlook the city from the hilltop and you can observe beautiful panorama of lesser Caucasus mountains. Excursion takes about one hour. After the excursion at Akhaltsikhe Castle, drive to Vardzia – a rock-hewn cave monastery on the left bank of the river Mtkvari. Initially planned as a town-fortress in the 12th -13th c.c., during the reign of the king Giorgi III and Queen Tamar, the complex became a well-fortified monastery, which had a significant role in political, cultural, educational and spiritual life of the country. Follow the rocky steps upwards to the main hall beautifully painted in 12th c. The image of the king, queen and ktitor has survived to this day. Some hidden tunnels connect 5th floor to 8th, some goes deep to the spring. There is one long and half-ruined downhill tunnel, which goes out of the town to the riverside. Excursion takes about one and half hours. 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 center 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 kilometer 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. Leisure evening. Check out time at the hotel is until 12:00 pm.