Georgia and Armenia are two of the most ancient Christian countries. They are situated on the crossroads of two great civilizations - Europe and Asia, harmoniously reflecting the blended influence in their culture and everyday life. Georgia and Armenia attract visitors with their hospitality, ancient history and over the centuries time tested traditions. Both countries adopted Christianity in the first half of the 4th century, although the new religion was preached here as far back as the 1st century. Surrounded and frequently invaded by Muslim neighbours they have been protecting their faith ever since and the brave hearted spirit is now reflected in their character. Dear travelers , we are happy to offer you our combined tour: Ancient Caucasus Georgia +Armenia Day 1: Departure for Yerevan Day 2: Yerevan – Garni – Geghard – Yerevan Early in the morning arrival to Yerevan and transfer to the Hotel. City tour around Yerevan. The history of Yerevan dates back to the 8th century BC. A little part of the capital citys 3,000 – year history has survived: Central Yerevan was once dominated by huge Soviet-style buildings, but now, due to the nowadays active constructions, many modern-style buildings appear and are going to appear. Then we head to Garni, a pagan temple and a summer residence for Armenian royalty. Later we head to Geghard dating back to the 4th century. In the evening we return to Yerevan. Day 3: Yerevan – Echmiatsin – Zvartnots – Yerevan Visit to the depositary of ancient manuscripts the Matenadaran which contains historical documents from all over Europe and Asia throughout many centuries. There is also the first copy of the Bible in Armenian and the Gospels that fascinate with their beautiful miniatures. Departure to Echmiadzin which is mere 20 km from Yerevan. Etchmiadzin Cathedral is known as the center of the Armenian – Gregorian Church and appears to be one of the worlds first Christian churches. Legend says that it was here that Jesus Christ descended from heaven to show were he wanted a church to be built. So Echmiadzin means “The only – begotten descended”. The Church was built between the years 301 – 303 AD under the Armenian king Tiridates III and the first Armenian Catholicos, St. Gregory the Illuminator. Return to Yerevan with stop at the ruins of Zvartnots temple – the pearl of the 7th century architecture (inscribed in UNESCO World Heritage list). Day 4: Yerevan – Khor Virap – Noravank – Yerevan Sightseeing tour to Khor Virap monastery (4 – 17th centuries) from Yerevan the monastery of KhorVirap has a very rich history, both religious and secular. Khor Virap was built in Artashat during the reign of the Arshakids dynasty. It is situated in the Ararat valley against the biblical Ararat Mountain, were Noahs ark cast anchor. Here you will also have an opportunity to take a lit candle from the pit like His holiness Paul II did while his visit to Khor Virap. Continue tour to Noravank monastery – a great religious and cultural centre of 12th c. On the way visit Areni wine factory to taste local wine made from special sorts of grapes. Noravank (“New Monastery”) is 122 km away from Yerevan and is located in an inaccessible location throughout the stunning nature. Return to Yerevan. Day 5: Yerevan – Sevan – Dilijan – Armenia-Goergia Border (Bagratashen/Sadakhlo) – Tbilisi After breakfast visit to the peninsula for Sevan monasteries and nice view to lake Sevan. Start tour from Sevan to the North of Armenia through spectacular forested region of Dilijan, where you can walk through a museum street, with the buildings preserved from 19th century with the ceramics workshop and woodcarvers’ studio. Drive to Armenia–Georgia border and after all the formalities enter Georgia. Drive to Tbilisi – the capital of Georgia. Day 6: Tbilisi During the tour we take you to the old city. You can take a glance to the history of the city from early centuries to nowadays by walking in narrow streets of the city and exploring the religious and secular architecture. Here you find different religious buildings – churches, synagogues, mosque, as well as famous 19th century houses with wooden multi-colored balconies. You visit the sulfur bath which made an unforgettable impression on Pushkin, Lermontov, Dumas. During the tour you enjoy the superb panoramic views of the Old city. This marks the end of the Old Town. Afterwards we visit the stunning treasury of the Georgian History Museum, before taking a stroll along Rustaveli Avenue – the main street in Tbilisi. Day 7: Tbilisi – Mtskheta – Kutaisi In the morning we drive to the ancient capital and religious centre of Georgia – Mtskheta and visit its historical places: Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, where the Robe of Christ is buried. Both Jvari and Svetitskhoveli are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Today we travel to Imereti province in West Georgia – the famous Land of the Golden Fleece where Jason and the Argonauts sailed. We arrive in Kutaisi – the second largest city in the country and visit Gelati Monastery and Academy UNESCO World Heritage Site and natural grotto full of breathtaking stalactites and stalagmites. Day 8: Kutaisi – Gori – Gudauri In the morning we drive to visit the town of Gori – the heart of Kartli region and its historical places: Uplistsikhe Cave Town (1st millennium BC) and Stalin museum. Uplistsikhe is the place where the Great Silk Road used to pass. This is an old and interesting complex with dwelling quarters, wine – cellars, bakeries, a three-nave basilica church hewn out in rock and even an antic theater. We visit Stalin museum and then we drive up the Georgian military highway, on the way visit Ananuri architectural complex (17th century) – the two churches and the fortress overlooking water reservoir. The carvings on one of the churches are the best samples of the Georgian carving arts. The drive is very scenic through high Caucasus Mountains. Day 9: Gudauri – Kazbegi – Tbilisi In the morning a stunning drive from Gudauri along the Tergi River brings us to Kazbegi – the main town in the region. From Kazbegi a leisurely 2 hour walk up through beautiful valleys and woodland brings us to Gergeti Trinity Church located at 2170m. Weather permitting you may catch a glimpse of one of the highest glaciers in the Caucasus – Mt. Kazbegi (5047m). Then we take the same way back to drive to Tbilisi. Day 10: Tbilisi – Kakheti Region – Tbilisi We drive to Kakheti region well known for its wine producing. We enjoy superb views of Great Caucasus Mountains and valleys of Kakheti; Acknowledge traditions and culture of the country and region, taste wines and delicious food. Drive to fortified town of Sighnaghi (18th century). The town preserved its original image and now offers visitors stunning views of the surrounding Caucasus Mountains. We taste wine at a local winery and continue to a local family that hosts us with traditional Georgian meal for lunch. We pass by a farmer’s house to see an old wine-cellar. We get acquainted with the Georgian way of wine-making, quite different from the European one and drink typical Georgian wines straight from the clay jars kept under the ground. Before returning to Tbilisi visit Tsinandali Museum. Re-enter to Tbilisi. Day 11: Departure Transfer to the airport and departure. Price per person is from 580 EURO Price includes : Guide service , transportation , hotel accommodation 3* + , tickets to museums etc. For more information , please contact us : infotraveltogeorgia@gmail
Posted on: Fri, 26 Dec 2014 13:44:24 +0000
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