| PDF file of this Trip |

26TH APRIL - 12TH MAY 2025(17D16N ACCOMODATION) ARMENIA GEORGIA
(Yerevan, Hermon, Dilijan, Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Mestia, Gelati)

Cost per pax RM7500 (MIN 8PAX, MAX 16PAX)

EXCLUDE BELOW FLIGHT (QATAR AIRWAYS) RM4057 - price on 18 DEC 2024
26 APR 25 SAT KUL/EVN 0935 0050(+1)
12 MAY 25 MON TBS/KUL 2140 1440(+1)

*PLEASE DO NOT BOOK THE FLIGHT UNTIL ADVISED BY US*

IMPORTANT NOTICE: This is meant to be a "free and easy" budget adventure trip. Participants should be relatively fit, with a good sense of humor, and above all, have the right attitude for close travel with others through possibly some trying times. Most definitely, this is not a trip for prudes, whiners, fuss-pots, and other similarly assorted types! We had a couple of those before and it wasn't pleasant for us or them. Although every effort will be made to stick to the given itinerary, ground conditions may change and cause some disruption and/or deviation from the norm. Otherwise, have fun!

PLEASE DO NOTE THIS TRIP IS A MIX OF TREKKING/HIKING AND SIGHTSEEING.DIFFICULTY LEVEL OF THE TREKKING/HIKING IS EASY TO MODERATE.

With a recorded history of 3600 years, Armenia is one of the world’s oldest civilization. Today’s Armenia retain lots of its old world charm amidst the road to modernity. Thankfully its nature remains lovely and pristine. Shall we?In Greek mythology, Georgia was home of the Golden Fleece. Today a more spirited fame is wine, and with samples found dating 6000 years, it is apt to be called the “Cradle of Wine”. Whatever, we will enjoy Georgia’s mountains, dances, good food and of course great wine…and brandy!

DAY 1 KLIA to YEREVAN. Meet in KLIA 26APR 2025 0630 for 0935 flight to Yerevan via Qatar Airways,transit in Doha. ETA Yerevan at 0050(+1) Transfer to hotel for rest.Overnight Yerevan (B)
DAY 2 YEREVAN. The trip begins with the city tour of Yerevan, bustling capital with a history of 2700 years. The warm smiles of its inhabitants give a unique charm to this eternal city, ancient and so young at the same time. We will do Yerevan city tour-visit Genocide Memorial, Republic Square to Yerevan Cascade, Vernissage, market, brandy factory etc. Overnight Yerevan (B)
DAY 3 YEREVAN. After breakfast, we will explore some of Armenia's most iconic sites. Start with Garni Temple, an ancient pagan structure dating back to the 1st century AD, set against the scenic backdrop of the Azat River Gorge. Just nearby, visit the Symphony of Stones, a unique natural formation of basalt columns. Continue to Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its rock-cut churches and serene setting in a gorge. If time allows and the site is open,we head to Echmiadzin Cathedral, the mother church of the Armenian Apostolic Church, dating back to the 4th century. Overnight Yerevan (B)
DAY 4 YEREVAN-HERMON (147KM)We will leave Yerevan with a the first stop to visit to Khor Virap Monastery, offering stunning views of Mount Ararat and historical significance as the site where Saint Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned. Next, to explore Areni Cave I, a key archaeological site where the world’s oldest known winery, dating over 6,000 years, was discovered. Significant finds include grape seeds, fermentation vats, a winepress, and human remains, providing insight into early winemaking and ancient life. Continue to Noravank Monastery, an architectural gem surrounded by red cliffs, known for its intricately carved churches and breathtaking scenery. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before driving to Hermon Village, a peaceful destination in the Vayots Dzor region. Overnight Hermon Village(B)



DAY 5-HERMON-DILIJAN(160KM). We will start the day with a hike to Smbataberd, an ancient fortress near Hermon Village, featuring a moderate to strenuous ascent with a 600m elevation gain and a max elevation of 1,800m. Afterward, visit the Orbeliani Caravansaray on Selim Pass, a historic 14th-century shelter along the Silk Road. Continue to Seravank Monastery, perched at 1,900m above Lake Sevan, offering stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere. Finish the day with a scenic drive to Dilijan, known for its lush forests, cozy town that captures the spirit of rural Old Armenia, also known as “Switzerland of Armenia”. Overnight Dilijan (B)
DAY 6-LAKE PARZ HIKE. Another day for another nature hike. The Lake Parz Hike near Dilijan offers a moderate 2-3 hour walk with a 300m elevation gain, reaching a max elevation of 1,400m, featuring scenic views of the lake and surrounding forest. At the end of the hike, we will visit Goshavank Monastery. Goshavank got its name in 1213, after Mkhitar Gosh, who founded the monastery in 1188. It used to have a college, a university and a seminary. Many manuscripts were written, rewritten and kept here Afterward, enjoy a 1.5-2 hour nature walk inside the Dilijan Forest, gaining 200m in elevation and reaching 1,500m, where we will explore tranquil forest paths, streams, and wildlife. Both activities provide us a peaceful, nature-filled experience with beautiful landscapes in the Dilijan region. Overnight Dilijan (B)
DAY 7-KAYAN FORTRESS HIKE-TBILISI (196KM) After breakfast, we begin the day with a hike to Kayan Fortress, which takes about 2-3 hours. The hike involves an elevation gain of around 400 meters, reaching a maximum elevation of 1,600 meters, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area and historical ruins. Following the hike, we visit the nearby Hagpat Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its medieval architecture and tranquil setting. After exploring the monastery, with the memories of Armenia in our mind, we take the scenic drive to the next phase of our Caucasus adventure, where Georgia awaits with its equally fascinating history, culture and nature Overnight Tbilisi (B)


DAY 8-TBILISI After a good Georgian breakfast, our guide will bring us for a half-day walking tour of Tbilisi main sights, including lunch stop at the Old Town, Narikala Fortress etc. An optional good evening start would be to catch an exuberant Georgian Folk Show with great food and wine. Overnight Tbilisi (B)
DAY 9-KHAKHETI (90KM)/STEPANTSMINDA (140KM)-We have two options of day trip out of Tbilisi today, depending on the weather. First option is to Khakheti Region (Telavi etc)In Kakheti, known as Georgia's wine region, where we will visit wineries and enjoy the beautiful vineyards and landscapes . Alternatively, a trip to Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) will take us the stunning Gergeti Trinitry Church with views of Mount Kazbek or to explore the Truso Valley. Both destinations offer incredible natural beauty, historical sites, and the chance to immerse oneself Georgian culture.Overnight Tbilisi (B)`

DAY 10-TBILISI-KUTAISI (219KM).Mtskheta was the old capital of Georgia as well as one of the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. The two iconic monasteries, Jvari and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral are living testimonies to this legacy. After lunch, we continue our journey to Uplistsikhe cave complex, an archaeological rock-cut settlement dating to the Iron Age, 2nd mill BC.Thereafter we take a 160km drive to the second largest city of Georgia, Kutaisi.Overnight Kutaisi (B)
DAY 11-OKATSE CANYON.A  short drive will bring us to Okatse Canyon and we will take in a nice and easy 2-3hrs 6km morning walk along a stone path and boardwalk in the Dadiani Forest. Panoramic views from the 20m extended platform will be a highlight. Visit a Soviet-era relic, Tskaltubo Spa Resorts. Once a gem of Soviet Wellness Tourism for the Soviet elites, today most of the palatial buildings are now like ‘lost in time’ majestic monuments. Overnight Kutaisi (B)
DAY 12-KUTAISI-MESTIA(249KM).We take in a scenic 5-6hrs slow drive to Mestia, 1500m asl, along the lower reaches of the Svaneti High Caucacus. We will visit Zugdidi to visit Dadiani Palace. Once considered one of the most eminent palaces in the Caucacus, today it house a History and Architecture Musuem. We continue our journey with a short viewing stop at Enguri Dam, the world’s second tallest concrete arch dam at the time of completion.Arriving Mestia mid-afternoon, rest of day is free to explore this small serene mountain town on your own.Overnight Mestia (B,D)


DAY 13-MESTIA-USHGULI.At 2100m asl. Is one of the highest continuously inhabited settlements in Europe, and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take away all the modern features, and you could be in a ‘Game of Thrones’ setting!We will use 4wd vans for the 1.5hrs drive to Ushguli, have a walkabout in the village, and lunch at a local riverside restaurant.After lunch we drive back to Mestia and rest of the afternoon free and easy for some shopping, strolling and self-sightseeing.Overnight Mestia (B,D)
DAY 14-MESTIA-CHAALADI GLACIER A short drive to the trailhead, and a 1.5hrs 3km hike through pine forest and rocky remains of previous Glacier movements, will bring us to Chaaladi Glacier. After taking it all in, back to Mestia for lunch. Later on,we jump into 4wd vans to head up to Heshkili, 1900m asl. In winter Heshkili is a popular ski resort, but other times, it’s a  must-have Instagram swing shot!Overnight Mestia (B,D)
DAY 15-MESTIA-GELATI (252KM).After breakfast, we will drive from Mestia to Gelati Village, a journey of about 4-5 hours, where you can visit the Gelati Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunning frescoes and historical significance. If Gelati Monastery is closed, we will visit the nearby Motsameta Monastery, perched above the Tskaltsitela River, offering breathtaking views. In the evening, immerse ourself in the local culture by exploring the village, interacting with locals, and enjoying traditional Georgian cuisine. End the day with an overnight stay in Gelati, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and rich history of the area.Overnight Gelati(B)

DAY 16-TBILISI.Drive 227km from Gelati Village back to Tbilisi for late lunch and a free day for self-exploration, shopping, strolling, or all three.Suggested walkabout;Flea Market,National Museum,Galleria Mall,Clock Tower,Peace Bridge etc and end the day with happy hours and delicious dinner around the Peace Bridge vicinity. Overnight Tbilisi (B)
DAY 17-TBILISI-KUL.Free and easy day in Tbilisi before evening transfer to airport to catch our flight home TBS-KUL (2140-1140+1) with all the memories (and souvenirs) from both countries!(B)

TERMS AND CONDITION

    1. COST COVER TRANSPORTATION AND ACCOMODATIONS
    2. ACCOMODATION WILL BE IN GUEST HOUSES AND HOTELS
    3. MEALS CONSIDER INCLUDED, IF ONLY MENTIONED IN THE ITINERARY AS ABOVE (B-BREAKFAST, D-DINNER)
    4. NOT COVERED ARE INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS, ARMENIA VISA (USD8 FOR SINGLE ENTRY VALID FOR 21 DAYS STAY),MEALS THAT ARE NOT MENTIONED IN THE ITINERARY-ALL LUNCHES AND MOST OF THE DINNER (BUDGET OF RM100/DAILY FOR MEALS IS MORE THAN ENOUGH), TIPPING FOR LOCAL GUIDE AND DRIVER AND UNSPECIFIED MISCELLANOUS FEES
    5. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES AND IN-TOWN ACITIVIES ARE NOT COVERED, EXCEPT FOR AIRPORT TRANSFERS.
    6. COST IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE DEPENDING ON THE FLUCTUATION IN EXCHANGE RATE
    7. DEPOSIT OF RM3000 IS PAYABLE TO CONFIRM THE PLACE

Whatsapp Phone: Lee Keng 012 3158353 OR Lee Ming 016 2209033
Email: yongleekeng@gmail.com OR yongo123@gmail.com