Enchanting Horizons of Armenia

Breakfast. Let’s explore Armenia’s capital city –Yerevan-one of the ancient cities in the world.  For ages this city has been known as a “pink city” because of the color of the stone it has been built with. You will have a city tour in Yerevan and you will see Mother Armenia Monument, Republic square, Cascade Complex, Cafesjian Center for the Modern Arts, History Museum, world’s largest repository and museum of manuscripts-Matenadaran. Visit to Armenian Vernissage Market where you can buy any souvenir, jewelry, etc.

Overnight in Yerevan.

Optional: Visit to Yerevan Brandy Factory/ Degustation and Excursion. (for extra cost/11 USD)

Breakfast. Drive to Ararat region to Khor Virap Monastery. Khor Virap's notability as a monastery and pilgrimage site is attributed to the fact that Gregory the Illuminator was initially imprisoned here for 13 years by King Tiridates III of Armenia. The next is Angel’s Canyon. This beautiful little canyon is just an hour away from Yerevan, and yet many people, including locals, have never heard of it. The jagged red rocks give it a Martian-like feel, and its proximity to the Khosrov State Reserve means there’s a variety of wildlife to see along the way. Visit to Tushpa Winery Cellar. This winery has a 30-year history and is a family-owned estate with a cozy tasting room with a magnificent view of the Biblical Mount Ararat. This place is about cohesion, warm atmosphere and pride in your roots. The name of the winery is a reference to the historical name of the city of Van in Western Armenia.

Return and overnight in Yerevan.

Breakfast. Trip to Noravank Monastic Complex  - a monastery of XII century situated among amazing sheer rocks on the bench of a twisty gorge. The fortress walls surrounding the complex were built in the 17th–18th centuries. Continuing the tour to Areni. The village Areni is famous for its excellent wine, which you are welcome to taste. You will visit Areni Cave, otherwise known Bird Cave, because of the many bird nests on the walls and ceiling. The oldest winery has been found in Areni and you will also have a chance to see it. Areni is also famous for the world’s oldest leather shoe. Stop at Armenian Stonehenge: Karahunj (also: Qarahunj, Karahunge or Zorats Karer) which is older than so much worldwide known Stonehenge in the United Kingdome. The name Zorats Karer is translated as “army stones”. It’s an archeological site near the town and is aged in periods of Middle Bronze Age to Iron Age. The columns sit like soldiers on a hill. The 204 stones near Sisian have been ascribed with mystical, fertility and cosmic powers, but rarely have ancient monuments caused such a sensation in astronomical circles. And then the trip will end up in Goris where you will have overnight.

Breakfast at the hotel. A beautiful excursion to a very old monastery: by the one of the world’s longest non-stop reversible aerial tramway, an unforgettable route to Armenia’s medieval Tatev Monastery  (9-13cc), a former center for the sciences and art, where many famous Armenians lived and worked centuries ago. Tatev Monastic Complex consists of three churches, a refectory, a library, a vault and several evidences. Magnificent canyons surround the monastery. After Tatev we will drive to the old village Khndzoresk, where we may visit to St. Hripsime monastery and the movable bridge. Visit to Wings of Tatev that is the longest reversible cableway in the world, recorded in the Guinness Book of Records. It includes twelve minutes of unforgettable flight above the ravine of the fierce Vorotan River.

Overnight in Goris.

Breakfast. Head to Gegharkunik Region. You will take your way towards Lake Sevan, which is the largest lake in Caucasus as well as one of the largest and highest freshwater lakes of the world. The altitude of its surface is on 1897m above sea level.  You will get to Sevan Peninsula to visit Sevanavank Monastery, built in the 9th century. Here you can visit also the ruins of the church built in 305 just after the acceptance of Christianity. Visit to Mikayelyan’s Cheese Factory. Here you can witness cheese making process, the design and serving of a cheese plate. Also will have a chance to taste different kinds of cheeses.

Optional: Boat Trip across Sevan Lake (cost: 20 min. for 2-12 pax-40 USD/ 40 min. for 2-12 pax-52 USD)

Drive to Tavush Region. Overnight in Dilijan.

First we’ll visit to Dilijan, Hagharstin Monastery. It is a medieval monastery located near the town of Dilijan in the Tavush Province of Armenia. It was built between the 10th and 13th centuries. It is composed of three churches: St. Gregory's (the oldest one), St. Stephen's, and St. Astvatsatsin (St. Mary's, the largest one), as well as a gavit and a refectory. Next we’ll have walk tour in Sharambeyan Street. This charming street is renowned for its beautifully preserved historical buildings that reflect the rich architectural heritage of Armenia. As you meander down the cobbled pathways, you'll be captivated by the intricate designs and vibrant colors of the structures that line the street, giving you a true sense of the region's culture and history. Then you will enjoy your time in Yenokavan at Yell Extreme Park. It’s stands out as Armenia's premier destination, providing a diverse range of adventure experiences in a single location. The services include Zip-line flights, Via Ferrata, Rope Park, Off-Road Tours, and Horseback riding. Nestled in the heart of the Tavush mountains, it combines adrenaline and eco-environment. Dilijan is also famous for having International UWC Dilijan college which is the 14th member of the UWC (United World Colleges) movement, one of sixteen colleges around the world, and the first international boarding school in Armenia. 

Overnight in Dilijan.

Breakfast. First stop is Sanahin Monastery. Sanahin is an Armenian monastery founded in the 10th century in Sanahin in the Lori Province of Armenia. The name Sanahin literally translates from Armenian as 'this one is older than that one', presumably representing a claim to being an older monastery than the neighboring Haghpat Monastery, located about 3 kilometers to the east, with which it forms a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the tour, we will visit the Akhtala Monastery. This unique 10th-century complex stands out for its unique architectural style. Due to its location, Akhtala Monastery is one of Armenia’s less-frequently visited tourist attractions, despite its rich history, unique architecture, and fascinating collection of frescoes (such frescoes are quite rare in Armenian churches). Its history goes back 1,000 years and, while there are some signs of disrepair, a major restoration project was carried out between 1979 and 1989.  Our next stop will be Haghpat Monastery, a masterpiece of medieval Armenian architecture, decorated with intricate carvings and Armenian khachkars. Haghpat Monastery was once one of the largest centers of science, with a rich collection of manuscripts. It had premises for copying library manuscripts, plus cafeterias and universities.

Overnight in Avan Dzoraget.

Drive to Shirak Region to the second largest city in Armenia-Gyumri. This is the city of arts, theater and movies, the city of the most famous sportspeople and comedians in Armenia. The first free walking tour in Gyumri will take you to its old neighborhoods, hidden places, interesting historic streets, squares and parks telling you funny and fun stories, of its famous people and their contribution to the Armenian culture and history. First destination will be Vardanant’s Square- a central hub of Gyumri, boasting a distinctive rectangular layout strategically positioned at the convergence of eight roads. Then visit to Seven Wounds church. The church is named “Seven Wounds” after Virgin Mary’s Seven sorrows. The church belongs to the Cruciform style of the Armenian churches with an external rectangular shape. Next is Sev Berd or Black Fortress.  It is an impressively round fortress built out of a necessity to defend the land from the Turks in the early 19th century. Valued for its historical and cultural significance, the fort is included in the List of National Cultural Heritage Monuments of Armenia. Visit Bogdan Hovhannisyan's workshop in Vanadzor (Bogdan Hovhannisyan is a stone sculptor and khachkar (cross-stone) carver). The master during a tour demonstrating the process of creating Armenian cross-stones (Khachkar) band tell the story behind it.

Optional: Ponchik-Monchik Café

Dzitoghyats Museum (4 USD pp)

During the tour we will visit “Tonacuyc” National Theatre, where we will get acquainted with Armenian food and ceremonies. Ashtarak has a cultural palace where we will visit during our tour. Then we will visit to Ashtarak’s most famous churches- Churches of Spitakavor, Karmravor and Tsiranavor.  Road to Armenian Alphabet Alley. Armenian Alphabet Monument, often referred to as Armenian Alphabet Alley, is located in Artashavan village, on the eastern slope of Mount Aragats.  The Monument was built in 2004 commemorate the 1600^th anniversary of the creation of Armenian writing. We’ll visit to Amberd Castle- a 7th century fortress, located on the slopes of Mount Aragats. The environment of Amberd was viewed as a Stone Age Settlement, which caused the construction of this centuries old fortress during the Bronze Age and Urartian periods. Around the territory of Amberd a bath house and remains of a church are visible. After Amberd head to Saghmosavank which is a 13^th century Armenian Monastic Complex. Saghmosavank is situated on a huge gorge carved by the Khasagh River. Like the Hovhannavank monastery which is five kilometers south, Saghmosavank is situated atop the precipitous gorge carved by the Kasagh river. Their silhouettes dominate the adjacent villages and rise sharp against the background of the mountains crowned by Mount Aragats.

Return and overnight in Yerevan.

Breakfast. Head to Armavir Region. First we will go to the centuries-old monuments Echmiatsin and Zvartnots listed on UNESCO World Heritage list.  Zvartnots (7-10th cc.) - a Temple of Vigil Forces. The Cathedral of Echmiatsin (303 AD) is an official residence of Armenian Catholicos. Echmiatsin Cathedral is the center of the Armenian Apostolic Church and one of the first Christian churches in the world. According to legend, Christ descended from heaven to visit the founding site of the church, which was built from 303 AD under King Tiridates III and the first Catholicos St. Grigor.  Visit to the ocial project “Cross of Armenian Unity” Machanents house. Machanents House is a social enterprise and a cultural, educational, art and tourism center. It is located in Echmiatsin, the spiritual city of Armenia. "Machanents House" has carpet weaving, pottery center, as well as theater, an art school, a national cuisine school, a preschool, an art therapy class and an innovation center, where about 700 students study, including children from vulnerable groups. Visit to Sardarapat Memorial. This monument commemorates the Battle of Sardarapat, a crucial battle in Armenian history. You can visit the nearby museum, which has extensive exhibits of Armenian history and culture.

Back to Yerevan. Overnight in Yerevan.

Breakfast. Take trip from Yerevan to Kotayk Region. First visit is to Garni Temple. You will walk along the canyon, by the beautiful columnar basalt 9th century stone bridge over the Azat River to Garni -the Pagan Temple, built in the 1^st Century AD. In 1679 it was destroyed by earthquake. In the 1975 the Temple was restored. Here, you will have the chance to listen to a beautiful choir Explore the Geghard Monastery (whose name came from the legendary lance that was used to pierce the body of Christ, which was kept here for centuries. Though the exact foundation of the monastery is unknown, the present complex was built in the mid. 13^th century. Afterwards will have a visit to a local house where you will have the chance to see and participate in the preparation of the Armenian bread- lavash (it is a very thin bread, usually sold in very large forms. Lavash is cooked in a ground oven: “tonir''). Then you will see one of the most astonishing creations of nature in Armenia - Symphony of Stones or Basalt Organ as some call it. The place got its name since it creates an impression of a huge musical instrument. The rocks have the appearance of long vertical pillars of hexagonal shape, which is associated with the church organ.

 Return to Yerevan. Overnight in Yerevan.

Transfer to Zvartnots International Airport. Departure.

 Have a safe flight.