Treasures of the Caucasus - Armenia and Georgia in 9 Days
Intense 9-day getaway through Armenia and Georgia: World Heritage monasteries, Vardzia cave city, Tbilisi and Lake Sevan.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Yerevan
Transfer from Zvartnots airport to hotel in Yerevan with guide assistance.
Day 2: Yerevan - Garni - Geghard
City tour of Yerevan: Republic Square, Cascade and views of Mount Ararat. Visit to the Armenian Genocide Museum and Memorial. In the afternoon, excursion to the Hellenistic Temple of Garni and Geghard Monastery (World Heritage Site).
Day 3: Yerevan - Saghmosavank - Haghpat - Sanahin - Tbilisi
Route north visiting Saghmosavank Monastery above the Kasagh River canyon. Exploration of Sanahin and Haghpat monasteries (World Heritage Sites). Border crossing at Sadakhlo into Georgia and arrival in Tbilisi.
Day 4: Tbilisi - Guided Tour
Tour along Rustaveli Avenue, Metekhi Square, cable car ride to Narikala Fortress. Walk through Abanotubani district with its sulfur baths and visit to Anchiskhati Basilica.
Day 5: Tbilisi - Mtskheta - Gori - Uplistsikhe - Borjomi - Akhaltsikhe
Visit to Mtskheta: Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (World Heritage Sites). Stalin Museum in Gori. Exploration of Uplistsikhe cave city. Walk through Borjomi park. Arrival in Akhaltsikhe and its Rabati fortress.
Day 6: Akhaltsikhe - Vardzia - Khertvisi - Bavra - Gyumri
Visit to Vardzia cave monastery-city with its medieval frescoes and representation of Queen Tamar. Contemplation of Khertvisi Fortress. Border crossing at Bavra into Armenia and arrival in Gyumri.
Day 7: Gyumri - Dilijan - Lake Sevan - Yerevan
Walk through Gyumri admiring its volcanic tufa architecture. Visit to Dilijan old town, Armenia's "Little Switzerland". Stop at Lake Sevan. Arrival in Yerevan.
Day 8: Departure from Yerevan
Transfer from hotel to Zvartnots airport according to flight time.
The "Treasures of the Caucasus" await you on this intense 9-day getaway. This program is a condensed version of our grand tours, eliminating the longer journeys to western Georgia to focus on the cultural and historical heart of Armenia and central and southern Georgia. Ideal for those who want to see a lot in a short time.
Medieval Armenia
Enjoy Armenian hospitality by visiting the medieval monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin, World Heritage Sites, on your way to the border. In Yerevan, we will explore ancient and modern history, from the Genocide Museum to Republic Square, and visit nearby Garni and Geghard.
Georgia: Contrast and Stone
In Georgia, we will experience the contrast between modern and ancient Tbilisi, with its cable cars and sulfur baths. We will climb into the Caucasus mountains visiting Ananuri fortress and reaching Kazbegi. We will travel back in time to the excavated city of Uplistsikhe, an ancient pagan center.
The highlight of the Georgian leg will be the visit to Vardzia, Queen Tamar's immense cave city, and Khertvisi fortress. The return to Armenia is through the picturesque Javakheti region, visiting Gyumri. Nine days used to the fullest to take away a complete picture of the architectural and landscape richness of these sister lands.
Included
- Accommodation: 7 nights in selected 4-star hotels
- Meals: Bed and breakfast
- Transportation: Private vehicle with air conditioning and fuel
- Guide: Professional English-speaking guide throughout the tour
- Logistics: Staff expenses (guide/driver)
- Water: 1 bottle per person/day
- Taxes: Local taxes included
- Entrances: Access to all monuments according to itinerary
Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Lunches and dinners (unless indicated)
- Alcoholic beverages and tips
- Personal expenses