A Journey through Time: Armenia & Georgia

Your Small Group Discovery Begins! Transfer at your hotel and settle in for your Armenian adventure.

Sniff, Swirl, Sip Meet your tour director and travel companions to prepare for your epic journey through Armenia and Georgia. Begin your guided tour with panoramic views of the city from the Mother of Armenia monument and move on to the iconic Cascade Complex and Cafesjian Art Center. Perfectly suited for your small group, enjoy a visit to the famous Armenian brandy factory followed by a tasting. Tonight, enjoy an included welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT Armenian brandy is one of the finest brandies in the world. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill was fond of it. He liked it so much that he requested regular supplies to be sent to him. Hear about the popular story that once, during the Cold War, Churchill noticed a change in the flavor of his beloved brandy. When he mentioned this to Stalin, an investigation revealed that the master distiller of the Yerevan Brandy Company, Margar Sedrakyan, had been exiled. Stalin, upon learning this, reportedly ordered Sedrakyan's return, restoring the brandy's quality to Churchill's satisfaction.

Manuscripts & Memorials This morning, start your day with a visit to the Manuscripts Museum. Travel to Vagharshapat to visit the Etchmiadzin Cathedral followed by lunch at Machanents Cultural Centre. Return to Yerevan to visit the Armenian Genocide Memorial & Museum. (B,L) TOUR HIGHLIGHT Take advantage of your small group size while visiting the Machanents Cultural Centre. This vibrant hub of cultural activity is dedicated to preserving and promoting Armenian culture, arts, and traditions. As an engaging platform for artists and cultural creators to showcase their work and engage with the community, the center is also involved in various social projects, including educational initiatives and charity events.

Join your Local Guide for a visit to Khor Virap and Noravank. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant followed by a winery visit and tasting. (B,L) TOUR HIGHLIGHT Armenia is one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world. The earliest evidence of winemaking in Armenia dates back over 6,000 years to the Areni-1 cave complex, where archaeologists discovered a wine press, fermentation vats, and storage jars. Its modern wines are a combination of unique indigenous grape varieties, favorable terroir, and a blend of traditional and modern winemaking techniques resulting in great flavors and taste.