Caucase Tresory

Overview

Itinerary

• Day
  1

  Tbilissi

  Arrival at Tbilisi airport, transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Tbilisi

• Day
  2

  City Tour / National Museum of Georgia

  Discovered in one of the oldest and most remarkable cities in the world, Tbilisi, located at the crossroads of the West and the East, highlights the colors of the East and the refinement of the West. Today we will navigate through the old town on foot and see the main sites: historic buildings with magnificent facades, neighborhoods filled with terraces, typical houses with beautifully carved balconies, beautiful narrow alleys and superb examples of modern architecture. Taking the cable car to Narikala Fortress, the whole city will open up before your eyes so you can make the most of a beautiful panoramic view of Tbilisi. Then we will visit the National Museum of Georgia. The archaeological treasures that are on display here are a guarantee that Georgia is, indeed, the land of the Golden Fleece. Overnight at hotel in Tbilisi

• Day
  3

  Djvari Church / Svetitskhoveli Cathedral / Ananouri Complex

  In the morning, drive to the ancient Georgian capital, Mtskheta. Here you will visit two extremely sacred places: the Djvari monastery (6th century), from which a sublime view opens, then the main Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century), built of greenish stones, an exceptional example of ecclesiastical architecture and where, according to legend, the Holy Shroud of Jesus was buried. Both sites are listed as World Heritage by UNESCO. Continuation towards the Ananouri fortress (17th century) which overlooks the magnificent Zhinvali dam. You will observe the engraved facades of its main church, one can appreciate the work of the craftsmen of the time: crosses, archangels, fictitious creatures, and trees of life. It is a unique example of Georgian ecclesiastical architecture. Overnight in Stephantsminda

• Day
  4

  Gergeti Trinity Church / Wine cellar in Kaspi / The cave town of Ouplistsikhé

  Morning excursion by 4x4 to visit the 14th century Guérguéti monastery (2,170 m.). There is a splendid view that opens from the monastery to the Caucasus mountains. If time allows, we will see one of Georgia's most impressive peaks - Kazbegui (5053m). If we are lucky we can also observe birds of prey. Departure for the town of Kaspi. Here we will taste Georgian wines and learn about 8,000 year old preparation methods. The Georgian winemaking method is listed in the Intangible Heritage of UNESCO. The old Silk Road leads to Ouplistsikhé - an ancient rock-cut troglodyte town (5th century BC), - an important crossroads of the famous Silk Road and one of the most important pagan religious centers from pre-Christian Georgia. You will find beautiful caves very well preserved there. Overnight in Tbilisi

• Day
  5

  Tbilisi / Kakheti / Sighnaghi / Kisiskhevi / Tbilisi

  Today we will go to the Kakhethi region, famous for its remarkable hospitality, fertile fields, huge vineyards and excellent wine. And of course, we will taste the wines here and experience traditional methods of preparation, which have been around for over 8,000 years. Georgian winemaking technology is on UNESCO's list of Intangible Heritage. We will visit the small town of Sighnaghi, which enchants visitors with its special charm. Here you can see old houses with typical Georgian carved balconies. Signaghi with its incredible location, perched on a high hill, faces the snow-capped Caucasus looming in the distance through the vast Alazani valley. Wine tasting. Next, we will make a photo stop in the ancient capital of Kakheti, Telavi. Return to Tbilisi. Overnight in Tbilisi

• Day
  6

  Tabilisi / Bagratashen / Haghpat Monastery

  Road to the Geo - Armenian border Bagratashen. Changement of the guide and the vehicle and continue your journey from the Bagratashen border (this may take more or less an hour). Continue on to Haghpat Monastery (10th century), one of the most important spiritual and cultural centers, which had a folk school and a printing press. The ensemble is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique architectural design as well as for its famous gavit (sacristy). Night in Dilijan

• Day
  7

  Dilijan / Sevanavank Monastery / Garni Temple / Lavache and Brduj Cooking Experience / Geghard Monastery

  Head to Dilijan to enjoy its natural and architectural monuments from Antiquity, the mountains and forests that surround you everywhere in the city. In the "Old Town" you will discover unique balconies and terraces, typical of 19th century Dilijan, which testify to the region's historic love for fine carpentry. Visit the 9th century monastic complex on the Sevan Peninsula named Sevanavank. The peninsula can be called the point from where one can see all the beauty of Lake Sevan. Visit of the Garni village, famous for its 1st century Hellenistic Pagan temple. It is the only pagan temple that has survived after the Christianization of Armenia. The place is particularly famous for its beautiful landscapes and its extraordinary view of the gorges and surrounding mountains. Experience of cooking Lavache (traditional Armenian bread; UNESCO Cultural Heritage). Familiarize yourself with the preparation technique. After that, taste the "brduj" (stuffed bun) and taste the freshly baked bread, stuffed with young cheese and local herbs. Visit of Geghard Monastery (4th century AD and a UNESCO World Heritage Site with enhanced protection). It contains a number of churches and tombs, most of them carved out of rock, illustrating the pinnacle of medieval Armenian architecture. The complex of medieval buildings is set in a landscape of great natural beauty, surrounded by immense cliffs at the entrance to the Azat valley. The place is most famous among locals for christening ceremonies and weddings, so you will very often be a special participant in traditional events when you visit the site. Overnight at hotel in Yerevan

• Day
  8

  Khor Virap Monastery / Bird Cave (Areni 1) / Noravank Monastery

  In Yerevan Visit of the Monastery of Khor Virap ("deep pit"), (4th century BC) at the foot of Mount Ararat. Also enjoy the magnificent view of the biblical mountain of Ararat where Noah's ark anchored. * Please note that visibility may be difficult depending on weather conditions. Visit the Bird Cave (Areni-1), a 6,100-year-old winery located in Areni village. There you will make an interesting excursion to an ancient cave with a fascinating and mysterious past. The oldest leather shoe in the world (5,500 years old), now kept at the History Museum of Armenia, was discovered there during archaeological excavations. Visit the Noravank Monastery, an architectural gem nestled in brick red cliffs, just above a deep gorge. Built in the 13th century, the monastery is a fine example of the ornate architecture of the time. Overnight at hotel in Yerevan

• Day
  9

  Matenadaran / Zvartnots Cathedral / Etchmiadzin Cathedral / Yerevan City Tour

  Visit of "Matenadaran", which houses the largest repository in the world of ancient Armenian illuminated manuscripts. In the funds of Matenadaran, you will have the chance to see the largest book weighing 28 kilograms, and the smallest weighing only 19 grams. Every nation can find something of interest in this research institute as it is a unique place and it has over 18,000 manuscripts from all over the world. Visit of the 7th century Zvartnots Cathedral (UNESCO World Heritage), which was excavated and rebuilt at the beginning of the 20th century. The bold design and construction of the ensemble represents architectural innovation at its peak. It is originally a masterpiece of the Middle Ages. Because of his unique design and architectural techniques, he had a worldwide influence on the architecture of the time. Head to Etchmiadzin, the Center of Armenian Christianity, which is considered the "Vatican" city of Armenia with the Holy See of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Visit the Cathedral, built in 301-303 AD and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The first Christian state church in the world, the cathedral boasts of its unique architectural style and frescoes made over the centuries by a generation of painters belonging to one and the same dynasty. Legend has it that it was here that Jesus Christ came down from Heaven to show where he wanted a church to be built. NOTE: In the Etchmiadzin Cathedral there have recently been cosmetic reconstruction processes and a new layer of frescoes has been uncovered and by the announcement of the government the cathedral is blocked, as well as research and new excavations. This means that the visit to the cathedral will not be carried out and the guests might not see the interior of the church. Spend time in the Machanents Tourisme & Art center and offer you the opportunity to participate in different master classes: pottery, carpet making, puppet making, sujukh making, cooking fish in the sun, cooking lavash etc (at choose among all these activities). Depart for a half-day city tour of Yerevan that includes all of the capital's major sights. Yerevan is on the list of "the oldest permanently inhabited cities in the world", dating from the 8th century BC. The city is very lively with its open cafes, restaurants and local markets .... Enjoy a panoramic view of the Opera, the magnificent landscape of the two ice-covered Ararat Biblical mountains, Swan Lake, the Avenue du Nord and Place de la République which is considered one of the most surprising and famous places in the capital. Overnight at hotel in Yerevan

• Day
  10

  Yerevan - End of Trip

  Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Zvartnots International Airport for the return flight. End of trip