Two Early Christian Countries
This tour starts in Georgia and continues to Armenia. You will visit World Heritage Monasteries, unique painted churches, cave towns, stunning gorges and valleys, ethnographical and historical museums, art galleries and more…
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Regions: Georgia – Armenia – Azerbaijan
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Duration: 12 nights
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Food: Full Board
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Accommodation: Hotels 3 -5 stars
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Best Season: June to October
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Group Size: Up to 40
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Total Distance: 1600 km
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Elevation: N/A
Overview
Overview
This educational tour begins by celebrating early Georgian Medieval Architecture in Mtskheta, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It then follows the Georgian Military Highway northward to Stepantsminda, formerly known as Kazbegi. This historic route crosses the Europe-Asia border at an elevation of 2379 meters via the Jvari Pass on the Great Caucasus range, connecting South Caucasus countries with Russia.
After enjoying the fresh mountain air of Stepantsminda and exploring the 14th-century Gergeti Trinity Church, with its breathtaking view of Mount Kazbeg (5047 meters), the tour ventures into neighboring Armenia. Armenia is rich in UNESCO heritage sites and remarkable architecture, including the 10th-century Haghpat and Sanahin monasteries, masterpieces of Armenian architecture.
The journey continues to the beautiful Dilijan resort town, passing through "Molokan" minority villages, a group of Russian peasants known as "True Spiritual Christians" who refused to follow the Russian Orthodox Church's rules in the late 17th century.
The tour also unveils Armenia's scientific treasures from the 5th century, showcased at the Matenadaran museum, designed by architect Alexander Tamanyan (1878-1936). This center features a wide range of exhibitions, many of which are extensive works by Gafesjian.
Exploring Armenia further, the tour covers major religious and pilgrimage sites, including the Etchmiadzin Cathedral, 7th-12th-century Geghard Monastery, and the 1st-century AD Garni Pagan Temple. The latter is the sole remaining pagan temple in Armenia after its official adoption of Christianity.
After a loop that takes you back to Georgia via the Bavra checkpoint, you'll visit Vardzia, a rock-hewn city founded in the 12th-13th centuries by Queen Tamara. Vardzia is renowned for its preserved frescoes, including one of the famous Queen Tamara.
The authentic journey leads to the historical Uplistsikhe rock-hewn city, dating back to the 1st millennium BC, where Hellenistic and early Christian elements blend seamlessly. Finally, the tour concludes in Tbilisi, Georgia's capital since the 5th century, known for its enduring Georgian traditions.
Discover the rich cultures of two neighboring yet distinct countries on this captivating journey.
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AdventureHidden Trails of Georgia - Trekking Georgian Mountain Mystery- Trekking Towers of Caucasus - Trekking The Mountain of Prometheus - Mountain Chaukhi Mountains – Mountain Free Wheeling in Georgia – MTB Cycle the Dreamland - MTB Gallop Through the Past – Multi Ski Touring in Gudauri- Ski Tour Ski Touring in Svaneti – Ski Tour Heli Ski/Board in Gudauri – Ski Tour
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CultureExplore Real Georgia - Culture Along the Traces of Argonauts - Culture Cave Cities - Culture Along the steps of Assyrian Monks - Culture Winding the Wine Road - culture
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TranscaucasianMedieval Epoch (TRK & GEO) – Culture Two early Christian Countries (GEO & ARM) - Culture Georgia Arm & AZ – Culture
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Full Board
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All accommodation including camping
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Car service
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Tour Guide and assistants
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First Aid Kit
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Visa or Visa Fees
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Airplane Tickets
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Single Supplement
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Medical expenses and insurance
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Re-booking of hotels
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Alcoholic drinks
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Special Meals
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Items of personal nature
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Extra sites
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Items not mentioned in program and detailed itinerary
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Make sure to bring with: sun hat, sunglasses, boots, proper clothing & footwear.