Route: Yerevan city-tour-Tsitsernakaberd-Ararat Cognac Factory, Garni-Geghard-Sevan-Sevanavank, Khor-Virap-Noravank-Tatev, Armenian Alphabet Monument-Saghmosavank-Hovhanavank-Amberd, Tsaghkadzor-Kecharis-Dilijan-Haghartsin, Sanain-Haghpat-Axtala
Duration: 7 nights/8 days
DAY |
DESTINATION |
Day 1 |
Meeting at the airport. Transfer to the hotel. Gala-dinner. Night in Yerevan |
Day 2 |
Yerevan city-tour-Tsitsernakaberd-Ararat Cognac Factory-lunch. Night in Yerevan. |
Day 3 |
Garni-Geghard-Sevan-Sevanavank-lunch-lavash master classes. Night in Yerevan |
Day 4 |
Khor-Virap-Noravank-Tatev-lunch-tolma master classes. Night in Yerevan |
Day 5 |
Armenian Alphabet Monument-Saghmosavank-Hovhanavank-Amberd-lunch. Night in Yerevan |
Day 6 |
Tsaghkadzor-Kecharis-Dilijan-Haghartsin-lunch. Night in Yerevan |
Day 7 |
Sanain-Haghpat-Axtala-lunch-barbeque master-class. Night in Yerevan |
Day 8 |
Transfer to the airport |
1 Day: Meeting at the airport. Transfer to the hotel. Gala dinner.
Meeting at the Yerevan airport.
Gala dinner with a national programm.
Night in Yerevan.
2 Day: Yerevan city-tour-Tsitsernakaberd-Ararat Cognac Factory-lunch.
Breakfast
Yerevan is one of the oldest cities in the world, founded in 782 BC by the Urartian king Argishti I. Due to the pink hue of tuff, which is mostly built up in the city, Yerevan is poetically called “pink”. There are about 5,000 cultural monuments in Yerevan. Victory Park is one of the greenest areas of the city, where the Mother Armenia monument is located and offers a beautiful panorama of 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.
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 plant’s products came in 1900: during the world exhibition in Paris, samples of “Finshampan selected”, a cognac produced in Armenia, were presented. During the” blind tasting ” cognac was recognized as the best and received a gold medal.
After the tour ends, a delicious lunch in a colorful restaurant.
Night in Yerevan
3 Day: Garni-Geghard-Sevan-Sevanavank-lunch-lavash master classes.
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 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. Geghardavank is a UNESCO world heritage site and is one of the most visited places in Armenia.
On this day, “highlights” were added in the form of a real master class on traditional baking of Armenian lavash and real Armenian Gata! In a real bakery, Armenian magicians turn shapeless pieces of dough into an Armenian table decoration. Guests can try to bake the thinnest pita bread on their own, and then taste it or treat friends. Freshly baked warm crunchy Armenian lavash will not leave anyone indifferent. We will also get acquainted with the history of the Gata. The first written mention of Gata occurs in the XIII century,but it is not known exactly when this dessert appeared. Undoubtedly, it has existed for as long as the Armenian people themselves. This dish has absorbed the national spirit. Despite the fact that the Armenians were in extremely unfavorable conditions until the beginning of the XX century, they still managed to preserve their identity and cultural values. After that, a real Armenian table will be served, where we will feel the taste of Armenia!
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
4 Day: Khor-Virap-Noravank-Tatev-lunch-tolma master classes.
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.
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 the backdrop of a beautiful landscape, it leaves an indelible impression.
Tolma is a national Armenian dish with a long history. This dish is made from minced meat and grape leaves. In Armenia it is loved by all from young to old. Guests will learn how to stuff grape leaves and, of course, during a delicious feast to try! There will also be an opportunity to prepare Armenian halva–an extremely tasty and healthy delicacy.
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 n Yerevan
5 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 temple grew-there was a narthex (1250), a book Depository (1255), and the Church of St. Nicholas. 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
6 Day: Tsaghkadzor-Kecharis-Dilijan-Haghartsin-lunch.
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 sell Souvenirs.
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.
The final real delicious lunch with an Armenian accent.
Night in Yerevan
7 Day: Sanain-Haghpat-Axtala- barbeque master-class
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 is dated X—XIII centuries. The Academy, libraries, scriptoriums, and schools where books were written were founded here. Sanahin owned extensive land.
Haghpat is a medieval monastery complex in Haghpat, which 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.
At the end, a master class on cooking shish kebab will be held. Participants of the master class will be able to learn all the secrets of cooking one of the most popular meat dishes. Guests will prepare their own marinade, garnish, fry the meat and, of course, taste their culinary masterpieces.
Night in Yerevan
8 Day: Transfer to the airport
Transfer to the Yerevan airport
Rate includes:
- 7 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-Tsitsernakaberd-Ararat Cognac Factory
- Excursion: Garni-Geghard-Sevan-Sevanavank
- Excursion: Khor-Virap-Noravank-Tatev
- Excursion: Armenian Alphabet Monument-Saghmosavank-Hovhanavank-Amberd
- Excursion: Tsaghkadzor-Kecharis-Dilijan-Haghartsin
- Excursion: Sanain-Haghpat-Axtala
- Entrance ticket: Garni temple, cable car *Wings of Tatev*, Tsaghkadzor cable car
- 6 lunches and and master classes in cooking
- Gala-dinner
- Cognac degustation at Ararat Factory
- Bottle of drinking water for every day
Rate doesn’t include:
- Extra meals and drinks
- Extra tours
- Souvenirs