Hi Anpev,
Here's the itinerary for the add-on part of the tour. Your Tour Manager will go with you, and the meals for each day are listed below. All trips mentioned are included in the price of the tour.
Day 8 Saguramo
After a leisurely breakfast, we'll visit the outstanding Guramishvili Winery in Saguramo and discover a historical wine cellar. Enjoy another tasting of Georgian wine and a wonderful lunch before returning to Tbilisi.
Meals: B,L
Day 9 Yerevan
This morning we will check out of the hotel and drive to the Armenian border at Sadakhlo. From here, we will continue to the UNESCO-listed Haghpat monastery complex. Dating back to the 10th century, it was once a scientific centre where monks could study medicine, astronomy, literature and more.
Our journey continues to Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, and on arrival we'll head off on a tour. Beginning at the heart of the city in Republic Square, we'll make our way to Cascade, an imposing white stairway and home to a museum of modern art. We'll also visit the Opera House, an architectural masterpiece designed by Alexander Tamanyan. After time to freshen up, we'll get together again this evening and enjoy dinner in a nearby restaurant.
Meals: B,D
Day 10 Khor Virap Monastery & Armenian brandy tasting
Today begins with a visit to Khor Virap Monastery, which is set against the stunning backdrop of snow-capped Mount Ararat and renowned as the birthplace of Armenian Christianity. In the late 3rd century, evangelist St Gregory the Illuminator is said to have been imprisoned in a well here by pagan King Trdat III. For around 13 years, he was secretly fed by Christian women and later went on to cure the king of illness. Perhaps as a mark of his gratitude, the king later converted to Christianity and declared it Armenia's official religion. Today, the monastery is an important pilgrimage site and visitors can even climb into the well to see where the saint was held captive. Next, we'll head to Echmiadzin, the centre of the Armenian Apostolic Church and site of the country's oldest Christian church.
As we make our way back to Yerevan, our day comes to an end with a visit to an Armenian brandy factory. We'll enjoy a tour and of course a tasting of the celebrated spirit, said to have been a favourite of Sir Winston Churchill. After time to freshen up, we'll head to a restaurant for dinner.
Meals: B,D
Day 11 The 'Emerald of Armenia'
We're heading to Kotayk Provence today and the magnificent Geghard Monastery, which is set against towering cliffs amidst stunning natural scenery. It's a fine example of medieval architecture, and many of the complex's churches and tombs are cut into the surrounding rock. We'll make a stop at Garni to see the Greek-style colonnaded temple dedicated to the sun goddess Mithra, and then continue our journey to Lake Sevan. Set 1,900 metres above sea level, this beautiful setting is known as the 'Emerald of Armenia,' and is one of the largest high-altitude freshwater lakes in the world. We'll visit Sevanavank, a beautiful monastery set on a rocky peninsula in the north western part of the lake and then drive to the city of Dilijan. Surrounded by natural beauty, it was once a popular retreat for artists, composers and writers and is home to splendid examples of traditional Armenian architecture.
Meals: B
Day 12 Tbilisi
After breakfast we'll leave the hotel and cross the border back into Georgia. We'll head back to Tbilisi, where you'll spend some time at leisure. Perhaps shop for some last-minute souvenirs at Dry Bridge open-air flea market before we transfer you to the airport for your flight back to the UK.
Meals: B,L
Thanks,
Vickie
