Day 1. Join tour Yerevan
Day 2. In Yerevan; visit Garni
Situated in the shadow of mighty Mt Aragats (4090m) the capital of Armenia is a busy and cosmopolitan city, looking to the future but deeply rooted in its often tragic past. On a clear day there are splendid views across the Ararat Plain to the silhouette of Turkey’s Mt Ararat (5165m), once part of ‘Greater Armenia’ and to many Armenians still symbolic of a glorious past. We firstly visit the remarkable Matenadaran library which houses over 17,000 rare manuscripts. Afterwards we drive up to the extraordinary Roman site of Garni, located in a Nature Reserve east of Yerevan. The main attraction here is the exceptionally well preserved Temple of the Sun, built in AD77. The architecture of Garni, whilst interesting in its own right, seems bizarrely out of place here on the upland plateaux of Armenia, so far from the rest of the Hellenistic world. We also visit the nearby monastery of Gegard before returning to Yerevan. 3 hotel H+ (included meals: B).
Day 3. In Yerevan; visit Holy Echmiadzin
This morning we visit the ruins of St Gregory’s church just outside Yerevan at Zvartnots, one of the earliest churches in Armenia and in its day reputedly one of the most beautiful in the world. Then to Echmiadzin, the former capital, to visit the holiest monastery complex in the country. We hope to see at least part of the Sunday service here before returning to Yerevan. This afternoon we will visit the Genocide Memorial Complex, after which you will be at leisure and there is the chance to stroll through the ‘Vernissage’, an open air weekend handicraft market. (Included meals: B).
Day 4. Full day visit to the Amberd Fortress
Leaving the capital, we head northwest and make an excursion to the Amberd Fortress on the southern flank of Mount Aragats. Its construction began in the 7th century and continued through into the 11th century. The Fortress is surrounded by cliffs on three sides, which protected it for a long time, until Tamerlane managed to sack it in the 14th century. We take a short walk and on a clear day the views over the Ararat Plain are spectacular. The highlight however is the view of Mt Ararat, the legendary resting place of Noah’s Ark. (Included meals: B).
Day 5. Drive via Khor, Virab, Noravank Monastery, Selim Pass to Chambarak
We depart Yerevan and travel south through the plains of Ararat to visit Khor Virab Monastery. Mount Ararat rises behind the monastery providing a great opportunity for photos. Our next stop is Noravank Monastery, situated on the hill of a twisted gorge. The Noravank Monastery is not only a place of breathtaking natural beauty but also an architectural delight. We take the road over the Selim Pass – a thoroughfare since the medieval ages when the Silk Road was operating. Continuing on we reach the turquoise blue waters of Lake Sevan, located 1900m above sea level and famous both for its ever changing hues and fresh fish. We overnight on its shores at Chambarak.Overnight hotel H+ (included meals: B, D).
Day 6. Drive to Tbilisi
On our last morning in Armenia we drive across rugged, mountainous terrain to the Dilizan Nature Reserve, where we visit on foot the remote monastery of Haghartsin. Constructed over a period of 300 years, this remarkable monastery blends harmoniously with the hills and forests that surround it. Continuing our journey north we stop at the Monastery of Haghpat: a UNESCO World Heritage Site on account of its outstanding ecclesiastical architecture. Crossing the border in the afternoon, we arrive in Georgia and continue to the capital, Tbilisi. Time permitting, there may be the opportunity to take a stroll up to the Narikala Citadel for fine views over the city or perhaps take a relaxing sulphur bath for which Tbilisi is famous. 2 nights guesthouse H(included meals: B).
Day 7. In Tbilisi
The capital of Georgia is an ancient and cosmopolitan city; there is a synagogue, a mosque, a Georgian basilica, an Armenian church and a Zoroastrian Fire-Worshipper’s temple all within a 15 minutes walk. One of Europe’s most fascinating capitals, we include a half day orientation tour on foot which takes in the important Church of Metecki, Siohi Cathedral and the State Museum of Georgia, allowing plenty of time free to wander the boulevards and back streets of the city, absorbing its unique ambience. (Included meals: B).
Day 8. Drive via Mtskheta to Kutaisi
We leave the capital this morning and drive to Mtskheta, the spiritual heart of Georgia. Here we visit what is considered to be the most sacred place in Georgia, the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. The 9th century basilica contains the grave of Sidonia, who was said to have been buried holding Christ’s robe. We also visit the 6th century Jvari church before driving via Khosuri and Surami into the hills towards the Rikoti Pass, claimed to be a watershed between Asia and Europe. Here the road winds through narrow, forested valleys before dropping onto the fertile plains of the Rioni, Georgia’s most important river. Arriving in Kutaisi, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Colchis, we check into our guesthouse for a two night stay. It was here that Jason stole King Aeetes the Golden Fleece when he fell in love with the king’s daughter Medea. Kutaisi has always been an important town throughout the ages and for many years was the capital of Georgia, when Tbilisi was occupied by the Arabs. The period between the reigns of King Bagrat and Queen Tamar (roughly 900 – 1200) was the golden age for Kutaisi and most of the significant buildings date from this time. Now it is the main city of the Imereti region and here the people are renowned for their sense of humour and also a special kind of ‘khachapuri’ – the cheese bread unique to Georgia. 2 nights guesthouse H (included meals: B, D).
Day 9. In Kutaisi; visit Gelati and Motsameta
This morning we drive to the magnificent monastery complex at Gelati, which consists of a variety of churches and the Academy building. It was founded in 1106 by King David the Builder in gratitude to God for his victories over the Turks. The King wanted it to serve as a centre of Christendom, so as well as scholars many religious artists studied here. Many of the treasures which were made here have been lost over the centuries, however the buildings and frescos in them are extremely well preserved, and the setting of the monastery on a hillside with views over to the distant Caucasus peaks is attractive. Later we drive via the smaller monastery of Motsameta, spectacularly sited on a cliff-edge, back to our guesthouse in Kutaisi. During free time this afternoon, it is possible to walk from our guesthouse through the attractive back streets to Bagrati Cathedral, completed in 1003. As with many cathedrals, it has been added to throughout the ages and today maintains grandeur and nobility despite its ruined state. (Included meals: B, D).
Day 10. Drive to Bakuriani
We appreciate the amazing diversity of landscape in this small country during today’s drive. Heading for the alpine meadows of Bakuriani we retrace our route before turning south to drop into the majestic deciduous forests of the Borjomi Gorge. Stopping briefly at Ubisi church, well known for its 14th century murals, this small complex dates back to the 9th century. We then continue on to the picturesque mountain resort of Bakuriani which will be our base for the next two nights. There is plenty of time this afternoon to explore the area independently. 2 nights hotel H+ (included meals: B, D).
Day 11. In Bakuriani; visit Vardzia
The first stop on our excursion today is a visit to Khertvisi Fortress, dramatically situated on a cliff above the confluence of two major rivers. Later we enjoy a leisurely visit to one of Georgia’s most significant sites: the cave town of Vardzia. Established by King Giorgi III in the 12th century as a stronghold against the Turkish Sultanate (the Turkish border is only 10km away), Vardzia was subsequently developed by his daughter, Tamar (later to become Queen Tamar), who created a cave monastery that became a centre of Georgian culture. This network of caves above the Mtkvari (Kura) river once numbered 3,000, with up to 19 tiers in some places. Much of it was destroyed after a huge earthquake in 1456 and only 550 caves have been discovered. There are numerous churches, meeting halls, refectories and wine cellars, all interconnected by tunnels and stairways. We return to our hotel in Bakuriani for a second night. (Included meals: B, D).
Day 12. To Gudauri
Leaving the mountains behind we continue our journey, stopping at Gori, where perhaps Georgia’s most famous son, Stalin, was born. Here we visit the museum and learn much about his life. Interestingly he initially began training as a priest in the Georgian Seminary, before abandoning religion to become a brigand and join the new Bolshevik movement. It has been suggested too that Georgia escaped the worst horrors of Stalin’s regime because he was afraid of his conservative, Christian mother! Later we drive to the ‘cave town’, Uplistikhe. Here an entire town of streets, churches, palaces and residential buildings has been carved into the mountainside. Dating from the first millennium BC, it gradually grew to be an important city on the trade route linking Byzantium with India and China. We drive east and then north into the snowy Caucasus. Driving up the Georgian Military Highway, a highly important strategic link across the mountains to the northern Caucasus. This route has been an important trade route from the earliest times and was described by Strabo as ‘the dangerous mountain route’. En route we’ll pay a visit to the Ananuri architectural complex. We reach Gudauri and check into our hotel for a two night stay. 2 nights hotel H+ (included meals: B, D).
Day 13. In Gudauri; visit Kazbegi
The Kazbegi region is very picturesque, with alpine meadows and towering snow-capped mountains behind – Gudauri itself is a ski resort in the winter. The day is spent exploring this region. We plan to walk from Kazbegi town through Gergeti village and up to the Church of the Holy Trinity, stunningly located on a hilltop overlooking the snowy peaks of the Caucasus Mountains, (approx. 3 hours walk). The area is a treasure trove of mythology – it was to Mt Kazbegi, (the highest peak in this region standing majestically at 5047m), that Prometheus was chained. This part of the Caucasus is a protected area, and is home to a variety of flora and fauna. Georgia has over 100 different mammals, and although the European bison and Caucasian leopard have become extinct, there are still wolves and bears in the mountains. (Included meals: B, D).
Day 14. To Telavi and Winery visit
The Kakheti region is famous for its wine production and today we pay a visit to a local winery that has been operating for over 300 years. We’ll have the chance to sample both red and white wines before continuing to the town of Telavi. Overnight guesthouse H (included meals: B, L, D).
Day 15. Visit Kakheti; drive to Tbilisi
Telavi is the main town for the Kakheti province, a wide and fertile valley overlooked by the snowy peaks of the Caucasus Mountains. From Telavi we visit the elegant Alaverdi Cathedral, dedicated to St George. Finally we drive back to the capital Tbilisi for our last night (accompanied by Georgian National Guide, not by Explore Tour Leader). Overnight hotel H (included meals: B).
Day 16. Tour ends Tbilisi
(Included meals: B).
