1.day: Early Arrival. Early check in at hotel. Tbilisi City tour, overnight in Tbilisi.
Itinerary: start Tbilisi city tour with Abanotubani - the one of the ancient districts in Tbilisi famous for its sulfur springs, ropeway to Narikala fortress overlooking the city and the Kura River, Metekhi church and the bridge of beauty, walk to Shardeni street and visit Sioni Cathedral initially built in the 6th-7th centuries, Anchiskhati basilica an oldest Orthodox church in the city built in the early sixth century, the national museum including the treasury of golden fund.
Driving distance total: 130km.
2.day: Tbilisi-Mtskheta-Tbilisi-Gudauri-Tbilisi. Overnight in Gudauri.
Itinerary: Military Georgian Road across the Caucasus: visit Mtskheta - the old capital of Georgia included in UNESCO heritage list. Museum-city of Mtskheta - a former capital of Georgia is situated upon the confluence of the two rivers, Aragvi and Mtkvari. Visit historic and architectural complex of Jvari and Svetitskhoveli cathedral known as the burial site of Christ's mantle. Ananuri castle complex which include fortress, two churches, an old watch tower, prison and civic buildings. Continue to famous ski resort Gudauri.
Driving distance total: 140km.
3.day: Gudauri-Stepantsminda-Gergeti-Gudauri. Overnight in Gudauri.
Itinerary: Via Cross Pass arrival in Stephantsminda, change bus with 4x4 off road minivans and drive to Gergeti Trinity Church - situated in the region of Stephantsminda (former Kazbegi), at the foot of the peak Mkinvartsveri (5047 m. above sea level). Compared to all the churches in Europe built in the alpine zone, Gergeti Trinity occupies the highest point and place (2400m) and has beautiful views of Kazbegi mountain peak and the village. Drive to beautiful Dariali valley and return to hotel.
Driving distance total: 120km.
4.day: Gudauri-Gori-Uplistsikhe-Borjomi-Akhaltsikhe. Overnight in Akhaltsikhe.
Itinerary: Breakfast and check out from hotel, on the way visit Gori Stalin museum and Uplistsikhe cave town containing various structures dating from the Early Iron Age to the Late Middle Ages. Stop in balneological resort of Borjomi: tasting of Borjomi mineral spring water and stroll in the park, accommodation at hotel.
Driving distance total: 290km.
5.day: Akhaltsikhe - Vardzia -border crossing- Gyumri . Overnight in Gyumri.
Itinerary: visit Khertvisi Fortress build in the 2nd century BC and Khertvisi town which was the center of Meskheti region in the 10th-11th centuries; continue to cave town Vardzia – 13th storey city cut out of solid rock. Arrive at Ninotsminda-Bavra checkpoint. After border formalities, change the guide and transportation. Start the Armenian part of the tour. Drive to Gyumri. Check into hotel. Gyumri city tour. Dinner. Overnight in Gyumri.
Driving distance total: 200km.
6.day: GYUMRI – AMBERD – SAGHMOSAVANK – YEREVAN. Overnight in Yerevan.
Itinerary: Breakfast. Check-out from hotel. Drive to Yerevan. Visit on the way the medieval castle of Amberd (XI-XIII century). Amberd is located on the slopes of Mt. Aragats (4,090m) and it is one of the rare feudal castles that have survived in Armenia. Visit Saghmosavank monastery (XII-XIII century), which sits atop the gorge carved by river Kasagh. Drive to Yerevan. Visit fruit market “Shouka” to buy traditional sweets, dry fruits, etc. Check into hotel. Dinner. Overnight in Yerevan.
Driving distance total: 170km.
7.day: YEREVAN – GARNI – GEGHARD – YEREVAN. Overnight in Yerevan.
Itinerary: Breakfast. Drive to the oldest surviving building on the territory of Armenia, the Garni Pagan Temple. Listen to traditional Armenian wind instrument duduk in the temple. Visit one of the most beautiful monasteries in Armenia, the cave monastery of Geghard (XII-XIII century, a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Return to Yerevan. Yerevan city tour. Visit “Mother Armenia” monument to get a spectacular view of majestic biblical Mt. Ararat with panorama of central Yerevan. Take a tour to Cascade complex, Opera House, North Avenue and Republic Square. Visit Armenian Genocide Memorial. Dinner. Overnight in Yerevan.
Driving distance total: 90km.
8.day: YEREVAN – SEVAN – DILIJAN – HAGHPAT – border crossing-Tbilisi. overnight in Tbilisi.
Itinerary: Breakfast. Check out from hotel. Drive to Lake Sevan, visit Sevan peninsula and Sevanavank monastery (VIII-IX century). Drive to Georgia-Armenia border through the resort town of Dilijan. Visit Haghpat monastery (UNESCO World Heritage Sites). Arrive at Bagratashen- Sadakhlo checkpoint. After border formalities, change the guide and transportation. Drive to Tbilisi.
Driving distance total: 330km.
9.day: Tbilisi-David Garedja-Bodbe-Signagi, overnight in Signagi.
Itinerary: drive to cave-city and monastery complex of David Gareja located in a hot semi-desert, hike up to the top of the hill with beautiful landscapes of Georgian on the one side and Azerbaijan on the other side. Visit Lavra (VI c.) and Udabno monasteries. Trip to the fortified city of Sighnaghi with beautiful view of Alazani Valley and Caucasus Mountains, visit history museum and Bodbe Monastery.
Driving distance total: 220km.
10.day: Signagi-Tsinandali-Alaverdi-Telavi-Tbilisi, overnight in Tbilisi.
Itinerary: explore Kakheti region–excursion in museum with the beautiful garden and its historic winery belonged to the famous Georgian poet Alexander Chavchavadze; visit wine tunnel in Kvareli, continue trip to Alaverdi cathedral (XI c) founded by the Assyrian monk Joseph Alaverdeli, visit Telavi old town and the food market. Return to Tbilisi via Gombori pass with the beautiful views. Gala diner with folklore show and wine in Tbilisi. sleep in hotel.
Driving distance total: 240km.
11.day: early morning flight back.
Includes:
accommodation at hotels
all transportations
English speaking guide service
entrance fees
half board
Citizens don’t need visa for visiting Georgia and Armenia.
1 comment:
very nice tour to caucasus countries
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