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10-26 APRIL 2024 (17D16N ACCOMODATION) ARMENIA GEORGIA
(Yerevan, Hermon, Lake Sevan, Dilijan, Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Mestia)

Cost per pax RM7200(13pax + 1 Yongo guide), RM7400(11pax+1 Yongo guide), RM7600 (6pax without Yongo guide)-based on rate (1 USD = RM4.68) 18th Sept 2023
Final adjustment of the cost is based on the exchange rate at the time of final collection

EXCLUDE BELOW FLIGHT (QATAR AIRWAYS) RM3857 - check on 18Sept23
10 APR 24 WED KUL/EVN 0955 2240
26 APR 24 FRI TBS/KUL 1450 0825(+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 10APR24 0630 for 0955 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 visit Republic Square to Yerevan Cascade, Vernissage, market, brandy factory etc. Perhaps some khorovats or dolma for our first proper Armenia dinner. Overnight Yerevan (B)
DAY 3 YEREVAN. After breakfast, we head to Geghard Monastery, partly carved from pure rock.Garni pagan temple is the only standing Graeco-Roman colonnaded building in the Caucasus. Not to be missed, Khor Virap Monastery which is situated at the foot of Mount Ararat, which is a dormant volcano and the national symbol of Armenia. Free and easy evening to feel the pulse of Yerevan night life before a good night’s sleep. Overnight Yerevan (B)
DAY 4 YEREVAN-HERMON (147KM) We head 110km south of Yerevan to our first stop, Areni Wine Market, where we will have a chance to taste one of the Armenian famous wines. Next is to Areni Caves, one of the richest archaeological sites in Armenia. The oldest shoe, winery, and straw skirt have been found in Areni Caves. We continue to nearby Noravank Monastery through a deep narrow canyon surrounded by red rocks. We drive about 45mins to Hermon Village with a lunch stop enroute. After lunch we have a moderate 7km hike to the medieval fortress of King Smbat 1950 asl. The elevation gain is around 400m and will take us around 3 hours in total. Rest of afternoon will be a free and easy day for own explorations of Hermon Village. Overnight Hermon Village(B)



DAY 5-HERMON-LAKE SEVAN (135KM). After breakfast, a relaxing 2 hours plus drive will bring us to Lake Sevan, one of the highest freshwater lakes in Armenia via the highway which once was a part of the Silk Road. Enroute, visit some old caravanserais, where you almost feel time has stood still. Arriving mid-afternoon, we will have time to stroll its scenic shores. Overnight Lake Sevan (B)
DAY 6-LAKE SEVAN-DILIJAN NATIONAL PARK (76KM). Morning hike to Mount Artanish for a stunning view of Lake Sevan from the top. It is about 7.5km hike with an elevation gain of 550m that will take us around 3.5 hours. Maximum elevation is 1850m. After lunch, we will continue the journey to Dilijan, a cozy town that captures the spirit of rural Old Armenia, also known as “Switzerland of Armenia”. If time permitting, we will visit the newly open Old Dilijan complex to observe the weaving carpet by local women at Tufenkian Carpet Show. We will stay in the beautiful monastery hotel inside the lush forest of Dilijan National Park. Overnight Dilijan (B)
DAY 7-PARZ LAKE HIKE-DILIJAN. After a hearty breakfast, we will have a hike from Lake Parz to Gosh village. 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. Free and easy evening to explore Dilijan or chilling at the monastery. Here you can also have an Armenian
“gata” making master class at own expenses. Overnight Dilijan (B)


DAY 8-LASTIVER TRAIL/KAYAN FORTRESS HIKE-TBILISI, GEORGIA (108KM) Today we will have two choices of hike, Lastiver Trail or Kayan Fortress. Gomar Village near Ijevan will be our start of the Lastiver trail. A wonderful forested 6km route into the most unspoiled and rugged area of North-Eastern Armenia awaits, as you head into the deep gorge before descending to the waterfall in the most scenic meadow in Armenia. Elevation gain is 400m over about 3 hours hiking. Or choose to explore formidable Kayan Fortress hike and enjoy the best view point over dramatic Debed Gorge. It is around 3km trail (2 hours) with maximum elevation gain of 110m. After lunch, if time permitting, we will visit the UNESCO Heritage site of Haghpat and Sanahin monasteries. With the memories of Armenia in our mind, we take 108km drive to the next phase of our Caucasus adventure, where Georgia awaits with its equally fascinating history, culture and nature. Overnight Tbilisi (B)
DAY 9-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 10-TBILISI-KUTAISI.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.We take in a scenic 5-6hrs slow drive to Mestia, 1500m asl, along the lower reaches of the Svaneti High Caucacus, 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-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 14-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 15-MESTIA-KUTAISI.Drive 136kms to 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 should arrive at our agro hotel nicely located in the lush Kutaisi countryside, by early afternoon. Wine and dine will be the order of the rest of day with cultural folk performance, Georgia is after all, the ‘cradle of wine’ with wine-making evidence found here dating 8000 years back!Overnight Kutaisi(B,D)

DAY 16-TBILISI.Drive 234km from Kutaisi winery 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.Transfer to airport 1130 for 1450 flight to KUL.Transit in Doha for 2hours 55 mins. ETA KUL next day at 0825 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), 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