15 days Tour of Armenia and Georgia

Today departure to Yerevan (Armenia), on the way visit to the beautifully monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin. Both are masterpieces of medieval Armenian church architecture and are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Haghpat Monastery was founded in 976 during the reign of King Ashot III Bagratouni. The oldest building of the monastery is the Church of St. Nshan. It is a domed hall type that was consecrated in 991. The monastery complex also includes: a small domed church of St.Grigor, the chapel of St.Astvatsatsin, the scriptorium and the refectory located outside the monastery boundaries. Then visit to the Akhtala fortress and to the monastery, built as an Armenian church in the 10th century, but in the early 13th century the church was converted into a Georgian church. The frescoes inside are still clearly visible, which makes this church unique in the area of ​​present-day Armenia. At the beginning of the 19th century, this monastery became the center of the Greek Orthodox Church in the Caucasus. To this day it is an important pilgrimage center for the Greeks. Tour continues to Dilijan, also known as Armenian Switzerland. It attracts visitors with whip forests, fertile meadows, river Aghstev, beautiful and peaceful nature. Overnight in Dilijan

One of the world's high-altitude lakes is Lake Sevan. It is one of the main tourist attractions of Armenia. You take the stairs to the top of the Sevan Peninsula to enjoy breathtaking scenery with beautiful mountain ranges surrounding the glistening surface of the lake. Now it's time to discover the secrets of Sevan Monastery dating back to the 9th century. St. Arakelots and St. Astvatsatsin churches are beautiful examples of Armenian church architecture from the Middle Ages.Garni Temple is the only pagan temple in an area of ​​Armenia built by the Armenian king Trdat the First in the 1st century AD. It is dedicated to the Sky God Mithras. The Garni Temple is located about 20 miles (32 km) east of Yerevan and the complex is home to a number of buildings, including a royal palace, a Roman bath and a church. Destroyed by an earthquake in 1679, the Garni Temple was rebuilt in the 1970s and now consists of both original and replacement stonework. Geghard (UNESCO World Heritage Site in Armenia) is an incredible medieval Armenian monastery, partially carved out of a mountain. Although the monastery existed before the 4th century, the main cathedral was built in 1215. The existing ensemble dates from the 12th-13th centuries, the time of the floyouring of national culture, especially architecture. Overnight in Yerevan.

One of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, Yerevan was once the crossroads of several important trade routes, increasing its importance in the region. The city was redesigned in the early 1900s, when beautiful parks and squares youre added to the historic part. You start our day at the Victory Park, located on a hill north of the city, where you will see the toyouring statue of Mother Armenia up close. The next stop is the Matenadaran Museum, which houses a unique collection of ancient manuscripts on such lofty subjects as philosophy, law, mathematics, medicine and geography. Tour continues to Cascade, a long staircase next to several levels of fountains with an amazing sculpture square by world famous artists such as Botero, Chadwick, Flanagan and then to Republic Square with its beautiful buildings enhanced by singing fountains. Then via North Avenue, an ambitious project of independent Armenia to Freedom Square and the Opera House. In the afternoon you also visit the Genocide Memorial and the museum located there. Possible visit to National Museum of Armenia.Overnight in Yerevan.

Today you drive through the most fertile Ararat Valley and stop for 45 minutes at the medieval monastery of Chor Virap (4-17c) with incredible views of the glorious Mount Ararat. Chor Virap has its special place in the history of Armenia and in the adoption of Christianity as a state religion in 301. The name Chor Virap means a Deep Dungeon, where Gregory the Illuminator was held by King Trdat for 13 years and survived, thus gaining the true God and true religion. Then an unforgettable tour to the Vayots Dzor region. The next stop is at Noravank Monastery (9-14c), master Momik's masterpiece. The recently excavated and very youll-preserved Copper Age settlement, Bird's Cavern, reveals the secrets of 6,000 years of wine production in Armenia. The site features incredible items unearthed in 2008-2010, including the world's oldest shoe dating back 5,500 years. It will be explored the ritual and burial chambers of the unique cave. Overnight stay in Yerevan.

Today you leave for Vardzia (Georgia), on the way you visit the Echmiadzin Cathedral and then the second largest city in Armenia, Gyumri, take a city walk there and continue to Vardzia.

Today, in the morning, you will visit the caves of Vardzia ( 12th century), then you will leave for Kutaisi, but before Kutaisi you will visit the Gelati (12th century) and Motsameta (9th century) monasteries. Then continuing to Kutaisi.

Today you visit the amazing natural Prometheus Cave, formed in Sataphlia-Tskaltubo karst massif.[2] The total length of the cave is about 11 km, of which 1800 m are open to visitors. The cave has a total of 22 halls, six of which are currently open to tourists. Visitors currently could experience these caves at depths of about 80 mts below ground level. After leave for the city of Vani, where you will visit an archaeological museum. Then return to Kutaisi and overnight.

In the morning you drive to Kazbegi. On the way you stop in Gori - the heart of the Kartli region where it will be visited the Stalin Museum. After the museum it continues to Kazbegi, making some stops along the way to enjoy the beauty of the Caucasus. Overnight in Kazbegi.

From Kazbegi you drive through beautiful valleys and forests to the Gergeti Trinity Church located at 2170m, with a beautiful view of the Caucasus and the city of Kazbegi. If the weather permits, you can catch a glimpse of one of the highest glaciers in the Caucasus - Mount Kazbegi (5047m). Then drive through the impressive Dariali gorge, to the border with Russia.

From Kazbegi visit the ancient capital and the religious center of Georgia - Mtskheta and the historical Jvari Monastery (6th century) and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century) - both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Then moving to Kakheti region, famous for its wine growing, taking a road via beautiful Gombori pass and arriving in the city of Telavi. Overnachting in Telavi.

On this day, travel to Kakheti where there will be the visit to the house museum of Alexander Chavchavadze and then leaving for the town of Kvareli with the excursion in the vinery and tasting of local wines. Then visit to a typical Kakhetian family for a lunch with local traditional food and home-made wines. In the evening moving to Signagi to spend the night there.

Today leave back to Tbilisi, but before stop to the David Gareja monastery complex in caves, founded in the 6th century, located in a stark semi-desert landscape. After David Gareji continuing to Tbilis and overnight.

Visit to the Old Tbilisi - Metekhi church (13^th century), to the Narikala fortress (5^th fortress), to the Sulfurous baths, to the Synagogue, the Mosque, the Karvasla, the Sioni Cathedral (6-7^th centuries) and  walking on the rustaveli avenue. In the evening goodbye dinner in a traditional Georgian restaurant with traditional dances and songs. Overnight in Tbilisi.

Check out and transfer to the airport of Tbilisi. End of the tour.