From Tbilisi: 10-Day Pilgrim Tour in Georgia & Armenia

On this 10-day pilgrim tour from Tbilisi you attend holy celebrations in Georgia and Armenia. You will have a good chance the better learn about the traditions and habits of the locals in these South Caucasian countries as you explore the holy sites.
This 10-day tour takes you on a pilgrimage in Armenia and Georgia. The proclamation of Christianity is directly connected with the Hripsimean nuns who left Rome and found their final refuge in Armenia, with Saint Nino continuing on to Georgia. The itinerary covering Armenia and Georgia will lead you through the sites directly connected with the holy nuns.

Experience the feasts of the nuns according to both the Armenian and the Georgian churches’ calendar. You will also gain an insight into the life and culture of both countries from a completely different perspective.

Day 1: Arrival in Tbilisi
Arrive at Tbilisi Airport and transfer to the hotel.

Day 2: Tbilisi
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before taking a tour of Tbilisi. During the tour you visit the Anchiskhati Basilica, the oldest basilica in the city, Tbilisi Sioni Cathedral where Saint Nino’s Cross is kept, and Trinity Church, the largest church in Georgia. Enjoy lunch before visiting the Holy Father David Monastery on Mtatsminda and the National Historical Museum. Enjoy dinner in the evening and stay overnight in Tbilisi.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3: Sighnaghi
Have breakfast in the morning before travelling to Sighnaghi. Here you visit the Bodbe Monastery with the grave of Saint Nino as well as the miraculous spring nearby. Enjoy lunch and visit the cave monastery of David Gareja on the way back to Tbilisi. Enjoy dinner in the evening and stay overnight in Tbilisi.
Meals: breakfast, lunch

Day 4: Mtskheta
After breakfast you take a trip to Mtskheta, the old capital of Georgia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you visit the Samtavro nunnery, where according to the legend, Saint Nino lived and preached Christianity. You also explore Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, the main seat of Catholicos-Patriarkh, head of the Georgian Orthodox Christian Church. Enjoy lunch before taking a short trip to a winery, where you learn about the traditions of Georgian wine making and culture. Then visit Jvari Monastery and attend the evening service in Sioni Cathedral in Tbilisi, where you can adore Saint Nino’s Cross. Enjoy dinner in the evening and stay overnight in Tbilisi.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5: Poka – Gyumri
After breakfast you travel to the southwest of Georgia to the Poka Monastery, where you enjoy the celebration of Saint Nino’s Day. According to the legend, Saint Nino stopped here on his way from Armenia to Mtskheta. Celebrate liturgy, enjoy lunch, and then continue on the journey to the border with Armenia. Transfer from the Georgian border village of Bavra to the hotel in Gyumri. Enjoy dinner in the evening and stay overnight in Gyumri.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6: Gyumri – Oshakan – Yerevan
Enjoy breakfast before taking a city tour of Gyumri, the art town of Armenia. Enjoy lunch and then visit Saint Mashtots Church in Oshakan. Enjoy dinner by the 7th century church in Ashtarak and stay overnight in Yerevan.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7: Yerevan
After breakfast enjoy a city tour of Yerevan. Attend a Divine Liturgy at a living parish and enjoy a choral singing concert. Enjoy lunch in the parish before taking a trip to the Geghard cave monastery, founded by Saint Gregory the Illuminator. Visit the historical site of Garmi, the Armenian Royal summer residence before having dinner and staying overnight in Yerevan.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 8: Yerevan
Today you will celebrate Saint Hripsime’s Day in Etchmiadzin in Armenia. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and the travel to Etchmiadzin to visit the Saint Hripsime, Saint Shoghakat, and Saint Gayane churches. Celebrate the Armenian liturgy with the bringing out of the Holy relics. Visit the Mother Cathedral of Etchmiadzin and enjoy lunch in the ethnographic environment. Visit the ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral. Enjoy dinner and stay overnight in Yerevan.
Meals: breakfast, lunch

Day 9: Yerevan
Today you will celebrate Saint Gayane’s Day in Etchmiadzin. After breakfast you explore Khor Virap Monastery overlooking Mount Ararat. Visit Norovank Monastery before lunch and then visit the Areni wine factory, where you can enjoy wine tasting. Return to Yerevan and enjoy a farewell dinner. Stay overnight in Yerevan.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 10: Departure from Yerevan
Transfer to Zvartnots International Airport in the morning for you departure flight.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.