Tour Easter in Armenia and Georgia

Arrival in Armenia, in Yerevan.

Meeting with the guide, transfer to the hotel.

Yerevan city tour (including Genocide memorial and the museum, Matenadaran, Cascade), Duduk maker studio.

Today we will have a familiarization tour of the capital. We will start our tour in the Victory Park, at Mother Armenia monument, from where you will behold a panoramic view of the city. After which we will visit the Manuscript Museum, which is one of the biggest depositories of ancient manuscripts in the world. Our tour we will continue to the Cascade where you will see the statue of the world-famous sculptor Fernando Botero “The Black Cat”.

Today we will visit Memorial Complex of Armenian Genocide to lay flowers to the eternal flame to the memory of the victims of the Genocide.

In the evening we will visit Duduk maker studio to listen to charming melodies of 5000 years old flood pipe. (Duduk, the Armenian oboe, is a double-reed wind instrument characterized by a warm, soft, slightly nasal timbre recognized by UNESCO in 2005).

Overnight in Yerevan.

The last supper, institution of the sacrament of Holy Communion, washing of the feet and Blowing of Candles.

In the morning we will drive towards Noravank Monastery, which is situated on the hill of the twisted gorge, among the freakish plumb rosy cliffs. It is a place of breath-taking natural beauty providing great opportunities for taking wonderful pictures.

On return we pause to enjoy wine tasting at the village of Areni which is famous for its red dry wine.

Our last visit is Khor Virap monastery, which embodies the adoption of Christianity in Armenia in 301 AD, located at the foot of biblical Mt. Ararat. The road leads through the plains of Ararat, where all of a sudden an attractive picture of Khor – Virab Monastery appears. We stop to see the Complex and make photograph of Ararat Mountain. Here we will observe the Foot Washing Ceremony.

In the evening we can visit St Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral, which is currently the largest cathedral of the Armenian Apostolic church, where we will see the ceremony of Blowing of Candles.

Overnight in Yerevan.

Today we will dedicate to the exploration of the area of Mt. Aragats (4090), the highest mountain in Armenia. This mountain is an extinct volcano and is sometimes referred to as “sea of stones”. It is also the biggest mining place of tuff stone, a volcanic stone of various colors. Tuff is a major building material in the areas around the mountain and Yerevan.

We will stop at the Park of Letters, which celebrates the 1600th anniversary of creation of the Armenian alphabet.

Then will continue towards Saghmosavank and Ohanavank monasteries dated back from medieval ages located on the edge of Kasagh River gorge famous with its spectacular view.

Lunch stop in Ashtarak city.

Our last visit today is Mughni church, founded from the 14th c. It was built to house some of the remains of Saint George who was known as the "Slayer of Dragons".

Here we will take part in the celebration of Good Friday.

Dinner and overnight in Yerevan.

Easter Eve at the Holy See of Echmiadzin: The destruction of hell, the Divine Liturgy of Candlemas, or Lighting of the Candles (Jragalouytgs)

In the morning we will visit Vernisage craft market with a variety of hand-made souvenirs.

Then we will visit the History museum of Armenia to get acquainted with the old history and culture of Armenian Highland.

Then we will continue to Echmiadzin, the religious center of Armenia. The area of Echmiadzin is a UNESCO site. En route we will visit the archeological site of Zvartnots Cathedral, which is a masterpiece of Armenian architecture and the symbol of Christianity for some!

We will then continue towards St. Hripsime church, dedicated to Holy Virgin Hripsime, a martyr to Christianity. We will visit the chamber where St. Hripsime is buried.

The main Cathedral of Echmiadzin was the first official church built in Armenia. Today it is the Holy See of Echmiadzin, where the Catholicos of Armenia resides. Legend tells that it was here that Jesus Christ descended from Heaven to show where he wanted a church to be built. Echmiadzin means “The Coming of Only Begotten”. At the main Cathedral we will observe the the Divine Liturgy of Candlemas. During the Divine Liturgy of Candlemas on the feast of Holy Resurrection or Easter the good news of Christ’s Resurrection is given and Great Lent ends.

Overnight in Yerevan.

Easter: the feast of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ

In the morning we will drive east of Yerevan and visit a unique medieval monastery of Geghard which was included in the list of UNESCO world heritage sites. Some chambers of the monastery were carved out of solid rock and possess exceptional acoustics.

Here we will observe the feast of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. It begins with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy of Candlemas and turns into general solemnity on Sunday during the Easter Divine Liturgy. Jesus defeated death by His death for our salvation. On Easter hearing the good news of Resurrection “Christ has risen from the dead” we answer: “Blessed is the Resurrection of Christ”.

We will then continue towards Garni village where we will visit a pagan temple from 1st century AD – the only one remaining from pre-Christian period in Armenia. The temple is located on a triangular cape overlooking the deep canyon of Garni.

Overnight in Yerevan.

In the morning we will drive towards Dilijan resort situated among forest-covered mountains. Here we will have a stroll down the museum street which still preserves the houses of 19th century town with artisans' studios. For those who are interested in history and medieval architecture, Dilijan holds quite a few attractions. After Dilijan we will drive to one of the major attractions of this region – Goshavank Monastery. One the country’s medieval universities was founded at this monastery and a prominent Armenian master of cross-stones – Poghos used to work here.

We will continue to Lake Sevan, the “Pearl of Armenia”. This fresh – Water Lake of volcanic origin is situated at an altitude about 6.500 feet. Its crystal – clear transparent water changes color several times during the day. It is turquoise in direct sunlight, then turns a greenish shade, and finally becomes gray by the evening. Sevan has always been famous for its fish, especially trout, a part of the tribute Armenia paid to its conquerors. Among the most interesting sites is the monastery on the rocky peninsula jutting out into Sevan. One of the churches, named Arakelots (The Apostles) is made of rough – hewn weather – beaten slabs.

Farewell dinner in traditional Armenian restaurant with folk music.

Overnight in Yerevan.

Visit Cross stone carver – Haghbat monastery – Transfer to Sadakhlo border. Border formalities. END OF SERVICES FOR ARMENIAN PART. Continue to Georgia.

Today we will leave Yerevan towards to Northern Region Lori.

In Vanadzor city we will visit stone-carver studio who still makes Armenian cross-stones – an ancient tradition still surviving to our days.

Driving via deep gorge of the Debed River we explore Lori province.

Our last stop in Armenia is Haghbat monastery, which is one of the highlights of Armenian Architecture: UNESCO World Heritage Sites and important religious, cultural and educational centers of medieval Armenia.

Transfer to Armenian-Georgian border. Change guides and vehicles. Continue to Georgia.

Meet your guide and driver at the border and transfer to Tbilisi. Overnight at a hotel in Tbilisi.

Tbilisi Sightseeing Tour: The historical part of Tbilisi is located at the foot of Narikala Fortress (4th century). It charms visitors with its romantic, narrow streets, beautiful facades and picturesque religious sites next to each other, including Metekhi Church, a Synagogue, Sioni Cathedral, Anchiskhati Church and the famous sulphur bathhouses. Its modern part is no less impressive, especially Rustaveli Avenue with its exquisite, 19th century architecture.

Visit the treasure of the Georgian Museum, which presents the history of Georgian gold-work, from the 8th century BC to the 4th century AD.

Dinner in a traditional Georgian restaurant.

Drive to visit the old capital of Georgia – Mtskheta (UNESCO World Heritage). Visiting Jvari Monastery (6th century) at the top of a high cliff, you have a splendid panoramic view of the confluence of two rivers, the Aragvi and the Mtkvari, as well as a spectacular view of Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century), the next stop for today. 12 km from Mtskheta there is an old monastery Shio Mgvime, founded in the 6th century by one of the 13 Assyrian Monks, Shio. The complex consists of three churches, a refectory and caves hollowed in the rock.

In the afternoon drive to visit the cave town Uplistsikhe, which served, over the centuries, as a place for both residential purposes and as a pagan rituals site. The functional aspects of the city are still clearly visible in its remains, including an ancient theatre, the hall of pagan rituals, wine-cellars, a bazaar etc. The Silk Road passed there, traces of which can still be seen.

Back to Tbilisi. Dinner in a restaurant. Overnight.

Traditional viniculture of Kakheti

Visit the eastern region of Kakheti, noted for its hospitality and winemaking. One of the most sacred places is the grave of St. Nino, who brought Christianity to Georgia, located in Bodbe Convent. Nearby is situated the fortified town of Sighnaghi, with a picturesque view over the Alazani Valley.

In the afternoon visit a farmer’s wine cellar. Here you will get acquainted with Georgian wine-making traditions. Traditionally Georgian wine is made and kept in underground clay jars “kvevri”. This special method of wine-making is listed in UNESCO WORLD Heritage since 2013. As today is Good Friday, you will learn how Georgians are dyeing eggs in red.

Wine-tasting and lunch at local’s with home-made dishes.

Back to Tbilisi. Free evening.

Along the Georgian Military Road to the Greater Caucasus Mountains

Drive to the Greater Caucasus Range in the north. Drive along the Military Highway with a short stop at Ananuri Fortress (17th century) overlooking Jinvali water reservoir. A spectacular journey through alpine meadows and the Terek River awaits you later today.

In the afternoon arrive in Stepantsminda (former Kazbegi), known for its permanently snow-covered peaks - Kazbek (5047m). According to an old Greek legend, Prometheus was chained to this mount as a punishment for stealing fire from Zeus.

You will take local Jeeps to visit Gergeti Trinity Church on a hill, dating from the 14th century. A beautiful vista opens from there, over the settlement Stepantsminda and its surrounding mountains.

Back to Tbilisi. Farewell Dinner in a panoramic restaurant.

Transfer to the airport and departure.