A warm welcome to the Georgian capital, Tbilisi. You can first rest a bit in your city hotel and prepare for the wonders of the day. Our first stop is a walk across the Peace Bridge to the Puppet Theater in the old town. From the Metekhi Church and the Vakhtang Gorgasali Monument, we take the cable car up to the Narikala Fortress, which offers a fantastic view of the old town of Tbilisi and the bath district with its mosque and the natural sulfur springs of Abanotubani. In addition to the old town (Gorgasali Square, synagogue, Anchiskhati Basilica, Sioni Cathedral, bell tower, old caravanserai, Shavteli Street, city wall, Baratashvili Street) and the colonial city, the route also goes along Rustaveli Boulevard with the government palace and the Rustaveli Theater. This evening, we have the opportunity to enjoy traditional Georgian music. The vocal technique and harmony of Georgian singing are unique worldwide! Overnight in Tbilisi, Boutique Hotel Brim 4* FA

Hike to Gergeti Church on Mount Kazbek at an altitude of 2,170 m Challenging hike (Walking time approx. 4-5 hours, approx. 14 km, altitude gain: +500 m, descent: -500 m) Drive approx. 190 km, approx. 3 hours The route takes us along the Georgian Military Road to Gudauri through a very scenic area in the higher regions of the Greater Caucasus. On the way, we visit the old capital Mtskheta and the religious center of Georgia with the Jvari Monastery (6th century) and the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century). According to tradition, Christ's tunic is said to be located here. Next, we visit the Ananuri Fortress Church (17th century). From here, we can enjoy the splendid view of the Zhinvali Reservoir. The drive to Kazbek, the highest peak in the Caucasus, will be equally magnificent. Here we will have a beautiful hike to the Gergeti Church, which is actually the Zminda Sameba – Trinity Church. The path takes us through the village of Gergeti up to 2,170 m. Not to mention the grandeur of the view from here into the Terek Valley and the settlement of Kazbek. If the weather is favorable, you might catch a glimpse of one of the highest peaks in the Caucasus, Kazbek (5047 m). On the return trip, we will take a different, colorful route. Today, we are invited to a Georgian family! We will prepare the famous Georgian khinkali – dumplings. Afterwards, we will have dinner with the family. Overnight stay in Kazbek, Georgian guesthouse/private accommodation Diana.

Hike to the Georgian Alps Moderate hike (Walking time approx. 4-5 hours, approx. 10 km, altitude gain: +350 m, descent: -350 m) Drive approx. 300 km, approx. 4 hours After a short drive (approx. 30 min.) through the Sno Valley, we reach the mountain village of Dshuta. Here you will meet locals who are said to be completely cut off from the world for 6-7 months a year and live their natural lives. From here, we begin our hike. In good weather, the impressive Mount Tschauchebi (3842 m) can be seen. Along the river, we admire the diversity of endemic flora. At the beginning of the hike, we have a steep ascent. Afterwards, we are rewarded with a great view of the flower meadows, and as we move through the green valley towards Mount Tschauchebi, we get closer and closer to our goal. Continue along the Georgian Military Road to Gori, Stalin's birthplace. The city is located on the Kura River, the largest river in the Caucasus. Visit a family-owned winery, where the winemaker has been growing old native grape varieties and producing organic wines using traditional Georgian methods for many years. Lunch and wine tasting. Health resort Borjomi – we’ve earned this today. The city is known for its warm mineral springs. And here we will have our accommodation for the night. Overnight stay in Borjomi, Hotel Borjomi Paradise 4*

Drive approx. 240 km, approx. 3.5 hours The cave city is fascinating with its terraces and sewage system, pharmacies, and tunnels. You’ve probably heard of a cave city, and today we visit one of the most famous in the world – the cave city of Vardzia. The city includes over 2,000 cave dwellings carved entirely into the rock and connected by stairs, galleries, and terraces. The intricately restored rock wall, about 500 meters long, over the Mtkwari River is very impressive. You will also visit a stone-carved church with beautiful frescoes. Continue to the Georgian-Armenian border at Bavra. Border crossing. Drive to the city of Gyumri, the second-largest city in Armenia. Overnight stay in Gyumri, Boutique Hotel Villa Kars 3*

Drive approx. 180 km, approx. 3 hours After breakfast, we drive to the Blue Pearl of Armenia, Lake Sevan, one of the largest mountain lakes in the world (located about 1,900 meters above sea level) and twice as large as Lake Constance. Visit the old Sevanavank Monastery on the peninsula and see the famous Allerlöser – cross-stone. Free time by the lake. Visit the largest cemetery in Noradus with various cross-stones from the 13th century. Overnight stay in Getashen, Guesthouse Au Moulin Tatoyan – at the old mill from the 19th century.

Drive approx. 120 km, approx. 1.5 hours Hike to the summit of Mount Armaghan with a small chapel on top Challenging hike (Walking time approx. 6-7 hours, approx. 10 km, altitude gain: +830 m, descent: -830 m) Hike through diverse landscapes to the volcanic Mount Armaghan (2840 m). From the summit, we have a beautiful view of the largest lake in Armenia and Mount Ararat. Crossing the Orbelyan Pass, we reach the well-known wine region of Vayots Dzor. On the way, we visit the only well-preserved and restored caravanserai in Armenia. Overnight stay in Hermon, Nature Hotel Lucy 4*.

Hike to the Fortress Challenging hike (Walking time approx. 6-7 hours, approx. 7.5 km, altitude gain: +450 m, descent: -450 m) Drive approx. 30 minutes Today we hike to the 10th-century Smbataberd Fortress. This fortress sits high on a mountain peak. We explore the powerful ruins of the former Smbat Fortress. From the top, we have a magnificent view. We then continue hiking to the Tsakhats Kar Church. From this vantage point, we can see the ruins of the fortress. Descent to the village of Eghegis. Overnight stay in Hermon.

Hike to Noravank Monastery Moderate hike (Walking time approx. 2-3 hours, approx. 5 km, altitude gain: +300 m, descent: -300 m) Drive approx. 190 km, approx. 3.5 hours Today, we have the opportunity to explore the Ararat Plain. A beautiful legend takes us back to the time of our ancestors and tells how Noah planted the first grapevine after descending from Mount Ararat. The Ararat Plain plays a significant cultural and economic role in the country's viticulture. Viticulture in this region dates back to the 3rd millennium BC. We pass by a cave in the Amaghu Gorge, where wine barrels with traces of wine over 5,000 years old were found. During recent archaeological excavations, the oldest leather shoe was discovered in this cave. The Areni wine region is named after the endemic Areni grape variety, from which the famous red wine “Areni” is made. A beautiful hike from the village of Areni to the picturesque Noravank Monastery. The hiking trail leads us down to the Amaghu Gorge, known for its unique landscape! During the hike, we enjoy the magnificent view of the pearl of Armenian church architecture. Along the way, the guide will show us various animal tracks from the area and explain about unique plants and Armenian berries. Visit the Noravank Monastery, located at the end of the beautiful Amaghu Gorge. The monastery impresses with its unique exterior reliefs. Not only with its reddish facade, which is almost indistinguishable from its rocky surroundings at sunset, but also with its unique "human" architecture, Noravank will remain in your memory. As a logical conclusion to the day, we visit Khor Virap, where we can enjoy a splendid view of Mount Ararat. Continue to Yerevan. Overnight stay in Yerevan, Hotel Royal Plaza 4*.

Hike to Garni Temple Moderate hike (Walking time approx. 3 hours, approx. 6 km, altitude gain: +300 m, descent: -300 m) Drive approx. 80 km, approx. 1.5 hours A leisurely and very exciting hike in the UNESCO-listed Asat Gorge to the unique basalt formations, which form an organ-like structure in the air. A significant excursion to Garni – the only preserved Hellenistic temple in the Caucasus (1st century) and a popular summer residence of the Armenian kings. After a royal tour, we drive to the final monastery of the trip, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Armenia, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Geghard. The world-famous Holy Lance was once kept here. Visit and late lunch at a bakery with an Armenian family in their large garden. Here, they will bake traditional Armenian flatbread Lavash in a tonir (a traditional clay oven) for us! Overnight stay in Yerevan.

After a delicious breakfast, we visit the large Matenadaran library for ancient manuscripts. Then, we tour the Armenian capital, Yerevan, which is 2,805 years old. We stroll through the Armenian capital and its significant sights, such as Radio "Yerevan," the Opera House, and the Cascade – an open-air art museum where we can enjoy various original artworks by contemporary artists. Lunch in a typical Armenian restaurant. Visit the largest church in Armenia, which was blessed by the Pope in 2001. Afterwards, we visit the old food market with typical Armenian spices, which makes a lovely conclusion to our trip. Overnight stay in Yerevan.