Tour Program Day Time Itinerary Duration/ Hours Friday - - Arrival, transfer from the airport to the hotel 0.5 Saturday 10:00 Garni, Geghard, lavash baking 4-5 Sunday 10:00 Echmiadzin (Hripsime, Mother Cathedral - Sunday liturgy, Gayane), Zvartnots 4-5 Monday 09:00 Alphabet Alley, Aragats (Lake Kari), Amberd, traditional holiday cooking in Armenian village garden 7-8 Tuesday 9:00 Noravank, Tatev - Ropeway, Karahunj (Zorats Karer) 13-14 Wednesday 10:00 Lake Sevan (Sevanavank), Dilijan (Goshavank, Haghartsin) 7-8 Thursday 10:00 Yerevan City Tour: Erebuni Museum, local Market, "Megerian carpet" factory-museum, "ARARAT" brandy factory (tour and tasting) 5-6 Friday - - Transfer from the hotel to the airport, departure 0.5 The per person price in case of accommodation at: Double occupancy Single occupancy 3* hotel 197.000 AMD 267.000 AMD 4* hotel 243.000 AMD 334.000 AMD 5* hotel 370.000 AMD 555.000 AMD The price of the program includes: Hotel accommodation in Yerevan (7 nights); 7 breakfasts at the hotel; Full transportation service (comfortable air-conditioned minibus or bus); Professional guide service, speaking Armenian, Russian, English; Soft drinks and cakes during trips; Entrance fees to the historical and cultural attractions; Insurance of the vehicle and passengers. Additional information: The unused portions of the itinerary are not refundable. Instead of hotels the participants of the program can choose to be placed in high-quality apartments in the center of Yerevan. In this case the price of the program decreases and is subject to additional discussion. In case of additional services, besides the ones listed in the program, the price is subject to additional discussion. --------------
Garni Garni temple which towers over a triangular cape, is the unique survived example of heathen culture in Armenia. It is a blend of Greco-Roman and Armenian styles. King Trdat the First ordered building the temple in the first century A.D. and dedicated it to the God of Sun. After adopting Christianity in 301 the pagan temple lost its significance and the fortress of Garni became the summer residence of the kings. Nowadays the ruins of the royal palace and the bathroom with a stunning mosaic work can be found near the temple. Geghard Geghard monastery is the unsurpassable masterpiece of the 13th century Armenian architecture. Some of the churches of the complex are masterfully hewn in a huge rock. From the outset the complex was called Ayrivank (cave monastery), later it was renamed Geghard (lance), as the lance used by the roman soldier to sting Jesus Christ's side, was kept in this monastery for many centuries. Due to its construction Geghardavank serves the best place for singing spiritual songs. The complex is rich in subtle sculptural embellishments and many striking khachkars (cross-stones). Lavash baking You will have a good opportunity to participate in lavash baking procedure (traditional Armenian bread) as well as in the process of making cheese, after which you can taste them together with a home-made local wine. St. Hripsime St. Hripsime church is the one of the famous ecclesiastical buildings in the city of Echmiadzin. This is the developed and perfect example of cross-cupola churches in Armenia. The church is notable with its architectural simplicity and loftiness. The tomb of the Christian martyr Virgin Hripsime is in the sacristy of the church.
Cathedral of Echmiadzin The center of Armenian Apostolic church- St. Echmiadzin is located 20 km far from Yerevan. The Cathedral of Echmiadzin was founded at the beginning of the fourth century and is one of the oldest churches in the world. According to the legend the church was built in the place where apparition of Jesus Christ was seen to Grigory the Illuminator in the dream. The interior of the church is covered with frescoes created by Hovnatanyan family. The residence of the Catholicos and the Theological Academy are situated near the Cathedral. St. Gayane Not far from the Echmiadzin Cathedral against the background of white peaks of Ararat one can see the silhouette of the cupola of St. Gayane church. The church was built in the 7th century and belongs to the domed-basilica style. According to the legend this church was constructed over the tomb of Virgin Gayane, who was martyred for preaching Christianity. Zvartnots This marvelous temple is a result of skillfulness and brave creativity of Armenian architects of the 7th century. Having been built on several columns it could survive only till the 10th century. When in the beginning of the 20th century this site was being excavated many specialists could hardly accept its reconstruction model designed by famous Armenian architect Toros Toramanyan as it was difficult to believe that such a huge and complicated construction could have been built those days. "Armenian alphabet monument" "Armenian alphabet monument" is located in the village of Artashavan, at the east side bottom of Mt. Aragats. It was erected in 2005 to the 1600 anniversary of creation of the Armenian alphabet by the design of the famous Armenian architect Jim Torosyan. The monument is an interesting demonstration of the stone carvings of 39 Armenian letters. The Armenian alphabet has been used to write the Armenian language since the year 405 or 406 and is still used to present Armenian language in written form. It was devised by Saint Mesrop Mashtots, an Armenian linguist and ecclesiastical leader.
Aragats The highest peak of the Republic of Armenia is the Mount Aragats (4095 m). This four-peaked giant is the most favourite mountain of climbers. On the way to the southern peak the best stop is at Kari Lich (Stone Lake), which is at the height of 3250m. On the top one opens the most attractive scene: the silhouette of green valleys from one side, the eternal snow and silver lakes from other sides and the Biblical Mount Ararat far in the fog of Ararat Valley. Amberd The principal architectural features of medieval fortress-building have found their reflection in this fortress. Having been built on a naturally well-defended cape, Amberd has for long time served as an important military fort. Next to this secular edifice there is a church built in 1026 by the duke Vahram Pahlavuni. Noravank Passing a narrow road surrounded by rocks of hundred caves one discovers a scene of harmony of architecture with nature. The monastery enshrined with fine architectural solutions and luxurious embellishments is one of the brightest examples of Armenian architecture of the 13th century. Noravank consists of St. Karapet, St. Grigory the Illuminator churches and St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) two-storey church, which is notable for its ideal constructive and sculptural work. Tatev monastery Among the architectural pillars of Zangezour the monastery of Tatev doesn't have its rivals. This used to be wealthiest medieval monastery in Armenia. Besides being a religious center Tatev was also the important strategical center of Syunik king-dom. Being situated on a naturally defended place Tatev Monastery has always been an impregnable fortress for alien. In non-stable political conditions the several secret ways in the territory of the fortress led the way to the canyon and served as a link between the monastery and external world.
Tatev Ropeway Church bells were ringing loud in Tatev on October 16 of 2010, heralding the launch of a program to revive a medieval monastic complex and the opening of an aerial tramway called Wings of Tatev. The 5.7-kilometer ropeway was built within 11 months, passes through a deep gorge of the River Vorotan and over hills covered with lush forests. The tramway is supported by three towers between its two terminals. One terminal is on a hill overlooking the village of Halidzor and the other is near Tatev Monastery, on the road to Tatev village. Two cabins operate at once, traveling in opposite directions. Karahunj The scientific expeditions proved Karahunj to be one of the oldest observatories in the world. It is said to be about 7500 years old. Some of the precisely arranged huge stones have holes bored into them, which were used for astrological observations. The petroglyphs found nearby Karahunj reveal that the early inhabitants in Armenia were well aware of astrology. Lake Sevan The fascination and the pearl of mountainous Armenia is Sevan Lake, which is one of the world's greatest high altitude freshwater lakes. It is about 1900 m above sea level. The lake is of volcanic origin and is surrounded with mountains of 3000 m and higher. The beautiful landscape and the crystal water serve nice preconditions for excellent rest.the lake is also famous for its peninsula and medieval church complex built in 874. Sevanavank A marvelous scene opens in the north-western part of Sevan Lake, where the peninsula towers over the transparent surface of the lake. Sevanavank monastery was built on the peninsula in 874 by the order of king Ashot Bagratuni's daughter princess Mariam. The silhouette of the churches against the background of the turquoise lake and blue sky casts unexplainable impression on the visitors.
Dilijan Dilijan entices people with its unforgettable beauty and mild climate. The city stretches on the banks of Aghstev river, surrounded with mountains and forests. Dilijan has the fame of a health resort. The warm sun, fresh air and natural spas have great healing influence on people. Dilijan is also rich in interesting architectural monuments. Goshavank Goshavank was founded by the famous medieval scientist, fabulist Mkhitar Gosh. The complex consists of several religious and secular buildings. The unrivalled khachkar put in front of the one-naved basilica was created by the skillful master Poghos in 1291.Goshavank used to be one of the most famous religious and cultural centers in medieval Armenia. Haghartsin Haghartsin monastery situated in the woodlands of Tavush region represents an indescribable example of blend of nature with architecture. It was founded in the 10-11th centuries, though new buildings were added in the 12-13th centuries. Now it consists of St. Grigor, St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God), St. Stepanos churches and some other buildings.the refectory due to its skillful architectural composition is of great interest. The huge oak tree, which is almost at the age of the monastery, completes the whole scene. Erebuni Museum The fortress of Erebuni is on Arin-Berd hill. It was built in 782 B.C. by the Urartian king Argishti the first. During the excavations started in the 20th century a cuneiform inscription was found, according to which the history of nowadays Yerevan starts from this place. On the top of the hill the ruins of the citadel and the frescoes on the wall reveal the high artistic achievements of those remote centuries. The museum down the hill displays the findings that have been excavated in the territory of the fortress.
Local Market The local market or "Kayarani shuga" was founded in 2015, in scope of programs to ensure the profitable consumption of Armenian agricultural products. The market is situated near the metro station "Sasuntsi Davit', which makes the way to market easier. Here, in the territory of 6000 sqm, everyone can experience the sights and sounds of fresh, sweet and affordable fruits, vegetables, dry fruits and other products from the fertile Armenian land and hardworking locals. Megerian Carpets The Megerians have been well known for their expertise in antique and decorative rug reproductions. The Megerians have successfully implemented natural methods of dyeing yarn in Armenia, with most natural dyes being derived from flowers, roots, and plans of the Armenian Highlands, as was done thousands of years ago. Megerian Carpet in Yerevan has a spectacular showroom where can make their purchases. Guests are welcome to watch the production of the rugs which involve dyeing of the yarns by using vegetable dyes, weaving, shearing, finishing, etc. Yerevan Brandy Company ARARAT brandies produced by Yerevan Brandy Company embody the Legend itself, the spirit of Armenia, its cultural and historical heritage and the craftsmanship of the Armenian people. ARARAT is the most famous and successful brand of Armenian brandy in the world. We are pleased to invite you to get acquainted with the history of brandy making in Armenia, follow its production phases and enjoy the delicious taste and flavor of different kinds of ARARAT brandies just from the first hand.