Arrival to Yerevan, meeting at Zvartnots International airport. Transfer and hotel accommodation. In the evening a panoramic tour of the capital of Armenia, which is one of the oldest cities in the world. We will visit the Republic Square, the National Opera and Ballet Theatre, cultural – architectural complex Cascade, the monument of “Mother Armenia”. Dinner in a national restaurant. Overnight in the hotel.
Day 2
Yerevan, Ashtarak, Yerevan
After breakfast, trip to Ashtarak. We will visit Karmravor church (7th century), which is the only one in Armenia preserved with its original roofing. Visiting Monasteries Saghmosavank and Hovannavank (13th cc.). Return to Yerevan and free time. Overnight in Yerevan.
Day 3
Yerevan, Echmiadzin, Zvartnots, Yerevan
After breakfast we will start our trip to Echmiadzin, the spiritual and administrative center of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Visit the pearls of Armenian architecture – the Church of St. Hripsime (7th century) and the world’s first Christian Cathedral (4th century). We will participate in the Sunday Mass at the Mother Cathedral. Visit the Church of St. Gayane (7th century). On the way back we will stop at the ruins of Zvartnots cathedral (7th century). Return to Yerevan. Lunch time. Visit the famous open air market “Vernissage” – a large open air market of Armenian folk art, handmade masterpieces and jewelries. Free time and overnight in Yerevan.
Day 4
Yerevan, Geghard, Garni, Yerevan
Breakfast. On the way to Geghard, we will stop at the “Arch of Charents”, which offers a splendid view of the Biblical Ararat mountain. A trip to the cave Monastery Geghard listed in UNESCO. Continue to the village of Garni and visit the only survived Armenian pagan temple. Enjoy the master class of traditional baking ceremony of Armenian bread lavash and lunch at the local restaurant. Return to Yerevan
Day 5
Yerevan, Sevan, Dilijan
Breakfast. Today our trip will bring us to Lake Sevan – one of the most beautiful and large mountain lakes in the world. Inspection of Sevanavank Monastery, standing on the peninsula that offers magnificent panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. We will continue to the forested resort town of Dilijan, which is also called “Armenian Little Switzerland” for its nature. Here we will visit the highlights of the region – the medieval Monasteries Haghartsin and Goshavank (10-13th cc.). Dinner and overnight in Dilijan.
Day 6
Dilijan, Haghpat, Sanahin, Odzun, Yerevan
After breakfast 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. Then we will have sightseeing in Lori region and visit the Monasteries of Sanahin and Haghpat (10-13th cc). These two architectural complexes are among the outstanding and greatest works of medieval Armenian architecture and both are among the World Heritage List of UNESCO. Our trip continues to the village Odzun where we will visit the Odzun Basilica Church dating back to 6th century. Return to Yerevan.
Day 7
Yerevan, Khor Virap, Noravank, Yerevan
Breakfast. A trip to Ararat valley, visiting one of the most revered shrines of the Armenian people – the Monastery of Khor Virap, where for many years was imprisoned first patriarch of Armenia, St. Gregory the Illuminator. The monastery is located 200 meters away from the Turkish border. Khor Virap is considered to be a pilgrimage center for all Armenians, from where we can have the best view of Biblical Mount Ararat. Our tour will be continued to the one of the most beautiful monasteries in Armenia – Noravank, which is a remarkable architectural complex of 13th century. Lunch in a local restaurant. Return to Yerevan.
