Tour Program

Day
1
Arrival
Itinerary
Arrival in Yerevan.
Meals
- - -
Accommodation
- - -
Day
2
City tour /Yerevan/
Itinerary
Breakfast. We will start the tour in the capital of Armenia: Yerevan. For ages this city has been known as a “pink city” because of the color of the stone it has been built with. So we will visit Republic square, Mashtoc Avenue, the House of Opera and Ballet after Aram Khachatryan, the park “Cascad”. Then we will visit the Manuscript Museum of Armenia, which is called Matenadaran; here all ancient Armenian Manuscripts are kept. Then we should visit Erebuni museum and Genocide Memorial known as Tsitsernakaberd. We will visit the museum famous Armenian film-director Sergey Parajanov. Here we will see about thousand works: collages, drawings, assemblages, dolls. And besides this we will have to chance to see a short part from his famous film “The Colour of Pomegranates”. Dinner at a local house where you will enjoy the piano “concert” by the hostess and will taste the masterpieces of Armenian cuisine. Overnight in the hotel.
Meals
B - D
Accommodation
Hotel
Day
3
Yerevan – Garni – Geghard - Yerevan
Itinerary
Breakfast. Take trip to Garni. This Pagan Temple built in the 1st century AD. It is the only temple that has been preserves from the Pagan times in Armenia. It was devoted to the god Mihr, who was the god of cleanness. In 1679 it was destroyed by earthquake. In the 1975 the Temple was restored. Then we will continue our trip to Geghard Monastery. Its name came from the legendary lance that was used to pierce the body of Christ. It has been kept here for centuries. Though the exact foundation of the monastery is unknown, the present complex was built in the mid – 13th century. Afterwards we will a local house where you will have the chance to see and participate in the preparation of Armenian national bread: lavash. It is a very thin, usually sold in very large forms. It is usually cooked in a ground oven: “tonir''. In 2015 it has been inscribed in UNESCO intangible heritage list. Here we will enjoy the “Armenian fast food” with lavash and cheese. Besides this here we will see how clay things are being made. We can also participate in this process and take a memory with us. Dinner at a traditional Armenian restaurant “Our Village”, where you will enjoy Armenian folk music. Get back to Yerevan and overnight at hotel.
Meals
B L -
Accommodation
Hotel
Day
4
Yerevan - Khor Virap – Chiva village – Noravank - Jermuk
Itinerary
Breakfast. Take trip to Khor Virap Monastery (4-18th cc.). This monastery is very prominent because of its history; Gregory the Illuminator, who introduced Christianity to Armenia, has been imprisoned there about 13 years as at that time there was a prison in the place of the monastery. Here we can enjoy the spectacular view of the sacred Ararat Mountain - an immortal symbol of Armenia. After Khor Virap we will drive to village Chiva, which is typical Armenian village with old traditions and lifestyle. At a local house we will have lunch “Barbeque party”. You will taste a very famous Armenian National meal made by your own hands. This village is very famous with its traditional games, in one of which you will have your participation. After this fun we will continue our tour to Armenian Wine Village Areni. This village is very famous with its red wine. Visit the wine factory of the village where we will have wine degustation. Noravank - a monastery of XII century situated among amazing sheer rocks on the bench of a twisty gorge. This is the only monastery where we may find a unique sculpture of Father God. In Noravank we will have a meeting with the priest who will tell you about the religious life and traditions of Armenia. After all we will drive to one of the famous spa cities of Armenia; Jermuk. There are many natural springs in Jermuk which have healing power. We will see the breathtaking waterfall as well as mineral natural springs of 0-53 °C. Overnight in Jermuk.
Meals
B L -
Accommodation
Jermuk
Day
5
Jermuk - Karahunj (Stonehenge) – Tatev – Khndzoresk - Goris
Itinerary
Breakfast. We will explore the ancient observatory of Karahunj quite similar to Stonehenge in England. The columns sit like soldiers on a hill. The 204 stones near Sisian have been ascribed with mystical, fertility and cosmic powers, but rarely have ancient monuments caused such a sensation in astronomical circles. Then we will continue our trip visiting the monastic complex of Tatev. The complex was found within the ages of 9-13. Formerly it was a very famous educational center in Armenia and all famous contemporary scientists and philosophers were educated there. It used to accept students from abroad as well. Here we can use the world’s longest rope way, which has length of 5700 m. Visit the cave village of Khndzoresk. After all drive to Goris. Check in the hotel. Dinner at a local house where we will enjoy the specific meals typical to that region. And everything will be accompanied by the beautiful music played by the host. In the evening you may enjoy the night view of the small city which is very beautiful.
Meals
B - D
Accommodation
Hotel
Day
6
Goris –Selim – Noraduz - Sevan – Dilijan
Itinerary
Breakfast. Today we are going to pass the pathways that have been used by the travellers of Great Silk Road. We will drive through the Selim Caravanserai, which served as an important center of exchange, trade and for overnight during the times of Great Silk Road. Here we can see the immortal tracks of world history. Visit to Noraduz. After here we will drive to Lake Sevan which is one of the largest lakes in the world. It stands out with its sweet and astonishingly blue water. Here we can enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the beautiful lake. Another surprise is expected for our tourists; we will have a cruise in Lake Sevan and take the chance to admire the beauty of blue pearl of Armenian highland. Lunch, during which we will taste the “Ishkhan” fish of Lake Sevan. This fish is an irreplaceable phenomenon in Armenian Culinary culture. Then we will visit Sevanavank Monastery which is situated on Sevan Peninsula. There are 2 monasteries actually; one of them is destroyed but the other stands still. They have been built in the middle Ages, around 10th century. Then we will drive to Dilijan. Walking along the Sharambeyan Street, which is one of the oldest streets of the city, we may buy souvenirs and see the life of the small city. During the walk you will breathe the clean mountain air. After this relaxing walk we will have dinner at a local family and taste the traditional meals of this region. And you may continue enjoying your rest in the garden playing Armenian game “Nardi” with a cup of excellent wine. Overnight in Dilijan.
Meals
B L D
Accommodation
Guest House
Day
7
Dilijan – Sanahin – Haghpat – Dsegh -Yerevan
Itinerary
Today we will visit two unique masterpieces of Armenian architecture of X-XIV centuries: the monasteries of Sanahin and Haghpat which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Literally the name ’’Sanahin’’ in Armenian means this one is older than the other, which probably means that this monastery is older of than Haghpat. These two monasteries are very close to each other and can be easily seen from one to the other. Both are located on an uneven plateau, separated by a deep crack formed by a small river that flows into the river Debed. Haghpat Monastery was one of the largest religious, cultural and educational centers of medieval Armenia. Then we will drive to the village Dsegh, which is the birthplace of famous Armenian writer Hovhannes Tumanyan. Here we will have a short theatrical play upon the works of the writer prepared by the local schoolchildren. After here we will drive to Yerevan. Farewell dinner at “Megeryan” Carpet factory, where we will get acquainted with the tradition of rug weaving culture of Armenia. We will also see the exclusive Armenian rugs. After all we will taste Armenian national dishes in the beautiful restaurant.
Meals
B - D
Accommodation
Hotel
Day
8
Yerevan – Ejmiatsin – Zvartnoc – Mecamor - Yerevan
Itinerary
Breakfast. We will start the excursion to centuries-old monuments Ejmiatsin and Zvartnots. These sites are listed on UNESCO World Heritage list. Zvartnots Temple was built in 7th century by Nerses Builder Catholicos. Here we will enjoy the fantastic concert by the choir, which will be organized by our company by your group. We will enjoy the music of Classical Armenian Music of world famous composers. The choir consists of Operate Professional Singers. Our next step is the spiritual center of Armenia: Ejmiatsin. The Cathedral of Ejmiatsin, founded in 303, is the official residence of the Catholicos of Armenia. We will also visit the museum of Ejmiatsin where a small part of Noah’s ark is kept. After all these excursions we have another attractive activity which will help you to get acquainted with another branch of Armenian culture. We will visit “The Cross of Armenian Unity” where at Ethnic hall we will enjoy Armenian National songs and dances. And all these will be presented by the students of this cultural center. And participating in this concert you put your little investment in the charity which is realized by the center. After Ejmiatsin we are going to explore the secrets of Armenian Archeology. Visit the museum of Mecamor. Here we will invite the archeologist of the museum who will introduce us the history of the museum as well as the unique samples of the exposition. After all get back to Yerevan. Short rest in the hotel. In the evening you may enjoy the night life of modern Yerevan. Dinner at a very beautiful restaurant with a panoramic view. Overnight in Yerevan.
Meals
B _ D
Accommodation
Hotel
Day
9
Departure
Itinerary
Breakfast. Transfer to the airport. Say goodbye to Armenia.
Meals
B - -
Accommodation
- - -