Armenia and Georgia

Begin your tour of Yerevan in Victory Park, which is dominated by a huge statue of Mother Armenia. Continue to the Cascade, a giant stairway made of limestone, before discovering some of the city’s grandest architecture in and around Republic Square. In the afternoon, make a short visit to Matenadaran, a museum and research institute that houses the world’s most extensive collection of Armenian manuscripts. End your first day in the Armenian capital with an excursion to the celebrated Yerevan Brandy Company, where you will learn about the various stages of brandy production and have an opportunity to sample this renowned alcoholic beverage for yourself.

Travelling east of the city today, first visit the gloriously located Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed monastic complex comprising various caves, chambers and chapels. Later, travel the short distance to the Hellenic temple of Garni, which dates back to the 8th century BCE and is not just the only Greco-Roman collonaded structure in Armenia, but in the entire former Soviet Union. Returning to Yerevan in the afternoon, you will be taken to visit the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex, a thoughtful memorial and museum dedicated to the victims of the Armenian Genocide (1915-1923), perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire.

Journey south today as you travel through the fertile Ararat Valley to one of Armenia’s most celebrated landmarks, the ancient monastery of Khor Virap. Weather permitting, the views of Mount Ararat are wondrous from this vantage point and after spending time discovering the monastery and taking in the vista, head to Noravank. This centuries-old monastery is surrounded by imposing brick-red cliffs. At Areni, you will see archaeological evidence of a 6,000-year-old winery, as well as learn about viniculture in the region, before travelling to Zorats Karer, a prehistoric site strewn with tombstones that is often dubbed the ‘Stonehenge of Armenia’. Later in the afternoon, return to Yerevan.

Travel to Lake Sevan in the east of the country. The lake is Armenia’s largest body of water and the greatest in the Caucasus region. One of its most iconic sights is the small monastic complex of Sevanavank, from where the view across the lake is quite something and stretches as far as the eye can see. En route to Lake Sevan, you will make a slight detour to spend time in the historic village of Noratus, where the fascinating medieval cemetery is home to the largest cluster of khachkars (stone crosses) in Armenia. Continue via the picturesque town of Dilijan to your accommodation in the Debed Canyon.

This morning, take in two of the region’s most significant monasteries: Sanahin and Haghpat. Covered in moss, Sanahin is most certainly the more atmospheric of the two, but Haghpat’s location, overlooking the Debed River, provides breathtaking views of the gorge and beyond and together, they have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. Driving through the sensational scenery of the Debed Canyon, the final monastery to be visited in the area is Akhtala, which is of particular interest for its fine decorative frescoes and carvings. From Akhtala, cross the Armenia/Georgia border and drive to Tbilisi.

Discover the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, an eclectic and lively city built astride the Silk Road with a unique blend of European and Turko-Persian architecture. Today’s sightseeing will include the vast Holy Trinity Cathedral; the atmospheric Old Town, known as the kala, with its distinctive drum-domed antique churches, narrow lanes, and colourful wooden houses; and the thoroughly European quarter centred on prestigious Rustaveli Avenue, where you will visit the National Museum and take the funicular up to Mtatsminda Park to enjoy the panoramic views.

Today’s journey will take you east into the province of Kakheti, noted for its ruggedly beautiful scenery, endless vineyards, and some of the country’s finest churches. First, visit St. Nina’s Monastery at Bodbe, then drive to the highly picturesque ‘Tuscan’ hill village of Sighnaghi. Have lunch on arrival and enjoy some wine tasting, then wander through this charming town before returning to Tbilisi.

Travelling to the mountainous region of Kazbegi via the historic Georgian Military Highway is one of the most spectacular journeys in the Caucasus. En route, stop at Mtskheta, a charming town where the historical churches have collectively been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. Journeying north, you soon reach the eye-catching Ananuri Fortress before eventually arriving at the highest point on the road, the Jvari Pass (2,379 metres). Snow-capped mountains are the norm on the next section of the highway, which passes directly through Stepantsminda (1,740 metres), the area’s main village in the shadow of Mt. Kazbek.

Optional extra: Mountain flight-seeing by helicopter.

Depart Stepantsminda by 4WD for the uphill journey to Tsminda Sameba, more commonly known as Gergeti Trinity Church – one of Georgia’s most recognisable landmarks. Then, walk back down the mountain. Lunch today is a hands-on affair that teaches a little about some of the country’s more traditional dishes, such as khachapuri, a rich cheese-filled bread, and khinkali, tasty meat-filled dumplings. The Sno Valley is this afternoon’s destination, where you can walk off lunch with a short hike to a viewpoint that presents sensational panoramas of the multi-pinnacled peak of Mt. Chaukhi.

Descend from the hills to Chateau Mukhrani, a winery that has been leading the way in establishing European-style winemaking in Georgia. After a wine-tasting session, continue across the plain of Kartli to Gori, the birthplace of Stalin and home to a controversial museum dedicated to the dictator’s memory. After a guided visit to the museum, drive the short distance to Uplistsikhe – an ancient religious and trading centre that has been carved into the rock and commands stunning views of the surrounding area. On completion of today’s activities, return to Tbilisi.

Farewell to Georgia and the Caucasus. A private transfer will take you from your hotel to Tbilisi International Airport, where you will check-in for your onward flight.