10 Nights 11 Days Travel to Georgia and Armenia

After breakfast, check out and move 20 km to the north, to visit the capital of the early Georgian kingdom Iberia – a small town Mtskheta. The first stop is Jvari Monastery (6th c.) and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th c.), both of which represents authentic styles of Georgian mediaeval church architecture (both are listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites list).

After Mtskheta, continue the way to the north, follow the Georgian Military Highway, get to the Zhinvali Reservoir and visit Ananuri architectural complex. Ananuri was a residence of local feudals in middle ages. Fortification and the two churches inside the curtain walls are well-preserved.

Continue the way towards the Greater Caucasus mountains and arrive at the altitude 2010m above sea level, Gudauri ski-resort.

Dinner and overnight in Gudauri.

Driving distance: 186 km

Today explore Great Caucasus mountains, drive through Jvari Pass (2395 m), stop at observation platform and arriving in Kazbegi municipality town Stephantsminda, Khevi province.

This sub-alpine townlet is like a base camp for the trekkers and hikers, going to Kazbegi Glacier. We reach the top of Gergeti Mountain and visit Gergeti Trinity Church (14th c.) which is located at an elevation of 2170 m under the Kazbegi peak (5047 m), overlooking Kazbegi town and Dariali Canyon. The area is part of Kazbegi National Park.

Walk to Gveleti waterfall, visit Dariali Monastery at the very border place with Russia.

In the evening return back to Tbilisi. Leisure evening.

Overnight in Tbilisi.

After breakfast, drive to the South-West Georgia – Samtskhe-Javakheti region. On the way, make several stops in Kartli. Frist stop is Museum of Joseph Stalin in Gori. Museum consists of the memorial house where Soviet dictator leader was born, exhibition building and his personal train.

After Gori, head to the ancient cave complex Uplistsikhe, dated to the 1st millennium BC. Cut in soft rocks, on the left bank of the river Mtkvari, Uplistsikhe is considered as one of the earliest settlements in Georgia. The guided tour will take about 40 minutes.

Next town to visit today is Borjomi spa-resort, prominent for its natural mineral sparkling water ‘Borjomi’. Taste the water and take a walk through Borjomi Central Park, which is part of much larger – Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park. There is a pool in the middle of the wild forest at the very end of the trail. Don’t skip the opportunity to swim in a hot sulfur gaizer water in the middle of pine woods! 

In the evening arrive in Akhaltsikhe – the administrative center of Samtskhe-Javakheti region.

Overnight in Akhaltsikhe.

Driving distance: 126 km

After breakfast start excursion at Akhaltsikhe Castle in the historical district of Rabati. Established in the 9th century and later rebuilt several times, during the Ottoman Empire as well, Rabati was a wealthy district, residence of Jakely family. Now days it includes Akhaltsikhe history museum, defensive wall of the fortress, watch towers, churches, mosque, two synagogues, 800 years old Jewish cemetery, park, various shops, open area theater and hotel.

On our way make a short stop at the ancient Khertvisi Fortress in Mtkvari river ravine.

Drive to Vardzia – a functioning rock-hewn cave monastery founded in the 12th-13th c.c. A well-fortified monastery, Vardzia became an important political, cultural and educational center of Georgia in middle ages. Beautiful frescoes inside the main church is depicting the Royal family and lady king of the same period.

Overnight in Vardzia resort.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today head to Armenia, cross the Georgia border at the Bavra village.

Change the transport at Bavra border crossing point, say good buy to your Georgian guide and greet Armenian guide, which will lead you for the trip in Armenia.

Drive to Gyumri – the second largest city of Armenia. City tour - take a walk in the historical center of Gyumri. Historic district of Gyumri has many buildings from 19th century when the city was called Alexandropol and was under the rule of Russian Empire.

Overnight in Gyumri.

After breakfast drive to the city of Vagharshapat to visit two well-known Armenian churches built in the 7th century – St Hripsime churche and Zvartnots Cathedral.

Next site, after Vagharshapat tour, head to the capital of Armenia – the city Yerevan.

Yerevan evening tour includes visiting Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, referred as Matenadaran. Take a look at the brilliant collection of medieval manuscripts and books.

Overnight in Yerevan.

After breakfast start excursion inside and around the city Yerevan. First, visit the History Museum situated in the central square of the city. Yerevan History Museum rich collection represents local culture and history from ancient to present days.

Afterwards, about 45 minutes drive to see the Temple of Garni – Greco-Roman colonnaded pagan temple. Pre-Christian period building was totally destroyed by the earthquake in 17th century, but was reconstructed during the Soviet Union.

Continue 10 more kilometers ahead and visit Geghard monastery (founded in the 4th c. UNESCO World Heritage Site). Take a nice walk along the canyon where the complex is located.

In the evening drive back to Yerevan.

Overnight in Yerevan.

After breakfast at the hotel, depart to the south part of Armenia. The first stop is at Khor Virap monastery in Ararat Province. According to the local belief, St. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned here for about 13 years, after he introduced Christianity to Armenia. From the monastery platform visitors can observe the beautiful view on the two peaks of Mount Ararat (elevation of 5,137 m; Little Ararat - 3,896 m).

Continue the way to the south-east and arrive at the village Areni , Vayots Dzor Province. Village is known for its red wine-making tradition. Visit wine factory and have wine tasting .

Leave for Noravank monastery, established in the 13th c. in the narrow gorge of Amaghu river.

In the evening return to Yerevan.

Overnight in Yerevan.

After breakfast check out, departure from Yerevan to Georgia.

On the way we make several sightseeing. Stop at the beach of Lake Sevan, one of the largest freshwater alpine lakes (1900 m above sea level, 1,242 km²). On a narrow peninsula, there are 2 stone churches from the 9th century.

Drive to the north, to the town Dilijan – administrative center of Tavush Province. Short city tour, visit Sharambeyan street, the historical part of the town and visit its artistic workshops, souvenir shops.

Drive to Lori Province, the medieval Sanahin monastery (10th c.) – one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. From Sanahin, drive to the last site of our Armenian tour – Haghpat monastery founded by the Bagratid royal family in 10th century.

Drive to the Georgia-Armenia border at Sadakhlo village. Change the transport and transfer to Tbilisi.

Overnight in Tbilisi.

Note: In case you want to travel longer, please see the extensions or contact us trips[at]georgianholidays.com

Those taking extension trips to Georgia will start their tour next morning after breakfast.

Breakfast at the hotel. Check out time untill 12:00 pm. End of service.