Route: Khor-Virap-Areni Wine factory-Noravank-Tatev, Khndzoresk-Shushi-carpet Museum-Hunot gorge-Waterfall Umbrellas, Ancient plane tree Tnjri -Amaras monastery, Gandzasar-Tsovin kar(Rocky Lion)-Dadivank-Sevan-Sevanavank, Garni-Geghard-Echmiadzin-Zvartnots, Yerevan city-tour-Tsitsernakaberd-Shopping.
Duration: 7 nights/8 days
DAY |
DESTINATION |
Day 1 |
Meeting at the airport. Transfer to the hotel. Night in Yerevan |
Day 2 |
Khor-Virap-Areni Wine factory-Noravank-Tatev. Night in Goris |
Day 3 |
Khndzoresk-Shushi-carpet Museum-Hunot gorge-Waterfall Umbrellas. Night in Stepanakert |
Day 4 |
Ancient plane tree Tnjri -Amaras monastery. Night in Stepanakert |
Day 5 |
Gandzasar-Tsovin kar(Rocky Lion)-Dadivank-Sevan-Sevanavank. Night in Yerevan |
Day 6 |
Garni-Geghard-Echmiadzin-Zvartnots. Night in Yerevan |
Day 7 |
Yerevan city-tour-Tsitsernakaberd-Shopping. Night in Yerevan |
Day 8 |
Transfer to the airport |
1 Day: Meeting at the airport. Transfer to the hotel.
Meeting at the airport.
Transfer to the hotel.
Free time.
Night in Yerevan
2 Day: Khor-Virap-Areni Wine Factory-Noravank-Tatev.
Breakfast
Khor Virap is one of the symbols of Armenia, offering a magnificent view of the biblical mount Ararat. This was the beginning of the baptism of Armenia, the first state to become Christian before Rome. 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.
Areni is a wine region of Armenia, where an annual wine festival is held. Areni winery was opened in 1994. In the tasting room, you can try red and white wines, fruit and berry. The most popular are pomegranate and apricot wines, but you can also try wine from quince, cherry, BlackBerry, raspberry, peach and others.
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. Thanks to the magnificent creations of medieval architects and its location against a beautiful backdrop landscape, leaves a lasting impression.
Tatev monastery-the pearl of medieval Armenian architecture was built in the IX-XIII centuries. Its name (translated from Armenian as “give wings”) is associated with the disciple of the Holy Apostle Thaddeus, Saint Eustathius, who suffered a Martyr’s death in this place. 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-the longest cable car in the world., which is registered in the Guinness book of records. 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 Goris.
3 Day: Khndzoresk-Shushi-carpet Museum-Hunot gorge-Waterfall Umbrellas.
Breakfast
Khndzoresk-created jointly by nature and human labor. There are a large number of ancient caves on the territory. In some places, the caves are arranged in several tiers. People continued to live here until the 1950s, after which they were moved to a nearby village by the decision of the Soviet authorities
Cathedral of St. Amenaprkich Kazanchetsots (Cathedral of St. Christ the Saviour) is an Armenian Cathedral in the city of Shushi. It was built in the years 1868-1887. The Church was built by the residents of Shusha, the architect was Simon Ter-Hakobyan. For the first time the Cathedral was mentioned in the book Mesrop Takhiadyan “Journey to Armenia”(1820). Being in harmony with the environment, the Church is the pride of the city of Shushi.
Kanach Zham (“Green Chapel”) is located in the center of Shushi, in Artsakh . The high Church dome can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. The Church of “Kanach Zham” is also called the Church of St. John the Baptist. According to the inscriptions preserved on the walls, the Church was built in 1847. Previously on this place stood an old wooden Church from the 18th century Karabakhtsi . “Green chapel” has an unusual architecture, which makes it a unique monument in its own way.
The Carpet Museum in Shushi was inaugurated in 2013, where about three hundred hand-made carpets Dating from the XVII – XX centuries are displayed, which are witnesses of the best traditions of Artsakh carpet weaving. The purpose of the Foundation of the Museum of carpet art was to preserve and save Artsakh carpets from oblivion. The Shusha carpet Museum, as a testimony to the rich traditions of the art of carpet-making in Artsakh, provides an excellent opportunity to study it and at the same time turn the Museum into a center for the development of the art of carpet-making in Artsakh.
The state natural and historical reserve “Unot Gorge” will not leave any visitor indifferent. This picturesque gorge, located right in the heart of Artsakh, contains a lot of historical, natural and architectural monuments . Huge rocks, 20 to 300 meters high, stretch from the valley of the Karkar river to the city of Shushi. Under these rocks is hidden the cave of the warlord Avan, also nature monument waterfall “Umbrellas”, the village of Unot with its medieval bridge, old mills and much more.
Natural Waterfall Umbrellas or Mamrot Kar-this is a great place for family holidays, as well as for extreme or educational tourism, that is, historical places, architectural monuments. This is a stone formation completely covered with moss on which water flows in drops and trickles, hence the second name Mamrot Kar, which literally means – a stone covered with moss in Russian. On the way to the umbrellas, you can see stunning mountain scenery, a great view of the canyon itself, get the opportunity to pass through an old, abandoned Armenian village, the remains of which can be seen on the slopes of the mountain.
Night in Stepanakert
4 Day: Ancient plane tree Tnjri -Amaras monastery.
Breakfast
Shtorashenskiy sycamore (Tnjri) is the oldest and tallest tree in the CIS, with an age of 2028 years. The height of the tree is more than 54 m. The cavity in the tree trunk has an area of 44 sq. m. Inside the tree can fit more than a hundred people. It is no accident that the tree has become an object of worship for local residents. It is believed that if a person touches the Holy tree, he will have only seven days to live. The spring, which is located next to the tree, has irrigated the tree for centuries and provided water to nearby mills. Such prominent figures as Mesrop Mashtots (V C), Movses Khorenatsi (V C), Sayat Nova (XVIII C), Raffi and many others rested under the shade of this tree.
The Amaras monastery was the spiritual and cultural center of early medieval Artsakh. The complex was founded in the 4th century by Gregory the Illuminator, but its construction is also connected with the name of the first Bishop of the diocese of Artsakh, Gregory the Illuminator’s grandson, who was buried in the Eastern part of the Church. A crypt was built over his grave. Mesrop Mashtots, the Creator of the Armenian alphabet, founded the first school of Artsakh here in the 5th century. At the same time, the Church had 36 buildings built for various purposes.
Night in Stepanakert
5 Day: Gazndzasar-Tsovin Kar(Rocky Lion)-Dadivank-Sevan-Sevanavank
Breakfast
Gandzasar is a monastic complex located near the village of Vank, in the Martakert district. St. Peter’s Cathedral The Evan and the Cathedral of Gandzasar was built in 1216-38 Hasan-Jalal. In 1400-1816 years Gandzasar was the residence of the Catholicos of Agvan. For centuries, Gandzasar was one of the most important religious centers of the Eastern provinces of Armenia. Bas-reliefs of biblical characters have been preserved on the walls of St. Evan. Almost 200 ancient Armenian inscriptions have been preserved in the monastery complex. In the courtyard of the Church there is a family mausoleum.
The Dadivank monastery is one of the largest architectural complexes in Medieval Armenia, distinguished by a large number of Church and secular buildings, as well as by its distinctive designs and ornaments. The name of the monastery was chosen for a reason. According to legend, the complex was built in the first century near the grave of Saint Dadi. Dadi was one of the disciples of the Apostle Tadevos, who preached Christianity in the Upper Khachen district of Artsakh . The Church was also called “Khutavank” because it was built on the “hoot”, that is on the hill. The remains of the Holy Apostle Dadi were found under the altar of one of the churches of the complex during restoration works in 2007.
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. The area of its water mirror 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
Night in Yerevan
6 Day: Garni-Geghard-Echmiadzin-Zvartnots
Breakfast
The temple of Garni is the only fully restored architectural monument of the pagan and Hellenistic period in Armenia. It was built in 76 ad by king Trdat and served as a summer residence for the Armenian kings. It offers a picturesque view of the Azat river and the Garni gorge. Not far from the Palace there 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 the 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 presented to visitors.
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.
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. Geghardavank is a UNESCO world heritage site and is one of the most visited places in Armenia.
Night in Yerevan.
7 Day: Yerevan city-tour—Tsitsernakaberd-Shopping
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 the 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.
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.
Colorful fair “Vernissage” is 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.
“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 lavash, 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
8 Day: Transfer to the airport
Transfer to the airport Yerevan
Rate includes:
- 4 nights’ accommodation with breakfast in Yerevan hotel 3*: Bomo Nairi 3* / or hotel 4*: Imperial Palace
*Other hotels by the request - 2 nights’ accommodation in Stepanakert hotel 3* or 4* with breakfast
- 1 night accommodation in Goris hotel 3* or 4* with breakfast
- High-quality guide service
- Transport services during the tour
- Transfer: airport Yerevan-hotel Yerevan-airport Yerevan
- Excursion: Khor-Virap-Areni Wine factory-Noravank-Tatev..
- Excursion: Khndzoresk-Shushi-carpet Museum-Hunot gorge-Waterfall Umbrellas.
- Excursion:: Ancient plane tree Tnjri -Amaras monastery.
- Excursion: Gandzasar-Tsovin kar(Rocky Lion)-Dadivank-Sevan-Sevanavank.
- Excursion: Garni-Geghard-Echmiadzin-Zvartnots.
- Excursion: Yerevan city-tour-Tsitsernakaberd-Shopping..
- Entrance ticket: Garni complex, Echmiadzin museum, Zvarnots, carpet of Museum
- Wine tasting at Areni Winery
- Bottle of drinking water for every day
Rate doesn’t include:
- Extra meals and drinks
- Extra tours
- Souvenirs