Georgia and Armenia may sound like unconventional destinations, but trust us, they ought to top your list of places to visit. This eight-day trip is a wonderful showcase of the cultural and natural highlights the Caucasus Region has to offer, with a huge helping of beautiful architecture and delicious cuisine to boot. Stroll the narrow streets of Tbilisi, tour ancient monasteries, stare down massive mountain ranges, visit with friendly locals, and soak up all the exotic culture of this underexplored region.
Itinerary
Day 1: Yerevan
Arrive in Yerevan
Day 2: Yerevan – Echmiadzin
Drive to Echmiadzin to visit its famous cathedral. Later, enjoy a city tour of Yerevan, followed by a visit to the Genocide Memorial. Take some free time to explore the city of Yerevan. (B)
Day 3: Yerevan – Khor Virap – Garni
Explore Khor Virap and visit its monastery with fantastic views of Mt Ararat. Continue to the Roman temple of Garni. Enjoy lunch in a local home and watch how traditional lavash bread is made. Return to Yerevan with time to visit the main market or stroll the cafe-lined streets of the city.
During your free time in Yerevan opt to visit the Yerevan Brandy Factory or Megerian Carpet factory for some insight into staples of Armenian culture. (B, L)
Day 4: Yerevan – Haghpat
Drive to the largest lake in the Caucasus region, Lake Sevan, and stop into charming monasteries along the way. Continue to Haghpat via Molokan-minority villages stopping to enjoy a local lunch in a Molokan village. Overnight in Haghpat surrounded by breathtaking views of the Debet canyon. (B, L)
Day 5: Haghpat – Tbilisi
Visit Haghpat Monestary and UNESCO-listed monastic complex of Sanahin. Cross into Georgia before arriving in Tbilisi in time for a guided tour of the city. Visit the Old Town, Metekhi Temple, the Abanotubani ‘bath district’ and the Narikala, the main fortress in Tbilisi. (B)
Day 6: Tblisi – Kakheti Province
Experience a full day in the Kakheti Province, dotted with churches and vineyards. Enjoy breathaking views of the Kizikhi area and Sighnaghi. Stop for lunch at a local vineyard including a wine tasting. Head back to Tbilisi for the night. (B, L)
Day 7: Tblisi – Uplistsikhe
Drive the famous Georgian Military Road to Mtskheta, ancient capital of Georgia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Continue to Uplistsikhe cave town and on through the dramatic Aragvi River Valley. Return to Tbilisi in the evening. (B)
Day 8: Tbilisi
Your tour ends after breakfast. (B)
GAD-EXGA
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