The secrets of Caucasian wines

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Yerevan

  Arrival at Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan. Welcome, transfer to the hotel. Rest.

• day 2

  City tour in Yerevan

  Meeting with the guide at the hotel reception at 9 am. Yerevan, one of the oldest cities in the world, welcomes you and invites you for a lovely walk. We will explore the Matenadaran Museum, where ancient manuscripts recounting millennia-old traditions are preserved. Continue to the Megerian factory to discover the mystery of the creation of handmade Armenian carpets. In a traditional atmosphere, we will enjoy a delicious lunch accompanied by a glass of good wine. At the Ararat Brandy factory, we will have an interesting visit through the history of winemaking in Armenia. We will spend the evening in a welcoming tavern.

• day 3

  Yerevan – Khor Virap – Areni

  The provinces of Ararat and Vayots Dzor are the main Armenian wine regions. The refined taste of Armenian wines and brandy is determined by the hot and dry climate, as well as by the fertile soil of the Ararat valley. We will visit the Khor Virap Monastery. Mount Ararat majestically towers behind the monastery and seems to be so close. In the late afternoon, arrival in Areni and discovery of the village. In the evening, dinner and rest.

• day 4

  Areni – Noravank – "Maran" Cellar – Yerevan

  Aréni is a wine village with many vineyards and a rich winemaking tradition. The annual wine festival takes place in this village that bears its name. To the south of Aréni, in the Amaghu gorge, we will discover the Noravank Monastery, one of the most beautiful monasteries in Armenia. During a visit to the wine cellar, we will taste wine and delicious dishes from the local cuisine. Return to Yerevan. Dinner in a traditional restaurant where good wine is their calling card.

• day 5

  Yerevan – Amberd – "Golden Grape ArmAs" Cellar – Yerevan

  The Aragatsotn region also offers good wines and has a long winemaking tradition. At the beginning of the day, we will go explore the partially destroyed Amberd fortress (2300 m above sea level), dating from the 7th century, as well as the Vahramashen church. Next, we will head to a vineyard, where we will take a lovely walk through vast vineyards and orchards. Lunch on site, then return to Yerevan. Free evening.

• day 6

  Yerevan: "Noy" wine and brandy factory – Zvartnots – Etchmiadzin – Aknashen – Yerevan

  During a visit to the "Noy" wine and brandy factory, we will deepen our knowledge about the history of Armenian wine and brandy production. Afterwards, we will head to Etchmiadzin, the religious capital of all Armenians. We continue to the village of Aknashen. Here, you will experience the warm hospitality of the local inhabitants, who will invite you to the Armenian table. You will also have a unique opportunity to participate in the preparation of "lavash", the quintessential Armenian bread, and to taste traditional dishes. You can also enjoy some good homemade wine. Full of positive impressions, we will return to Yerevan. Rest.

• day 7

  Yerevan – Sevan – Dilijan – Tbilisi

  That day, it will be time to leave Armenia. Set off with your taste buds scented with the flavors of Armenian wines and get ready for the new tastes that await you in Georgia. At the beginning of the day, we will head towards Lake Sevan, "the blue pearl of Armenia". On the Sevan peninsula, we will explore the Sevanavank church. Later, we will discover the picturesque town of Dilijan, "the Armenian Switzerland", and the old Sharambeyan street. The latter has been restored by the Tufenkian Foundation. Here, we will discover the "Old Dilijan" hotel-museum, featuring an original style with antique furniture and handmade carpets. At the gourmet restaurant, we will have lunch, then head towards Georgia. In the evening, arrival in Tbilisi. Rest.

• day 8

  City tour in Tbilisi

  We will take a beautiful walk through Tbilisi. In the city center, on the left bank of the Kura River, we will visit the Sameba Cathedral, one of the main Georgian Orthodox churches. From there, a beautiful view opens onto Mount Mtatsminda and the old town. Next, we will discover the Metekhi Church. A cable car will take us to the 4th-century Narikala Fortress. We will also visit the Orbeliani Baths, the Synagogue, the Sioni Cathedral, and the Anchiskhati Church (6th century). After lunch, we will head towards the town of Sighnaghi. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel and rest.

• day 9

  Sighnaghi – Velistsikhe – Telavi

  Visit of Sighnaghi, a city rich in colors, with beautiful streets and small wooden balconies, each offering magnificent views of the Alazani River and the giant mountains of the Greater Caucasus. In the village of Velistsikhe, we will visit the open-air Numisi museum as well as the 16th-century wine cellar. Departure for Telavi, a center of Georgian winemaking with many cellars. The region has vineyards and a very beautiful cellar. In a pleasant atmosphere, we will taste delicious Georgian cuisine and good local wine.

• day 10

  Telavi – Ikalto Monastery – Kvareli – "Khareba" Cellar – Tbilisi

  The city of Telavi is one of the most beautiful in the province of Kakheti. In a local bazaar, you will find everything your heart desires: delicious fruits, homemade wine, vodka and Georgian grapes called "Tshatsha", various spices and sauces, cheese, traditional bread, as well as sweet specialties such as soutzoukos, gosinaki, etc. We will also discover the beautiful Ikalto Monastery and continue to Kvareli, famous for its wines. We will visit the unique "Khareba" cellar, known for the high quality of its wine, which we will not fail to taste. Other dishes selected for the occasion will be available to you for a gourmet snack. Return to Tbilisi. Dinner at the Schuchmann Wine Restaurant. Previously, it was a caravanserai called Tbileli. High-end "Schuchmann" or "Vinoterra" wines will be served to you.

• day 11

  Tbilisi – Mtskheta – Mukhrani Castle – Tbilisi

  Trip to the former royal capital, Mtskheta. Visit to the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Very close to Mtskheta, we will enter the Jvari Monastery. This has also been included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites. On the way back to Tbilisi, in the heart of the old town, we will visit Mukhrani Castle. Among the fascinating vineyards, the history of the royal family, interesting legends, and a wine tasting cellar, you will be spoilt for choice. This will be an opportunity to end our adventure together with a final round of toasts. Departure preparations.

• day 12

  Return flight

  Transfer to the airport. End of our services.