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Armenia/Georgia  10 nights-Yerevan,Garni,Geghard,Echmiadzin,Khor Virap,Noravank,Dilijan,Sevan,Sanahin,Haghpat,Tbilisi,

Day 1 - Yerevan.
Arrival early in the morning. Transfer to hotel. Rest at hotel. Tour starting at 11:00.
Yerevan: Yerevan once sat at the crossroads of several important trade caravans thus solidifying its importance in the region. Modern Yerevan was redesigned in the early part of the 20th century on top of the old city, creating a series of parks and squares that run through the city centre. The visit will start with the visit to the Matenadaran museum, which houses a unique collection of ancient manuscripts covering such lofty topics as philosophy, law, mathematics ,medicine and geography.
Next visit to the Brandy Factory with the degustation of 3 types of cognac.
Overnight :Hotel in Yerevan
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 2 - Garni and Geghard/Echmiadzin
Garni Temple, site of Roman Temple of the Sun built in the 1st century. Soon after Armenia adopted Christianity, the temple became the summer residence of Armenian royalty. Next stop is Geghard –cave Monastery, the name ,,geghard,, derives from the relics of the Armenian Apostolic church: the spear that one of the Roman guards had used to pierce the rib of crucified Christ.

Echmiadzin: Located 30 min outside of the city and considered one of the holiest cities in Armenia. This former capital is now home to the Supreme Catholicos of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox faith. The main Cathedral was founded by st.Gregory in 303 B.C and sits on a former pagan shrine. Visit of the church of Hripsime, dedicated to the martyred Christian virgin .On the way back visit  ruins of Zvartnots Temple. Return to Yerevan and visit to Genocide Memorial and Monument. Later visit to Vernissage -open air market of souvenirs and art works.
Overnight :Hotel in Yerevan
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch


Day 3 - Khor Virap and Noravank.
A short drive from Yerevan will lad you to Khor Virap Monastery, a once famous pilgrimage site and from where you may witness the stunning views of Mount Ararat. Stop at Areni village for wine tasting at the famous ,,Areni,, factory.
After proceed to Vayots Dzor and visit Monastery of Noravank-one of the most splendid monuments of medieval Armenia, built in a location of significant natural beauty.
Lake Sevan/Dilijan. Tour to the Lake Sevan-the highest mountainous Lake 2000 m above sea level, visiting the churches of the peninsula. Visit monastic complex of Haghartsin- a monastery built in a picturesque location, concealed in a forest.
Overnight :Hotel in Yerevan
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Lake Sevan/Dilijan.
Tour to the Lake Sevan-the highest mountainous Lake 2000 m above sea level, visiting the churches of the peninsula. Visit monastic complex of Haghartsin- a monastery built in a picturesque location, concealed in a forest.
Overnight :Hotel in Yerevan
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Sanahin/Haghpat/Tbilisi.
Tour to Sanahin Monastery which is within the limits of Alaverdi city, and Haghpat is to the north-east of it, in the village of the same name. Standing on a high plateau, amidst low structures, they rise sharp against the background of steep forest-grown slopes. The ensembles are complemented by small churches built near them. Among them :churches and chapels, four annexes, sepulchers, bell-towers, the building of the Academy, book depositories, refectories, galleries, bridges and other monumental structures. Meet at Armenia – Georgia border at Sadakhlo check-point. Transfer to Tbilisi.  Hotel.
Overnight in Tbilisi.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 -Tbilisi
Tbilisi, capital of Georgia from the 5th century AD, has a long and fascinating history. Tbilisi’s Old Town, the most ancient part of the city, is renowned for its wonderful mix of cultures.
Looking down on the city are Mtatsminda (Holy Mountain) and the 4th century Narikala Fortress, excellent for views on the swirling river Mtkvari (Kura) and this city of so many ages and nationalities.
Full-day city tour of Tbilisi with visits to the Old Town, Metekhi Temple, 12th c., the Abanotubani, Narikala, - The main fortress of Tbilisi. Walking through some narrow streets, along which some carpet and souvenir shops are situated, will continue excursion in the old town. We visit the Sioni Cathedral 11th c. and Anchiskhati Church (6th c), Baratshvili str. Visit Georgian National Museum Visit Rustaveli Avenue, the main street of Tbilisi. Sightseeing tour in the central parts f the city. Overnight in Tbilisi.
Overnight in Tbilisi.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7  Tbilisi – Mtskheta – Kazbegi ( or Gudauri).
We start our trip by driving to Mtskheta. Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia is situated 20km from Tbilisi. The town and its architectural monuments are included in the World's Cultural Heritage of UNESCO. Visit Jvari Monastery (6th c.) and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th c.). We continue driving along the Georgian Military Highway, the historical road leading north into the Caucasian Mountains and then to Russia. It passes the spectacular Ananuri fortress (16th – 17th cc), where we have a excursion. Then we drive the sides of the dramatic Aragvi River Valley up to the Jvari Pass (2395m) and then down into Kazbegi (1700m).
Walk up to the Sameba Church beautifully situated on the hill and providing splendid views of Mt. Kazbek. We explore the area. Overnight in Kazbegi at the hotel (or if there is availability of hotel in Gudauri we travel to Gudauri ski resort situated on the southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus. Hotel).
Overnight in Tbilisi.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8  Gudauri – Gori – Uplistsikhe – Tbilisi.
Drive to Gori, a historical town. Today the town is mainly known for its huge Fortress and as a birthplace of J. Stalin. Optional visit Stalin’s museum. Drive to Uplistsikhe cave town dated to 7th c. BC. Here we find a big hall for pagan rituals and number of living rooms as well as a church of the 9th century. We have time to visit Ateni Sioni Church (7th c) famous for its 9th – 10th cc frescos. Return to Tbilisi.
Overnight in Tbilisi.

Day 9  Tbilisi – David Gareji Monastery – Tbilisi.
Half day trip to David Gareji Monastery. Founded in the 6th c. the Monastery is situated in Gareji semi-desert, 75km southeast from Tbilisi. Walk up to Udabno Monastery to explore some of the fine frescos of the 8-13th cc. and cave architecture. Walk down and visit “Lavra” Monastery, where the monks live. Return Tbilisi. Free time for independent explorations. Hotel.
Overnight in Tbilisi.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 Departure.
Check-out the hotel. Transfer to the airport. End of the tour.