Description

Day 1

Arrival at Zvartnots International Airport. Transfer to hotel. Welcome dinner and meeting with the tour coordinator.

Day 2

Visit to  Matenadaran – the depository of ancient manuscripts,Travel to village Garni to see the pagan Temple of Garni – built in the first century AD. Have a delicious lunch at a local family owned restaurant, and watch the process of baking “lavash” – the Armenian flatbread. Continue to 4th century Geghard monastery complex (the “monastery in the cave”). Return to Yerevan. Free time for shopping.

Day 3

Travel to the city of Echmiadzin to visit UNESCO World heritage sites. Stop at the Echmiadzin Cathedral – the mother church of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Visit the “Treasures of Echmiadzin” Museum in the southeast section of the Cathedral to view the Holy Lance which pierced the side of Christ and the relics of Noah’s Ark among other valuable treasures. Then on to 7th century churches of St.Gayane and St.Hripsime. Have lunch at Machanents cultural tourism and art center. Continue to Zvartnots archeological site – another UNESCO heritage site. Return to Yerevan and visit the Cathedral of St. Gregory the Illuminator.

Day 4

Travel to 13th century Haghartsin monastery located in Tavush province of Armenia. The province is often compared to Switzerland for its picturesque mountains, green forests and alpine meadows. Then travel to Dilijian – a town known for its resorts and mineral water. Continue to Lake Sevan-the largest freshwater, alpine lake in Eurasia, located at an altitude of 1,900 m above the sea level. Visit Sevanavank complex located on the peninsula of Lake Sevan. Return to Yerevan.

Day 5

Travel to Khor Virap (meaning “deep dungeon”) monastery and pilgrimage site to learn about Gregory the Iluminator then on to Noravank – the 13th century monastery with ornate architecture. Continue to Areni Wine factory to enjoy wine tasting followed by lunch at the newly established restaurant located on the premises of the factory. Return to Yerevan. Visit Megeryan Carpet Museum to see beauliful Armenian handmade carpets, learn the history of carpet weaving and watch weavers work on their patters.

Day 6

Walk to Vernissage open-air craft market to find modern and Soviet era suvenirs and gifts for you and your loved ones. Coninue to GUM market (local food market) to choose from an endless variety of dry fruits, sweet “sudjukh” (a string of syrup coated walnuts), “Alani”(dry peaches stuffed with walnuts) and many more. Departure. Transfer to Zvartnots International Airport.