Georgia & Armenia 9 Days 8 Nights

Arrival at Tbilisi Airport. Meet your guide and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Tbilisi.

Today we are visiting the beautiful and lively capital of Georgia, Tbilisi. Our city tour starts at the Metekhi Church, from where we can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire old town. The colorful wooden balconies, fascinating architecture, and the blend of modern culture create an extraordinary impression. We will explore on foot and visit several historical and modern landmarks, such as the Sioni Cathedral, Anchiskhati Church, Kararan Saray, Synagogue, Peace Bridge, Marionette Theater, and much more. We will also delight in a cable car ride from Rike Park to the Narikala Fortress, and finally, we will visit the sulphur baths district, with their beautiful colorful mosaics and brick domes. After Tbilisi City tour will make our way towards Georgia’s ancient capital, Mtskheta. Here we will visit two of the most important sacred places: Jvari Monastery (6th century), where we can take in a fabulous view, then Svetiskhoveli Cathedral built from greenish stones (11th century), which is an exceptional example of ecclesial architecture and where, according to legend, the robe of Christ is buried. Both sites are on the UNESCO Heritage List. Overnight in Tbilisi.

Today, we are heading to the wine region of Kakheti. This beautiful region is known for its wine production and has incredibly many cultural monuments. In Georgia, a total of 527 species of endemic grape varieties grow, and the traditional wine-making method dates back 8000 years. That's why this method is also recognized as UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage. Nowadays, Georgia is considered the oldest wine country in the world and is also known as the cradle of wine. This morning we visit the beautiful Alaverdi Monastery complex from the 11th century. Like a single and radiant star, the cathedral stands in the middle of vineyards, with the imposing mountains of the Greater Caucasus in the background, creating an unforgettable picture. Monastic life began here in the 6th century when a Syrian monk named Josef started his life here. Today it is one of the largest monk monasteries. The monks are engaged in wine and honey production here. The remains of frescoes from the Middle Ages are evidence that this place was not only a religious site but also an important center of culture and art. We visit the beautiful Gremi fortress dating back to the 16th century. Gremi was the former capital of Kakheti and played a very important role during the Silk Road times. Here, we will visit the Archangel Church with beautiful frescoes from the 17th century, as well as the fortress and museum. We visit the picturesque small town of Sighnaghi, often referred to as the "Georgian Tuscany". This beautiful 18th-century town has a 4.8-kilometer-long wall with several watchtowers. Here, we'll take a stroll and enjoy the panoramic view of the Alazani Valley with the fascinating Caucasus Mountains in the background. Overnight in Tbilisi.

Change the guide and vehicle and continue your journey from the Bagratashen border (it may take more or less one hour). Continue to Haghpat Monastery, (10th-c.) one of the prominent spiritual and cultural centers, which had popular school and printing house. The complex is inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage for its unique architectural design as well as famous gavit (vestry). Lunch in a local restaurant. Head to Dilijan to enjoy its natural and architectural monuments of antiquity, the mountains and the forests that surround you at any point in the city. In the "Old Town" you will see unique balconies and terraces typical of 19th century Dilijan that display the region’s historical love for fine woodwork. Scenic drive along the pearl of Armenia, Lake Sevan, which covers over 10% of the country's territory. Lake Sevan is one of Armenia's most iconic and picturesque destinations, attracting tourists from all around the world. This freshwater lake is not only the largest in Armenia but also one of the largest high-altitude lakes in the world. Its stunning beauty and rich historical and cultural significance make it a must-visit for tourists Lake Sevan is renowned for its exceptional natural beauty. Perched on the northwestern shore of Lake Sevan, Sevanavank is a historic and spiritual site that should not be missed. It consists of two medieval Armenian monastic churches, dating back to the 9th century. The complex provides incredible views of the lake and its surroundings, making it an ideal spot for taking in the scenery and capturing memorable photographs. Check-in at the hotel in Yerevan. Dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan.

Depart for the Yerevan half day city tour that includes all the major sights of the capital.  Yerevan is on the list as one of the world’s “Oldest continuously inhabited cities “, dating back to 8th century BC. It's very lively with open cafes, eateries and local markets... Enjoy a panoramic view of Opera House, the magnificent scenery of the two ice-capped biblical Mount Ararat, Swan Lake, Northern Avenue and Republic Square which is considered one of the most amazing and famous places of the capital. Visit “Matenadaran” a home to the world’s largest collection of Armenian illuminated manuscripts. In the funds of  Matenadaran you will have a chance to see the biggest book weighing 28 kilograms, and the smallest one weighing only 19 grams. Every nation can find something interesting in this research institute as it's a unique place and has manuscripts of over 18000 from all over the world (closed on Mondays). Lunch in a local restaurant. Head to the Genocide museum which displays unprecedented international documents on Armenian Genocide, the first Genocide of the 20th c. After the museum tour, we will explore the memorial complex of Tsitsernakaberd dedicated to 1.5 million victims (museum closed on Mondays). Dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan.

Visit Khor Virap Monastery (“deep pit”), (4th c. A.D) at the base of Mount Ararat. Enjoy also the beautiful view to the biblical Ararat Mountain, were Noah’s arch cast an anchor. *Please note that the visibility may be difficult depending on weather conditions. Head to Etchmiadzin, the center of Armenian Christianity, which is considered to be the “Vatican” city of Armenia with the Holy See of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Visit the Cathedral, built in 301-303 A.D and declared UNESCO world heritage. Being the first state Christian church in the world the cathedral boasts of its unique architectural style and frescos that were worked out during centuries by a generation of painters belonging to one and the same dynasty. Legend has it that it was here that Jesus Christ descended from Heaven to show where he wanted a church to be built. NOTE: In the Etchmiadzin Cathedral there have been cosmetic reconstruction processes lately and a new layer of frescos was discvered and by the announcement of the government the cathedral is blocked, as they are doing researches and new excavations too. This means that the tour to the cathedral will not be realized and the guests might not see the inside of the church. Proceed to Machanents Tourism and Art center for a wonderful local experience. In this complex there is an Art school, National cuisine school, Theatre-studio and unique "Innovation Ethnic Regional Center", which have about 250 students including vulnerable groups /orphans, disable children and the ones from poor families. The profit gained from these services goes for the charitable programs of "Cross of Armenian Unity" NGO. Lately Machanents also opened a special community project – a restaurant where only the retired people work. Participate in the ceremony of Armenian traditional tandoor "lavash" (local bread - a UNESCO heritage) baking. You will have the opportunity to follow the whole process of how formless dough turns into one of the finest jewels of Armenian cuisine. Lunch at Machanents Center. Visit 7th century Zvartnots Cathedral (UNESCO World Heritage), which was excavated and reconstructed in the early 20th century. The overall bold design and construction represents architectural innovation at its finest.  It is originally a masterpiece of Middle Ages as having unique design and architecture techniques employed in its construction it had global influence on architecture of the time. Dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan.

Descend the Azat River Gorge, where the “Symphony of Stones” or “Basalt Organ” seats. Those basalt columns were formed as a result of slow-moving lava. This natural monument is the highlight of the area and a favorite picnic spot for the locals. Visit Garni village, famous for its Hellenistic pagan temple of the 1st c. It’s the only pagan temple that survived after the Christianization of Armenia. The place is particularly famous for its nice landscapes and the extraordinary view opening to the gorge and surrounding mountains. Visit the Geghard Monastery (4th c. A.D and an UNESCO World Heritage site with enhanced protection.) It contains a number of churches and tombs, most of them cut into the rock, which illustrate the very peak of Armenian medieval architecture. The complex of medieval buildings is set into a landscape of great natural beauty, surrounded by towering cliffs at the entrance to the Azat Valley. The spot is the most famous among the locals for the baptism ceremonies and weddings so very often you will be an ad hoc participant of the traditional events when visiting the site. Enjoy Armenian vocal performance of medieval church songs. Visit Megerian Carpet Factory where you can enjoy the rich traditions of the Armenian rug weaving culture that is famous to the world since even before 5th c. B.C.  You could see many antique rugs dating back over 500 years. Farewell dinner in a local restaurant in Yerevan. Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan.

Free time for leisure then transfer to Zvartnots International Airport. We hope that you have had an enjoyable trip with Atis Global and we look forward to your next holiday with us.