Penguin Travel

 There is hardly another place in the world where legend and myth, history and reality are so deeply intertwined. Armenia and Georgia, two Caucasian republics -, each in its own way adds some romanticism to this exotic semi European and semi Asian region. The common thing between these two are the roots old as the world. Georgia in fact is that area Colchis from the Greek mythology from where Jason and the Argonauts stole the Golden Fleece, whereas Armenia was the first land which was revealed to Noah after the biblical flood. These two countries were also the first countries in the world, officially adopted Christianity - Armenia really the first - at 301, while Georgia only twenty years later.
Lands in which the unique architecture resembles the mighty cone of Ararat and the Caucasus peaks, hanging over fertile valleys, seem to reach the sea unnoticeably. Lands of ancient monasteries and fortresses but also of southern sun and strong wine, deep culture and wise people, but also courageous and ambitious dzhigiti.

Attractions included in the program of travel:

Armenia
Because of centuries of Christian tradition in Armenia, its biggest attractions are the ancient monasteries. Several of them are under protection of UNESCO.
Perched high above the canyon of Azat river, the Monastery Geghard or the Monastery of the Holy Lance was the first Christian monastery in the Armenian lands. It was called like this because of the belief that one of the lances which pierced Jesus on the cross, is stored in Geghard.
Many places in Armenia are connected with the name of St. Gregory the Illuminator, who converted the Armenians. One of these is the Monastery Khor Virap built in the place where he was imprisoned for 12 years. He was freed by king Trdates III in 303 AD of gratitude for being healed by the saint from his madness. The present monastery buildings date from the XII century.
One of the most important and most beautiful monasteries in Armenia Noravank. Founded in the XIII century in the deep gorge of the river Amagu, its reddish cliffs surround this architectural and historical masterpiece. The most interesting is the two-storey church building which second floor is reached by steep and narrow external staircases formed by projecting from the facade stones. During the Middle Ages the monastery was an important religious and educational center.
Another Armenian monastery - Tatev, strikes us with its historical significance, its beautiful architecture and location. Perched high on a rock during XIV-XV century the monastery was political, spiritual and cultural center of the area. But the first church was built in IV century!
During the tour we will visit many more very interesting monasteries - Hayrivank, Sevanavank, Arakelots, Haghartsin, Goshavank, Hahpat, Sanahin, Kobair. As well as the so much of valuable from historical and cultural perspective churches with distinctive cone-dome architecture - Zvarnots, Hripsime and Guyana from VII century and Echmiadzin from the IV century.

But in Armenia there are too many attractions of the pre-Christian times.
Garni temple which is dedicated to the sun god Helios, was built in I century by the Armenian king Trdates I with the financial support of the Roman emperor Nero, who in return received the support of the Armenians against the Parthians. After the adoption of Christianity in Armenia this temple is one of the few surviving pagan buildings.
One of the most sensational findings of scientists is the astronomical observatory in Karahundzh. 40 stones arranged in circles resemble Stonehenge but are older than them 3500 years! Karahundzh means "the sound, the voice of the stone. Perhaps it comes from the name Stonehenge because there is no English word hendzh.

Armenian nature is no less attractive.
In the deepest part of the gorge Vorotan, where it is so narrow that the sun beams never reach the bottom, lush river has carved one of the most amazing phenomena in Armenia - Devil's Bridge. The natural stone arch is long 30 meters wide 50-60.
Sevan Lake by itself is a beautiful landmark not only because of the many monasteries along it.
Mount Aragats, the large stratovolcano, is the highest point in Armenia - 4095 m.a.s.l.

There are many interesting sites included in the tour.
More than 400 dwellings carved into the rocks, forming a unique cave settlement called Hndzoresk. Used in the past, recently they were filled with people again - refugees from the war in Nagorno-Karabakh. In the region there are two stone churches from the XVII century.
Best preserved caravanserai in Armenia was named Selim and is located on the Pass carrying the same name at an altitude of 2410 m. It is built of basalt blocks in 1332
Stone Garden Noraduz is in fact the most amazing cemetery. Headstones of XIII-XVII century are real works of art with its amazing stone carvings.
The Amberd fortress is from 7 century at an altitude of 2300 meters on the slopes of Mount Aragats. The name means "fortress in the clouds”.

To all of this we should also add the unique atmosphere of the Armenian cities.
Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The first references to it are sources of the VIII century BC. There is Matenadaran - one of the richest libraries in the world of ancient manuscripts, which are stored in the ancient writings in history, philosophy, medicine, literature, art and cosmology, written not only Armenian, but also in other languages.
Goris, nesting in the mountains, is the most beautiful Armenian city retained its traditional character despite the Soviet years.
Odzun is a historic town with impressive church of VI century - one of the finest basilica with a dome.
 

Georgia
Mtsheta is the ancient religious center of Georgia. Among the most significant monuments in the monastery are Djveta of VI century - representing the future model of the Caucasian Christian architecture and the cathedral of the XI century Svetitskhoveli - headquarters of the Georgian Patriarch. Mtsheta is under the auspices of UNESCO.
Ananuri is a complex of castles and churches located on the steep slope of the river Aragvi. Bloody arena of historical events in the Middle Ages, picturesque Ananuri is one of the biggest Georgia sights.
Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, is extremely picturesque city. Churches and beautiful old buildings are perched on the shores of vertical bisect it Mtkvari River. Its architecture is a mixture of Georgean elements with Byzantine, Russian and Middle Eastern influence
 

Departure dates:	Status
23 September 2010	Closed

Price without flight ticket:    1850 EUR

 Trip Plan:

Day 1: Sofia - Yerevan
Departure from Sofia to Yerevan with Aeroflot and Czech Airlines via Prague or Moscow

Day 2: Yerevan - Garni, Geghard - Yerevan
Arrival in Yerevan early in the morning. Transfer to hotel. Visit the Temple of Garni and visit to the Temple of the Sun and the Monastery of the Holy Lance. Short evening tour of the city - the cascade, the Opera House, Northern Boulevard, the Republic Square and the singing fountains. Overnight in Yerevan.

Day 3: Yerevan - Goris
Visit the Monastery Khor Virap, winery in the town of Arenas, Noravank monastery, mineral springs and waterfall close to Jermuk. Overnight in Goris.

Day 4: Goris and surroundings
 Visit the monastery Tatev, the astronomical observatory in Karahundzh, the Devil's Bridge and Hndzoresk cave complex. Overnight in Goris.

Day 5: Goris - Lake Sevan
Go through the Selim Pass and visit of the caravanserai with the same name. Visit the stone garden in the monastery Noraduz Hayrivank. Overnight near Lake Sevan.

Day 6: Sevan - Hahpat
Visit the monasteries and Sevanavank Arakelots church Astvatsatsin,the ethnographic center Dilizhan, the monasteries Haghartsin and Goshavank and the city of Vanadzor. Overnight in the village of Hahpat.

Day 7: Hahpat - Yerevan 
 Visit Sanahin, Odzun, Kobair, and the mountain fortress Amberd in Aragats Mountains. Overnight in Yerevan.

Day 8: Yerevan
Tour of Yerevan - Tsitsernakaberd – the memorial of the genocide of the Armenian people, the cognac factory, Matenadaran. Trip to St. Hripsimeh church, Saint Guyana church, the cathedral in Echmiadzin and Dzvarnots.
Farewell dinner with traditional Armenian music.

Day 9: Departure 
Departure from Yerevan or Transfer to the Georgian Capital, Tbilisi.
Part of the group will fly back home and the other part will continue to Georgia by bus. The ride takes approximately 7 hours. Accommodation at a hotel in Tbilisi (B/-/D)

Day 10. Tbilisi Sightseeing
Tbilisi sightseeing program – visit the Old and New Towns. The city offers a great variety of sights, most of them very ancient. All the places of interest in the Old Town are very close to each other, within a few minutes’ walk. We start our visit to Old Tbilisi from Metekhi Church (13th century), then walk to the Synagogue, Sioni Cathedral (6th-7th centuries) and Anchiskhati Church (6th century). Afterwards we drive up to Mother Georgia statue and walk down to Narikala Fortress (4th century) en route enjoying beautiful views of Old Town. Then we visit Sulphur Baths. This marks the end of the Old Town. In the afternoon visit the treasury of Georgian Art Museum before taking a stroll along Rustaveli Avenue – the main street in Tbilisi. Overnight at a hotel in Tbilisi. (B/-/D)

Day 11. Tbilisi – Mtskheta – Kutaissi
Today we visit the ancient capital and religious center of Georgia – Mtskheta and see its historical places: Jvari Monastery (6th century) and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century) where the Robe of Christ is buried. Both Jvari and Svetitskhoveli are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Afterwards continue to the land of the Golden Fleece – Imereti province in West Georgia. Imereti is an area of cool springs, green fields and beautiful gardens and its main town Kutaisi is the second largest in the country. The sights in and around Kutaisi are certainly worth visiting. The splendid Bagrati Cathedral ruins (11th century) and Gelati Monastery and Academy (12th century) are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Overnight and dinner in Kutaisi in a guesthouse with shared facilities. (B/-/D)

Day 12. Kutaisi – Gori – Gudauri
From Kutaisi we drive along the Great Silk Road to the town of Gori. Photo stop at Stalin’s house and statue, then visit Uplistsikhe Cave Town (1st millennium BC) – one of the main points on the great east-west trade route. Once a flourishing city now offers a walk among the ancient streets, rock-carved theatre, royal halls and pharmacy, while the remains of granaries and large clay wine vessels give us some clue as to the daily life of the inhabitants. Then drive up the famous Georgian Military Highway in the Great Caucasus Mountains. On the way visit Ananuri architectural complex (17th century). The two churches and the fortress overlooks the Zhinvali reservoir. The drive is very scenic through high Caucasus Mountains. Dinner and overnight in a small hotel in Gudauri (2200m, ski resort). (B/-/D)

Day 13. Gudauri – Kazbegi – Gudauri
Drive from Gudauri to Kazbegi – the main town in the region. We walk up for about 2 hours through beautiful valleys and forests to the Gergeti Trinity church (14th century) located on top of the mountain (2170m). Weather permitting we will also have a chance to enjoy the view of one of the highest glaciers of the Caucasus – Kazbegi (5047m). In the evening return in Gudauri. (B/-/D)

Day 14. Gudauri – Bodbe – Signagi – Telavi
We travel to Kakheti – the famous wine-growing region. We visit Ninotsminda church in Bodbe (4th century.) and the fortified town of Signagi (18th century). The town preserved its original image and now offers visitors stunning views of the surrounding Caucasus Mountains. Continue to the farmer’s house to see a unique 300 year-old wine-cellar. We get acquainted with the Georgian way of wine-making, quite different from the European one and drink typical Georgian wine straight from the clay jars. Accommodation in Telavi in a private guesthouse with shared facilities. Dinner at the guesthouse. (B/-/D)

Day 15. Telavi – Tbilisi
In the morning we will have an opportunity to visit a typical Georgian market in Telavi. Then we’ll drive to visit Alaverdi cathedral (11th century) and make foto-stop at Gremi fortification (16th century). Lunch with a Kakhetian family with homemade dishes and wine. Drive to Tbilisi. Dinner in the traditional Georgian restaurant. Overnight in at a hotel in Tbilisi. (B/L/D)

Day 16. Departure from Tbilisi
Transfer to the Airport for departure from Tbilisi. Most flight depart early in the morning according to the current schedule. 

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Accommodation and food: 3* hotels (9 overnights), and guesthouses / private accom (5 overnights) with shared facilities, as per program above. Half board (breakfast and dinner ) from day 2 to day 16 incl.

Price of extra services: Single room supplement: 225 EUR

Things included in the price: Accommodation and meals as mentioned above, transport and entrance fees mentioned in the program, English-speaking guide.

Things excluded in the price: Flight tickets, visas, airport departure fee of approx. 30 USD, meals not mentioned in the program, drinks and personal expenses, tips. Visa to Armenia: 30 USD (to be payed at arrival at Yerevan airport) and tourist visum to Georgia: 35 USD, to be payed at the boarder.

Minimum group size: 6 persons, but the tour can also be arranged for individual travellers. You are welcome to request a quote.

Practical information: We do not recommend this trip to people who have difficulties by walking on foot.

Rcommended travel period of the year: August - September
 

Tour difficulty:   B 

Most of you, who are used to walking/cycling during a long weekend, will be in condition to cope with a tour of this level. You should be in a good health condition. We have successive days of longer and more difficult walking and days of lighter walking/cycling. Some parts of the day routes are done at a higher altitude. The paths are in good condition. We walk/cycle for 5/7h a day.

Reservation System Code: GRG

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