A fascinating and comprehensive journey through two cultural gems in the heart of Central Asia

Georgian and Armenian churches and monasteries are, almost without exception, built in stunning locations. Surrounded by forests, perched on the top of dramatic gorges or silhouetted before snow-capped mountains, they draw us to magnificent open spaces filled with a huge variety of trees and wild flowers. Embracing Christianity in the 4th century, both Georgia and Armenia have pre-Christian and pagan sites which we will visit. We see wonderful mountains, lakes and waterfalls which provide cooling breezes in the countryside whilst the cafes and restaurants of Tbilisi and Yerevan are proof of the emerging economies. Beautiful scenery is plentiful in both countries as Mount Ararat towers majestically over Yerevan and we can see the Caucasus mountains from Tbilisi on a clear day.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start Yerevan. 2 Morning sightseeing; afternoon drive to pagan temple at Garni; on to Geghard Monastery; return to Yerevan. 3 Visit Echmiadzin Cathedral, the centre of the Armenian Church; to ruins of Zvartnots; afternoon trip to Ambered Fortress and walk on Mt. Aragats; return Yerevan. 4 To holy site of Khor Virap Monastery; wine tasting at Areni village before walk amid Noravank Monastery complex; visit Tatev monastery; to Goris. 5 To Lake Sevan via Selim Caravanserai; walk to Sevanavank monastery; overnight near Lake Sevan. 6 Drive/walk to and explore Haghartsin Monastery; afternoon walk in nearby forest; to Dzoraget. 7 Visit mediaeval monuments at Sanahin or Haghpat before crossing Georgian border; to Tbilisi. 8 Walking tour of Tbilisi including markets, ancient baths, Sioni Cathedral and Synagogue; afternoon free to explore. 9 Transfer to Kazbegi village for views of Mt. Kazbek; alpine walk on slopes visiting Gergeti Trinity Church; to ski resort of Gudauri. 10 To Gori; visit Stalin Museum; continue on to Uplistsikhe pre-Christian cave town; to Kutaisi. 11 Explore Kutaisi UNESCO sites of Begrati and Gelati; walk in picturesque Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park; to Bakuriani. 12 Visit Mtskheta, former capital of Georgia; afternoon drive along the "wine route" to Kakheti; en route local cheese tasting; overnight in Telavi. 13 Explore Alaverdi Cathedral; to citadel complex at Gremi; afternoon forest walk to Nekresi Monastery; to Tbilisi. 14 End Tbilisi.

Mode of travel: Travel by private bus or minibus, reasonable fitness required. There are 3 days which involve long drives.
Group size: Min. 8, max. 16, plus local leader, driver and local guides.
Accommodation: 11 nights hotels and 2 nights guesthouses. Two nights are with shared facilities across two - three rooms.
Food: All breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners included.
Trip Reference: AXC
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an "R" in the dates and prices table below.