Georgia and Armenia - Caucasus Discovery

Itinerary

Day 1 - Tbilisi
Arrive in Tbilisi and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight Hotel Tori or similar.

Day 2 - Tbilisi
A guided walking tour around Tbilisi, taking in the fascinating history of this long overlooked region. We spend the day discovering sites such as the National Museum, home to many of the treasures that inspired the legend of the golden fleece, as well as the Narikala citadel, Metekhi Temple and the Sioni Cathedral, among other sites. Overnight Hotel Tori or similar. (BL)

Day 3 – Mtskheta - Kazbegi
We leave Tbilisi and drive to Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia. Mtskheta is packed full of historical monuments and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We explore the 11th century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and the 6th century Jvari Monastery before heading north along the Georgian Military Highway. We stop at the fortress of Ananauri before driving through dramatic scenery to Kazbegi. Surrounded by gigantic mountains Kazbegi is a picturesque settlement overlooked by the biggest of all - Mount Kazbek (5047m) - one of the six 5000 metre peaks of the Caucasus. We walk up to the Church of the Holy Trinity, beautifully situated on the hill above the town and providing splendid views of Mt. Kazbek.Overnight Hotel Stepantsminda or similar. (BLD)

Day 4 – Gelati – Kutaisi
We leave Mt Kazbek behind and drive to Kutaisi, in the west, where we visit the Bagrati Cathedral and the Gelati Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site founded in the 12th century. Overnight in a local guesthouse. (BLD)

Day 5 - Mestia, Svaneti
Drive to Zugdidi to start our journey into the mythical land of Svaneti. Passing villages we visit the 11th century Latali church, before reaching Mestia, the ‘capital’ of Svaneti. We stay tonight in a local home to experience the traditional hospitality that Georgia is so renowned for. (BLD)

Day 6 - Ushguli
Morning drive to Ushguli village, the highest permanently inhabited village in Europe at 2400 metres. On the way we visit Nakipari church. On arrival in Ushguli we explore on foot, visiting the stunning medieval towers as well as Lamaria Church. Those who wish can take an easy hike along the valley leading to the foot of Mount Shkhara (5201m). Overnight in local house, Mestia. (BLD)

Day 7 - Bakuriani
We leave Svaneti behind and drive south to Bakuriani, in the Lesser Caucasus. En route we visit the 9th century Ubsi church. Overnight Hotel Eurika or similar. (BLD)

Day 8 - Vardzia – Gyumri
Drive along the Kura Valley to the cave town Vardzia, dating back to the 12th century. On the way we also stop at Khertvisi fortress, built in the Middle Ages. We explore the caves before heading to the border with Armenia. After border formalities we enter Armenia and drive to the city of Gyumri for the night. Overnight Araks Hotel or similar. (BL)

Day 9 – Haghpat – Sanahin - Dilijan - Sevan
Visit the superb monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, before continuing to Dilijan and then the vast Lake Sevan to visit the monastery of Sevanavank, situated on the lake shore. Overnight Bohemian Resort or similar. (BLD)

Day 10 – Noraduz – Tatev – Goris
Drive across the Selim Pass, visiting the 14th century caravanserai along the way, a superbly preserved building reminiscent of old Silk Road journeys. We stop at Noraduz to see the vast field of elaborate khachkars (carved crosses) and then continue to Tatev monastery. We end our day at Goris, one of Armenia’s most attractive towns. Overnight Mirhav Hotel or similar. (BLD)

Day 11 – Nagorno Karabakh
Cross the border into the unrecognised state of Nagorno Karabakh. We stop first at Shushi to see the Ghazanchetsots church and then continue to the capital, Stepanakert. Explore the city including the market and the 13th century Gandzasar monastery. Overnight Armenia Hotel or similar. (BLD)

Day 12 – Noravank – Khor Virap – Yerevan
Leave Nagorno Karabakh and drive to Noravank Monastery, one of the most splendid monuments of medieval Armenia and built in a stunning location. From here we head to Khor Virap, a once famous pilgrimage site with great views of Mt Ararat. Our final destination for today is Yerevan, a very pleasant city with a cosmopolitan feel to it and some spectacular architecture. Overnight Metropol Hotel or similar. (BLD)

Day 13 – Yerevan
Explore Yerevan on a tour of some of the city’s highlights. We visit the Matenadaran Museum, housing a unique collection of ancient manuscripts, and the Genocide Museum to learn about Armenia’s tragic recent history. We also explore some of the city’s architectural highlights including Republic Square and Abovyan Street. Overnight Metropol Hotel or similar. (BLD)

Day 14 – Echmiadsin – Garni – Geghard
Visit the religious complex of Echmiadsin, Armenia’s ‘Vatican’. We then head to the 1st century Roman style temple at Garni, before heading to the cave monastery at Geghard, supposedly once home to the spear that that pierced Christ on the cross. Overnight Metropol Hotel or similar. (BLD)

Day 15 - Yerevan
Tour ends. (B)