Route: Yerevan city-tour-Tsitsernakaberd-Matenadaran-Ararat Cognac Factory, Garni-Geghard-lavash baking, Sevan-Sevanavank-Ayrivank-Noratus, Echmiadzin-Zvarnots, Axtala-Sanain-Haghpat, Armenian Alphabet Monument-Saghmosavank-Hovhanavank-Amberd, Gyumri city-tour-Marmashen, Khor-Virap-Areni-Noravank-Djermuk, Shaki-Tatev-Khndzoresk, Dilijan-Haghartsin-Tsaghkadzor-Kecharis.
Duration: 12 nights/13 days
DAYS |
DESTINATION |
Day 1 |
Meeting at the airport. Transfer to the hotel. Night in Yerevan |
Day 2 |
Yerevan city-tour-Tsitsernakaberd-Matenadaran-Ararat Cognac Factory. Night in Yerevan |
Day 3 |
Garni-Geghard-lavash baking. Night in Yerevan |
Day 4 |
Sevan-Sevanavank-Ayrivank-Noratus. Night in Yerevan |
Day 5 |
Echmiadzin-Zvarnots. Night in Yerevan |
Day 6 |
Axtala-Sanain-Haghpat. Night in Yerevan |
Day 7 |
Armenian Alphabet Monument-Saghmosavank-Hovhanavank-Amberd. Night in Yerevan |
Day 8 |
Gyumri city-tour-Marmashen. Night in Yerevan |
Day 9 |
Khor-Virap-Areni-Noravank-Djermuk. Night in Yerevan |
Day 10 |
Shaki-Tatev-Khndzoresk. Night in Yerevan |
Day 11 |
Dilijan-Haghartsin-Tsaghkadzor-Kecharis. Night in Yerevan |
Day 12 |
Shopping. Night in Yerevan |
Day 13 |
Transfer to the airport |
1 Day: Meeting at the airport. Transfer to the hotel.
Meeting at the Yerevan airport.
Transfer to the hotel.
Free time.
Night in Yerevan.
2 Day: Yerevan city-tour-Tsitsernakaberd-Matenadaran-Ararat Cognac Factory
Breakfast
Yerevan is not only one of the oldest cities in the world — it is a modern, young and very beautiful city. Our tour starts from the Republic square-the heart of the city, then the station square, where a monument to the hero of the Armenian epic David Sasunsky is installed. We will visit the Cathedral of Gregory the Illuminator, built in 2001 to mark the 1700th anniversary of the adoption of Christianity by Armenia. After that, we will drive along the Ring Boulevard, see the Cascade art center, see Mashtots Avenue named after the Creator of the Armenian alphabet, and see the Opera and ballet Theater building created by the city’s brilliant first architect Alexander Tamanyan. In conclusion, we will go up to the observation deck of Victory Park, where the sculpture of the Mother of Armenia towers over the city. From here, you can see the whole of Yerevan at a glance.
The Tsitsernakaberd memorial complex, built in Yerevan in 1967, is dedicated to the memory of 1.5 million Armenians who died during the first genocide of the 20th century at the hands of the Turkish government, and has become a place of pilgrimage and an integral part of the architecture of Yerevan. The complex covers an area of 4,500 square meters and consists of three main elements: the wall of memory, the sanctuary with Eternal fire and the “Rebirth of Armenia” stele.
Matenadaran – the world’s largest repository of ancient manuscripts-rises above Mesrop Mashtots Avenue in the center of Yerevan. It was created on the basis of the collection of manuscripts of the Etchmiadzin monastery that was nationalized in 1920. The chronological sequence of placement of the exhibits represents the national written culture, starting from the epoch of the emergence of writing up to the XIX century.
Ararat cognac factory is the leading enterprise in Armenia for the production of alcoholic beverages. It traces its history back to the factory established in 1887 by the merchant of the first Guild Nerses Tairyants. Worldwide fame for the products of the factory came in 1900: during the world exhibition in Paris, samples of “Finshampan selected”, cognac produced in Armenia, were presented. During the” blind tasting ” cognac was recognized as the best and received a gold medal.
Night in Yerevan
3 Day: Garni-Geghard-lavash baking
Breakfast
Temple of Garni is the only standing Greco-Roman colonnaded building in Armenia. It was built in 76 ad by king Trdat and served as a summer residence for the Armenian kings. Not far from the Palace was a bathhouse, which was built at the end of the third century ad and is marked by features typical of Roman baths of that time. One of them has preserved a mosaic floor, which is a fine example of the fine art of ancient Armenia.
Geghard monastery-was founded in the IV century on the site of a sacred spring that originates in a cave. This is a two-story temple carved in solid stone with an adjacent Church. Geghard got its name from the spear of Longinus, which pierced the body of Christ. The spear is kept in the Treasury of Etchmiadzin and is presented to visitors. Geghardavank is a UNESCO world heritage site and is one of the most visited places in Armenia.
During the tour, you will have the opportunity to take part in the Lavash baking ceremony, where the process of baking the Armenian national bread – Lavash will be presented. At the end of the tour, guests will enjoy an incredibly delicious lunch.
Night in Yerevan
4 Day: Sevan-Sevanavank-Ayrivank-Noratus
Breakfast
The Ayrivank monastery is located on the West coast of lake Sevan and dates back to the IX – XII centuries. The temple is also built of black stone and has a square layout. The facades of the temple are cruciform and have no decorations other than carved crosses. The center of the temple is decorated with a low wide dome.
Lake Sevan – “the Pearl of Armenia” – is one of the largest high-altitude freshwater lakes in the world. This natural wonder is located in the very center of the Armenian highlands, in a huge mountain bowl framed by picturesque mountain ranges at an altitude of 1,900 m. Its area is 940 square meters. km, maximum depth – 95 m.
Sevanavank is a monastic complex located on a Peninsula on the northwestern shore of lake Sevan. According to an inscription in one of the churches, Sevanavank monastery was founded in 874 by Princess Mariam, daughter of Ashot I
Noratus is a medieval Armenian cemetery with a large number of early khachkars.
The cemetery has the largest number of khachkars on the territory of Armenia. Here are presented khachkars of various stages of development of this art, which are grouped into three main periods: IX-X, XI-XII and XIII-XVI centuries. The oldest khachkars in the cemetery date back to the X century.
Night in Yerevan
5 Day: Echmiadzin-Zvartnots.
Breakfast
Etchmiadzin is the spiritual center of Armenia. In the center is the Cathedral, built in the first years of the IV century on the place where, according to legend, Christ appeared to Gregory the Illuminator. In memory of this event, the Cathedral was named Echmiadzin — lit.: “the only begotten descended”. Of particular interest are the relics stored in Etchmiadzin: a piece of the cross on which Christ was crucified, and a fragment of Noah’s Ark.
The Cathedral is the oldest Christian Church. It was built in 303, shortly after the introduction of Christianity as the state religion in Armenia.
Church of Saint Hripsime was built in 618 and is a masterpiece of early Christian architecture. It is a slender and majestic structure, beautiful in its simplicity. In the rectangular base of the temple, four semicircular niches form a cross. Under the altar is the crypt where, according to legend, Hripsime was buried.
Church of Saint Gayane was built in 630 on the site of a fourth-century chapel and is still one of the best monuments of Armenian architecture. This is a slim, concise and strict building.
Church Shogakat was built in 1694 on the site of a fourth-century chapel. It is notable for its peculiar architecture, known as the”dome hall”.
Zvartnots temple – the most striking monument of medieval Armenian architecture-built in the VII century. Unfortunately, Zvartnots has reached our days only in ruins, completely destroyed by a powerful earthquake in the X century. But even the ruins of this temple give us an idea of its rare and majestic beauty.
Night in Yerevan
6 Day: Axtala-Sanain-Haghpat
Breakfast
Sanahin is a monument of Armenian architecture, a medieval monastery, and one of the main medieval cultural centers of Northern Armenia. The Church complex dates from the X—XIII centuries. The Academy, libraries, scriptoriums, and schools where books were written were founded here. Sanahin owned extensive land.
Haghpat is a medieval monastic complex in Haghpat that was founded by Queen Khosrowanuish, the wife of the Bagratid king Ashot III, probably in 976. Haghpat was one of the most important spiritual and cultural centers. Of all the monastic buildings preserved-the main Church of St. Nshan (967-991) with sculptures on the outside and paintings (XIII-XIV centuries) inside, the Church of St. Gregory (1005) and a small domed Church of St. Astvatsatsin (XII-XIII centuries), the refectory of the XIII century, the book Depository of the XIII century, the tiered bell tower (1245), khachkars.
The monastery complex of Akhtala, located in the middle of a picturesque area, was founded in the X century. The architecture of the monastery is very peculiar and quite noticeably differs from other buildings of this type. This is explained by the fact that when designing akhtal, master architects used an unusual mix of Armenian and Georgian architectural styles. Akhtala was not only a religious, but also a military-defensive object. This is reminiscent of the preserved defensive fortress and many secret underground tunnels.
Night in Yerevan
7 Day: Armenian Alphabet Monument-Saghmosavank-Hovhanavank-Amberd.
Breakfast
Sagmosavank was founded in 1215, when Prince Vache Vachutyan ordered to build the temple of Saint Zion here. Later, the Church grew-there was a narthex (1250), a book Depository (1255), and the Church of St. Astvatsatsin (1235). the monastery has an elegant interior: on the walls you can see bas-reliefs depicting animals, plants, and the vachutyan coat of arms. There is an impressive number of unique khachkars.
Hovhannavank is a monastic complex dedicated to John the Baptist. The oldest building in the complex is a Basilica-type Church built in the 4th century by Gregory the Illuminator. The construction of the main Church of the monastery of Surb Karapet dates back to the XIII century. The walls of the cross-domed Church are richly decorated with bas-reliefs and ornaments.
Amberd is a historical fortress located at an altitude of 2300 meters. From the first minutes of your stay in Amberd, you will be mesmerized by the beauty of the area, and in clear weather you will be able to see Ararat.
“Alley of letters” is a monument to Armenian writing, which was established in 2005 in honor of the 1600th anniversary of the creation of the Armenian alphabet. All the letters and statues are made of Armenian tuff. Armenian is a separate branch of the Indo-European family of languages. The Armenian script was created by Mesrop Mashtots in 405
Night in Yerevan
8 Day: Gyumri city-tour-Marmashen
Breakfast
Gyumri is the second largest city in Armenia, which is also called the city of crafts and humor. During the sightseeing tour, we will see the main sights of Gyumri. We will also visit the “Black fortress”, which was built in 1834 during the Russian-Turkish war.
Yot verk-was built in the years 1874-1886. Previously, this place was a wooden chapel built on the side of the Kamsarakans, where the icon “Seven sorrows of St. Nicholas” was kept. Virgins».
Marmashen monastery, which is located on the left Bank of the Akhuryan river, was founded in 988. Construction work in it ended in 1029. The complex was a famous religious and cultural center of medieval Armenia, had a huge repository of manuscripts and a school.
Night in Yerevan
9 Day: Khor-Virap-Areni-Noravank-Djermuk.
Breakfast
Khor Virap is one of the symbols of Armenia, offering a magnificent view of the biblical mount Ararat. This is where the baptism of Armenia, the first state to become Christian before Rome, began. The monastery was built in the period from VI to XVII centuries, over the dungeon where the Baptist of Armenia – Saint Gregory the Illuminator-languished for spreading Christianity, until king Trdat decided to accept this religion as the state one. The dungeon where the Holy elder suffered was a Royal dungeon. Here prisoners were lowered into a pit infested with poisonous snakes and Scorpions. According to legend, Saint Gregory the Illuminator was in this pit for 13 years.
Areni is a wine region of Armenia, where an annual wine festival is held. Areni Winery opened in 1994. In the tasting room, you can now taste various red and white wines made from different fruits and berries. The most popular are pomegranate and apricot wines, but you can also taste wines made from quince, cherries, blackberries, raspberries, peaches, and other fruits.
Noravank monastery-was built in the XIII century on the ledge of a narrow winding gorge of the Amagu river. The gorge is famous for its steep red rocks rising behind the monastery. During the reign of the Orbelyan princes, the monastery became a major religious center, and in the XIII-XIV centuries – the residence of the bishops of Syunik. The Noravank complex, thanks to the magnificent creations of medieval architects and its location against the backdrop of a beautiful landscape, leaves an indelible impression..
Jermuk is an exciting health resort and climatic resort town, hidden in a picturesque plateau, at an altitude of 1980-2080 meters above sea level. The resort area with an abundance of trees and open spaces fascinates views, interesting old sanatoriums and much more-small and easily accessible, in order to wander on foot. The city attracts visitors with its huge waterfall (height 70 meters), natural bridge and lake, forests.
Night in Yerevan
10 Day: Shake-Tatev-Khndzoresk.
Breakfast
Areni is a wine region of Armenia, where an annual wine festival is held. Areni Winery opened in 1994. In the tasting room, you can now taste various red and white wines made from different fruits and berries. The most popular are pomegranate and apricot wines, but you can also taste wines made from quince, cherries, blackberries, raspberries, peaches, and other fruits.
Shaki waterfall is formed on the Shaki River, on the inflow of Vorotan that falls into a deep gorge from a height of 18 meters. There is a legend connected with the Shaki waterfall. The story tells about the beautiful girl Shake, who rushed from the cliff, refusing to obey the will of the conquerors. While falling, the girl’s dress opened in the wind and turned into a waterfall. In honor of Shake, the waterfall was called Shaki.
Tatev monastery-the pearl of medieval Armenian architecture was built in the IX-XIII centuries. The monastery was also the largest University of its time. Thanks to the beautiful combination of medieval architecture and fabulous nature, the monastery is considered one of the most beautiful places on the planet
“Wings of Tatev”is registered in the Guinness book of records as the longest cable car in the world. Its length is 5,752 m. It stretches over surprisingly beautiful places and ends at the legendary Tatev monastery of the 10th century.
Night in Yerevan
11 Day: Dilijan-Haghartsin-Tsaghkadzor-Kecharis.
Breakfast
Tsakhkadzor ski resort-Tsakhkadzor means “Valley of flowers” in Armenian. The fact that the beauty of this place is indescribable, and its air is healing became known in the V century ad.
Kecharis monastery is an ensemble of ancient structures that are built on the model of classical Armenian medieval architecture. The Kecharis complex includes four churches, two chapels, a” gavit ” (an extension at the temple entrance) and an ancient cemetery with khachkars of the XII-XIII Centuries. The oldest building is the Church of St. Gregory the Illuminator
Dilijan has the status of a mountain climate and balneological resort. The center of Dilijan is located on the right Bank of the Agstev river, where its residential quarters and shops are concentrated. There is also a restored quarter of “Old Dilijan” – a historical building with architectural elements typical of Dilijan-dormers, wooden balconies with carved railings, window and door borders. This quarter recreates the traditional way of life of citizens-artisans work, cafes, bakeries operate, and Souvenirs are sold.
Haghartsin monastery rises among the majestic mountains where eagles fly, which is why its name is associated with. Haghartsin means “game of eagles”in Armenian. The most ancient structure of Agartsin is the Church of St. Grigor, built in the XI century. It was built by monks who fled from Western Armenia to escape persecution. Since the 13th century, Haghartsin has been a major center of culture and spiritual life in Armenia.
Night in Yerevan
12 Day: Shopping
Breakfas
“Vernissage” — a favorite place of tourists and guests of the capital. Artists, craftsmen, jewelers, seamstresses and potters bring their amazing works here, and every Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am, you can buy any Souvenirs and works of art you like. If you want to buy something to remember Armenia by, feel free to send it to the “Vernissage”, as you are unlikely to leave here empty-handed. They sell paintings, jewelry, wood products, magnets, musical instruments, national Souvenirs, carpets, national costumes, semi-precious stones, rarities, and much more much more.
“GUM” is a colorful market filled with aromas, smiles, strange delicious goods and real excitement of trade. It has its own charm, which is difficult to describe in words, it must be tasted. It has its own chip, walking through the market, sellers and try to treat and pita bread, and wine, and cheese, and fruit. Apricots, peaches, grapes, apples, cherries, plums, watermelons, melons, pomegranates — you will be surprised by the variety of local fruits and affordability. No Armenian feast is complete without basturma and sujukh. They will be a great addition to a fine red wine. There is a wide selection of meat products that can be purchased directly from the manufacturer. At the same place you can find fresh greens, a huge selection of Armenian cheeses, spices and pita bread, of which will have a real Armenian brtech. Sujukh is not only dry, sharp and salty, but also sweet, because it is also prepared from nuts and grape juice. Sweet lovers will be particularly pleased with “Armenian Snickers”. Along with sweet sujuho, your eyes and sense of smell will be pleased with the abundance of dried fruits, iridescent with all the colors of the rainbow. Don’t forget to buy Alani — dried peaches stuffed with crushed walnuts with sugar and spices, and treat yourself to nut mixes mixed with raisins.
Night in Yerevan
13 Day: Transfer to the airport
Transfer to the airport
Rate includes:
- 12 nights accommodation with breakfast in Yerevan hotel 3*: Bomo Nairi 3* / or hotel 4*: Imperial Palace
*Other hotels by the request - High-quality guide service
- Transport services during the tour
- Transfer: Yerevan airport-hotel Yerevan-airport Yerevan
- Excursion: Yerevan city-tour-Matenadaran-Ararat Cognac factory.
- Excursion: Garni-Geghard-lavash baking.
- Excursion: Sevan-Sevanavank-Ayrivank-Noratus
- Excursion: Echmiadzin-Zvartnots.
- Excursion: Axtala-Sanain-Haghpat.
- Excursion: Armenian Alphabet Monument-Saghmosavank-Hovhanavank-Amberd.
- Excursion: Gyumri city-tour-Marmarashen
- Excursion: Khor-Virap-Areni Winery-Noravank-Djermuk.
- Excursion: Shake-Tatev-Khndzoresk
- Excursion: Dilijan-Haghartsin-Tsaghkadzor-Kecharis
- Entrance tickets: Garni Temple, Zvartnots Temple, Echmiadzin museum, cable car *Wings of Tatev
- Cognac tasting at the Ararat, at the Areni winery
- Bottle of drinking water for every day
Rate doesn’t include:
- Extra meals and drinks
- Extra tours
- Souvenirs