Travel across the Lesser Caucasus

Travel across the Lesser Caucasus

The Lesser Caucasus is a geographical area between the two seas, Black and Caspian and the Biblical Mount Ararat. This is a world full of surprises and almost tropical diversity lying around the world's highest mountains. And in this incredible nature are hidden a huge number of historical sites and artifacts approving the highest flowering cultural development since from prehistoric times to the present.

Day 1: Welcome to Yerevan!

Upon arrival at the Zvartnots International Airport, our guide will be ready to welcome you and provide the necessary information. You'll be transferred to the Hotel in the center of Yerevan where you can dine at your preferred restaurant, which multiple cuisines to choose from.
Overnight stay in Holiday Inn Express or similar.

Day 2: Yerevan

This morning, experience the city on a guided tour, showcasing the sceneries of the entire city and Mount Ararat, the city's broad and magnificent avenues, and myriad monuments.

You will start the tour from Republic Square and walk through the modern North Avenue walking street to Liberty Square, enhanced by Swan Lake and Opera House, a gorgeous building that showcases the city's great architecture. Next, the stairs of the Cascade Complex will lead you up to Cafesjian Center for the Arts.
Afterward, you'll be free to explore on your own. If you wish, there is an optional, own-expense visit to Matenadaran, a repository of Armenian ancient manuscripts which collection includes 23.000 manuscripts and scrolls. At sunset, you'll head to Mergerian Carpet where you can get acquainted with Armenian centuries-old carpet weaving history and enjoy dinner.
Overnight stay in Yerevan.

Day 3: Yerevan-Ejmiatsin-Gyumri

You'll depart early in the morning from Yerevan and head towards the Ararat Valley, stopping in the city of Ejmiatsin, the initial and the present religious center of Armenia. Here you'll visit the magnificent Zvartnots Temple and then stop at admire-impressive Ejmiatsin Cathedral of the 4th century. Later, after visiting Harichavanq Monastery on the way, you will arrive at our today's destination, Gyumri and enjoy some free time in the city center. This is where the most innovative spirit of the city blends with its deep historic character.
Overnight in Vanatun Hotel or similar.

Day 4: Gyumri – Akhltskha – Borjomi

This day you’ll leave Armenia and make your way towards a stunning region of Samtskhe-Javakheti in Georgia. The first point of the tour in Georgia is Khertvisi fortress of the 2nd century B C. Then you will make some special side trips to Vardzia cave monastery complex at the valley of the river Mtkvari. The complex, built in the second half of the XII century, consists of up to 300 caves distributed on eight levels. In the main church of Vardzia original frescoes of the 12th century are still preserved. You'll also tour the interior of recently restored Rabati Castle, the capital city of the Principality of Samtskhe of the 13-14th centuries and the impressive Firuza Palace of the 19th century. At the end of the tour, you will ride a cable car to experience the Mineral Water Park of Borjomi and relax in a beautiful environment.
Overnight in Linkani Health and Spa Center / Crowne Plaza or similar.

Day 5: Borjomi - Gori –Mtskheta – Tbilisi

Early in the morning, you'll take a scenic trip through the Georgian heartland. First, you will visit Gori Fortress, and then continue to Chateau Mukhrani, the 19th-century winery, filled with unique wine cellars, and surrounded by breathtaking gardens where you can discover much about Georgian wine-making and the history of the royal family Mukhranbatoni.
On your way to Tbilisi, you'll make a stop in Mtskheta, a small town considered to be the holiest city in Georgia. You’ll walk through the historic center of the city and visit the glorious Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, listed in UNESCO World Heritage Site and Jvari monastery on a mountaintop, promising a great view of the meeting between the Mtkhvari and Aragvi rivers as well as the entire district of Mtskheta.
You'll continue through beautiful landscapes to Mtskheta-Mtianeti and arrive in Tbilisi.
Overnight in Carnet Hotel / Moxi Tbilisi or similar.

Day 6: Tbilisi

Today you'll get to know Tbilisi, an impressive city lying along the river Kura. Your trip includes an informative city tour with a local expert and a visit to the city’s historic center with a Narikala Fort dating back to the Middle Ages. Next, you'll take a walking tour of the beautiful Botanical Garden. Be delighted by over 4,500 taxonomic groups and higher waterfalls. The afternoon is yours to uncover the many hidden gems of this fascinating city.
In the evening, you'll ascend on the funicular to the famous Mtatsminda (Upper District). Here you'll be able to have dinner at a restaurant of your choice with an exquisite local delicacy.
Overnight stay in Tbilisi.

Day 7: Tbilisi – Ijevan – Dilijan

You will travel through the verdant countryside to Armenia and get to today’s first destination, Ijevan to discover one of the best Armenian craftsmanship at the Sculpture Park. On the way you will divert from the interstate through a stunning natural environment and be perplexed with the beauty of medieval Makaravanq Monastery, hidden in deep forests.
Following lunch, you will continue to the 13th century Haghartsin Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then you will spend some leisure time near Lake Parz, a hidden gem surrounded by natural wonders also became a lovely recreational center for all visitors.
Overnight in Best Western Paradise / Grand Resort or similar.

Day 8: Dilijan – Sevan – Taq Jur

Early in this morning, you will have a stroll in Dilijan, one of the most exciting mountain resorts in Armenia, located right in the center of Dilijan National Park. Entrance to Geological Museum. You will then explore Old Dili, an old district in the city with a unique architectural style, old furniture, and rugs. Here you will learn the tradition of local arts (woodworking, needle working, and pottery).
Upon leaving Dilijan National Park, you will travel towards the Geghama Mountains, defined by the landscapes of Lake Sevan. On your way, you will make a stop at medieval Sevanavanq Monastery, located on the upper hillside of a peninsula. Next, you will head to the autonomous region of Artsakh, known for its historical sites, traditional cuisine, and incredible natural landscapes. You'll travel to the north of Artsakh and visit Dadivanq an important pilgrimage site. You will then pass along picturesque canyons of Askeran, stopping over in Gandzasar, a former headquarters of the Catholicosate of Aghvank, strongly linked to the history of the discovery.
Overnight stay in Tsovin Qar Hotel or similar.

Day 9: Artsakh

You'll travel through the wooded mountains to Province of Martuni, ultimately arriving at Tigranakert Fort dating back to the Hellenistic period. The 19th-century Muslim city Mayraberd is also included in your package. Your last stop: Martakert, for some rest.
Overnight in Vallex Garden / Europe Hotel or similar.

Day 10: Goris – Sisian – Jermuk

You will depart from Stepanakert and head back to Armenia. First, you will tour Old Khndzoresk, a medieval and early modern cave village, largely hewn into the soft rock upon reaching the village by crossing the swinging bridge with a 160 meter long rising 63 meters high above the ground. You will then reach the 9th-century Tatev monastery through Word’s longest cable-car. One of the many interesting monuments in Tatev is a 25-foot tall octagonal pillar with an engraved khachkar at the top.
After lunch, you will tour archaeological sites near Sisian: Zorac Qarer is claimed to be the World’s oldest astronomical observatory (6th millennium BC). At sunset, walk towards one of the most beautiful natural monuments of Armenia, Shaki waterfall (20 minutes hike) and travel to Jermuk, a relaxing spa town famous for its unique mineral springs.
Overnight stay at Grand Resort.

Day 11: Jermuk – Areni – Yerevan

Your final day in Armenia starts with a stroll in the resort town of Jermuk, located on the screens of the river Arpa. Here you will find high springs of mineral water and Jermuk waterfall. A guided tour in Areni will help you to explore the early Bronze Age Birds Cave where the World’s oldest shoe and the winery have been found as well as the 13th-century monastery of Noravank (UNESCO World Heritage Site). You will also visit medieval Khor Virap is in the best view of Mount Ararat. Then we'll continue to Yerevan, where your unforgettable tour of Lesser Caucasus will come to an end.
Overnight stay in Yerevan.

Day 12: Departure

You will be transferred back to the airport in time to meet your scheduled departure.