A luxurious trip to Armenia

Arrival to Zvartnots International airport. Transfer to 5* hotel. A trip to Echmiadzin, the spiritual and administrative center of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Inspection of the pearls of Armenian architecture of the Church of St. Hripsime (7^th century), and the world’s first Christian Cathedral (4^th century). We will visit the unique museum of Echmiadzin Cathedral. On the way back we will stop at the ruins of one of the most famous temples in Armenia – Zvartnots (7^th century). Continue to Yerevan and enjoy the lunch in a traditional restaurant. Visit “Ararat” brandy factory: excursion through the museum and brandy tasting. In the evening we will have a walking tour around Yerevan, which is one of the oldest cities in the world. We will see the main sites of interest: the Republic Square, Northern Avenue, Opera House, cultural – architectural complex Cascade, the monument of Mother Armena with a panoramic view of the city. Dinner and overnight in the hotel.

Breakfast in the hotel. A trip to the Ararat valley, to visit one of the most revered shrines of the Armenian people – the Monastery of Khor Virap (7^th century), located 200 meters away from the Turkish border. From here you can have the best view of Biblical Mount Ararat. Then we will continue the trip to Areni wine factory in Areni village, which is especially famous for its rich vineyards. Visit to Areni wine factory to get introduced to the centuries traditions of winemaking in Armenia and try different types of wines including several fruit wines. Later continue to one of the most beautiful monasteries in Armenia – Noravank (13^th century). Return to Yerevan. Dinner and overnight in Yerevan.

After breakfast we will visit the pagan temple of Garni (1^st century) and Geghard cave monastery (13^th century), included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Later continue to Lake Sevan, situated at an altitude of 1900m above sea level. Lunch in a local restaurant, where we will taste the famous variety of fish – lake trout, that is called ishkhan (which means prince). Inspection of Sevanavank Monastery (9^th century), standing on the peninsula that offers magnificent panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Late in the afternoon we will reach the resort town of Dilijan, which is also called “Armenian Little Switzerland” for its nature. Accommodation in the hotel. Dinner in the restaurant “Haykanush”, which offers traditional Armenian meal in a unique interpretation of a team of chefs Tufenkian. The restaurant has a beautiful view of the old town of Dilijan. After dinner, guests can enjoy cocktails, rest in the hotel lounge bar or relax in the spa zone of the hotel.

Breakfast in the hotel. Then we will walk along the most beautiful and oldest street of the Old Dilijan – Sharambeyan where we will find small art schools and souvenir shops. Our tour will continue to North-Eastern part of Armenia, where we will visit the Monasteries Haghpat and Sanahin (10-13^th cc.), included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. Lunch in a local restaurant. Return to Yerevan, free time. We will have an opportunity to visit “Wine and grape” SPA, where you may feel the pleasant effect of Armenian wine and Ararat valley sweet grape. Enjoy the atmosphere of luxury and comfort. Dinner and overnight in Yerevan.

Breakfast in the hotel. Free time to buy souvenirs. We recommend to visit: Vernissage, GUM traditional food market. Transfer to the airport.