Best of Georgia & Armenia

Visit Armenia's ancient capital city. Stop at the famous cathedral, one of the world's first Christian churches (built in 301 AD). Learn about the cathedral’s history and change in architectural style after it was damaged in the late 400s.

Continue on to Khor Virap through villages and vineyards. Visit the pilgrimage site and monastery built in 1662 that’s still used for services today. The structure is built around a pit, used to imprison Saint Gregory the Illuminator who was confined for 14 years by his pagan King for preaching Christianity. Explore the grounds and enjoy the fantastic views of Mt Ararat.

Enjoy an excursion to the Roman temple of Garni, dedicated to the God of the sun, Mithra. The temple is one of the last standing pagan structures left in Armenia. The Temple grounds have other standing ruins such as a bathhouse, a church, and a cemetery. An earthquake destroyed the temple in 1679, but under the guidance of the architectural historian Alexander Sahinian, the temple was rebuilt by 1974. Visit Garni Gorge to admire the formations of basalt columns known as the ‘Symphony of the Stones.’

Visit the shores of beautiful Lake Sevan, the largest lake in the Caucasus Region. Stop into beautiful monasteries along the way to learn more about the region's history.

Visit two iconic monasteries en route to Haghpat. The first is Sevanavank Monestary founded in 874 by King Ashot I, picturesquely standing on a peninsula, this site was used both for the purposes of pilgrimage, and as a place of exile for disgraced Armenian noblemen. Continue your drive and stop in forested town of Dilijan where you can take in the fresh air on a short walk around this quaint town. Last, travel to the heart of the forest to discover the impressive, fairytale-like Haghartsin Monastery, or "Monastery of the Playing Eagle".

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sanahin Monastery that dates back to the Byzantine era. The monastery is made up of several buildings including the main church the Cathedral of the Redeemer. Admire this beautiful example of medieval Armenian architecture and the view of the surrounding hills.

Stop at this group of historical churches in an ancient city of Georgia, together these churches are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and showcase examples of medieval architecture on ancient trade routes. Visit the Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.

Visit this ancient cave town dating back to the 7th century BC. The name translates into ‘the lord’s fortress’ and the town continued to be a religious and political stronghold until the 14th century before being attacked by the Mongols. While many travellers have never heard of this ancient city before visiting, after a few hours climbing around the rocks and caves Uplistsikhe quickly becomes a highlight of any trip to Georgia.