Khor Virap and Mount Ararat Khertvisi Fortress

The Silk Road And Beyond Presents

Georgia &
Armenia

An Enchanting Journey Through the Ancient Caucasus

16 Days  ·  24 June to 9 July 2027 Georgia  8 days Armenia  7 days
Tour Leader: Gerard Brophy

Days 1 – 7

Georgia

Thursday
24 June
Arrival in Tbilisi
Accommodation: Unfound Door Hotel, 111 Davit Aghmashenebeli Avenue, Chugureti
Meals: D
Arrival in Tbilisi
On arrival at Shota Rustaveli Tbilisi International Airport (TBS), meet the driver for your transfer to the Unfound Door Hotel, Chugureti, Tbilisi. Check in from 1500. The rest of the day is free to relax after your journey.
1900 – Welcome Dinner
Welcome dinner at the Unfound Door Restaurant.
Friday
25 June
Tbilisi
Accommodation: Unfound Door Hotel, 111 Davit Aghmashenebeli Avenue, Chugureti
Meals: B L
Duration: 8 hours
Georgian National Gallery
Our tour of the Caucasus begins with a visit to the Georgian National Gallery located on one of the most cherished boulevards Shota Rustaveli Avenue. It houses many of the finest paintings by the most beloved of Georgian artists, Niko Pirosmani. This self taught artist forged his own artistic path and developed his own so called primitivist style.
Georgian National Museum
The Georgian National Museum is located on Shota Rustaveli Avenue not far from Freedom Square and obliquely opposite the Georgian Parliament House. One of the definite highlights is the prehistoric display which features hominid relics and artefacts from as long ago as 2 million years. However the glittering centrepiece of the museum is the stunning exhibition dedicated to pre-Christian silver and gold jewellery. This superb collection contains some absolutely stunning pieces, some dating back 5,000 years and it gives an excellent overview of the development of this exquisite art-form. The Museum of Soviet Occupation, currently housed on the top floor, is not to be missed and it is a sobering record of this turbulent period.
Freedom Square
Freedom, or Liberty, Square is the grand civic centre of Tbilisi. While Georgia was part of the USSR it was also known as Lenin Square and Beria Square. It is located at the eastern end of Shota Rustaveli Avenue and is dominated by the striking statue of St George. Its more or less circular shape is surrounded by a number of attractive and significant buildings.
Sioni Church
According to legend, the construction of the first cathedral on this site was begun by King Vakhtang Gorgasali in the 5th century. However the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to give the church its full name, has been destroyed and rebuilt a number of times since then. Apart from its architectural significance, in this church are buried many important leaders of the Georgian Orthodox Church. It also houses a number of revered relics such as St Nino's Cross which dates from possibly as early as the 4th century.
Old Town
The Old Town of Tbilisi is a fascinating area comprised of a number of adjoining districts each having their own distinctive charm. Today we will explore many a labyrinthine street pitched at all angles, intimate squares and historic corners of this engaging area and wonder at the rich cultural diversity of our discoveries. The precinct is chock full of museums, art galleries, churches, restaurants, wine bars, historic houses, art deco features, beautifully frescoed entrance lobbies, quaint and quirky shops, wine stores, rug shops, cafes and nightclubs all crammed in together on the side of the Kura River. Furthermore the architectural charm of the locale almost guarantees that wonderful surprises lay in wait around each corner. A plethora of archeological curiosities, historical wonders and architectural delights await!
Wine tasting at Dadi
Despite the many twists and turns of our itinerary this afternoon, our trajectory will eventually lead us to Dadi Wine bar for the final stop of today's tour. This authentic Tbilisi wine bar is the perfect place to taste Georgia's celebrated wines. Try Rkatsiteli and Saperavi aged in traditional clay amphorae (qvevri).
Saturday
26 June
Tbilisi – Mtskheta – Ananuri – Pasanauri – Stepantsminda
Accommodation: Rooms Hotel Kazbegi, 1 V. Gorgasali Street
Meals: B L
Duration: 6 hours
Mtskheta
Mtskheta is the ancient capital of Georgia of Tbilisi built on the confluence of the Kura and Aragvi rivers and it can be traced back to as early as 2,000 BC. It was the capital of the Kingdom of Iberia (which preceded the Kingdom of Georgia) from around the 3rd century BC to around 400. The city contains a number of impressive churches and cultural monuments.
Ananuri Fortress
The Ananuri Fortress complex comprises of 2 churches, a watchtower and defensive walls that are very well preserved. It is located on the left bank of the Aragvi River and its position offers the visitor a commanding view of the Zhinvali reservoir. The Church of the Assumption, built in 1689, features a richly decorated facade on the exterior as well as remnants of beautiful frescoes on the exterior walls. The wall paintings are of particular interest in their depiction of the 13 Assyrian Fathers.
Pasanauri
In this picturesque village nestled on the banks of the Aragvi River, enjoy a hearty lunch before the spectacular ascent up the Georgian Military Highway up to Gudauri and then on to The Jvari Pass.
Stepantsminda
Stepantsminda is a small town in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region of north-eastern Georgia, 12 klms south of the Larsi border crossing with Ossetia, Russia. It is an absolutely spectacular scenic location at an altitude of 1,800 metres with a number of fascinating local attractions.
Free Evening
Dinner own arrangement.
Sunday
27 June
Stepantsminda
Mountain day
Meals: B D
Duration: 4 hours
Gergeti Trinity Church
The Gergeti Church is perched on a rocky outcrop 2,200 metres overlooking the town of Stepantsminda. It is built on the lower slopes of Mount Kazbegi and it offers panoramic views from the Russian border in the north to the town of Kobi in the south. The church itself was built in the 1330's. Compared to other Georgian churches, the facade is a little austere however the few decorations it features are very impressive. The interior is dark, austere and largely unadorned.
Gevleti Waterfalls
The Gevleti Waterfall is one of the most beautiful in Georgia and is to be found just off the Georgian Military Highway about 7 klms north of Stepantsminda. In fact the Gevleti Waterfall consist of 2 waterfalls; the larger and the smaller; both equally impressive and beautiful.
Dariali Gorge
In the imaginations of the ancients, the Dariali Pass was thought to be the boundary between the 'known' world and the 'unknown' world, a chaotic region where barbarians lived, plundered and murdered. The gorge itself was carved out by the Terek River through literally kilometres of solid granite and the result is a narrow twisting canyon with sheer, steep cliffs towering up to 1,800 metres into the air. An exhilarating sight indeed!
Dariali Monastery
The Dariali Monastery complex is a work in progress. The first stage of this complex was completed in 2011 and the next stage is in train. On its completion there shall be 12 churches in total. The complex lies a few hundred metres south of the Russian border crossing.
Free Afternoon/Optional Tour

Refresh, mountain gaze or relax in the wonderful gallery lounge of Rooms Hotel or avail yourself of the optional tour.

Optional Tour: Visit the fascinating Sno Valley and Village. One of the most striking features of Sno Village is the defensive tower at the edge of the village. These defensive towers are a feature of the valley from Kobi to the Russian border. They are Medieval strongholds built on high cliffs or in narrow valleys. These line-of-sight structures were used both to protect people from attack and they also served as an early warning system using either smoke or fire. On the way to the village you will also notice the Sno village sculptor, Merab Piranishvili's, massive megalithic sculptures of famous Georgian writers.

1900 – Dinner
Dinner at Rooms Hotel Kazbegi, in the Lobby Bar surrounded by roaring fireplaces.
Monday
28 June
Stepantsminda – Borjomi
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Borjomi, Baratashvili Street 9
Meals: B L
Duration: 5 hours
Borjomi
Arrive at Crowne Plaza Borjomi, check in from 1500.
Free Afternoon and Evening
Time to relax or explore Borjomi town at your own pace. Perhaps wander through the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park and sample the world famous Borjomi mineral water from the source or simply unwind at the hotel. Dinner own arrangement.
Tuesday
29 June
Borjomi – Sapara – Vardzia – Khertvisi – Mtsvane – Borjomi
Meals: B L
Duration: 8 hours
Sapara Monastery
Despite its size (there are 12 churches!) this monastic complex is an eyrie of sorts hidden away in forests of cypress and pine. The complex has existed since the 9th century and during this time it has operated as a fully functioning monastery, providing the perfect setting for a contemplative life. The splendid frescoes in the main church of St Saba are of a very high quality and they are some of the most impressive in the whole of the Caucasus.
Vardzia Cave City
The Samtskhe-Javakheti region of Georgia is a little bit off the beaten track for many travellers however the cave city of Vardzia is definitely worth the trip. The spectacular complex was excavated from the side of the Erusheti Mountain and it stretches along its side for over 500 meters. Vardzia is located in quite a remote area of Georgia and the dramatic wildness of the surrounding countryside only exacerbates this feeling of remoteness. At its peak, for instance in times of invasion or natural disasters, the cave city would have been home to upwards of 50,000 people accommodated in over 500 caves spread over an amazing 19 levels.
Khertvisi Fortress
Khertvisi Fortress is yet another hidden gem in the rarely explored south-western regions of Georgia. The imposing fortress in Meskheti province is one of the oldest fortifications in the country and legend has it that it was once attacked and besieged by Alexander the Great in the 2nd century BC on the way to India. However the legend refers not to the present fortress (dated around 965) but to the fortifications on which it is built. Legends aside the reality is that this fortress is most impressive. It is perched high on a rocky outcrop, overlooking an ancient thoroughfare and is surrounded by two rivers that course rapidly through deep gorges. This was for a reason and that being the protection of yet another branch of the Silk Road.
Mtsvane
Not much is known about the Chitakhevi Church of St George or Mtsvane as it is commonly known by the locals. However this does not detract from one's enjoyment of this beautiful complex in a sublime setting irrespective of the season. In summer it fully lives up to its name as it is almost totally enveloped by the deep, wooded gorge in which it's located. In autumn, the fall colours provide a splendid backdrop for this beautiful church and in winter it is a serene scene covered in pristine snow.
Free Evening
Return to the hotel to relax or to explore the nightlife of Borjomi. Dinner own arrangement.
Wednesday
30 June
Borjomi – Timotesubani – Tbilisi
Accommodation: Unfound Door Hotel, 111 Davit Aghmashenebeli Avenue, Tbilisi
Meals: B L
Duration: 4 hours
Timotesubani Monastery
After a relaxed 1200 check out, we set off on a very short journey to our only scheduled stop for today, the Timotesubani Monastery. This little visited monastery complex is a gem. It is less than 20 klms from Borjomi yet it seems to be a world away. The design of the exterior is very striking and was built by Queen Tamar around 1200 during the 'Golden Age' of medieval Georgia. The extensive frescoes were painted not long after and they are some of the most important frescoes in Georgia due to their very skilful use of colour and their iconological significance.
Return to Tbilisi
After our departure from Timotesubani Monastery, we now transfer back to Tbilisi with an optional lunch at KE&RA or similar restaurant in Gori.
Free Afternoon and Evening
Return to the Unfound Door Hotel. After checking in refresh, relax or explore Tbilisi at your own pace. Or perhaps later enjoy the vibrant Tbilisi nightlife. Dinner own arrangement.
Thursday
1 July
Tbilisi – Gombori Pass – Telavi – Family winery – Alaverdi Monastery – Qvevri Workshop – Shalauri Winery – Tbilisi
Meals: B L D
Duration: 12 hours
Gombori Pass
The picturesque road to Telavi from Tbilisi takes us over the Gombori Pass which is surrounded by a cluster of small villages located on extremely fertile lands. One of the most famous products of the area is artisanal honey and here we shall enjoy sampling a variety of this sublime nectar as well as delicious local cheeses and other delicacies.
Telavi Market
Vibrant grower's market featuring a wide range of fresh produce, herbs, spices, cheeses, oils and other Kakhetian specialities.
Family winery
Khinkali is a beloved and delicious part of Georgian cuisine and makes an appearance in many meals. Today as well as enjoying them, you will be shown how to make these wonderful 'flavour bombs' so that you can recreate the experience in your kitchen on your return home. A rather delicious souvenir of your visit to Kakheti!
Alaverdi Monastery
As a result of the lack of decoration and embellishment on the exterior of the Cathedral of St George the first impression of the building is one of austerity, restraint and solemnity. However a number of beautiful frescoes from the 11th, 12th and 15th centuries adorn the interior and these act as a vivid foil to the similarly severe structural precepts of the interior. The frescoes in tandem with the sheer scale and size of the cathedral's space elicit a feeling in the viewer that is nothing less than awe-inspiring. The oldest structure in the complex dates back to the 6th century and as was the convention, the cathedral was built around 1010 on the remains of a pagan temple.
Qvevri Workshop
The Qvevri is a large egg shaped earthen-ware vessel that is used for the fermentation, storage and aging of wine and which is an indispensable part of the traditional Georgian winemaking process. Today we will see how these beautiful amphorae are fashioned from local clay and learn about their role in the story of Georgian wine.
Shalauri Winery
Sit down to a dinner comprising of a sumptuous spread of homemade local dishes accompanied by a number of wines from this boutique winery.

Highlights

A taste of what awaits

Symphony of Stones, Garni
Symphony of Stones, Garni
Lavash masterclass, Garni
Lavash masterclass, Garni
Abelyan House, Garni
Abelyan House, Garni
Noravank Monastery
Noravank Monastery
Tatev Monastery
Tatev Monastery
Khertvisi Fortress
Khertvisi Fortress
Ananuri market
Ananuri market
Mtsvane Kvabiskhevi monastery
Mtsvane Kvabiskhevi monastery
Garni Temple, Armenia
Garni Temple, Armenia
Khor Virap & Mount Ararat
Khor Virap & Mount Ararat
Vardzia cave city
Vardzia cave city
Urartian cuneiform, Yerevan Museum
Urartian cuneiform, Yerevan Museum
Stepantsminda, Greater Caucasus
Stepantsminda, Greater Caucasus
National Gallery of Armenia
National Gallery of Armenia

Days 8 – 14

Armenia

Friday
2 July
Tbilisi – Akhtala – Haghpat – Alaverdi – Yerevan
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Republic Square or Tufenkian Historic Yerevan Hotel
Meals: B L D
Duration: 6 hours
Sadakhlo/Bagratshen Border Crossing
After our departure from the suburbs of Tbilisi, we proceed in a southerly direction. After a short drive, we arrive at the Sadakhlo/Bagratshen border crossing and complete border formalities for our entry into the Republic of Armenia.
Akhtala Monastery
Surrounded by steep cliffs and deep canyons on 3 sides, this spectacular 10th century monastery complex perched on a rocky promontory, is one of the most impressive sites in Armenia. It has resonances with the Tatev complex and was a vital cultural and religious centre for centuries. Arguably the most impressive aspect of the complex are the spectacular 13th century frescoes which cover the interior of the main church and which are the largest and best preserved in Armenia.
Haghpat Monastery
Haghpat, or to give its full title, Haghpatavank, is a monastic complex overlooking the Debed River in Lori province, north Armenia. It is one of many monasteries in this mountainous and heavily forested area. Since the beginning of its construction in 967, it suffered many attacks from belligerents and enemy forces as well as sustaining damage in earthquakes, however, surprisingly, it has survived mostly intact. As well as providing spiritual nourishment to the surrounding communities, it, like other monasteries, also contributed to their cultural and material well being.
Alaverdi Train Station
Step back in time to the Soviet-Armenian era as you enter the pink tufa Alaverdi Railway Station. This imposing edifice constructed in the 1940/50's stands on the banks of the Debed River. As you proceed to the waiting room you are surrounded by 4 striking frescoes commissioned from Rudolf Khachatryan a hyper-realist Armenian artist from Yerevan. These striking paintings both extol the natural beauty and virtues of the Lori province but they also tap into the universal humanism of the by gone Communist era.
Arrive in Yerevan
Arrive at the Holiday Inn Republic Square or Tufenkian Historic Yerevan Hotel, check in after 1500.
1900 – Welcome to Yerevan Dinner
Enjoy a delicious Syrian-Armenian dinner at the Anteb restaurant, which is a short interesting walk from your hotel.
Saturday
3 July
Yerevan — City Exploration
Meals: B L
Duration: 4 hours
History Museum of Armenia
This is an excellent place to commence our exploration of the city and our immersion into Armenian culture. It is located right in the centre of Yerevan and it is one of the largest museums in the Caucasus and it provides a superb overview of Armenian civilisation. The prehistoric sections and the wing devoted to Armenian carpets are particularly fascinating.
Matenadaran Manuscript Museum
There are two decorative arts of which Armenia is justifiably proud; the first is the production of exquisite carpets, rugs and other textiles and the second is the creation of sublime illuminated manuscripts over the last 1,000 years. In fact illuminated manuscripts began to be developed around the 5th century just after Mesrop Mashtots standardised the Armenian alphabet. They are in a way a distillation and combination of Middle Armenian art and the art of Byzantine illuminated manuscripts and Persian illuminated manuscripts. These precious documents give us profound insights into the cultural and spiritual mores of this enchanted and enchanting land and the Matenadaran is the biggest repository of them in the world.
Free Afternoon/Optional Tour

Return to the hotel to relax, explore Yerevan at your own pace or avail yourself of the optional tour.

Optional Tour: Visit the Genocide Memorial (Tsitsernakaberd) and the Cascade Complex. This is a most sacred place and it is dedicated to the memory of each and every one of the 1.5 million victims of the 1915 Armenian Genocide. The complex consists of four main areas; the Temple of Eternity, the Memorial column, the Memorial wall and the memorial of the Alley of Trees. The hill on which the Genocide Museum has been built has a history of its own which stretches back to 800 BC.

The Cascade Complex is a multifunctional public space where architecture, art and nature intersect. It is a focal point of cultural and recreational life, a great place to 'hang' and it affords wonderful views of the city and Mt Ararat of course, weather permitting. By the way Mt Ararat is an active volcano and its last eruption was in 1840.

Free evening
Return to your hotel to freshen up, relax or to enjoy Yerevan nightlife. Dinner own arrangement.
Sunday
4 July
Yerevan – Zvartnots – Etchmiadzin – Garni – Geghard – Yerevan
Meals: B L
Duration: 9 hours
Zvartnots Temple
The UNESCO listed site Zvartnots Temple was completed and consecrated in 652 and was built in response to the first Arab Muslim raids of the 7th century. Its unique circular design showed the influence of both Mesopotamian and Syrian architecture with its use of monumental stone masonry. For over 300 years the temple was a cultural and religious centre and stood proudly on the Ararat plain but it collapsed in the late 10th century. Whether the collapse was caused by an earthquake or the result of the repeated Arab raids, the reason for the collapse is a mystery to this day.
Etchmiadzin Cathedral and Museum
The sprawling complex of Etchmiadzin is the Mayravank, or Holy Mother Church See of the Armenian Apostolic faith. The main cathedral itself was constructed over a pagan temple and is considered to be the oldest cathedral in the world. The original church was built by Gregory the Illuminator between 301 and 303 following the adoption of Christianity as state religion by King Tiridates III. And it has had a very chequered and fascinating history since! We will also visit the impressive Cathedral Museum which contains many relics and sacred objects of great beauty and profound cultural significance for Armenians. The cathedral is located at the centre of the vast complex and it is surrounded by numerous buildings. One of the more interesting of these is the Mayravank refectory, now called the Agape, and with its authentic Armenian cuisine is the perfect place to enjoy a light refreshment before proceeding to our next destination.
Garni Temple
After being crowned by Nero, King Tiridates I returned to Armenia. During the journey home he decided to build the pagan temple we see today overlooking the Garni Gorge and the Azat River. This striking temple was dedicated to Mihr the Roman god of the sun and in fact the king installed himself as the high priest of the temple. It was modelled on Greek and Roman temples of the time and is the only such temple in all of Armenia. Around the same time, a palace had been constructed to the right of the temple as you look at it, and in the bathing area are the remnants of mosaics which are quite rare in Armenia. See if you can spot the complaint of an artisan written in Greek in one of the mosaics — 'we worked, but got nothing'.
Symphony of Stones
There are a number of columnar basalt outcrops in the world however the 'Symphony of Stones' on the right bank of the Azat river in Garni Gorge is arguably the most spectacular. This extraordinary sight is a consequence of an enormous volcanic eruption over 100,000 years ago. The eruption resulted in huge lava flows and due to the slow rate of cooling in the lower edge of the flow mass, the lava cooled into geometric columns – mostly hexagonal-shaped but sometimes pentagonal. The sheer scale of this natural monument, both in terms of the number of columns and their size is absolutely breathtaking.
Geghard Monastery
Well before Gregory the Illuminator established the Geghard Monastery in the early 4th century, there had been a pre-Christian cave and a sacred spring with mysterious healing powers at the location. Clearly these were of ritualistic and spiritual significance in pagan times however some of their features remain and are to be seen incorporated into the Christian constructions. From the humble beginnings of this small cave the monastery greatly expanded to become one of the most important spiritual, cultural and educational centres in all of Armenia.
Lavash Masterclass
To say that Lavash is a staple of Armenian cuisine is quite the understatement. It appears at breakfast, lunch and dinner in all manner of differing forms. In fact, some form of bread — 'hats' — is the basis of every meal served at the Armenian table and the Armenian equivalent of Bon Appétit! is 'hats untek!'. One of the most beloved of Armenian breads is Lavash which we shall see being cooked today in the 'tonir', a fit-for-purpose oven sunk into the ground. Indeed a very special experience is eating piping hot lavash freshly cooked in the 'tonir', often accompanied by white cheese and handfuls of fresh herbs, which is what we shall enjoy today!
Lunch at Abelyan House, Garni
Once you pass over the threshold of this house, you have entered another world. You have entered an oasis of calm, a beautiful tranquil garden filled with a huge variety of fruit trees. Here we stop for authentic Armenian cuisine. We hope that your appetite is up to it as the table will be absolutely groaning under the weight of a vast selection of delicious traditional dishes. Savour the delectable food with locally made wine or local home-made vodka if you dare!
Free Evening
After a short drive of about 45 minutes, we shall arrive back in Yerevan where you can spend the evening at your leisure. Dinner own arrangement.
Monday
5 July
Yerevan – Khor Virap – Areni Cave – Noravank – Yeghegnadzor – Goris
Accommodation: Khreayi Dzor, Goris
Meals: B L
Duration: 9 hours
Khor Virap Monastery
Location, location, location! Khor Virap offers the visitor an absolutely superb view of both Ararat peaks across the Ararat plains and the watchtowers of the Turkish border. The sensational location aside, the fame of the monastery is due to the fact that Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned here for 13 years by King Tiridates III. At which point the king had a change of heart, Gregory became his spiritual mentor and Christianity became the state religion in 301.
Areni Cave
This cave complex was an extraordinary archeological find from the early Bronze Age. It was both a settlement and a ritual site and a number of amazing finds have been discovered there. These include the world's first leather shoe (dating from 3,500 BC) which you may have seen in the National Museum in Yerevan, the world's oldest winery (dating from 4,100 BC) and extensive evidence of human habitation and extensive societal organisation.
Noravank Monastery
This is another stunning location for a monastic complex. However in this instance the sense of isolation is extreme. The drive up from the North-South Highway is spectacular but with each kilometre one feels that one is moving further and further away from civilisation. The monastery's churches and its collection of khachkars are beautiful and fascinating but it is the extreme isolation of the location and its proximity to the Autonomous Republic of Nakhchivan that makes a profound and lasting impression.
Yeghegnadzor
Enjoy a traditional lunch and wine tasting at an exclusive boutique winery in Vayots Dzor province. Sample their delectable Areni Reserve reds and their delicious whites in genial surroundings where the 6,000 year old Armenian viticulture traditions work hand-in-hand with modern winemaking techniques. Following this delicious lunch, we head south through some spectacular steppe and mountain scenery to arrive in Goris, the cultural centre of Syunik province.
Arrive in Goris
Arrive at The Khoreayi Dzor Hotel, Arzoumanyan 28 Goris, check in after 1500.
Free Evening
Refresh or relax in the hotel or explore the nightlife in Goris. Dinner own arrangement.
Tuesday
6 July
Goris – Tatev – Karahunj
Meals: B L
Duration: 4 hours
Tatev Monastery
The Tatev Monastery is the spiritual centre of Syunik province and it occupies a commanding position on the precipitous edge of the stunning Vorotan Gorge, the deepest canyon in Armenia. The cluster of buildings in the complex enjoy an enviable strategic position as it is protected by sheer cliffs on two sides and by robust defensive walls on the remaining two sides. The main church of Saints Peter and Paul is the oldest of the three churches and was constructed between 895 and 905. The monastic complex was not only a centre of religious and spiritual life but it was also a vibrant cultural centre where artisans, architects, engineers and scribes worked together to create artefacts, manuscripts and buildings of great finesse and sublime beauty.
Karahunj
Zorats Karer, or as it is commonly known, Karahunj, is a mystery. What was this collection of megalithic stones carefully arranged on the Armenian plateau? Was it an astronomical observatory? Or perhaps it was a meeting place for rituals? Or perhaps a stronghold or a necropolis? Some archeologists are convinced that it was a predecessor of Stonehenge! Indeed, lots of unanswered questions! See what you think when you visit this wonderfully evocative place.
Free Afternoon/Optional Tour
Optional Tour: Visit the intriguing ancient cave settlement of Khndzoresk on the border with Azerbaijan. The origins of the Khndzoresk cave city go back to the 13th century and at its peak there were over 10,000 residents at any one time. The complex is built on the side of a large valley and in fact, the name of the settlement derives from its Armenian name 'Khor Dzor'. Although it bears some similarity to the larger Vardzia cave city in Georgia, the Khndzoresk community was more secular in nature and churches appeared quite some time after its establishment. It was inhabited continuously until halfway through the 20th century. However as the Soviet government deemed that it was not appropriate for its citizens, New Khndzoresk was built and shortly after the population was transferred to enjoy a 'better life' in their new home.
Free Evening
Refresh, relax and enjoy the view from your room. Dinner own arrangement.
Wednesday
7 July
Goris – Selim Caravanserai – Lake Sevan – Sevanavank – Dzoraget
Accommodation: Tufenkian Avan Dzoraget, Lori Region
Meals: B L
Duration: 7 hours
Selim Caravanserai
The Selim Caravanserai was built by Cesar Orbelian, of the famous Orbelian dynasty, and completed in 1332. It was constructed to provide shelter and security for travellers and their flocks as they traversed the Selim Pass which lies at an altitude of 2,400 metres. It is the best preserved caravanserai in Armenia and its location offers the traveller absolutely spectacular and unencumbered views of wild, rugged country to the west and on a clear day even into the Nakhichevan Autonomous Region.
Lake Sevan
As the road begins to descend from the plateau after the Selim Caravanserai, the majesty and beauty of Lake Sevan appears and stretches out before you. This impressive body of water is fed by over 25 rivers and streams, it is on average 26 metres in depth and, quite incredibly, loses about 90% of its annual output through evaporation. As well as having considerable economic importance, it is culturally significant as the lake is considered to be one of the three great 'seas' of the Armenian empire.
Sevanavank
Before the draining of Lake Sevan for irrigation purposes during Soviet times, the religious complex of Sevanavank was located on an island. However as the water level dropped, it is now positioned on a peninsula. The two churches themselves are of considerable interest but it is the location of the complex that is truly fantastic. As a consequence, the terrace connecting the two churches affords the visitor stunning views of the lake towards the south. On a clear day, one can literally see forever!
Arrive at Dzoraget
Arrive at the Tufenkian Avan Hotel Dzoraget, check in after 1500.
Free Afternoon and Evening
Refresh, relax in your room or enjoy all the wonderful facilities offered by the hotel. Dinner own arrangement.
Thursday
8 July
Dzoraget – Tbilisi
Accommodation: Unfound Door Hotel, Tbilisi
Meals: B L D
Duration: 4 hours
Odzun Basilica
After a short but stunning drive up to the plateau, the 6th century church appears perched on the cliffs overlooking the Debed river valley. Explore the pink stone basilica, lose yourself in its cloisters and wonder at the mysterious stelae which are said to be gifts from an Indian king in the 8th century.
Bagratshen/Sadakhlo Border Crossing
After a short but fascinating drive through the Debed Valley, arrive in Bagratshen and complete border formalities.
Free Afternoon
Refresh and relax after your journey back to Tbilisi or perhaps buy some last minute souvenirs.
1900 – Farewell Dinner
Farewell dinner at Unfound Door Restaurant.
Friday
9 July
Depart Tbilisi
Meals: B
Departure
Meet the driver at Unfound Door Hotel for the transfer to Shota Rustaveli Tbilisi International Airport for your onward journey home.