GASTRONOMIC TOUR OF GEORGIA AND ARMENIA

After breakfast we shall board the minibus and drive to the Georgian-Armenian border, Sadakhlo customs. Upon crossing the border, we shall get into the richest forest area in Armenia where inaccessible villages, the most important monasteries and educational institutions of the Middle Ages are hidden. We shall follow the monastery road and survey harmonious coordination of the successively constructed buildings – a true architectural masterpiece. Almost at the end of the world, on a high plateau with great views, we shall find the monastery of Haghpat.

Today we shall eat the famous Armenian barbecue and enjoy the great view of the Debed river canyon!

Then we shall continue to the city of Dilijan. En route we shall visit a Molokan family, where we shall taste the famous Samovar tea with typical jams.

Today’s dinner will be with a private family in Dilijan, where we will experience the famous Armenian hospitality. We shall taste several typical Armenian home-made dishes … so tasty!

Overnight at Lake Sevan, BLD

Our today’s program will start with a visit to the Sevan monastery (9th century) located on the peninsula, which used to be an island and served as a place of exile for the Armenian nobility.

We shall cross the Vardenyats (Selim) pass and reach the only well-preserved in Armenia caravansary dating back to 14th century. From there we shall continue to the province of Vayots Dzor. The viticulture has been practiced in this region since the 3rd century B.C. Wine barrels dating back to that time have been found in a cave in the province. Here grows the endemic grape Areni used for a well-known red wine. We shall visit the Noravank monastery, located at the end of the beautiful Amaghu canyon. The unusual reliefs of the canyon are very impressive and its reddish facade is almost indistinguishable from its rocky surroundings at sunset.

Our next visit will be to a farm with a rustic wine cellar. There we shall have lunch, taste various Armenian home-made grape wines and typical walnut jam as well as learn about Armenian rural life.

Next we shall explore the Ararat plane, where Noah planted the first grapevine after descending Mount Ararat. That event played an important role in Armenian winemaking.

From there we shall proceed to Khor Virap monastery to enjoy the magnificent view of Mount Ararat and then continue to Yerevan.

Overnight in Yerevan, BL

Today we are going to explore the Armenian capital located in the shadow of the biblical Mount Ararat. It is one of the oldest capitals in the world. You will se: the Republic Square, Cascade, Opera House and have a nice walk in the heart of the city.

The program will continue with a nice trip to Garni, which used to be the summer residence of the Armenian kings. It is famous for the only surviving Hellenistic temple (1st century AD) in the Caucasus. We shall have lunch with an Armenian family and visit its private bakery, where you will see how the Armenian flat-bread Lavash is baked.

From there we shall continue to Geghard to visit the cave monastery located at the end of a ravine; it is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Armenia.

Our next stop will be for brandy tasting at the famous ARARAT distillery with two different types of brandy and local chocolate.

Then we shall visit the food market and see typical Armenian appetizers, dried fruits and spices.

Our today’s dinner will be at a typical Armenian restaurant. You will enjoy a delicious dinner and a folklore show.

Overnight in Yerevan BLD

Today we shall drive to the Mount Aragats, the highest peak of Armenia (4095m). At the foot of the mighty Aragats there are the ancient centers of Christianity. We shall visit the 13th-century monastery of Saghmosavank located on the edge of a picturesque gorge of Kasakh river. Today we shall lunch in a large garden in a private villagers‘ house in the ancient town of Ashtarak.

After lunch we shall take a walk from a beautiful flower meadow to the Amberd Fortress, which is over 2300m high. We shall visit the only well-preserved fortress in Armenia, which lies between the mountains Ararat and Aragats, and continue to the north-west of Armenia.

Dinner at a great fish-farm restaurant.

Overnight in Gyumri.  BLD

Today we shall start with driving to the Armenian-Georgian border, Bavra customs.

Having finished with border crossing formalities and having met our new guide, we shall take a great walk to the cave city of Vardzia, which is totally hewn in rocks. A rock wall, over 500 meters long, once connected more than 2,000 cave dwellings with stairs, galleries and terraces. The artfully restored stone carved church with beautiful frescoes is very impressive.

At midday, typical Georgian dishes such as shashlik on skewers will be served near the monastic complex on the banks of the picturesque river.

After lunch we shall continue to the resort town of Borjomi, which is totally surrounded by forests. This town is known for its mineral springs.

Overnight in Borjomi, BLD

In the morning we shall take a very nice walk through Borjomi National Park.

Then we shall drive to the city of Gori (birthplace of Stalin). Today’s highlight is the cave town of Uplistsikhe, where one can still see the traces of a settlement dating back to the 1st century B.C. Temples, altars, streets, halls and shops are located in this ancient cave town.

There, in the village of Uplistsikhe, you will taste Georgian organic wines.

Next we shall continue along the Georgian military highway to Gudauri through a very scenic area in higher elevations of the Greater Caucasus. En route we shall visit the fortified church of Ananuri (17th century) and enjoy a magnificent view of the Shinwali reservoir.

Afterwards we can participate in the preparation of the typical Georgian dishes (Khinkali and Khachapuri) and enjoy a delicious dinner with a Georgian family. A GREAT experience!

Overnight in Kazbegi.  BD

Our day will begin with an impressive four-wheel drive to Gergeti church. The path will lead us through the village up to 2170 m high, to Tsminda Sameba Church (Trinity Church), also called Gergeti church. From there you can look onto the valley of Terek river and the settlement of Kazbegi. Weather permitting, you will catch a glimpse of one of the highest peaks in the Caucasus, Mount Kazbegi (5047 m).

Our program will be continued with a visit to the local artist’s studio. We shall be introduced to the Georgian felt work. Also, we shall have an opportunity to taste special teas and delicacies! What an experience!

Then we shall continue to Mtskheta. We shall have a tour of the ancient capital and the religious center of Georgia with the Jvari church (6th century) and the Svetitskhoveli cathedral (11th century), where the tunic of Christ was found.

Today’s dinner will be with a Georgian family in a beautiful garden!

We shall experience the famous GEORGIAN SUPRA (Georgian feast)! That will be an absolute highlight of our trip!

Overnight in Tbilisi BD

Time to say “good-bye”. We will take you to the airport in time for your flight back home.

– All transfers according to the program in a modern air-conditioned minivan;

– Airport arrival/departure transfers on arrival and departure;

– All overnight stays in 3 + * and 4 * hotels on a DBL/TWIN sharing, BB;

– Professional tour guide assistance during the entire trip;

– Visits to the UNESCO World Heritage sites;

– Meals according to the program: typical Armenian and Georgian dishes;

– Wine tasting of various Armenian and Georgian wines;

– Participation in Lavash making with an Armenian family;

– Visit to a farm with a rustic wine cellar;

– Visits to the Armenian and Georgian private families, where we will experience traditions, life and famous hospitality of the locals;

– Visit to a family winery where the winemaker has been re-growing old local grape varieties for many years and produces organic wines using the Georgian method;

– All museums and entrance fees according to the program;

– Dinners in typical Armenian and Georgian restaurants with folklore;

– One bottle of water per day.