DAY 1: ARRIVAL

Yerevan - ARRIVAL
Arrival to Zvartnots International Airport

DAY 2: YEREVAN: CITY TOUR

Yerevan - Yerevan City Tour
We begin the journey to the capital of Armenia, Yerevan. For centuries, this city was known as the “pink city” due to the pink color of the stone buildings dominating Yerevan. We visit Republic Square, Mashtots Avenue, the Aram Khachatryan Opera House, and the Cascade.

Yerevan - Visit fruit market “Gum”
One of the most vivid places in Yerevan is Gum Market near the Tashir trading center, which opened during former the Soviet Union years. It operates every day from morning until late evening. Here you can find fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, spices, many types of dried fruits, cheeses, traditional Armenian bread (lavash), pickles, and more.

Vernissage Market - Visit Vernissage; a vibrant open-air market and cultural phenomenon located in the heart of Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. Vernissage gathers local artists, craftsmen, and vendors who display and sell a diverse array of handmade crafts, traditional Armenian art, souvenirs, jewelry, carpets, ceramics, and other unique items.

DAY 3: YEREVAN - SYMPHONY OF STONES - GEGHARD - YEREVAN

Garni - Take trip to Garni. This Pagan Temple was 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.

Armenia - Symphony of Stones
Drive to the Symphony of Stones, located near the village of Garni, not far from the ancient Garni Temple. It is a stunning basalt rock formation that has been shaped by nature over centuries. The rocks in the gorge have taken on various columnar shapes, resembling a natural orchestra of standing stones, which has led to the name “Symphony of Stones”.

The Monastery of Geghard - 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.

Armenia - Master class de Lavash
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.

DAY 4: YEREVAN - KHOR VIRAP - ARENI - NORAVANK - MOMIK WINERY - YEREVAN

Khor Virap - 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.

Areni - Continue the tour to Areni Village and Areni Cave. The cave consists of 3 rooms, most of which are not yet explored. During the studies of the cave, metal knives, fruit seeds, grain residues, rope, pottery, clothing, grapes and dried plums attributed to the years 4200-3500 BC were found. The oldest leather shoe in the world (which is more than 5500 years old) was found here. Here has been found the cellar which is considered to be the oldest cellar in the world (dating back over 6000 years ago).

Momik Wines - Visit Momik winery tasting of local wines and for lunch just in the vineyards.

DAY 5: YEREVAN - SEVAN - NORADUZ - DILIJAN - YEREVAN

Sevan - 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. 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.

Noratus Cemetery - Visit Noratus; a village located on the western shore of Lake Sevan in the Gegharkunik Province of Armenia. It is particularly known for its historic cemetery, Noratus Cemetery, which is one of the largest collections of Armenian khachkars (cross-stones) in the country.

Armenia - Mikaelyan’s cheese farm
Our next stop is Mikaelyan Family Farm, where the unique Armenian cheese has been producing for several years by Mikaelyan’s family. This family-run company is specialized in the production of wine-cheese, cognac-cheese, “horac” and parmesan-type cheeses.

Dilijan - Then we will drive to Dilijan. Walking along the Sharamberyan Street we will come across with many museums, souvenirs’ markets, small shops and so on. We will also observe two traditional houses built of wood, with tiled roofs and balconies with meticulously carved being typical examples of Dilijan.

DAY 6: YEREVAN - ZVARTNOTS - ECHMIADZIN - YAZIDI TEMPLE- YEREVAN

Zvartnots Temple - Ejmiatsin Cathedral - Zvartnots Cathedral
We will start the excursion to centuries-old monuments Ejmiatsin and Zvartnots. These sites are listed on UNESCO World Heritage list. The Cathedral of Ejmiatsin, founded in 303, is the official residence of the Catholics of Armenia. Echmiadzin is a sacred place for Armenian people and a spiritual heart of Armenian Apostolic Church. We’ll continue the trip to Zvartnots Temple, which was built on 7th century by Nerses Builder. Currently there are only ruins of Zvartnots, but which has not lost its mystery over the years.

Armenia - Yezidi Ziarat Temple of Aknalich
Visit Yezidi temple “Ziarat of Aknalich”. This temple is the biggest Yezidi temple in the world. Since ancient times, the Yezidis -biggest minority in Armenia - have been engaged in cattle breeding on the Caucasian plateau. Yezidis have guarded their religion for nearly three millennia. The Yezidi do not have a Holy Book and their religion is based on the knowledge of their priests. The right to become a priest is recognized after having achieved sufficient knowledge.

DAY 7: FREE DAY

Gyumri - Option 1: Yerevan - Gyumri - Amberd - Alphabet Park - Yerevan - 155 Euros
Breakfast.
Transfer to the city of Gyumri. This city has changed its name several times throughout its long history: initially it was called Kumayri, then Alexandropol, later in the Soviet era Leninakan, and finally Gyumri. The city is the second largest in Armenia, located on the banks of the Akhurian River and about 120 km from Yerevan. It is the capital of the Shirak province.
Departure to the Aragatsotni region.
Lunch at a local house and homemade wine tasting.
Visit to the Alphabet Park.
Departure to the Amberd fortress and church. The medieval fortress of Amberd (7th-13th centuries AD) is built on the southern slope of Mount Aragats (4091 meters above sea level).
Return to Yerevan.

Haghpat Monastery - Option 2: Yerevan - Sanahin - Haghpat - Yerevan - 160 Euros
Breakfast.
Departure to Alaverdi.
Visit two unique monuments of Armenian architecture from the 10th-14th centuries: the Sanahin Monastery and Haghpat Monastery (UNESCO World Heritage Sites). Literally, in Armenian, the name Sanahin means “this is older than that,” which likely refers to this village having an older monastery than its neighboring village, Haghpat. The two villages and monasteries are very similar to each other, and from one, you can perfectly see the other; both are located on a rugged plateau, separated by a deep gorge formed by a small river that flows into the Debed River. Haghpat Monastery was one of the major religious, cultural, and educational centers of medieval Armenia.
Return to Yerevan.

DAY 8: DEPARTURE

Yerevan - Departure from Zvartnots International Airport

• Wine tasting and cheese tasting
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Breakfast
• All entrance fees to monuments mentioned in the program
• Accommodation in 4* hotel
• Professional English speaking guide
• Masterclass on Lavash preparation

• Travel insurance
• Alcoholic beverages
• Air Tickets
• Visits outside the program
• Other meals not mentioned in the program