Early morning arrival to Yerevan, meeting at Zvartnots International airport. Transfer to the hotel, leisure time. Breakfast at the hotel. Yerevan city tour: Yerevan is one of the oldest cities in the world. We’ll see the Republic Square, the National Opera and Ballet Theater, cultural – architectural complex Cascade, the monument “Mother Armenia”. Visit to Matenadaran – Institute of ancient manuscripts. Here are kept more than 15,000 manuscripts and the collection is constantly updated with new discoveries, acquisitions and gifts. Visit Vernissage which is a large open-air market in Yerevan, Armenia. The market lies along Aram and Buzand streets at a length of 350 metres, connecting the Hanrapetutyun street with the Khanjyan street. The market mainly features a collection of different types of traditional Armenian art works. O/N in Yerevan.
Day 3
Yerevan, Geghard, Garni, Yerevan
Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast a trip to the cave Monastery Geghard (13 centaury), which consists of three churches and a huge mausoleum carved into the mountain. Continuation of the tour will bring us to the pagan temple of Garni (77 AD) – the only Hellenistic temple extant in the region. Inspection of “Temple of the Sun” and the ancient royal baths, situated on the edge of the picturesque valley. Lunch in a private house where we’ll see the baking process of Armenian traditional flatbread, lavash. By the same time we’ll have an opportunity to participate in the process of baking. Return to Yerevan. Visit to “Ararat” Brandy Factory with excursion and brandy tasting. O/N in Yerevan.
Day 4
Yerevan, Lake Sevan, Dilijan, Yerevan
Breakfast at the hotel. A trip to Lake Sevan which is situated at an altitude above 1900m. Its crystal-clear transparent water changes color several times during the day leaving unforgettable expressions. Inspection of Sevan Monastery, located on the peninsula that offers magnificent panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The tour will be continued to the forested resort town of Dilijan, which is also called “Armenian Little Switzerland” for its nature. We will drive through a plush forest to reach the Haghartsin Monastery, an 11th-13th century church situated deep in the woods. Drive back to Yerevan. O/N in Yerevan.
Day 5
Dilijan, Haghpat, Sanahin, Yerevan
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’ll visit the Monasteries Haghpat and Sanahin (10-13 cc.), included in the list of World Heritage by UNESCO. Lunch in a local restaurant. Return to Yerevan, free time. We’ll 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.
