Russian Railways to launch first Armenia–Georgia rail cruise amid dispute over South Caucasus Railway concession
The first international rail cruise between Armenia and Georgia will depart on October 30. The three-day route, called “Two Hearts of the Caucasus,” will run between Yerevan and Tbilisi.
The journey begins in Yerevan, and participants must get there on their own. Passengers will spend the nights on the train. During the day, the program includes tours of cities and landmarks in both countries.
On the first day, travelers will get to know Yerevan. The next day the train arrives in Tbilisi, and from there participants will take trips to places such as Mtskheta. On the final day, the program returns to Armenia and includes visits to Garni and the Geghard monastery complex.
Prices for the three-day trip start at 63,000 rubles (about $750) per person.
The cruise comes amid a dispute over the concession held by South Caucasus Railway (SCR). This Russian Railways subsidiary has run Armenia’s railways since 2008 under a 30-year agreement. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said the concession prevents Armenia’s railways from integrating into international transport routes. He has also said that Yerevan does not intend to terminate the agreement unilaterally and wants to settle the issue “in a friendly manner.” In August, Pashinyan proposed that Russia sell the concession to a third country, such as Kazakhstan, the UAE or Qatar.
