Description
Day 1
Meeting at the airport. Transfer to the hotel. After a brief rest, you will start sightseeing tour of Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia built by King Vakhtang Gorgasali in the 5th century.
You will visit: Old Town (Abanotubani – the ancient part of the city, known for its sulfuric baths, Meidan square – the place where the Georgian Orthodox Church, Mosque, Synagogue and Armenian Apostholic Church are located several meters away from each other, Metechi Church, Narikala Castle, Shardeni Street with its wine cellars, cafes and art galleries). Mtatsminda (Holy Mountain), St. David Church (XIX c). Sameba Cathedral – Holy Trinity Cathedral – the third-tallest Eastern Orthodox cathedral in the world.
In the evening you will have traditional Georgian dinner in one of the restaurants with live performance of folk music and dancing. Overnight in Tbilisi.
Day 2
Breakfast at the hotel.
Tour to Kakheti, which is considered to be the birthplace of wine culture and wine making. It is one of the most beautiful regions in Georgia.
You will visit: The Monastery of St. Nino in Bodbe, Sighnagi, Tsinandali and winery Khareba with its unique 7,7 km long tunnel used for aging and storing wines. You will have an opportunity to taste Georgian wines and to try yourself in making churchkhela and Georgian bread.Overnight in Tbilisi.
Day 3
Breakfast at the hotel.Tour to Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia. Mtskheta was the capital of the eastern kingdom of Georgia – Iberia from the third century BC to the 5th century AD. Today the city and its architectural monuments – Jvari and Svetiyskhoveli – are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Lunch in the local restaurant Salobiе, founded in 1960. Chateau Mukhrani winery. Overnight in Tbilisi.
Day 4
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to Armenia. During this day you will visit Dilijan, a resort town famous for its mineral water, which is very similar to Borzhmi in Georgia and Vichy in France. You will explore one of the mysterious places in Armenia Haghartsin Monastery of the XI-XIII cc. Drive to Sevan Lake, “The Jewel of Armenia”, one of the largest high-mountainous fresh water lakes in the world and the main attraction of Armenia. You will visit Sevanavank Monastery, located on the northwestern shore of Lake Sevan. According to an inscription in one of the churches, it was founded in 874 AD.
You will have an opportunity to sample a local specialty – famous crayfish kebab. Overnight in Sevan.
Day 5
Breakfast at the hotel. You will discover a magnificent medieval monastery Geghard, being partially carved out of the adjacent mountain, surrounded by cliffs. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monastery was founded in the 4th century by Gregory the Illuminator. Then you will visit the
pagan temple of the Sun, Garni. It is one of the most ancient landmarks in Armenia. After such an eventful day you will enjoy a tasty dinner that will surprise you. Free time in Yerevan. Overnight in Yerevan.
Day 6
Breakfast at the hotel. You will visit Echmiadzin, cultural and spiritual center of the country. The residence of the Catholicos, the supreme head of the Armenian Church is located there. Then you will drive to Voskeni Winery, located at Sardaparat, Ararat Valley, to enjoy wine tasting and a delicious dinner. Overnight in Yerevan.
Day 7
Breakfast at the hotel. You will start sightseeing tour of Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, founded in 782 BC. You will visit ArArAt Brandy factory to taste famous Armenian brandy.
In the afternoon, you visit the Megerian Carpet Factory, established in 1917. You will watch the process of making handmade carpets and visit a local museum containing antique handmade carpets. In the restaurant of the Factory you will have a farewell dinner with traditional Armenian dishes and culinary master class from one of the best chefs of the country.
Transfer to the international airport of Yerevan.
