Caucasus Countries

Armenia and Georgia are two of the most ancient Christian countries in the world. They adopted Christianity in the first half of the 4th century, although the new religion was preached here as far back as the 1st century. Surrounded and frequently invaded by Muslim neighbours they have been protecting their faith ever since.

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral – the place where the Robe of Christ is buried

Echmiadzin – the holiest place for all Armenians

Ancient monasteries and cathedrals – UNESCO World Heritage Sites

David Gareja – a cave monastery in semi-desert

 

 

 

Day 1 Yerevan
Arrival at Yerevan Airport and transfer to your hotel.

Day 2 Yerevan
Yerevan sightseeing tour includes a visit to the State Museum of History of Armenia and the Carpet Factory. In the evening we will also visit the Brandy Factory to taste famous Armenian brandy.

Day 3 Yerevan – Khor Virap (50km/1h) – Garni (50km/1h) – Geghard – Yerevan (40km/1h)
Today we visit the spectacular Khor Virap Monastery with the biblical Mt Ararat in the background. Then we head to Garni, a pagan temple and a summer residence for Armenian royalty. From Garni a short drive will bring us to Geghard Cave Monastery. In the evening we return to Yerevan.

Day 4 Yerevan – Echmiadzin (30km/30min)– Yerevan
In Yerevan we visit Matenadaran – the library of ancient manuscripts and then drive to Echmiadzin - the religious centre of Armenia. We visit the main cathedral there and continue to St Hripsime Church and Zvartnots Temple. In the evening we return to Yerevan.

Day 5 Yerevan – Lake Sevan – Tbilisi (290km/5h)
Today we travel to Lake Sevan – the highest fresh-water lake in the Caucasus. There we visit Sevanavank Monastery perched on the rocky peninsula. After lunch we head to Sanahin Monastery and Haghpat Monastery and then continue to the Armenian-Georgian border. In the evening we arrive in Tbilisi.

Day 6 Tbilisi
Tbilisi sightseeing tour, visit the Old Town and the State Museum Treasury.

Day 7 Tbilisi – Mtskheta (70km/1,30h) – Kutaisi (250km/3,30h)
We drive to Mtskheta - the ancient capital and religious centre of Georgia and visit its historic Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. We then travel to West Georgia – the land of the Golden Fleece. In Kutaisi we visit the splendid Bagrati Cathedral ruins and Gelati Monastery and Academy.

Day 8 Kutaisi – Gori (150km/2,30h) – Tbilisi (90km/2h)
We drive to the town of Gori – the heart of the Kartli region and visit the Stalin Museum and ancient Uplistsikhe Cave Town. Then we continue to Tbilisi en route visiting Samtavisi Church.

Day 9 Tbilisi – David Gareja (70km/1,30h)– Telavi (120km/2,30h)
We start from Tbilisi early in the morning and drive to David Gareja Cave Complex located in a stark, semi-desert landscape. After visiting Lavra Monastery and Udabno Monastery we drive to the town of Telavi.

Day 10 Telavi – Tbilisi (100km/1,30h)
Today we visit the main sights of Kakheti region – Shuamta Monastery, Alaverdi Cathedral, Gremi Complex and Nekresi Monastery. In the evening we return to Tbilisi.

Day 11 Tbilisi
Transfer to the airport for your final departure.