day
1
Arrival to Tbilisi
Arrival in Tbilisi International Airport. Meet with representative of company “Georgian Travel Bureau”. Transfer to the hotel. Accommodation at the chosen hotel.
Night in Tbilisi.
day
2
Tbilisi - Mtskheta
Sightseeing tour of the capital city of Georgia, during which we will see the old part of the city, the cable car will go up to the ancient fortress Narikala, which offers a beautiful view of the Old Town. Also we will see the Church Metekhi, Sioni Cathedral, Chardin Street, Bridge of Peace, Park Rike, Cathedral Sameba (Holy Trinity), Freedom Square, Rustaveli Avenue - the main avenue of the city, as well as many other interesting places.
Next we will visit the ancient capital of Georgia - Mtskheta with a visit to Svetitskhoveli - the main church in Georgia, whose name is traditionally translated as "life-giving pillar". Also we will visit Jvari monastery, with a viewing platform which offers an incredible view of Mtskheta and the confluence of the rivers Mtkvari and Aragvi.
Return to Tbilisi.
Night in Tbilisi.
day
3
Sighnaghi – Bodbe – Gremi – Kvareli - Tbilisi
An excursion to the “City of Love” - Sighnaghi. From the wall, surrounding the city we will see a great view of the Alazani Valley and the Caucasus range. Also we will visit the Bodbe monastery, where is the burial of Saint Nino - enlightener of Georgia.
We continue the way to the Gremi - 16th century castle. After the Gremi we visit one of the largest wineries on the territory of Kakheti, situated in the town of Kvareli. Degustation and lunch in Kvareli.
Return to Tbilisi.
Night in Tbilisi.
day
4
Tbilisi – Ananuri – Gudauri – Stepantsminda - Tbilisi
After breakfast we leave Tbilisi and along the so-called Georgian Military highway go up to the vast Caucasus mountains with breathtaking beautiful views of the countryside.
Visiting Ananuri fortress, standing on the shore Zhinvali reservoir, in which the water is turquoise all year round.
Further we will pass the mountain resort of Gudauri, we will stop at the Arch of Friendship, with which a breathtaking view of the gorge opens. The road passes through the Cross pass - this is one of the transshipment points of the Georgian Military Road, which runs through the Caucasian ridge. It is located at an altitude of more than two thousand meters above sea level.
Arrival to Stepantsminda. After the change of transport we go to the unique temple, located at an altitude of 2170 meters – the church of the Holy Trinity in Gergeti. It offers incredible views of Mount Kazbegi, the amazing beauty of the neighborhood, pure mountain air, and unique cultural monuments.
Return to Tbilisi.
Night in Tbilisi.
day
5
Georgian - Armenian border – Dilijan - Lake Sevan - Yerevan
Transfer to Georgian –Armenia border. Border formalities, transport and guide change. Tour to the forested resort town of Dilijan, which is also called “Armenian Little Switzerland” for its nature. We will drive through a plush forest to reach the Haghartsin Monastery, an 11th-13th century church situated deep in the woods. A trip to Lake Sevan which is situated at an altitude above 1900m. Its crystal-clear transparent water changes color several times during the day leaving unforgettable expressions. Inspection of Sevan Monastery, located on the peninsula that offers magnificent panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Drive to Yerevan.
Night in Yerevan
day
6
Yerevan
Yerevan city tour: Yerevan is one of the oldest cities in the world. We’ll see the Republic Square, the National Opera and Ballet Theater, cultural - architectural complex Cascade, the monument "Mother Armenia". Visit to Matenadaran - Institute of ancient manuscripts. Here are kept more than 15,000 manuscripts and the collection is constantly updated with new discoveries, acquisitions and gifts. Visit Vernissage which is a large open-air market in Yerevan, Armenia. The market mainly features a collection of different types of traditional Armenian art works. Visit to “Ararat” Brandy Factory with excursion and brandy tasting.
Night in Yerevan
day
7
Yerevan - Khor-Virap - Geghard - Garni - Border
Check-out from hotel. The road from Yerevan leads through the plains of Ararat, where all of a sudden an attractive picture of Khor-Virap Monastery appears. The monastery is located 200 meters away from the Turkish border. Trip to the cave Monastery Geghard (13 centaury), which consists of three churches and a huge mausoleum carved into the mountain. Continuation of the tour will bring us to the pagan temple of Garni (77 AD) - the only Hellenistic temple extant in the region. Inspection of "Temple of the Sun" and the ancient royal baths, situated on the edge of the picturesque valley. Lunch in a private house where we’ll see the baking process of Armenian traditional flatbread, lavash. By the same time we’ll have an opportunity to participate in the process of baking. Drive to Armenian-Georgian border. Border formalities, transport change. Transfer to Tbilisi and check-in in hotel.
Night in Tbilisi
day
8
Departure from Tbilisi
Transfer to Tbilisi International Airport.
