Day 1:  Departure for Yerevan

After arrival in Yerevan, meet in the airport and transfer to a hotel.

Day 2: Yerevan

Today we explore the capital of Armenia, Yerevan. Visit Republic Square and Cascade, an open-air museum of modern art with massive stairways leading up to the Victory Park providing a fantastic overlook to the entire downtown from above. Take a chance to visit Opera House which enchants the visitors by its beauty.  Freedom Square is behind it, surrounded by parks which have been taken over by outdoor cafes, and finally Swan Lake. In the afternoon visit Brandy Factory and taste famous Armenian brandy.

Day 3: Yerevan/Garni/Geghard/Sevan Lake/Yerevan

Drive to Kotayk province to explore Garni Temple and Geghard Monastery.

The “Symphony of Stones” – this is Garni, dating back to the 1st century AD and it’s the only pagan temple that remained after the adoption of Christianity. Continue to the strategically located Geghard Monastery – UNESCO World Heritage Site and beautiful stone artwork. In the afternoon we visit the second largest fresh water lake in the world p Sevan. Return to Yerevan.

Day 4: Yerevan/Khor Virap/Noravank/Yerevan

After breakfast we will visit Khor Virap Monastery which gives an excellent view to Ararat Mount. This monastery has always been a place of pilgrimage for Armenians. We will then drive to Areni Village for some wine tasting and explore the Noravank monastery with its surrounding rocky mountains. The monastery is surrounded with fascinating landscapes and in one of the surrounding caves a 5000-year-old shoe was found! Drive back to Yerevan.

Day 5: Yerevan/Echmiadzin/Gyumri

The day starts by visiting UNESCO World Heritage site of Armenia – Echmiadzin Cathedral. After the sightseeing we continue to Gyumri town en route visiting Amberd Fortress.

Upon arrival in Gyumri we have a short walking city tour.

Day 6: Gyumri/Armenia-Georgia border/Vardzia/Akhaltsikhe

In the morning we drive to Bavra border and cross to Georgia. Our first stop will be at ancient Khertvisi Fort built on the confluence of two rivers. Continue to magnificent cave town of Vardzia housing the dwelling quarters, a church, refectories, pharmacy and most importantly – the fresco of Georgia’s beloved queen – Tamar. After the tour we drive to Akhaltsikhe to visit Rabath hilltop castle.

Day 7: Akhaltsikhe/Gori/Uplistsikhe/Gudauri

Follow the Great Silk Road and visit the cave city of Uplistsikhe. The town is dug in the sun-stone plateau and is of beautiful golden color. Initially there had been more than 500 caves, but during the existence of 3000 years it has lost much of it.

In Gori we’ll visit the museum of J. Stalin – the infamous son of this town. Continue along the Georgian Military Highway to Gudauri ski resort. On our way we’ll have a stop at fortified church of Ananuri.

Day 8: Gudauri/Kazbegi/Mukhrani/Tbilisi

In the morning we drive to Kazbegi and take a picturesque walk up to Gergeti Trinity church (14th c). Hiking up to the mountain is of moderate difficulty but it is all worthwhile. The beauty all along the way and up to the church will make you forget about tiredness. If the weather permits, you may even see one of the highest peaks in the Caucasus –Mt. Kazbegi (5047 m). Return to Kazbegi and drive to a local winery in Mukhrani Palace to taste various Georgian wines. In the evening arrive in Tbilisi.

Day 9: Tbilisi/Mtskheta/Tbilisi

Tbilisi – the capital of Georgia is an elegant mixture of eastern and western cultures. Venture out in the old winding streets to explore this exotic city and later indulge yourself to sit in the small cozy café and enjoy the picturesque views over the old town. The tour will take you from the century old churches to the amazing panoramic views and famous bath district which attracted lots of people during the centuries.

In the afternoon visit the ancient capital of Georgia- Mtskheta and visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11^th c) and Jvari Monastery, located on a hilltop (6^th-7^th cc).

Day 10: Departure

Transfer to the airport to catch your departure flight.