Route: Gyumri city-tour, Borjomi-Uplisthikhe, Tbilisi-Mtskheta-Jvari, Telavi-Gremi-Nekresi, Ananuri-Gudauri-Gergeti, Dilijan(Haghartsin)-Sevan(Sevanavank), Yerevan city-tour, Zvartnots-Echmiadzin-Khor-Virap, Garni-Geghard-Shopping (Vernisage-Gum market).
Duration: 10 nights/11 days
Day |
Destination |
Day 1 |
Meeting at Gyumri Airport. Transfer to the hotel. Night in Gyumri |
Day 2 |
Gyumri city-tour. Transfer to the border-Bavra-Rabat. Night in Borjomi |
Day 3 |
Borjomi-Uplisthikhe. Night in Tbilisi |
Day 4 |
Tbilisi-Mtskheta-Jvari. Night in Tbilisi |
Day 5 |
Telavi-Gremi-Nekresi. Night in Tbilisi |
Day 6 |
Ananuri-Gudauri-Gergeti. Night in Tbilisi |
Day 7 |
Dilijan(Haghartsin)-Sevan(Sevanavank). Night in Yerevan |
Day 8 |
Yerevan city-tour. Night in Yerevan |
Day 9 |
Zvartnots-Echmiadzin-Khor-Virap. Night in Yerevan |
Day 10 |
Garni-Geghard-Shopping (Vernisage-Gum market). Night in Yerevan |
Day 11 |
Transfer to Yerevan Airport |
1 Day: Meeting at the airport. Transfer to the hotel.
Meeting at Gyumri Airport
Transfer to the hotel.
Free time.
Night in Gyumri.
2 Day: Gyumri City-tour-Bavra-Rabat
Breakfast
Gyumri is an ancient Armenian city with a dramatic and glorious history. It is located in the West of the country, near the border with Turkey. The city of Gyumri is the second one in size after the capital of Yerevan and is the administrative center of the Shirak region. Modern Gyumri, despite the fact that it is still healing the wounds caused by the natural disaster in 1988, is considered a very colorful and beautiful city. This city has always been considered the center of Armenian humor (similar to Gabrovo in Bulgaria). The city even has monuments to the wits and jokers who lived here.
Transfer to the border-Bavra.
Rabat is an old stone fortress that was built in the XIII century. Fortress was repeatedly destroyed, often under siege, and eventually absorbed traces of various cultures and religions. In 2012, a large-scale reconstruction took place here, after which the fortress of Rabat in Akhaltsikhe appeared as a city within a city. At the same time, it has become not only a historical monument, but also a real cultural center of the city.
Night in Borjomi
3 Day: Borjomi-Uplistsikhe
Breakfast
Borjomi is a resort town in Samtskhe-Javakheti, a region in southwestern Georgia. The city is famous for its Borjomi mineral water, which is number one in terms of export in Georgia. Borjomi mineral water was popular in the former Soviet Union. During our tour we will take a walk in the Park and drink mineral water directly from the spring.
The cave city of Uplistsikhe is one of the attractions of Shida Kartli province. Rock city is a complex of natural and artificial caves on the high rocky Bank of the Kura river. The name Uplistsikhe translates as “Fortress of the Lord “or “Fortress of God.” The city appeared at the end of the II-early I Millennium BC, went through several UPS and downs, was finally abandoned in the XIX century and thus is a multi-layered archaeological site, one of the most important monuments of Georgian culture.
Night in Tbilisi
4 Day: Tbilisi-Mtskheta-Jvari
Breakfast
Tbilisi is one of the safest cities in Europe and is often among the most popular developing destinations due to Georgia’s growing tourism industry. It was home to people of various cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds, although overwhelming majority are Eastern Orthodox Christians
Mtskheta was the ancient capital of Kartli, as well as the place where Christianity was declared the official religion of Georgia in 337. The Svetitskhoveli Cathedral complex in the center of the city includes the Cathedral Church, the Palace and the gate of the Catholicos Melchizedek, which date back to the 11th century, built on the site of earlier churches Dating back to the 5th century.
The Georgian Orthodox monastery of Jvari of the VI century was built on a hill opposite Mtskheta, at the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers. The Church is included in the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.
Night in Tbilisi
5 Day: Telavi-Gremi-Nekresi
Breakfast
Telavi is located in the Eastern part of Georgia, in the picturesque Alazani valley, and is the center of the wine region – Kakheti. Telavi is considered not only the center of the region, but also the center of Georgian winemaking. Both the city and its surroundings are striking with the beauty of picturesque landscapes: green river valleys, velvety slopes of the great Caucasus mountains, vineyards where amber and juicy grapes grow.
In the center of the city you can see the ancient fortress of Batonis-tsikhe, as well as the castle of the great Georgian king and commander Heraclius II. There is also another equally amazing attraction in the city center – the oldest tree in Georgia, an 800-year-old sycamore.
Gremi is a 16th-century Royal castle. On the territory of the castle is the Church of the Archangel Michael. This is all that remains of the once thriving city that was destroyed by Shah Abbas I.
Nekresi monastery is a small monastery located on mount wash. Nekresi was founded by one of the 13 Assyrian fathers in the sixth century-ABO Nekresi. It is interesting for its history and traditions.
Night in Tbilisi
6 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 has never been 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
7 Day: Dilijan (Haghartsin)- Sevan (Sevanavank)
Breakfast
Transfer to Sadakhlo
Then we start our tour:
Dilijan is a large city in Armenia, which has the status of a mountain climate and balneological resort. It is located in Tavush region in the valley of the river Aghstev, at a height of 1,258-1,510 m amidst coniferous forests. The center of Dilijan is located on the right Bank of the Agstev river, where its residential quarters and shops are concentrated. There is also a restored quarter of “Old Dilijan” – a historical building with architectural elements typical of Dilijan-dormers, wooden balconies with carved railings, window and door borders. This quarter recreates the traditional way of life of citizens-artisans work, cafes and bakeries operate, they sell Souvenirs.
The Haghartsin complex is located high in the wooded mountains where eagles are found, and the name of the monastery is translated from Armenian as “game of eagles.” The image of an eagle-a proud strong bird-is often found on the walls of Agartsin. Thus, the sculptural group of the Eastern facade of the Church of Surb Astvatsin (Holy mother of God) depicts two men in monastic attire and an eagle sitting on the dome of the Church.
The ancient relic lake Sevan – “Pearl of Armenia” or “Geghama sea” – 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.
On the North-Western part of the lake, on a narrow rocky Peninsula, there is a prominent monument of Armenian early medieval architecture – the Sevanavank monastery. In those early days, the Peninsula was a lonely island. It was separated from the shore by about 3 km of clear water, in which there were many fish, which was the trade of the monastic monastery. The monks settled here at the end of the VIII century, built a chapel and several cells.
Night in Yerevan
8 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
9 Day: Zvartnots-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 was 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 the 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
10 Day: Garni-Geghard(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.
“Vernissage” — 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. In the same place you can find fresh herbs, 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
11 Day: Transfer to the airport
Transfer to the airport Yerevan