Route: Yerevan city-tour-Ararat Cognac Factory, Garni-Geghard-Shopping, Echmiadzin-Zvartnots-Khor-Virap, Hovhavavank-Saghmosavank-Armenian Alphabet monument-Amberd, Areni Cave-Areni winery-Noravank-Shaki-Tatev, Tsaghkadzor-Kecharis-Dilijan-Haghartsin-Goshavank.
Duration: 7 nights/8 days
DAY |
DESTINATION |
Day 1 |
Meeting at the Yerevan airport. Transfer to the hotel. Night in Yerevan |
Day 2 |
Yerevan city-tour-Ararat Cognac Factory. Night in Yerevan |
Day 3 |
Garni-Geghard-Shopping. Night in Yerevan |
Day 4 |
Echmiadzin-Zvartnots-Khor-Virap. Night in Yerevan |
Day 5 |
Hovhavavank-Saghmosavank-Armenian Alphabet monument-Amberd-wine tasting at the winery. Night in Yerevan |
Day 6 |
Areni Cave-Areni winery-Noravank-Shaki-Tatev. Night in Yerevan |
Day 7 |
Tsaghkadzor-Kecharis-Dilijan-Haghartsin-Goshavank. Night in Yerevan |
Day 8 |
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-Ararat Cognac Factory.
Breakfast
Yerevan is one of the most ancient cities in the world, the city was founded in 782 BC by king Argishti I. Because of 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 squares in 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 were killed 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 4500 square meters and consists of three main elements: the wall of memory, the sanctuary with Eternal fire and the stele “Rebirth of Armenia”.
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.
Night in Yerevan
3 Day: Garni-Geghard-Shopping.
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 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.
Colorful fair “Vernissage” is a favorite place of tourists and guests of the capital. Artists, craftsmen, goldsmiths, 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 that would remind you of Armenia, feel free to go to “Vernissage”, as you are unlikely to leave it empty-handed. There you will be able to find 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, 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 will encourage one to trtry to treat and pita bread, and wine, 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 cheese, spices and pita bread, of which will have a real Armenian brtuch. 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 especially pleased by the”Armenian Snickers”. Along with sweet sujukh, 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 with raisins.
Night in Yerevan
4 Day: Echmiadzin-Zvartnots-Khor-Virap.
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 the 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.
Zvartnots temple – the most striking monument of medieval Armenian architecture-built in the VII century. Unfortunately, Zvartnots has reached our days in a form of 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.
Khor Virap is one of the symbols of Armenia. It offers 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 declare Christianity as the state religion. The dungeon where the Holy elder suffered was a Royal dungeon. Here prisoners were lowered into a pit infested with venomous snakes and Scorpions. According to legend, Saint Gregory the Illuminator was in this pit for 13 years.
Night in Yerevan
5 Day: Hovhavavank-Saghmosavank-Armenian Alphabet monument-Amberd-wine tasting at the winery.
Breakfast
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.
Saghmosavank 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. 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.
“Alley of letters” is a monument dedicated to the 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 alphabet was created by Mesrop Mashtots in 405.
Amberd is a historical fortress that is 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 can see Ararat. Visit to one of the most beautiful wineries in Armenia with a tour of the wine cellars, get acquainted with the history of the winery, with the technology and features of winemaking, after which you will taste 5 types of wine: 2 classic and 3 aged wines
Night in Yerevan
6 Day: Areni Cave-Areni winery-Noravank-Shaki-Tatev.
Breakfast
The cave of Birds is a complex of caves in the South of Armenia. The total area of the cave is more than 400 m2. The cave has given the world a wide range of findings: the remains of residential buildings, grape seeds, vines, and devices for wine production, which is another record – the oldest winery in the world was located here. A special place among them is occupied by a leather “boot”, which has become the hallmark of this archaeological monument. The oldest artifacts date back to VI-V t
Areni is a wine region of Armenia, where an annual wine festival is being held. Areni winery was opened in 1994. The tasting room provides an opportunity of trying red and white wines, fruit and berry. The most popular are pomegranate and apricot wines, but one can also try wine from quince, cherry, BlackBerry, raspberry, peach, etc.
Noravank monastery complex-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.
Shake waterfall is a modest tributary of the stormy Vorotan, which forms a waterfall of amazing beauty. According to legend, the waterfall was named in honor of the beautiful shake, who, not wanting to submit to violence from one of the conquerors, threw herself from a high cliff. During the fall, the girl’s long dress opened up from the wind and turned into a waterfall, which was later called the shake waterfall. 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” – 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
7 Day: Tsaghkadzor-Kecharis-Dilijan-Haghartsin-Goshavank.
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. Guests will have the opportunity to have a ride on the ropeway of Tsaghkadzor.
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 mountainous 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 being selled.
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 Haghartsin 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.
Goshavank monastery is the largest spiritual and educational center. It was built in 1188 on the site of the destroyed Getik monastery. The monastery is named in honor of the outstanding writer, scientist and politician Mkhitar gosh, who took an active part in the construction of the temple complex.
Night in Yerevan
8 Day: Transfer to the airport
Transfer to the Yerevan airport
The 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: airport Yerevan-hotel Yerevan-airport Yerevan
- Excursion: Yerevan city-tour-Ararat Cognac Factory.
- Excursion: Garni-Geghard-Shopping
- Excursion: Echmiadzin-Zvarnots-Khor-Virap.
- Excursion: Hovhavavank-Saghmosavank-Armenian Alphabet monument-Amberd
- Excursion: Areni Cave-Areni winery-Noravank-Shaki-Tatev
- Excursion: Tsaghkadzor-Kecharis-Dilijan-Haghartsin-Goshavank.
- Entrance ticket: Garni Temple, Echmiadzin Museum, Zvarnots Temple, cabla car *Wings of Tatev*, Tsaghkadzor cable car
- Wine tasting at the Areni winery, Ararat Cognac Factory, Lori region
- Bottle of drinking water for every day
Rate doesn’t include:
- Extra meals and drinks
- Extra tours
- Souvenirs