Discover Armenia

The day will start with a city tour in the capital of Armenia, Yerevan, one of the world’s
ancient cities dating back to 782 BC. Yerevan is often called “The Pink City” since most
of the buildings are designed with a pink volcanic stone called tuff. We will walk around
the center of the city and visit the Republic Square, Opera House, Swan Lake, walk
down the Northern Avenue-the coolest street of the city, climb the stairs of Cascade – a
giant stairway with works of art exhibited at all levels of the complex and admire the
enchanting panorama of Yerevan and the biblical Mount Ararat from the top of the
monument.
During our lunch we will participate in a Gata making master class. A delightful
experience where participants learn the art of preparing this traditional Armenian
pastry. Gata is a sweet, flaky bread filled with a rich mixture of sugar, butter, and flour,
often infused with vanilla or cardamom for added flavor.
Next, we will visit Etchmiadzin, the mother church of the Armenian Apostolic Church,
built in 303 AD after the adoption of Christianity. The monastery complex of
Etchmiadzin is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
On our way back to Yerevan we will visit the ruins of Zvartnots, another UNESCO listed
monument. Zvartnots is one of the magnificent landmarks of medieval Armenian
architecture, constructed in the 7th century. Even the ruins of this unique architectural
structure give us the idea of its rare and majestic beauty.
The rest of the day will be free to relax and enjoy Yerevan on your own.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will have a one-hour drive to Khor Virap
Monastery, the closest point to Mount Ararat. The name Khor Virap means
“deep pit” which symbolizes its history. The monastery was built over an
underground dungeon, where Saint Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for
about 14 years by the Armenian king Trdat for spreading Christianity in Armenia.
From the beautiful monastery opens one of the most impressive views to the
biblical Mount Ararat.
Our next stop will be Noravank Monastery, a true treasure of Armenian religious
art. What makes it especially unique is that Noravank is one of the few
monasteries in the world consisting of two floors. Noravank is a must-see place
not only for its cultural importance but also for its magnificent location. The
stunning architecture of the monastery contrasts amazingly with the red rock
cliffs surrounding it.
Moving on, we will visit Areni Wine Cave, where the oldest winery in the world
was discovered- dating back to 6100 BC. Here, in Areni we will taste Armenian
delicious wine, made from unique grape sort Areni and return to Yerevan.
Overnight.

After breakfast we will drive to Sevan and climb the stairs to Sevanavank
Monastery, one of the most outstanding historical and cultural sites of Armenia,
located on the peninsula of the lake Sevan. The blue-eyed beauty of Armenia lake
Sevan, also called the “Blue Pearl of Armenia”, is one of the largest freshwater
high-altitude lakes in the world, situated at an altitude of 1,900 meters above
sea level. Sometimes it seems that the water surface is about to touch the sky. The
beauty of Sevan landscapes is especially marvelous from the peninsula, thus
Sevanavank monastery has become one of the most famous tourist destinations of
the country.
Then we will continue to Dilijan, often referred to as “Armenian Switzerland” due
to its rich nature with lush green forested areas. Here we will visit Goshavank
Monastery, built in the 12th century. The monastery used to be not only a
religious, but also an important educational and cultural center. The view of the
monastery is majestic because of its location in one of the most picturesque
places of Armenia.
Then we will visit Haghartsin Monastery, one of the most mysterious places of the
country located high in the woody mountains. The monastery complex represents
an amazing harmony of architecture and nature. Moving on, we will drive back to
Yerevan.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will drive to Amberd medieval fortress (the name
means "fortress in the clouds") standing on the slopes of Mount Aragats, at an
altitude of 2300m. It is located on a rocky cliff protected from three sides with
deep gorges.
As we wander through the fortress walls, towers, and ancient church, we will learn
about its historical significance and strategic role in the region. The hike to the
fortress also offers beautiful natural scenery, and our knowledgeable guide will
share captivating stories about its past, deepening our appreciation of Armenia's
rich cultural heritage.
Our next stop will be Vozkevaz Winery where we will taste Armenian wine and
have a tour in the factory.
Here we'll enjoy a guided tour through the winery’s historic cellars, learning
about both traditional and modern winemaking processes.
Having enjoyed our wine tasting, we will head to Saghmosavank Monastery,
located at the edge of a canyon with a fascinating view to the precipitous gorge. Its
name comes from the word “saghmos” which is the Armenian word for psalm- a
spiritual song or a lyric poetry. Legend has it that the first church of the complex
was founded by Saint Gregory the Illuminator who taught psalms to clergymen
here.
Return to Yerevan. Overnight.

Our last day in Armenia will start with a visit to Geghard Monastery, one of the
most stunning monasteries of medieval Armenian architecture. This unique
monastic complex, part of which is carved in the rock is included in the UNESCO’s
World Heritage list. The monastery was named Geghardavank - the Monastery of
Spear. Legend has it that St. Thaddaeus the Apostle brought here the spear with
which the Roman soldier had pierced the heart of crucified Christ. The spear had
been kept in the monastery for about 500 years (now it is kept in the Museum of
Etchmiadzin). The monastery has unbelievable acoustics, the mystery of which has
not yet been revealed.
Our next destination will be the pagan temple of Garni, one of the most famous
and important tourist attractions of the country. The temple was constructed in the
1st century AD and was dedicated to God Mihr, the Armenian pagan god of the
Sun. Afterwards, we will enjoy a local lunch accompanied with lavash-baking
masterclass, a pure Armenian traditional bread inscribed on UNESCO’s List of
Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Then we will drive back to Yerevan and visit Vernissage, an open-air market and an
exhibition displaying different Armenian artworks and handmade items. It offers
various kinds of national souvenirs, rugs, bags, paintings, jewelry and other
traditional items. Farewell dinner will be held in a local restaurant. Overnight.

Check-out formalities. Transfer to the airport. Departure.