Key Features
• Uncover Armenia's tempestuous history in the shadow of Mount Ararat
• Visit Georgia's diverse cultural sites from churches to cave cities
• Journey through the impressive landscapes of the Caucasus Mountains
Included
12nts hotel, 3nts guesthouse - all hotels graded standard, guesthouses graded basic; 15 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 8 dinners included.
Transport
Bus/Minibus/On foot.
Group Size
Approx. 15 to 20.
Tour Staff
Explore Tour Leaders (one in each country) plus driver(s).
Exploring Armenia
This mountainous land is dominated by Mount Aragats (4090m) and the looming presence of Mount Ararat (5165m). In Yerevan, we see the Matenadaran library, which houses one of the finest collections of ancient manuscripts in the world. We visit the great monastery of Echmiadzin and walk on the slopes of Mount Aragats to mighty Amberd Fortress. On the old Silk Road we discover Selim Caravanserai and Lake Sevan, famous for its ever changing hues.
Tbilisi & the 'Georgian Military Highway'
Crossing into Georgia we visit Tbilisi, the fascinating capital. In the twisting alleys of the old quarter a mix of cultures are ever present - churches are cheek-by-jowl with mosques, Orthodox priests rub shoulders with Armenian Jews. A dramatic drive takes us via the ancient capital Mtskheta to Kutaisi, Georgia's cultural heart, and then on to Bakuriani, our base for exploring Vardzia, the impressive underground cave city hewn from the cliff face by early Christians. We then make a spectacular journey on the old 'Georgian Military Highway' to Gudauri, sited below the lofty peaks of the Caucasus range.
Comment
We discover the fascinating and diverse cultures of the Caucasus and experience the exceptional hospitality of their peoples. Although primarily a cultural rather than active tour, you should be able to walk around sites and cities and be aware that tourism is still in its infancy: be prepared for limited facilities and some rough roads.