Hiking Trails In Armenia & Georgia 12 Days / 11 Nights
Arrival in Land of NOAH. At Zvartnots International airport you will be welcomed and assisted through immigration and customs by Santa Maria Tours representative, then escorted to your hotel.
Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan.
After the breakfast your guide will meet you at the lobby of the hotel and you’ll start your trip with the city tour in the capital of Armenia, Yerevan, which is the largest city of Armenia. The city was founded in 8th century BC and was known as Erebuni. You will pass by the ancient streets of Yerevan such as Baghramyan street, Mashtots Avenue, one of the oldest street Abovyan. You’ll visit the Victory Park, from where you can admire the whole city. The walk will continue by Cascade Complex of massive staircase with fountains to the Opera and Ballet theater. Here in Cascade complex is located Cafesjian Center of Art, which offers a wide variety of exhibitions raised from the collection of contemporary art of the founder Gerard Cafesjian. After you’ll visit one of the most visiting sites of Armenia – Garni Pagan Temple which is located in the village of Garni. Built in the 1st century CE, the Temple of Garni survived the destruction of pagan temples following Armenia’s convention of Christianity. Start hiking to Havuts Tar Monastery. Visit the Medieval Monastery of Geghard, which is located deep within Azat Valley. Turn back to Yerevan.
Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan
Meal: Breakfast & Lunch
Hiking trail: 1 hour 30 minutes (3.5 miles)
This excursional day, after the breakfast in your hotel, you’ll drive to Aragats mountain. Start the hiking from the Lake Kari located on the slopes of Mount Aragats, which is isolated four-picked volcano massif. Most of its water comes from ice and snow. It is located 3,185 m above the sea level. On the way back to Yerevan visit Saghmossavank Monastery, which is located at the gorge of the Kasakh river.
Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan
Meal: Breakfast & Lunch
Hiking trail: 6 hours 40 minutes (6.82 miles)
This day you’ll start the trip by visiting Khor Virap Monastery, which was the first established monastery in Armenia in 642 CE. This is one of primary visiting sites in Armenia with the panorama view of the Ararat Mountain and the Turkish border nowadays. The legend of this monastery is associated with St. Gregory the Illuminator, who was imprisoned here for 13 years. Start this day hiking from Amaghu river to the Noravank Canyon. Visit Noravank Monastery, known for its brick-red cliffs, which is located in a narrow gorge of Amaghu River. This monastery is an example of the ornate architecture of 13th century. The sculptor of the biggest portion of Noravank is Momik, who carved also a number of religious Armenian monuments known as “khachkars”. On the way back to Yeghegnadzor, you’ll stop in Areni Village where you’ll have an excursion and wine degustation in “Areni-1” Winery, known for its wine production.
Overnight: Hotel in Vayots Dzor
Meal: Breakfast & Lunch
Hiking trail: 1 hour 50 minutes (3.42 miles)
The fourth day the road will take you to Smbataberd Fortress, which was founded during the 5th century and was better established during the 9th to 10th centuries. The fortress receive water from an underground pipe leading from the monastery of Tsakhats Kar. Hiking from Smbataberd to Tsakhats Kar Monastery. After hiking drive to the blue Pearl of Armenia – Lake Sevan, recognized as a national treasure in the country. It is the largest lake of the Caucasus and Armenia, at an altitude of 1900 m above sea level. At the shore of a small island is located the Monastery complex of Sevanavank. After the water level fell about 20 m, the island transformed into a peninsula. You can take your lunch here in Sevan, which provides approximately 90% of the fish and 80% of the crayfish catch of Armenia. After take the road to the Armenian Switzerland, known as Dilijan. Dilijan is one of the most important resorts of Armenia. You’ll have a little city tour in old town of Dilijan which includes Sharambeyan street in the center, complete with craftsman’s workshops, galleries and museums.
Overnight: Hotel in Dilijan
Meal: Breakfast & Lunch
Hiking trail: 4 hours 30 minutes (5.8 miles)
The sixth day start by visiting Apaga Resort in Ijevan, which is one of the beautiful areas of Ijevan. The cozy cottages of the resort combine the traditional style of Armenian houses with all modern amenities. The resort provides an opportunity for relaxation in the mountains, offers horseback riding, ziplining, paragliding and other activities. After your check-in at the hotel start the Lastiver hiking trail. The biggest part of this region is covered with forests, caves, swift river, small waterfalls. Tourists and local people choose a tour to Lastiver, to see this amazing nature. The extreme lovers love this road very attractive. Here you can see a wonderful waterfall, noising in the bottom of the canyon. Have a dinner and overnight in Apaga Resort.
Overnight: Hotel in Ijevan
Meal: Breakfast & Lunch
Hiking trail: 3 hours (4.01 miles)
Breakfast in the hotel. Transfer and meeting at the Sadakhlo border. Transfer to Tbilisi. Overnight and free day in Tbilisi.
Overnight: Hotel in Tbilisi
Meal: Breakfast & Lunch
City tour of Tbilisi: Metekhi Church, delight with unforgettable panoramic views over the river Mtkvari and the main attractions of Tbilisi old district, Narikala Fortress – the ancient symbol of the city, Sioni built in 6th-7th CC, synagogue, the only remaining mosque in Tbilisi, etc. Visit Abanotubani sulfur baths. Visitors will walk to the pedestrian street Sharden. Departure to Kazbegi Cross the legendary Georgian Military Highway, one of the world’s most beautiful roads, through valleys, ravines and finally over the 2300-meter Cross Pass. On the way of Kazbegi visit Ananuri Castel with picturesque views over Jinvali Reservoir. Overnight in Kazbegi.
Overnight: Hotel in Kazbegi
Meal: Breakfast & Lunch
Departure by 4×4 car to the village Juta (N.A.40 min drive). From the village, we start our hike, we reach the slopes of the Mount Chaukhebi located up to 2700m above sea level. Splendid panorama of the surrounding peaks, including Mount Chaukhebi at 3840m, one of the highest peaks in Georgia. Hike back to the center of Juta. Overnight in Kazbegi.
Overnight: Hotel in Kazbegi
Meal: Breakfast & Lunch
Hiking trail: 1 hour 30 minutes
Departure by 4×4 car for Truso Valley, hiking. Enjoy with intact nature, great mountains and vastness; It is really excellent place for photographing. There visitors can found lots of mineral springs in the Gouges of Truso. Overnight in Kazbegi.
Overnight: Hotel in Kazbegi
Meal: Breakfast & Lunch
Hiking trail: 3-4 hours
Hiking up to Gergeti Trinity Church. Return to Tbilisi. On the way visit Jvari (Cross) perched on a hill and overlooking the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers.
Overnight: Hotel in Tbilisi
Meal: Breakfast & Lunch
Hiking trail: 3 hours (6 km)
After Breakfast, time to bid farewell to your Tour director and new found friends as you transferred to Tbilisi International airport for your return flight.
Meals: Breakfast