Highlights of Georgia & Armenia

Day 1  Yerevan, Armenia                    
Arrive in Yerevan and transfer to your hotel where you’ll meet your fellow travellers.

Day 2  Yerevan          
Spend the morning at leisure before taking a trip around midday to the Kotayk region to see the Hellenistic temple of Garni and Geghard rock Monastery.  

Day 3  Yerevan          
After breakfast enjoy a full day of exploring Yerevan and the surrounding area. Visit the churches of Hripsime and the impressive 7th Century ruins of Zvarnots Cathedral.

Day 4  Yerevan
A long and fascinating day lies ahead. Leave the capital behind and continue onto the monastery of Khor Virap, one of the holiest sites in the country with stunning views of Mount Ararat. After, stop off at Areni village where the finest Armenian wine is produced, visit the vineyard for a tasting. Next stop at Noravank and ride one of the world's longest cable cars to Tatev Monastery on the edge of Vorotan Canyon. Later, head back to Yerevan for the night.  

Day 5  Yerevan to Lake Sevan                  
Enjoy a scenic drive on part of the ancient Silk Road stopping at Noraduz Cemetery to see the 'forest' of khachkars, whilst there meet a local artisan, a sculptor who carves khachkars and receive a demonstration on how the carvings are made. Afterwards, enjoy the changing landscapes as you descend to the blue water of the volcanic Lake Sevan before ending the day at the resort town of Dilijan famous for its thick forests and subtropical climate. Stop off for some Molokan tea at Fioletovo village en route.  

Day 6  Lake Sevan to Haghpat              
This morning drive to Gyumri, Armenia’s second largest city, known for its crafts and art. You will visit the Dzitoghtsyan Museum of Social Life and National Architecture of Gyumri - an old mansion, housing collections related to both history and the everyday-life of Gyumri, as well as paintings and other works of art before arriving in Haghpat for an evening at your leisure.    

Day 7  Haghpat to Tibilisi, Georgia                
Enjoy a final morning in Armenia with a visit to the impressive UNESCO sites of Haghpat and Sanahin.  After lunch continue on to cross the border with a short walk into Georgia. Head to your hotel in Tibilisi, just moments away from the wonderfully restored historical centre with its relaxing pavement cafes and bars.            

Day 8  Tibilisi            
Take a walking city tour of Tibilisi in the morning and explore the old town. The afternoon is free to spend at your own leisure, followed by dinner at a local restaurant and a Georgian folk show in the evening  

Day 9  Tibilisi to Gudauri            
Enjoy a scenic drive through the great Caucasus Mountains and head to the town of Stepantsminda (formerly Kazbegi) for views of Mount Kazbek, after lunch take a walk through the village of Gergeti to the landmark Holy Trinity church. Continue onto the ski resort of Gudauri, your home for this evening.    

Day 10  Gudauri to Kutaisi  
Leave Gudauri behind and head onto Uplistsikhe, an ancient rock-hewn town and discover ancient temples and theatres, walk up sandstone steps for a winding view across the river and plains. Later take a short drive to the town of Gori, the birthplace of Joseph Stalin, after some time at Stalin Square continue to Kutaisi where you will spend the night.  

Day 11  Kutaisi to Borjomi  
This morning drive to Sataplia Nature Reserve where walkways will take you to spot herbivorous and raptor dinosaur footprints as well as unique karst caves, Colchic Forest and a wild bee habitat. Enjoy beautiful views of the Imereti region before continuing to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Gelati Academy and Monastery.  Finish the day in the lovely mineral town of Borjomi.                  

Day 12  Borjomi to Tibilisi          
Take a guided walk of Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park this morning before travelling back to Tibilisi, stopping at Mtskheta en route to visit Sveti-Tskhoveli Cathedral, the largest functioning cathedral in Georgia and see the Jvari church, perched on a hill overlooking the valley. Later arrive into Tibilisi where you will have some free time to explore and enjoy this historic city.            

Day 13  Tibilisi            
After breakfast, drive east to the wine region of Kakheti, enjoy some lunch with a local family who will prepare some specialities paired with wine. Visit the Tsinandali Family Estate and its wine cellar. Return back to Tibilisi for your final night in Georgia.        

Day 14  Tibilisi        
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight.