Tour Art Treasures in Armenia and Georgia (from $1240)

Arrival in Armenia, in Yerevan.

Meeting with the guide, transfer to the hotel 4* (for 3 nights).

Take a full-day tour of Yerevan with visits including the Matenadaran, the repository of ancient Armenian manuscripts, and the Erebuni fortress.

Continue to Tsitsernakaberd, a memorial and museum dedicated to the Armenian genocide of 1915, with its picturesque views over the city.

Next, visit the National Art Gallery, which contains some excellent examples of medieval frescoes and Armenian and European art.

Finally, there will be a brief demonstration of the art of Armenian cross-stones by a master of Khachkars.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Drive west to visit the Unesco world heritage site of Echmiadzin (now called Vagharshapat), the spiritual centre of the Armenian-Gregorian Church.

The morning begins with a meeting with a priest at the Surb Astvatsatsin church.

Next, observe fine examples of Armenian architecture at the St Hripsime temple, before visiting the oldest state-built cathedral in the world, dating back to the early fourth century. Inside the cathedral is the reputed Holy Lance that pierced Christ’s side during his crucifixion. See the seventhcentury ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral.

After lunch, visit the historic Khor Virap monastery, a pilgrimage site close to Ararat and the Turkish border, before returning to Yerevan.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Drive to Georgia, stopping en route to see Lake Sevan and the 10thcentury Unesco-protected monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin, unique for their blend of Byzantine and Caucasian architectural style.

After lunch, continue to the lesser-known Akhtala monastery, a fortified complex whose Holy Mother of God church houses some fine medieval murals.

Meet the guests at the Georgian-Armenian border Sadakhlo. Change the guide and vehicle and continue to drive to Tbilisi.

Dinner in a traditional Georgian restaurant. 2 overnights in a hotel in Tbilisi.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Tbilisi Sightseeing Tour. Historical part of the town is located at the foot of Narikala fortress and enchants visitors with narrow streets, artistically decorated facades and many sightseeing places near to each other: religious buildings of different confessions (Georgian and Armenian churches, Synagoge, Mosque), colorful tiny squares and many old houses with wooden-carved balconies.

The most memorable of them are located on a hill near Metekhi church overlooking the river Mtkwari. The center of the Old town is sulfur bath district with hot springs that gave the name to the city (“tbili” means “warm” in Georgian).

In the afternoon visit the treasury in the museum of Georgia and take a stroll along Rustaveli Avenue.

Dinner in a restaurant. Overnight in a hotel in Tbilisi.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Drive to the ancient capital of Georgia – Mtskheta (UNESCO World heritage site).

First visit Jvari monastery (7th c.) on a hill. From here you will enjoy breathtaking view over the confluence of the rivers Mtkvari and Aragvi. Then visit Svetitskhoveli cathedral (11th century) – religious centre of Georgia.

Continue to drive to the second largest city of Georgia – Kutaisi. Visit Gelati Monastery (12th century) – UNESCO World heritage site and Bagrati Cathedral - symbol of the unification of Georgia in 11th century.

Dinner in a restaurant. Next 2 overnights in Kutaisi.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Drive along subtropical plantations to the Back Sea coast to the town of Batumi. Batumi is the capital of Autonomous republic of Ajara and the most beautiful town of the Georgian part of Black Sea coast. Enjoy a tour to Botanical Garden with more than 5000 species of plants from all over the world.

Then have a city walk in city center visiting Piazza of Batumi, Medea statue and the famous Batumi Boulevard.

Drive back to Kutaisi. Dinner and overnight.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Today you will return to the capital city Tbilisi. On the way visit Stalin museum in Gori with his house and carriage.

Continue to drive to Uplistsikhe cave town. Uplistiskhe was built in 1st millennium B.C. There was a pass of Silk Road, whose traces are still seen.

Dinner in a Georgian style restaurant in Tbilisi. Next 3 overnights in Tbilisi.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Drive along the Georgian Military Highway leading to the Russian border.

On the way visit Ananuri fortress (17th c.) overlooking Jinvali water reservoir.

Continue to drive along the river Aragvi up in the mountains of the Great Caucasus range. From Kazbegi take local 4 WD cars to drive up to Gergeti Trinity church on the top of the mount. Enjoy wonderful view to the glacier Kazbegi (5046 m).

Drive back to Tbilisi. Dinner and overnight in Tbilisi.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Drive to the eastern region of Kakheti, noted for its hospitality and winemaking. Visit the church in Bodbe that holds the tomb of St. Nino – she converted Georgia to Christianity.

Then continue to the 18th century fortified town of Sighnaghi. Walking in the town with well preserved architecture and view over Alazani Valley. Have a wine-tasting and lunch in a farmer’s winery in Gurjaani.

Drive back to Tbilisi. Dinner and overnight in Tbilisi.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Breakfast at hotel. Morning departure to the airport, departure from Tbilisi.