13-Day Tour in Armenia and Georgia: Gastronomy, Culture, and Stunning Landscapes

This 13-day journey offers a comprehensive immersion into the gastronomy, culture, and wine traditions of Armenia and Georgia, two countries rich in history and renowned for their hospitality.

Highlights of the Tour:

• Culinary Workshops and Gastronomy: Learn to prepare local specialties such as Armenian lavash, Georgian khachapuri, and khinkali dumplings alongside local families.
• Wine and Spirits Tastings: Visit renowned wineries, including the Ararat Brandy Factory in Armenia and Lalisshvilebis Marani in Georgia, while discovering unique regional grape varieties.
• Cultural and Religious Heritage: Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the monasteries of Etchmiadzin, Geghard, Haghpat, and Sanahin, as well as the medieval churches of Mtskheta.
• Breathtaking Landscapes: Cross mountain passes, skirt the stunning Lake Sevan, discover the Azat River Gorge, and marvel at the peaks of Mount Aragats and Mount Kazbegi.
• Local Hospitality: Enjoy intimate moments with locals who take pride in continuing centuries-old traditions of warm hospitality.

A Balance of Cultural Discoveries and Culinary Experiences

In addition to demonstrations and tastings, this tour dives deep into the history and spiritual traditions of both countries. You will visit ancient manuscript libraries, explore rock-hewn monasteries, and admire medieval fortresses overlooking picturesque valleys.

This tour guarantees an authentic and profound discovery of Armenia and Georgia, with each day blending historical exploration, spectacular nature, and culinary delights. A memorable experience in an enchanting setting.

Day 1: Arrival and Hotel Transfer

Upon landing at Zvartnots International Airport near Yerevan, you’ll be greeted and escorted to your nearby hotel. (Dinner included)

Day 2: Exploring Yerevan

• Highlights: Visit the Matenadaran Library, Maran Winery, Etchmiadzin Cathedral, and Zvartnots Cathedral.
• The day starts with a glimpse into Armenia’s history at the Matenadaran, home to over 17,000 ancient manuscripts. After a quick city tour, you’ll visit Maran Winery to learn about wine production with an optional tasting. Then, explore UNESCO-listed Etchmiadzin Cathedral, one of the world’s oldest, and the ruins of the 7th-century Zvartnots Cathedral.
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch.
• Distance covered: 55 km.

Day 3: Garni and Geghard Excursion

• Highlights: Tour the Garni Temple, Geghard Monastery, Lavash Baking Workshop, Ararat Brandy Factory.
• Discover the unique Greco-Roman Garni Temple and its scenic gorges. Next, visit the Geghard Monastery, carved into cliffs and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Participate in a lavash-making workshop at a local home before sampling Ararat brandy in Yerevan.
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch.
• Distance covered: 75 km.

Day 4: Amberd Fortress and Saghmosavank Monastery

• Highlights: Amberd Fortress, Arm Mas Winery, Armenian Pasta Workshop, Saghmosavank Monastery.
• Journey to Mount Aragats to visit Amberd Fortress and its historic church. Stop at the Arm Mas Winery for optional tastings and learn to make traditional Armenian pasta. End the day at Saghmosavank Monastery, perched above the Kazakh Canyon.
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch.
• Distance covered: 94 km.

Day 5: Khor Virap, Noravank, and Hermon

• Highlights: Khor Virap Monastery, Noravank Monastery, Cheese and Shashlik Workshop.
• Enjoy views of Mount Ararat at Khor Virap, then travel to Noravank, known for its intricate carvings. Visit a village to learn traditional cheese-making and enjoy a lunch featuring grilled meat skewers (shashlik). Spend the night in Hermon.
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch.
• Distance covered: 170 km.

Day 6: Selim Pass, Lake Sevan, and Idjevan

• Highlights: Selim Caravanserai, Sevanavank Monastery, Idjevan Winery.
• Drive through the historic Selim Pass to Lake Sevan, nicknamed the “Blue Pearl of Armenia.” Explore Sevanavank Monastery and stop by the Idjevan Winery for optional wine tasting. Stay at a rural resort in Enokavan.
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
• Distance covered: 213 km.

Day 7: Northern Armenia to Tbilisi

• Highlights: Sanahin and Haghpat Monasteries.
• Visit two UNESCO-listed monasteries, Sanahin and Haghpat, known for their ancient libraries and stunning architecture. After crossing into Georgia, head to Tbilisi.
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
• Distance covered: 250 km.

Day 8: Tbilisi City Tour

• Highlights: Metekhi Church, Narikala Fortress, Anchiskhati Basilica, and Georgian Cuisine Workshop.
• Explore Tbilisi’s charming Old Town, including its medieval churches and the Narikala Fortress. Visit landmarks like Anchiskhati Basilica and the National Museum before learning to make khachapuri and shashlik.
• Meals: Breakfast, dinner.

Day 9: Georgian Wine Region and Telavi

• Highlights: Sighnaghi, Tsinandali Estate, Alaverdi Monastery, Churchkhela and Bread-Making Workshop.
• Discover Sighnaghi’s fortified walls and panoramic views, visit Tsinandali Estate, and tour Alaverdi Monastery. Learn to make Georgian desserts and bread in Telavi.
• Meals: Breakfast, dinner.
• Distance covered: 220 km.

Day 10: Kazbegui via Ananouri

• Highlights: Ananouri Fortress, Gergeti Trinity Church, Khinkali Workshop.
• Travel the Georgian Military Highway to Ananouri Fortress and the ski resort town of Gudauri. Reach Kazbegui to explore Gergeti Trinity Church, perched on a mountain, followed by a khinkali-making session with locals.
• Meals: Breakfast, dinner.
• Distance covered: 182 km.

Day 11: Trekking in Kazbegui

• Highlights: Chaukhi Mountains, Pkhali Cooking Workshop.
• Hike in the picturesque Chaukhi Mountains near Juta village and learn to prepare pkhali, a traditional vegetable dish, with a local family.
• Meals: Breakfast, dinner.
• Distance covered: 40 km.

Day 12: Mtskheta and Farewell Dinner

• Highlights: Jvari Church, Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, Traditional Georgian Folklore Show.
• Visit Mtskheta’s UNESCO sites before returning to Tbilisi for a farewell dinner featuring Georgian music and dance.
• Meals: Breakfast, dinner.
• Distance covered: 155 km.

Day 13: Departure

Transfer to the airport for your return flight.

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