The Jewel of Caucasus

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.
Thereafter, we will drive to 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.
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.
On our way back, 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.
Overnight.

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 Factory, the oldest winery in the world
dating back to 6100 BC. Here we will taste Armenian delicious wine, made
from unique grape sort Areni and head to Goris, one of the oldest towns of the
country. Overnight in Goris.

Today we begin our journey with a visit to Khndzoresk. A swinging bridge
weighing 14 tons connects Old Khndzoresk with New Khndzoresk. This bridge
spans 160 meters across the scenic gorge of breathtaking beauty. The Old
Khndzoresk was one of the largest villages of Eastern Armenia consisting of
manmade caves where people used to live until 1950s. Then we will head to Tatev
Monastery, one of the most amazing sights of Armenia. It is built right on the
edge of a cliff surrounded by stunning nature. The best way to get to this jewel of
medieval Armenian architecture is to take the cableway called “The Wings of
Tatev”. This cableway stretching over the picturesque gorge of the river Vorotan is
recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest reversible aerial tramway
in the world (5752 m). During this 12-minute impressive flight we will admire the
breathtaking scenery of the gorge.
Continue to the Armenian Stonehenge, called Zorats Karer or Karahunj.
According to archaeologists this is one of the world’s most ancient observatories
– used for astronomical purposes in prehistoric times. Drive to the health resort
Jermuk, famous for its hot mineral springs with healing properties.
Free time to explore the resort town. Overnight.

On the fifth day, we will drive to the Noraduz Cemetery, the largest graveyard with
khachkars in the world. Khachkars (Armenian cross-stones) are the most
remarkable heritage of Armenian architecture inscribed on the UNESCO list of
Intangible Cultural Heritage. The cemetery contains around 900 khachkars of
various ages and architectural solutions. On our way to Noraduz we will have a
short stop at Selim Caravanserai. It was built along the Vardenyants Mountain Pass
in the 14th century to bridge the passes of Europe and Middle East and
accommodate travelers and their animals while crossing the Silk Road.
Moving on, we will visit Milkaelyans’ Family Farm, a unique family farm in
Armenia where you can taste various types of cheese made by traditional
technology and enjoy warm hospitality of Mikaelyan family.
Reaching the Sevan Peninsula, we will climb the stairs to Sevanavank Monastery,
one of the most outstanding historical and cultural sites of Armenia. 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. Sometimes it seems that
the water surface is about to touch the sky. The beauty of Sevan landscapes is
especially marvelous from the Sevan peninsula, thus Sevanavank monastery has
become one of the most famous tourist destinations of the country.
Continue to Dilijan, often referred to as “Armenian Switzerland” due to its rich
nature with lush green forested areas. Overnight.

This day will start with the discovery of the green town Dilijan. After a short tour in
the historical part of the town we will head to Goshavank Monastery. The
medieval monastic complex of Goshavank, built in the 12th century, is named in
honor of the great Armenian scientist, historian and politician Mkhitar Gosh. 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
Monasery, 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 head to the North of the country. On our way there we will
have a tea stop at Fioletovo, a village where Molokans (local Russian minorities)
live. Here we will enjoy a special samovar tea talking to the representatives of
the community and getting acquainted with their traditions and daily lives.
Overnight in Alaverdi.

Will start the day with a visit to the UNESCO listed monasteries of Haghpat and
Sanahin, built in the 10th century. Both monasteries were major educational and
spiritual centers in the Middle ages. Our next stop will be Pambak village to have a
lunch break and watch a performance of Armenian tales and rituals. We will be
introduced to the natural lifestyle, environment, dances and music of the country.
Having enjoyed this unique experience, 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.
Continue to Yerevan. Overnight.

Our last day in Armenia will start with a visit to Matenadaran, one of the world's largest
repositories of ancient manuscripts containing more than 17.000 manuscripts, 450.000
documents, and 3000 ancient books. Then we will head 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. It 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 Ararat Brandy Factory where we will
taste some excellent Armenian brandy, well-known all over the world.
Today’s last destination will be 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.
Overnight.

Our last day in Armenia will start with a visit to Matenadaran, one of the world's largest
repositories of ancient manuscripts containing more than 17.000 manuscripts, 450.000
documents, and 3000 ancient books. Then we will head 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. It 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 Ararat Brandy Factory where we will
taste some excellent Armenian brandy, well-known all over the world.
Today’s last destination will be 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.
Overnight.