The Picturesque Armenia
DURATION: 07 NIGHTS – 08DAYS
Day 1: Arrival
Arrival at Zvartnots International Airport. Meet and greet to Yerevan. Transfer to your selected hotel. Check-in and rest. Overnight in Yerevan.
Day 2: Yerevan City Tour–Vernissage flea market
Breakfast at the hotel. After some rest city tour around Yerevan the history of which goes back to 8th c. The sightseeing tour includes visit to Republic Square- located in the very center of Yerevan and is considered one of the most amazing and famous attractions of the capital. This area is formed by five famous buildings: The National Art Gallery and History Museum of Armenia, which contains about 400,000 exhibits covering the entire history of the Armenian people from primitive society to modern times. The Government House of the Republic of Armenia, The Central post office, The “Mariott Armenia” hotel, The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources. The famous singing fountains are also situated on the Republic Square right next to the History Museum and Art Gallery. This is the favorite place of locals and tourists. Then you will walk to modern part of city – Northern Avenue, Opera House with Swam Lake, Cascade Monument which is considered to be the center of art of the city as here you can find unique sculptures. In the evenings the place is becoming more charming with all its lights and people from all over the world. Visit Vernissage flea market which offer many kinds of national souvenirs, jewelry and many traditional items.
Day 3: Tsaghkadzor – Lake Sevan
Departure to the resort town of Tsakhkadzor (Gorge of Flowers) – town of forested mountains. Walking tour around the city. Opportunity to ride up the ropeway which will take you to the peak of mount Teghenis mount from where opens breathtaking view to the fortress town. The road will take you to Lake Sevan which is going to be one of the highlights of your trip. Climb the stairs up on the peninsula from where opens a fascinating view to the “blue-eyed” lake. Sightseeing tour on the peninsula. Lake Sevan is considered to be one of the largest sweet lakes in the world at an altitude of 1897 meters above sea level. Back to Yerevan. Overnight in Yerevan. Optional: Boat Trip on Lake Sevan to enjoy the whole restful atmosphere of the area/ 30 min/ – Extra 60 USD total.
Day 4: Yerevan – Garni Temple – Symphony of stones – Yerevan
After breakfast continue our journey to Garni Pagan Temple from 1st c. The temple was built by Armenia King Tiridates and was dedicated to the God of Sun Mithra. Garni is the only Hellenistic temple existing nowadays in Armenia. The stairs of the temple are made huge and high which means that every human being climbing up the stairs is condescending to God of Sun. If the weather will good, visit the Symphony of Stones or “Basalt Organ”. This is a natural monument located in the basin of the Azat River, in the area of Garni village. It is included in the list of natural monuments of Armenia. The monument consists of huge symmetric hexagon and pentagon basalt columns (nearly 50 meters high), which seem to be handmade due to their amazing symmetry. Visit the Arch of Charents – a favorite place of tourists, from where opens a stunning view of Mount Ararat and Yerevan. The arch is named after the great Armenian poet Egishe Charents, who loved to come to this place and enjoy the beauty of Armenian land. You can also enjoy that beauty and take a photo for memory about your wonderful trip to Armenia. Come back to Yerevan. Optional: Armenian flat bread “lavash” baking ceremony in an underground heater called “tonir” in a local house. Here you will learn also how to make Armenian local sandwiches with “lavash” and cheese. – Extra 27 USD total
Day 5: Khor Virap – Areni cave – Noravank – Yerevan
After breakfast drive to the historical treasures of Armenia – to Ararat Valley to visit Khor Virap Monastery. The monastery of Khor Virap (3rd – 17th cc.) is located in the place of an ancient capital of Armenia –Artashat. The significance of the church is relatively connected with Grigor Illuminator who was spreading Christianity in Armenia. There is also the most beautiful view of Mount Ararat and entire Ararat Valley from the monastery. Continue our trip to one of the most important agricultural regions of Armenia – to Vayots Dzor region. Afterwards, visit Areni cave, which is now recognized as the oldest winery in the world. The oldest leather shoe was also found in Areni Cave, stuffed with grass and stowed away for storage. Its owner must have made it around 3,500 BCE, in a style that is still common to this day across the Caucasus and the Balkans. The highlight your today’s trip is Noravank Monastery – a spectacular monastic complex, surrounded with mountains, richly covered by red stones which give one the harmony of culture and nature. The beautiful Noravank Monastery was built in the 13th century on the ledge of narrow winding gorge above the Amaghu River.
Day 6: Amberd -Kari Lake – Yerevan
Drive to Amberd fortress – rare historical site that survived and reached us in a good condition from the 7th century. Some say that it was built in the 11-13th centuries, attributing it to the near located church. Amberd means “fortress in the clouds”. It stands on the rocky cliff on the height of 2100 meters protected from two sides with deep gorges at the junction of rivers Amberd and Arkashen. This unique sight is located 50km from Yerevan. There is only one serpentine road leading to it that passes through mountains. That is why it is impossible to get there in winter when everything is covered in snow. No later than a century, Amberd was reconstructed and served as an outpost for several hundreds of years. Apart from that, archaeological research in the fortress of Amberd discovered some mysteries from its past. During the excavations, numerous underground walkways leading to rivers were found. It is now known that there used to be a water-supply system. The highlight of your trip is “Kari Litch”, which is translated as “Stone Lake”. The lake is located quite high on the slope of Mount Aragats. For most of the year, snow does not melt here, so the water in Kari Lake is always very cold. Back to Yerevan.
Day 7: Free day Day 8: Departure
According to the flight details, transfer to the airport and departure home!
INCLUSIONS:
Arrival at Zvartnots International Airport. Meet and greet to Yerevan. Transfer to your selected hotel. Check-in and rest. Overnight in Yerevan.
Day 2: Yerevan City Tour–Vernissage flea market
Breakfast at the hotel. After some rest city tour around Yerevan the history of which goes back to 8th c. The sightseeing tour includes visit to Republic Square- located in the very center of Yerevan and is considered one of the most amazing and famous attractions of the capital. This area is formed by five famous buildings: The National Art Gallery and History Museum of Armenia, which contains about 400,000 exhibits covering the entire history of the Armenian people from primitive society to modern times. The Government House of the Republic of Armenia, The Central post office, The “Mariott Armenia” hotel, The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources. The famous singing fountains are also situated on the Republic Square right next to the History Museum and Art Gallery. This is the favorite place of locals and tourists. Then you will walk to modern part of city – Northern Avenue, Opera House with Swam Lake, Cascade Monument which is considered to be the center of art of the city as here you can find unique sculptures. In the evenings the place is becoming more charming with all its lights and people from all over the world. Visit Vernissage flea market which offer many kinds of national souvenirs, jewelry and many traditional items.
Day 3: Tsaghkadzor – Lake Sevan
Departure to the resort town of Tsakhkadzor (Gorge of Flowers) – town of forested mountains. Walking tour around the city. Opportunity to ride up the ropeway which will take you to the peak of mount Teghenis mount from where opens breathtaking view to the fortress town. The road will take you to Lake Sevan which is going to be one of the highlights of your trip. Climb the stairs up on the peninsula from where opens a fascinating view to the “blue-eyed” lake. Sightseeing tour on the peninsula. Lake Sevan is considered to be one of the largest sweet lakes in the world at an altitude of 1897 meters above sea level. Back to Yerevan. Overnight in Yerevan. Optional: Boat Trip on Lake Sevan to enjoy the whole restful atmosphere of the area/ 30 min/ – Extra 60 USD total.
Day 4: Yerevan – Garni Temple – Symphony of stones – Yerevan
After breakfast continue our journey to Garni Pagan Temple from 1st c. The temple was built by Armenia King Tiridates and was dedicated to the God of Sun Mithra. Garni is the only Hellenistic temple existing nowadays in Armenia. The stairs of the temple are made huge and high which means that every human being climbing up the stairs is condescending to God of Sun. If the weather will good, visit the Symphony of Stones or “Basalt Organ”. This is a natural monument located in the basin of the Azat River, in the area of Garni village. It is included in the list of natural monuments of Armenia. The monument consists of huge symmetric hexagon and pentagon basalt columns (nearly 50 meters high), which seem to be handmade due to their amazing symmetry. Visit the Arch of Charents – a favorite place of tourists, from where opens a stunning view of Mount Ararat and Yerevan. The arch is named after the great Armenian poet Egishe Charents, who loved to come to this place and enjoy the beauty of Armenian land. You can also enjoy that beauty and take a photo for memory about your wonderful trip to Armenia. Come back to Yerevan. Optional: Armenian flat bread “lavash” baking ceremony in an underground heater called “tonir” in a local house. Here you will learn also how to make Armenian local sandwiches with “lavash” and cheese. – Extra 27 USD total
Day 5: Khor Virap – Areni cave – Noravank – Yerevan
After breakfast drive to the historical treasures of Armenia – to Ararat Valley to visit Khor Virap Monastery. The monastery of Khor Virap (3rd – 17th cc.) is located in the place of an ancient capital of Armenia –Artashat. The significance of the church is relatively connected with Grigor Illuminator who was spreading Christianity in Armenia. There is also the most beautiful view of Mount Ararat and entire Ararat Valley from the monastery. Continue our trip to one of the most important agricultural regions of Armenia – to Vayots Dzor region. Afterwards, visit Areni cave, which is now recognized as the oldest winery in the world. The oldest leather shoe was also found in Areni Cave, stuffed with grass and stowed away for storage. Its owner must have made it around 3,500 BCE, in a style that is still common to this day across the Caucasus and the Balkans. The highlight your today’s trip is Noravank Monastery – a spectacular monastic complex, surrounded with mountains, richly covered by red stones which give one the harmony of culture and nature. The beautiful Noravank Monastery was built in the 13th century on the ledge of narrow winding gorge above the Amaghu River.
Day 6: Amberd -Kari Lake – Yerevan
Drive to Amberd fortress – rare historical site that survived and reached us in a good condition from the 7th century. Some say that it was built in the 11-13th centuries, attributing it to the near located church. Amberd means “fortress in the clouds”. It stands on the rocky cliff on the height of 2100 meters protected from two sides with deep gorges at the junction of rivers Amberd and Arkashen. This unique sight is located 50km from Yerevan. There is only one serpentine road leading to it that passes through mountains. That is why it is impossible to get there in winter when everything is covered in snow. No later than a century, Amberd was reconstructed and served as an outpost for several hundreds of years. Apart from that, archaeological research in the fortress of Amberd discovered some mysteries from its past. During the excavations, numerous underground walkways leading to rivers were found. It is now known that there used to be a water-supply system. The highlight of your trip is “Kari Litch”, which is translated as “Stone Lake”. The lake is located quite high on the slope of Mount Aragats. For most of the year, snow does not melt here, so the water in Kari Lake is always very cold. Back to Yerevan.
Day 7: Free day Day 8: Departure
According to the flight details, transfer to the airport and departure home!
INCLUSIONS:
- 7 x nights’ accommodation at the Hotel in Yerevan
- Transfers and transportation according to the program
- English speaking guide
- Breakfasts at the hotel
- Entrance fees where necessary
- 1 bottle of water per person per day
- Flights
- Travel Insurance
- Meals and alcoholic beverages
- Tips and Portage
- Invitation letter for Visa – 15$ per person
- Covid tests