Georgia & Armenia: Mountains
& Monasteries
These warm, green countries full of fruitful valleys and saw-toothed mountains are rich with unexpected treasures. Walk through river-cut canyons, explore magnificent cave towns, enter medieval fortress towers of stacked stone and visit the mountain homes of the Svan people.
Days 1-3: Yerevan, Garni, Geghard, Echmiadzin, Lake Sevan
Assemble in Yerevan, once the crossroads of historic trade routes plied by spice and rug merchants. Visit the pagan temple of Garni, and the Christian monastery of Geghard carved into the mountainside nearby. Explore beautiful Lake Sevan, one of the world's largest
"MIR's tour was the trip of a lifetime, especially the Svaneti area of Georgia...Being in th Caucuses was like being in a National Geographic article."
R.H. Freed
Choteau, MT |
alpine lakes, and Echmiadzin, the country's religious center.
Day 4: Amberd, Gyumri
Pay a visit to the remains of the 7th century Amberd Fortress en route to Gyumri, the country's second largest city.
Days 5-7: Bakuriani, Vardzia, Borjomi, Kutaisi
Traveling north across the Georgian border to Bakuriani, a popular winter resort, pause at the imposing cave town of Vardzia. Visit the spa town of Borjomi and spend an evening with locals in Kutaisi, home to the impressive Gelati Monastery.
Days 8-10: Mestia, Svaneti
Venture to the remote Svaneti region, known for its massive tower architecture and its proud mountain people, with their white and black wool hats dense enough to drink from. Here we hike and enjoy the hospitality of local villagers.
Days 12-15: Tbilisi
Tbilisi is an exciting city known for its lively and sophisticated inhabitants. Its museums display fine chased gold work from the 3rd century and medieval art dating from the 9th to the 14th centuries.
Trip Details
| Length of Trip: |
15 days |
| Departures in 2008: |
1 |
| Dates: |
July 14-28 |
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| Land Tour Cost |
|
| 5-12 travelers |
$4,295 |
| Partial Single Supplement |
$550 |
|
MIR Signature Features
- Explore Armenia's Lake Sevan and ancient Amberd Fortress
- Visit the highest village in Europe, Svaneti's Ushguli
- Climb to the cave-dwellings of Vardzia
Map
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| Days 1-3: |
Yerevan with day trips to Garni, Geghard, Echmiadzin,
Lake Sevan |
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| Day 4: |
drive to Gyumri via Amberd |
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| Day 5: |
drive to Bakuriani via Vardzia |
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| Day 6: |
Bakuriani |
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| Day 7: |
drive to Kutaisi via Borjomi |
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| Day 8: |
drive to Mestia via Zugdidi |
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| Days 9-10: |
Svaneti exploration including Ushguli Village |
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| Day 11: |
drive to Kutaisi |
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| Day 12: |
drive to Tbilisi |
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| Days 13-15: |
Tbilisi |
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Suggested Extensions
A post-tour is available to Azerbaijan, or consider an extension to include Mongolian Explorer: The Gobi Desert and Beyond. Contact us for details.
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