Travelpack

Armenia • Georgia

Discover Armenia & Georgia on an unforgettable cultural journey through ancient monasteries, UNESCO World Heritage sites, dramatic mountain landscapes and vibrant cities. Explore Yerevan and Tbilisi, admire Mount Ararat and Lake Sevan, visit historic fortresses, stroll through charming towns, and enjoy authentic local experiences including traditional bread and dumpling masterclasses, Duduk music and wine tasting.

Day 1:Departure from home country - Arrival in Yerevan
Welcome to Armenia- a country that is rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. Arrival at Zvartnots International Airport. Transfer to the hotel for overnight.

Day 2: Yerevan City Tour- Tsitsernakaberd- Zvartnots- Ejmiatsin
Meals: breakfast, welcome dinner. After having breakfast at the hotel, we will start a city tour in Yerevan. During the city tour, we will see the most beautiful sights in Yerevan, like Republic Square, where we will see the stone carpet right in the middle, hiding the history of 3000 years underneath, and the Opera and Ballet Theatre, designed by the architect of Yerevan, Aleksander Tamanyan. Afterwards, we will admire the enchanting panorama of Yerevan and the biblical Mount Ararat from the top of Cascade Monument, and visit the Cafesjian Museum of Modern Art. Afterwards, we will drive to Zvartnots Temple. Built in the 7th century and now lying in ruins, Zvartnots is noted for its circular exterior structure, unique in medieval Armenian architecture. Then we will visit the Holy See of Ejmiatsin- one of the first Christian churches in the world, built in 301- 303 AD, designated as part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. We will visit a local house, where we will have the opportunity to take a Gata (Armenian Traditional sweet pie) making masterclass. Gata is being baked in traditional Armenian oven called tonir. Welcome dinner at a traditional Armenian Restaurant with a folk show. Overnight in Yerevan, where ancient wonders come alive. Journey through the timeless wonders of Armenia and Georgia, where ancient monasteries, dramatic mountain landscapes and centuries-old traditions create an unforgettable cultural escape. Wander the vibrant streets of Yerevan and Tbilisi, discover UNESCO World Heritage treasures, and soak up breathtaking views of Mount Ararat, Lake Sevan and the Caucasus. Experience authentic local life with Gata, Lavash and Khinkali masterclasses, meet a traditional Duduk master and savour award-winning wines in the birthplace of winemaking. From medieval fortresses to charming cobbled towns, every moment is filled with unforgettable sights, flavours and traditions.

Day 3: Geghard- Garni- Visit a local Duduk master- Vernissage- Yerevan
Meals: breakfast. After having breakfast, we will drive to Geghard Monastery. Inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage. It is also known as Ayrivank, which means a church carved out of the rock. There is a myth about the healing source inside the church, according to which it can cure any sickness even when you drink a sip of it. Then we will drive to the Garni Pagan Temple. Dating back to the 1st century AD, Garni Pagan Temple holds immense historical and cultural value. Here at a local house, we will have an opportunity to participate in a Lavash (Armenian traditional thin bread) baking masterclass. Our last stop for today is a visit to a local Duduk master. Duduk is a traditional Armenian woodwind instrument known for its impressive, beautiful sound. We will learn about the history of duduk and enjoy the performance while savouring coffee in the master's garden.
Overnight in Yerevan

Day 4: Khor Virap- Areni Cave- Noravank- Yeghegis
Meals: breakfast. After breakfast, we'll visit Khor Virap, the cradle of Armenian Christianity, which has become a pilgrimage site. The monastery complex sits on a rocky outcrop above the river plain and offers a magnificent view of Mount Ararat. Then we'll drive to Vayots Dzor province to visit Areni -1 cave. The excavations led to the discovery of the earliest known winery in the world (6,100-year-old), also the world's oldest - 5,500-year- old leather shoe. Here at a local family-owned winery, we will have wine tasting and will learn about wine production history in this region. Afterwards, we'll head to Noravank, a 13th-century monastery. The view from the gorge with rocks in Noravank is breathtaking. The rocks resemble ancient sculptures, towering high above the valley floor. The gorge is deep and narrow, adding to the dramatic effect of the scene. The colours of the rocks change according to the angle of the sun, from shades of grey to brown and orange. From Noravank, drive to Yeghegis.
Overnight in Yeghegis

Day 5: Selim Pass- Noratus- Sevanavank- Dilijan
Meals: breakfast After having breakfast at the hotel, well visit Noratus - an ancient cemetery with eight hundred stone stelae with a cross motif. The oldest of them dates back to the 12th Century. Then we will drive to Lake Sevan. Sevan is the second-largest high-mountain lake in the world. Here we will visit the Sevan peninsula and Sevanavank Monastery (9th century). From here a very beautiful panorama of the lake will appear in front of you and youll admire the blue-eyed beauty of Armenia with the mountains surrounding it. Our last stop for today is Dilijan- the resort town of Armenia. Overnight in Dilijan

Day 6: Dilijan- Haghpat- Sadakhlo - Tbilisi
Meals: breakfast. Walking along Sharambeyan Street, which is one of the oldest streets of the city, we may buy souvenirs and see the life of the small city. During the walk, we will breathe the clean mountain air. Afterwards, we will visit one of unique masterpieces of Armenian architecture of X-XIV centuries: the monastery of Haghpat, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Haghpat Monastery was one of the largest religious, cultural and educational centres of medieval Armenia. We will drive to Sadakhlo border. Meet the Georgian guide and driver. Transfer to Tbilisi.
Overnight in Tbilisi

Day 7: Tbilisi City Tour
Meals: breakfast. We start the Tbilisi city tour. We will visit the Old Tbilisi Sulphur Baths, Georgian Orthodox and Armenian Gregorian churches, a Jewish synagogue, and a Turkish mosque side by side, reflecting the city's acceptance and tolerance of different religions. We can also see a recent monument - Tbilisi Sameba Cathedral, the largest cathedral in the Caucasus; Metekhi Church, which is erected on the cliff, overlooking the Mtkvari River; Narikala fortress, established in the fourth century. Walk downtown and discover Shardeni Street with its fashionable cosy cafes and art galleries. It's time for Lunch at a local Restaurant. Walking, we will come across the Anchiskhati church, the oldest church in Tbilisi, which keeps the miraculous icon of Jesus Christ. Finally, the tour takes you to Rustaveli Avenue, where attractions such as the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre, the Parliament, Rustaveli Theatre, different art galleries and cafes will draw your attention and provide a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Rest of the day at leisure. Optional: We will have a traditional Dinner with a folk show at a local Restaurant - 40 EUR per person. Overnight in Tbilisi

Day 8: Mtskheta- Chardakhi- Borjomi
Meals: breakfast. Leave Tbilisi to visit Mtskheta, where you can see the hilltop Jvari Monastery and the historic Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, a magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site known as the burial place of Christ's mantle, is surrounded by defensive stone walls and traditional shops. Next, take the highway exit to Chardakhi, a village famous for traditional cellars and for sampling natural, amber-colored wines fermented in giant clay vessels called qvevri. Alongside the wine tasting, you can participate in a hands-on culinary masterclass to learn the art of rolling, stuffing, and folding authentic Georgian khinkali dumplings. Finish the drive by heading south into the scenic Borjomi Gorge to spend the afternoon walking through Borjomi Central Park, where you can walk through manicured woodland pathways and visit the famous blue-domed pavilion to drink the warm, naturally carbonated Borjomi mineral water straight from its volcanic spring source. Overnight in Borjomi

Day 9: Borjomi - Akhaltsikhe- Gori- Tbilisi
Meals: breakfast. After having breakfast, we leave Borjomi and drive to Rabati Castle. Originally built in the 13th century as a Muslim fortress, it has been inhabited and expanded by various rulers over the years, including Georgians, Persians, Ottomans, and Russians. Today, the castle has been restored to its former glory and serves as a cultural and educational centre, with several museums, galleries, and exhibitions showcasing the region's history and culture. We will explore the castle's intricate architecture, including its mosques, churches, and other religious buildings, as well as its courtyards, gardens, and fortifications. Before reaching the final destination of the day, we will stop by Gori to visit the Joseph Stalin Museum. Not only does the museum retain its Soviet-era characteristics but it also showcases a small wooden hut, in which Stalin was born and spent his childhood years.
Drive to Tbilisi. Overnight in Tbilisi

Day 10: Tbilisi- Bodbe- Sighnaghi -Tbilisi
Meals: breakfast. The journey continues to the Kakheti region, the cradle of wine. Its winemaking method, using Kvevri, a unique ancient vessel, is on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Our next destination is Bodbe Monastery, one of the most important religious sites in the country. Today, there is a nunnery where the monastery used to be, and the St. George Cathedral, part of the monastery, holds the remains of St. Nino, who brought Christianity to Georgia. From the monastery, it is a quick five-minute drive up the ridge into Sighnaghi, widely known as the City of Love. You can spend your afternoon wandering through the charming eighteenth-century cobblestone streets, admiring the iconic red-tiled roofs, and walking along the ancient stone defensive walls that offer breathtaking panoramic views over the vast Alazani Valley and the distant Caucasus Mountains. After enjoying the city, it is the perfect time to taste authentic wine and participate in a churchkhela-making masterclass. At the end of the trip, we will be driving back to Tbilisi. Overnight in Tbilisi

Day 11: Departure
Transfer to the airport. Return flight. Have a safe journey home and goodbye!

What is included in the offer
• Return flights from Stansted with 30kg baggage
• Transportation as per program by comfortable vehicle with AC on private bases
• English-speaking professional guide service
• 3 nights' stay at the Opera Suite in Yerevan
• 1 night stay at the Ani Forest Hills in Dilijan
• 1 night stay at the hotel in Yeghegis
• 4 nights' stay at the Hotel Brim in Tbilisi
• 1 night stay at the Hotel Emerald in Borjomi
• 10 Daily Breakfasts & 1 Welcome Dinner Included
• All entrance fees to the museums and masterclasses
• Wine tastings in Chardakhi and Sighnaghi
• Churchkhela and Khinkali masterclasses
• 1 bottle of water per person per day

Prices & Departures:
Total Price Inclusive of Fees:
• 20771 Edinburgh from £2899pp
• 20772 Dublin from £2909pp
• 20767 Manchester from £3019pp
• 20161 Stansted from £3039pp
Deposit £1000pp

No Fees Payable

Terms & Conditions:
Based on 2 Adults

Meal Plans