11-Nights Armenia and Georgia: Cultures of the Caucasus - Small Group Journeys — CALL

1 Arrive Yerevan, Armenia
Armenia stands at one of history’s crossroads, midway between the Black and Caspian seas. The first nation to officially adopt Christianity, it bridges past and present as well as east and west with a mix of stunning churches and monasteries, renowned wines and brandies, hearty cuisine, friendly people and some of Eastern Europe’s most glorious mountain scenery.
The Alexander, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Yerevan

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2 Yerevan – Museums And A Memoriam
Get to know Yerevan, the capital of Armenia and one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. View the distinctly Armenian architecture of the tuff-stone buildings in Republic Square. Visit the Matenadaran Museum of Ancient Manuscripts and the Yerevan Cascade architectural complex, viewing the artworks in its Cafesjian Center for the Arts.
The Alexander, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Yerevan

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3 Vagharshapat – Mount Ararat

View beautiful Khor Virap, a monastery dramatically backdropped by the biblical Mount Ararat. Continue to Vagharshapat to visit the Etchmiadzin Cathedral and the Treasury Museum, home to a collection of venerated Christian relics relating to Jesus’ crucifixion and Noah’s Ark. After lunch at the Machanents Cultural Centre, visit Zvartnots Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Attend a special choral performance of medieval Armenian spiritual chants in the acoustic cave chamber of ancient Geghard Monastery. Then visit the pagan Garni Temple. Built about AD 77, it is the region’s only Greco-Roman colonnaded structure. Listen to a performance of traditional folk melodies on the Armenian duduk. Take part in an Armenian tradition with a hands-on lavash (flatbread) baking ceremony. The dough is kneaded, rolled and baked in a wood-fired oven, then served for lunch with barbecued meats and vegetables. In Azat Gorge, behold the Symphony of Stones — natural basalt columns formed millions of years ago.

This morning, visit one of Armenia's oldest and most vibrant food markets. Observe local life, meet with vendors and discover the rich flavors and culinary traditions of the country. Then, under the guidance of local chefs, learn how to prepare one of Armenia's most beloved local traditional dishes, ghapama, a baked pumpkin filled with ride, dried fruits and honey. In the afternoon, visit the Armenian Genocide Memorial and Museum, situated in the hills of Tsitsernakaberd, to learn about one of the most tragic pages of Armenia’s history, and the nation’s revival. This evening, visit the house museum of renowned filmmaker Sergei Parajanov for a private tour and reception featuring a harp performance.

A land of rugged beauty and welcoming locals — who call it Sakartvelo — Georgia is considered the cradle of winemaking. It is a still-being-discovered destination offering travellers diverse cuisine, amazing scenery and a rich, varied history. En route to the border, pause at Lake Sevan, the largest freshwater lake in Armenia and the Caucasus region. After lunch, stop at the Haghpat Monastery in Armenia to admire its Byzantine ecclesiastical architecture before crossing into Georgia. Continue to Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia and a vibrant melting pot of nightclubs and cafés. Marvel at the city’s Eastern Orthodox churches, ornate Art Nouveau buildings and Soviet Modernist structures. Looming over it all is Kartlis Deda, the 66-foot-tall “Mother of Georgia” statue.

Walk the cobbled streets of Tbilisi’s atmospheric old town, visiting a 12th-century Metekhi Church and a 19th-century Jewish synagogue. Take in the old Georgian houses with their distinctive curved balconies and the Sioni Cathedral. See the oldest surviving church in Tbilisi before getting a bird’s-eye view of the city from the Narikala Fortress. Marvel at the extraordinary gold filigree work at the Simon Janashia Museum of Georgia. Explore Tbilisi on your own this afternoon. You may also opt (at an additional cost) for a dip in the warm Tbilisi Sulfur Baths. This evening, attend a private reception at the Toidze House Museum, studio of the renowned Georgian painter Mose Toidze.

Explore Georgia’s Kakheti region, in the Great Caucasus range, considered the birthplace of viticulture and winemaking. Stop at the ninth-century Bodbe Monastery before arriving at the fortified town of Sighnaghi. Stop at a local winery and tasting room to learn more about how Georgian wine is produced. Then, take part in a fun cooking class and Georgian beer tasting at a family-owned inn.

Take in the UNESCO-heritage listed Mtskheta, Georgia’s cultural and religious center; visit the Jvari Church, one of the few early medieval Georgian churches still standing; and view Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, a Middle Ages masterpiece. Explore the Ananuri Architectural complex, viewing churches and towers from the 16th and 17th centuries. Continue to Kazbegi and settle into your rustic, but comfortable hotel. Enjoy a Scenic Sundowner on the hotel's terrace.

Ramble by 4x4 up a steep hill to the 14th-century Gergeti Holy Trinity Church to take in vistas of the surrounding mountains. Depart Kazbegi and travel toward Gori, the birthplace of Stalin, where you visit the controversial museum that traces his life. Indulge in a lunch of delicious Georgian dishes paired with locally made wines. Return to Tbilisi for an evening at leisure.

Explore another area of Tbilisi today, Sololaki, once the district of rich merchants and artists. Here you can see the real Tbilisi, with its balconies, hidden yards and gilded stair railings. This afternoon is yours to explore. Tonight, eat some of Georgia's finest cuisine at a traditional restaurant, accompanied by a private polyphonic ensemble performance.