Two Early Christian Countries Georgia & Armenia

This tour starts in Georgia and continues to Armenia. Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites, unique painted churches, cave towns, stunning gorges and valleys, ethnographic and historical museums, art galleries and more…

Begin by acknowledging the high achievements of early Georgian Medieval Architecture represented in Mtksheta, UNESCO world heritage site, to Stepantsminda (*former Kazbegi). The historical road literally crosses the geographical border of Europe and Asia at the height of 2379 m. via Jvari pass on the Great Caucasus range.

After fresh mountainous air of Stepantsminda and Gergeti Trinity chuch with view of Mt. Kazbeg 5047 m. tour continues to neighboring country, Armenia rich with UNESCO heritage sites.

Explore Haghpat and Sanahin monasteries of 10^th century, Next stop to beautiful Dilijan resort, passing the “Molokan” minority villages, who are Russian peasants who call themselves “True Spiritual Christians”. Reveal the treasures of science of Armenia from the 5th c. at Matenadaran museum. Visit major religious and pilgrimage sites of UNESCO heritage, such as Etchmiadzin Cathedral, Geghard Monastery, Garni Pagan Temple.

Making a loop and crossing Georgia from Bavra check-point, visit Vardzia rock-hewn city, founded by Queen Tamara 12^th -13^th centuries. The authentic route leads to the historical place -Uplistiskhe rock-hewn city, from 1st millennium BC.

The tour ends in Tbilisi – the capital from 5^th century still keeping the style of Georgian traditions.

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Brief:

Tour Type: 2 in 1
Visited Countries: Georgia & Armenia
Best Months: Any
Meals: FB
Accommodation: Best in Class

Tour Itinerary & Details

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9

Day 10

Arrival

Arrival in Tbilisi. Overnight in Hotel.

Highlights of Tbilisi & Mtskheta

Breakfast in hotel. Sightseeing tour of Tbilisi, 5^th century, extraordinary city with turbulent history, elegant and remarkable architecture. Walk through old town, Sulfur Bathes, Narikala fortress from 4^th century, Anchiskhati basilica from 6^th century and the National Museum of Georgia. Continue to Mtskheta, the town significant for its cultural monuments dated back from 5^th century the UNESCO world heritage site. Drive to the north to Ananuri castle, epicenter of numerous battles from 13^th century. Today attracts visitors with its unique architecture and perfect location. Continue drive to the north to ski resort Gudauri. Overnight at hotel.

Explore the Great Caucasus Range

Breakfast in hotel. 1 hr drive to Stepantsminda through panoramic landscape, crossing geographical border of Europe and Asia at 2379 m. Jvari pass. After arrival in Stepantsminda, start 2 hr hiking up or *optional 4WD drive to Gergeti trinity church located at 2180 m. dated to 14^th century. Return to Gudauri. Dinner and overnight at hotel. .

Drive to Armenia

Breakfast in hotel. Transfer to Georgia – Armenia border Sadakhlo. After border formalities trip continues to Armenia. Visit of Haghpat complex from 10^th century a UNESCO world heritage site and Lake Sevan. Continue to Dilijan resort. Overnight at hotel in Yerevan.

Visit the Capital of Armenia

Breakfast in hotel. Visit Matenadaran – the museum of ancient manuscripts

Cascade and Gafesjian centre of arts – where the works of the representatives of the contemporary art are represented. Head to Etchmiadzin Cathedral the UNESCO world heritage site, the main cathedral of Armenians. On our way to Yerevan stop to the ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral, the UNESCO world heritage sight. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Yerevan.

Garni and Geghard Monasteries

Breakfast in hotel. Explore the UNESCO heritage sites: Geghard Monastery a unique rock-hewn complex from 7^th – 12^th centuries, the Garni temple from 1st AD the only pagan temple available nowadays after adoption of Christianity. Drive back to Yerevan for dinner and overnight.

Welcome Back to Georgia

Breakfast in hotel. Return back to Georgia via border at Bavra. Drive to Vardzia cave city -the spectacular rock-hewn monastery of mediaeval period with hidden entrances, containing over six thousand apartments, church with preserved frescos, throne room, and irrigation system. Continue drive to Borjomi resort, famous for mineral springs. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

The Most Ancient Settlement in Georgia

Breakfast in hotel. Drive to 12^th century Timotesubani church. Heading to the town of Gori – famous for being a birthplace of J.Stalin. Visit Stalin’s museum and birth house. Excursion to Uplistiskhe rock hewn settlement known from 1st millennium BC – a complex of rock hewn halls, temples, prisons, wine pressers, secret tunnels. The place is recognized as one of the ancient settlements of Georgia, where Hellenistic period is mixed together with early Christian age. Drive to Tbilisi. Transfer to hotel for overnight.

Wine & Architecture

Breakfast in hotel. Day Trip to Kakheti region, famous for vineyards and wine producing villages. Explore the spiritual and architectural heritage; visit old Shuamta monastery complex from 7^th century, 11^th century Alaverdi cathedral and 12^th century Ikalto monastery and the former academy. Trip continues to the center of Kakheti, Telavi. Small sightseeing tour with coffee stop. Depart to Sighnaghi royal town built in 18^th century, surrounded by fence with 23 gates related to great Silk Road. Tasting of local, organic wines yields sympathy and joy. Return back to Tbilisi. Overnight at hotel.

Departure

Transfer to Tbilisi international airport.

Included

Excluded

Full Board
All accommodation
All domestic transfers
Comfortable bus service
Tour guide and assistant
First Aid Kit
Entrance Fees & Local Guides
Bottled Mineral Water

Visa or Visa Fees
Airfare
Single Supplement
Medical expenses and insurance
Re-booking of hotels
Alcoholic Drinks
Special Meals
Photographer
Items of Personal Nature
Extra Sites
Items not mentioned in program and detailed itinerary

Expression for the trip:

Be inspired of two neighboring, but still distinguished cultures!

Peritsvaleba str 22, Tbilisi, Georgia
Postal Code: 0103 | Phone: +995 032 2 921 911 | Email: Info@exploregeorgia.com

Adventure

Culture

Caucasus Combined