GE 13D12N TBS-BUS-01
From S$2,490 per person
– Land package.
– 4-star accommodation in the cities.
– Tourist class accommodation in the countryside.
– Meals as stated on itinerary.
– Includes private airport transfers.
– Includes chartered vehicle with driver/guide.
– Includes group/private guided tours.
– Includes admission fees as per itinerary.
– Excludes tourist city tax (if any).
– Excludes tourist visa (if required).
– Excludes optional items/activities (if any).
– Excludes any items not mentioned as included.
| ITINERARY |
|---|
| Day 01 – Tbilisi Airport to Tbilisi |
| Day 02 – Tbilisi |
| Day 03 – Tbilisi: Trip to Armenia |
| Day 04 – Tbilisi to Sighnaghi |
| Day 05 – Sighnaghi to Mtskheta |
| Day 06 – Mtskheta to Kazbegi |
| Day 07 – Kazbegi |
| Day 08 – Kazbegi to Gori |
| Day 09 – Gori to Kutaisi |
| Day 10 – Kutaisi |
| Day 11 – Kutaisi to Upper Svaneti |
| Day 12 – Upper Svaneti to Batumi |
| Day 13 – Batumi to Batumi Airport |
13D12N Georgia and Armenia
Upon arrival at Tbilisi Airport, transfer to Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia with a long history dating back to the 5th century. A charming city where the past and present blend seamlessly as its strategic location along the ancient Silk Road rendered it a melting pot of cultures the diversity of which is reflected today in its rich heritage. Whether you are exploring the Old Town and ancient relics or relaxing in sulphur baths or savouring local cuisine, you will surely love this captivating city. The historic district of Tbilisi is on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Enjoy the rest of the day at your own leisure.
Day 02 – TBILISI [B]
Enjoy a guided tour of Tbilisi. Key attractions include: (1) Narikala Fortress, an ancient fortress overlooking Tbilisi; (2) Sioni (Zion) Cathedral, a historic Georgian Orthodox Cathedral; (3) Holy Trinity Cathedral, a massive church ranking among the largest religious buildings in the world and certainly the third-tallest Eastern Orthodox cathedral in the world; (4) Bridge of Peace, a modern bow-shaped pedestrian bridge made of glass and steel connecting the old and new parts of the city that lights up beautifully at night.
Day 03 – TBILISI – ARMENIA – TBILISI [B, L]
Embark on a guided full-day tour of Armenia, exploring a rich tapestry of history, culture, and beautiful landscapes. Departing from Tbilisi, cross the border to visit the stunning Akhtala Fortress known for its medieval frescoes before continuing to the Haghpat Monastery, a masterpiece of Armenian architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thereafter, enjoy a traditional Armenian lunch in Haghpat before a short stop in Alaverdi to visit the Mikoyan Brothers Museum offering insights into the creators of the famous MiG fighter jets. Next, visit the Sanahin Monastery, another UNESCO World Heritage gem showcasing intricate carvings and monastic traditions. Return to Tbilisi for the evening.
Day 04 – TBILISI – SIGHNAGHI [B]
A full day of sightseeing, wine appreciation and more ending with an overnight stay at Sighnaghi, a very charming hilltop town in Georgia’s wine region of Kakheti, renowned not only for its vibrant wine culture but also its picturesque landscapes and well-preserved architecture. Thanks to its beautiful settings and old world ambience, it is a popular destination of choice for weddings and romantic getaways and therefore the nickname of “City of Love”. Enroute to Sighnaghi, visit the Alaverdi Monastery, one of Georgia’s oldest and most important religious and architectural landmarks located in the Kakheti wine region. The Alaverdi Cathedral is an impressive example of early medieval Georgian architecture and it is on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Thereafter and enroute to Sighnaghi, visit a winery and enjoy sampling Georgian wines and learning about a tradition that dates back several millennia.
Day 05 – SIGHNAGHI – MTSKHETA [B]
Before leaving Sighnaghi, visit the nearby Bodbe’s St Nino’s Convent Cathedral, a significant religious and pilgrimage site in Georgia, known for its association with St Nino, the 4th century female evangelist who introduced Christianity to Georgia. The convent, housing the tomb of St Nino, is a major pilgrimage site for the Georgian Orthodox faithful. The Bodbe Cathedral, the main church within the convent complex, features traditional Georgian architectural elements and beautiful frescoes and religious icons.
Thereafter, head to Mtskheta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its well-preserved historical monuments and rich religious heritage. Often referred to as the “Holy City” of Georgia, it was here that Christianity was declared the state religion in the 4th century and the city remains the headquarters of the Georgian Orthodox Church.
Enjoy a visit to the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and the Jvari Monastery, two of Mtskheta’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Svetiskhoveli Cathedral is a masterpiece of medieval Georgian architecture and legend has it that it houses the “Chiton of Christ”, the robe Jesus wore prior to his crucifixion. The cathedral’s impressive architecture, imposing dome, stunning frescoes and intricate stone carvings reflect the high point of Georgian medieval art. Perched atop a hill, the Jvari Monastery offers panoramic views of the region and legend has it that it is the site where the revered St Nino erected a wooden cross.
Day 06 – MTSKHETA – KAZBEGI [B]
Today, head to Kazbegi via the Georgian Military Road, a historic and scenic route that connects Tbilisi with Vladikavkaz in Russia, traversing the stunning landscape of the Greater Caucasus Mountains in northern Georgia. Kazbegi (Stepantsminda is the main town in the region) is a picturesque region within the Greater Caucasus Mountains that is popular with visitors seeking stunning landscapes and an appreciation of Georgia’s highland culture. Enroute, visit the Ananuri Castle Complex, a stunning historic fortress located on the banks of the Aragvi River that is on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Further along the highway is the Jvari Pass, a high mountain pass at an elevation of approximately 2,379m that is one of the most picturesque points along the Georgian Military Road with sweeping panoramas of snow-capped mountains and deep valleys.
Day 07 – KAZBEGI [B]
Gergeti Trinity Church, perched atop a steep hill at an altitude of 2,170m against the magnificent backdrop of Mount Kazbek and overlooking the town of Stepantsminda, is one of the most iconic and picturesque landmarks in Georgia. Built in the 14th century in the traditional medieval Georgian style, its simple yet elegant stone structure blends harmoniously with the rugged mountain surroundings. The panoramic views from the church are nothing short of extraordinary.
Day 08 – KAZBEGI – GORI [B]
Today, head to Uplistsikhe, an ancient rock-hewn town dating back to the Early Iron Age and currently on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Famous for its impressive rock-cut architecture, the town is carved into a sandstone cliff of a massive rocky plateau, featuring intricate cave dwellings, temples, theatres, a palace complex, a basilica and other structures many of which are connected by tunnels, narrow alleys and winding staircases. From the top of the town, visitors can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. From Uplistsikhe, continue on to the historic town of Gori, renowned for its medieval architecture and as the birthplace of Joseph Stalin. Perched atop a rocky hill overlooking the town of Gori is the Gori Fortress, a medieval fortress dating back to the 7th century that was often the site of significant military battles. Enjoy breathtaking views of the region from the fortress.
Day 09 – GORI – KUTAISI [B]
In the morning, enjoy the town of Gori at your own leisure. Optionally, visit the Joseph Stalin Museum that was established in 1957 showcasing the life and legacy of Joseph Stalin, the Soviet dictator who was born in this town in 1878. Due to its somewhat uncritical portrayal of Stalin, the museum has often been the subject of debate and controversy, notwithstanding which, it is undeniably a fascinating site for those interested in Soviet history.
Enroute to Kutaisi, visit Vardzia, a spectacular and historic cave monastery complex with an intricate network of caves and tunnels carved into the slopes of the Erusheti Mountain that once housed thousands of monks and nuns. The construction of the complex was intended as both a defensive fortress and a monastery to protect Georgia’s southern borders from potential invasions. Thanks to its historical and cultural significance, it is on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Final destination for the day is the city of Kutaisi, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and undoubtedly one of Georgia’s most historically significant cities that once served as the capital of the Kingdom of Georgia during the Middle Ages. The city’s cultural and architectural landscape as seen today still reflects the influences of the various empires that once ruled Georgia including the Ottoman Empire and the Russian Empire.
Day 10 – KUTAISI [B]
Today, visit the Gelati Monastery and the Bagrati Cathedral, both of which were inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1994. Both sites rank among Georgia’s most important and iconic religious and historical sites and are key symbols of the nation’s rich medieval past and cultural heritage. Gelati Monastery’s main church, the Cathedral of the Virgin, is a masterpiece of Georgian architecture and the interior of the cathedral is adorned with beautiful frescoes depicting biblical scenes and Georgian saints. Bagrati Cathedral’s majestic architecture of intricate stonework and an imposing dome are a testament to the skill of Georgian architects. Being perched on a hill, it offers panoramic views of the city below and the surrounding landscape. For the rest of the day, enjoy the city of Kutaisi at your own leisure.
Day 11 – KUTAISI – UPPER SVANETI [B]
Today, visit Ushguli, a remote and picturesque Svaneti community (an ethnic subgroup of Georgians) nestled in the stunningly beautiful Caucasus Mountains that is renowned for being one of the highest continuously inhabited settlements in Europe at an elevation of 2,100m. The settlement consists of a cluster of four small villages located at the foot of Mount Shkhara, the highest peak in Georgia with a height of 5,193m. The Church of Lamaria, one of Ushguli’s most significant landmarks located on a hill overlooking the settlement is renowned for its beautiful frescoes. End the day in one of the Upper Svaneti towns. Thanks to their well-preserved medieval architecture, cultural traditions and historical significance, the Upper Svaneti Region has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 12 – UPPER SVANETI – BATUMI [B]
Leaving the beautiful Caucasus Mountains, head to Batumi, Georgia’s second largest city and a vibrant coastal city located on the coast of the Black Sea that is often referred to as “The Pearl of the Black Sea”. Renowned for its unique blend of historical and modern architecture and having undergone significant modernization in recent years, it is today a hub for international tourism and business. Enjoy Batumi, be it sightseeing or shopping or savouring Georgian food and regional specialties, at your own leisure.
Day 13 – BATUMI – BATUMI AIRPORT [B]
Free time until your transfer to Batumi Airport for your departure flight.
Whether you prefer the above itinerary “as-is” or have it customised, if you will indicate the start/end dates of your intended travel and provide your contact details, we will get in touch with you to discuss the itinerary on a no-obligations basis on your part.