Caucasus Chronicles: Armenia-Georgia

Breakfast at the hotel. Let’s explore Armenia’s capital city –Yerevan-one of the ancient cities in the world.  For ages this city has been known as a “pink city” because of the color of the stone it has been built with. You will have a city tour in Yerevan and you will see Mother Armenia Monument, The Republic Square, Cascade Complex, Cafesjian Center for the Modern Arts, History Museum, world’s largest repository and museum of manuscripts-Matenadaran, Armenia Brandy Factory. Then visit to Armenian Vernissage Market where you can buy any souvenir, jewelry, etc.

Breakfast. Take a trip to Garni. You will walk along the canyon, by the beautiful columnar basalt 9^th century stone bridge over the Azat River to Garni the Pagan Temple, built in the 1^st Century AD. In 1679 it was destroyed by earthquake. In 1975 the Temple was restored. After this visit Symphony of Stones-the majestic natural monument at the Azat River Gorge. The locals named this natural composition a “Symphony of Stones” because the stones resemble a musical instrument – the organ. Continue the tour to Geghard Monastery (its name came from the legendary lance that was used to pierce the body of Christ, which was kept here for centuries). Though the exact foundation of the monastery is unknown, the present complex was built in the mid – 13^th century. Drive back to Yerevan. On the way you will visit a local house where you will have the chance to see and participate in the preparation of the Armenian flat bread- lavash and you will also taste Armenian Barbeque.

Return and overnight in Yerevan.

Breakfast. Drive to Gegharkunik Region. You will take your way towards Lake Sevan, which is the largest lake in Caucasus as well as one of the largest and highest freshwater lakes of the world. The altitude of its surface is on 1897m above sea level.  You will get to Sevan Peninsula to visit Sevanavank Monastery, built in the 9^th century. Here you can visit also the ruins of the church built in 305 just after the acceptance of Christianity. After Sevan, continue the tour to Dilijan. You will have a city tour there and you can enjoy the beauty of the nature because Dilijan has a very beautiful location in between the forests. Dilijan is compared to Switzerland and is called “Armenian Switzerland”. It is a resort and spa town. Then visit to Haghartsin Monastery. This medieval monastery is located near the town of Dilijan in the Tavush Province of Armenia. It was built between the 10^th and 13^th centuries and is composed of three churches: St. Gregory's (the oldest one), St. Stephen's, and St. Astvatsatsin (St. Mary's, the largest one), as well as a gavit and a refectory. Dinner in the hotel is included.

Overnight in Dilijan.

Breakfast at the hotel. Take your way to Armenian-Georgian border Bagratashen (Sadakhlo). Meet the Georgian team on Sadakhlo border.  Transfer to the hotel. Visit to Georgian Sadakhlo village. The Sadakhlo - Bagratashen border crossing is the most important of the four vehicular crossings between Georgia and Armenia. On the way stop in Royal winery of Chateau Mukhrani, excursion in the Royal castle, garden and degustation of 3 types Georgian wines: white, red & pink. Also-Snack: cheese assortment, Shoti (national bread), Churchkhela, spring water. Arrive in Gori - a small city where we'll visit Stalin's house-museum and explore Uplistsikhe-the most ancient caves 1^st mill BC. Ride up to Narikala Fortress 4^th century AD by aerial cable car. Stroll down to Leghvtakhevi (translated literally as “Fig Ravine”) – a beautiful place with waterfall, blooming plants and a small river. Take a walk in park near Sulfur bathhouses, well-known for their healing powers are located nearby, Enjoy your time on Shardeni Street and its neighborhood and Meidan Square with its outdoor cafes, galleries and souvenir shops. Continue to the National Museum of Georgia on Rustaveli Avenue.  Cross the Bridge of Peace – a modern glass bridge in high-tech style.

Overnight in Tbilisi.

Breakfast at the hotel. Road trip to Georgian Ananuri Fortress. Ananuri was a castle and seat of the eristavis (Dukes) of Aragvi, a feudal dynasty which ruled the area from the 13^th century. The castle was the scene of numerous battles. The complex also encompasses three distinct churches- the Church of the Virgin, the Church of the Deity, and the Church "Mkurnali". The next stop is Kazbegi. The fantastic mountain view is the main reason to come to Kazbegi. Georgia has many mountain areas to visit but if you are after jaw dropping scenery, Mount Kazbek at 5,054 meters will not disappoint. It is the third highest peak in Georgia and being a dormant stratovolcano it rises up impressively by 3,000 meters from the village below.

Overnight in Rustavi City.