One Day Joined in Group Tour in Georgia

So I found a Filipino Travel and Tour Agency in Georgia. It's a 12 Hour Join In Group Tour for a Day cost 130.00 AED. I contacted the person in charged thru whatssap and reserved my slot for the date I wanted - no other info needed. Autumn was about to end its magical season as Snow started to fall specially in the mountainous part of Caucasus Region when I visited Georgia. As soon as I arrived in Tbilisi, I reconfirmed my reservation and was advised that they will pick me up at 9 am the next morning. Sitting at the reception area of my hostel, a Georgian Local came in looking for me - I was surprised cause I thought all staff were Filipino. I got a bit cocky when I found out that I was the first person to be picked up however it took an hour to pick all the passengers up. 

Ananuri Fortress

We officially left the city at 10 am and head to Ananuri Fortress. It's a combined castle and fortress that sits along the Georgian Military Highway included in the UNESCO List of Heritage Sites. We wander the area for an hour then stopped at the nearby dam, the Zhinvali Reservoir for a snap of its amazing view. Roads were often blocked by flocks of sheep crossing the road but who wouldn't admire these creatures? 

Georgian Military Road

Zhinvali Reservoir

We reached the Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument which is between the ski resort town of Gudauri and the Jvari pass after an hour and had our lunch at the only restaurant beside the monument. We ordered the Khachapuri, the Georgian Pizza and Pork Barbecue. Though it took a while for the food to be served, trust me, it was all worth the wait. The pizza was huge and served fresh from the oven and the pork was so tender and juicy. 

Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument

After lunch,we went to Gudauri Ski Resort for those who booked the paragliding. We picked the gliding instructors up from their camp and went to the actual resort. We were waiting for them to finish assembling the glides as we play in the deep pile of snow when our guide got into an argument with one of the gliders regarding the schedule, it turned out that another company booked them first and we will get our turn after 2 hours. Our guide cancelled the paragliding and head on with our schedule. We left Gudauri and went back to the monument instead and after that we went to our last attraction which was the Gergeti Trinity Church and Stepantsminda in Kazbegi. It was starting to get dark with we reached the town of Stepantsminda in Kazbegi and  were told that we cannot head on to the  Gergeti Trinity Church anymore since we don't have time. Also, the region doesn't have street lights and its hard for the driver to navigate the road if we would stay longer. We stayed in the forest like area of Stepantsminda and took some photos then we went back to Tbilisi. 

Viewing Deck

Gudauri 

Jvari

Kazbegi 

Indeed it was a fun filled day spent making new unforgettable lifetime memories. The only thing i regret was my tour company - I was disappointed. I trusted that they run tours well  after reading the reviews plus we were of the same country so i was  confident but my expectation went down the drain. Don't get me wrong, I don't know when they started their tour company but they were unorganized to the point that people who booked the paragliding missed their chance and for the entire group to missed the last attraction in Kazbegi. However, Georgia was a treasure, all the places we've visited was astoundingly wonderful. It was a lovely experience and surely I will be back.

Crossing Borders - Armenia to Georgia by Road

Marshrutka or the Mini Vans are the best way of transport if you are travelling on a  budget within the Caucaus Region. My Hostel Reception booked a taxi for me in Yeveran, Armenia for I can get scammed by the Taxi Drivers if I just hail one on the road. Since most of driver's don't speak English, I have the photo and the name of the bus station on my phone ready and showed it to him which made my life easier. I paid 600 AMD fare since the station was pretty close from the city centre. 

Kilikia Central Bus Station is the main bus station of Yerevan in Armenia. Majority of the schedules are in the morning since it takes roughly 6 hours to get  to Tblisi, Georgia. It's a small station with the main office sitting at the centre surrounded by Marshrutkas where the Ticketing Offices, Food Stalls, Cafeteria's and Toilets are located. There's no need to buy a ticket nor look for the next van available for Marshrutkas, Drivers and Conductors flocked the area waiting for passengers and payments in Armenian Dram were made before you hopped into the van. It's a 12 seater van with a first come, first serve basis, no seat reservation and leave as soon as it gets full.

Bus Schedules: 8:00am and 10:00am
Marshrutka or the Mini Vans: 8:00am, 9:00am, 10:00am and 11:0m am
Marshrutka Fare: 6000 AMD

Since it is a mountainous region, majority of the time we were running  beside ridges and edges but it was a very scenic drive on a fine zig zaggy road. We made a 15 minute toilet break after 3 hours then reached the Bagratashen Border in Armenia after an hour. The get off the van to immigration while the driver waited for us at the Immigration Exit. 

After an hour, we then again hopped off the van for the Georgia Immigration at Sadakhlo Border, this time carrying our luggage for scanning. We were dropped off at the Georgia Central Bus Station where I hailed a taxi going to my hostel. Georgia's capital city, Tbilisi is much active and busy compared to Yeveran, Armenia and traffic was a bit congested. 

There's a lot of options if you want to cross both countries but since I am travelling on a budget, Marshrutka was perfect for me. Don't stress about safety and convenience for I had  a smooth journey and reached my destination on time. 

1 Day Joined In Group Tour in Armenia

I wish I had the luxury of time exploring these 2 great and beautiful countries, Armenia and Georgia but I only had 5 days to spent and I want to squeeze everything I want to do and places I want to see in just 1 full day without exceeding my budget, thus I started researching and comparing the best travel agencies that has join in group tour that caters both and I was lucky to find one – Hyur Service.

Note: The Regular Day Tours in Armenia follows a schedule which depends on the days of the week so make sure to align your travels plans accordingly if you want to explore Armenia on a budget though you can always do a private tailored tour anytime.

After browsing the tour packages and itineraries, I checked on the places to see how it looks like and to know more of its history for comparison. I was lucky enough that the tour where the most places I was interested in falls on a Wednesday which was my 2^nd day in Armenia before crossing Georgia so I immediately sent an email to the agency thru their website but I didn't get a response. After a week, I sent an email via contact@hyurservice.com and got a response immediately informing that the web email was not working and to confirm my reservation, they asked for a soft copy of my passport and contact number to be forwarded to their accounting department. 

Before my flight, I sent an email informing about my flight schedule and confirming that I will be paying the tour a day before the tour itself in their office as per the  agency policy. Upon arrival, the agency called me which I missed so I immediately sent an email giving them my ETA in their office for the payment. After doing some DIY City Tour exploring Republic Square, I head straight to the office and pay the tour. I asked if they do pick up which they politely advised that they don't - I informed that that I got lost on my way to their office and that I might be late tomorrow if that's the case, so the lady called her manager and asked if I can be picked up which the manager agreed. #feelingblessed

The tour itinerary are as follows: 
Date: October 26, 2016 - Wednesday
ETD: 9:00 am at Hyur Service Head Office (96, Nalbandyan street) 
Particulars: Noravank, Tatev (Ropeway), Karahunj (Zorats Karer) 
Time: 13 Hours Tour
Price: AMD 18,000.00 ( $38.00) Payment in Cash AMD Only

The price includes:

-Transportation expenses

-Driver service

-Professional guide service (speaking Armenian, Russian, English)

-Snacks
-Tatev Ropeway ticket

-Insurance of the vehicle and the passengers

Children's Park along Movses Khorenatsi Street

On the tour itself, I woke up very early since I was anticipating a long toilet queue, the struggle of every backpacker on a hostel. I went out for some walk on the nearest park, the Children's Park and on the long Movses Khorenatsi Street savoring the cold chilly weather of Armenia while the entire city was still fast asleep. Armenia is quite laid back with business hours from 10:00 am till 6:00 pm. the guy from Hyur Services knocked 15 minutes before 9:00 am to pick us up. The Tourist Bus was a modern 35 seater, equipped with AC/Heater, TV and Toilet – very comfortable. We left the city at 9:30 am heading on the tour's first stop which located far south about 122 km of Yerevan - The Noravank Monastery.  Though it was starting to rain, the weather was just manageable with 15 degrees Celsius. The Tour Guide was on point giving information and history of the places we are passing thru. I was lost with the beauty of the scenery and it took me some time to notice d that snow was falling - I was witnessing my first snow! The guide informed us that snow started to fall on the country side weeks earlier than the usual. 

The Noravank Monastery is a 13th century monastery situated deep within the Noravank Canyon. The breath taking view left me in awe as we enter the shallow uphill road to the entrace. The Noravank Complex includes the 1339 St. Astvatsatsin (“Burtelashen”) sepulchre-church, St. Stepanos Nakhavka and Gavit, St. Grigor Church and Stepanos Orbelian Sepulchre - the remains of medieval chapels and residential quarters and a modern office and hall.

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Next destination was the Tatev Monastery which is 150 KM from Noravank Monastery. It is an 18th century monastery located in the Syunik Province. The entire province was covered with snow by the time we reached the area. We went straight to a restaurant which served authentic Armenian Dish and we were given 40 mins to relax and enjoy the place before heading to the monastery. 

The tour guide gave us our ticket to the Ropeway or Wings of Tatev, which is an aerial tram, yes, the easiest and best way to reach the monastery. It was the longest reversible cableway in the world (5752 m), recorded in the Guinness Book of Records. It was 12 minute ride with the most stunning and picturesque view. 

And to the last destination, Karahunj (Zorats Karer) or the the Armenian Stonehenge which is 50 Km away from Tatev Monastery is. It was almost past 6 pm when we reached  Karahunj and the temperature dropped to negative.  A miniture of Karahunj was built near the main road for it takes 10 minutes’ walk to reach the actual site. Our guide took us to the miniature stones as she share the history and other related stories about the stones and the site. Since we want to see the actual stone, we were given 30 minutes to explore. Running along the slippery ground road covered with snow, I actually didn’t recognized that it was the actually area since I was expecting something big as the London Stonehenge. It seems like a pagan ritual site to me, to be honest or maybe because it was covered with snow. 

We head back to Yerevan with a 15 minute stop for toilet break and reached the City at 9pm dropping us all at the Yerevan Square. Good thing was some restaurants were still open for to dine and bond with friends I made during this tour. Indeed, it was a day well spent. As a female solo and budget traveller -  I highly recommend this tour. 

Armenian VOA for Philippine Passport Holder

One of the best perks of being an expat in Dubai is the convenience of travelling. I am a Filipina holding a UAE Residency and that allows me to have a Visa on Arrival in countries such as Armenia and Georgia. Both countries were former member of the Soviet Union in the Mountainous Caucasus Region bordering Europe and Asia and its only 3 and a half hours flight away from Dubai.

Since I was on a VOA, I was confident that it will be a swift process but I was wrong - it took me 20 minutes to get my Visa since the Visa Application Area were flocked by tourist busy signing their Application Form. So, in order to avoid that, here are my tips:

Armenian Visa

• Pre - signed Visa Application Form - Admit it, we are all get lazy filling out application forms but this one will help speed up your waiting time. Visa Application Area are full of people signing up their forms and most of them doesn't have pens - which will delay your application if you are kind enough to lend yours unless you want to give it away. Download the Visa Application here: http://www.mfa.am/u_files/file/consulate/visaappform.pdf 

• Have your money exchanged - Armenia Tourist Visa Single Entry  (up to 21 days of stay) / Non-refundable fee Cost $6.00 or 3000.00 AMD. ( To know more about the fees, visit http://www.mfa.am/en/fees/ ) However, they ONLY accept US Dollars and Armenian Dram. Though there's a currency exchange stall beside the Visa Application Area, the conversion rates are not quite competitive so better have your money exchanged in Dollars before travelling. ( I paid mine in USD since the conversion was 2870.10 Dram only ). 

• Pay for your Visa ahead - this is the best thing, you can pay for your Visa to avoid all the hassles (though there's a commission fee of $ 1.00) On the Consulate Fee page, look for the type of Visa you are getting then click the PAY link and it will reroute you to the payment page. Just Visit http://www.mfa.am/en/ for more information. Just don't forget to print and keep the receipt. 

Transport from Armenia Airport to Yerevan City Centre

Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan is relatively small and since there was a long queue at the Immigration, it took me almost an hour to exit the airport. Like any other airports, the arrival area was packed with numerous Taxi and Private Car Drivers offering transport services. To avoid all the hassles at the airport -  you can avail the Pick Up Service from the airport with your hostel which normally cost $10.00 or you can hail a taxi for 5000 Dram ($10.45) or a private car for 6600 Dram ($13.00 ) - the good thing about private car is that they allow to do sharing, perfect if you are traveling solo but since I was travelling on a budget, I opted to take the local transport service which is the mini van that cost me 200 Dram (¢ 0.42). 

How to get to the Minivan Area? 

There's no proper minivan station even a signage the leads you to the area.  From the main airport exit door, walk thru the parking area, on the far left side of the parking lot, you will see white minivans parked . Though majority of the drivers doesn’t speak English, some do understand the language, Asked for the minivan that will go to the City Centre and they will point you to the exact van. Minivan #201 connects the airport with the crossroads of Sayat-Nova and Mashtots streets in Yerevan and Minibus #108 also connects the city center.

Mini Van

How was my experience? 
The minivan will not leave until it gets full so its not ideal if you are in a hurry and the van was small enough to place my 55 liters backpack on the isle. The driver doesn’t understand English but I was ready for it so I opened up google maps where I already pinned my hostel’s location and asked to be dropped at the nearest tourist landmark showing a photo of the place (St. Grigor Lusavorich Church) which is at the city centre opposite of the mall. It was 30 minutes’ drive from the airport to City Centre. Yes, it took me a while but eventually I did arrive and I love the trilling experience. You can also do the same!