The small republics of Georgia and Armenia have for thousands of years served as a crossroads of cultures. Archaeological evidence suggests that they are the sites of the oldest presence of humans outside of Africa, as well as the origin of wine making and metalworking. Nomads from Central Asia and traders from the ancient Near East, travelers and conquerors, all stopped here and left their mark. Out of these rich cultures came skilled craftsmen producing an art style that influenced all of Europe and filled the museums of these two countries with extraordinary works of art in gold, silver and other metals. The architecture of Georgia and Armenia is still another expression of their cultural identities and is most evident in their ecclesiastic buildings so uniquely designed and richly decorated with wall paintings, icons, reliefs and textiles quite different from one another. As we explore their mountain villages, bustling capitals and glorious landscapes, their history and their art and music, we will come to know the heart and soul of the Caucasus.
September 21
After a late morning introductory lecture and lunch, touring begins at the Metechi Church, which occupies one of the most important historical sites in the city.
September 22
Touring today takes us to Mtskheta, an important religious and trading center and capital of the eastern Georgian kingdom of Iberia from the 3rd century BCE through the 5th century CE
September 23
After walking up to Narikala Fortress, we continue to the Janashia Museum of Georgia
September 24
This morning we will travel up the Military Highway, which runs north through the Greater Caucasus Mountains and forms a 400-mile spine that historically separated Europe and Asia.
September 25
Our first stop today is Uplis-tsikhe, an unusual medieval cave town that developed over hundreds of years beginning in the first millennium BCE
September 26
We continue our touring at the huge Nokala-khevi Fortress, surrounded by thick walls made with beautifully dressed stones
September 27
At 10,200 feet above sea level, the 3,000 caves at Vardzia were carved out of the soft tuff and occupied during the reign of King Giorgi III (1156-84) as a stronghold against the Turks.
September 28
Dr. Narimaneshvili will be our guide as we travel into the Lesser Caucasus to visit the settlements, fortresses and tombs on the Trialeti Plateau
September 29
Our last day in Georgia will be spent visiting the Sioni Church at Bolnisi, an excellent example of early church architecture, and the 9th-century fortress city of Dmanisi.
September 30
We will transfer to the border, where our Armenian guide awaits.
October 1
Touring begins with Garni, a Roman temple built on a site that has been inhabited since Neolithic times
October 2
Today’s touring begins at the world-famous collection of illuminated Armenian manuscripts at the Matenadaran and continues at Etchmiadzin, the seat of the Armenian patriarch and place of pilgrimage.
October 3
We will spend the day out of Yerevan visiting two ancient cities, Shamiran, a fortified city perched between two gorges, and ancient Agarak
October 4
After exploring Yerevan’s Sunday Market, we drive south to Khor-Virap Monastery, on the site of ancient Artashat. Legend has it that St. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 12 years here in a well.
October 5
Our first stop is known as the Zorats Stones, which hardly describes the incredible landscape of tumuli and seemingly endless lines of standing stone circles that we will explore
October 6
Today we complete our touring with visits to three famous sites, Urartian Erebuni, Karmir Blur (Red Hill),
October 7
Transfer to an International Airport of Yerevan, Armenia.. Arrival to the airport for a flight. End of our service.
