Day 1. Yerevan.
Arrival at the international airport Zvartnots. You will be met by our guide and transferred to the hotel. Accommodation and rest in the hotel.After the rest you will have a walk in the centre of Yerevan: You will see the main square of the country - the Square of the Republic, The Northern Avenue, the building of National Opera and ballet theater, the Swan Lake. We will pass through Saryan's park where pictures of local artists are exhibited and go to the Cascade complex - another Tamanyan's masterpiece, and you will see the monument to this great architect as well. After walking you will have a welcome dinner at a national restaurant.
Day 2. Echmiadzin – Sardarapat – Zvartnots
In the morning after breakfast we'll get acquainted with the first monument from the list of UNESCO – the Cathedral of Echmiadzin which was constructed in the 4th century. The Echmiadzin monastery,one of witnesses of the most ancient events in history of Armenia, is the residence of Armenian Catholicos. The monastery was founded in 303, the main cathedral was constructed in the 7th century, the interior decor of the temple was finished by 17-18 to centuries. As one of the most ancient monasteries of the world, Echmiadzin was included into the list of the World cultural heritage of UNESCO. You will also see St. Rhipsime's temple (618), a dome basilica of St. Gayane (630) and church of St.Shokagat (1694). All these masterpieces of architecture are included into the list of the World heritage of UNESCO. Further we will continue our excursion to Sardarapat, monument devoted to the national liberation movement of Armeniaand the State museum of ethnography. On the way back we visit another monument from the list of UNESCO – the ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral. Return to Yerevan. Free evening.
Day 3. Garni – Gegard
Breakfast in the hotel. Our Excursion day starts by visiting the National Historical museum on the main square of the country.
Then we'll go to ancient shrines of Armenia – Garni and Gegard. Garni is the former summer residence of the Armenian kings and the only pagan temple of the Sun preserved on the terriory of Armenia. The excursion continues to the monastery complex of Gegard (12–13 centuries), listed in the world cultural heritage of UNESCO.
The full name of the monastery is Gegardavank which literally means "the monastery of a spear". The name of the monastery comes from a spear of Longin with which Jesus Christ's body was pierced on the Cross. The rocks surrounding the monastery and the gorge of the river Gokht are also included in the list of the World cultural heritage of UNESCO. At the monastery you can buy sweet national pastries gata, and sweets from dried fruits and nuts. Return to Yerevan.
Day 4. Lory – Haghpat and Sanain Monasteries
Today you'll drive to the north of Armenia, to Lori region where among beautiful woody mountains in the canyon of the Debed River Haghpat and Sanahin, two masterpieces of medieval Armenian church architecture, are located (10-13cc.). These complexes are also included in the list of the World cultural human heritage of UNESCO. The oldest buildings of the monasteries date back to the 10th century. There are magnificent khachkars (crossstone) of the 11th and 13th centuries stored in Haghpat Monastery. The largest book-depository was in Sanain. Here you can see memorial khachkars with the most beautiful and complicated ornamental compositions. You will also see the old bridge in the city of Alaverdi and then will have lunch at a local cozy small restaurant on the picturesque river bank of the Debed. Optionally: an excursion to the house-museum of brothers Mikoyan. Return to Yerevan. Free evening.
Day 5. Khor Virap – Noravank – Areni
After breakfast you will have an excursion to the Christianity cradle – to Khor Virap monastery. The place is unique not only in respect of history: the view of Mount Ararat from the walls of the monastery is wonderful and bewitches each traveler. Then we will continue our trip to the region of red rocks where you will see the Noravank monastery, one of pearls of Armenian architecture founded in the 12th century. In the 14th century Noravank became the residence of bishops of Syunik, the spiritual and educational center. On the way back – wine tasting in Areni. Return to Yerevan.
Day 6. Tsaghkadzor- Sevan –Dilijan
You should get acquainted with wonderful corners of Armenia – the resort town of Tsaghkadzor, a blue pearl of Lake Sevan and the Armenian Switzerland - Dilijan. Though they aren't included into the list of cultural heritage of UNESCO, they can be in one range with them. In Tsaghkadzore - visit monastery complex of Kecharis. If you wish you can take a ropeway to the mountain of Tegenis and you will see all beauty of this amazing region. In Sevan you will visit Sevanavank on the peninsula and will see a blue mirror of the lake from above. Arrival in Dilijan. The city is allocated with traditional Armenian architecture and the beautiful nature. An excursion to old Dilijan and to the monastery of Goshavank. Return to Yerevan.
Day 7. Yerevan – Vernissage – the airport
Depending on your flight home you can visit the Vernissage in the downtown and buy souvenirs, pictures and jewelry at a fair of national craftsmen. Transfer to the airport.
The price of the program includes:
- All transfers
- Excursions according to the program
- Guide service
- Accommodation in hotels 3*, 4*, 5*.
- Wine tasting in Areni
- Entrance tickets for the museums and historical sites according to the program.
