YOUR TOUR DOSSIER TREASURES OF GEORGIA & ARMENIA TRIP OVERVIEW Explore the spectacular highland countries of Georgia and Armenia on a trip to the crossroads of Europe and Asia. This region of the Caucasus hosts the world’s oldest Christian nations and is a cultural treasure-trove of ancient cultures. Discover the vineyards of Georgia, snow-capped mountains and welcoming people on this unique tour. ITINERARY & DETAILS This document aims to give you all the information that you require for a smooth hand at a Lavash bread-making master class, not missing the chance to take and comfortable trip to Georgia and Armenia. Please take the time to read this lunch in a local house, revelling in a tasting of this traditional dish. dossier to familiarise yourself with all the aspects of our tour. It includes important information such as flight details, visa requirements and travel DAY 6: Yerevan B/L insurance. Set off on a tour of Armenia’s incredible capital city, Yerevan, firstly experiencing a lively ambience from the cultural hub of the city at the remarkable Republic Your included meal guide: Square. Next, stroll down Abovyan Street to feel a part of local life, before a B=Breakfast, L =Lunch, D=Dinner poignant class at the Armenian Genocide Museum which pays homage to the several victims of the 1915 genocide. Make your way to the Cafesjian Centre of DAY 1: UK to Tbilisi, Georgia Art complex and witness a fantastic collection of contemporary art from across Depart London on your scheduled overnight flight to Tbilisi via Istanbul. the world within the Yerevan Cascade, and later, head to the striking Matenadaran DAY 2: Tbilisi D Museum and Scientific Institute, the home of a staggering 20,000 manuscripts and Upon arrival into Tbilisi, spend an afternoon at leisure, followed by a welcome dinner numerous scientific Armenian treasures. Observe a wonderful array of traditional at a local restaurant. carpet designs as you replenish with lunch at the tremendous Megerian carpet factory, before your final excursion of today leads to the exceptional History DAY 3: Tbilisi B Museum of Armenia. Beginning in the old district, take a walking tour of this picturesque capital city; weave through narrow streets of cobbled stone, marvelling at an array of striking DAY 7: Yerevan B/L buildings that decorate the skyline, an eclectic mix of Byzantine, Persian and Travel to the southern part of the capital to revel in the unparalleled beauty of Soviet architecture. Observe the splendid Metekhi Church - a symbol of the the Khor Virap monastery. Located near the stunning snow-peaked Mount country’s Orthodox Christian heritage, whose excellent hilltop vantage point Ararat, Khor Virap is Armenia’s most sacred monastery and the perennial place offers incredible views of the Mtkvari river and Old Tbilisi. A host of incredible of pilgrimage for Armenians. Return to Yerevan to discover another emphatic sights which epitomise the charm of this city follows: take a cable car ride to the cultural landmark, the alluring Etchmiadzin Cathedral - the ‘mother church’ of imposing Narikala Fortress, delve into Georgia’s historical past at the National the Armenian Apostolic Church. Considered the oldest cathedral in the world, Museum, discover The Leaning Clock Tower’s fairytale-like façade, and walk it was originally built in the early 4th century and to this day, it remains a hugely along the Bridge of Peace. significant part of Armenia’s Catholic history. Go on to visit the Yerevan Brandy Factory to sample Winston Churchill’s favourite tipple and learn about the history DAY 4: Tbilisi to Dilijan, Armenia B/L/D of this enticing beverage. Journey to Sadakhlo and upon arrival into Armenia, a scenic drive leads to the UNESCO Heritage Site, Haghpat monastery; dating back to the 10th century, DAY 8: Yerevan to Tbilisi B/L this bold landmark is one of the major masterpieces of medieval Armenian Before heading back to Georgia, make a stopover at the picturesque highlands architecture, nestled amongst mountains strewn with lush green vegetation. north of Yerevan, where the ancient ruins of Amberd Fortress are located. Before arriving at Dilijan, stopover at the potter’s house and get acquainted with At an altitude of 2300m above sea level, marvel at the incredible views of his stylish works. Next, learn about the customs and traditions of the Molokan the surrounding mountains that further encapsulates the charm of this iconic people - the ‘milk drinkers’ of the Spiritual Christianity faith that emerged from the landmark. Next, enjoy lunch at the quaint Perch Proshian House Museum before Russian Empire, and savour delicious pancakes, whilst sipping a refreshing cup arriving back at your hotel in Tbilisi. of tea, traditionally brewed in a Russian samovar teapot. DAY 9: Tbilisi B/L DAY 5: Dilijan to Yerevan B/L/D Enjoy the famed hospitality of the Kakheti region, a natural haven renowned This morning, drive along the winding roads of the mountainous paradise that is for its incredible wine production, whose landscapes are decorated with lush Dilijan. Step back in time with a trip to the old town, admiring traditional Armenian vineyards; travel to the easternmost part of Kakheti for a trip to Sighnaghi, taking architecture that decorates the renowned Sharambayen street. Next, be at one in the stunning views of Alazani Valley and Caucasus Mountains. Later, sit down with nature at the enchanting Lake Sevan, affectionately known as the ‘blue eyed to a lunch hosted by a local family and enjoy a masterclass in the production of beauty’, making sure to climb the stairs of Monastery Sevanavank for breath- the delicious Churchkhela Georgian sweets - a traditional candle-shaped fruit taking views of the lake and surrounding alpine mountains. From here, continue candy, and a trip to Sighnaghi would not be complete without some wine-tasting onto Kotayk to explore the astonishing Geghard Monastery, a 12th century solid to sample Georgia’s finest wines. Head to the Gremi complex, the once lively stone construction, partially carved out of a mountain, before travelling to the trading town on the Silk Road and conclude today by taking an enchanting stroll Garni Pagan Temple, a rare example of Greco-Roman architecture. Later, try your through the stunning gardens of the Duke Alexandre Chavchavadze Palace. 1 TREASURES OF GEORGIA & ARMENIA TOUR DOSSIER DAY 10: Tbilisi to Stepantsminda B/D drive leads to the high Caucasus mountains. Drive north of Tbilisi for an unmissable tour of Mtskheta - the ancient capital of Georgia, to see two of its most prominent UNESCO World Heritage Sites. DAY 11: Stepantsminda B/D Bask at the majestic splendour of Svetitskhoveli Cathedral - an 11th century A morning trip to the secluded swathe of rolling verdant hills in Gergetis Sameba construction where the Robe of Christ is buried, before ascending to the 6th follows breakfast. The visual feast of exquisite natural beauty continues with a century Jvari Monastery to absorb the breath-taking backdrop of the Mtkvari and winding drive through spectacular snow valleys on the way to the village of Juta - Argavi rivers that curl around the base of the neighbouring mountains. From here, one of the highest in the region. End the day in Stepantsminda. visit the Stalin Museum in the town of Gori and drive up the famous Georgian B military highway that connects Georgia with Russia. Make a stop at the Ananuri DAY 12: Stepantsminda to UK After breakfast drive to Tbilisi for your return flight to the UK, via Istanbul. architectural complex to view the ‘conjoined castles’, before a wonderful scenic ACCOMMODATION DETAILS & MAP Accommodation Your accommodation is selected for convenience, location, comfort or character. Hotel accommodation is generally rated as local three to four-star standard, but please note there is no international classification system for hotels, and differences in facilities and quality do exist between the UK and Georgia/Armenia. All group tours hotels have private bathroom facilities and air-conditioning, where needed. Rest assured that all accommodation used by Sunspot Tours is regularly inspected by our staff and partners to ensure that standards meet your needs. If you have booked a triple share, please note that your room will be a twin room with a rollaway bed or sofa bed added. This may limit the floor space in the room. Please note: the hotels listed are provided for guidance only and final confirmation of your accommodation will be sent in a document, along with your final flight information, approximately 10 days before you travel. Meals Breakfast is always western style and served in the hotel each morning. Lunch and Dinner (when included) will be taken in local restaurants or at the hotel. A variety of restaurants are visited giving you the chance to experience a range of dishes and flavours. ON YOUR ARRIVAL On your arrival in Georgia you will be met by a representative from our local agent, MyArmenia,, holding a sign displaying: “Sunspot Tours”. The Sunspot Tours/ MyArmenia representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. Your national guide will be on hand 24 hours a day should you have any queries, however if you need to contact your representative during your stay the details are: MyArmenia Emergency contact information Telephone: 00374 10 541463 Please find below the emergency contact details for MyArmenia E-mail: [email protected] 24 hour Telephone Number: 0037 491 415819 WHAT YOU NEED FOR YOUR TOUR Visas Physical Accessibility A visa is not required for your trip to Georgia & Armenia. Further advice should This tour is accessible to most people with a good level of fitness and normal be sought from the applicable tourist authority for other nationalities and for mobility. It involves climbing of steep stairs and getting on and off coaches.