PROGRAM

Day 1. Yerevan City Tour Arrival at Zvartnots International Airport, Yerevan. Meeting and transfer to the hotel. Accommodation and rest at the hotel. After rest - a walk in the central part of Yerevan. You will see the main square of the country - Republic Square, Northern Avenue, the building of the National Opera and Ballet Theater, Swan Lake. Through the Saryan park, where paintings by local artists are exhibited, we will go to the Cascade complex, and we will also see a monument to the great architect, author of numerous architectural structures Tamanyan. After walking, a welcome dinner at the national restaurant.

Day 2. Garni Geghard - “Noah” Winery Breakfast in the hotel. The excursion day begins with a visit to the National Museum of the History of Armenia in the main square of the country. Then we go to the ancient shrines of Armenia - Garni and Geghard. Garni Temple is the only monument preserved in the territory of Armenia dating back to the era of paganism and Hellenism. After visiting Garni - a tour in Geghard. The more complete name of the monastery - Geghardavank literally means "monastery of the spear." The name of the monastery complex comes from the spear of Longinus, which pierced the body of Jesus Christ on the Cross. The cliffs surrounding the monastery are part of the Gokht River Gorge, which, as well as the monastery complex, is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Some of the temples of the monastery complex are completely hollowed out inside the rocks. Return to Yerevan and visit the winery “Noah”. You will have an excursion and tasting of the best varieties of wines and brandy at the factory. Return to the hotel.

Day 3. Matenadaran - Echmiadzin - Zvartnots In the morning after breakfast - an excursion to Matenadaran - one of the main museums in Armenia, where ancient manuscripts are stored. Next - a trip to Echmiadzin, where you will visit the main cathedral of Echmiadzin, which was built in the 4th century. The Echmiadzin Monastery, one of the witnesses to the most ancient events in the history of Armenia, is the residence of the Catholicos of All Armenians. The monastery was founded in 303, the main cathedral was built in the 7th century, the interior design of the temple dates back to the 17-18th centuries. As one of the oldest monasteries in the world, Etchmiadzin is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will also see the temple of St. Hripsime (618), the domed basilica of Gayane (630) with three-arched gavit (1683), and the church of Shokagat (1694). On the way back - visit the ruins of Zvartnots - Temple of the Watching Angels (UNESCO monument). Return to Yerevan. Free evening.

Day 4. Sevan - Dilijan (overnight) You have to get acquainted with the wonderful corners of Armenia - the blue pearl of Lake Sevan, and the Armenian Switzerland - Dilijan. In Sevan, you will explore Sevanavank on the peninsula and see the blue mirror of the lake from above. Next - arrival in Dilijan. The city stands out for its traditional Armenian architecture and beautiful nature. Excursion to the old Dilijan and the Goshavank Monastery, one of the largest cultural, educational and religious centers of medieval Armenia. Then you will visit the Haghartsin Monastery (11-12th century). 18 km from the city of Dilijan, in the wooded valley of the Ijevan ridge. The tour will end with a trip to Parz Lich (Clear Lake) - one of the most beautiful places in Dilijan. Return to Dilijan, transfer to hotel.

Day 5: Dilijan - Odzun - Haghpat - Sanahin - Bagratashen - Tbilisi In the morning departure from Dilijan to the Georgian border through the Lori region. You will visit in the bosom of beautiful nature, surrounded by rows of wooded mountains, one of the oldest monasteries - Odzun (6th c.) And the monastery complexes of Haghpat and Sanahin - the famous spiritual and cultural centers of medieval Armenia, which were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Next is a transfer to the Georgian border in Bagratashen. After the customs procedure - departure to Tbilisi. Arrival in Tbilisi and transfer to the hotel. Hotel accommodation.

Day 6. Tbilisi - Jvari - Mtskheta - Uplistsikhe. After breakfast, we go on a trip to the holy places of Georgia. Visit to the Temple of Jvari ("Temple of the Holy Cross"), built in the VI century. (30 km from Tbilisi). It stands on a high mountain, from where a beautiful panorama opens towards the confluence of the two majestic rivers Aragvi and Kur. According to legend, on this very mountain Saint Nino herself erected a cross. Jvari is the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Georgia. The next point of our tour is the ancient capital of the Eastern Georgian kingdom - Kartli (Iveria) - the city of Mtskheta (near Jvari). This is one of the holy and cult places for every Georgian. The city was founded in the 2nd half of the 1st millennium BC. The city remained the capital until the 5th century. n e. For the unique Christian relics, Mtskheta is called the “Second Jerusalem”. We will visit the Svetitskhoveli Temple (translated as the “Life-giving Pillar”), at the base of which one of the main Christian shrines - the Chiton of the Lord, and also the burial place of many Georgian kings, are buried. From Mtskheta we drive to Uplistsikhe - the first Georgian cave city (80 km, an hour's drive). It is believed that the city was formed around 1000 BC, and finally emptied only in the XIX century. Prior to the adoption of Christianity, Uplistsikhe was the sacred center of the state of Kartli (Iberia). The main temple was the Sun at the highest point of the city. Nowadays, in Uplistsikhe you can see the caves located in groups and interconnected by transition paths. Return to Tbilisi. After a short rest - a walking evening tour of the Old Town. You will see Metekhi, Narikala Fortress, Sulfur baths, Mosque, walk along Meydan Square and Sharden Street, look at Sioni Temple, Anchiskhati Church and Peace Bridge. Return to the hotel.

Day 7. David Gareji - Bodbe - Sighnaghi - Tbilisi Breakfast. From Tbilisi we will go to David - Gareja Monastery. The monastery was founded in the VI century. Assyrian monk David (one of the 13 Assyrian fathers), who settled in the natural cave of Gareja. St. David is one of the most revered saints of the Georgian Church. The complex consists of about 20 monasteries carved into the rocks and stretches for 25 km along the slopes of the semi-arid Gareji ridge. We will visit the main monastery of the complex - the Lavra of St. David, where to this day monks live, and the Udabno monastery, where frescoes carved in the rock are preserved. Lunch (picnic). Next - visit to the unique Bodbe Nunnery (1.5 hours on the way). According to legend, it was here that in 335 St. Nino (Christian enlightener of Georgia) died. Over her grave, King Mirian in the VI century. built a church and founded a convent. Here not far in the gorge is the source of St. Nino with healing water. Currently, there is a bathhouse and a small church. We will visit the grave of St. Equal to the Apostles Nino. Also, if desired, we will go down to the miraculous source of St. Nino and the bathhouse. The city of love Sighnaghi (2 km from Bodbe) is a popular place for couples and just people who want to spend time in a beautiful and romantic place. Sighnaghi is called "second Las Vegas", as you can register your relationship here around the clock! The town appeared on the site of the destroyed old fortress in the XVIII century under King Irakli II. Sighnaghi offers a beautiful view of the Alazani Valley. We will walk along the streets of this nice town. Dinner. Return to Tbilisi.

Day 8. Tbilisi - airport. Depending on your departure, a transfer from the hotel to the airport.

The price is indicated for one person. in a double room and includes:

• Accommodation in the city center
• Breakfast
• Welcome dinner
• Transfers
• Program Excursions
• Foreign speaking guide
• Entry tickets