Armenia Undiscovered and Everlasting
DAY 1
Arrival at Yerevan Zvartnots Airport, transfer to the selected hotel. Check – in and rest at the hotel.
DAY 2
After breakfast at the hotel we shall leave for a city tour covering the major landmarks of Yerevan (Panorama Ground, Memorial and the museum to the victims of the genocide). Continue the tour program and visit The Matenadaran – scientific research institute as well as depository of ancient Armenian manuscripts (a UNESCO World Heritage Sight). Lunch. Return to the hotel for rest and to enjoy some free time to independently explore. Welcome dinner in the city. O/N in Yerevan.
DAY 3
Breakfast at the hotel. Leave for Echmiatsin – Vatican of Armenia, which is the center of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the Holy See of the Supreme Catholicons of all Armenians. We will visit St. Hripsimeh Church and the Cathedrals of St. Echmiatsin there – UNESCO World Heritage Sight. Continue touring with a visit to Garni fortress and its Hellenistic temple. Continue further to the North-East and visit the cave Monastery of Geghard, a UNESCO World Heritage Sight. O/N in Yerevan.
DAY 4
After breakfast at the hotel we depart for full day tour to Ketcharis Monastery in Tsakhgadzor (valley of flowers) and then to Lake Sevan. We will spend some time at the lake peninsula exploring its wild nature, the 9th century Monastery and more. Leave to visit Noratus – a small village nearby the lake, which is far famed for its beautifully carved Khachkars – Stone – crosses. Return to the capital. O/N in Yerevan.
DAY 5
Breakfast at the hotel and leave for the country’s North towards Ashtarak, Byurakan to visit the early medieval fortress of Amberd. The visit includes a possibility of a short (about 20-30 min) trekking in the gorge of the river Amberd. Proceed to visit the Monasteries of Ohannavank and Saghmosavank. We have the option of having our lunch and enjoying some rest at one of the local restaurants, which is located in the picturesque gorge of the river Kasakh. Alternate choice is have a picnic lunch in Amberd (weather permitting). Thereafter return to Yerevan. O/N in Yerevan.
DAY 6
Today will be exploring the museums of Yerevan: visit the most outstanding Art Museum – the third largest after Hermitage museum of St. Petersburg and the famous Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow collection of paintings and sculptures. We will then visit the Museum of Armenian History. Of the large number of other museums you will be given an opportunity of choosing one or two additional ones. O/N in Yerevan.
DAY 7
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive from Yerevan to Khor Virap Monastery with stunning view of Mt Ararat. Visit Noravank monastery this is one of the masterpiece of Armenian architecture then visit famous Areni winery see the wine making process and taste one of the best wine in the country Back to Yerevan. O/N in Yerevan.
DAY 8
Departure.
