In the morning meet other group participants and tour leader, brief pre-tour orientation meeting. The day starts with a visit to History Museum housed by Yerevan City Hall. Providing an excellent introduction to the history of the city, the museum is an ideal place to start your exploration of Yerevan, new and old. A walking tour of Yerevan exploring various layers of its history - medieval shrines hidden behind imposing Soviet-style façades, narrow streets of the old center with sunlight playing on its pink walls, Closed Market and Blue Mosque on Mashtots Avenue, Republic Square, Cascade and Mother Armenia, Opera House and Northern Avenue. A cultural showcase not to be missed is Matenadaran, one of the world's oldest repositories of ancient manuscripts, visit to Genocide Memorial, a solemn reminder of the first genocide of the 20th c. We continue our exploration with a visit to the Vatican city of Armenia, Holy Echmiadzin. Experience a fascinating journey through time, descend to the ruins of the pagan sanctuary beneath the altar and pay tribute to the Treasury of Mother Cathedral with striking collection of relics of Christianity. On to Zvartnots, a temple consecrated in the presence of Emperor Constantine of Byzantium, it stands out as one of the most prominent creations of medieval architecture.

Breakfast at hotel. Drive east to the magnificent Temple of the Sun at Garni, the only surviving sample of Hellenistic architecture in the Caucasus and the legendary Monastery of Spear at Geghard. Explore the mosaic ancient baths and ruins of the royal palace, immerse yourself in the atmosphere of this mythical place and examine remarkable cross stones carved into sheer rock. On to Lake Sevan, one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world - the tranquil majesty of its ever-changing waters, stunning mountains silhouetted against the blue sky, all this inspired its name The Pearl of Armenia. Enjoy the scenery, take a 20-minute walk to the top of Akhtamar Trail for the best photographic views of the Lake, explore romantic Sevanavank Monastery. If we are lucky with the weather, we will take a boat trip to Seagull Island (groups of 6 persons and more). Back to Yerevan. In the evening we offer you to enjoy the cultural life of Yerevan with an exquisite performance at National Opera or a concert at Classical Music Chamber offering you the best of what is available at the time of your stay (optional).

Early start today with a trip to the highest peak of Transcaucasia, Mount Aragats (4,090m), an extinct volcano. The first stop of our trip is Saghmosavank (Monastery of Psalms) perched on the edge of picturesque Kasakh gorge. Acclimatizing gradually as we ascend the beautiful countryside, we reach Amberd Fortress on the southern slope of Aragats. Breathtaking views of the fortress and citadel, snow covered peaks of Aragats, sun scorched grasslands dressed in wildflowers combine to provide an unforgettable experience this morning. If we come here during summer months we can visit high-mountain camps of friendly Yezidi tribes who tend their sheep under the towering peaks of Aragats. We will discover the traditional way of life of these people of the mountains, visiting their tents, trying fresh cheese and yogurt. Continue to our comfortable hotel in Byurakan - clear mountain air, powerful panoramas, fresh dishes and star observations at 1,460 m above sea level!

We start to explore some of the less traveled routes of Lori, the largest of Armenia's 11 provinces. Start our day with a drive to Kurtan with a small 5th century basilica church, the start of a dramatically beautiful gorge, one of the deepest and longest in Armenia. On to 7th century Hnevank, a splendid monastery decorated with fine stone carvings. Drive to Stepanavan, a charming town nestled in the mountains. Visit to the ruins of feudal Armenia's main fortresses, Lori Berd situated on a naturally fortified plateau between two river gorges. Explore the site and take in the beauty of dramatic mountain scenery. Inside the fortress is a bathhouse, with remains of a complex plumbing system. Continue on foot to a vaulted medieval bridge at the bottom of the gorge crossing Urut River, leading to several cross carvings in the rock face. Here we have a great view over the so-called Communist Caves once serving a secret meeting place for "red" revolutionaries. Optional dinner at one of many roadside restaurants before heading to your hotel in Stepanavan.

After breakfast we are off to beautiful Kobayr monastery situated on the edge of a narrow ravine. Superb frescoes and a unique atmosphere make Kobayr a jewel in the crown of Northern Armenia. We continue our trip to sleepy Alaverdi, once an industrial town and rise to our next destinations - Haghpat and Sanahin. Severe and majestic design and marvelous bas-reliefs justly rank these sites among the celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Marvel at the intricate reliefs showing biblical scenes and characters, before wandering the atmospheric graveyards. Many tombs are carved with khachkars - Armenian cross stones, perhaps looking remarkably Celtic to some of you. Continue to Dilijan, a town nestled in a deep wooded gorge. Check in at hotel, rest. In the evening take a stroll in the old town where strangers are greeted with smiling curiosity.

Breakfast at hotel and trip to the border. We begin our journey of Georgia's fascinating and historical countryside and head for Tbilisi, the vibrant capital of Georgia. Arrival in Tbilisi, check in at hotel. Visit to Georgian Art Museum offering an exclusive collection - the icon of Zarzma Monastery, the Chalice of Bedia, Anchistkhati and Khakhuli Triptychs and much more. Providing an excellent introduction to the history of the city, the museum is an ideal place to start your exploration of Tbilisi, new and old. Walk in lively Kala, the medieval city center, small yards encircled by galleries, steep street stairs and houses with patterned balconies create picturesque images of Old Tbilisi. The Holy Trinity Cathedral, which is the largest religious building in the area of the South Caucasus. Optional visit to Nabadi folk theatre where a show of music, dance and song about Georgian legends and culture awaits us.

Breakfast at hotel. Proceed to the tour of old Tbilisi. Best explored on foot our tour includes some of the most colourful sites of this ancient city - Metekhi Temple, Narikala Fortress with a marvelous panoramic view of the city, Sulfur Baths dating back to the time of Arab Khalifs, the Synagogue and Sioni Cathedral. Fine masonry with carved woodworks, arts and crafts workshops offer us an insight into the fascinating cultural diversity of Tbilisi. Continue to open air ethnographic museum of Tbilisi featuring 70 houses with traditional household furniture and utensils from various regions of Georgia. You have a bird's eye view of Tbilisi from Mtastminda Park, the highest entertainment park in city, located on the 800 meters above the sea level. Optional sulphur bath with massage in the evening.

Travel the famous Georgian Miltary Highway and visit Ananuri Fortress. Arrive at Kazbegi, a lovely town nestled at the base of Caucasus Mountains. Enjoy the wildly beautiful views of Mount Kazbek (5,047m), one of the six 5,000 m peaks of the Caucasus range where Prometheus was said to be chained. Gergeti Sameba (Trinity), a remote but enchanting church dramatically sited at the foot of Kazbek, is a site not to be missed. In order to reach the church we will take a winding road uphill through flower-filled meadows enjoying fantastic vistas of the area (walking about 2-3 hours round trip). We spend the night at a cosy alpine hut style hotel in nearby Gudauri ski resort.

Travel to Gori, the birthplace of Joseph Stalin. Visit the remarkable Stalin Museum re-creating surreal and revealing scenes from the life of the tyrant. A large statue of the "Leader of the People" used to dominated the square of Gori until last year. Stalin's bulletproof train carriage, which he used to travel to the Potsdam Conference in 1945 lies in the grounds of the museum. Visit Uplistsikhe or Fortress of God, an ancient cave town dating back to I millennium BC. Explore its caves, temples, labyrinth passages and colonnaded streets, all carved out of stone. Wander among the impressive ruins of the amphitheatre, one of the oldest in the world. Afternoon proceed to Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia founded 3000 years ago, Jvari Church built to house the robe of Jesus Christ and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, major pilgrimage site listed as UNESCO World Heritage site. Arrival Tbilisi, check-in at hotel, rest.

Breakfast and departure from Tbilisi. The first stop of our visit is David Gareja cave monastery. Take a light hike up the mountain, the slopes of which lead you to another world. In the footsteps of ten centuries of pilgrims, explore Lavra and Udabno churches for fine frescos and rare examples of cave architecture. Continue deep into the heart of Alazani, a fertile valley boasting three hundred years of wine making. We reach the walled town of Signagi with splendid views of romantic Alazani valley. Here we visit a family of winemakers and taste some of the finest red and white wines of the region. We learn first-hand about the local traditions of wine making and sample wines from kvevri, a clay jar kept in the ground. In the evening we make our way back to Tbilisi.

Those taking Svaneti and Eastern Turkey extensions start their tours the next morning after breakfast (see Svaneti and Eastern Turkey extensions below)

If you want to complete your stay in Georgia, consider a side-trip to Svaneti. The highest inhabited point in Europe, surrounded by 4 of Europe's 10 highest peaks, Svaneti is a land of stunning beauty. Upper Svaneti, UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a mythical place dotted by medieval villages and evocative tower-houses. You will travel to Ushguli, the highest continually-inhabited settlement in Europe, en route you will visit Kutaisi, the capital of Western Georgian Kingdom with its evocative sites. You will be guests in small villages and experience the life of Svans  first hand. (For more information on the itinerary, prices and inclusions, see detailed itinerary, PDF)

Round up your Caucasus experience with Eastern Turkey extension. The legendary final resting place of Noah's Ark, Mount Ararat dominates our journey towards the town of Kars, where we visit the ancient Armenian capital of Ani. Continue via the sumptuous splendour of Isak Pasha Palace to Lake Van where to visit Aktamar Island and 10th century church of the Holy Cross. (For more information on the itinerary, prices and inclusions, see detailed itinerary, PDF)