Page 108 - 2020 Worldwide Journeys with Alexander + Roberts

BLACK SEA
OUR JOURNEY
DAY 5 | Fly to Tbilisi, Georgia
We include this morning’s short flight to the Georgian capital where you’ll be escorted to the 5-star Rooms Hotel. Then join our resident guide for an introduction to the city and dine tonight at Kalaki, the perfect restaurant for your first taste of Georgian cuisine. meals b+l+d
DAY 6 | Discover Tbilisi
Explore the vast sweep of the city’s history, starting in Old Town with landmarks like the 1,000-year-old Sioni Cathedral and Narikala Fortress. At the National Museum, your private visit with the curator promises rich insight into Georgia’s history. This evening, ride the funicular to the 2,500-foot summit of Mt. Mtatsminda for dinner. meals b+l+d
DAY 7 | Onward to Borjomi
Visit the monasteries of Mtskheta , where Georgians first accepted Christianity in the 4th century. At Château Mukhrani, set on the grounds of a 19th-century estate, enjoy a cellar tour, wine tasting, culinary class and lunch. Then explore the cave dwellings of Uplistsikhe, founded in the bronze age and inhabited until the 13th century. Continue to Borjomi and check in to the Likani Hotel. meals b+l+d
DAY 8 | Into the Kura Valley
Winding through the Lesser Caucasus, the
Kura Valley is dotted with historic sites like Khertvisi Fortress, built in the 14th century on the site of an earlier fort reputedly destroyed by Alexander the Great. At Vardzia, discover an amazing cave monastery built 1,000 years ago by the legendary Queen Tamar. Drawing Christians from near and far, Vardzia grew into a Holy City with thousands of monks living in rock-hewn dwellings that climbed 13 stories above the valley. Return to Borjomi for dinner and another overnight. meals b+l+d
Gergeti Trinity Church
DAY 9 | The Georgian Military Highway Built in the late 19th century to ferry military supplies through the Caucasian highlands, the name of this famed highway belies the rich history and beauty of the region it traverses. Setting out this morning, you’ll visit Ananuri, a medieval fortress with far-reaching views
of the Caucasus and turquoise-hued Aragvi River. Continue past alpine meadows, ancient churches, and medieval forts before ascending through the Jvari Pass to Kazbegi where you’ll check in to the stylish Rooms Hotel. meals b+l+d
DAY 10 | Exploring the Greater Caucasus This morning, you will visit Gergeti Trinity Church; with its spectacular hilltop setting
in the shadow of Mt. Kazbek’s 16,000-foot summit, this simple 14th-century church is Georgia’s most iconic landmark. Then sit down to lunch with a local family and venture into the breathtaking Sno Valley to Juta, a village outpost of the Khevsur. Living mainly in the mountains to the east, legend has it that this group of people are descended from Western European Crusaders who wandered lost in Central Asia centuries ago! From Juta, a gentle hike is rewarded with sublime views of the multi-pinnacled peaks of the Chaukhi Mountains. Back in Kazbegi, enjoy the fine Georgian cuisine of our hotel. meals b+l+d
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Kazbegi 2 GEORGIA
Caspian Sea
Borjomi 2
ARMENIA
Yerevan
Khor Virab
DAY 1 | Welcome to Yerevan
On arrival in the Armenian capital, you’ll be escorted to the 5-star Alexander Hotel.
DAY 2 | Exploring Yerevan
Begin in Republic Square, site of the Velvet Revolution that brought Nikol Pashinyan to power in 2018. Then see the Great Cascade and get a sobering look into Armenian history at the Genocide Memorial. End the day at the Yerevan Brandy Company, where fine Ararat Brandy has been crafted since 1887. Dine this evening at Dalmama. meals b+l+d
DAY 3 | Ancient Sites
Amidst soaring mountain vistas, you’ll tour
early Christian sites like the rock-cut churches of Geghard Monastery , the 1,400-year-old church ruins of Zvartnots and Echmiadzin Cathedral . Together, they bear witness
to the evolution of Armenian ecclesiastical architecture. At lunch, you’ll learn to make a traditional Armenian pasta dish and dessert. Then browse the historic GUM Market, visit the National Museum and dine at Mayrig. meals b+l+d
DAY 4 | Monasteries + Caverns
If the day is clear, your visit to Khor Virap
Monastery offers a breathtaking view of
Mt. Ararat, where Noah’s Ark is said to have landed. Explore caves where excavations offer evidence of Armenia’s ancient wine producing history, and visit a wine estate for a tasting and lunch. You’ll also tour Noravank Monastery before returning to Yerevan. meals b+l+d
Tbilisi
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Sighnaghi
Lake Sevan
Geghard Monastery
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Yerevan, Armenia