Day
1 -
Yerevan
Arrival to Yerevan
Arrival at Zvartnots International Airport. Meet and greet transfer to the hotel.
Overnight: Yerevan
Day
2 -
Yerevan
Yerevan City tour / Echmiadzin / Zvartnots / Brandy Factory / Yerevan (B/D)
After breakfast start city tour around Yerevan the history of which dates back to 8th century B.C. We will be strolling through the narrow streets of Yerevan which are mixture of old and modern culture. Visiting of Republic Square, Northern Avenue, Opera House, Swam Lake and Cascade Monument where you can find unique art samples. Visit Tsitsernakaberd Memorial and the museum of victims of Armenian Genocide. Departure to Echmiadzin Cathedral (UNESCO World Heritage) which is located about 20km from the capital city. In this holy place one will be impressed by the spiritual atmosphere around and can hit a candle just for his/her dreams. Drive back to Yerevan with a stop at the ruins of Zvartnots Temple (7th c.).Dinner at the local restaurant in Yerevan .
Overnight: Yerevan.
Day
3 -
Goris
Yerevan / Khor Virap / Areni Winery / Noravank / Goris (B/D)
Sightseeing tour to the cradle of civilization to Khor Virap Monastery, which is located very close to the Biblical Mount Ararat and border with Turkey. The importance of Khor Virap Monastery is connected with Grigor Illuminator who has been imprisoned with the church for 13years for disseminating Christianity all over Armenia. Drive to Vayots Dzor region to visit Tushpa winery. Sightseeing at Noravank Monastery (13th c.) which is surrounded by mountains covered by red stones. The beauty of the surrounding mountains one can only see with his/her own eyes, as description can never give the real beauty. Departure to Syunik region to the city of Goris. Dinner.
Overnight: Goris
Day
4 -
Goris
Goris / Tatev Monastery / Khndoresk Cave Village / Goris (B/D)
In the morning after breakfast start exploration of the city of stones – Goris. Visit the cave town of Khndzoresk. Here we have the opportunity to talk through the famous line-bridge which locals use to say “dancing bridge”. At the caves you will find a lot of signs of past settlement where local dwellers used to live. Our next stop will be the monastic complex of Tatev which is considered to be one of the architectural masterpieces of 10th c. The outward appearance of the monastery is severe and laconic. Its harmonious proportions add to the impression of its considerable height. The large dome, the low and closely-spaced arrangement of narrow windows and a high and round drum crowned with a pointed 32-fold roof immediately catch the eye. Opportunity to ride up the ropeway “Wings of Tatev”. Return to Goris. Dinner.
Overnight: Goris
Day
5 -
Dilijan
Karahunge / Selim / Sevan / Dilijan (B/D)
After breakfast departure from Syunik region. If it is hard to believe that Armenian Stonehenge is older than Stonehenge in England, then you are more than welcome to visit our Karahunge - a former outdoor observatory. The road will take us to Lake Sevan which is going to be one of the highlights if your trip. Climb the stairs up on the peninsula from where opens a fascinating view to the “blue-eyed” lake. Sightseeing tour on the peninsula. Lake Sevan is considered to be one of the largest sweet lakes in the world at an altitude of 1897 meters above sea level. Drive to the resort town Dilijan. Dinner.
Overnight: Dilijan
Day
6 -
Yerevan
Dilijan / Goshavank / Haghpat / Sanahin / Yerevan (B/D)
In the morning after breakfast we can have walk through a museum street of Dilijan looking around the architectural masterpieces from 19th c. Visiting of Goshavank Monastery (13th c.) which is located in the woodlands of Dilijan. Our next discoveries will be monasteries which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage. By its architectural value the monastic complexes of Haghpat (976 AD) and Sanahin (966 AD) should be include in your “must-to-see” list in Armenia.. Drive back to the capital for rest and overnight. Dinner at the local restaurant.
Overnight: Yerevan
Day
7 -
Yerevan
Yerevan / Garni / Geghard / Brandy Factory (B/M)
After breakfast visit to the depository of manuscripts – Matenadaran where one can find the world’s largest manuscripts collection. Departure to Geghard Monastery which is hewn out from a cave and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage. The monastery was built in 4th c. and also has the name of Ayrivank. Next stop us going to be Garni Pagan Temple– the only Hellenistic temple surviving in Armenia from 1st c. Lunch in a local house with Armenia bread “lavash” baking ceremony. Our next stop is Brandy Factory where you will be introduced to the brandy making techniques and have a degustation of brandy.
Overnight: Yerevan
Day
8 -
Yerevan
Departure
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport. Departure home!