+44 (0)20 8741 7390 Set amongst the mountains of the Southern Caucasus, Armenia lies at the crossroads of Western Asia and Eastern Europe. Often overlooked, this little visited nation-state can boast an impressive lineage and a tragic history. The first country in the world to adopt the new Christian religion, its mountains are filled with a dazzling wealth of churches, monasteries and rock-cut chapels. Under the towering gaze of Mount Ararat you will have a chance to explore Yerevan, the Armenian capital, and its surrounding treasures including Echmiadsin, the spiritual home of the Armenian Church. You ll visit the important monastic settings of Khor Virap and Noravank, explore the cave village of Khndzoresk and take the longest cable car ride in the world to Tatev Monastery. Crossing the ancient Selim Pass, you then head into the gorges and valleys to seek out the hidden monasteries of Haghartsin, Haghpat and Sanahin, before paying visits to Gyumri and Amberd, site of one of the finest preserved fortresses in the country. HIGHLIGHTS: Drive over the 2400m high Selim Pass with its green pastures and shepherds Marvel at the presence of Mount Ararat, looming over the city of Yerevan Immerse yourself in the history and architecture of the monasteries Visit the valleys and gorges with their hidden monasteries Stroll the avenues of Yerevan and drink coffee in its cafes TOUR INCLUDES: 6 nights three star hotel, 2 nights four star hotel 8 breakfasts, 1 dinner Private guided sightseeing Private driver and vehicle Entrance fees included as per itinerary Private guided transfers to and from all airports *Please note the prices shown above are based on two persons sharing a twin or double room *Please note that Ughtasar and Smbataber are only possible to visit in good weather conditions. There is no guarantee of visiting these sites, particularly between October and April when the weather tends to be bad. If for this reason a visit to these
sites is not possible, they will be substituted with other excursions.
ITINERARY DAY 1: YEREVAN Arrive in Yerevan and transfer to your hotel. The afternoon is yours to explore this wonderful city at your own pace. DAY 2: YEREVAN Today enjoy a full day's sightseeing of the Armenian capital Yerevan. Visit the Matendaran Manuscript museum and Erebuni - the Urartian hill top fortress. You will also have a chance to visit the Memorial to the 1915 Genocide, the Blue Mosque and a brandy distillery to sample some of Winston Churchill's favourite brandy. (B) DAY 3: YEREVAN - ECHMIADSIN - GEGHARD - YEREVAN Today is a full day's excursion to some of the most important sites surrounding Yerevan. First of all visit Echmiadsin, the spiritual home of the Armenian Church, then continue on to Geghard with its rock cut chapels. Finally visit Garni temple which was constructed in the 1st century AD and is Armenia's best preserved pre- Christian monument. Return to Yerevan where you will stay overnight. (B) DAY 4: YEREVAN - KHOR VIRAP - NORAVANK - GORIS This morning depart Yerevan and first of all visit the monastery of Khor Virap, stunningly located with Mount Ararat towering above it. This was where St Gregory the Illuminator who brought Christianity to Armenia was imprisoned for thirteen years. Next continue to Areni in the heart of Armenia's wine growing region where you will be able to visit a winery and sample some of the local produce. Later visit the Noravank Monastery before arriving to Goris. (B) DAY 5: GORIS - KHNDZORESK - TATEV - GORIS The first stop today will be at the cave village of Khndzoresk before continuing on to one of the highlights of Armenia - Tatev Monastery, which is reached by the longest cable car in the world. After lunch you can visit the prehistoric sites of Karahunj, Armenia's Stonehenge, and Ughtasar, with petroglyphs next to a volcanic lake, as well as the quiet town of Sisian. Return to Goris for the evening. (B,D)
DAY 6: GORIS - SMBATABERD - SELIM - NORADUZ - DILIJAN This morning leave Goris and head towards the ancient Selim Pass. It is a steep walk up to Smbataberd fortress but it is spectacularly located at the southern end of the ridge with steep cliffs on three sides. Continuing on, cross the Selim Pass (2410m) stopping at the Selim Caravanserai - a reminder of the region's role in the Silk Road. Next visit perhaps one of Armenia's most surreal sights - the field of approximately 900 Kachkars (carved memorial stones) at Noraduz. Continue to Dilijan. (B) DAY 7: DILIJAN - HAGHARTSIN - HAGHPAT - DZORAGET Today you will visit the Monastery of Haghartsin set beautifully at the head of a small wooded valley. Next continue to the important UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Haghpat and Sanahin monasteries, both located overlooking Alaverdi where there is a 12th century bridge you will be able to stop at. Stay overnight at Dzoraget. (B) DAY 8: DZORAGET - GYUMRI - AMBERD - YEREVAN This morning depart Dzorgaet and visit Gyumri, the second largest city in Armenia famous for its poets, writers and composers. Here you can visit its museum and also the 7th century monastery of Harich. Afterwards continue onto Amberd, one of the best preserved fortresses in Armenia before arriving in Yerevan. (B) DAY 9: YEREVAN Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
ACCOMMODATION DILIJAN TUFENKIAN OLD DILIJAN Close to the centre of Dilijan, the Tufenkian is a renovated stone complex located directly on historical Sharambeyan Street. The eight rooms are simple and modern but with very traditional features, natural colours and extra comforts such as kettles and satellite television. Breakfast is served in the attached Haykanoush restaurant which also specialises in rich Western Armenian cuisine for lunches and dinner. The complex around the hotel has a number of small workshops which specialise in traditional Armenian crafts such as carpets, wood carvings, ceramics and furniture, as well as a bakery and delightful souvenir shops all promoting local handicrafts. The English speaking staff are helpful and welcoming. DZORAGET AVAN DZORAGET HOTEL One of the first boutique style hotels to open in Armenia, the Avant Dzoraget Hotel is located in the Lori Province, in a secluded and quiet location on the main road to Tbilisi. Surrounded by spectacular rock formations and mountains, this luxurious hotel offers fifty-five fully equipped double rooms with views of the Debed River and Dzoraget village, all tastefully decorated blending traditional and modern styles. There is a double height lounge, a cozy bar with a fireplace and a restaurant famous for its Armenian and Georgian cuisine, which uses fresh ingredients and local recipes. The hotel also features an indoor swimming pool, a spa and gymnasium. Altogether a recommended choice when staying in northern Armenia. GORIS MIRHAV HOTEL Mirhav hotel is a centrally located, newly built hotel designed according to Goris' traditional architectural style. Its nineteen rooms are simply but stylishly furnished with local carpets and furniture. All are a good size with an en suite shower room and some have balconies overlooking the tree lined streets of Goris. The hotel has its own restaurant with a large pleasant garden overlooking the river and it is centrally located for nearby amenities. It comes recommended as one of the best hotels in the region. YEREVAN VILLA DELENDA Villa Delenda is an elegant traditional hotel in the heart of Yerevan. It was originally built in 1906 as a private residence and during its conversion to a hotel many of its original features were restored and retained. All eight rooms are simply furnished and en suite, some with baths. The hotel also features a relaxing sitting room with library and internet connection. Only breakfast is served but the hotel is a mere ten minute walk from Yerevans central restaurants. Income from the hotel is used to support the Art School in Spitak which was founded after the 1988 earthquake to help disadvantaged children develop creative skills their craft is displayed in a showroom at the hotel.
Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd Tel +44 (0)20 8741 7390 Email info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com