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Day 1/Fri: Arrival /15km/
Meet with your driver at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Check in from 14:00. Free time. Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan.
Meals /_;_;_/
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Day 2 /Sat: Yerevan city tour, Echmiadzin city, Zvartnots temple /60-70km/
After breakfast Yerevan city tour - city which is 2800 years old! The history of Yerevan dates back to the 8th century BC, with the founding of the fortress of Erebuni in 782 BC. In Soviet years Yerevan underwent massive reconstruction, following architect Alexander Tamanyan's plan to make a "perfect city". During the tour you will explore the major touristic sights of the city. Continue tour to Echmiadzin which is considered the spiritual center for Armenians all over the world! The word itself means a place where “the only begotten son of the God descended”. Visit to Hripsime church (7th century), one of the finest works of Armenian architecture of the classical period. On the way back to Yerevan visit ruins of Zvartnots cathedral (7th century) – monument which embodies the centuries old traditions of Armenian architects. Zvartnots is an outstanding monument of world architecture, an evidence of the high level of the development of the artistic and engineering thought in the 7th-century Armenia. Hripsime cathedral and Zvartnots temple are listed as a World Cultural Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan.
Meals /B,_,_/
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Day 3/Sun: Garni temple, Geghard Monastery, local food market /100-110km/
After breakfast tour to Geghard cave monastery (12th—13th centuries) - another incredible ancient Armenian monastery, partly carved out of a mountain. Though the monastery has been around since before the 4th century, the main cathedral was built in 1215. Geghard monastery is listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO. In the village Garni in private house master class of Armenian traditional bread “lavash” backing. Continue tour to Garni template (1st century AD) - the structures of Garni combine elements of Hellenistic culture, which is an evidence of antique influences and the distinctive building traditions of the Armenian people. Back to Yerevan and visit to food&fruit market which is well set out with a beautiful array of dried fruits, nuts, local homemade sweets and etc. perfect for gifts back home. Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan.
Meals /B,_,_/
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Day 4/Mon: Karmravor, Aruchavank – Gyumri /140-150km/
After breakfast start tour to Ashtarak for visiting Karmravor church - a 7th-century Armenian Apostolic church. Karmravor meaning "reddish" because of the color of its dome, also known as the Church of Holy Mother of God. Continue tour to Aruchavank or the Cathedral of Aruch situated on a rocky plateau at the western foot of Mount Aragats. According to wall inscriptions on the east wall and manuscripts written by historians Ghevond, Hovhannes Draskhanakerttsi, and Stepanos Asoghik, the church and adjoining building for residence were commissioned by Prince Grigor Mamikonian and his wife Heghine/Heline between 661-682 AD. Architecturally it is one of the most important Armenian churches of the Middle Ages and also one of the largest. Drive to Gyumri and city tour in Gyumri – the cultural capital of Armenia. During the city tour visit the oldest part of Gyumri, the Black Fortress, which has a history of 3,000 years. In Gyumri there are many architectural buildings from 19th century. Overnight at the hotel in Gyumri.
Meals /B,L,_/
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Day 5/Tue: Gyumri - Bavra – Poka – Tbilisi /240-250km/
After breakfast transfer to the border of Armenia & Georgia. In Crossing Point change of transport and guide. Start tour to Georgia accompanied by the local guide and driver or guide-driver. Continue tour to Poka nunnery, visiting the monks and explore the religious life and their handmade things, even candles. Transfer to the capital of Georgia. Overnight at the hotel in Tbilisi.
Meals /B,_,_/
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Day 6/Fri: Tbilisi - Mtskheta - Uplistsikhe - Tbilisi city sightseeing tour /210km/
After breakfast at the hotel tour to the ancient capital and religious center of Georgia Mtskheta. Visit Jvari monastery - overlooking Mtskheta city and enjoy the breathtaking view of confluence of Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers. Continue the way to the former capital of Georgia - Mtskheta and see the Grand 11th century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Get ready to explore the cave city of Uplistsikhe with stunning views over Mtkvari River and surrounding villages. Tbilisi – the capital city where you can travel, live, love and collect the best experiences in your life. You will visit the most interesting places of the old city. Overnight at the hotel in Tbilisi.
Meals /B,_,_/
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Day 7/ Sat: Tbilisi - Sighnaghi - Bodbe - Nekresi - Telavi /290-300km/
After breakfast start tour to Kakheti Region - the cradle of wine. Start the day with Sighnaghi - Tiny city of narrow and cobbled stone streets decorated with colorful wooden balconies and defended by about 4km. length wall – allowed walking on it. Enjoy the breathtaking views from the old wall of the city overlooking Alazani Valley. Visit one of the most beautiful monasteries in Georgia – Bodbe monastery. Continue the way to Nekresi monastery one of the oldest complexes in Kvareli. Explore tiny and beautiful city - Telavi, which has always used to be the administrative center of eastern part of Georgia and capital of Kartl-Kakheti Kingdom in XVII-XVIIIcc. Visiting local market. Overnight at the hotel in Tbilisi.
Meals /B,_,_/
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Day 8/ Sun: Tbilisi - Ananuri - Zhinvali - Gudauri - Kazbegi /300-310km/
After Breakfast head to Kazbegi through the picturesque Military Highway of Georgia. On the way visiting Ananuri Fortress one of the most important complexes in Georgia. Enjoy the breathtaking views from Friendship Monument in Gudauri, which is one of the popular ski resorts in Georgia. Continue the way to the height. Drive up to Gergeti Trinity church and embrace Georgian mountains. Overnight at the hotel in Tbilisi.
Meals /B,_,_/
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Day 9/ Mon: Departure /18km/
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Tbilisi international airport;
Meals /B,_,_/
