Two Early Christian Countries
A small ancient settlements are scattered throughout this wild landscape with medieval watchtowers and fascinating views of snow-capped mountains, alpine meadows, roaring rivers and waterfalls. Still inhabited dwellings are recognized by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Exploration of this remote part of the world and its preserved traditions will leave you with unforgettable pleasant memories!
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Full Board
All accommodation including camping
Car service
Tour Guide and assistants
First Aid Kit
Details:
Regions: Georgia – Armenia – Azerbaijan
Duration: 12 nights
Food: Full Board
Accommodation: Hotels 3 -5 stars
Best Season: June to October
Group Size: Up to 40
Total Distance: 1600 km
Elevation: N/A
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.
Tour Map
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival 1
Arrive in Tbilisi. Overnight at hotel.
Day 2 - Highlights of Tbilisi & Mtskheta
Breakfast in hotel. Sightseeing tour of Tbilisi, 5th century, extraordinary city with turbulent history, elegant and remarkable architecture. Walk through old town, Sulfur Bathes, Narikala fortress from 4th century, Anchiskhati basilica from 6th century and the National Museum of Georgia.
Continue to Mtskheta, the town significant for its cultural monuments dated back from 5th century the UNESCO world heritage site. Drive to the north to Ananuri castle, epicenter of numerous battles from 13th century. Today attracts visitors with its unique architecture and perfect location. Continue drive to the north to ski resort Gudauri. Overnight at hotel..
Days 3- Explore the Great Caucasus Range
Breakfast in hotel. 1 hr drive to Stepantsminda through panoramic landscape, crossing geographical border of Europe and Asia at 2379 m. Jvari pass. After arrival in Stepantsminda, start 2 hr hiking up or *optional 4WD drive to Gergeti trinity churchlocated at 2180 m. dated to 14th century.Return to Gudauri. Dinner and overnight at hotel
Day4 - Drive to Armenia
Breakfast in hotel. Transfer to Georgia – Armenia border Sadakhlo. After border formalities trip continues to Armenia. Visit of Haghpat complex from 10th century a UNESCO world heritage site and Lake Sevan. Continue to Dilijan resort. Overnight at hotel in Yerevan.
Day 5 - Visit Yerevan, Capital of Armenia
Breakfast in hotel. Visit Matenadaran – the museum of ancient manuscripts
Cascade and Gafesjian centre of arts – where the works of the representatives of the contemporary art are represented. Head to Etchmiadzin Cathedral the UNESCO world heritage site, the main cathedral of Armenians. On our way to Yerevan stop to the ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral, the UNESCO world heritage sight. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Yerevan.
Day6 - Garni and Geghard Monasteries
Breakfast in hotel. Explore the UNESCO heritage sites: Geghard Monastery a unique rock-hewn complex from 7th – 12th centuries, the Garni temple from 1st AD the only pagan temple available nowadays after adoption of Christianity. Drive back to Yerevan for dinner and overnight.
Day 7 - Welcome Back to Georgia
Breakfast in hotel. Return back to Georgia via border at Bavra. Drive to Vardzia cave city -the spectacular rock-hewn monastery of mediaeval period with hidden entrances, containing over six thousand apartments, church with preserved frescos, throne room, and irrigation system. Continue drive to Borjomi resort, famous for mineral springs. Dinner and overnight at hotel.
Day 8 - The Most Ancient Settlement in Georgia
Breakfast in hotel. Drive to 12th century Timotesubani church. Heading to the town of Gori – famous for being a birthplace of J.Stalin. Visit Stalin’s museum and birth house. Excursion to Uplistiskhe rock hewn settlement known from 1st millennium BC – a complex of rock hewn halls, temples, prisons, wine pressers, secret tunnels. The place is recognized as one of the ancient settlements of Georgia, where Hellenistic period is mixed together with early Christian age. Drive to Tbilisi. Transfer to hotel for overnight.
Day 9 - Wine & Architecture
Breakfast in hotel. Day Trip to Kakheti region, famous for vineyards and wine producing villages. Explore the spiritual and architectural heritage; visit old Shuamta monastery complex from 7th century, 11th century Alaverdi cathedral and 12th century Ikalto monastery and the former academy. Trip continues to the center of Kakheti, Telavi. Small sightseeing tour with coffee stop. Depart to Sighnaghi royal town built in 18th century, surrounded by fence with 23 gates related to great Silk Road. Tasting of local, organic wines yields sympathy and joy. Return back to Tbilisi. Overnight at hotel.
Day 10 - Departure
Transfer to Tbilisi international airport.