Enchanting Horizons of Armenia

Breakfast. Yerevan City tour. Yerevan is the capital of Armenia, 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 Republic Square, Mashtots Avenue, The House of Opera and Ballet after Aram Khachatryan, the park “Cascade”, Armenian Vernissage and more. During the day you will visit the manuscripts museum of Armenia, which is called Matenadaran: here all ancient Armenian Manuscripts are kept. You will also visit “Cafesjian” center for the modern arts situated in the center of Yerevan in Cascade complex. Excursion to centuries-old monuments Ejmiatsin and Zvartnots listed on UNESCO World Heritage list. Zvartnots (7-10th cc.) - a Temple of Vigil Forces. The Cathedral of Ejmiatsin (303) is an official residence of Armenian Catholicos. Return and overnight in Yerevan.

Breakfast. Take a trip to Garni. 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 Century AD. In 1679 it was destroyed by earthquake. In the 1975 the Temple was restored. Visit to Symphony of Stones - the majestic natural monument at the Azat River Gorge. The locals named this natural composition a “Symphony of Stones” because the stones resemble a musical instrument – the organ. Continue the tour to Geghard Monastery (the 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-13th century. Drive back to Yerevan. On the way you will visit a local house where you will have the chance to see and participate in the preparation of the Armenian flat bread- lavash and you will also taste Armenian Barbeque. Return to Yerevan. Overnight in Yerevan.

Breakfast. Drive to Ararat region to Khor Virap. 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. Trip to Noravank Monastic Complex  - a monastery of XII century situated among the 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 as 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 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, Syunik Region, 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 Complex consists of three churches, a refectory, a library, a vault and several evidences. Magnificent canyons surrounds the monastery.  After Tatev we will drive to the old village Khndzoresk, where we may visit to St. Hripsime monastery and the Khndzoresk's movable bridge. Ride to Selim Pass (Selim Caravanserai). Located at the southern side of Vardenyats Mountain Pass at a height of 2,410 meters (7,910 ft) above sea level, Orbelian's Caravanserai is the best preserved caravanserai in the entire country. Transfer to Noratus Cemetery. It’s is a medieval cemetery with many early khachkars (carved memorial stones) located in the village of Noratus in the Gegharkunik Province of Armenia. Embark on a delectable journey through Armenia’s culinary traditions you will visit a private cheese factory, where you will taste exceptional cheeses. Visit to Sevanavank Monastery- a monastic complex located on a peninsula at the northwestern shore of Sevan Lake. Trip to Tavush Region to Dilijan. We will have a short excursion in the city of Old Dilijan. Passing by the city, will visit the Sharambeyan Street, considered a symbol of "The Old Dilijan" is now still charming with its artistic workshops, small shops that have exposure in Armenian traditional objects and souvenirs, the museum, which has a house nineteenth century decorated with local furniture. Two traditional houses in the historic Sharambeyan Street, built of wood, with tiled roofs and balconies with meticulously carved being typical examples of Dilijan, have been restored. 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 neighbouring 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 rich collection of manuscripts. It had premises for copying library manuscripts, plus cafeterias and universities. Overnight in Avan Dzoraget.

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit to Bogdan Hovhannisyan's workshop in Vanadzor (Bogdan Hovhannisyan is a stone sculptor and khachkar (cross-stone) carver). The master demonstrates the process of creating Armenian cross-stones and tell the story behind it during the tour. Then road trip to Aragatsotn Province. During the tours 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 commemorates the 1600^th anniversary of the creation of Armenian writing. Return and overnight in Yerevan.