Fully Loaded Georgia and Armenia
by Tourbox

The route will take over the Georgian Military Highway up North, towards the border stop will be Jhinvali water reservoir created during the soviet era, promptly continuing to Ananuri complex, a former residence of Argveti Dukes. The complex features churches and towers dating back to the 16-17th centuries, beautifully overlooking the Jhinvali reservoir. Continue your drive to see the conjunction of two small mountain rivers famous for the fact that being different in color they still keep their own colors even after merge. Continuing on the way you will have a chance to taste the mineral mountain springs in Mleta after which you will drive over the CrossPass to Gudauri Ski Resort, where you can enjoy the Winter Sports during winter or be more adventurous and experience Paragliding in every season with local professionals. Afterwards, we will then drive over the Cross Pass and make a short stop at the Soviet-era “People’s Friendship” mountain view point overlooking a deep gorge of Caucasus mountain range and on the way to Town of Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) we will pass by the beautiful Travertine in Kazbegi National Park. After arriving to Kazbegi, we will change our vehicle to a four-wheel drive car to reach Gergeti Holy Trinity Church located on altitude of 2170 meters, and enjoy breathtaking views of Mt Kazbegi before heading back to your hotel in Tbilisi. 

The tour starts with Jvari Monastery (6th - 7th cc), the most important religious center and an architectural masterpiece of mediaeval Georgia. Enjoy breathtaking view from the church that stands proud over the city of Mtskheta overseeing the merging of two of the biggest rivers in Georgia, Mtkvari (Kura) and Aragvi. Passing through the famous souvenir market, continue tour to the old Capital town of Georgia, - towards Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. After Mtskheta tour continues on the Highway to the western part of Georgia passing through the Town of Gori, and going to an ancient rock-hewn town in middle of Georgia, called – “Uplistsikhe”. Built on a high rocky left bank of the Mtkvari River, it contains various structures dating from the Early Iron Age to the Late Middle Ages, in translation from Georgian “Uplistsikhe” means the fortress if the god and it certainly has that vibe and feeling to it, since this town have been resided by hermit monks for centuries. After having a tour in these mysterious ancient sites, you will head back to your hotel in Tbilisi.

Free tasting: wine, chacha, cognac, churchkhela, honey. You can take pictures in vineyard The Monastery of St. Nino at Bodbe is a Georgian Orthodox monastic complex and the seat of the Bishops of Bodbe located 2 km from the town of Sighnaghi, Kakheti, Georgia. Originally built in the 9th century, it has been significantly remodeled, especially in the 17th century Sighnaghi is one of Georgia's smallest towns, sighnaghi serves as a popular tourist destination due to its location at the heart of Georgia's wine-growing regions, as well as its picturesque landscapes, pastel houses and narrow streets. Located on a steep hill, Sighnaghi overlooks the vast Alazani Valley, with the Caucasus Mountains visible at a distance. We will climb the biggest wall in Georgia Telavi is capital city of kakheti , We will visit a 900-year-old tree, From where we will see the palace of King Erekle, which is popular among tourists , Then we go to the wine house where we will taste the wine for free and have lunch overlooking the Caucasus Mountains

After breakfast, checkout from the Tbilisi hotel and the driver will pick-up you up from the hotel and transfer you to Yerevan hotel visa the border by Car on private basis. After check in, you can relax at the hotel and explore the city on your own in the evening. Overnight in Yerevan.

• Lake Sevan is one of the first associations that comes to mind after mentioning Armenia. It is the largest source of fresh water for the country and the also the biggest in the whole Caucasus. Surrounded by mountain ranges at an altitude of about 1900 meters above sea level, Sevan is striking in its beauty and azure-blue water surface. The lake has a small peninsula, at the top of which is Located the monastery of Sevanavank. In a complex with several buildings, the monastery has been preserved since the 18th century and is still in effect. From height, it seems that the mount ains and the water merge together and there is not a single border between them. Watching the endless play of the waves shimmering under the sun makes one mistake it for a sea. This association is truthful indeed. In the ancient Armenian sources, Sevan was called “the Geghama Sea”, or was simply referred to as “the sea”. Amazing nature combines rocky landscape and pine mini forests located alongside the coast. Once here for the first time, you begin to feel the infinite harmony and inner peace. We invite you to immerse yourself in this feeling and relax both mentally and physically. Tsaghkadzor – a finding for those who like to rest all year round Thirty kilometers from Yerevan is a true ecological paradise that has the name of Tsaghkadzor. "Blooming Gorge" is a literal translation and the most literal description of this place. It has everything to surprise even the most captious guest at any time of the year. In the summertime, this is an incredible forest, blooming flora, clear air and infinite tranquility. In winters, on the contrary, the city comes to life and transforms itself into a ski resort with crisp snow, ropeway and slopes for skis and snowboards. The ancient name of the city is Kecharis, which is literally translated as “birch grove”. There is a monastery in the city that bears the same name and is still in effect.
• Sevanavank is a monastic complex located on a peninsula at the northwestern shore of Lake Sevan in the Gegharkunik Province of Armenia, not far from the town of Sevan. Initially the monastery was built at the southern shore of a small island. After the artificial draining of Lake Sevan, which started in the era of Joseph Stalin, the water level fell about 20 metres, and the island transformed into a peninsula. At the southern shore of this newly created peninsula, a guesthouse of the Armenian Writers' Union was built.

Begin your adventure at the Alphabet Monument, a tribute to the Armenian script and its creator, Mesrop Mashtots. Each intricately carved letter symbolizes Armenia's cultural heritage and linguistic pride, set against the stunning backdrop of Mount Aragats. Ascend the majestic Aragats Mountain, the highest peak in Armenia. Whether you're an avid hiker or a nature enthusiast, the mountain's diverse flora and fauna, coupled with its sweeping vistas, promise an exhilarating experience. Visit the serene Saghmosavank Monastery, perched on the edge of the Kasagh River gorge. This 13thcentury spiritual haven offers a glimpse into medieval Armenian monastic life and provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes Conclude your tour with a visit to the historic Amberd Fortress. This 7th-century fortress, situated at 2,300 meters above sea level, offers a fascinating insight into Armenia's medieval military architecture and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Discover the tranquility of Lake Kari, a high-altitude gem nestled on the slopes of Aragats. The crystal-clear waters and serene environment make it a perfect spot for reflection and relaxation amid nature's beauty

Not far from Yerevan, near Vokhchaberd village there is this usual at first glance arch. But when you climb the stairs and stand under it, this breathtaking view of Ararat opens to your eyes. It is Arch of Charents by famous architect Rafael Israelian. The arch is dedicated to famous Armenian poet Yeghishe Charents, who liked to walk near these places and admire the incredible view of Mount Ararat. This place is one of the favorite stops for practically all kinds of tourists, - one cannot just resist the temptation not to take few photos against the backdrop of the mountain. One of the most unusual places in Armenia, the village of Garni that bears the same name as the ancient pagan temple, is situated on 37 km from the center of Yerevan. Before the adoption of Christianity, the architecture in Armenia was interrelated with the Hellenistic style. This is evidenced by Garni, executed in this elegant manner with a characteristic colonnade on all sides and located on the top of a hill divided from the mountain range by a deep gorge. The temple was restored in 1976 and welcomes a multitude of tourists daily to this day. Since 2011, it has been awarded the UNESCO heritage award. The picturesque mountains, steep gorge and endless echo to be heard again and again, fascinate and ask to return. Once approaching Geghard, the tops of the crosses and the church itself will not be the first thing to notice, as that place will belong to music. The musicians are right the ascent to the church, always playing, welcoming guests with joy and loud national music. The air is filled with the aroma of national delicacies, such as dried fruit, sweet sujukh and honey, yet once you climb up the hill, you will be shocked by what you see. You will appear in front of the gates, leading to the temple of Geghard, completely carved out of the mountain. This masterpiece of Armenian medieval architecture amazes with its detail and antiquity. Geghard is a complex consisting of the main chapel, two cave halls, and tombs. There is a cold spring in the first cave hall, which to this day captures the attention of the visitors. It is believed that its holy water heals diseases, rejuvenates and gifts beauty. Literally translated, Geghard means “holy spear” in memory of the spear kept in it, which had wounded Jesus Christ at the Crucifixion. It is also included in the UNESCO list of heritage since 2000. The nearby flowing Azat River hypnotizes with its murmur, pigeons hover over the church, and the coolness from the gorge gives strength to continue the path to new discoveries and impressions. Try baking real Armenian lavash. In Tondir, rolling the dough on a special device for the form of lavash, smelling the fresh bakery in the air. We are sure that such a flat cake will be enjoyed by everyone, and the lavash baked with your own hands will remain a vivid memory for a long time, the smell of which warms the nostrils and gives cozy warmth in memory of Armenia.

After breakfast, proceed to the check-out process. Transfer to the airport to fly back home with innumerable memories of the trip.