Route:Yerevan city-tour, Garni-Geghard-Shopping (Vernisage-Gum market), Zvartnoc-Echmiadzin-Khor-Virap, Dilijan(Haghartsin)-Sevan(Sevanavank), Tbilisi city-tour-Mtskheta-Jvari, Sighnaghi-Bodbe-Tsinandali, Ananuri-Gudauri-Gergeti, Sanain-Aghpat-Odzun.
Duration: 9 nights/10 days
DAY |
DESTINATION |
Day 1 |
Meeting at the airport Yerevan. Transfer to the hotel. Night in Yerevan |
Day 2 |
Yerevan city-tour. Night in Yerevan |
Day 3 |
Garni-Geghard-Shopping (Vernisage-Gum market). Night in Yerevan |
Day 4 |
Zvartnoc-Echmiadzin-Khor-Virap. Night in Yerevan |
Day 5 |
Dilijan(Haghartsin)-Sevan(Sevanavank). Night in Tbilisi |
Day 6 |
Tbilisi city-tour-Mtskheta-Jvari. Night in Tbilisi |
Day 7 |
Sighnaghi-Bodbe-Tsinandali. Night in Tbilisi |
Day 8 |
Ananuri-Gudauri-Gergeti. Night in Tbilisi |
Day 9 |
Sanain-Aghpat-Odzun. Night in Yerevan |
Day 10 |
Transfer to the airport Yerevan |
1 Day: Meeting at the airport Yerevan. Transfer to the hotel.
Meeting at the airport.
Transfer to the hotel.
Free time.
Night in Yerevan
2 Day: Yerevan city-tour
Breakfast
Yerevan is not only one of the oldest cities in the world — it is a modern, young and very beautiful city. Our tour starts from the Republic square-the heart of the city, then the station square, where there is a monument to the hero of the Armenian epic David Sasunsky, which has become the hallmark of Yerevan. We will visit the Cathedral of Gregory the Illuminator, built in 2001 to mark the 1700th anniversary of the adoption of Christianity by Armenia. After that, we will drive along the Ring Boulevard, see the Cascade art center, see Mashtots Avenue, named after the Creator of the Armenian alphabet, and see the Opera and ballet Theater building, created by the brilliant first architect of the city Alexander Tamanyan. In conclusion, we will go up to the observation deck of Victory Park, where the sculpture of the Mother of Armenia towers over the city. From here, you can see the whole of Yerevan at a glance.
Night in Yerevan
3 Day: Garni-Geghard-Shopping(Vernisage-Gum market)
Breakfast
The temple of Garni is the only standing Greek-Roman building with a colonnade in Armenia and the former Soviet Union. Built in the ionic order in the village of Garni, Armenia, it is the most famous structure and symbol of pre-Christian Armenia. This structure was probably built by king Tiridates I in the first century ad, as a temple to the sun God Mihr.
Geghard is a medieval monastery in the Kotayk province of Armenia, partially carved out of a nearby mountain and surrounded by rocks. It is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site.
Colorful fair “Vernissage” is a favorite place of tourists and guests of the capital. Artists, craftsmen, jewelers, seamstresses and potters bring their amazing works here, and every Saturday and Sunday from 10: 00 am, you can buy any Souvenirs and works of art you like. If you want to buy something to remember Armenia by, feel free to send it to the “Vernissage”, as you are unlikely to leave here empty-handed. They sell paintings, jewelry, wood products, magnets, musical instruments, national Souvenirs, carpets, national costumes, semi-precious stones, rarities, and much more.
“GUM” is a colorful market filled with aromas, smiles, strange delicious goods and real excitement of trade. It has its own charm, which is difficult to describe in words, it needs to be tasted. It has its own chip, walking through the market, sellers and try to treat and pita bread, and wine, and cheese, and fruit. Apricots, peaches, grapes, apples, cherries, plums, watermelons, melons, pomegranates — you will be surprised by the variety of local fruits and affordability. No Armenian feast is complete without basturma and sujukh. They will be a great addition to a fine red wine. There is a wide selection of meat products that can be purchased directly from the manufacturer. At the same place you can find fresh greens, a huge selection of Armenian cheeses, spices and pita bread, of which will have a real Armenian brtech. Sujukh is not only dry, sharp and salty, but also sweet, because it is also prepared from nuts and grape juice. Sweet lovers will be particularly pleased with “Armenian Snickers”. Along with sweet sujuho, your eyes and sense of smell will be pleased with the abundance of dried fruits, iridescent with all the colors of the rainbow. Don’t forget to buy Alani — dried peaches stuffed with crushed walnuts with sugar and spices, and treat yourself to nut mixes mixed with raisins.
Night in Yerevan
4 Day: Zvartnoc-Echmiadzin-Khor-Virap
Breakfast
Zvartnots temple, which in ancient Armenian means “Temple of the Watchful angels” – a temple of early medieval Armenian architecture, is located near Yerevan and Vagharshapat (Echmiadzin). In 2000, the ruins of the temple and the archaeological area around it were included in the UNESCO world heritage list. According to the Armenian historian Sebeos, it was built under Catholicos Nerses III the Builder in 640-650, who planned to move his residence from Dvin to Vagharshapat.
Etchmiadzin Cathedral – the main temple of the Armenian Apostolic Church, the seat of the Supreme Patriarch of the Catholicos of all Armenians in 303-484, and again since 1441. Since 2000, it has been included in the UNESCO world heritage list. It is one of the oldest Christian churches in the world. The construction of the Cathedral is associated with the name of king Trdat III and Catholicos St. Gregory the Illuminator. The Etchmiadzin Treasury Museum was built by architect Bagdasar Arzumanyan and opened to the public on October 11, 1982. The Treasury Museum is a striking example of new and unique elements in classical Armenian architecture.The Museum contains not only the relics of the Armenian Church, but also the library of Catholicos Garegin I. the Samples displayed in the Treasury were brought to the mother see of Holy Etchmiadzin from different parts of the world and Armenian communities. These samples show the skill and high creative spirit of Armenian masters of different eras, as well as the unique perception of beauty
Khor Virap is an Armenian monastery located near the border with Turkey. The monastery is known for its location at the foot of the biblical mount Ararat, where, according to legend, Noah appeared on the ark after the flood. It is one of the shrines of the Armenian Apostolic Church and a place of pilgrimage. Translated from Armenian, “Khor Virap” means “deep pit”. The monastery is located above the underground prison where the Armenian king Trdat III imprisoned St. Gregory the Illuminator.
Night in Yerevan
5 Day: Dilijan(Haghartsin)-Sevan(Sevanavank)-Tbilisi
Breakfast
Transfer to Sadakhlo.
Dilijan is a mountain climate and balneological resort. Restored quarter of “Old Dilijan” – a historical building with architectural elements typical of Dilijan-attics, wooden balconies with carved railings, window and door borders. This quarter recreates the traditional way of life of citizens-artisans work, cafes, bakeries operate, and sell Souvenirs.
Haghartsin monastery rises among the majestic mountains where eagles fly, which is why its name is associated with. Haghartsin means “game of eagles”in Armenian. The most ancient structure of Agartsin is the Church of St. Grigor, built in the XI century. It was built by monks who fled from Western Armenia to escape persecution. Since the 13th century, Haghartsin has been a major center of culture and spiritual life in Armenia
Lake Sevan – “the Pearl of Armenia” – is one of the largest high-altitude freshwater lakes in the world. This natural wonder is located in the very center of the Armenian highlands, in a huge mountain bowl, framed by picturesque mountain ranges at an altitude of 1,900 m. The area of its water mirror is 940 square meters. km, maximum depth – 95 m.
Sevanavank is a monastic complex located on a Peninsula on the northwestern shore of lake Sevan. According to an inscription in one of the churches, Sevanavank monastery was founded in 874 by Princess Mariam, daughter of Ashot I
Night in Tbilisi
6 Day: Tbilisi city-tour-Mtskheta-Jvari
Breakfast
Sightseeing tour of Tbilisi, during which we will get acquainted with both the history and architecture of the old part of Tbilisi. The appearance of old Tbilisi is unlike any other city in the world. The combination of original architecture and natural beauty gives it a unique charm and color. During our walk, we will visit the bridge of Peace, walk along the street of Chardin, visit the area of natural sulfur baths-Abanotubani. We will also go up by cable car to the defensive fortress of Narikala, which the locals call the soul and the heart of Tbilisi. Today, the appearance of the city harmoniously combines ancient and modern features: near the temples of the VI-VII centuries, modern high-rise buildings have grown, wide streets, parks, gardens have appeared, and majestic bridges have spanned the rapid and full-flowing Kura.
Mtskheta is the most sacred city for pilgrimage in Georgia, and is declared a UNESCO world heritage site. The ancient history of Mtskheta is fascinating and well-known. The city was founded in the V century BC by the indigenous meshkin tribes, who are believed to have originally emigrated from Anatolia (Turkey). Legend has it that the city was named after the legendary ruler Mtsekhotos, the son of the first king of Kartli.
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is a famous monument of Christian culture in Georgia. It was built on the site of the destroyed Church of the Twelve Apostles (IV century).The origin of this Church is associated with a religious tradition associated with the adoption of theOf Christianity by Georgia. The legend tells about a resident of Mtskheta, Elioz, who, while in Jerusalem, obtained the Chiton of Jesus Christ.
On a hill overlooking Mtskheta, there is a revered monastery temple of Jvari, whose name translates as”cross”. According to legend, Jvari is the place where Saint Nino erected the Holy cross to symbolize Georgia’s adoption of Christianity in the fourth century ad
Night in Tbilisi
7 Day: Signaghi-Bodbe-Tsinandali
Breakfast
Sighnaghi is a small cozy town in Eastern Georgia, located on a mountain slope in the historical region of Kakheti. The city was founded in the XVII century under king Heraclius II and, according to local residents, it is the only city in Georgia that has completely preserved the fortress walls. The fortress wall is lined with watchtowers, which you can climb to view the magnificent views of the Alazani valley.
The monastery and Episcopal complex of Saint George, located in Bodbe, Kakheti, is a national Georgian Shrine. Here in the Cathedral of St. George lie the remains of equal-to-the-apostles Nino of Cappadocia – the great Baptist of Georgia-the harbinger of the Christian era.
Alexander Chavchavadze, the founder of Georgian romanticism, inherited the Tsinandali estate from his father, which he turned into the cultural and intellectual center of Georgia. This status of the estate has not lost in the XXI century. Tsinandali still plays a significant role in the cultural life of Georgia. exhibitions, concerts, literary events and master classes are held here.
Night in Tbilisi
8 Day: Ananuri-Gudauri-Gergeti
Breakfast
Ananuri fortress is one of the hundreds of medieval fortresses in Georgia, which is almost impossible to miss. In the XVI-early XIX centuries. Ananuri was the main stronghold on the way from the Daryal gorge to Dusheti and from Russia to Georgia. It played a significant role in numerous wars between local feudal princes-eristavs and in its history was never taken by storm.
Gudauri – young and rapid developing winter sports resort located at Kazbegi region of Georgia. The main attraction of Gudauri is the free ride – descent through virgin fields. The deep snow cover, lack of rocks, and avalanche danger make Gudari a freeride Mecca. There are also a huge number of off-piste descents for backcountry and Heli-skiing around the resort.
The Church of the Holy Trinity in the village of Gergeti is one of the most picturesque in Georgia. Such it is due to its location on a hill among the mountains. Some visitors who go up to the Church may be lucky enough to see Kazbek, which in clear weather offers a fascinating view.
Night in Tbilisi
9 Day: Sanain-Haghpat-Odzun
Breakfast
Transfer to Sadakhlo
The ancient village of Sanahin is known for its unique attraction-the medieval monastery of the X-XIII centuries – Sanahin, a treasure of ancient Armenian architecture. This monastery was the educational center of Medieval Armenia. The Academy, libraries, scriptoriums, and schools where books were recorded were founded here.
Then we will get acquainted with the monastery of Haghpat, built during the X-XIII centuries. It was the largest scientific center with a rich collection of manuscripts. It contained rooms for the census of manuscripts, libraries, refectories, and universities. The monastery of Haghpat and Sanahin are protected by UNESCO and are included in the List of world heritage sites.
Odzun monastery is a magnificent monument of the VI century, located in the North of Armenia, in the center of the village of Odzun. This is one of the most beautifulattractions in the area of Lori. Despite its venerable age, the Odzun temple has been perfectly preserved, thanks in large part to several reconstructions and restorations, the last of which was completed in 2014.
Night in Yerevan
10 Day: Transfer to the airport
Transfer to the airport Yerevan
Rates includes:
- 4 nights’ accommodation with breakfast in Tbilisi hotel 3*: City Inn, Shine Palace / or hotel 4* Tbilisi Inn , Just inn
*Other hotels by the request - 5 nights’ accommodation with breakfast in Yerevan hotel 3*: Bomo Nairi 3* / or hotel 4*: Imperial Palace
*Other hotels by the request - High-quality guide service
- Transport services during the tour
- Transfer airport Yerevan-hotel Yerevan-airport Yerevan
- Excursion: Yerevan city-tour
- Excursion: Garni-Geghard-Shopping
- Excursion: Zvartnoc-Echmiadzin-Khor-Virap
- Excursion: Dilijan-Sevan-Tbilisi
- Excursion: Tbililsi city-tour-Mtskheta-Jvari
- Excursion: Ananuri-Gudauri-Gergeti
- Excursion: Signaghi-Bodbe-Tsinandali
- Excursion: Sanain-Haghpat-Odzun
- Entrance tickets: Narikhala cable car, Tsinandali estate, Garni temple, Zvartnoc, the Echmiadzin Museum
- Wine tasting at Tsinandali estate
- Rise on jeep to Gergeti church
- Bottle of drinking water for every day
Rate doesn’t include:
- Extra meals and drinks
- Extra tours
- Souvenirs