Diverse Landscapes

Day 1 Arrival in Tbilisi

Arrive in Tbilisi. Pick up from Tbilisi International Airport. Transfer to the Hotel.
Hotel accommodation and overnight in Tbilisi. 
Tbilisi city tour After breakfast at the hotel start a few unforgettable hours of familiarization with the capital. A charming town built in the 5th century along the twisting valley of Mtkvari River. All the places of interest are very close to each other, within a few minutes’ walk. Start our excursion from Metekhi (13th century) plateau, before reaching Narikala Fortress which dominates the skyline of the Old Town. Proceed to explore brick-domed underground sulphur baths (17th century) – the districts of naturally hot mineral waters and discover the hidden waterfall. Afterwards proceed to cafe street Shardeni, Synagogue, Sioni Cathedral and the most ancient Basilica in Tbilisi Anchiskhati (6th century). Walk across the Bridge of Peace which is a stunning design as well as convenient crossing between the newly constructed Rike Park and the Old Town. It also provides superb views over the city. Then visit National museum of Georgia that preserves and exhibits a unique collection of gold and silver artefacts and jewellery from the pre-Christian period from various regions of the country.
Hotel accommodation and overnight in Tbilisi.

Day 2 Tbilisi – Mtskheta – Ananuri – Kazbegi (190 km.)

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Mtskheta – an ancient capital of Georgia, important religious centre and city-museum which is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Along the way, we will stop to visit Jvari Monastery (6th century). This well-known monastery is located on the top of the mountain, at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers. Then head to Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century) which is known as a place where Christ’s robe was buried. Walk along the narrow streets of Mtskheta with souvenir shopping possibility. Later start our very scenic drive up through the High Caucasus Mountains along the Georgian Military Highway towards Kazbegi. Visit Ananuri architectural complex (17th century) overlooking a reservoir on the Aragvi River. On the way we will drive across the Cross Pass (2 395m.) and along the Tergi River that brings us to Kazbegi – located in the middle of glorious & breath-taking beauty of the Caucasus, at the bottom of Mount Kazbegi (5 047m.), it is a main town in this region.
Accommodation and overnight at the hotel in Kazbegi.

Day 3 Kazbegi – Juta – Kazbegi

After breakfast, drive to the remote villages of Sno and Juta. Juta village located right in the middle of the breath-taking Sno Valley, which is one of the highest settlements (2200 m) in the municipality of Kazbegi. From here, beautiful short walk goes southeast to the foot of Mt Chaukhi (3842m), a multipinnacle peak popular with climbers. Hike at the bottom of the mountain peaks along the river will bring us to Massif of Chiukhi – cliffy and gorgeous mount range.
Accommodation and overnight at the hotel in Kazbegi. (B/-/-)
Approx. walking time – 5 hours

Day 4 Kazbegi – Truso Gorge – Tbilisi (190 km)

After breakfast, drive to Truso Valley. Source of Tergi (Terek) River. Truso gorge is quite mystical and spectacular. This valley is well known for its mineral water springs, white/yellow travertines, mineral lake with bubbles, towers of Middle Ages. In the evening drive back to Tbilisi.
Hotel accommodation and overnight in Tbilisi.
Approx. walking time – 4-5 hours

Day 5 Tbilisi - Sadakhlo – Haghpat – Sanahin – Dilijan (250 km)

Meeting and Sadakhlo border to continue exploring Armenia. Start the hike fromthe Haghpat monastery to Sanahin monastery. The most important monasteries and educational institutions of the Middle Ages are hidden in the richest forested area in Armenia with remote villages. During the hike we’ll enjoy the incredible beauty of these monaasteries, amazingly lush nature and breath clean mountinous air. After the hike drive to Dilijan, Free time.
Accommodation and overnight at the hotel in Dilijan.
Hiking 2.5 hours.

Day 6 Dilijan – Sevan – Yerevan (160 km)

Breakfast at the hotel.
After breakfast we’’ start our daily tour. People say: “If paradise had mountains, forests, and mineral springs, it would be like Dilijan”. Due to the natural beauty of Dilijan is called “Little Armenian Switzerland”. Drive to Lake Parz. Hike to Goshavank Monastery. Goshavank (12-13th c.), located in the upper parts of the Agstev river. It is sorrounded with dense oak forests, beautiful gorges and it is unique with one of the most interesting and famous Armenian cross stones.
After the hike drive to Sevan, so called “Blue Pearl of Armenia”. This huge mountain lake, which takes up to 5% of Armenia’s surface area, is about 2,000 meters above sea level and is the second highest freshwater lake in the world.
Here we’ll visit the Sevanavank monastery or “The Black Monastery” built in the 9th century.
Accommodation and overnight at the hotel in Yerevan.
Hiking 3 hours, +250m, -300m

Day 7 Yerevan - Geghard - Garni – Yerevan

Breakfast at the hotel.
Above the gorge of the Azat River lies a magnificent monument of medieval Armenian architecture – the Geghard Monastery, inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Geghard is an incredibly old monastery, partially hidden in a rock. Drive to Geghard village to start the hike. We hike to the Symphony of stones. Visit to the sun temple of Garni (1,300m). Garni is a picturesque monument from the Hellenistic period and an impressive piece of ancient Armenian architecture. It was built by the Armenian king Tiridates in the first century AD, and is dedicated to a pagan god, probably Mithra, the god of the sun. Lunch at local house with Armenian flatbread ‘lavash’ baking masterclass in the underground stove ‘tonir’. Here we will enjoy freshly baked lavash rolled with cheese and greens – durum, the traditional Armenian sandwich.
Return to Yerevan.
Accommodation and overnight at the hotel in Yerevan.
Hiking 3-3.5 hours; +120m, – 300m,

Day 8 Free day in Yerevan or optional. Climbing the southern peak of Mt. Aragats (120 km)

Breakfast at the hotel.
After breakfast start the early drive to Lake Kari (3,200 m) on the slops of Mount Aragats. The mightiest of all the mountain ranges in Armenia, Aragats, is located north-west of the city of Yerevan and has a hight of 4095 m. which is the highest mountain in Armenia. It is seen as the twin mountain to Ararat, because in ancient times there were myths about the never-ending battle between the fire-breathing dragons of these two mighty volcanoes.
Climbing the southern peak of Aragats (3880m). It is worth the effort as you can enjoy the beauty of the surroundings. Picnic-lunch.
Return to Yerevan.
Free time in Yerevan.
Accommodation and overnight at the hotel in Yerevan.
Trekking 5-6 hours; +700m; -700m

Day 9 Walking city tour – Vernissage – Fruit market

After breakfast we’ll start our sightseeing tour around the vibrant city Yerevan. Being established in 782 BC, nowadays Yerevan is a thriving city with the excitement, hustle and bustle of a modern capital. We start our exploration from the Republic Square, the masterpiece of the architect Alexander Tamanian. Continue to the Opera House, a stunning architectural piece and the hub of Yerevan. Freedom Square is just behind, surrounded by parks which have been taken over by outdoor cafes, and finally Swan Lake. We visit Cascade Complex, an open-air museum of modern art with massive stairways leading up to the Victory Park providing a fantastic overlook to the entire city from above. The complex links the historic residential and cultural centers of the city with a vast area of waterfalls and outdoor gardens. Visit Tsitsernakaberd Memorial park and the museum of the victims of Genocide.
Then we visit Ararat Brandy Company to taste “The Aged Brandies” of different years. The legendary Ararat brandy is considered the pride of many generations and a global symbol of Armenia. Here we’ll have an opportunity to taste 3 types of best iconic brandy.
Afterwards visit Vernissage flea market, where you can find handmade jewelry, carpets and paintings.
Visit Fruit market full of Armenian fresh fruits and vegetables. Here we’ll enjoy homemade treats and get a real taste of local life in Yerevan.
Accommodation and overnight at the hotel Yerevan.

Day 10 Transfer to the airport

Departure. End of our services. Bon voyage!