Following the Footprints of Early Christian Civilizations

[Armenia - Princess Maneh Tours]

http://www.seearmenia.net         ARMENIA- NAGORNO KARABAGH – GEORGIA

Day 1 / 2 Arrival. Later in the day begin the city tour covering the major landmarks of the capital: Genocide Memorial, Panorama Ground, other as well as the Matenadaran Institute of ancient manuscripts (UNESCO World Heritage Sight)
Day 3 - visit to Echmiatsin - another important UNESCO Heritage sight (if Sunday watch the service in the Armenian "Vatican"); continue to Sardarapat - visit the Sardarapat Memorial and Ethnography Museum
Day 4 - excursion to Garni Fortress and Hellenistic pagan temple, continue to visit the Monastery of Gueghard (UNESCO World Heritage Sight), return to Yerevan and visit two museums – make your choice from list bellow:
 Museum of Collages of the film director Sergey Parajanov,
 National Art Gallery,
 History Museum of Armenia,
 House museum of painter Saryan
Day 5 - check out and head for round trip of Armenia and NKR. Visit Khor Virap, Noravank (UNESCO World Heritage Sight). We shall enjoy real Armenian open fire BBQ in the grotto not far from Noravank, thereafter continue by road to Sissian (stop to visit Zorats Karer - the Stonehenge of Armenia). O/n at local hotel in Sissian or Goris – hotel choice subject to availability
Day 6 - onto Karabagh with visit to Tatev Monastery (UNESCO World Heritage Sight) en route. Ride the world’s longest aerial tramway to one of Armenia’s greatest medieval universities.. Arrive to the border with Karabagh, pass through passport/visa control, head to Shoushi for ss of the town: the Real Gymnasium, Persian Mosque, Ghazanchetsots Church - the Sea of the Bishop of Artsakh. other landmarks. Check in at the local hotel for 2 o/n
Day 7 - full day of ss to include general ss tour of Stepanakert, continue touring and visit Gandzasar Monastery, Kachaghakaberd, etc. O/n Artsakh. Details TBDL
Day 8 - return to Armenia, proceed via the Selima Pass and resume in Tsakhkadzor spa town. o/n in Tsakhkadzor
Day 9 - continue touring and drive to Lake Sevan, visit the 9th c. monastery on the peninsula. Go on with touring: via Dilijan (visit Goshavank monastery) onto Vanadzor. O/n in Tufenkian Dzoraget Htl - subject to availability
Day 10 – Haghpat and Sanahin (both listed as UNESCO heritage sights), time permitting visit to Akhtala. Continue to Bagratashen / Sadakhlo border crossing with Georgia. Pass through immigration and customs formalities on both sides of the border we say good bye to Armenia and change to Georgian bus. Drive to Tbilisi. Dinner at hotel or nearby local restaurant.
Day 11 -Tbilisi: old town, mediaeval churches of Metekhi and Sioni, State Museum of Georgia (archaeological treasury), bath-houses, 5th century Narikala Fortress, Anchiskhati (basilica and bell tower), Holy Trinity Cathedral (built in 2004 as symbol of united Georgia) and the Museum of Fine Arts (icons and metalwork). Dinner at local restaurant. No included lunch required.
Day 12 Whole-day excursion to Mtskheta (ancient capital of Georgia): 7th century Jvari Church, 11th century Svetitskhoveli Church (fine example of Georgian Renaissance architecture), Samtavro Monastery, followed by Gori (birthplace of Stalin, museum) and Ateni Sioni (7th-century church modelled on Jvar, situated spectacularly in a gorge – this is contingent on road conditions permitting access by coach!), Uplistsikhe (“Lord’s fortress”): cave complex first used in 5th century BC including theatres, temples, tunnels, prisons, pharmacy.
Day 13 Whole-day excursion through semi-desert to David Gareja Monastery (complex of 13 monastic communities): Lavra Monastery, Udabno Monastery (9th–11th century murals). Stop at Ninotsminda church on the way. Dinner at local restaurant.
Day 14 Whole-day excursion through Georgia’s mountainous northern borderlands to Ananuri (16th century fortress and church) and Gergety Trinity Church (on the slopes of Mt Kazbek). Dinner at local restaurant. Timings for lunch on this day are difficult, as Gudauri on the way up is slightly too early, and this, in turn, makes for an excessively long afternoon. It may be an option to have a stop for a simple snack at the café in Stepantsminda with views of Gergeti Trinity Church.
Day 15 Depart Tbilisi

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