Excursion Mid-voyage land adventure: hidden riches of armenia & georgia tour at Haifa

Discover cultural treasures and architectural wonders of Armenia and Georgia: magnificent temples, monasteries, synagogues, churches, and cathedrals.

05MIDIST-B Hidden Riches of Armenia & Georgia

Duration: 6 Days/5 Nights

Depart from: Haifa, Israel

Re-join ship: Istanbul, Turkey

Reserve by: 90 Days prior to Sailing

IMPORTANT NOTE

This Land Adventure is a small group luxury tour, providing bespoke cultural and sightseeing experiences. We limit the tour to a small group in order to ensure your experience is a high-quality one. Spots are available on a first come, first serve basis. If the program fills up, you'll be accommodated on a space-available basis. Advanced booking is required 90 days before sailing via Silversea Reservations. We suggest booking early to secure your spot(s).

Please be advised that a minimum number of participants is required for this program to run as described. In rare cases when the minimum number of participants is not met, Silversea reserves the right to offer the program at an increased rate based on private arrangements or to cancel your specific departure for a refund. The self-cancellation fee, unless otherwise advised, is 90 days or sooner to initial sailing date at the rate of 100% program fare per person. The payment for your Land Adventure is due in full on the same date as your final payment due for your cruise. Per Silversea's general payment terms, bookings made within 120 days of sailing require full payment within seven days of booking or sooner.

All Land Adventures are non-transferable and non-refundable within 120 days of sailing, with the exception of cancellation by Silversea. Our family-friendly land programs require adult accompaniment of any guests under the age of 18. All Land Adventures are owned by independent contractors, and Silversea makes no representations and assumes no responsibility for the services provided by these operators. Silversea and our local operators make every effort to ensure your land program runs as described. Our local operators reserve the right to modify tour sequence, sites visited and venues mentioned due to operational reasons.

VISA INFORMATION:

Please check with your travel professional for details regarding visa requirements for Armenia and Georgia. It is the responsibility of each guest to obtain all appropriate visas before cruising.

LOCAL CURRENCY:

The local currency is Armenian Dram (Armenia) and Georgian Lari (Georgia); however credit cards are well accepted by most vendors; local ATMs are available in some locations visited.

Discover cultural treasures and architectural wonders of Armenia and Georgia: magnificent temples, monasteries, synagogues, churches, and cathedrals.

DAY ONE - Tuesday, March 11, 2025

TelAviv (Israel) - Yerevan (Armenia)

After disembarking the ship, meet your guide and transfer to TelAviv airport for your scheduled afternoon flight to Yerevan, the capital of Armenia via Istanbul.

Overnight and check in at Hotel Grand Yerevan (Golden Palace) or similar in Yerevan.

DAY TWO - Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Yerevan (Armenia)

Explore ancient treasures and modern wonders of Yerevan, which was founded in 782 BC.

Visit the State History Museum of Armenia and Matenadaran museums before discovering the landmarks of the city, impressive Republican Square, CafesJian Art Center, Victory Park and enjoy the show of Dancing and Singing fountains. Some free time shopping at the Vernissage Market and taste Armenia brandy at the Yerevan Brandy company and workshop on how this local brandy is so special by the Armenians.

Overnight at Hotel Grand Yerevan (Golden Palace) or similar in Yerevan.

DAY THREE - Thursday, March 13, 2025

Yerevan, Etchimiadzin, Dilijan

Scenic drive to Etchimiadzin - the spiritual center of Armenia and the seat of the Armenian Patriarch. Explore the UNESCO heritage sites; the 7th c. Church of St. Hripsime and Zvartnots Cathedral, the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin (303 AD). Here a private visit with the Cathedral curator will make you explore unique sections which are not normally visited. Enjoy Zvartnots Quartet's throated operatic singing here.

Then take a Silk Road Tour to the Armenian charming city of Dilijan via breathtakingly beautiful Caucasus Mountains and Sevan River.

Enjoy lunch next to Sevan River, then explore ancient sites of Sevan Peninsula including UNESCO World Heritage site of Sevanavank Monastery, enjoy the view of the Island from the highest point of Armenia.

Arrival in Dilijan in late afternoon.

Overnight and check in at Tufenkjian Old Dilijan Boutique Hotel (or similar) in Dzorogat.

DAY FOUR - Friday, March 14, 2025

Dilijan, Tbilisi

Dilijan National Park is a hiking paradise. Enjoy hiking and photography. Explore Dilijan, visit Haghartsin and Goshavank Monastery and meet the hospitable people for tea.

After lunch, travel to Tbilisi, Georgian capital city.

In the afternoon, take a walking tour of Tbilisi's narrow streets, picturesque 19th century houses with their wooden multi-colored balconies and the historic churches, mosques, and synagogues.

Wine tasting in Tbilisi before dinner.

Overnight at the Biltmore Hotel (or similar) in Tbilisi.

DAY FIVE - Saturday, March 15, 2025 Tbilisi - Mtshkheta

Tbilisi - Mtshkheta

Sightseeing drive to the ancient capital and religious center of Georgia - Mtskheta via Mtkvari River. Mtskheta's legendary sites include the UNESCO Heritage sites of the 6th c. Jvari church and the 11th c. Svetitskhoveli Cathedral where the Robe of Christ is buried. The top curator will welcome you with the traditional Georgian ecclesiastic singing for approximately 15 minutes. Enjoy caravan markets, Georgian tea, and lunch here.

Lunch will be served in a hospitable local family where you will have the opportunity to meet the family and watch them cooking and chat with the hostess on her authentic Georgian cuisine.

Return to Tbilisi to visit Georgia's natural sulfur baths heralded by Pushkin, Lermontov, and Dumas.

Enjoy a panoramic view of the old city from a cable car ride up Narikala Hill and visit the treasures of the Georgian National Art Museum.

After the visit, depart to Tbilisi airport for your flight to Istanbul.

Arrive Istanbul, overnight and dinner at the ShangriLa Bosphorus (or similar).

DAY SIX - Sunday, March 16, 2025

After breakfast, transfer to the port to embark Silver Dawn in Istanbul.